Video: Sen. Al Franken Calls GOP Obstructionism “Absurd” and Provides Examples

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This is just great. Senator Al Franken nails Republican obstructionism to the wall of the Senate chamber, calling out the absurdity of their position(s) on the nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. Huge LGF kudos to Al Franken for taking these partisan hypocrites to task.

It has to be a great video clip for me to spend eleven and a half minutes watching it, but this one totally qualifies.

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188 comments
1
freetoken  Mar 23, 2016 • 5:59:53pm

It’s a feature, not a bug.

Of the Republican party anyway.

2
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:04:46pm

I don’t know if AED has commented on this? I just know what I have seen on Twitter today, and I have been in and out. These are the things that I’ve pulled quickly from what I am seeing RTed.

3
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:06:21pm

The Republicans’ extremist rhetoric has them boxed in. They have told their base that allowing Obama to replace Scalia will mark the beginning of tyranny in which all their guns will be seized and Christianity outlawed. If Hillary is elected President and the GOP retains control of the Senate, don’t be surprised if they never let her fill the vacancy.

4
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:07:37pm

re: #2 klys (maker of Silmarils)

5
withak  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:10:32pm

Al!

If you would have told me a decade ago not only that he would be my senator, but also that he would be well-respected for his serious and rational demeanor, I would have laughed in your face.

We’re so lucky to have him and Amy Klobuchar.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to watch this later.

6
Charles Johnson  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:11:45pm

Instagram

A tear wells up in President Barack Obama as he begins to speak about the youngest victims of the Sandy Hook shootings, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, while speaking about steps his administration is taking to reduce gun violence. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) #obama #whitehouse #washingtondc #barackobama #guncontrol #sandyhook #presidentobama #stopgunviolence

7
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:14:07pm

Well played Senator Franken.

Senator Leahy did well too.

Senator Hatch, fire your tailor.

8
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:18:37pm

re: #2 klys (maker of Silmarils)

[Embedded content]

I don’t know if AED has commented on this? I just know what I have seen on Twitter today, and I have been in and out. These are the things that I’ve pulled quickly from what I am seeing RTed.

That bill also invalidated ALL non-discrimination laws in NC.
It is patently unconstitutional.
And it was all done today in a special session.

9
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:18:46pm

I liked the part where Hatch did his Swedish chef routine: Bork, bork bork.

A central part of the dogma of the RWNJ cult is that Robert Bork was a moderate and sensible jurist who was unjustly denied a seat on the supreme court because the Democrats felt like being assholes that day.

Reality is very different. Bork was a nut. Ted Kennedy’s famous floor speech in the Senate about Judge Bork’s America was simply a recitation of easily predictable consequences if Bork’s views were to prevail at the Supreme Court.

10
Barefoot Grin  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:19:29pm

Time for the medical research community to pull out of NC. Sorry, Duke.

11
GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:20:09pm

Al is the very voice we need. What a great example he set with just this one address.

F$%# the NC Republicans.

Can it be taken to the courts?

12
Dave In Austin  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:20:16pm

Oh Brutus…….

13
GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:21:05pm

re: #9 EPR-radar

Bork was crazy. But even he got to a vote.

14
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:21:25pm
15
Charles Johnson  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:21:39pm
16
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:21:49pm

re: #8 Backwoods_Sleuth

That bill also invalidated ALL non-discrimination laws in NC.
It is patently unconstitutional.
And it was all done today in a special session.

So-called moderate Republicans really need to have their noses rubbed into this shit, since they very much like to pretend that they aren’t like those racist, bigoted, and willfully stupid wingnuts.

Denials like that mean nothing when every vote for the GOP is in fact a vote for racism, bigotry and willful stupidity.

17
nines09  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:22:02pm

The GOP has nothing. Not a thing. Has not had anything for quite some time. well, not anything that would or could help the citizens of this fine nation. But selling hate? Pushing fear? Peddling lies? They have no peers. And they want Cruz to confront Trump, as in who can go lower in the Limbo Bar Festival From Hell. Broken. Corrupt. And has voters who sit and simmer in this shit stew, and then walk around looking like they hate life itself. Yes. For the love of Christ they are sick.

18
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:22:54pm

re: #8 Backwoods_Sleuth

That bill also invalidated ALL non-discrimination laws in NC.
It is patently unconstitutional.
And it was all done today in a special session.

This is really the transgender equivalent to separate but equal.

19
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:23:46pm

re: #8 Backwoods_Sleuth

That bill also invalidated ALL non-discrimination laws in NC.
It is patently unconstitutional.
And it was all done today in a special session.

They were jealous of the attention Georgia was getting?

I just …I’m so tired of this. (Of a lot of things right now.)

20
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:23:46pm

re: #9 EPR-radar

I liked the part where Hatch did his Swedish chef routine: Bork, bork bork.

A central part of the dogma of the RWNJ cult is that Robert Bork was a moderate and sensible jurist who was unjustly denied a seat on the supreme court because the Democrats felt like being assholes that day.

Reality is very different. Bork was a nut. Ted Kennedy’s famous floor speech in the Senate about Judge Bork’s America was simply a recitation of easily predictable consequences if Bork’s views were to prevail at the Supreme Court.

Hatch also ignores that plenty of Republicans opposed Bork too. Bork was an extremist bigoted asshole who did not belong on the court and he still got a hearing. I’m grateful to Kennedy for fighting Reagan’s idiotic choice of Bork for the Supreme Court every day. Scalia, Thomas, Alito, and Bork on the same court would have been awful.

21
b.d.  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:24:52pm

Franken took them to the woodshed by just stating facts, that guy has been a great senator.

22
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:25:23pm

re: #13 GlutenFreeJesus

Bork was crazy. But even he got to a vote.

He got a hearing and everything. If they should be mad at someone, they should be mad at their precious Reagan for being stupid enough to nominate a controversial pick like Bork when the Dems had the majority in the Senate. To me Reagan picking Bork showed how little he understood the courts.

23
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:25:39pm

re: #13 GlutenFreeJesus

Bork was crazy. But even he got to a vote.

The GOPers in the Senate know that they can’t make out a case that Garland is some kind of LWNJ if it comes to hearings, which is why they have settled on total obstruction.

The Republicans truly are the party of gutless wonders. If they believed their own damn talking points, they would be eager to make the case to the public that Judge Garland is some kind of gun grabbing nut.

But they don’t even believe their own talking points. Yellow-bellied cowards, all of them.

24
klys (maker of Silmarils)  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:25:40pm

re: #16 EPR-radar

So-called moderate Republicans really need to have their noses rubbed into this shit, since they very much like to pretend that they aren’t like those racist, bigoted, and willfully stupid wingnuts.

Denials like that mean nothing when every vote for the GOP is in fact a vote for racism, bigotry and willful stupidity.

These are real people being targeted. It’s why my patience is gone with the RAH RAH GO TEAM mindset.

Tonight all my sympathies are with those who are dealing with this shit simply because they exist. I have no patience or pity for those who enable it.

25
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:26:32pm

re: #21 b.d.

Franken took them to the woodshed by just stating facts, that guy has been a great senator.

He really has been. I have to admit I snickered when I saw he was running eight years ago but he’s been one of the best. He takes his job very seriously. it’s something that some of those with some more seniority could take a lesson from.

26
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:27:09pm

re: #17 nines09

The GOP has nothing. Not a thing. Has not had anything for quite some time. well, not anything that would or could help the citizens of this fine nation. But selling hate? Pushing fear? Peddling lies? They have no peers. And they want Cruz to confront Trump, as in who can go lower in the Limbo Bar Festival From Hell. Broken. Corrupt. And has voters who sit and simmer in this shit stew, and then walk around looking like they hate life itself. Yes. For the love of Christ they are sick.

Every time I think about the Republican party, I’m irritated by the fact that secular language has no way to properly and concisely express the concept of “Cesspit of Satan”.

27
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:28:24pm

The only reason why oppose Garland is they know that anyone Obama picks will result in a balancing of the court against their out of touch ideology. The fact of the matter is the court has been in a right wing tilt ever since Reagan made Rehnquist Chief Justice in the mid 80’s. The pick of Garland would move it more to the center. It is the Republicans not Obama and the Democrats who are the radical ones.

28
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:28:28pm

re: #21 b.d.

Franken took them to the woodshed by just stating facts, that guy has been a great senator.

Senator Franken did a great job and somehow kept his cool.
Senator Leahy looked like he was ready to break out his shillelagh and do some attitude adjustments.

29
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:28:55pm

heh

30
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:30:48pm

re: #29 Backwoods_Sleuth

heh

[Embedded content]

“No more trips to Cuba, Barack.” But uh speaking of Spanish dancers, I did get to see a flamenco show in Madrid two summers ago. That was really cool to be able to see. I am really glad that Obama did this with Cuba. It needed to happen and I think it was fitting that the first American president born after the Cuban revolution did it. It was time for a new start in US-Cuban relations.

31
Charles Johnson  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:30:49pm

re: #29 Backwoods_Sleuth

The right wing media will be freaking out about this all day tomorrow.

32
Great White Snark  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:31:05pm

re: #27 HappyWarrior

The only reason why oppose Garland is they know that anyone Obama picks will result in a balancing of the court against their out of touch ideology. The fact of the matter is the court has been in a right wing tilt ever since Reagan made Rehnquist Chief Justice in the mid 80’s. The pick of Garland would move it more to the center. It is the Republicans not Obama and the Democrats who are the radical ones.

Center is right precisely where it belongs IMHO. Nothing else ensures confidence in the system long term.

33
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:31:43pm

The tango was actually in Argentina, but that won’t make any difference to the wingnuts.

34
Dave In Austin  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:31:44pm

Looks like the Gov. Of Aladamnbama has himself a bit of a deal…. LOL.

Maddow is raking him over the coals.

35
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:32:18pm

Bravo Senator Franken.

And people thought he was going to be a joke as a politician. Far from it…and this is a fine example.

36
Charles Johnson  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:32:24pm

Robert Bork was the first attempt by the religious right to shoehorn one of their stalking horses into the US government. They’re still trying.

37
Whack-A-Mole  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:32:41pm

I really think this is the time for Democrats to run all kinds of bills through the Senate. The current split is 34/30 in favor of the Democrats. I mean, all the following 24 Republicans don’t get a a vote, right?

Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire)
Roy Blunt (Missouri)
John Boozman (Arkansas)
Richard Burr (North Carolina)
Dan Coats (Indiana) retiring in 2016
Mike Crapo (Idaho)
Chuck Grassley (Iowa)
John Hoeven (North Dakota)
Johnny Isakson (Georgia)
Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
Mark Kirk (Illinois)
James Lankford (Oklahoma)
Mike Lee (Utah)
John McCain (Arizona)
Jerry Moran (Kansas)
Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
Rand Paul (Kentucky)
Rob Portman (Ohio)
Marco Rubio (Florida) retiring in 2016
Tim Scott (South Carolina)
Richard Shelby (Alabama)
John Thune (South Dakota)
Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania)
David Vitter (Louisiana)

They’re all up for re-election in 2016 and like the GOP has argued, they shouldn’t get a vote; as lame-ducks their official powers are at an end.

////

38
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:33:12pm

re: #32 Great White Snark

Center is right where it belongs IMHO. Nothing else ensures confidence in the system long term.

Not just in ideology but in style too. I really liked reading that Garland keeps an open mind and that frankly is what being a liberal is really all about. I know he’ll have opinions I’ll disagree with but I also know he’ll have come to them using sound and reasonable logic. I never had that vibe with Scalia who I thought had his biases and let them define his decisions i.e. his veggie complaint when the mandate came up in the ACA challenge or his tantrum about same sex marriage.

39
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:33:47pm
40
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:34:04pm

re: #22 HappyWarrior

He got a hearing and everything. If they should be mad at someone, they should be mad at their precious Reagan for being stupid enough to nominate a controversial pick like Bork when the Dems had the majority in the Senate. To me Reagan picking Bork showed how little he understood the courts.

Reagan knew what he was doing there. In part, Bork’s SCOTUS nomination by a GOP POTUS was payment for services rendered in the saturday night massacre of the Watergate era.

Bork was also an early rock star of the US hard right.

41
gocart mozart  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:36:34pm

re: #15 Charles Johnson
The c-span clip is Biden opening statement and questioning of Bork
c-span.org

Anti Bork TV ad narrated by Gregory Peck
Youtube Video

42
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:36:35pm

re: #37 Whack-A-Mole

I like this argument, but haven’t used it because it is too easy for GOP apologists to counter. Obama is definitely out of office next January, while it is possible (although undesirable) for any or all of these GOP turds to continue to befoul the Senate past Jan 2017.

43
GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:37:00pm

Man. Just googling “judge Bork” comes up with the books he’s written. Jesus Christ wtf.

44
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:37:16pm

re: #40 EPR-radar

Reagan knew what he was doing there. In part, Bork’s SCOTUS nomination by a GOP POTUS was payment for services rendered in the saturday night massacre of the Watergate era.

Bork was also an early rock star of the US hard right.

I dunno. Just seemed that the time to have done that would have been when they had the Senate. People forget sometimes but the R’s did have the Senate for 81-86 I believe. I think part of it was definitely payback for that but I think it also was foolish that he did it the year after one of the worst years of his presidency as it was perceived by voters at the polls. It’s interesting to know that Scalia didn’t get a single no vote while Souter did get a few.

45
plansbandc  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:37:49pm

I just can’t fathom the GOP’s virulent hatred of the LGBT community. It’s seriously depressing. Legislating discrimination is Anti- American. Was really hoping this country had gotten beyond that.

46
makeitstop  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:38:09pm

The president acquitted himself pretty well with that tango!

Once she started mixing it up he got kinda lost. But he did all right.

47
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:38:36pm

re: #43 GlutenFreeJesus

Man. Just googling “judge Bork” comes up with the books he’s written. Jesus Christ wtf.

All I need to know about Robert Bork is that he excused a poll tax because the fee in his words was small so it wasn’t a big deal. I believe he also admitted he did not understand the concept of the 9th amendment. Obama went with the exact opposite of Bork with Garland which I really think was brilliant on his part.

48
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:38:41pm

Today at Stanford:
Hillary Clinton attacks GOP presidential candidates, outlines anti-terrorism plan
Is it wrong for me to say, I love when HRC wears this top. I wonder if it is one of her favorites. Reminds me of Sienfeld’s “Golden Boy” t-shirt.

49
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:39:17pm

re: #18 Belafon</ere: #18 Belafon

Yes, Plessy v. Ferguson all over again. It took over 50 years for the SCOTUS to overturn that piece of “separate but equal” sh*t. If the Constitution means what it says, no legislative body in America should be passing laws like this one. I wish more Americans were better educated and more enlightened because if they were, they’d vote these hate peddlers out of office in the next election. I hate these laws because I remember what it was like living under Jim Crow in the South. Being forced to live in a separate but unequal society while growing up left a bad taste in my gut and mouth that I’m still dealing with to this very day. When I became an adult, I took a personal vow to never endorse any law which would deprive any American of his/her rights because I know how it feels. The lawmakers who pass these bill are pretending that LGBTQ Americans are some kind of personal threat to them when they’re not. My first cousin is lesbian, and she’s one of the sweetest people anyone could meet. What pisses me off, too, is that they claim they’re passing these POS laws for “Jesus’ sake,” one of the biggest lies ever told. I’m steaming at this point with rage and frustration at the idea that members of a so-called exceptional nation are so stupid as to discriminate against their fellow citizens and call it freedom. Freedom for whom? A bunch of people most of whom would crucify Jesus again if he appeared in the 21st Century. They will pay for this, and I hope I live long enough to see it.

50
Whack-A-Mole  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:39:22pm

re: #42 EPR-radar

Not really an argument so much as a show of the complete and utter absurdity and asininity of their position on the SCOTUS nom.

51
Jenner7  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:39:55pm

If this is true, I’m done with Bernie. If he thinks he’s going to take down my party, he’s mistaken.

52
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:40:17pm

re: #45 plansbandc

I just can’t fathom the GOP’s virulent hatred of the LGBT community. It’s seriously depressing. Legislating discrimination is Anti- American. Was really hoping this country had gotten beyond that.

It’s frankly one of the most pathetic things about the modern Republican party. It’s not just that they’re anti-gay, they want anti-gay bigotry to be coddled by the law and that’s just so wrong and yes Anti-American.

53
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:41:40pm

re: #51 Jenner7

[Embedded content]

If this is true, I’m done with Bernie. If he thinks he’s going to take down my party, he’s mistaken.

He needs to grow up. That would be the same Democratic establishment that has allowed him an Independent to have a functioning career in Vermont and has given him money for re-election when he’s needed it. I want to like Bernie but this kind of rhetoric is not helpful at all.

54
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:41:42pm

re: #2 klys (maker of Silmarils)

[Embedded content]

I don’t know if AED has commented on this? I just know what I have seen on Twitter today, and I have been in and out. These are the things that I’ve pulled quickly from what I am seeing RTed.

I was going to ask earlier. Can this legislation stand a court contesting it?

55
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:42:00pm

re: #45 plansbandc

I just can’t fathom the GOP’s virulent hatred of the LGBT community. It’s seriously depressing. Legislating discrimination is Anti- American. Was really hoping this country had gotten beyond that.

The problem is that legislating discrimination is very American. If they had done nothing, there would have been less discrimination then there will be because of this law. Now, it will take the courts (not legislating) or possibly a future law to undo it. A good portion of our anti-discrimination laws have been written not to take care of a problem, but to undo prior laws.

56
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:42:56pm

re: #44 HappyWarrior

I dunno. Just seemed that the time to have done that would have been when they had the Senate. People forget sometimes but the R’s did have the Senate for 81-86 I believe. I think part of it was definitely payback for that but I think it also was foolish that he did it the year after one of the worst years of his presidency as it was perceived by voters at the polls. It’s interesting to know that Scalia didn’t get a single no vote while Souter did get a few.

Looking at the records, Reagan did have his chance to nomination Bork while the Senate was Republican, which I did not previously know.

Perhaps the Bork nomination was intended to be a GOP win either way. The GOP would end up with a RWNJ justice or with a grievance to obsess over endlessly.

57
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:43:57pm

re: #7 Ming5000

Well played Senator Franken.

Senator Leahy did well too.

Senator Hatch, fire your tailor.

Hell with that…fire yourself as a politician Sen. Hatch. It is well past time for your tired old show to retire.

58
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:44:30pm

re: #56 EPR-radar

Looking at the records, Reagan did have his chance to nomination Bork while the Senate was Republican, which I did not previously know.

Perhaps the Bork nomination was intended to be a GOP win either way. The GOP would end up with a RWNJ justice or with a grievance to obsess over endlessly.

Perhaps so. Good point. That said, I’m glad Obama’s not being stupid and choosing a left wing equivalent of Bork and none of the names brought up were even close. Instead we get Garland who has won lots of praise from both sides in the past. Contrast that with Bork that had people from both sides vote against his nomination.

59
Whack-A-Mole  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:44:33pm

Anyways, time for sleep for me. Going to have to get up extra early tomorrow to shovel an nightmare amount of snow before I leave for work. G’nite and be safe all.

60
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:44:47pm

re: #8 Backwoods_Sleuth

That bill also invalidated ALL non-discrimination laws in NC.
It is patently unconstitutional.
And it was all done today in a special session.

I realize I have lead a sheltered and unimaginative life, but what the hell goes on in the innermost thoughts of these folks?
Trans people presumably just want to use the restroom like the rest of us. Are there some kinky people out there? Yes, of course, but they’re still out there whether or not trans folks are using their restroom. Guys sneak into the ladies’ room now, what will change if your identity fails to match the gender on your birth certificate?

61
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:45:12pm

re: #57 ObserverArt

Hell with that…fire yourself as a politician Sen. Hatch. It is well past time for your tired old show to retire.

What’s scary to think is that there’s probably someone worse in the wings. Mike Lee is worse than Bob Bennett was for example. And that’s the thing with the GOP. They don’t get better. They get worse.

62
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:45:35pm

re: #24 klys (maker of Silmarils)

Based on what I’ve been reading over the last year, NC is already experiencing difficulties hiring public school teachers, as are other red states. Some teachers are seeking employment in other states. I expect some other pro-LGBTQ businesses and persons to leave the state. If that happens, the whining, crying, and gnashing of teeth about the loss of jobs in the state will begin. I know that if I had a business there, after this, I’d be making plans to relocate if it were possible.

63
scottslemmons  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:45:41pm

re: #45 plansbandc

I just can’t fathom the GOP’s virulent hatred of the LGBT community. It’s seriously depressing. Legislating discrimination is Anti- American. Was really hoping this country had gotten beyond that.

I still think a very large chunk of the country has moved beyond anti-LGBT hatred. But the GOP thinks their only constituency is Westboro Baptist…

64
Eric The Fruit Bat  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:45:48pm

re: #49 majii

The Dominionists are just the Christian version of Islamic Sharia. And Ted Cruz and his allies are pushing the Seven Mountain variant hot and heavy.

Trump will be bad as it is-but Cruz will be a nightmare.

65
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:45:51pm

re: #51 Jenner7

[Embedded content]

If this is true, I’m done with Bernie. If he thinks he’s going to take down my party, he’s mistaken.

Yeah, if that is true Sanders can go fuck himself. He went from “Of course I’d support the nominee because the alternative is worse” to “we’re gonna destroy the dem party”.

66
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:46:34pm

re: #12 Dave In Austin

Embedded Image

Oh Brutus…….

Embedded Image

Heh. A Three Dog Night. (Of slightly toasted dog bellies by the ol’ stove)

67
gocart mozart  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:48:56pm
68
makeitstop  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:48:58pm

re: #54 ObserverArt

I was going to ask earlier. Can this legislation stand a court contesting it?

The cynic in me says they want it to go to the Supreme Court - where it won’t be resolved until there’s a full bench. Mean time, it stands as law.

Fuckers.

69
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:49:24pm

re: #45 plansbandc

coming from a small town that was uber conservative it seems to me that it comes down to the fact that LGBT people threaten their “manliness”. A lesbian could take their woman (in their fevered dreams) and the idea of a man kissing a man is too feminine in their fucked up view of manliness. As for trans, they are convinced that gender is the body you are born into, not a result of brain chemicals. I had a lot to learn about that moving to Cali and being not 100% straight. I grew up calling others fag etc. to fit in and regret a lot of that since some of my best friends turned out to be gay and I wasn’t straight myself.

70
scottslemmons  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:49:33pm

re: #60 calochortus

Trans people presumably just want to use the restroom like the rest of us. Are there some kinky people out there? Yes, of course, but they’re still out there whether or not trans folks are using their restroom. Guys sneak into the ladies’ room now, what will change if your identity fails to match the gender on your birth certificate?

There are men who assault women in women’s restrooms now. But they’re all cisgender, heterosexual men. Trans women don’t do that.

71
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:50:11pm

re: #67 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

I saw that earlier and I thought it was an age enhanced photo of my childhood best friend. Well not really but man I never would have guessed that was Dave. I hope if it’s him or not that he’s enjoying retirement.

72
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:51:31pm

re: #22 HappyWarrior

He got a hearing and everything. If they should be mad at someone, they should be mad at their precious Reagan for being stupid enough to nominate a controversial pick like Bork when the Dems had the majority in the Senate. To me Reagan picking Bork showed how little he understood the courts.

Or, how little he understood anything.

Some people like to blame Nixon for the downturn in the quality of national Republican politicians. I think it was Ronnie that really sold the cocky arrogance they seem to have since.

73
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:51:33pm

re: #67 gocart mozart

[Embedded content]

Run Forrest! Run!

74
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:51:46pm

On a side note, switched my HIIT routine from jog/sprint to a recumbent bike, my back and knees don’t hurt from impact anymore but boy do my calves and quads feel it.

75
whitebeach  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:52:20pm

re: #49 majii

I wish I could upding this every day for the next ten years.

76
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:53:03pm

re: #69 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

coming from a small town that was uber conservative it seems to me that it comes down to the fact that LGBT people threaten their “manliness”. A lesbian could take their woman (in their fevered dreams) and the idea of a man kissing a man is too feminine in their fucked up view of manliness. As for trans, they are convinced that gender is the body you are born into, not a result of brain chemicals. I had a lot to learn about that moving to Cali and being not 100% straight. I grew up calling others fag etc. to fit in and regret a lot of that since some of my best friends turned out to be gay and I wasn’t straight myself.

That does sound right to me. And you do see it when they suggest “remedies” for being gay, it’s always “Just get the boy a football” or “Get the girl some girly clothes.” By the way, very candid of you to describe over coming your prejudices. I had some prejudices about gay people too when I was in middle school. I was never hateful but I was ignorant. I really think the event that changed my life was meeting a cousin who was gay and he and his partner (now husband) were just the nicest people. Plus being on the Autistic spectrum and being aware that I too was different from many in society would call “normal” gave me some empathy too.

77
goddamnedfrank  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:53:55pm
78
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:54:19pm

re: #72 ObserverArt

Or, how little he understood anything.

Some people like to blame Nixon for the downturn in the quality of national Republican politicians. I think it was Ronnie that really sold the cocky arrogance they seem to have since.

Nixon dug the hole but Reagan brought the shovel. I dislike Reagan much more than Nixon historically since Nixon at least still had sound policies. He was an asshole but he didn’t hide it behind a smile. That is a reason to hate Nixon though. No Watergate and I think Reagan never rises. Probably no Carter either for that matter.

79
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:54:27pm

re: #57 ObserverArt

Hatch really went hardcore right in 2012 when he was being threatened with a TP candidate on the right. He felt he had to become more vocal and more anti-Obama. That he became a member of the far right because he feared losing his seat told me all I needed to know about him which was that he really values his seat in the Senate and the hell with legislating for the benefit of the nation and its citizens. Oh, and that he thinks the GOP/TP is more important than the Constitution he swore to uphold.

80
Maddies Mom  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:54:36pm

re: #76 HappyWarrior

That does sound right to me. And you do see it when they suggest “remedies” for being gay, it’s always “Just get the boy a football” or “Get the girl some girly clothes.” By the way, very candid of you to describe over coming your prejudices. I had some prejudices about gay people too when I was in middle school. I was never hateful but I was ignorant. I really think the event that changed my life was meeting a cousin who was gay and he and his partner (now husband) were just the nicest people. Plus being on the Autistic spectrum and being aware that I too was different from many in society would call “normal” gave me some empathy too.

I like you Happy Warrior… I really like you.

81
Great White Snark  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:55:20pm

re: #72 ObserverArt

Or, how little he understood anything.

Some people like to blame Nixon for the downturn in the quality of national Republican politicians. I think it was Ronnie that really sold the cocky arrogance they seem to have since.

Well look. Blaming some guy from decades ago has two or three problems. First the guy from back when had nothing to do with this current GOP. one can see this in both substance and to a lesser degree style. Also, those that misbehave are most responsible for their own behavior. Then as we discuss elected offices we must apportion blame to the voters. Blaming the dead guy just offers no help in any way.

82
Joe Bacon  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:55:21pm

re: #2 klys (maker of Silmarils)

[Embedded content]

I don’t know if AED has commented on this? I just know what I have seen on Twitter today, and I have been in and out. These are the things that I’ve pulled quickly from what I am seeing RTed.

Hmmm, let me guess..I am Cait is still waiting for Cruz to contact her…

83
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:56:15pm

re: #49 majii

This business of ongoing support for various forms of bigotry is the GOP’s single worst feature. The entire party is fractally wrong on every issue under the sun, and the glue that holds it all together well enough to be in power across much of the US is almost always fear and hatred of the other.

The GOP really is a cesspool.

84
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:56:25pm

re: #31 Charles Johnson

The right wing media will be freaking out about this all day tomorrow.

You can always tell with the first 20 minutes of Morning Joke 6:00 AM Eastern. He will set the tone for all the parrots to follow the script. I’m sure this one will be one of his “hold on a minute Mika, before you start…I know I am an asshole, but I am going to be an asshole and this President just does not get it” moments. And then it is on…all day long.

85
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:57:13pm

re: #79 majii

Hatch really went hardcore right in 2012 when he was being threatened with a TP candidate on the right. He felt he had to become more vocal and more anti-Obama. That he became a member of the far right because he feared losing his seat told me all I needed to know about him which was that he really values his seat in the Senate and the hell with legislating for the benefit of the nation and its citizens. Oh, and that he thinks the GOP/TP is more important than the Constitution he swore to uphold.

Power above principle. This is always true of any GOP moderate.

86
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:57:16pm

re: #76 HappyWarrior

I had a lot to overcome. There were no black or brown people where I grew up, we were all lilly white unless we got a tan. Where I lived when people thought of Los Angeles they thought of gangs, the rodney king riots and all kinds of stereotypes. I came here and realized it was just another city.

It’s funny though, I came out to my best friend in HS and his reaction wasn’t what I thought it would be. I figured he’d freak instead he was like “damn dude I’m a virgin and you’re getting it from both genders” lol. Family wise I only ever came out to my mother and sister because my dad would have flipped. We took my folks to san francisco and my dad loved it there, his reaction was “I expected nothing but gays and I was wrong”. That’s the kind of stereotyping that I grew up with.

87
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:57:57pm

re: #81 Great White Snark

Well look. Blaming some guy from decades ago has two or three problems. First the guy from back when had nothing to do with this current GOP. one can see this in both substance and to a lesser degree style. Also, those that misbehave are most responsible for their own behavior. Then as we discuss elected offices we must apportion blame to the voters. Blaming the dead guy just offers no help in any way.

See, I disagree with you there. I think he is to blame. He did a lot of the same race baiting that the current ones did. Reagan did himself and his legacy no favors by opening his presidential campaign talking about states rights in a town where three civil rights workers were murdered and doing the wink and nudge stuff to the religious right that has made them the powerful influence they are in his party today. Maybe it’s not right to blame a dead guy for all the current party’s shortcomings but Reagan shouldn’t get a pass IMO. I admit that I am not a fan of Reagans at all but I do think Reagan was more of a detriment to the Republican Party’s direction than positive development. The good things were forces like Eisenhower, Rockefeller, and Ford IMO.

88
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:58:10pm

re: #77 goddamnedfrank

[Embedded content]

Apparently this happened tonight:

89
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:58:18pm

re: #80 Maddies Mom

I like you Happy Warrior… I really like you.

Thanks. Life’s a learning experience.

90
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:58:20pm

re: #36 Charles Johnson

Robert Bork was the first attempt by the religious right to shoehorn one of their stalking horses into the US government. They’re still trying.

Or, Trojan horse?

91
Ming5000  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:58:54pm

The right is melting down.
Here one commenter predicts the future after an article asking why George Soros is funding Kasich.

Does it really matter? This campaign is so thoroughly screwed up at this point I doubt if Soros funding The Idiot Kasich will make any difference. Trump will get his 1237 and move on to the general where he will be totally eviscerated by the democrat MSM and the Clinton machine. The Republican Party if not dead at this point will be wheezing on its death bed. This was the whole point of Trump supporters anyway. A “yuge” wrecking ball to the establishment leaving nothing recognizable or useful in order to satisfy anger, frustration, and vengeance. Clinton will become president and will complete the “fundamental transformation”. The Constitution will effectively be suspended due to Clinton’s non-enforcement of current law (like Obama) and SCOTUS appointments provided by a freshly minted democrat Senate. Compliments of the down ticket disaster, Donald Trump. With her pen and her phone, Hillary will assure millions of newly minted democrat citizens get what ever they need and continue to vote democrat for the rest of their lives. The IRS and EPA will seek retribution on any who dare to speak ill or stand in the way of the administration. This is shaping up to be an interesting next 4 to 8 years. The republic is dead, long live the people’s republic.

92
allegro  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:59:09pm

re: #51 Jenner7

[Embedded content]

If this is true, I’m done with Bernie. If he thinks he’s going to take down my party, he’s mistaken.

I find it unconscionably rude to accept a host’s hospitality, take full advantage of the food and wine, then take a large dump on the Persian rug whilst flipping them the bird. This is what I’m more and more perceiving Bernie as doing. It is not okay.

93
Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:59:23pm

re: #90 ObserverArt

Or, Trojan horse?

Nobody thought he was a gift.

94
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 6:59:24pm

re: #81 Great White Snark

Well look. Blaming some guy from decades ago has two or three problems. First the guy from back when had nothing to do with this current GOP. one can see this in both substance and to a lesser degree style. Also, those that misbehave are most responsible for their own behavior. Then as we discuss elected offices we must apportion blame to the voters. Blaming the dead guy just offers no help in any way.

It is incorrect to place all the blame on figures from the GOP past. However, an understanding of how the GOP got to be the crap fest that it presently is remains valuable.

Trump’s voters weren’t dropped in from outer space. That malignancy has been nurtured carefully by decades of GOP propaganda.

95
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:00:03pm

re: #86 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I had a lot to overcome. There were no black or brown people where I grew up, we were all lilly white unless we got a tan. Where I lived when people thought of Los Angeles they thought of gangs, the rodney king riots and all kinds of stereotypes. I came here and realized it was just another city.

It’s funny though, I came out to my best friend in HS and his reaction wasn’t what I thought it would be. I figured he’d freak instead he was like “damn dude I’m a virgin and you’re getting it from both genders” lol. Family wise I only ever came out to my mother and sister because my dad would have flipped. We took my folks to san francisco and my dad loved it there, his reaction was “I expected nothing but gays and I was wrong”. That’s the kind of stereotyping that I grew up with.

It always is surprising. I know it’s not the same as coming out as bi as you did but when I announced my Asperger’s, I was amazed with how much support people gave. I always felt like I had to hide it because I was afraid of being judged. I’m more comfortable about it now. It’s not even been a year yet but it’s been really good for me to be comfortable in my own skin. It’s resulting in a lot more smarter drinking too.

96
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:00:57pm

re: #88 Backwoods_Sleuth

Apparently this happened tonight:

[Embedded content]

A couple of nukes couldn’t hurt, could they? //

(Not only did I study physics and history, I was in the nuclear power program in the Navy. I basically know everything except actually watching one in person.)

97
allegro  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:02:21pm

re: #60 calochortus

I realize I have lead a sheltered and unimaginative life, but what the hell goes on in the innermost thoughts of these folks?
Trans people presumably just want to use the restroom like the rest of us. Are there some kinky people out there? Yes, of course, but they’re still out there whether or not trans folks are using their restroom. Guys sneak into the ladies’ room now, what will change if your identity fails to match the gender on your birth certificate?

Who carries around a birth certificate? Hell when ya gotta pee ya gotta pee. Now one has to have papers to do it? Insanity.

98
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:02:23pm

re: #95 HappyWarrior

It always is surprising. I know it’s not the same as coming out as bi as you did but when I announced my Asperger’s, I was amazed with how much support people gave. I always felt like I had to hide it because I was afraid of being judged. I’m more comfortable about it now. It’s not even been a year yet but it’s been really good for me to be comfortable in my own skin. It’s resulting in a lot more smarter drinking too.

coming out as “different”, no matter what the difference is, is always a challenge especially when it’s something very personal.

99
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:02:25pm

re: #96 Belafon

A couple of nukes couldn’t hurt, could they? //

(Not only did I study physics and history, I was in the nuclear power program in the Navy. I basically know everything except actually watching one in person.)

My brother-in-law was in the nuclear power program in the Navy, too.

100
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:02:38pm

re: #86 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

My (straight) daughter told me a few years ago that she was happy that I would have loved her and accepted her just as much if she were gay. Which of course, was perfectly true, but since the topic never came up explicitly, I kind of wonder how she knew?

101
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:02:54pm

re: #94 EPR-radar

It is incorrect to place all the blame on figures from the GOP past. However, an understanding of how the GOP got to be the crap fest that it presently is remains valuable.

Trump’s voters weren’t dropped in from outer space. That malignancy has been nurtured carefully by decades of GOP propaganda.

Right. I mean it’s not all figures like Reagan or even Atwater’s from the past because it has been nearly or in the case of Reagan over 30 years since they ran for President so those voters have to get over their bigotry and Trump does have plenty of supporters around my age who never would have seen that stuff. However, I really think the Republican Party would have been better off without Reagan. I really feel that way. I don’t think Reagan was the devil incarnate but I think he made a lot of terrible judgment decisions seeking the Presidency and then as President himself that has played a part in the GOP becoming the clown show it is today.

102
Decatur Deb  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:03:13pm

re: #91 Ming5000

The right is melting down.
Here one commenter predicts the future after an article asking why George Soros is funding Kasich.

Lookin’ for the downside, there.

103
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:04:33pm

Is CNN on this:

104
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:04:38pm

re: #102 Decatur Deb

Lookin’ for the downside, there.

Only downside is for Soros’ bank account. The rest of us? Nah.

105
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:04:43pm

re: #100 calochortus

My (straight) daughter told me a few years ago that she was happy that I would have loved her and accepted her just as much if she were gay. Which of course, was perfectly true, but since the topic never came up explicitly, I kind of wonder how she knew?

there are some things you just “know”. For me I know my mother loves me no matter what even if it did bug her when I came out. But my father…that’s another story. He’s very much a product of his upbringing and environment and would probably disown me even though he is very proud of me for all I’ve accomplished.

106
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:06:56pm

re: #97 allegro

Who carries around a birth certificate? Hell when ya gotta pee ya gotta pee. Now one has to have papers to do it? Insanity.

Actually, for a while I had a copy of my birth certificate and my marriage license tucked in my wallet. I’ve forgotten why, but at some point I thought it might be useful to prove that I was the same person after changing my name when I married. Might have been because we went to Canada for a few days.

107
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:06:58pm

re: #91 Ming5000

I’ve been looking for the U.S. to be completed destroyed since Obama entered office, but somehow, it’s still standing and functioning. People like this commenter are living on another plane of existence to think that just because someone disagrees with them politically, it’s the end of the world as we know it. All of the things they’ve been told by right-wing media have yet to manifest. Obamacare didn’t destroy the U.S. economy, ending DADT didn’t destroy our military, and the P5+1 deal didn’t either. Right-wing media has made straight up fools out of many Americans, all for the sole purpose of funneling wealth in an upward direction.

108
nines09  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:08:08pm

re: #67 gocart mozart
You won’t believe this is dave Letterman….Yes it is. In the Caribbean. Eat my heart out….Denver or the Caribbean ……
Yes It Is…

109
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:08:46pm

It just is too bad that these prejudices have existed. My grandfather had a brother. Now I don’t know this for a fact but it’s widely believed that he was very likely gay. He left the family home for New York probably not long after he got out of the military. He came back for their mother’s funeral and that was really the last my grandfather ever heard of him. When I started researching my famliy for the first time about 10 years ago while my grandfather was still alive, we found out what happened to him. He went to California, died there, and is buried there. It’s just sad. I don’t know how close my grandfather was to his brother but all I know is that it would be tough for me to lose complete contact with my brothers and have no idea where they were.

110
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:09:20pm

re: #105 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

there are some things you just “know”. For me I know my mother loves me no matter what even if it did bug her when I came out. But my father…that’s another story. He’s very much a product of his upbringing and environment and would probably disown me even though he is very proud of me for all I’ve accomplished.

Yeah, I know. I know my Dad loved me to the very core of his existence, even though I don’t recall him ever saying so. Mom was a bit more demonstrative. :)

I hope you’re wrong about your Dad disowning you. But I don’t blame you for not putting it to the test.

111
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:09:24pm

re: #108 nines09

You won’t believe this is dave Letterman….Yes it is. In the Caribbean. Eat my heart out….Denver or the Caribbean ……
Yes It Is…

The give away for me was the Ball State t-shirt.

112
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:09:25pm

re: #101 HappyWarrior

Right. I mean it’s not all figures like Reagan or even Atwater’s from the past because it has been nearly or in the case of Reagan over 30 years since they ran for President so those voters have to get over their bigotry and Trump does have plenty of supporters around my age who never would have seen that stuff. However, I really think the Republican Party would have been better off without Reagan. I really feel that way. I don’t think Reagan was the devil incarnate but I think he made a lot of terrible judgment decisions seeking the Presidency and then as President himself that has played a part in the GOP becoming the clown show it is today.

I think the GOP went off the rails once they discovered how little in the way of tangible results they had to provide to voters motivated by resentment. At first it was the racists angry about the perceived betrayal on civil rights by LBJ and the Democrats. Then it was the religious right, who first got into the game over segregated private schools with dodgy tax-exempt status.

Since then, the GOP has systematically accumulated a giant coalition of every crank group in the nation that will mindlessly vote GOP out of hatred of ‘liberals’ after proper programming.

This is the political equivalent of crack —- votes for nothing. Except now the bill is coming due in a way the GOP establishment didn’t predict. Donald Trump is doing the Pied Piper act to steal away a large fraction of the carefully programmed GOP pig-people.

113
Eric The Fruit Bat  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:09:34pm

SMH….

Walton County man loses leg after shooting explosive-filled lawn mower

A 32-year-old Walton County man didn’t break any laws Saturday when he shot his lawn mower filled with an explosive, but he did lose his leg below the knee, the sheriff’s office said.

About 3:50 p.m., David Presley of Monroe shot an old lawn mower loaded with three pounds of Tannerite, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The lawn mower exploded.

Now ain’t that special.

114
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:10:37pm

re: #113 Eric The Fruit Bat

SMH….

Walton County man loses leg after shooting explosive-filled lawn mower

Now ain’t that special.

Bet somebody was holding his beer…

115
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:11:07pm

re: #61 HappyWarrior

What’s scary to think is that there’s probably someone worse in the wings. Mike Lee is worse than Bob Bennett was for example. And that’s the thing with the GOP. They don’t get better. They get worse.

No argument from me Happy. There has to be a bottom somewhere.

I hope they find it soon, patch it up and then start to get the barrel filling back up. It helps the entire Democratic Republic political system work for the country to have a healthy Republican party.

116
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:11:08pm

re: #113 Eric The Fruit Bat

SMH….

Walton County man loses leg after shooting explosive-filled lawn mower

Now ain’t that special.

Another leading contender for a Darwin Award.

117
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:11:15pm

re: #100 calochortus

The reason she knew was because she’d watched you and listened to the way you talk about others. She’s a credit to you. I remember telling my daughter as she was growing up that I’d love her if it turned out she was lesbian. How could I not love her for something that was out of her control? It seems your daughter received the same message from you. We gots good kids.

118
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:12:02pm

re: #110 calochortus

Yeah, I know. I know my Dad loved me to the very core of his existence, even though I don’t recall him ever saying so. Mom was a bit more demonstrative. :)

I hope you’re wrong about your Dad disowning you. But I don’t blame you for not putting it to the test.

I may be wrong but I have no urge to test whether I am. He loves me, I know he does but there are some things that are best left alone. He’s proud of me for what I’ve managed to do with my life and that’s enough. Given his current illness (stage 4 lung cancer due to agent orange in Vietnam) it’s better to just let sleeping dogs lie.

119
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:12:03pm

re: #114 Backwoods_Sleuth

Bet somebody was holding his beer…

The only thing that can stop a lawn mower bomb is a good guy with a gun.

120
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:12:35pm

re: #112 EPR-radar

I think the GOP went off the rails once they discovered how little in the way of tangible results they had to provide to voters motivated by resentment. At first it was the racists angry about the perceived betrayal on civil right by LBJ and the Democrats. Then it was the religious right, who first got into the game over segregated private schools with dodgy tax-exempt status.

Since then, the GOP has systematically accumulated a giant coalition of every crank group in the nation that will mindlessly vote GOP out of hatred of ‘liberals’ after proper programming.

This is the political equivalent of crack —- votes for nothing. Except now the bill is coming due in a way the GOP establishment didn’t predict. Donald Trump is doing the Pied Piper act to steal away a large fraction of the carefully programmed GOP pig-people.

I agree with that. The GOP started being about resentment I’d say in LBJ’s second term or so and that’s really when we started going down hill. I mean you look at Republican nominees until Goldwater(who let’s face it was ignorant about civil rights, not a bigot but definitely ignorant about civil rights in those days). Bobby Jindal said he wanted the Republican Party to stop being the stupid party but they started doing that before Bobby was even born. The “stupid party” was the party that Bobby joined and advanced his career in.

121
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:12:38pm

re: #117 majii

The reason she knew was because she’d watched you and listened to the way you talk about others. She’s a credit to you. I remember telling my daughter as she was growing up that I’d love her if it turned out she was lesbian. How could I not love her for something that was out of her control? It seems your daughter received the same message from you. We gots good kids.

Yes we do.

122
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:12:50pm

The debate may have been rushed, but it didn’t escape notice: Dow Chemical, the NCAA , RedHat and the League of Municipalities have already spoken out against the bill. It is important to note that in fact, more than 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies have continued to function successfully with non-discrimination protections in place similar to those in Charlotte’s without disruption of their business or any need to create new facilities. the costly creation of new facilities or significant disruption of their businesses.

If Gov. Pat McCrory signs this bill into law, North Carolina would be the first state in the country to enact an anti-transgender student bathroom bill after several similar laws were rejected across the country this year, including a high-profile veto by the Governor of South Dakota. North Carolina school districts that comply with the law would then be in direct violation of Title IX, subjecting the school districts to liability and putting an estimated $4.5 billion of federal funding at risk. This section of this horrible bill offers costly supposed solutions to non-existent problems, and it would force schools to choose between complying with federal law — plus doing the right thing for their students — and complying with a state law that violates students’ civil rights. Read more about how this bill puts federal funding at risk here.

Another far-reaching consequence of this bill is the municipal preemption language that voids Charlotte’s ordinance, as well as other ordinances in the state, and takes away the ability of cities to implement their own non-discrimination protections in the future. What’s more, Huffington Post today reported that the bill would strip away local non-discrimination protections for veterans in at least two local jurisdictions.

123
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:13:25pm

re: #115 ObserverArt

No argument from me Happy. There has to be a bottom somewhere.

I hope they find it soon, patch it up and then start to get the barrel filling back up. It helps the entire Democratic Republic political system work for the country to have a healthy Republican party.

Exactly. We need a sane Republican party. I mean I may not like the assholes but we need sane ones and by sane I don’t mean clowns like McCain who pander to the insane to save their own skins.

124
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:14:35pm

re: #118 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I may be wrong but I have no urge to test whether I am. He loves me, I know he does but there are some things that are best left alone. He’s proud of me for what I’ve managed to do with my life and that’s enough. Given his current illness (stage 4 lung cancer due to agent orange in Vietnam) it’s better to just let sleeping dogs lie.

It is an act of love not to trouble someone with information they don’t need-especially if they are ill. All the best to you both.

125
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:14:42pm

re: #123 HappyWarrior

Exactly. We need a sane Republican party. I mean I may not like the assholes but we need sane ones and by sane I don’t mean clowns like McCain who pander to the insane to save their own skins.

I agree as well. We need two sane parties.

126
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:14:42pm

re: #98 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

coming out as “different”, no matter what the difference is, is always a challenge especially when it’s something very personal.

It really is. I always was so afraid that people would think less of me for being on the spectrum. And it did cause me to drink irresponsibly when I’ve been out. I mean I’m still not over the anxieties but it’s gotten better since I’ve made that peace with myself.

127
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:15:51pm

re: #123 HappyWarrior

Exactly. We need a sane Republican party. I mean I may not like the assholes but we need sane ones and by sane I don’t mean clowns like McCain who pander to the insane to save their own skins.

Also agreed. The Democrats can’t hold the presidency forever, and when we next get a Republican president we really can’t have anything like the current crop of Republicans getting that kind of power.

That’s why I’d really like to see the moderate Republicans leave the party for now, and only come back when it is sane again.

128
darthstar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:16:13pm

It’s sad that the media is required to pay attention to people like Cruz and Trump and the stupidity that spews from their mouths. They spend hours covering these fucks and they only serve to give them the exposure they desire. Sure, Lawrence may think his sarcasm about Trump distances him from the muck, but he’s still giving him minutes of screen time.

129
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:16:31pm

re: #122 Backwoods_Sleuth

Small government in action! /s/

130
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:17:12pm

re: #124 calochortus

It is an act of love not to trouble someone with information they don’t need-especially if they are ill. All the best to you both.

the good news is the chemo is working, last cat scan showed the tumor shrinking. And the government is covering all his treatments, covering his meds, paying him a monthly check in addition to SS and will provide similar benefits to my mom if/when he passes. I had a hard time not making a “and you say the gov’t doesn’t do anything for you” crack given their political leanings (ie full on wingnut).

131
freetoken  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:17:23pm

re: #128 darthstar

What’s sad is the belief by the likes of Chuck Todd that it is not the media’s responsibility to check on the factual nature of an interviewee’s claims.

132
darthstar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:17:51pm
133
calochortus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:18:31pm

re: #130 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

the good news is the chemo is working, last cat scan showed the tumor shrinking. And the government is covering all his treatments, covering his meds, paying him a monthly check in addition to SS and will provide similar benefits to my mom if/when he passes. I had a hard time not making a “and you say the gov’t doesn’t do anything for you” crack given their political leanings (ie full on wingnut).

I admire your self control.

134
darthstar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:18:51pm

re: #131 freetoken

What’s sad is the belief by the likes of Chuck Todd that it is not the media’s responsibility to check on the factual nature of an interviewee’s claims.

Chuck Todd is a fucking tool. I keep hoping I’ll see him in an airport so I can say, “Hey, look! It’s that fucking tool Chuck Todd!”

135
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:09pm

re: #131 freetoken

What’s sad is the belief by the likes of Chuck Todd that it is not the media’s responsibility to check on the factual nature of an interviewee’s claims.

Yup. The media’s job is to provide a check and dig out the truth. It always has been but these days they are lazy. All of the great reporters who came before are rolling in their graves.

136
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:18pm

re: #127 EPR-radar

Also agreed. The Democrats can’t hold the presidency forever, and when we next get a Republican president we really can’t have anything like the current crop of Republicans getting that kind of power.

That’s why I’d really like to see the moderate Republicans leave the party for now, and only come back when it is sane again.

Right. It’s not going to last forever. Longest we’ve gone for single party rule in 20 years and that was a very unique set of circumstances. What I want to see in the Republican Party assuming it’s going to survive are the building blocks of a sane Republican party. Instead you got the establishment backing Cruz against Trump in a last ditch effort to “save” the party and also considering Ryan at the convention to swoop in. I keep on hearing how the GOP is going to become more socially moderate but the rise of Cruz and Trump strongly disputes that to me as well as the numerous actions that Republican controlled legislatures throughout the states have taken. Kasich isn’t a moderate Republican. He’s what would have been a mainstream conservative 8 years ago.

137
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:36pm

re: #134 darthstar

Chuck Todd is a fucking tool. I keep hoping I’ll see him in an airport so I can say, “Hey, look! It’s that fucking tool Chuck Todd!”

Oh I would give a kidney just to do that.

138
nines09  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:38pm

re: #88 Backwoods_Sleuth

Apparently this happened tonight:

[Embedded content]

“First I’ll target Dearborn , I hear there is a yuuugggee concentration of Muslims there, and then Syria. All of Syria. The whole thing. All muslim, all armed all out to kill us. Then that neighborhood in Brussels? Maelbeek? Gone. Then a….well….
we have Iraq. Lots of targets there, cities, provinces…..And any taken alive, we waterboard them. And worse. Maybe real torture. I’m serious. In the old days they lined up skulls on roads, crucified children to let them know you were serious. I will do this in the name of God and America, I’ll destroy every good thing that was ever done by the USA in about 35 minutes. But the will learn who is boss. Look at these hands! These are the HANDS of a DOCTOR! A surgeon! I can fix it all. just give me the scalpel….Koo Koo! Koo Koo! Koo Koo! Whoop! Whoop, Whoop! Whoop!!!!

139
Lidane  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:41pm

This is hilarious:

That tweet is remarkable because it shows Fox News ignoring their own poll. They’re focused on Kasich when these are the actual results:

Kasich does best against Clinton. He has a double-digit advantage and also comes in above the 50 percent mark: 51 percent to Clinton’s 40 percent.

Cruz is preferred over Clinton by three percentage points (47-44 percent).

Clinton tops GOP front-runner Donald Trump by 11 points (49-38 percent).

Also, there’s this:

Almost half of all voters would feel “scared” if Trump (49 percent) were to win the White House, while 33 percent say the same about Clinton. Trump has the largest number of Republicans saying they would feel scared if he wins (25 percent), while Kasich has the smallest (7 percent).

Let that sink in a while. Fox News’s own poll shows that Trump would lose to Hillary by double digits and that more of their voters would be scared of a Trump presidency than by Hillary taking office.

If this doesn’t set off alarm bells at the RNC, nothing else will.

140
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:19:52pm

re: #133 calochortus

I admire your self control.

trust me, that was not easy lol.

141
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:20:32pm

re: #128 darthstar

It’s sad that the media is required to pay attention to people like Cruz and Trump and the stupidity that spews from their mouths. They spend hours covering these fucks and they only serve to give them the exposure they desire. Sure, Lawrence may think his sarcasm about Trump distances him from the muck, but he’s still giving him minutes of screen time.

I think much of this is due to corporate control of the media. A political cage match over social and identity issues between the Democrats and the Republicans suits the overlord class just fine.

Halfway honest reporting on US politics would lead to all outlets except for Fox News dubbing in <fart noise> over GOP talking points and otherwise making it clear that these are idiots with stupid views instead of serious people with views worth considering.

142
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:20:44pm

re: #130 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

I understand what you’re dealing with. I lost one of my brothers, who was a Marine, to lung cancer in 2014, and one in October 2015 to stomach cancer . I also lost another brother in 2011. I’m glad your dad’s treatments are working. I still haven’t gotten over the loss of my brothers.

143
darthstar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:21:05pm

re: #137 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Oh I would give a kidney just to do that.

I’d give your other kidney. (~):-}

144
Stanley Sea  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:21:29pm
145
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:22:16pm

re: #139 Lidane

The RNC is just as ineffectual and has just as many issues as the DNC does under DWS. Reince is an absolute joke and always has been. The only reason he is still there is his cynical use of the Tea Party and now that is biting him in the ass. I almost feel bad for Michael Steele he at least tried to rehabilitate things, not much but he tried.

146
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:22:59pm

re: #143 darthstar

I’d give your other kidney. (~):-}

LOL…no.

147
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:23:20pm

re: #145 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

The RNC is just as ineffectual and has just as many issues as the DNC does under DWS. Reince is an absolute joke and always has been. The only reason he is still there is his cynical use of the Tea Party and now that is biting him in the ass. I almost feel bad for Michael Steele he at least tried to rehabilitate things, not much but he tried.

Don’t feel bad for Steele; be glad he escaped the insanity.

148
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:23:52pm

re: #145 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

The RNC is just as ineffectual and has just as many issues as the DNC does under DWS. Reince is an absolute joke and always has been. The only reason he is still there is his cynical use of the Tea Party and now that is biting him in the ass. I almost feel bad for Michael Steele he at least tried to rehabilitate things, not much but he tried.

Trying to reform the Republican party would be a modern-day Labor of Hercules. The Augean stables are nothing compared to the filth that has accumulated in the Republican party.

149
majii  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:24:00pm

re: #139 Lidane

I believe it is setting off alarm bells behind the scene at the RNC, but Priebus will try to mitigate the fear of losing in November with another tweet, saying “Look at the fine group of politicians we have running.” He’ll remain as delusional as he’s always been.

150
GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:24:13pm

Here’s a thought. Bork would be considered too moderate by today’s Republicans.

151
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:24:17pm

re: #142 majii

I understand what you’re dealing with. I lost one of my brothers, who was a Marine, to lung cancer in 2014, and one in October 2015 to stomach cancer . I also lost another brother in 2011. I’m glad your dad’s treatments are working. I still haven’t gotten over the loss of my brothers.

Don’t get me wrong the docs still say “treatment will continue as long as you can take it” bottom line is, barring a miracle, this kind of lung cancer is terminal. He was originally diagnosed with stage 2, a week later it was stage 4. He has a catscan in a couple weeks to evaluate how it’s going and next steps.

152
Targetpractice  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:24:45pm

re: #139 Lidane

This is hilarious:

[Embedded content]

That tweet is remarkable because it shows Fox News ignoring their own poll. They’re focused on Kasich when these are the actual results:

Also, there’s this:

Let that sink in a while. Fox News’s own poll shows that Trump would lose to Hillary by double digits and that more of their voters would be scared of a Trump presidency than by Hillary taking office.

If this doesn’t set off alarm bells at the RNC, nothing else will.

It’s polls like this that make the possibility of a brokered convention more likely. When your front-runner is a dumpster fire of a candidate, such that he could put states that haven’t vote Democrat in decades and the House majority into play, the idea of splitting the party just to avoid armageddon starts to look attractive.

153
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:25:50pm

re: #81 Great White Snark

Well look. Blaming some guy from decades ago has two or three problems. First the guy from back when had nothing to do with this current GOP. one can see this in both substance and to a lesser degree style. Also, those that misbehave are most responsible for their own behavior. Then as we discuss elected offices we must apportion blame to the voters. Blaming the dead guy just offers no help in any way.

We shall see how history treats Reagan. It will take a bit more time to really write it. That is really what I was talking about. And history marks trends and patterns.

So, for how often I hear GOP folks going on about the Great Ron Reagan I will remember to deny all that because it too is past. ;)

154
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:26:03pm

So the question has to be asked. What is the future of the GOP and right wing in this country? We haven’t had a major party disappear for over 150 years and conservatism isn’t going anyway. The problem frankly is with conservatism itself. Whereas liberalism I think is an ideology much more willing to adapt with the times as we saw in the 1980’s which resulted in the party’s gains in the 1990’s, what are conservatives going to do in a country that is more culturally diverse as well as socially liberal. Too many of their candidates just think they can snap their fingers and say Reagan and that’s it. Well you’re not Reagan. Reagan to his credit had some charisma and was running in a much different time. It’s like when some of the lefty purists I know bemoan that Democrats don’t sound like FDR anymore. A different era and man. Ted Cruz isn’t that much for a politician anyhow older than me but he’s quite honestly the most backwards thinking successful presidential candidate I’ve seen in some time.

155
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:26:23pm

re: #150 GlutenFreeJesus

Here’s a thought. Bork would be considered too moderate by today’s Republicans.

Shave off that beard, hippie!

156
Skip Intro  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:26:33pm

re: #113 Eric The Fruit Bat

SMH….

Walton County man loses leg after shooting explosive-filled lawn mower

Now ain’t that special.

Obviously he’ll sue the manufactuor of his defective lawn mower. With his winnings he can buy more guns and explosives.

157
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:26:39pm

re: #150 GlutenFreeJesus

Here’s a thought. Bork would be considered too moderate by today’s Republicans.

That might not be true, actually. Bork was way out there, supporting a poll tax on the grounds that the dollar amount involved was small, even though the 24th amendment is pretty damn clear on the subject.

158
darthstar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:26:45pm

re: #147 Big Beautiful Door

Don’t feel bad for Steele; be glad he escaped the insanity.

Michael Steele earned my respect (momentarily) about a month ago. He was on the entertainment political reporter, Tamron Hall (seriously, she’s good for Kardashian crap and not much more), and she was asking about how Hillary was going to dominate the black vote in the south and he went off. He said, “Speaking not as a Republican, but as a black man, I find that really offensive. Why can’t we be allowed a choice? Why must we be thrown into a group and told that we as a race all have to vote for the same person?” - He was actually quite eloquent and left her, of course, speechless.

She’s like Wolf Blitzer only she looks good in a skirt.

159
Kilroy01  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:27:24pm

re: #156 Skip Intro

Obviously he’ll sue the manufactuor of his defective lawn mower. With his winnings he can buy more guns and explosives.

See.. no warning label saying not to blow it up!

160
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:28:04pm

re: #157 EPR-radar

That might not be true, actually. Bork was way out there, supporting a poll tax on the grounds that the dollar amount involved was small, even though the 24th amendment is pretty damn clear on the subject.

That alone is why Bork deserved the speech Kennedy gave about his America.

161
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:28:59pm

re: #154 HappyWarrior

Honestly, as a party they are probably going to die. If they believed in evolution they’d evolve with the times but they can’t or won’t. I know plenty of republicans who are so set in their ways that changing would be impossible and they’re the ones who the party caters to. I know plenty who have no problem with gays, are agnostic if not outright atheist but are so stuck on guns and taxes that they could never support a dem. They won’t have a party much longer either.

162
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:30:20pm

I mean sometimes you do see Republicans who sometimes are against the norm. I believe Rauner in Illinois is pro-choice and and not anti gay but how much of that is really sincere and how much of that is knowing you can’t be anti-gay and anti-choice and get elected in illinois. It’s like Mitt as Governor of Massachusetts. I have no idea what Rauner’s ambitions are but I guarantee this if he were to seek office after leaving the governor of Illinois, he would move to the right on those issues. Real political courage is a man like Goldwater while his party is moving nationally and locally right on choice and LGBT rights adopting pro choice and gay rights positions.

163
allegro  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:30:30pm

re: #122 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

I realize I’m taking this to a real basic place (I’m a biologist, we tend to do that) but where are trans people supposed to relieve themselves when Nature exerts her inevitable pressure? Designated bushes out back by the dumpsters? Catheters with bags taped to their thighs? WTF?

164
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:30:53pm

re: #161 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Honestly, as a party they are probably going to die. If they believed in evolution they’d evolve with the times but they can’t or won’t. I know plenty of republicans who are so set in their ways that changing would be impossible and they’re the ones who the party caters to. I know plenty who have no problem with gays, are agnostic if not outright atheist but are so stuck on guns and taxes that they could never support a dem. They won’t have a party much longer either.

It will be weird to see that. That’s something none of us have seen in our lifetimes.

165
Reality Based Steve  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:31:09pm

re: #113 Eric The Fruit Bat

SMH….

Walton County man loses leg after shooting explosive-filled lawn mower

Now ain’t that special.

I was the Operations Sergeant for a Medevac (Helicopter Ambulance) unit for 6 years. I can’t tell you the number of medic reports that included the phrase “The strong smell of alcohol was noted on the patient”.

RBS

166
GlutenFreeJesus  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:31:56pm

re: #157 EPR-radar

And the front-runner of the GOP wants to nuke Belgium.

167
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:32:21pm

Of course the libertarians in the lurch aren’t much better. They have absolutist views on the economy and view any economic intervention by the government as statism that eliminates whatever good they may have to offer on choice, LGBT rights, drug use, etc.

168
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:32:56pm

re: #161 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Honestly, as a party they are probably going to die. If they believed in evolution they’d evolve with the times but they can’t or won’t. I know plenty of republicans who are so set in their ways that changing would be impossible and they’re the ones who the party caters to. I know plenty who have no problem with gays, are agnostic if not outright atheist but are so stuck on guns and taxes that they could never support a dem. They won’t have a party much longer either.

The logical thing to happen is for the GOP to blow up into smithereens, and for the Democrats to split into center-left and center-right parties. After all, the Democrats already include most of the reality-based policy positions we have in US politics.

However, there is too much power and inertia in the GOP brand for anything so logical to occur.

169
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:33:07pm

re: #164 HappyWarrior

It will be weird to see that. That’s something none of us have seen in our lifetimes.

As a political junky I have to say I am very interested in seeing it happen. One of the guys I work with was a republican but left and joined my side during the Bush years because he saw the creeping fascism and craziness. I have a feeling there are a lot more like him and the Dems have a truly big tent, for better or worse.

170
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:33:45pm

re: #161 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Honestly, as a party they are probably going to die. If they believed in evolution they’d evolve with the times but they can’t or won’t. I know plenty of republicans who are so set in their ways that changing would be impossible and they’re the ones who the party caters to. I know plenty who have no problem with gays, are agnostic if not outright atheist but are so stuck on guns and taxes that they could never support a dem. They won’t have a party much longer either.

There will be a center right party. And it will probably be called the GOP. They can either continue to be the Southern White Man’s Party and let the Democrats run the country the way the GOP did after the Civil War until the Great Depression when the Democrats were the Southern White Man’s Party, or they can start to modernize and move back toward the center. The latter doesn’t seem likely until the Fox News generation (median age 68) dies off.

171
gocart mozart  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:33:49pm

Happy Easter everyone
Image: 2347160738_80369de88a.jpg

172
EPR-radar  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:33:54pm

re: #163 allegro

I realize I’m taking this to a real basic place (I’m a biologist, we tend to do that) but where are trans people supposed to relieve themselves when Nature exerts her inevitable pressure? Designated bushes out back by the dumpsters? Catheters with bags taped to their thighs? WTF?

Trans people are supposed to go off somewhere and die. That really is the core position of the RWNJs.

173
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:34:37pm

re: #139 Lidane

This is hilarious:

[Embedded content]

That tweet is remarkable because it shows Fox News ignoring their own poll. They’re focused on Kasich when these are the actual results:

Also, there’s this:

Let that sink in a while. Fox News’s own poll shows that Trump would lose to Hillary by double digits and that more of their voters would be scared of a Trump presidency than by Hillary taking office.

If this doesn’t set off alarm bells at the RNC, nothing else will.

I guess the appeal of Kasich and Cruz is they’ll put whites back in their proper place without making it obvious that they’re being racist about it.

174
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:34:44pm

re: #169 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

As a political junky I have to say I am very interested in seeing it happen. One of the guys I work with was a republican but left and joined my side during the Bush years because he saw the creeping fascism and craziness. I have a feeling there are a lot more like him and the Dems have a truly big tent, for better or worse.

We have a good amount of former Republicans here too as you know. I agree.

175
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:35:31pm
176
Belafon  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:35:35pm

re: #167 HappyWarrior

Of course the libertarians in the lurch aren’t much better. They have absolutist views on the economy and view any economic intervention by the government as statism that eliminates whatever good they may have to offer on choice, LGBT rights, drug use, etc.

All voting libertarians have to offer on those issues is that they’ll let the states decide.

177
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:35:47pm

re: #174 HappyWarrior

We have a good amount of former Republicans here too as you know. I agree.

Yeah, I’ve been around here since 08 and watched the transformation :)

178
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:36:03pm

re: #170 Big Beautiful Door

There will be a center right party. And it will probably be called the GOP. They can either continue to be the Southern White Man’s Party and let the Democrats run the country the way the GOP did after the Civil War until the Great Depression when the Democrats were the Southern White Man’s Party, or they can start to modernize and move back toward the center. The latter doesn’t seem likely until the Fox News generation (median age 68) dies off.

I’m grateful that my Dad and close family haven’t become that way. My Dad encounters a lot of guys assuming he thinks like them and they go off on millennials, liberals, and Obama to him and he’s polite as you can be with that but the amount of hatred for Obama just amazes him.

179
MsJ  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:37:05pm

re: #123 HappyWarrior

Exactly. We need a sane Republican party. I mean I may not like the assholes but we need sane ones and by sane I don’t mean clowns like McCain who pander to the insane to save their own skins.

No. We need a sane opposition party. Fuck republicans. Let them die like the Whigs so a new party can rise from the ashes, let the hateful in the GOP retain the GOP moniker and a new party overtakes them as a party of thinking people.

Anything and everything GOP needs to go. It’s a rot so deep it needs to be nuked and ground into dust.

180
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:37:08pm

alright, time to go relax a bit before bed and catch up on Lucifer.

181
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:37:17pm

re: #176 Belafon

All voting libertarians have to offer on those issues is that they’ll let the states decide.

Which is how we got Jim Crow. They talk about individual rights but they don’t want a federal government to enforce those rights. In that sense, I find the Libertarian movement useless and why it’s doomed for failure.

182
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:37:37pm

re: #179 MsJ

No. We need a sane opposition party. Fuck republicans. Let them die like the Whigs so a new party can rise from the ashes, let the hateful in the GOP retain the GOP moniker and a new party overtakes them as a party of thinking people.

Anything and everything GOP needs to go. It’s a rot so deep it needs to be nuked and ground into dust.

True enough.

183
ObserverArt  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:38:53pm

Later Lizardfolk…and may all the puppies have a nice snooze to remember their holiday.

184
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:39:10pm

re: #177 Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance

Yeah, I’ve been around here since 08 and watched the transformation :)

It’s pretty amazing. It’s why I just can’t accept someone being born into a Republican environment just seeing it as the party they were born into. I mean I was raised in a liberal environment but my Dad’s credit has always been trying to get me to realize there’s more than one side to a story, something he got from his own father.

185
HappyWarrior  Mar 23, 2016 • 7:41:36pm

Oh you’er for legalized weed but think the states should decide. So hypothetically I could have my legal D.C weed on me but risk getting a Dracoian prison sentence in a bordering area. I just don’t think that’s right. I don’t view our states as little independent kingdoms like the old German states from before unification. Our states all border each other in some way except for Alaska and Hawaii. A strong and interconnected country should have a strong and functioning federal government IMO.

186
Great White Snark  Mar 23, 2016 • 8:06:42pm

Allegro?

littlegreenfootballs.com

187
Ming5000  Mar 24, 2016 • 2:38:49am

re: #139 Lidane

If this doesn’t set off alarm bells at the RNC, nothing else will.

Here is another of the scenarios that I have been playing in my head. After what is certainly going to be a horrible convention and Trump is the nominee, what revenge is he going to wreak on the RNC and his rapidly lengthening list of GOP enemies.
Further, if somehow he won the Presidency, his first victims will be the GOP establishment. They are the nearest and most tangible enemies, and probably easiest targets, for him to exercise his ego on.

188
Jebediah, RBG  Mar 24, 2016 • 7:16:13am

re: #149 majii

I believe it is setting off alarm bells behind the scene at the RNC, but Priebus will try to mitigate the fear of losing in November with another tweet, saying “Look at the fine group of politicians we have running.” He’ll remain as delusional as he’s always been.

Well, if you’re a carnival barker, you can’t stand there shouting “Come see the lamest show on Earth! Be amazed at how quickly you’ll regret it! Gnash your teeth thinking of what else you could have done with the price of admission!”
His paycheck depends on pretending that what he’s selling is something worth buying, after all.


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