1
EPR-radar  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:08:24pm

In other words, a clown show is exactly what to expect from the Presidency* of Fuckface von Clownstick

2
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:14:34pm
3
HappyWarrior  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:15:23pm

re: #2 teleskiguy

[Embedded content]

Yet he talks crap about our actual allies.

4
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:17:22pm

Milk Of Human Kindness

And Rep. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania, one of Trump’s earliest and most ardent backers on Capitol Hill, announced on Twitter that he would vote against the American Health Care Act after Trump’s personal plea for passage.

“Due to my concern over lack of verification that tax credits won’t go to people unlawfully in U.S.,” Barletta wrote, “I can’t support AHCA in its current form.”

5
Dave In Austin  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:19:32pm

Anyone watching Maddow? Interesting bit on Russian bots used during the elections

6
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:21:05pm
7
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:22:22pm
8
Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:25:09pm

Olbermann has it right. Anyone who thinks Trump is playing 12th dimensional chess is not paying attention. To me, it was obvious during the campaign - he would stomp all over what would have been a really bad news cycle for Clinton to make himself look bad.

One thing my wife does that drives me mad is to constantly ignore the simple rule “Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.” So much of what Trump et al. do is just so dumb, the only thing that prevents them being rode out of town on a rail is that about 40% of America is even dumber.

9
freetoken  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:28:50pm

As a freebie, the Chrome game Crosswords Arena is a deal, but I wonder if the English dictionary is cobbled together by non-English speakers…

Here is a game I won:

My last word was “KAT”.

Now the only way that is an English word is as a spelling variant of “khat” which is common word for an African plant.

Oh well, the computer is easy enough to beat, at least if I’m not under the clock.

10
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:29:02pm
11
Dave In Austin  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:30:16pm

...

12
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:30:53pm

re: #9 freetoken

As a freebie, the Chrome game Crosswords Arena is a deal, but I wonder if the English dictionary is cobbled together by non-English speakers…

Here is a game I won:

[Embedded content]

My last word was “KAT”.

Now the only way that is an English word is as a spelling variant of “khat” which is common word for an African plant.

Oh well, the computer is easy enough to beat, at least if I’m not under the clock.

Well, it is held as an acceptable alternative spelling.

kat
or khat, qat
[kaht]

noun
1.
an evergreen shrub, Catha edulis, of Arabia and Africa, the leaves of which are used as a narcotic when chewed or made into a beverage.

dictionary.com

13
freetoken  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:32:14pm

re: #12 Anymouse

But the game’s dictionary won’t accept “DANE”, but that was a word to describe any of the invaders into England during Danelaw.

14
Charles Johnson  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:32:40pm

re: #8 Blind Frog Belly White

Olbermann has it right. Anyone who thinks Trump is playing 12th dimensional chess is not paying attention. To me, it was obvious during the campaign - he would stomp all over what would have been a really bad news cycle for Clinton to make himself look bad.

One thing my wife does that drives me mad is to constantly ignore the simple rule “Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.” So much of what Trump et al. do is just so dumb, the only thing that prevents them being rode out of town on a rail is that about 40% of America is even dumber.

And 60% don’t even bother to get off their asses and vote.

15
austin_blue  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:33:14pm

re: #13 freetoken

But the game’s dictionary won’t accept “DANE”, but that was a word to describe any of the invaders into England during Danelaw.

Bloody Vikings…

16
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:33:37pm

re: #8 Blind Frog Belly White

Olbermann has it right. Anyone who thinks Trump is playing 12th dimensional chess is not paying attention.

Anyone who thinks that is just as ignorant as the yam.

Anyone who knows even the basics of chess realizes that it’s the Queen who wins in the end..never the King.

17
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:36:13pm

My computer just borked. I need to restart it. BRB you poor devils.

18
Kragar  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:36:32pm
19
austin_blue  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:38:12pm

re: #17 Anymouse

My computer just borked. I need to restart it. BRB you poor devils.

Your computer grew a Brillo Pad on the bottom of its monitor?

That’s just creepy as shit, dude.

20
FormerDirtDart  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:39:20pm
21
austin_blue  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:40:08pm

re: #18 Kragar

[Embedded content]

The drool is a masterful touch.

Well done!

22
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:42:33pm

re: #13 freetoken

But the game’s dictionary won’t accept “DANE”, but that was a word to describe any of the invaders into England during Danelaw.

Dane is a proper noun. (In Scrabble proper nouns aren’t allowed, perhaps this computer game doesn’t accept them either).

Humour in logging back into LGF: When I get to the home page, but before I log in, I get the bar of Revcontent adverts to the right side of the browser. They are always variants on “Biblical secret to melt belly fat right away!”

a) atheist
b) I weigh #115 pounds

23
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:42:54pm

re: #20 FormerDirtDart

[Embedded content]

LOL! loving that tiny hand…

24
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:43:42pm
25
FormerDirtDart  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:51:32pm

Planned Parenthood Opens $8 Billion Abortionplex - The Onion (2011)
Congressman links to Onion story - Politico (2012)
How exactlt did you get elected? - Literally Unbelievable

26
freetoken  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:57:14pm

re: #22 Anymouse

“dane” is used in other ways.

For example, as a shortening of “great dane”.

27
Targetpractice  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:57:21pm

re: #14 Charles Johnson

And 60% don’t even bother to get off their asses and vote.

And yet tell themselves they’re “smarter” or “morally superior” for sitting on their asses or voting third party.

28
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:58:41pm

I would say we are living in Idiocracy right now, except that Trump makes President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho look like Winston Churchill.

29
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 6:59:35pm

re: #25 FormerDirtDart

Dude thought this was real.

The 900,000-square-foot facility has more than 2,000 rooms dedicated to the abortion procedure. The abundance of surgical space, [Cecile] Richards said, will ensure that women visiting the facility can be quickly fitted into stirrups without pausing to second-guess their decision or consider alternatives such as adoption. Hundreds of on-site counselors are also available to meet with clients free of charge and go over the many ways that carrying a child to term will burden them and very likely ruin their lives.

The remaining space is dedicated to amenities such as coffee shops, bars, dozens of restaurants and retail outlets, a three-story nightclub, and a 10-screen multiplex theater—features intended not only to help clients relax, but to foster a sense of community and make abortion more of a social event.

“We really want abortion to become a regular part of women’s lives, especially younger women who have enough fertile years ahead of them to potentially have dozens of abortions,” said Richards, adding that the Abortionplex would provide shuttle service to and from most residences, schools, and shopping malls in the region. “Our hope is for this facility to become a regular destination where a woman in her second trimester can whoop it up at karaoke and then kick back while we vacuum out the contents of her uterus.”

And now this ass clown will be making important decisions at the Department of Health and Human Services. No wonder we’re fucked as a country.

30
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:01:48pm

re: #28 The Vicious Babushka

I would say we are living in Idiocracy right now, except that Trump makes President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho look like Winston Churchill.

You said it yourself, President Camacho is a much better president. He deferred to people smarter than him with important policy and peacefully ceded power to his intellectual and political better. And he let people jet ski in the reflecting pool.

31
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:01:53pm

re: #26 freetoken

“dane” is used in other ways.

For example, as a shortening of “great dane”.

Great Dane is a proper noun (thus it is capitalised)

32
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:02:02pm

re: #28 The Vicious Babushka

I would say we are living in Idiocracy right now, except that Trump makes President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho look like Winston Churchill.

and President Camacho is in a hella lot better physical shape.

33
FormerDirtDart  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:02:55pm
34
ObserverArt  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:03:07pm

re: #5 Dave In Austin

Anyone watching Maddow? Interesting bit on Russian bots used during the elections

I saw that. Twitter is very good for bot activity. I don’t think it could be set up any better actually.

35
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:04:03pm

re: #30 teleskiguy

You said it yourself, President Camacho is a much better president. He defers to people smarter than him with important policy and peacefully ceded power to his intellectual and political better. And he let people jet ski in the reflecting pool.

He was also not a racist.

36
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:05:11pm
37
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:07:24pm

As a farmer, might I politely suggest you to take your proclamation and shove it where the sun don’t shine…

38
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:09:34pm

re: #37 Backwoods_Sleuth

As a farmer, might I politely suggest you to take your proclamation and shove it where the sun don’t shine…

[Embedded content]

Well, I’m not a farmer, but I live in an agricultural community. May I politely help?

39
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:10:04pm

re: #38 Anymouse

Well, I’m not a farmer, but I live in an agricultural community. May I politely help?

yes, you may.

40
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:11:11pm
41
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:11:19pm

re: #37 Backwoods_Sleuth

As an owner of farmland (“farmer” is a bit of a reach)…seconded.

42
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:11:40pm

CEO of Molina Healthcare (an insurance company) comes out against the AHCA - “I think it’s terrible.”
huffingtonpost.com

43
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:12:09pm

Why are groups secretly spending millions in dark money to get Gorsuch confirmed? Judge Gorsuch told me I’d have to ask them. Wish I could!

44
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:13:06pm

cuteness break

45
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:20:16pm

stand back and watch the blood spatter if this thing doesnt pass

46
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:21:35pm

American spring breakers chant “build that wall” while in Mexico.
ajc.com

The Yucatan Times blasted them in an editorial response.
theyucatantimes.com

47
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:22:00pm

O_O

48
gocart mozart  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:22:23pm
49
Stanley Sea  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:25:13pm

He speaks! ……. kind of. @mitchellreports

50
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:28:31pm
51
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:29:24pm
52
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:30:08pm
53
Patricia Kayden  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:30:35pm

re: #46 Anymouse

American spring breakers chant “build that wall” while in Mexico.
ajc.com

The Yucatan Times blasted them in an editorial response.
theyucatantimes.com

Ugly Americans. What nerve they have.

54
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:31:08pm

re: #49 Stanley Sea

He speaks! ……. kind of. @mitchellreports

[Embedded content]

It sure looks like someone is playing brinkmanship with North Korea.

External threat (or war) is always good to divert from domestic Dumpster fires.

55
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:31:46pm

re: #52 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

56
HappyWarrior  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:32:17pm

re: #46 Anymouse

American spring breakers chant “build that wall” while in Mexico.
ajc.com

The Yucatan Times blasted them in an editorial response.
theyucatantimes.com

There simply is no excuse for that kind of behavior at all. Sigh. Fucking assholes.

57
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:33:06pm
58
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:33:54pm

re: #56 HappyWarrior

There simply is no excuse for that kind of behavior at all. Sigh. Fucking assholes.

I’m all for genetic study to determine the “asshole gene” so parents can be counselled about having children. /s

59
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:33:54pm
60
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:35:40pm

re: #50 Backwoods_Sleuth

61
Skip Intro  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:35:56pm

re: #50 Backwoods_Sleuth

This is where he tweets he knew it was going to happen so he sold all his stocks and ” made a killing”.

No mention of the “blind trust” was made.re: #54 Anymouse

It sure looks like someone is playing brinkmanship with North Korea.

External threat (or war) is always good to divert from domestic Dumpster fires.

We’re living in a real life “Being There” where everyone is Chauncy Gardener, only not as smart.

62
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:37:04pm

re: #61 Skip Intro

This is where he tweets he knew it was going to happen so he sold all his stocks and ” made a killing”.

No mention of the “blind trust” was made.

We’re living in a real life “Being There” where everyone is Chauncy Gardener, only not as smart.

And no where near as likeable.

63
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:37:51pm

re: #61 Skip Intro

Chauncy knew he wasn’t smart.

And he wasn’t as mean as a piss-drenched weasel that just divorced.

64
Charles Johnson  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:38:07pm
65
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:38:34pm

re: #59 Backwoods_Sleuth

I don’t want to brag too much, but I predicted something like this as soon as Tillerson made his stupid remarks about our North Korea policy needing change.

66
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:38:38pm
67
Skip Intro  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:39:15pm

re: #62 Backwoods_Sleuth

I was going to add that but my finger got tired (damn iPad).

68
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:39:37pm

re: #65 wheat-dogg

I don’t want to brag too much, but I predicted something like this as soon as Tillerson made his stupid remarks about our North Korea policy needing change.

lol it gets worse -_-

69
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:40:25pm
70
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:40:45pm

re: #68 Interesting Times

More accurately, God told his wife to tell him.

71
Skip Intro  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:41:13pm

re: #64 Charles Johnson

Looks like he’ll be heading to Mar-a-lago early this week to discuss this with whoever is eating dinner there.

72
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:41:40pm

re: #60 Interesting Times

It will be interesting to see if the market is ‘hiccuping’ or if it will drop precipitously.

Disclaimer: I can’t imagine who thought that Trump would be good for business, long term, and bid up those stock prices.

73
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:43:04pm
74
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:43:53pm

re: #72 calochortus

It will be interesting to see if the market is ‘hiccuping’ or if it will drop precipitously.

Disclaimer: I can’t imagine who thought that Trump would be good for business, long term, and bid up those stock prices.

Investors don’t like instability and doubt, which we got a lot of lately, what with the FBI investigating the Trump campaign, the AHCA dead in the water, and international relations going down the toilet.

75
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:44:39pm

re: #68 Interesting Times

lol it gets worse -_-

[Embedded content]

The lack of sophistication on the part of the CEO of a major company is stunning. What exactly did he think the Secretary of State does that he might be qualified to take up?

76
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:44:51pm

Hmmm…could a filibuster be in her future? #ShePersisted

77
Patricia Kayden  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:45:16pm

re: #55 Backwoods_Sleuth

It’s like he thinks he’s doing us a favor. ** rolls eyes **

78
Patricia Kayden  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:46:38pm

re: #76 Interesting Times

Democrats should be filibustering Gorsuch on principle. That vacancy was President Obama’s to fill.

79
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:47:16pm

re: #74 wheat-dogg

Investors don’t like instability and doubt, which we got a lot of lately, what with the FBI investigating the Trump campaign, the AHCA dead in the water, and international relations going down the toilet.

True, but there was a whole boatload of instability and doubt the day after the election (when the market dropped.) The big boys have just been following each other in betting that this sector or that will do well with fewer regulations. Now someone realized that Trump is a total incompetent, surrounded by venal, self interested jerks and this isn’t going to be great for the economy. Surprise.

80
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:47:18pm

re: #66 Backwoods_Sleuth

Puts money in communion plate in a Catholic church.

81
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:47:47pm

re: #75 calochortus

The lack of sophistication on the part of the CEO of a major company is stunning. What exactly did he think the Secretary of State does that he might be qualified to take up?

All this time I assumed it was a ploy to lift sanctions so he could shovel through his $500-billion pillage-the-Arctic deal. Is he making up the “my wife told me to” story to cover that up, or is he genuinely this hopeless? o_O

82
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:48:17pm

re: #75 calochortus

The lack of sophistication on the part of the CEO of a major company is stunning. What exactly did he think the Secretary of State does that he might be qualified to take up?

Five hundred billion reasons from Russia with Love… .

83
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:49:03pm

re: #81 Interesting Times

All this time I assumed it was a ploy to lift sanctions so he could shovel through his $500-billion pillage-the-Arctic deal. Is he making up the “my wife told me to” story to cover that up, or is he genuinely this hopeless? o_O

He might just be hopeless enough to have let his wife flatter him into doing God’s will-‘cause he’s just that important a person.

84
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:50:30pm

re: #80 Anymouse

Once knew a fabulous fellow who did anthropological studies of very wealthy Americans; I very much wish he’d lived long enough to give everyone an earful about Trump as product of an insular culture that we basically deny exists…the people so well off they can just operate inside a bubble where “normal” culture doesn’t penetrate.

85
HappyWarrior  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:50:41pm

re: #66 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Maybe he can put it in the basketball ring with Ted Cruz.

86
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:51:58pm
87
HappyWarrior  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:52:28pm

re: #73 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Well, she doesn’t realize it but she’s basically admitting that the Republicans don’t care that Russia hacked the election in favor of Trump because it benefited them. If there had been evidence of foreign involvement to directly elect Clinton or Obama, they would have been out for blood but because Team GOP won, they just don’t fucking care. They want their fucked up ideology pushed no matter what.

88
Skip Intro  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:53:46pm

re: #70 wheat-dogg

More accurately, God told his wife to tell him.

Apparently God’s plan is for him to go down as the most incompetent SS in US history working for the most incompetent president in US history.

I’m ok with that. You don’t want to cross GOD!

89
Barefoot Grin  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:54:02pm

talkingpointsmemo.com

Kellyanne: Trump doesn’t know these people.

What about you, Kellyanne. You’ve only been with the campaign for less than a year. Does Trump know you? Does Trump know anyone besides his beloved Ivanka?

90
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:54:04pm

posting this again because it still isn’t old…

91
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:55:35pm
92
Skip Intro  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:55:51pm

re: #86 Backwoods_Sleuth

Will he be bringing his nurse along?

93
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:56:45pm
94
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:57:09pm
95
Stanley Sea  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:57:23pm

re: #92 Skip Intro

Will he be bringing his nurse along?

No doubt.

96
Backwoods_Sleuth  Mar 21, 2017 • 7:58:16pm
97
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:00:28pm

re: #88 Skip Intro

Apparently God’s plan is for him to go down as the most incompetent SS in US history working for the most incompetent president in US history.

I’m ok with that. You don’t want to cross GOD!

God also told several of the GOP candidates to run for the nomination, and they all lost to an irreligious billionaire. God has a sick sense of humor.

98
Kragar  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:01:30pm
99
FormerDirtDart  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:01:48pm
100
Stanley Sea  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:03:04pm

re: #93 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

And here we are

If President Trump announces that North Korea launched a missile that landed within 100 miles of Hawaii, would most Americans believe him? Would the rest of the world? We’re not sure, which speaks to the damage that Mr. Trump is doing to his Presidency with his seemingly endless stream of exaggerations, evidence-free accusations, implausible denials and other falsehoods.

101
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:05:04pm

re: #98 Kragar

But there was no crisis to begin with. Despite the bleating from Trump and RWNJs, there were not hordes of illegal immigrants crossing the border, “invading” our country. In reality, illegal border crossings have declined since 2006, and no one from the 6 or 7 banned countries have committed acts of terrorism on our soil.

102
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:05:35pm
103
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:06:51pm

re: #97 wheat-dogg

God also told several of the GOP candidates to run for the nomination, and they all lost to an irreligious billionaire hundredaire. God has a sick sense of humor.

Fixed /s

104
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:07:07pm

re: #100 Stanley Sea

And here we are

But, I thought with Trump in charge all those other countries would be afraid of our manly military might and behave themselves.

105
Barefoot Grin  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:08:22pm

re: #101 wheat-dogg

But there was no crisis to begin with. Despite the bleating from Trump and RWNJs, there were not hordes of illegal immigrants crossing the border, “invading” our country. In reality, illegal border crossings have declined since 2006, and no one from the 6 or 7 banned countries have committed acts of terrorism on our soil.

Right! There was no “death spiral” for ACA; there was no “mess” to clean up; there was no “crisis” of immigrant hordes. A few choice words came to my fingertips about the kind of people who would cause real human suffering and even death by these lies, but I felt a higher power drawing me back.

106
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:19:02pm
107
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:24:27pm

re: #105 Barefoot Grin

Right! There was no “death spiral” for ACA; there was no “mess” to clean up; there was no “crisis” of immigrant hordes. A few choice words came to my fingertips about the kind of people who would cause real human suffering and even death by these lies, but I felt a higher power drawing me back.

It’s the GOP/RW gameplan.
1. Develop a platform with no factual basis
2. Create Fabricate a crisis for each plank of the platform, despite lack of evidence for crisis
3. Portray the fake crisis as an imminent threat/disaster to the nation
4. Once in power, enact platform
5. Watch as proposed solutions make the situation worse, creating a real crisis.
6. Blame Obama.

108
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:31:43pm

re: #4 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

Milk Of Human Kindness

And Rep. Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania, one of Trump’s earliest and most ardent backers on Capitol Hill, announced on Twitter that he would vote against the American Health Care Act after Trump’s personal plea for passage.

“Due to my concern over lack of verification that tax credits won’t go to people unlawfully in U.S.,” Barletta wrote, “I can’t support AHCA in its current form.”

I think I may call my representative, Andy Barr, and tell him to oppose the ACHA because its “Obamacare lite.” Because telling him it cruelly denies healthcare to the sick and poor may cause him to support it.

109
Joe Bacon  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:33:05pm
110
BeachDem  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:33:14pm

re: #49 Stanley Sea

He speaks! ……. kind of. @mitchellreports

[Embedded content]

Wow, Andrea, I smell Pulitzer!!
//

What the fuck was she thanking him for?

111
Lidane  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:34:49pm

*facepalm*

112
Lidane  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:37:25pm

What could possibly go wrong?

113
petesh  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:37:56pm

re: #46 Anymouse

American spring breakers chant “build that wall” while in Mexico.
ajc.com

The Yucatan Times blasted them in an editorial response.
theyucatantimes.com

The Comments on the Yucatan Times piece, from Americans, are mostly horrible

114
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:38:06pm
115
Joe Bacon  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:38:27pm

re: #108 Big Beautiful Door

I think I may call my representative, Andy Barr, and tell him to oppose the ACHA because its “Obamacare lite.” Because telling him it cruelly denies healthcare to the sick and poor may cause him to support it.

Barletta has always been a racist pig. Remember him from 1980 when he was a hard core Reagan backer. Yet another reason why I left Pennsylvania and I will never go back!

116
Big Beautiful Door  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:38:29pm

re: #45 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

stand back and watch the blood spatter if this thing doesnt pass

I so want to see that happen Thursday and how Trump reacts.

117
BeachDem  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:38:45pm

re: #68 Interesting Times

lol it gets worse -_-

[Embedded content]

Well, as long as he answered humbly after seeing the contortions of the “reporter’s” face.

This is what passes for journalism in the yam era. Sigh.

118
BeachDem  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:40:27pm

re: #73 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Is anyone even comparing it to the 9/11 investigation? I hear Watergate and HILLARY’S EMAILS 11TY more often.

119
calochortus  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:41:20pm

re: #116 Big Beautiful Door

I so want to see that happen Thursday and how Trump reacts.

Don’t we all?

120
fern01  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:42:36pm

re: #114 teleskiguy

Our previous President on Chuck Berry

121
Joe Bacon  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:47:01pm

re: #120 fern01

[Embedded content]

Our previous President on Chuck Berry

The only time you’ll see a similar tweet like that from President Pee Pee is when Pat Boone dies.

But then, Pat has been brain dead for years ever since he lost his head…

Pat Boone Flips His Wig

122
mmmirele  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:47:03pm

re: #74 wheat-dogg

Investors don’t like instability and doubt, which we got a lot of lately, what with the FBI investigating the Trump campaign, the AHCA dead in the water, and international relations going down the toilet.

I think this is pretty minimal compared to the kind of drop we may see if Kim Jong Un tries to mix it up with Trump.

PS One of the managers at work told me what his wife (an immigration attorney) calls Trump: “Trumpty Dumpty.” Yeah, Trump has brought her business, but it’s not business she likes. Having to basically rescue people with visas (that she helped them get) from Customs and Border Patrol is not making her happy.

123
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:52:03pm

Woah, here’s an angle on the electronics ban I hadn’t even thought of:

124
mmmirele  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:52:48pm

re: #102 Anymouse

Sometime in the early ’00s, my parents picked me up at Phoenix Sky Harbor. I stalked out from the secured gate area and told them flatly, “Get me out of here before I lose my shit.” I’d just seen a little old lady in a purple pantsuit in the secondary screening area and was NOT HAPPY.

125
Stanley Sea  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:53:50pm
126
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:55:29pm

Golly I hope this is a true thing. #ImpeachTrump

127
Interesting Times  Mar 21, 2017 • 8:58:46pm

Another promising sign:

128
BlueGrl21  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:10:09pm

Man, I always see things late.

Worst things mansplained to me…

In the first year of our 20+ year marriage, my husband explained to me why I should be able to use less toilet paper AND that I get too many runs in my tights.

That habit was corrected immediately. Which is why we are still married.

At work, it’s constant. I am our enterprise agile coach for a very large tech company…everything rolls up to me. I cannot TELL you how many times I have had male colleagues or outside vendors think they need to explain to me, slowly and patiently, how agile “should work.”

They’re pretty much always wrong. And they invariably have less experience than me….been at this since 1999. I just end up quizzing them on their experience with running agile teams in the real world vs. quoting a book to me and it becomes obvious that I don’t need any explanations.

I’ve gotten immune to it now, it used to infuriate me. Now my (male) boss just looks and me and then at them and says, “Well, you fucked up. Now you get to deal with her making you look stupid.”

129
Eclectic Cyborg  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:11:35pm

re: #127 Interesting Times

Somewhat encouraging, but I fear Trump and co will find a way to ram Gorsuch through. Then, after Trump has his guy on SCOTUS, he can really fuck up the country.

130
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:15:06pm

re: #113 petesh

The Comments on the Yucatan Times piece, from Americans, are mostly horrible

We sure have a bunch of wingnut trolls in our country.

Worse, they’re going after Canada on the piece as well. (Variations of the “genocide the liberals” that was chanted in Arizona at a rally attended by Republican politicians a few days ago.)

131
TedStriker  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:18:36pm

re: #129 Eclectic Cyborg

Somewhat encouraging, but I fear Trump and co will find a way to ram Gorsuch through. Then, after Trump has his guy on SCOTUS, he can really fuck up the country.

Or, alternately, Pence and the TPGOP faithful in Congress may just decide to airlock Hair Furor once Gorsuch is confirmed, because Trump is quickly making them look pretty fucking bad to regular folks, not just to those of us who have always been paying attention to them. The longer Trump is in office, the weaker it makes the GOP incumbents in 2018 and 2020.

132
Joe Bacon  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:19:50pm

re: #113 petesh

The Comments on the Yucatan Times piece, from Americans, are mostly horrible

Those comments are yet another reason why the rest of the world is turning against us. I’m really dreading President Pee Pee going to the NATO summit and truly going out of control to the point that other countries pull out of NATO.

133
FormerDirtDart  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:23:23pm

re: #123 Interesting Times

Woah, here’s an angle on the electronics ban I hadn’t even thought of:

No US air carriers are affected because no US air carriers fly direct routes to/from any of the designated countries.
The UK is imposing similar ban to flights originating from a number of countries. It will affect number of UK air carriers.

134
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:26:29pm

re: #133 FormerDirtDart

No US air carriers are affected because no US air carriers fly direct routes to/from any of the designated countries.
The UK is imposing similar ban to flights originating from a number of countries. It will affect number of UK air carriers.

Why can’t someone just fly from, say, Istanbul to Spain or Germany, and then fly to New York? Why can’t someone blow up their laptop in the luggage compartment as well as in the passenger compartment?

135
Hecuba's daughter  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:30:53pm

re: #129 Eclectic Cyborg

Somewhat encouraging, but I fear Trump and co will find a way to ram Gorsuch through. Then, after Trump has his guy on SCOTUS, he can really fuck up the country.

He doesn’t need the Supreme Court to destroy the country; having today’s Republicans in charge of Congress as well as the White House is enough to inflict lasting harm. Most of his Cabinet Secretaries can damage their departments beyond repair. The Republican party today are nihilists who care nothing about the future and romanticize the past; Trump is not an aberration, except for his extreme ignorance about apparently everything involved in governing. Unfortunately 46% of the population saw fit to vote for him despite his obvious lack of qualifications for the position — and they weren’t all uneducated coal miners.

136
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:34:47pm

re: #135 Hecuba’s daughter

He doesn’t need the Supreme Court to destroy the country; having today’s Republicans in charge of Congress as well as the White House is enough to inflict lasting harm. Most of his Cabinet Secretaries can damage their departments beyond repair. The Republican party today are nihilists who care nothing about the future and romanticize the past; Trump is not an aberration, except for his extreme ignorance about apparently everything involved in governing. Unfortunately 46% of the population saw fit to vote for him despite his obvious lack of qualifications for the position — and they weren’t all uneducated coal miners.

Edited with your permission!

137
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:35:53pm
138
Jebediah, RBG  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:36:27pm

re: #114 teleskiguy

It wouldn’t have just been a statement, either - it would have been respectful, eloquent, and sensitive.

ETA: Like the statement he did make. And which I had already seen….

139
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:38:16pm

re: #138 Jebediah, RBG

It wouldn’t have just been a statement, either - it would have been respectful, eloquent, and sensitive.

140
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:40:35pm
141
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:42:30pm

re: #140 Anymouse

Because they are just CALLING themselves Christian. Not being Christian.

142
Jebediah, RBG  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:42:40pm

re: #139 teleskiguy

Me too. A lot.

143
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:43:43pm

re: #141 retired cynic

Because they are just CALLING themselves Christian. Not being Christian.

But I’ll be the one who goes to Hell for not saying the right words.

144
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:45:22pm

re: #143 Anymouse

But I’ll be the one who goes to Hell for not saying the right words.

You know you don’t believe that! And there would be a bunch of us on adjoining benches, if the words are all it takes.

145
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:46:22pm

Remember, Mr. Manafort: The guy who rolls first to the Feds gets the best deal.

146
Hecuba's daughter  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:48:35pm

re: #136 retired cynic

Edited with your permission!

You have my full permission!!

147
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:48:51pm

re: #143 Anymouse

But I’ll be the one who goes to Hell for not saying the right words.

re: #144 retired cynic

You know you don’t believe that! And there would be a bunch of us on adjoining benches, if the words are all it takes.

No of course I don’t believe it. It is what a depressing number of people believe about me, though.

James 2:17 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

148
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:52:12pm
149
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:55:04pm

re: #147 Anymouse

No of course I don’t believe it. It is what a depressing number of people believe about me, though.

James 2:17 - Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Isn’t this a major theological dispute among some Christian sects? As I understand it, some of the Pentecostal/Evangelical sects make faith primary and consider works largely irrelevant. IOW, a “good Christian” is someone who has strong faith and witnesses to others (potential converts), regardless of his or her works, whereas someone who devotes time and energy to charitable and humanitarian work without making it all about Christ is a “lukewarm Christian.”

150
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 9:57:34pm

Thai senator calls a particular Buddhist temple is “a threat to national security.” The temple is very modernistic and unlike any other Buddhist temple in the world. Conservatives in Thailand want to “purge Buddhism of corrupting influences.” Thai police were in a siege with the temple, looking for the abbot, who they accuse of financial misdeeds surrounding a failed credit union.

The temple is shaped like a flying saucer, and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
bbc.com

151
Hecuba's daughter  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:00:54pm

re: #149 wheat-dogg

Isn’t this a major theological dispute among some Christian sects? As I understand it, some of the Pentecostal/Evangelical sects make faith primary and consider works largely irrelevant. IOW, a “good Christian” is someone who has strong faith and witnesses to others (potential converts), regardless of his or her works, whereas someone who devotes time and energy to charitable and humanitarian work without making it all about Christ is a “lukewarm Christian.”

My personal belief has always been that charity, kindness, good works, true repentance, and love are all that matter; and the only value of faith is to bring you there. But then I am not particularly religious.

152
majii  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:01:55pm

re: #141 retired cynic

“Because they are just CALLING themselves Christian. Not being Christian.”

I had a “c”hristian on the MMFA site yesterday who called me a CINO. He was quoting from Ezekiel about how we all should respect Trump because he was “chosen” by Godand claimed that for the first time, we now have a “c”hristian in the WH. I asked him if this was a fairly recent way he developed for viewing American presidents and informed him that if is is, he’s a hypocrite. He never answered my question, so I asked him again. No answer. The one time he responded to my response to his original comment, he told me how “educated” he is and listed his credentials. In my response I told him he needs to remove the education card from the deck because I have multiple degrees, and therefore, I am better-educated than he is, that is, if he wants to count the number of degrees one has.

153
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:03:05pm

ABC says the electronics ban by the UK and US is based in a credible threat from ISIS.
abcnews.go.com

(more at ABC):
New aviation security measures restricting electronic devices on flights from certain overseas airports were prompted by new threat intelligence obtained earlier this year indicating that ISIS associates were working on smuggling explosives-laden electronics onto U.S.-bound flights, ABC News has learned.

The U.S. government has deemed the threat information “substantiated” and “credible,” according to one source familiar with the intelligence.

Sources said that the airports - in eight Middle Eastern and African countries - affected by the restrictions were not directly named in the most recent threat intelligence gathered by authorities, but determined through intelligence analysis paired with other government information.

154
majii  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:05:03pm

re: #145 Anymouse

“”We’re going to need to bring him in”: Senate wants to know more about Paul Manafort’s Ukraine dealings.”

I would not be surprised if Manafort refused to appear before a Senate committee. Some politicians in the Ukrainian government have been trying to get him to testify there for going on about three years, and counting. He is lawyered up big time.

155
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:05:43pm

re: #152 majii

Appeal to personal authority (citing your achievements, degrees, IQ, &c) is a particularly bad argument. It does not support an assertion.

“I’m smart, I’m educated” whatever can still be “I’m wrong.”

156
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:09:09pm

Does your wingnut sparring partner over at MMFA think that Hitler or Pol Pot were chosen by God (citing Ezekiel again), and if not, how does one differentiate? The passage in the Bible does not say.

157
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:10:31pm

ryan’s problems with his precious bill stem from the fact that he gave himself a christmas present and called it healthcare reform, but it isnt anybody else’s idea of a christmas present

158
William Lewis  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:10:47pm

re: #143 Anymouse

But I’ll be the one who goes to Hell for not saying the right words.

Piffle. If there is a heaven, you will be there far sooner than the believers in cheap grace and a supposed divine “get out of jail free” card.

159
majii  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:11:14pm

re: #155 Anymouse

EXACTLY. My dad had an 8th Grade education and was one of the smartest people I knew when I was growing up. If there was something he needed/wanted to know how to do, he’d read about and would master the information and skills needed to complete the task/job. He built both of the homes I lived in while growing up, with my mom’s help, and ours when we got old enough to help. When he finished our last home, a three level dwelling, everything was paid for before we moved in. He was a sheet metal mechanic at Robins AFB, which is about 20 miles from the city in which I live.

160
Teukka  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:11:33pm

Good morning from €-lizardim territory. Mood music (hoping I didn’t already share it here): Two Steps From Hell - His Brightest Star Was You

161
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:11:53pm

re: #155 Anymouse

Appeal to personal authority (citing your achievements, degrees, IQ, &c) is a particularly bad argument. It does not support an assertion.

“I’m smart, I’m educated” whatever can still be “I’m wrong.”

generally a sign of insecurity, immaturity, and ignorance

162
Blind Frog Belly White  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:12:40pm

re: #155 Anymouse

Appeal to personal authority (citing your achievements, degrees, IQ, &c) is a particularly bad argument. It does not support an assertion.

“I’m smart, I’m educated” whatever can still be “I’m wrong.”

Well, with the exception of accomplishments in the field under discussion. And even so, if your argument isn’t valid, your credentials won’t make it so.

163
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:12:41pm

re: #141 retired cynic

Thing is, religion exists in the interstice between the worshippers and the preserved traditions.

There really is no “no, you can’t read it that way” even if it’s utterly outlandish and bonkers. The minute you have text, you have the possibility of interpretation and the divining of “gnostic” meaning. The more commentary you have, the longer the textual tradition stretches, the greater the chance of attenuation of meaning. You can skip about and pick—OT versus NT, gospel versus gospel, Paul versus everything else—until you can justify what you want.

Atop that, there’s charismatic and “spontaneous” traditions that further distort meaning, even though they’re not part of the direct textual tradition. When “validity” of theology becomes attached to personalities that inform their followers what it all means, the text ceases to be a document, but becomes just as significant as a fetish.

The GOP’s current state of truthlessness—an-epistemology, if you will—in many ways comes from how a century of charismatic religion has altered the way the Bible functions for some US Christians. It’s not a coherent text but a body of passages that can be cut-up and re-arranged to “prove” any point; the “hidden” and “prophetic” meanings supposedly present—visible only to key divines, who promote and sell their secret knowledge to their followers—matter more than the very bald statements made; the esoteric notion of dispensations means that the most naked commandments simply do not apply; context—especially Jewish contextualization of the Old Testament, and argument about its “laws” and analysis of its “history”—doesn’t matter…the Bible is “literal” even when so much of it is clearly allegorical.

They’ve rebuilt Christianity to service their needs, but it’s still Christianity—barring a Supreme being dropping down and correcting everyone.

…and it’s not exclusively a crisis in Christianity. The “invention” of State Shinto pretty much fucked up Showa Japan. Right now, Hindutva and the BJP are trying to trim the plurality of Hinduism to create a tidier, conservative religion that services their needs (and deliberately, one that ignores the historic likelihood that Hinduism is a religion that entered the subcontinent via Indoeuropean migration). Islam was built with a number of stringent rules that were an attempt to shut down pluralization of meaning….and they failed almost immediately and sects developed. And the Islamists trying to pack everyone back into “original” Islam are even more creative with their re-readings of law: wherever they’re in doubt, they assume that the issue at hand must be a matter of firm law, requiring harsh action, not something about which there can be disagreement or flexion because it’s not important.

Yep, it sucks.

164
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:13:43pm

re: #159 majii

My dad was a sheet metal worker, after WW2, and a darned good one, until he injured his back on the job and was partially paralyzed.

165
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:16:41pm

re: #163 The Ghost of Senator Incitatus

In that case, if I’m a spiritual being, perhaps I am Neanderthal!

166
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:17:01pm

re: #155 Anymouse

citing your achievements, degrees, IQ, &c

i always tell people that an any intelligent person can get a pretty good idea of how stupid they are, but because of the precise nature of computer programs, a programmer finds out every day exactly how stupid they are

e.g., here, today you were stupid on line 416 where you coded an off-by-one error

167
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:17:53pm

re: #163 The Ghost of Senator Incitatus

Thing is, religion exists in the interstice between the worshippers and the preserved traditions.

There really is no “no, you can’t read it that way” even if it’s utterly outlandish and bonkers. The minute you have text, you have the possibility of interpretation and the divining of “gnostic” meaning. The more commentary you have, the longer the textual tradition stretches, the greater the chance of attenuation of meaning. You can skip about and pick—OT versus NT, gospel versus gospel, Paul versus everything else—until you can justify what you want.

Atop that, there’s charismatic and “spontaneous” traditions that further distort meaning, even though they’re not part of the direct textual tradition. When “validity” of theology becomes attached to personalities that inform their followers what it all means, the text ceases to be a document, but becomes just as significant as a fetish.

The GOP’s current state of truthlessness—an-epistemology, if you will—in many ways comes from how a century of charismatic religion has altered the way the Bible functions for some US Christians. It’s not a coherent text but a body of passages that can be cut-up and re-arranged to “prove” any point; the “hidden” and “prophetic” meanings supposedly present—visible only to key divines, who promote and sell their secret knowledge to their followers—matter more than the very bald statements made; the esoteric notion of dispensations means that the most naked commandments simply do not apply; context—especially Jewish contextualization of the Old Testament, and argument about its “laws” and analysis of its “history”—doesn’t matter…the Bible is “literal” even when so much of it is clearly allegorical.

They’ve rebuilt Christianity to service their needs, but it’s still Christianity—barring a Supreme being dropping down and correcting everyone.

…and it’s not exclusively a crisis in Christianity. The “invention” of State Shinto pretty much fucked up Showa Japan. Right now, Hindutva and the BJP are trying to trim the plurality of Hinduism to create a tidier, conservative religion that services their needs (and deliberately, one that ignores the historic likelihood that Hinduism is a religion that entered the subcontinent via Indoeuropean migration). Islam was built with a number of stringent rules that were an attempt to shut down pluralization of meaning….and they failed almost immediately and sects developed. And the Islamists trying to pack everyone back into “original” Islam are even more creative with their re-readings of law: wherever they’re in doubt, they assume that the issue at hand must be a matter of firm law, requiring harsh action, not something about which there can be disagreement or flexion because it’s not important.

Yep, it sucks.

extra updings

168
William Lewis  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:19:55pm

re: #149 wheat-dogg

Isn’t this a major theological dispute among some Christian sects? As I understand it, some of the Pentecostal/Evangelical sects make faith primary and consider works largely irrelevant. IOW, a “good Christian” is someone who has strong faith and witnesses to others (potential converts), regardless of his or her works, whereas someone who devotes time and energy to charitable and humanitarian work without making it all about Christ is a “lukewarm Christian.”

That is the classic misunderstanding that hurts Christianity. Even where faith is considered to be primary, works are how you show grace in the world. Works, without faith, at least brings good into the world and as Christ said, those who are not against me are for me. But as James notes, faith without works is meaningless. As he says. What good is it to tell people without food or shelter to be full and warm if YOU don’t give them food or shelter?

Francis recently reiterated his comment that God would prefer a good atheist to a fake Christian. I agree. Further I think we Christians need to act like atheist s are correct and do good because it is right not out of some vain hope of a reward in the sky someday.

169
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:21:50pm

re: #163 The Ghost of Senator Incitatus

You can even “prove” that there is a secret hidden message in melting belly fat (as three adverts here noted before I logged in).

I view the Bible as a document reflecting its time and place (while aware that it has been repeatedly edited by various people either by accident or on purpose), and exists in different versions with differing numbers of books depending on the particular faith.

Endless lists of “begats” in the OT really don’t interest me much, though the writing on alleged or real historic incidents shows the minds of the writers.

For Christmas a couple years ago, I got a print copy of the “Skeptic’s Annotated Bible” for my wife (she said it was one of the most thoughtful presents she ever got).

171
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:23:52pm

re: #169 Anymouse

I love the belly fat ads.

They invariably involve pictures of (1) sea creatures, (2) tropical fruits from Asia that make no damn sense in the best way possible.

172
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:25:53pm

re: #171 The Ghost of Senator Incitatus

I love the belly fat ads.

They invariably involve pictures of (1) sea creatures, (2) tropical fruits from Asia that make no damn sense in the best way possible.

With our secret knowledge, you could turn from an ugli frut or a pineapple to a banana overnight!

173
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:28:28pm

re: #168 William Lewis

That is the classic misunderstanding that hurts Christianity. Even where faith is considered to be primary, works are how you show grace in the world. Works, without faith, at least brings good into the world and as Christ said, those who are not against me are for me. But as James notes, faith without works is meaningless. As he says. What good is it to tell people without food or shelter to be full and warm if YOU don’t give them food or shelter?

Francis recently reiterated his comment that God would prefer a good atheist to a fake Christian. I agree. Further I think we Christians need to act like atheist s are correct and do good because it is right not out of some vain hope of a reward in the sky someday.

ive been reading quite a bit about the arguments between paul and james

suffice it to say that james’ jewish, moral behavior oriented christianity has struggled with “faith alone” from just about the very beginning

174
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:29:53pm

re: #173 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

ive been reading quite a bit about the arguments between paul and james

suffice it to say that james’ jewish, moral behavior oriented christianity has struggled with “faith alone” from just about the very beginning

Dadgum Paul anyway…

175
The Ghost of Senator Incitatus  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:31:48pm

re: #173 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

Honestly, I’ve always been a bit “huh?” about Paul. He’s Cousin Oliver.

176
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:31:48pm

re: #174 retired cynic

Dadgum Paul anyway…

that paul feller really steams mah potatoes

177
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:32:00pm

re: #173 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

ive been reading quite a bit about the arguments between paul and james

suffice it to say that james’ jewish, moral behavior oriented christianity has struggled with “faith alone” from just about the very beginning

It’s also noteworthy that Martin Luther referred to the Book of James as “the Book of Straw.”

178
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:33:32pm

re: #177 Anymouse

Well, that’ll tickle Putin.

179
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:35:45pm

re: #177 Anymouse

It’s also noteworthy that Martin Luther referred to the Book of James as “the Book of Straw.”

[Embedded content]

huh

figgers since that martin luther shure did make a big fuss about “faith alone”

seriously, actually i like martin luther quite a bit, mostly, except he does really get on my bad side with this and also his anti semitism

180
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:36:14pm

re: #178 retired cynic

Well, that’ll tickle Putin.

“Hello, President Bannon? Get our guy in the White House to oppose that on Twitter.”

181
William Lewis  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:38:35pm

re: #179 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

and also his anti semitism

That does him in for me.

182
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:39:04pm

re: #179 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

huh

figgers since that martin luther shure did make a big fuss about “faith alone”

seriously, actually i like martin luther quite a bit, mostly, except he does really get on my bad side with this and also his anti semitism

Well, according to one church, they refer to the phrase as “ill-advised.”

Frustrated by religious leaders who claimed this book supported their mistaken ideas that people could buy their salvation through monetary gifts to the church, Luther uttered his ill-advised phrase. Consumed in the debate, he went beyond a proper understanding of the Scriptures and dismissed James’ statements that works are a necessary evidence of faith.

Many people today misapply Luther’s words, not understanding the circumstances behind them. Martin Luther’s life was one of dedication and chaste behavior. But his zealous words and arguments are sometimes taken out of historical context to excuse undisciplined lifestyles.

Jesus Christ expects actions—works—from us: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

(More at the United Church of God Website)

183
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:42:13pm

Oops, failed to provide the UCG link: ucg.org

184
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:46:40pm

Laying the justification for the “immigrant crime report”:

185
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:50:09pm

Another use for a holy book:

186
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:50:39pm

re: #182 Anymouse

Well, according to one church, they refer to the phrase as “ill-advised.”

(More at the United Church of God Website)

interesting!

187
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:51:19pm

Blast from the past.

188
Kragar  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:53:05pm
189
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:55:52pm

re: #187 teleskiguy

Senator Grassley didn’t spell Rep. Pelosi’s name correctly. How long has she served in the House?

190
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:59:12pm

re: #189 Anymouse

Senator Grassley didn’t spell Rep. Pelosi’s name correctly. How long has she served in the House?

30 years this June.

191
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 10:59:19pm

The cat just beat me up for his insulin. Owowowow.

192
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 11:09:00pm
193
Anymouse  Mar 21, 2017 • 11:22:02pm

Your tax dollars at work:

194
teleskiguy  Mar 21, 2017 • 11:34:18pm
195
retired cynic  Mar 21, 2017 • 11:37:34pm

re: #194 teleskiguy

Cool!

196
wheat-dogg  Mar 21, 2017 • 11:57:20pm

re: #156 Anymouse

Does your wingnut sparring partner over at MMFA think that Hitler or Pol Pot were chosen by God (citing Ezekiel again), and if not, how does one differentiate? The passage in the Bible does not say.

Also, the divine right of kings was a concept discarded during the Enlightenment (and even before by Magna Carta) and became one of the foundations of our republic. Trump has no more claim to being divinely chosen than Obama, Reagan, or Millard Fillmore.

197
teleskiguy  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:04:32am
198
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:04:33am

re: #163 The Ghost of Senator Incitatus

Pretty much what happens every time: holy man proposes a new way of life and sets down some basic precepts and codes of behavior. Holy man dies. Successors then splinter into different groups, each claiming ascendancy over the others.

Alternatively, a government in power adapts (some could say corrupts) the existing precepts and codes for political advantage. The Chinese Communist Party, for example, finds the Confucian precept of filial piety especially helpful in teaching the masses to honor the ruler and not to question his judgment. Other Confucian principles, such the ruler needing to be honest and cognizant of his fallibility, have been ignored.

Makes me wonder if any of my students have read an unedited version of The Analects.

199
goddamnedfrank  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:08:01am
200
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:08:14am

re: #173 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

ive been reading quite a bit about the arguments between paul and james

suffice it to say that james’ jewish, moral behavior oriented christianity has struggled with “faith alone” from just about the very beginning

Right. Even before Christians started calling themselves Christians, there was dissent among the leaders. Peter and Paul also had differences, with Peter wanting to follow Jewish practices and Paul arguing the gentiles would never go for all that.

201
EPR-radar  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:08:15am

re: #152 majii

“Because they are just CALLING themselves Christian. Not being Christian.”

I had a “c”hristian on the MMFA site yesterday who called me a CINO. He was quoting from Ezekiel about how we all should respect Trump because he was “chosen” by Godand claimed that for the first time, we now have a “c”hristian in the WH. I asked him if this was a fairly recent way he developed for viewing American presidents and informed him that if is is, he’s a hypocrite. He never answered my question, so I asked him again. No answer. The one time he responded to my response to his original comment, he told me how “educated” he is and listed his credentials. In my response I told him he needs to remove the education card from the deck because I have multiple degrees, and therefore, I am better-educated than he is, that is, if he wants to count the number of degrees one has.

Of course this wingnut had no respect for President Obama, so he is a hypocrite. The bullshit about degrees does nothing to hide this fact, as anyone can see.

Wingnuts appear to be increasingly incapable of communicating, at all. Within their in-groups they hoot and holler at the approved cues, meaninglessly. It’s even worse when they exchange word-things with non-wingnuts. There is absolutely no common point of reference, so inevitably it devolves to some version of “I’m correct because I say so.” The only thing that varies is the kind and amount of insults/abuse that accompanies this wingnut axiom.

202
teleskiguy  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:14:26am

re: #199 goddamnedfrank

203
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:19:44am

re: #13 freetoken

But the game’s dictionary won’t accept “DANE”, but that was a word to describe any of the invaders into England during Danelaw.

We use the Official Scrabble Dictionary, but also make exceptions for dirty words like cum, jism and queef…

204
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:21:57am

re: #26 freetoken

“dane” is used in other ways.

For example, as a shortening of “great dane”.

The OSD accepts “celt” as “a prehistoric stone or metal implement with a bevelled cutting edge, probably used as a tool or weapon.”

205
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:24:07am

re: #28 The Vicious Babushka

I would say we are living in Idiocracy right now, except that Trump makes President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho look like Winston Churchill.

I come to see this as the cumulative result of the decline in in the level of public education since the 80’s: we have people who are unaware of how science, history, economics or government actually work and are unaware of the world beyond their narrow view of it.

206
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:29:16am

re: #87 HappyWarrior

Well, she doesn’t realize it but she’s basically admitting that the Republicans don’t care that Russia hacked the election in favor of Trump because it benefited them. If there had been evidence of foreign involvement to directly elect Clinton or Obama, they would have been out for blood but because Team GOP won, they just don’t fucking care. They want their fucked up ideology pushed no matter what.

It is not a matter of Russians hacking, that sort of behavior is to be expected. But a US political party actively colluding with them to influence an election is another matter.

207
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:32:29am

re: #114 teleskiguy

Not a word - a public statement, tweet, anything - from Fuckface Von Clownstick about the passing of American cultural icon Chuck Berry.

“Sweet Little Sixteen” is already too old for his tastes.

208
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:36:18am

re: #156 Anymouse

Does your wingnut sparring partner over at MMFA think that Hitler or Pol Pot were chosen by God (citing Ezekiel again), and if not, how does one differentiate? The passage in the Bible does not say.

America is God’s Chosen Country, not Germany or Cambodia, for Chrissakes.

209
freetoken  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:38:01am

Life lesson #6403 : Don’t haul a bathtub upstairs on a rope by yourself.

210
freetoken  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:39:18am
211
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:41:03am

Wendell Wave followed by Freetoken drip…

212
fern01  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:50:07am

re: #153 Anymouse

ABC says the electronics ban by the UK and US is based in a credible threat from ISIS.
abcnews.go.com

(more at ABC):
New aviation security measures restricting electronic devices on flights from certain overseas airports were prompted by new threat intelligence obtained earlier this year indicating that ISIS associates were working on smuggling explosives-laden electronics onto U.S.-bound flights, ABC News has learned.

The U.S. government has deemed the threat information “substantiated” and “credible,” according to one source familiar with the intelligence.

Sources said that the airports - in eight Middle Eastern and African countries - affected by the restrictions were not directly named in the most recent threat intelligence gathered by authorities, but determined through intelligence analysis paired with other government information.

The UK and the US also said those weapons of mass destruction were a credible threat. These things seem more prevalent under RW governments. Maybe the concept of being friends, making peace in the world has some advantages.

213
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 12:50:58am

re: #208 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

America is God’s Chosen Country, not Germany or Cambodia, for Chrissakes.

Which is why the original Bible was written in English.
/

214
Anymouse  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:39:02am

re: #213 wheat-dogg

Which is why the original Bible was written in English.
/

I don’t see a whole lot of difference between the RCC’s long-time stance that the Bible in vernacular was somehow improper, and wingnut churches here saying anything but the KJV (ancient modern English that literature students have trouble with) is improper.

215
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:48:32am

re: #214 Anymouse

I don’t see a whole lot of difference between the RCC’s long-time stance that the Bible in vernacular was somehow improper, and wingnut churches here saying anything but the KJV (ancient modern English that literature students have trouble with) is improper.

When GW Bush came out in favor of posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings, some journalist (obviously one with a few semesters of comparative religion under his belt) asked Dubya “Which translation should we use?”.

To which Bush replied, “The standard one.”

He did not elaborate, but I somehow assume he meant the KJV.

216
Anymouse  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:50:22am

re: #215 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

When GW Bush came out in favor of posting the Ten Commandments in public buildings, some journalist (obviously one with a few semesters of comparative religion under his belt) asked Dubya “Which translation should we use?”.

To which Bush replied, “The standard one.”

He did not elaborate, but I somehow assume he meant the KJV.

Maybe he meant the RSV. (Maybe he doesn’t really read the Bible.)

217
Anymouse  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:51:40am

I have to get to bed: Road trip to Cheyenne tomorrow (well, later today now). G’night y’all. Pleasant tumbleweeds.

Life in the fast lane.
218
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:52:07am

re: #216 Anymouse

Maybe he meant the RSV. (Maybe he doesn’t really read the Bible.)

Assume whichever Bible was used in the church he was raised in, which to his mind was The Standard.

And we see another illustration of the great wisdom our Forefathers had in separating Church and State.

219
Single-handed sailor  Mar 22, 2017 • 1:59:03am

We’re getting more rain here in SF bay. 30.42 inches for the season. I’m thinking we’re going to rack up a record year. I’ve lived here since 1964 and there were very few years where we had this much rain.

220
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 2:36:58am

re: #214 Anymouse

I don’t see a whole lot of difference between the RCC’s long-time stance that the Bible in vernacular was somehow improper, and wingnut churches here saying anything but the KJV (ancient modern English that literature students have trouble with) is improper.

The KJV, despite their insistence, is not the best translation available, as scholarship since the 1600s has given us a better understanding of the original languages and meanings of the Scriptures. Besides, the flowery, archaic prose is difficult for modern readers to understand without effort — or the assistance of the pastor, who can interpret it in a suitable way.

IOW, the hardline KJV lovers would prefer to keep the obscure language to keep the laity befuddled, much as the RCC insisted the Vulgate was the only acceptable version of Scripture, until it acknowledged vernacular versions were necessary to spread the faith.

Their argument boils down to insisting the KJV was divinely inspired (or guided) and thus all later translations are merely the work of men, and not God.

These are often the same people who reject evolution, plate tectonics, the Big Bang theory, or any suggestion that “truth” is a fluid concept, that is impermanent, subject to later re-interpretation. Constitutional originalists are cut from the same cloth.

221
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 2:47:29am

re: #220 wheat-dogg

These are often the same people who reject evolution, plate tectonics, the Big Bang theory, or any suggestion that “truth” is a fluid concept, that is impermanent, subject to later re-interpretation. Constitutional originalists are cut from the same cloth.

Not just those theories, but science and the scientific method in general. Ditto for history and the historical method, as they are both in conflict with a literal interpretation of Scripture.

And logic itself, as the Bible contradicts itself in numerous places.

222
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 2:49:44am

re: #221 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Not just those theories, but science and the scientific method in general. Ditto for history and the historical method, as they are both in conflict with a literal interpretation of Scripture.

And logic itself, as the Bible contradicts itself in numerous places.

One could add critical thinking skills to the list, as fundies really don’t want their kids learning to question authority.

223
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 2:52:58am

re: #222 wheat-dogg

One could add critical thinking skills to the list, as fundies really don’t want their kids learning to question authority.

They just love them some teach-the-controversy critical thinking, as long as that criticism is directed towards issues like climate change, evolution or modern interpretations of gender and identity.

224
Timothy Watson  Mar 22, 2017 • 2:53:45am
225
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 3:10:02am

re: #223 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

They just love them some teach-the-controversy critical thinking, as long as that criticism is directed towards issues like climate change, evolution or modern interpretations of gender and identity.

They co-opted the term “critical thinking” from professional educators, to conceal their religious motivations for objecting to schools teaching those subjects. Similarly, they created the hogwash called “creation science” and Intelligent Design to provide cover for their unscientific ideas. School boards who are not aware of this sneakiness (lying for Jesus) are easily manipulated to open the curriculum to fundie ideas.

In fact, there is no critical thinking being done in biology classes where there is a “teach the controversy” curriculum. The teacher and texts deliberately misinform students about evolution, or bash the precepts and conclusions of evolution as invalid, in favor of the “more logical” creation or ID concepts. Middle and high school students are in no position to think critically about creationism vs modern scientific theories, because they don’t yet have the background knowledge to judge which is valid. Fundies do their damnedest to ensure the kids never get that background knowledge.

It happens, though it never ends up in the media unless some student or parent makes a stink. In some school districts, biology teachers skirt around teaching evolution as presented in the textbooks to avoid the inevitable conflicts with Bible-toting, fire-and-brimstone parents.

226
steve_davis  Mar 22, 2017 • 3:23:45am

re: #158 William Lewis

Piffle. If there is a heaven, you will be there far sooner than the believers in cheap grace and a supposed divine “get out of jail free” card.

updinged for use of “cheap grace.” Bonhoeffer is one of my Dad’s personal heroes.

227
William Lewis  Mar 22, 2017 • 3:41:35am

re: #226 steve_davis

updinged for use of “cheap grace.” Bonhoeffer is one of my Dad’s personal heroes.

One of mine as well. He was in the US when the war broke out learning from the black churches in NYC what it means to be a Christian in an often horrific world. “The Cost of Discipleship” was one outcome, his almost inevitable execution that he met with grace was the other.

228
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:14:03am

Trump’s honeymoon period with Wall Street seems to have ended.

229
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:18:23am

re: #228 wheat-dogg

Trump’s honeymoon period with Wall Street seems to have ended.

Politicians use Wall Street alternately as a personal shoulder-patting device when indexes are climbing and and a whip to flail previous administrations or opponents when they are falling.

They can really only be of relevance when seen over the long term.

Remember when it was a political and journalistic tradition to give a new President 100 days in office before passing judgement on their policies and personnel choices?

230
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:27:13am

re: #229 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Politicians use Wall Street alternately as a personal shoulder-patting device when indexes are climbing and and a whip to flail previous administrations or opponents when they are falling.

They can really only be of relevance when seen over the long term.

Remember when it was a political and journalistic tradition to give a new President 100 days in office before passing judgement on their policies and personnel choices?

Maybe this time they figure the president won’t be in office more than 99 days.

231
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:29:26am

re: #123 Interesting Times

Woah, here’s an angle on the electronics ban I hadn’t even thought of:

[Embedded content]

Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have been attracting travelers who enjoy their First Class and Business Class amenities, supposedly the best in the industry.

Too bad they don’t have flights to Israel.

232
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:30:31am

re: #230 wheat-dogg

Maybe this time they figure the president won’t be in office more than 99 days.

First thing I do on FB is to delete all the Trump-related postings, be they pro or anti. I will wait until May 1st to comment on what he has accomplished. I can say to date that about the only thing he has done so far that I approve of is to increase the VA budget.

233
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:32:02am

re: #232 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

First thing I do on FB is to delete all the Trump-related postings, be they pro or anti. I will wait until May 1st to comment on what he has accomplished. I can say to date that about the only thing he has done so far that I approve of is to increase the VA budget.

Yeah, I’d wait to see what Congress does with that budget before you get too sanguine.

234
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:35:50am

re: #233 wheat-dogg

Yeah, I’d wait to see what Congress does with that budget before you get too sanguine.

Let me phrase it this way: that slight proposed increase to VA is the only thing he has done that I do not find fully reprehensible.

235
Varek Raith  Mar 22, 2017 • 4:41:52am

North Korean missile fall down, go boom.

236
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:11:29am
237
Timothy Watson  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:12:12am
President Donald Trump’s former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, secretly worked for a Russian billionaire to advance the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin a decade ago and proposed an ambitious political strategy to undermine anti-Russian opposition across former Soviet republics, The Associated Press has learned. The work appears to contradict assertions by the Trump administration and Manafort himself that he never worked for Russian interests.

Manafort proposed in a confidential strategy plan as early as June 2005 that he would influence politics, business dealings and news coverage inside the United States, Europe and the former Soviet republics to benefit the Putin government, even as U.S.-Russia relations under Republican President George W. Bush grew worse. Manafort pitched the plans to Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska, a close Putin ally with whom Manafort eventually signed a $10 million annual contract beginning in 2006, according to interviews with several people familiar with payments to Manafort and business records obtained by the AP. Manafort and Deripaska maintained a business relationship until at least 2009, according to one person familiar with the work.

talkingpointsmemo.com

238
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:14:20am
239
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:16:46am

TOUCHA THA CAKEY

240
Barefoot Grin  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:19:13am

This thead has some cringeworthy quotes from a Trump speech at the National Building Museum last night:

241
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:21:25am

re: #240 Barefoot Grin

This thead has some cringeworthy quotes from a Trump speech at the National Building Museum last night:

[Embedded content]

He’s just practicing for his NATO appearance.

242
Barefoot Grin  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:26:45am

re: #241 wheat-dogg

He’s just practicing for his NATO appearance.

“Tum ta Tum Tum”

243
jeffreyw  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:29:02am

Imgur
Good morning!

244
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:42:19am

LOLOLOL

245
Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Kodos  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:46:16am

One of the most creative (and some may contend disturbed) minds from 1960s-1970s television has passed away.

Gong Show’ Host Chuck Barris Dies; Game Show Creator Was 87

Not only was he the creator and host of the Gong Show - one of the original “Talent Show” programs that showcased some of the oddest individuals who ever made it to a television screen, but also he created two of the hottest game shows of the 1960s - “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game”, both of which survived in one form or another for close to 40 years. What wasn’t known to me was that before his stint as a game show creator, he was a relatively accomplished songwriter, with Freddy Cannon’s “Palisades Park” credited to him.

246
HappyWarrior  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:46:57am

re: #244 The Vicious Babushka

LOLOLOL

[Embedded content]

Projection thy name is Republicans again.

247
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:49:28am

Sears may soon be added to the trash heap of businesses that shoulda, coulda kept up with the times, but didn’t.

A member of my family remarked a couple of months ago that someone had encouraged him to buy shares in Sears. I told him his friend was an idiot, because Sears would probably be bankrupt in a year or two.

248
The Vicious Babushka  Mar 22, 2017 • 5:50:59am

re: #247 wheat-dogg

Sears may soon be added to the trash heap of businesses that shoulda, coulda kept up with the times, but didn’t.

[Embedded content]

A member of my family remarked a couple of months ago that someone had encouraged him to buy shares in Sears. I told him his friend was an idiot, because Sears would probably be bankrupt in a year or two.

Sears was destroyed by its own CEO, an Ayn Rand loving hedge fund manager.

249
lawhawk  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:00:10am

Greets and saluts from the resistance in NYC metro area. Media reports are fixated this morning on Manafort’s ties to Russia. Oh really? We knew this the moment he entered the fray as Trump’s campaign guy. These aren’t entirely new revelations, but that’s not important right now.

What’s important is that the media is focused on them now.

Note too that Flynn didn’t sign Trump’s vaunted ethics pledge. How can you parse that one? Oh wait: Trump’s such a great negotiator he couldn’t even get his own employees to sign a pledge that he requested all his employees sign. It’s not much of a pledge if no one signs it. It also shows Trump to not care one bit about ethics (again, I’m repeating myself).

Then, you’ve got Tillerson saying on the record that he really didn’t want to take the job, and that he’d like to get out. Problem is that he took the job, and there’s no one else who wants it under Trump. He’s stuck but the honorable thing to do would be to resign. He wont of course. He’s too busy working the contact gravy train to notice.

Each one of these things would by itself be the biggest scandal in any other administration not named Nixon. And yet Trump’s got all of this going at one time (he came in with more scandals than anyone else in history - and was already under investigation for Russia-Trump contacts, which is yet another unique qualifier for his regime).

250
wheat-dogg  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:04:14am

re: #248 The Vicious Babushka

Sears was destroyed by its own CEO, an Ayn Rand loving hedge fund manager.

I read an article, and I need to relocate it, suggesting that Sears had almost all the necessary resources to put the Sears catalog online and beat Amazon to the punch — or at least challenge Amazon early in its post-bookstore days — except the willingness and foresight to adapt quickly to the times. Instead, it remained committed to the brick-and-mortar concept even as more agile companies went digital. Plus, as you say, the Sears CEO was a complete idiot and sabotaged his own managers’ expertise by pitting them against each other.

I’d argue that Kmart acquiring Sears was a dumb move, too, seeing as Kmart was losing money even before it bought Sears.

251
lawhawk  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:12:02am

re: #250 wheat-dogg

Yup. Sears (and to a lesser extent JC Penney) had massive mail order business that they’ve vaporized and failed to translate into online sales. So, while Amazon is now building a brick and mortar presence based on their online primacy, Sears had ability at outset to build a significant online presence but failed to adapt.

Lampert’s belief system wouldn’t allow his business to succeed because he constant put each of the business units in conflict with each other to the point where the most valuable thing left of the company is its real estate holdings. The company has no value otherwise - as they’ve sold off Craftsman to Black and Decker/Stanley.

Kenmore isn’t worth anything either, and Land’s End likewise has little value to speak of.

That’s why they’re in the mess they’re in.

And Speaker Ryan has the same kind of math skills and Ayn Rand beliefs.

Ryan would do to health care what Lampert has done to Sears.

252
Teukka  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:14:23am

And the thing that hit the fan yesterday proves to cling to the fan blades:
Sweden’s major banks caught up in Russian global money laundering operation

[…]
Journalist network OCCRP revealed to international media that banks across Europe appear to have been involved in a giant network of money laundering. Swedish banks Nordea, SEB, Handelsbanken and Swedbank were reportedly either used or attempted to be used in the movement of the money.

According the Guardian, documents show that at least $20 billion disappeared from Russia via the international bank system, but investigators believe it could amount to as much as $80 billion. The money is also suspected to have come from illegal activities.

Around 500 people are thought to be involved, including bankers from Moscow, oligarchs, people linked to the Russian government and spy agency FSB the Guardian writes, also naming Putin’s cousin Igor Putin as sitting on the board of one of the Moscow banks involved.
[…]

253
lawhawk  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:16:32am

re: #252 Teukka

The money laundering scandal is worldwide, and includes banks from the UK, Sweden, and the US (and many other countries that have yet to be identified).

Trump’s policies would relax restrictions on banks, which would make money laundering even easier - and who would that benefit? Russia’s oligarchs who have found ways to evade existing anti-money laundering laws so far.

254
Sir John Barron  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:16:57am

re: #245 Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Kodos

One of the most creative (and some may contend disturbed) minds from 1960s-1970s television has passed away.

Gong Show’ Host Chuck Barris Dies; Game Show Creator Was 87

Not only was he the creator and host of the Gong Show - one of the original “Talent Show” programs that showcased some of the oddest individuals who ever made it to a television screen, but also he created two of the hottest game shows of the 1960s - “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game”, both of which survived in one form or another for close to 40 years. What wasn’t known to me was that before his stint as a game show creator, he was a relatively accomplished songwriter, with Freddy Cannon’s “Palisades Park” credited to him.

The Gong Show. Used to be a TV thing. Now it’s in the WH, running the country.

255
Teukka  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:18:51am

re: #253 lawhawk

The money laundering scandal is worldwide, and includes banks from the UK, Sweden, and the US (and many other countries that have yet to be identified).

Trump’s policies would relax restrictions on banks, which would make money laundering even easier - and who would that benefit? Russia’s oligarchs who have found ways to evade existing anti-money laundering laws so far.

Exactly.

256
jeffreyw  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:29:42am

re: #245 Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Kodos

One of the most creative (and some may contend disturbed) minds from 1960s-1970s television has passed away.

Gong Show’ Host Chuck Barris Dies; Game Show Creator Was 87

Not only was he the creator and host of the Gong Show - one of the original “Talent Show” programs that showcased some of the oddest individuals who ever made it to a television screen, but also he created two of the hottest game shows of the 1960s - “The Dating Game” and “The Newlywed Game”, both of which survived in one form or another for close to 40 years. What wasn’t known to me was that before his stint as a game show creator, he was a relatively accomplished songwriter, with Freddy Cannon’s “Palisades Park” credited to him.

And a secret career as a CIA hit man! imdb.com

257
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:52:03am

re: #246 HappyWarrior

Projection thy name is Republicans again.

They have done a successful job of associating Democrats and minorities with voter fraud while they quietly gerrymandered and disenfranchised themselves into a majority.

258
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Mar 22, 2017 • 6:56:35am

re: #252 Teukka

And the thing that hit the fan yesterday proves to cling to the fan blades:
Sweden’s major banks caught up in Russian global money laundering operation

See? Sweden is overrun with white-collar crime and its financial districts are no longer safe to walk through…

259
7-y (Expectation of Great Things in Due Course)  Mar 22, 2017 • 7:00:11am

re: #250 wheat-dogg

I read an article, and I need to relocate it, suggesting that Sears had almost all the necessary resources to put the Sears catalog online and beat Amazon to the punch — or at least challenge Amazon early in its post-bookstore days — except the willingness and foresight to adapt quickly to the times. Instead, it remained committed to the brick-and-mortar concept even as more agile companies went digital. Plus, as you say, the Sears CEO was a complete idiot and sabotaged his own managers’ expertise by pitting them against each other.

I’d argue that Kmart acquiring Sears was a dumb move, too, seeing as Kmart was losing money even before it bought Sears.

Even stranger is when you look at Sears’ history. It began as a mail order company utilizing the railroad. Jumping heavily onto the Internet would have been true to its history.

260
ObserverArt  Mar 22, 2017 • 7:26:50am

re: #239 The Vicious Babushka

TOUCHA THA CAKEY

[Embedded content]

I love the cat’s expression at the beginning of the video. It’s almost human-like. I’ve seen that expression before on people…that studied look of “hmmm, that looks and smells good, I probably shouldn’t, but I think I’ll have a piece.”

261
Eric The Fruit Bat  Mar 22, 2017 • 3:00:29pm

re: #250 wheat-dogg

Hey-I was there when the whole sad story went down when Sears sold their Golden Calf off (Sears Credit-the largest private label card portfolio in the nation and perennial moneymaker) to Citi and lan lacy made the bet to go at it alone as a standalone retail enterprise.


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