The Hour’s Getting Late: Trump Says He Has the “Absolute Right to Do What I Want With the Justice Department”

Politics • Views: 35,207

So tonight, Donald Trump said this to a New York Times reporter:

“I have absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department.”

And if that doesn’t send chills down your spine, you haven’t been paying attention. It’s a blatant expression of Trump’s authoritarian intentions.

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330 comments
1
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 6:57:15pm

I dropped this right at the end of the last thread. Not only is Trump dangerous, he’s stupidly dangerous.

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Or insanely dangerous?

2
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 6:59:03pm

re: #1 wheat-dogg

Is there anyone, even among his supporters, who actually believes he knows anything about what’s in these bills?

3
BigPapa  Dec 28, 2017 • 6:59:53pm

The checks and balances of our government are getting stress tested more than any time in our history.

4
Barefoot Grin  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:00:02pm

re: #1 wheat-dogg

I dropped this right at the end of the last thread. Not only is Trump dangerous, he’s stupidly dangerous.

[Embedded content]

Or insanely dangerous?

Probably not worth repeating, but this was my response:

If only one timid reporter could ask, “that’s amazing, Mr. President; could you share some of your knowledge on those topics for our viewers?”

5
Targetpractice  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:03:10pm

re: #3 BigPapa

The checks and balances of our government are getting stress tested more than any time in our history.

And so far, we’re finding out that the system is just one major crisis away from becoming The Handmaid’s Tale meets It Can’t Happen Here.

6
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:03:13pm

re: #2 Blind Frog Belly White

Is there anyone, even among his supporters, who actually believes he knows anything about what’s in these bills?

Well the knuckle draggers yeah. But everyone else is fucking complicit.

7
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:08:47pm
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8
BlueGrl21  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:09:24pm

Actually, Donald, you don’t have the right to do anything you want with the Justice Department.

Next?

9
Targetpractice  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:10:26pm

re: #7 FormerDirtDart

[Embedded content]

I suspect the EC bit is something Bannon fed him at some point in order to assuage his ego about losing the PV so resoundingly, telling him that the EC favors Democrats so to win it meant he’d “beat the odds” or something along those lines.

10
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:11:03pm

re: #8 BlueGrl21

Actually, Donald, you don’t have the right to do anything you want with the Justice Department.

Next?

But what about the “many people” who “are saying” he does?

11
Targetpractice  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:12:00pm

What I read in this statement is Trump is trying to lay the groundwork for firing Mueller, laying out the talking points ahead of time so when he performs the Saturday Night Massacre, the GOP knows what to say immediately when the press come a-calling.

12
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:13:14pm

re: #7 FormerDirtDart

It’s becoming crystal clear that telling total fabrications repeatedly with no shame isn’t a weakness of Trump’s, but rather his strength. The question is, are we as a nation up to the task.

13
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:13:26pm

re: #2 Blind Frog Belly White

Is there anyone, even among his supporters, who actually believes he knows anything about what’s in these bills?

Yes. Just look at Facebook pages from brainwashed members of my family who worship Trump as the Messiah…

14
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:14:30pm

re: #11 Targetpractice

What I read in this statement is Trump is trying to lay the groundwork for firing Mueller, laying out the talking points ahead of time so when he performs the Saturday Night Massacre, the GOP knows what to say immediately when the press come a-calling.

I’m starting to think that Trump is stuck on the idea that he can never get caught, so he doesn’t NEED to fire Mueller.

15
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:15:10pm

re: #11 Targetpractice

What I read in this statement is Trump is trying to lay the groundwork for firing Mueller, laying out the talking points ahead of time so when he performs the Saturday Night Massacre, the GOP knows what to say immediately when the press come a-calling.

It’s rather interesting that McConnell is working with Schumer to keep the Senate in session so that Trump can’t appoint anyone.

16
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:18:05pm

re: #2 Blind Frog Belly White

Is there anyone, even among his supporters, who actually believes he knows anything about what’s in these bills?

re: #4 Barefoot Grin

Probably not worth repeating, but this was my response:

If only one timid reporter could ask, “that’s amazing, Mr. President; could you share some of your knowledge on those topics for our viewers?”

His supporters don’t care if he knows anything. They respond only to his boastful words. He’s a figurehead for them. What he actually knows or does is irrelevant.

As for answering a reporter’s question, Trump would either utter his usual bafflegab or pretend not to hear the question.

17
calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:18:31pm

re: #15 Belafon

It’s rather interesting that McConnell is working with Schumer to keep the Senate in session so that Trump can’t appoint anyone.

And the Freepers think McConnell is stupid and Trump is a genius…

18
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:18:48pm

He lies and lies and lies and lies and lies and lies.

He knows he won’t get called out on his lies.

When he does get called out (which is rare, but it happens) he just doubles down on the lie because he knows that eventually the interviewer will move on to something else.

He is an autistic savant when it comes to lying.

19
BlueGrl21  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:19:03pm

re: #14 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m starting to think that Trump is stuck on the idea that he can never get caught, so he doesn’t NEED to fire Mueller.

Ding, ding, ding!

“I didn’t do anything wrong, and I’m the smartest one in the room anyway.”

20
Skip Intro  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:19:48pm

re: #11 Targetpractice

You must be thinking of the press as it was 30 years ago. Today’s press grovels on its belly and just sucks up whatever bullshit the WH offers to them, with gratitude.

Trump has nothing to fear from the media, no matter what he does. He could declare himself to be dictator for life and the first question would be what his new title would be.

Style sections of nation’s newspapers would run puff pieces on the wives of other dictators and how Mellon compares.

21
Targetpractice  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:19:48pm

re: #14 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m starting to think that Trump is stuck on the idea that he can never get caught, so he doesn’t NEED to fire Mueller.

Considering the leaks yesterday about the White House legal strategy (i.e. “Flynn is a fucking liar!!!”), I think even Donny is beginning to see the writing on the wall. But is still stupid enough to believe that the only way to ensure he’s safe is to fire Mueller and get somebody in there to put the kibosh on the whole mess.

22
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:19:59pm
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23
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:20:15pm

re: #13 Joe Bacon 🌹

Yes. Just look at Facebook pages from brainwashed members of my family who worship Trump as the Messiah…

I would imagine some may have also signed up with MLM schemes promising HUGE returns, or attend pulpit-pounder churches promising HUGE returns in heaven.

24
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:20:41pm

re: #18 The Vicious Babushka

He lies and lies and lies and lies and lies and lies.

He knows he won’t get called out on his lies.

When he does get called out (which is rare, but it happens) he just doubles down on the lie because he knows that eventually the interviewer will move on to something else.

He is an autistic savant when it comes to lying.

And when the proof is put in front of his face: “Well, that’s what I was told.”

25
The Vicious Babushka  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:21:18pm
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BlueGrl21  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:21:42pm

re: #10 Blind Frog Belly White

But what about the “many people” who “are saying” he does?

“Many people” are saying 2018 is going to be a tsunami of Democratic victories. He likes to pick who his many people are and they usually are not, in fact, real many people.

I just gave myself a headache.

27
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:22:22pm

re: #23 wheat-dogg

I would imagine some may have also signed up with MLM schemes promising HUGE returns, or attend pulpit-pounder churches promising HUGE returns in heaven.

Yes, they fall for the Pie In The Sky When You Die as long as you follow your Corporate Masters on Earth, Vote Republican and give them “sacrificial offerings” to your Pulpit Pimp!

28
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:23:01pm

29
The Major  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:23:53pm

re: #18 The Vicious Babushka

This so reminds me of Babylon 5 it’s too surreal…

30
Single-handed sailor  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:24:43pm
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31
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:24:48pm
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32
The Major  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:25:45pm

re: #21 Targetpractice

Now who will play Robert Bork’s role here shoud it come to pass ?

33
dangerman  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:27:25pm

re: #7 FormerDirtDart

One of Trump’s most outlandish false claims, which he just repeated for the 11th time, is that the Electoral College is set up in a way that favours Democrats. (I don’t say “lie” here because he might just be very confused.)

Those brilliant and devious founding fathers.
Brilliant on the ambiguity and yet certainty of the 2A.

And devious enough to set up the EC to favor a party that was non existent at the time and wouldnt be formed until 1828 or so?

34
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:27:34pm

re: #30 Single-handed sailor

[Embedded content]

Having just seen Shape of Water, the jokes in the comments are even funnier.

35
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:29:05pm

Oh, this oughta be good ..

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36
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:45:03pm

re: #35 wheat-dogg

Now I am very sure I do not need to read Hillbilly Elegy. Vance based his book on his life growing up near Cincinnati, Ohio, and his childhood summer visits to family in Jackson, KY. IOW, he’s not a hillbilly, but merely a poseur, and judging from the first several pages she has tweeted about, the book reeks of middle-class white entitlement pretending to be a “rags to riches” Horatio Alger tale.

Meh.

37
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:47:00pm

All right, done eating. Time to go back to reading those exams!

38
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:48:11pm
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39
BlueGrl21  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:51:42pm

Yesterday was my birthday, because God is cruel and gave me a birthday two days after Christmas. For reasons.

I gave myself the gift of having no interaction whatsoever with anything related to Trump. He became what he hates to be…irrelevant.

It was a beautiful day. I highly recommend it when you feel the world is just too dark. Turn the bastard off and know you’re doing a good thing for you as well as the thing that pisses him off the most…ignoring him.

40
calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:56:15pm

re: #39 BlueGrl21

My Mom’s birthday was yesterday too. Or more accurately, the anniversary of her birth, since she died 15 years ago.
She used to say that as a child she was often disappointed when people would kind of roll it into Christmas celebrations. She wanted a separate birthday like everyone else.
With that in mind, I hope your birthday was lovely and friends and family treated it as a distinct occasion of its own.

41
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 7:58:52pm

re: #39 BlueGrl21

Yesterday was my birthday, because God is cruel and gave me a birthday two days after Christmas. For reasons.

I gave myself the gift of having no interaction whatsoever with anything related to Trump. He became what he hates to be…irrelevant.

It was a beautiful day. I highly recommend it when you feel the world is just too dark. Turn the bastard off and know you’re doing a good thing for you as well as the thing that pisses him off the most…ignoring him.

Dog is not cruel

42
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:01:55pm

re: #39 BlueGrl21

Yesterday was my birthday, because God is cruel and gave me a birthday two days after Christmas. For reasons.

I gave myself the gift of having no interaction whatsoever with anything related to Trump. He became what he hates to be…irrelevant.

It was a beautiful day. I highly recommend it when you feel the world is just too dark. Turn the bastard off and know you’re doing a good thing for you as well as the thing that pisses him off the most…ignoring him.

Happy belated! Glad you found some peace and quiet.

43
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:03:28pm

re: #40 calochortus

My Mom’s birthday was yesterday too. Or more accurately, the anniversary of her birth, since she died 15 years ago.
She used to say that as a child she was often disappointed when people would kind of roll it into Christmas celebrations. She wanted a separate birthday like everyone else.
With that in mind, I hope your birthday was lovely and friends and family treated it as a distinct occasion of its own.

My birthday is in November and my brother’s is in January. Because they’re that close to Christmas, one celebration would affect the other in how many gifts we would receive. My sister, on the other hand, being born in August, would make out like a bandit both times.

44
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:04:58pm

So I logged off this morning and headed to the demo studio to get lyrics on a couple of new tunes. After about 6 hours’ work, I got a couple of preliminary mixes done, with final destination being live performance by my band.

If anyone’s interested in hearing the results, I posted the mixes over on muh blog. Comments welcome, if you’re so inclined.

45
calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:05:44pm

re: #43 Belafon

My condolences. My birthday is in late May which is pretty much ideal. My parents planned well…

WDelx523vkL5nrW4/hx0zrszDDCSJ+WfsRcf0WwjOnupZeXnPg+9P/5kJBvNCydjleLmlMXpd6OBiLnpX6pcejs1muWdN18C9ezoWC1XTyfB5Ha5gcwWfTJT/wI5JRqn

46
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:13:42pm

re: #45 calochortus

alKp189pekuPgKRgwy02RmkY8yemY7s4XQfjUXcQMWnfgYUIRTH7096hDymHJVQOGu2Y30n1cPouEstlpTcUt1s5heMvplAyrhB0f5is6mZh3sjErb1fS7NQXsSY2f1U

47
William Lewis  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:15:53pm

My birthday is at the end of September. They were certainly wanting children eventually having my two sisters after me as well but I like to think they were nice and cozy and playful on a cold winter’s night.

48
A hollow voice says, Covfefe.  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:17:42pm

August. Conceived on my parents’ wedding night (and thanks to their ignorance about contraception).

49
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:18:29pm

re: #47 William Lewis

My birthday is at the end of September. They were certainly wanting children eventually having my two sisters after me as well but I like to think they were nice and cozy and playful on a cold winter’s night.

I’m right about the right date to be a Valentine’s child.

50
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:18:43pm

re: #48 A hollow voice says, Covfefe.

August. Conceived on my parents’ wedding night (and thanks to their ignorance about contraception).

August here, too. I’m the eighth of nine kids, so I missed the wedding night by a bit.

51
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:19:20pm
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52
calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:20:03pm

re: #48 A hollow voice says, Covfefe.

August. Conceived on my parents’ wedding night (and thanks to their ignorance about contraception).

Mr. C’s eldest sister was conceived on her parents’ wedding night as well. I suspect it didn’t used to be all that unusual.

53
CleverToad  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:22:45pm

re: #52 calochortus

Mr. C’s eldest sister was conceived on her parents’ wedding night as well. I suspect it didn’t used to be all that unusual.

My mom said the nurses joked about ‘the March influx of June brides’ back in the 50’s. I have a March birthday, but I’m the third kid — can’t pin that one on me.

54
Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:22:52pm
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calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:23:56pm

re: #53 CleverToad

My mom said the nurses joked about ‘the March influx of June brides’ back in the 50’s. I have a March birthday, but I’m the third kid — can’t pin that one on me.

Maybe an anniversary celebration?

56
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:24:17pm

Hmmm…
A Christmas Special with a surprise cliffhanger

Well done Whovian overlords

57
GrantS  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:26:24pm

The frog has almost slow boiled in the pot. Did anyone check if it was a republican frog or a democratic one? Dictator Donny’s pot of lies has fooled one and distracted the other.

58
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:27:18pm

Lying or nuts. Great choices.
/

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Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:28:09pm

re: #58 makeitstop

Lying or nuts. Great choices.
/

[Embedded content]

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William Lewis  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:28:44pm

re: #51 teleskiguy

[Embedded content]

Hmm.
Thought it was the Turkish invasion of Cyprus but that’s actually a year later than Lyndon Johnson’s death. Not sure why either has stuck in my brain but there you go.

61
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:29:38pm

The orb is exerting its power.

62
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:30:42pm

re: #18 The Vicious Babushka

I am reminded of when he insisted the copy of a Renoir on his plane was real, TO AN ART CRITIC WHO KNEW BETTER, who knew where the original is hanging. He didn’t attempt to debunk. He just kept saying it was the original.

I really think he believes he can mold reality by insisting on a different one, loudly, repeatedly, and with total confidence.

63
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:31:08pm

re: #39 BlueGrl21

Yesterday was my birthday, because God is cruel and gave me a birthday two days after Christmas. For reasons.

I gave myself the gift of having no interaction whatsoever with anything related to Trump. He became what he hates to be…irrelevant.

It was a beautiful day. I highly recommend it when you feel the world is just too dark. Turn the bastard off and know you’re doing a good thing for you as well as the thing that pisses him off the most…ignoring him.

Happy Birthday BG!

64
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:31:32pm

re: #58 makeitstop

Lying or nuts. Great choices.
/

[Embedded content]

Trump might think he has enough power to control Washington and the US, but he’s delusional. I would feel pity for him if he weren’t trashing the decor.

65
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:33:35pm

re: #58 makeitstop

Lying or nuts. Great choices.
/

[Embedded content]

False dichotomy.

66
Bubblehead II  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:35:28pm

Night Lizards. May the Deity of your choice smile down upon you and yours.

67
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:37:06pm

Maggie seems to be, uhh, losing it.

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CleverToad  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:38:45pm

re: #55 calochortus

Maybe an anniversary celebration?

Considering that my due date was my next oldest sister’s 1st birthday, probably more like “Oops.” Several oopses. Five kids and two miscarriages in just less than seven years — they wound up with five teenagers for four months, since the youngest kid turned 13 in January of the year that the oldest kid turned 20 in May.

You’d think they’d’ve figured something out by the third or so…

69
Interesting Times  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:38:47pm

Ha, this hashtag is great:

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Backwoods_Sleuth  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:39:44pm
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71
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:42:30pm

re: #44 makeitstop

Very good to my ears. I really liked Out on the Dunes.

Will wiki, prob not now.

72
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:42:38pm

re: #67 makeitstop

Maggie seems to be, uhh, losing it.

[Embedded content]

IMO, Haberman sees her job as avoiding any editorial content, or, generally, fact checking of what she’s told, but rather as reporting as close to verbatim what she hears from Trump. I’ve seen enough comment on her Twitter feed that I don’t think she is really covering for him. It’s almost like she is leaving it to everyone else to point out the lies and bullshit Trump spews, and lots of people do just that.

73
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:43:24pm

re: #51 teleskiguy

Think I’ve stated it before, but I was right about here when I learned of the Challenger explosion. Those houses to the south weren’t there yet.

74
FormerDirtDart  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:45:57pm
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makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:50:13pm

re: #71 Stanley Sea

Very good to my ears. I really liked Out on the Dunes.

Will wiki, prob not now.

Thank you. The mixes seem a little harsh right now, but I was working at high volume all day, so I’m not really trusting my ears at this point. :)

76
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:53:29pm
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makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:55:48pm

re: #72 Blind Frog Belly White

IMO, Haberman sees her job as avoiding any editorial content, or, generally, fact checking of what she’s told, but rather as reporting as close to verbatim what she hears from Trump. I’ve seen enough comment on her Twitter feed that I don’t think she is really covering for him. It’s almost like she is leaving it to everyone else to point out the lies and bullshit Trump spews, and lots of people do just that.

Haberman acts fucking oblivious, but she’s so defensive. She knows the NYT is running a suckpump operation when it comes to Trump.

This thread, and her responses in it, are pretty disgusting.

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calochortus  Dec 28, 2017 • 8:55:57pm

I’m out for the night.
Hasta mañana, all.

79
Eclectic Cyborg  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:00:57pm

I’m calling bullshit on Milos claim he hasn’t drank tap water in nearly 13 years.

80
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:03:00pm

re: #77 makeitstop

Daniel Dale is taking her to task, gently. But I think, honestly, that the examples he gives of Trump backtracking and/or correcting himself when challenged are underwhelming. He simply twists out of your grip and keeps going.

There’s something to be said for ‘giving him enough rope’, and Dale’s best point is that the articles describing the interviews don’t fact check him much, either. THAT may be their worst failing.

I don’t know. I honestly think the only ‘prosecutorial’ interview that might work is an ACTUAL prosecutorial interview. Christ, look at his deposition! His lawyers had to admit to his lying something like 30 times.

81
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:03:41pm

re: #72 Blind Frog Belly White

Wouldn’t it be easier and cheaper to just record him and print it then? What is she doing that anybody else can’t?

82
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:07:59pm

re: #81 JordanRules

Wouldn’t it be easier and cheaper to just record him and print it then? What is she doing that anybody else can’t?

Getting him on the record without aides for 1/2 hour. Remember, Trump works the room. He responds to the feedback he receives. IOW, he reflects his audience. What if his audience is neutral and doesn’t give him cues? Haberman thinks you get a view of his actual thinking. The utter incoherence of that 1/2 hour, then, reflects the utter incoherence of his thinking.

Which isn’t news, if you’ve been paying attention.

83
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:09:48pm

re: #76 goddamnedfrank

Yup.

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makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:12:10pm

re: #80 Blind Frog Belly White

I don’t know. I honestly think the only ‘prosecutorial’ interview that might work is an ACTUAL prosecutorial interview. Christ, look at his deposition! His lawyers had to admit to his lying something like 30 times.

I object to Haberman repeatedly acting like it’s a binary choice - either let him say whatever he wants with zero pushback, or going Tom Cruise on him.

Someone made a really good suggestion on how to push back - tell Trump that someone must have misled him and given him bad info. If it’s someone else’s fault, Trump’s not gonna get that mad about it. That’s a good idea.

Hoarse Whisperer also made a good point - while narcissists are master manipulators, they’re also very easily manipulated. A clever reporter could exploit the living hell out of that.

85
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:13:21pm

re: #83 teleskiguy

That Wonkette piece is fucking comedy GOLD! The comments on the manuscript - it’s clear Milo decided he could to his ‘all parenthetical horseshit all the time’ schtick in book form and the editor was having none of it.

86
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:15:19pm

re: #84 makeitstop

I object to Haberman repeatedly acting like it’s a binary choice - either let him say whatever he wants with zero pushback, or going Tom Cruise on him.

Someone made a really good suggestion on how to push back - tell Trump that someone must have misled him and given him bad info. If it’s someone else’s fault, Trump’s not gonna get that mad about it. That’s a good idea.

Hoarse Whisperer also made a good point - while narcissists are master manipulators, they’re also very easily manipulated. A clever reporter could exploit the living hell out of that.

Yeah, I agree. She’s acting like your only choice is between being a stenographer and an ‘enhanced methods’ interrogator.

87
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:16:48pm

re: #84 makeitstop

A clever reporter could exploit the living hell out of that.

Yes! This is how I see it. I also think she sucks at her job.

88
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:19:12pm

re: #72 Blind Frog Belly White

IMO, Haberman sees her job as avoiding any editorial content, or, generally, fact checking of what she’s told, but rather as reporting as close to verbatim what she hears from Trump. I’ve seen enough comment on her Twitter feed that I don’t think she is really covering for him. It’s almost like she is leaving it to everyone else to point out the lies and bullshit Trump spews, and lots of people do just that.

Agreed.

She’s verrry conservative/old school.

BTW, not inviting a M. Haberman pile on.

89
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:23:31pm

re: #88 Stanley Sea

Agreed.

She’s verrry conservative/old school.

BTW, not inviting a M. Haberman pile on.

As I see it, the problem is that the Times doesn’t do the right follow up on the interviews with all the lies and bullshit. It’s like they don’t want to even touch on what might be construed as opinion.

Compare that with their treatment of HRC.

90
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:24:54pm

re: #82 Blind Frog Belly White

Getting him on the record without aides for 1/2 hour. Remember, Trump works the room. He responds to the feedback he receives. IOW, he reflects his audience. What if his audience is neutral and doesn’t give him cues? Haberman thinks you get a view of his actual thinking. The utter incoherence of that 1/2 hour, then, reflects the utter incoherence of his thinking.

Which isn’t news, if you’ve been paying attention.

Please remember, M. Haberman did not conduct this interview. @nytmike did.

91
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:25:46pm

re: #90 Stanley Sea

Please remember, M. Haberman did not conduct this interview. @nytmike did.

Yes, but she’s defending the approach, which is pretty much her own.

92
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:27:44pm

re: #91 Blind Frog Belly White

Yes, but she’s defending the approach, which is pretty much her own.

Hers, Mike’s, Thrush’s.

It’s almost as if it’s in the NYT style book now.

93
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:27:48pm

re: #88 Stanley Sea

BTW, not inviting a M. Haberman pile on.

Why not? /half

She doesn’t deserve deference or a benefit of the doubt IMO.

re: #90 Stanley Sea

True and she’s going so hard in defense of her colleague because she is guilty of the same ‘view from nowhere’ approach.

94
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:28:01pm
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95
Stanley Sea  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:28:02pm

re: #89 Blind Frog Belly White

As I see it, the problem is that the Times doesn’t do the right follow up on the interviews with all the lies and bullshit. It’s like they don’t want to even touch on what might be construed as opinion.

Compare that with their treatment of HRC.

They do though. They always have the links to refute his statement.

96
BeachDem  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:28:51pm

re: #54 Backwoods_Sleuth

[Embedded content]

Maggie has been super defensive and snotty all night. She truly gets on my last nerve.

97
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:31:31pm

re: #96 BeachDem

Maggie has been super defensive and snotty all night. She truly gets on my last nerve.

It seems like her default - defensiveness. The problem with defensiveness is it precluded self-examination.

98
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:33:54pm

This tweet, and then I’m going to bed. Maybe this is why Haberman is so defensive.

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JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:41:03pm

re: #97 Blind Frog Belly White

I’ve never seen her even give the slightest nod to self examination. It’s always defensiveness.

100
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:42:07pm
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BeachDem  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:43:29pm

re: #99 JordanRules

I’ve never seen her even give the slightest nod to self examination. It’s always defensiveness.

Defensive, condescending and snotty. Not a good look.

102
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:44:44pm
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LOL

103
teleskiguy  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:51:07pm

75 miles west of the Eisenhower Tunnel, the temperature is 40° F.

104
electrotek  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:55:23pm
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105
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 9:58:33pm

I didn’t realize this was a thing.

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retired cynic  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:00:50pm

re: #44 makeitstop

So I logged off this morning and headed to the demo studio to get lyrics on a couple of new tunes. After about 6 hours’ work, I got a couple of preliminary mixes done, with final destination being live performance by my band.

If anyone’s interested in hearing the results, I posted the mixes over on muh blog. Comments welcome, if you’re so inclined.

Two thumbs up!

107
Belafon  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:00:55pm

re: #105 goddamnedfrank

I didn’t realize this was a thing.

[Embedded content]

And add to that the punishment companies operating in Puerto Rico got from the tax bill.

108
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:12:07pm

re: #105 goddamnedfrank

I didn’t realize this was a thing.

[Embedded content]

YES, it is that bad, Frank. Add on that a shortage of Humira which I need to keep my RA in check. I’m dreading the possible delay of my next IV!!!!!

109
electrotek  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:13:29pm

Thoughts on this?

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retired cynic  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:14:11pm

re: #108 Joe Bacon 🌹

YES, it is that bad, Frank. Add on that a shortage of Humira which I need to keep my RA in check. I’m dreading the possible delay of my next IV!!!!!

Oh, no! Besides you, I have a dear friend who depends on Humira to control his advanced Crohn’s.

111
scottslemmons  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:14:53pm

re: #105 goddamnedfrank

I didn’t realize this was a thing.

[Embedded content]

Holy fucking shit. :(

112
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:19:34pm

imma post this again in honor of “baby” rose marie, dead today at 94

at six years old she was a genius singer and a sensation. the third song at the end of this short - “don’t be like that!” - is a killer

Baby Rose Marie - “The Child Wonder” 1920’s Superstar Singer (1929) - HD

113
scottslemmons  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:20:55pm

re: #109 electrotek

Thoughts on this?

[Embedded content]

Ehhh, in general, probably not. All religions are a bit fucked up. The holy books often include weird, noxious, violent crap that you wouldn’t want preached from the pulpit, and religious people often act in ways their holy books condemn.

On the other hand, if you’re just critiquing Islam and not the other major faiths for general fucked-up-edness, then it’s probably Islamophobic.

114
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:26:43pm

Uh no my guy, this isn’t how it should work.

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Reporters are in their feelings tonight, my word!

115
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:29:17pm

re: #109 electrotek

Thoughts on this?

[Embedded content]

i wouldn’t want to think of the reaction if i tried criticising christianity or judaism as a faith without encouraging bigotry against christians or jews. the whole notion kind of sheds light on the status of islam as a second class faith

we may make no laws respecting an establishment of religion, but in reality “judeo-christian” faiths are the established church in the united states and no faiths outside of them are accorded nearly the same respect

116
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:37:10pm

re: #112 dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸

imma post this again in honor of “baby” rose marie, dead today at 94

at six years old she was a genius singer and a sensation. the third song at the end of this short - “don’t be like that!” - is a killer

[Embedded content]

Video

The camera loved her. And she had the performance savvy that a lot of adult entertainers wished for.

And I loved her in the Rick van Dyke show. She and Morey Amsterdam were hilarious.

117
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:39:45pm

re: #114 JordanRules

Uh no my guy, this isn’t how it should work.

[Embedded content]

Reporters are in their feelings tonight, my word!

Boo frickety hoo. They all should get over themselves.

118
retired cynic  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:39:45pm

re: #116 makeitstop

The camera loved her. And she had the performance savvy that a lot of adult entertainers wished for.

And I loved her in the Rick van Dyke show. She and Morey Amsterdam were hilarious.

My family never missed that show, and while they were all good, you are right: they were supporting actors to die for.

119
makeitstop  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:41:36pm

re: #118 retired cynic

My family never missed that show, and while they were all good, you are right: they were supporting actors to die for.

I was just a kid, but I crushed hard on Mary Tyler Moore.

120
electrotek  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:42:56pm

I got this rather typical response after I posted that link on my FB:

Obama weaponized the IRS, FBI, CIA and DOJ against his political enemies and THIS is what you’re outraged over?

Sigh.

121
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:43:31pm
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goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:46:10pm
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JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:46:11pm

re: #118 retired cynic

Saw a really interesting piece a month ago about how she didn’t have a good idea what she was getting into with that show and assumed she’d have a larger role because duh. So after season 1 she and the show runners had a talk and they smartly highlighted her and Morey more going forward.

I was enjoying following her on Twitter. She shared some amazing throwback memories and media.

124
Dr Lizardo  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:47:05pm

re: #51 teleskiguy

The first major news story I recall is the fall of Saigon.

125
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:52:19pm
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JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:55:24pm
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Hecuba's daughter  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:58:25pm

re: #125 JordanRules

Byron Tau
✔
@ByronTau
Replying to @ByronTau
Saying all reporter interviews should be confrontational jousts is like saying prosecutors should only get information by subpoena or chefs should only cut things with a meat cleaver. Meat cleavers and subpoenas are very important tools but they are not the only tools.

(((AaA)))
@Axels15
If your job is just to let them lie and not call them on it, then why do we need you? Let them issue press releases if that’s all you’re good for.
12:25 AM - Dec 29, 2017
1 1 Reply 22 22 Retweets

These are special rules that apply particularly to Trump and occasionally to other white males in power. They don’t apply to women or minorities. Think of how the NYT functioned as a cheerleader for the Iraq invasion.

128
allegro  Dec 28, 2017 • 10:58:39pm

Seems to me that they can do the interview any way they want to but they aren’t doing their jobs if they aren’t reporting in their article any falsehoods or misdirections contained in that interview.

129
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:04:27pm

re: #128 allegro

Seems to me that they can do the interview any way they want to but they aren’t doing their jobs if they aren’t reporting in their article any falsehoods or misdirections contained in that interview.

They often do, but the problem is that Trump and his administration also need to be pressed in real time. So that we can see the shifting discomfort, the desperate flailing and the faux-righteous anger at having their flagrant lies proven false right to their faces.

130
goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:08:27pm

re: #129 goddamnedfrank

… and the faux-righteous anger at having their flagrant lies proven false right to their faces.

Because this, in my personal experience, has always been the most prominent and common tell of a liar. Most people who are telling the truth can maintain their conviction calmly without having to conjure up theatrics in an effort to sell the indignation they imagine they’d feel if they weren’t lying. Liars often ham it up.

131
allegro  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:13:12pm

re: #129 goddamnedfrank

They often do, but the problem is that Trump and his administration also need to be pressed in real time. So that we can see the shifting discomfort, the desperate flailing and the faux-righteous anger at having their flagrant lies proven false right to their faces.

For an on-air interview, absolutely. They can ‘t walk away from that as easily. I think in a print interview a non-confrontational approach can perhaps be more revealing just by letting them talk… and talk… and talk. They do tend to drop bombs when they feel comfy.

132
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:14:05pm

re: #127 Hecuba’s daughter

Yes!!!
It really is a privilege granted him that reveals so much about all parties.

Why does the institution have to bend to him? Seems like a uniquely dangerous form of normalization to me.

133
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:18:07pm

re: #131 allegro

I’m all set on the word salad though.
As Dale pointed out, there just isn’t as much value in it anymore.

And if you’re good and prepped, you can push without being too confrontational. We need savvier folks doing these.

134
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:18:30pm

re: #124 Dr Lizardo

The first major news story I recall is the fall of Saigon.

John Glenn orbiting the Earth. But the news story I more vividly remember is JFK’s assassination.

135
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:20:34pm

In local news, I have finished marking my final exams.

136
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:24:40pm

It is still infuriating to think about how Hillary was disrespected during the entire campaign. The NYT had no problems calling her out, even when it wasn’t warranted. During his entire adult life it appears that no one has really stood up to Trump; he’s never seen any reason to mend his behavior because it has been so successful in getting him to his current position.

Of course at this point, he may be suffering from dementia so that he is really incapable of change.

OTOH I have met businessmen who were wealthy and arrogant and dismissive of any who challenge them. They expect others to kowtow to their every need and are especially contemptuous of public servants — and public service. They value people only based on their wealth. Many seem fond of the notion that they are beneficiaries of better genes; and that certain populations are genetically inferior. Trump is an especially obnoxious exemplar of these characteristics.

137
wheat-dogg  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:24:42pm

These two guys are clearly having fun on Twitter.

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goddamnedfrank  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:26:08pm
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139
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:28:37pm

re: #134 wheat-dogg

John Glenn orbiting the Earth. But the news story I more vividly remember is JFK’s assassination.

The election of JFK was the first story I remember. A pollster came to our apartment : my father supported Nixon and my mother Kennedy.

140
Hecuba's daughter  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:30:42pm

re: #129 goddamnedfrank

They often do, but the problem is that Trump and his administration also need to be pressed in real time. So that we can see the shifting discomfort, the desperate flailing and the faux-righteous anger at having their flagrant lies proven false right to their faces.

It’s hard to pin Trump down because he will just segue into another topic. He is not good at listening to others.

141
allegro  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:34:57pm

re: #139 Hecuba’s daughter

The election of JFK was the first story I remember. A pollster came to our apartment : my father supported Nixon and my mother Kennedy.

I remember Buddy Holly getting killed in a plane crash. Does that count? Also remember Telstar, JFK election, Bay of Pigs…

142
dog philosopher ஐஒஔ௸  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:35:28pm

re: #139 Hecuba’s daughter

The election of JFK was the first story I remember. A pollster came to our apartment : my father supported Nixon and my mother Kennedy.

i remember my parents watching the kennedy nixon debate. i musta been about six

i asked my father what it was about and he told me “one of those men will be the next president”. i said gee i thought presidents were only in history. my father said no, there have always been presidents, ever since washington. so i asked him who is the president now? he said eisenhower, and showed me a picture. i said you can’t fool me that’s a picture of granpa jack

143
retired cynic  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:36:37pm

re: #141 allegro

I remember Buddy Holly getting killed in a plane crash. Does that count? Also remember Telstar, JFK election, Bay of Pigs…

Yep, I remember the duck & cover after Bay of Pigs. Remember our first TV: a little tiny screen in a Big Box!

144
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:46:43pm

In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro being the VP candidate is one of my first memories.

I also have vivid memories of the Challenger disaster and University of Maryland hoop star Len Bias dying of a cocaine overdose right after being drafted by the Celtics. Both were in ‘86.

145
LastYearsMan  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:57:33pm

The Challenger disaster I’ll remember because I was at my father’s office, when a salesman came running around the corner yelling “The Challenger blew up! The Challenger blew up! Because of the rushing! It was the rushing!”

But because of the breathless panic in his voice, it sounded like “Because of the Russians. It was the Russians!” I nearly crapped my pants. Strange to think that such a tragedy was almost a relief, compared to what I thought had happened (ie, WWIII).

146
JordanRules  Dec 28, 2017 • 11:58:35pm
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JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:10:04am

Every few days or so I randomly think about how the Vegas massacre seemed to just slip out of sight without the attendant coverage and followup you might assume for such a national tragedy.

148
teleskiguy  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:17:02am

re: #147 JordanRules

I think about it almost everyday. It’s the most fucked up thing. And nobody seems to notice, nobody seems to care.

149
electrotek  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:25:02am

re: #147 JordanRules

Every few days or so I randomly think about how the Vegas massacre seemed to just slip out of sight without the attendant coverage and followup you might assume for such a national tragedy.

It’s quite simple: since it was a white guy that did the massacre, they can just move on.

150
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:25:23am

re: #148 teleskiguy

Sigh.
For real. I’m horrified thinking about what this erasure means for all of us.
The normalization is compounded by all the lies swirling about too.

151
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:37:10am

re: #149 electrotek

Absolutely. I’m still used to coverage though. Coverage that yes is built on many of our national pathologies.
This one feels like an erasure and that may mean something scarier than usual.

I’m used to seeing a whitewash but not experiencing a blackout.

152
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:38:40am

re: #149 electrotek

It’s quite simple: since it was a white guy that did the massacre, they can just move on.

#LasVegas#NeverRemember.

153
goddamnedfrank  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:41:33am

re: #147 JordanRules

Every few days or so I randomly think about how the Vegas massacre seemed to just slip out of sight without the attendant coverage and followup you might assume for such a national tragedy.

I can’t believe bump stocks are still legal in most US States. I mean I knew not much would happen but that at least seemed like such an anodyne, kabuki response that I figured the GOP would actually jump on it, if nothing else out of some rote pretense towards giving a fuck.

154
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:41:59am

re: #151 JordanRules

Absolutely. I’m still used to coverage though. Coverage that yes is built on many of our national pathologies.
This one feels like an erasure and that may mean something scarier than usual.

I’m used to seeing a whitewash but not experiencing a blackout.

I don’t think there’s been a blackout. I think everyone stopped caring. Maybe it’s because under Trump the pace of news and bad shit happening has accelerated so much, but honestly? We have become so numb to these. It has come to this - we’re accustomed to it.

155
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:49:12am

re: #153 goddamnedfrank

I can’t believe bump stocks are still legal in most US States. I mean I knew not much would happen but that at least seemed like such an anodyne, kabuki response that I figured the GOP would actually jump on it, if nothing else out of some rote pretense towards giving a fuck.

I believe that the response to shootings has gone from “Nobody should have a gun like that!” to “If there are guns like that, I need to get one!”

The GOP/NRA tactics are remarkably effective. Start out by saying it’s too soon to politicize. Next, try to hang it on Mental Health, even though they won’t support doing anything about THAT, either. Next, if there’s something different about the weapon used, mumble something about maybe regulating that so that there are headlines saying you’re bending to public opinion.

Then wait for people to lose interest.

Once we let a score of first graders be slaughtered and responded with nothing more than thoughts and prayers, it was over. They’re all blood sacrifices to the Gun God.

156
goddamnedfrank  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:49:16am

re: #154 Blind Frog Belly White

I don’t think there’s been a blackout. I think everyone stopped caring. Maybe it’s because under Trump the pace of news and bad shit happening has accelerated so much, but honestly? We have become so numb to these. It has come to this - we’re accustomed to it.

It’s a Gish Gallop of non-stop bullshit. Like how a long steady input can cause the rods and cones in your eyes to bleach faster than the pigments can reconstitute, making it difficult to see accurately for awhile afterwards. We’ve literally become dazzled by dumbfuckery.

157
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 12:51:39am

re: #154 Blind Frog Belly White

Agreed very much. Here, I mean blackout in a sense where everyone has just memoryholed it, not that there is necessarily a media directive not to cover it any longer.

158
dangerman  Dec 29, 2017 • 1:45:43am

re: #125 JordanRules

Byron Tau
✔
@ByronTau
Replying to @ByronTau
Saying all reporter interviews should be confrontational jousts is like saying prosecutors should only get information by subpoena or chefs should only cut things with a meat cleaver. Meat cleavers and subpoenas are very important tools but they are not the only tools.

(((AaA)))
@Axels15
If your job is just to let them lie and not call them on it, then why do we need you? Let them issue press releases if that’s all you’re good for.
12:25 AM - Dec 29, 2017
1 1 Reply 22 22 Retweets

you are a reporter
you are not a stenographer

as a reporter, you could look it up

159
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 2:08:56am

re: #5 Targetpractice

And so far, we’re finding out that the system is just one major crisis away from becoming The Handmaid’s Tale meets It Can’t Happen Here.

The scenario I see is best reflected in Gary Shteyngart’s 2010 novel Super Sad True Love Story, describing a post-Trump idiocracy following the great currency collapse.

160
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 2:13:48am

re: #39 BlueGrl21

Yesterday was my birthday, because God is cruel and gave me a birthday two days after Christmas. For reasons.

Have a nephew born on Xmas day. The family simply celebrates his half-birthday on June 25th.

I delete all references to Trump on my FB feed, be they pro or anti. And I can no longer find Trump jokes or impersonators to be the least bit funny.

The actual amount of relevant, objective information on him would fit a paragraph and a half of the day’s news, the rest is blather, distraction and subjective, unverifiable claims and talking points.

161
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 2:16:04am

re: #47 William Lewis

My birthday is at the end of September. They were certainly wanting children eventually having my two sisters after me as well but I like to think they were nice and cozy and playful on a cold winter’s night.

our first daughter was born late September…definitely a Christmas conception

162
goddamnedfrank  Dec 29, 2017 • 2:45:04am
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Big Beautiful Door  Dec 29, 2017 • 3:07:48am

re: #124 Dr Lizardo

The first major news story I recall is the fall of Saigon.

I remember Cronkite reporting the daily casualty figures from Vietnam.

164
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:01:28am

re: #62 Blind Frog Belly White

I really think he believes he can mold reality by insisting on a different one, loudly, repeatedly, and with total confidence.

This concept has existed for ages: it is the basis of nearly every ideology and it really came into its own in the 20th century with broadcast media and then with digital media.

165
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:11:04am

re: #109 electrotek

Serious question: can you be considered an ‘Islamophobe’ if you merely critique Islam as a faith but abstain from encouraging bigotry against Muslims?

It was a Muslim theologian that pointed out that there are different types of Muslims/Christians/Jews/Hindus, etc.

First, those who do not practice the faith closely but rather identify with it culturally and ritually in terms of holidays and weddings, etc. (in that sense, I am a Christian, I celebrate Christmas and got married in a church)

Then those who practice the faith more closely, observing its rules, but would never think of imposing it on anyone else. (I have a number of good friends like this)

Thirdly, those who are very strict and encourage using laws and social rules to force others to at least superficially obey. (a common theme in the GOP and its “America is a Christian nation” ideology)

And lastly, those who would use violence and terror to spread their faith. (Whether it is a jihadist or a Planned Parenthood assailant)

It is only the latter two that I have a problem with, regardless of their faith.

But as long as we have people who insist that every Muslim is a potential terrorist, we are not going to get very far.

166
Patricia Kayden  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:14:21am

re: #162 goddamnedfrank

But keep in mind that they were prepared to pay him $255,000 in advance for a book which promoted bigotry. They just don’t like his writing style.

167
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:33:13am

re: #119 makeitstop

I was just a kid, but I crushed hard on Mary Tyler Moore.

I crushed on her in the Mary Tyler Moore Show

168
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:34:40am

re: #139 Hecuba’s daughter

The election of JFK was the first story I remember. A pollster came to our apartment : my father supported Nixon and my mother Kennedy.

I remember being really upset at my favorite afternoon shows being cancelled because there was nothing but the JFK funeral motorcade on all the channels…

169
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:36:25am

re: #162 goddamnedfrank

[Embedded content]

re: #166 Patricia Kayden

But keep in mind that they were prepared to pay him $255,000 in advance for a book which promoted bigotry. They just don’t like his writing style.

For an added layer of FU, it seems not only to have been S&S, but a subset imprint of theirs which is explicitly in the business of pushing RW writers.

170
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:38:21am

re: #166 Patricia Kayden

But keep in mind that they were prepared to pay him $255,000 in advance for a book which promoted bigotry. They just don’t like his writing style.

somebody high up enough at S&S had to approve it, I assume they decided it would be a guaranteed big seller.

171
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 4:45:35am

My earliest datable memory was the neighborhood ruckus that celebrated the first anniversary of Hiroshima. It was explained as such by my grandfather.

Another that I recently researched was the explosion of the Island Queen, a month later. My uncle fought the fire and brought me a scorched wooden model of the boat from its gift shop. I was 3 yrs and 3 months old, which surprised me when I looked up the date.

heinzhistorycenter.org

(That’s a really great resource for Pittsburgh history.)

172
freetoken  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:07:19am

We’re going to have another warm and dry day here.

Yeah, I know, lots of people are digging out of snow back East.

The big thing here though is that there has been no rain. This has been one of the driest and warmest starts to the climactic (starts in Dec) and precipitation (starts in July, I think) years on record, and if it doesn’t rain by the end of the first week in Jan then it will be the driest start on record.

It has long been accepted that as the global surface temperature rises the Hadley zones will migrate poleward, meaning the bands of deserts in the hemispheres will migrate poleward, after a fashion.

We are at risk here at becoming much more like (low altitude) central Baja - extremely dry desert. San Diego county west of the mountains has always been a desert in large part (except a few parts near the cost which barely have an average rainfall to make it out of the “desert” category”), and now it seems in whole we are becoming extremely arid.

And not just us, but up in LA too, which has typically been greener than San Diego. As one goes northward there is more rainfall. But the desertification is creeping northward now.

Record Report

111
SXUS76 KSGX 290232
RERSGX

RECORD EVENT REPORT…FINAL
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
519 PM PST THU DEC 28 2017

…HIGHEST MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE RECORDS BROKEN OR TIED ON DEC 28 2017 …

LOCATION NEW RECORD OLD RECORD PERIOD OF RECORD

RAMONA 88 81 IN 1980 1974
VISTA 80 TIED 80 IN 1975 1957
ALPINE 82 79 IN 1963 1951
EL CAJON 86 81 IN 2016 1979
ELSINORE 89 83 IN 1899 1897

173
Eventual Carrion  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:12:51am

re: #45 calochortus

My condolences. My birthday is in late May which is pretty much ideal. My parents planned well…

[Embedded content]

My middle sons BDay was just fine until his 10th BDay. He was born on Sept. 11th.

174
HappyWarrior  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:21:06am

re: #162 goddamnedfrank

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If there’s been one good thing about this year, it’s been watching him crash and burn due to his own arrogance and stupidity.

175
HappyWarrior  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:26:51am

It’s cold here yes but that doesn’t prove climate change is a myth anymore than Roy Moore saying he has millions of non accusers. Fuck sake, we learn the difference between weather and climate when we’re 8.

176
Dave In Austin  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:33:18am

Any questions? Not from me.
There will be no working with these assholes. They need to be crushed.

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HappyWarrior  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:38:46am

re: #176 Dave In Austin

Any questions? Not from me.
There will be no working with these assholes. They need to be crushed.

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Fuck him and his wall. There wasn’t a wall when his wife emigrated illegally from Slovenia. Stupid craven bigoted orange piece of expired shit.

178
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:40:10am

re: #176 Dave In Austin

Any questions? Not from me.
There will be no working with these assholes. They need to be crushed.

There are a few kernels of reason buried in that ideological turd.

We need comprehensive immigration reform.

We need a DACA-style amnesty and we need better control of our borders.

This would all be easier if we simply had a mandatory universal national ID card for all citizens and legal resident aliens. This would be cheaper than building a wall, and when implemented, seriously reduce any sort of welfare or public services fraud, or illegal employment, while serving as as a valid ID for all elections to minimize voter fraud.

179
William Lewis  Dec 29, 2017 • 5:45:02am

re: #178 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

There are a few kernels of reason buried in that ideological turd.

We need comprehensive immigration reform.

We need a DACA-style amnesty and we need better control of our borders.

This would all be easier if we simply had a mandatory universal national ID card for all citizens and legal resident aliens. This would be cheaper than building a wall, and when implemented, seriously reduce any sort of welfare or public services fraud, or illegal employment, while serving as as a valid ID for all elections to minimize voter fraud.

666!!!!!! YOOOOOU ANTIBABYJAYSUS!!!!!

180
Barefoot Grin  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:01:43am

re: #173 Eventual Carrion

My middle sons BDay was just fine until his 10th BDay. He was born on Sept. 11th.

My parents’ anniversary.

181
jeffreyw  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:07:36am

Imgur
Good morning!

182
Dave In Austin  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:09:13am

re: #178 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Now you’re getting into 666 territory which won’t do with the fundies…..

I see someone beat me to it.

183
makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:23:45am

The most recent cool discovery around here is that my cat Bean loves to play fetch.

So far I can get him to sit and give me high fives for treats, and he plays fetch like a pro.

I still want to teach him to bark.

184
makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:27:38am

In case you weren’t around on the late shift, here’s a pretty concise summary of what happened last night.

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HappyWarrior  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:29:39am

re: #184 makeitstop

In case you weren’t around on the late shift, here’s a pretty concise summary of what happened last night.

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Every day I’m more glad I didn’t pursue journalism as a career.

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makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:33:38am

re: #185 HappyWarrior

Every day I’m more glad I didn’t pursue journalism as a career.

I took my degree in Broadcast Journalism, and actually made a living working at an entertainment paper in Philly for a couple of years before I moved to the Big City to chase a music career.

Among the people working at that paper while I was there were Kurt Loder from the early MTV days and David Fricke from Rolling Stone.

Most of my journalism profs have passed on, and even from the distance of a few hundred miles, I can hear them spinning in their graves.

187
darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 6:41:17am
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Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:08:35am
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William Lewis  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:10:53am

re: #188 Ace-o-aces

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Amazon’s biz is what is saving the post office from the GOF’s intentional destructiveness.

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Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:12:02am

re: #189 William Lewis

Amazon’s biz is what is saving the post office from the GOF’s intentional destructiveness.

These scavengers don’t plan to leave much behind.

191
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:13:02am

re: #188 Ace-o-aces

I was just about to post that tweet. How much you want to bet F&F had some report about the USPS this morning?

192
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:14:40am

re: #76 goddamnedfrank

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Are we supposed to be listening to “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” when reading Milo’s daily pampering routine?

193
Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:15:23am
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Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:16:12am

re: #191 wheat-dogg

I was just about to post that tweet. How much you want to bet F&F had some report about the USPS this morning?

I’m guessing that’s it, plus, of course, Bezos owns the WaPo.

195
Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:17:56am

re: #191 wheat-dogg

I was just about to post that tweet. How much you want to bet F&F had some report about the USPS this morning?

You called it.

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sagehen  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:18:40am

re: #121 goddamnedfrank

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politico.com

If we don’t do something to fix the glaring inequities in this economy, the pitchforks are going to come for us. No society can sustain this kind of rising inequality. In fact, there is no example in human history where wealth accumulated like this and the pitchforks didn’t eventually come out. You show me a highly unequal society, and I will show you a police state. Or an uprising. There are no counterexamples. None. It’s not if, it’s when.

197
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:20:55am

re: #195 Ace-o-aces

You called it.

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The Fox—Trump—Fox—Trump cycle has chicken—egg characteristics. Hard to tell the initial input.

198
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:21:46am

re: #182 Dave In Austin

Now you’re getting into 666 territory which won’t do with the fundies…..

I see someone beat me to it.

plenty of leftists would not have it.

I only put it out there as a rhetorical argument.

point being that it would cost only a fraction of the Wall and be ten times more effective in limiting illegal immigration

199
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:21:57am

re: #195 Ace-o-aces

You called it.

[Embedded content]

If F&F had a report about an alien starship landing in Kansas, Trump would be tweeting warnings to Kansans to seek shelter.

200
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:24:02am

You know what to do, y’all.

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Hecuba's daughter  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:24:58am

re: #194 Ace-o-aces

I’m guessing that’s it, plus, of course, Bezos owns the WaPo.

I was wondering why my brother was expressing fear about Bezos weeks ago. I didn’t realize that the RW media have demonized him and made him the newest target.

202
William Lewis  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:27:58am

re: #198 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

plenty of leftists would not have it.

I only put it out there as a rhetorical argument.

point being that it would cost only a fraction of the Wall and be ten times more effective in limiting illegal immigration

Personally I’ve wanted something like that for a long time. Done right you could have a copy of your medical records electronically on it for a doctor to use in an emergency & could use it as your passport as well.

203
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:28:10am

re: #192 Joe Bacon 🌹

Are we supposed to be listening to “A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody” when reading Milo’s daily pampering routine?

“Hip To Be Square”.

204
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:29:38am

Meanwhile, in South Africa, their president is also in hot water, hotter than Trump’s particular sitch.

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Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:31:22am

‘re: #202 William Lewis

Personally I’ve wanted something like that for a long time. Done right you could have a copy of your medical records electronically on it for a doctor to use in an emergency & could use it as your passport as well.

PERSCOM played with that idea for a bit, but it was too spooky even for the Army. Maybe it had something to do with the ‘subcutaneous’ thing.

206
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:31:43am

re: #127 Hecuba’s daughter

These are special rules that apply particularly to Trump and occasionally to other white males in power. They don’t apply to women or minorities. Think of how the NYT functioned as a cheerleader for the Iraq invasion.

They lied us into a war that killed my son. No matter how hard those Pre$$titute$ try, they will never wash my son’s blood off of their hands!

207
darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:34:38am
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208
Ace Rothstein  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:37:10am

Local schmuck.

209
darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:37:51am

re: #204 wheat-dogg

Meanwhile, in South Africa, their president is also in hot water, hotter than Trump’s particular sitch.

[Embedded content]

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Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:38:12am

re: #208 Ace Rothstein

Local schmuck.

[Embedded content]

Fan of tubeless tires?

211
Barefoot Grin  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:39:38am

re: #208 Ace Rothstein

Local schmuck.

[Embedded content]

Which megachurch does he own?

212
Ace Rothstein  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:41:09am

re: #211 Barefoot Grin

Which megachurch does he own?

Hard to say. They’re everywhere around here preaching prosperity gospel and supply-side Jesus.

213
makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:42:00am

re: #203 Dr Lizardo

“Hip To Be Square”.

‘I’m Too Sexy For My Shirt’

(barf)

214
darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:43:08am

This happened yesterday. Scared the crap out of me.

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GlutenFreeJesus  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:44:46am

re: #199 wheat-dogg

If F&F had a report about an alien starship landing in Kansas, Trump would be tweeting warnings to Kansans to seek shelter.

He’d be talking about his wall.

216
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:45:24am

So, I’m gonna recommend a really good documentary on Netflix; Chasing Trane, a documentary flick on the great John Coltrane.

217
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:45:57am

re: #215 GlutenFreeJesus

He’d be talking about his wall dome.

218
Joe Bacon 🌹  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:46:42am

re: #208 Ace Rothstein

Local schmuck.

[Embedded content]

Gosh, is that the 0$teenmobile?

219
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:48:37am

Imagine the collusion mention drinking game.

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Barefoot Grin  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:56:54am

re: #212 Ace Rothstein

Hard to say. They’re everywhere around here preaching prosperity gospel and supply-side Jesus.

LOL: “supply-side Jesus”

221
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 7:59:26am

re: #219 JordanRules

The mark of a guilty conscience or a very worried man.

222
freetoken  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:00:36am

Ever since Facebook changed the look of the replies to comments, I’ve not figured out how to edit a reply. Used to be there was a little mark in the upper right hand corner of a comment that allowed you to edit/delete. At least for me, on Chrome, it’s not there anymore. I’ve tried Googling this problem but there is no apparent outcry, at least of any size, so is it just me?

223
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:01:29am

re: #221 wheat-dogg

Pardon the cynicism but this is part of his “sales” routine. Keep repeating so-called key words and phrases.

224
freetoken  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:03:29am

Never mind, I finally found it. Turns out they moved the three dots, and made them invisible.

As if invisible icons really are that useful.

Must be from the same web designers who a few years ago started the trend of gray text on gray backgrounds.

225
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:03:33am

re: #222 freetoken

Ever since Facebook changed the look of the replies to comments, I’ve not figured out how to edit a reply. Used to be there was a little mark in the upper right hand corner of a comment that allowed you to edit/delete. At least for me, on Chrome, it’s not there anymore. I’ve tried Googling this problem but there is no apparent outcry, at least of any size, so is it just me?

there should be a little pencil icon second from the right

226
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:03:46am

re: #223 PhillyPretzel

Pardon the cynicism but this is part of his “sales” routine. Keep repeating so-called key words and phrases.

Oh, I know that’s part of it, but he’s clearly got the subject on his tiny mind. The endless golfing is likely a coping mechanism to avoid thinking about Mueller’s investigation as much as it is to avoid doing any real, hard work.

227
freetoken  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:04:13am

re: #225 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

there should be a little pencil icon second from the right

Nope, not on Chrome. Three dots, invisible unless one clicks in the reply, and then even barely visible.

228
freetoken  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:04:48am

You only see the pencil after you find the invisible dots.

229
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:05:07am

re: #226 wheat-dogg

Yes he does. Mueller’s strategy is working better than Trump’s.

230
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:06:59am

re: #229 PhillyPretzel

Yes he does. Mueller’s strategy is working better than Trump’s.

I await the unguarded moment when Trump accidentally spills the beans on Twitter, sending his handlers into a death spiral of confusion.

231
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:08:51am

re: #230 wheat-dogg

Same here. That might happen but I will not place any money on it happening. Placing bets on Trump does not work out too well.

232
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:09:29am

re: #231 PhillyPretzel

Same here. That might happen but I will not place any money on it happening. Placing bets on Trump does not work out too well.

Only if you bet against his success

233
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:10:38am

re: #230 wheat-dogg

He asked Russia for help on TV. In a sense hes already done it.

234
wheat-dogg  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:11:04am

‘Tis midnight here, so I’m heading for bed. Hopefully, Trump does not decide to abolish the USPS while I sleep.

235
plansbandc  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:11:38am

re: #56 FormerDirtDart

LOVED IT! Went to see it in the theater and had a blast. Dude and I are so excited to see the new Doctor in action. Only bummer is we have to wait until the fall.

236
darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:13:30am
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JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:13:37am

Hey this guy wants to highlight our better angels! So weird! //

He goes on to list some of these stories.

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darthstar  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:16:01am

re: #236 darthstar

The glasses in that pic we got in Palm Springs over Thanksgiving at an antique store. They’re Faberge…and they’re gorgeous.

239
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:16:13am

re: #237 JordanRules

He is looking on the bright side of things. He knows he is still popular and is using it to its full advantage. He is also helping the Democrats by being positive.

240
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:16:16am

re: #227 freetoken

Nope, not on Chrome. Three dots, invisible unless one clicks in the reply, and then even barely visible.

I have that on Chrome

241
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:20:24am

re: #200 wheat-dogg

Did my part then read through some of the replies. The circle of derp is fully closed with that one.

242
gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:31:59am
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mmmirele  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:32:49am

re: #185 HappyWarrior

Every day I’m more glad I didn’t pursue journalism as a career.

Thirty-five years after I failed the last class in the journalism program at UT-Austin, I’m thankful I went back and got a garden-variety Bachelor of Arts. At least I don’t have to explain that B.J. stands for Bachelor of Journalism and not Blow Job. (I know I’ve told this joke before, but, seriously, that’s the degree I was supposed to get.)

244
gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:33:00am
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A hollow voice says, Covfefe.  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:35:20am

So Ian MacLeod’s The Summer Isles is on sale at amazon (kindle edition). An alternate history in which Britain lost WWI and turned to fascism, in case you’re not feeling gloomy enough (although I understand it has a happy ending).

Mentioned because it was previously available only in a 500-copy edition.

246
gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:36:14am
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Unshaken Defiance  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:47:02am

Happy Friday guys, unless you are already enjoying Saturday over the date line. I truly can not believe the brash ego in charge of the Presidency. Truly a tyrant in his own mind, and in as close to reality as we let him get. We are approaching the place where we need something big for push back from the streets.

It’s hard to mobilize a hundred thousand for a march. But what if say a dozen of us all borrowed or rented a projector that can light up 50 feet of building wall? And we all had the same image, on the same night in big cities? Hardly a new idea, but seems to have big impact for the work, time and costs.

Show our resistance, big, but non destructive and no laws broken. Maybe a few terms of use in parking lots violated…

248
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:50:25am

Feature, not bug.

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The Vicious Babushka  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:53:15am
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Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:55:30am

re: #249 The Vicious Babushka

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Fuckin’ A. This “let Trump be Trump” attitude among reporters is how we ended up with the ignorant fuck in the White House. The idea that we “learn more” by letting him ramble unopposed lost any value over a year ago.

251
terraincognita  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:57:51am

re: #246 gocart mozart

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” — H. L. Mencken.

It seems more than apropos concerning Trump and entourage.

252
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 8:59:08am

re: #251 terraincognita

I am not a big fan of Mencken but with that quote he hit the nail on the head.

253
Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:03:22am

re: #248 Blind Frog Belly White

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gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:03:52am

re: #249 The Vicious Babushka

Ragnorok Lobster has blocked me for some reason I can’t figure out.

255
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:05:53am

re: #253 Ace-o-aces

[Embedded content]

He’s actually noting that Michael Flynn Jr. RETWEETED that bit from Loomer. Loomer’s role as Jew-hating Jew who makes it not anti-semitic to hate Jews is incidental to the story.

256
Ace-o-aces  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:06:15am
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JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:06:52am

re: #254 gocart mozart

Me too. I think he uses one of those automated blocking thingies.

258
BigPapa  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:07:30am

re: #254 gocart mozart

Ragnorok Lobster has blocked me for some reason I can’t figure out.

Me too. I might have broke a Twitter rule or just got caught up in a scrum. Too bad, I loves me the Eclectic Brotha.

260
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:12:38am

re: #253 Ace-o-aces

There’s an old conspiracy theory I recall hearing in the 1990’s that Murdoch’s last name was “Marchinsky” or something along those lines. In any event, the ol’ MURDOCH IS A JOOOOO!! canard has been around for quite some time.

261
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:14:38am

Personally, if the media wants to discuss Trump’s rant as a “you learn so much more” bit, let’s discuss how he honestly believes the media helped him get elected last year and will do so again come 2020 because it’s in their financial interest to keep him in office.

262
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:15:05am

re: #256 Ace-o-aces

[Embedded content]

Huh. Turns out that flashing a White Power sign in a group photo at work might NOT be consequence-free. Imagine that.

263
meteor  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:15:39am

re: #8 BlueGrl21

Yeah, good Lord. Who does he think he is, Henry VIII or something?

264
Shropshire Slasher  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:18:05am

Top stories of Florida putting the “F” in WTF

nypost.com

265
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:18:26am

re: #260 Dr Lizardo

There’s an old conspiracy theory I recall hearing in the 1990’s that Murdoch’s last name was “Marchinsky” or something along those lines. In any event, the ol’ MURDOCH IS A JOOOOO!! canard has been around for quite some time.

Well, he’s rich and powerful, and controls a chunk of The Media, and The Media are controlled by the rich, powerful Jooz, so Murdoch MUST be a Joo Too.

It’s simple logic.
////////////////////////

266
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:19:51am

re: #261 Targetpractice

I still remember when he penned the press and invited rally goers to make fun of them as they walked by the press pen.

267
FormerDirtDart  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:22:07am
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Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:23:34am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

“But, you know, it was late, and everyone was so excited, so I voted for it anyway!”

269
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:23:52am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

probably? Marco wake up. It gave corporations everything and left nothing for John Q Public.

270
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:24:22am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

re: #268 Blind Frog Belly White

Rubio’s simply covering his ass because he knows a backlash is coming.

271
I cannot.  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:24:44am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

If I eyerolled any harder at that, I would be doing a triple-backflip.

272
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:25:34am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

Oh fuck you Marco. Own your work you corrupt bastard!

273
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:26:30am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

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“Our tax bill is so awesome that we already feel it needs to be fixed!!! Wait…”

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Dave In Austin  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:31:54am
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FormerDirtDart  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:32:01am

In other words, it’s Monday??
The White House staff has been in constant shake up since Jan 20th

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Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:33:24am

re: #275 FormerDirtDart

In other words, it’s Monday??
The White House staff has been in constant shake up since Jan 20th

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Meanwhile, many of us still remember the rumors of a “shake-up” in the Clinton campaign and the snickering at how such would indicate that her campaign was in “trouble.”

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makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:34:02am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

Rubio: GOP tax bill “probably went too far” to help corporations

You could have done something to prevent that, you stupid son of a bitch.

278
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:35:03am

re: #275 FormerDirtDart

Italy, which as had over 60 governmental changes since WW II, is far more stable than this sorry excuse of a President.

279
dangerman  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:38:00am

home from the doc’s

the good news
not the flu. not pneumonia

the bad
a generic unidentifiable bug that’s got a nasty disposition
the coughing and shortness of breath are still exquisite and will be for a time

the really good news:
my fear was all this cold weather running was translating into periodic low resistance. i wasnt warm enough, too warm, overheated, undersweated. whatever. it is in fact totally unrelated to cold weather running. its a real live bug that i got from someone/somewhere, whether i would have been out running or not.

and now back to bed

280
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:38:26am

re: #277 makeitstop

You could have done something to prevent that, you stupid son of a bitch.

Right. Followup questions to that statement are:

1) “Did you know this when you voted for it?”
a) If yes, “Then why did you vote for it?”
b) If no, “Why didn’t you know it?”

2) “Are you planning to do anything to fix the problems you have identified?”
a) If yes, “What?”
b) If no, “Why not? And then why say it now?”

281
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:39:15am

The GOP continue to play to the same script they spent years accusing their opponents of following on the ACA: Having passed an incredibly unpopular bill in the middle of the night under a veil of secrecy and with no real debate, they now come out less than a month later promising to “fix” the bill but promise that people will be so happy with what’s already there that it will only help them come next November.

282
PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:39:45am

re: #279 dangerman

I hope you feel better soon.

284
goddamnedfrank  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:41:55am

re: #275 FormerDirtDart

In other words, it’s Monday??
The White House staff has been in constant shake up since Jan 20th

[Embedded content]

The White House isn’t planning shit. The one year anniversary is looming and that’s the minimum amount of time people can slap on their resume without having it look ridiculous. Staffers realize this capsizing ship is being helmed by a madman and want to abandon it for safer harbors, while also being able to plausible argue that they put in the requisite time and effort. Earlier departures have mostly been people being forced out in one way or another, but now we’re going to start seeing a real exodus.

285
gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:47:51am
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286
makeitstop  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:49:10am

These fucking guys…

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PhillyPretzel  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:50:40am

re: #286 makeitstop

They should have sent it directly to PR. It might have gotten there.

288
Aucun pays pour les vieux ennemis  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:51:16am

re: #285 gocart mozart

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289
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:52:13am

re: #278 PhillyPretzel

Italy, which as had over 60 governmental changes since WW II, is far more stable than this sorry excuse of a President.

That’s because Italy isn’t run by its government. It’s run by coalitions of Communist mayors and good-natured priests.

290
Decatur Deb  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:53:04am

Don Camillo.
en.wikipedia.org

291
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:54:00am

re: #162 goddamnedfrank

Auld Frank Syne
@goddamnedfrank
I like how Simon & Schuster not only refused to pay Milo, but in response to his lawsuit then stuffed all his shit into a paper bag, lit it on fire and placed it into the public domain.

That’s some high quality pettiness.

5:44 AM - Dec 29, 2017

Pettiness…or is it making sure he is further damaged and can no longer be taken serious by anyone again.

292
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 9:55:31am

re: #284 goddamnedfrank

The White House isn’t planning shit. The one year anniversary is looming and that’s the minimum amount of time people can slap on their resume without having it look ridiculous. Staffers realize this capsizing ship is being helmed by a madman and want to abandon it for safer harbors, while also being able to plausible argue that they put in the requisite time and effort. Earlier departures have mostly been people being forced out in one way or another, but now we’re going to start seeing a real exodus.

Cue the litany of “A White House staff mass exodus perfectly normal after the first year” stories in the press.

293
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:01:06am

Good thread about journalism, access and power.

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294
meteor  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:04:21am

re: #126 JordanRules

It makes the cold temperatures colder and the hot temperatures hotter.

295
meteor  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:06:15am

re: #285 gocart mozart

He looks like one giant fuzzy welcome mat.

296
Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:12:37am

re: #293 JordanRules

Good thread about journalism, access and power.

If you get off on proximity to power, consider that journalism is not for you. Be a political aide or a PR. Journalists question power.

Just look what happened to Zoey Barnes in House of Cards: she tried to trade access for influence

297
HappyWarrior  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:14:39am

re: #267 FormerDirtDart

[Embedded content]

Yet you voted for it and will defend it because you’re a spineless wimp who does what he thinks will let him become president.

298
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:17:55am

So, another documentary to recommend on Netflix; What Happened, Miss Simone? - a flick about Nina Simone. Wow.

299
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:19:47am

re: #296 Wendell Zurkowitz ((slave to the waffle light))

Oh snap! Zoey thought she was ready for anything with her leverage.
That didn’t end well.

300
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:20:09am

re: #196 sagehen

politico.com

If we don’t do something to fix the glaring inequities in this economy, the pitchforks are going to come for us. No society can sustain this kind of rising inequality. In fact, there is no example in human history where wealth accumulated like this and the pitchforks didn’t eventually come out. You show me a highly unequal society, and I will show you a police state. Or an uprising. There are no counterexamples. None. It’s not if, it’s when.

Several people and I have been discussing this very possibility.

I hope the rich folk and the politicians are aware they allowed a lot of people to stockpile guns. Sure, some of them are in favor of Trump and Republicans right now, but when (if) they find out how they have been screwed over backed into a low income corner with no way out, they will come for them.

Also, a good portion of the military is in the same boat economics wise, and they continue to be squeezed too. They too might join into any uprising, or maybe not respond to any calls to stop it.

I don’t think gated communities are going to be safe. Leaving the country and not coming back may be the only way out.

301
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:20:13am

re: #298 Dr Lizardo

So good!

302
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:22:07am

re: #300 ObserverArt

Several people and I have been discussing this very possibility.

I hope the rich folk and the politicians are aware they allowed a lot of people to stockpile guns. Sure, some of them are in favor of Trump and Republicans right now, but when (if) they find out how they have been screwed over backed into a low income corner with no way out, they will come for them.

Also, a good portion of the military is in the same boat economics wise, and they continue to be squeezed too. They too might join into any uprising, or maybe not respond to any calls to stop it.

I don’t think gated communities are going to be safe. Leaving the country and not coming back may be the only way out.

It’s like I say to Free Marketeers who scoff at the idea that wages for all need to rise - “Think of it as Guillotine Insurance.”

303
wrenchwench  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:33:47am

re: #298 Dr Lizardo

So, another documentary to recommend on Netflix; What Happened, Miss Simone? - a flick about Nina Simone. Wow.

I wish I could find the video in which she tells a member of the audience to sit down and be quiet. Oh, well. I’ll just have to watch them all.

Nina Simone - Go to Hell - Live 1970

304
KGxvi  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:39:28am

re: #14 Blind Frog Belly White

I’m starting to think that Trump is stuck on the idea that he can never get caught, so he doesn’t NEED to fire Mueller.

Trump strikes me as one of those guys who thinks he’s always the smartest guy in the room, which is often a trait among bullshitters. But the best bullshitters are self aware - they know what they don’t know and can identify when someone else knows more than them. It’s going to be rather amazing that after 40 years of failing upwards, he’s finally (hopefully) going to be left holding the bag in Stupid Watergate.

305
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:43:43am

re: #304 KGxvi

Trump strikes me as one of those guys who thinks he’s always the smartest guy in the room, which is often a trait among bullshitters. But the best bullshitters are self aware - they know what they don’t know and can identify when someone else knows more than them. It’s going to be rather amazing that after 40 years of failing upwards, he’s finally (hopefully) going to be left holding the bag in Stupid Watergate.

This is what happens when a con man is born rich and his Daddy covers for his early failures. He never learns caution.

306
Blind Frog Belly White  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:45:29am

Kinda like how he promised investors, lenders, contractors, partners, wives, and mistresses that he was going to make them rich or happy, and instead made himself rich and happy at their expense.

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307
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:48:09am

re: #305 Blind Frog Belly White

This is what happens when a con man is born rich and his Daddy covers for his early failures. He never learns caution.

The best con men tend to be those who had to work themselves up the ladder, which means knowing how to work the marks without overplaying your hand.

The worst tend to be those who were born into wealth and thus start life assuming that they don’t need to work the marks because if they overplay their hands then their money will protect them.

308
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 10:51:43am

re: #237 JordanRules

Hey this guy wants to highlight our better angels! So weird! //

He goes on to list some of these stories.

[Embedded content]

I like that Obama stays away from direct criticism of The Big Orange Don. No need to touch it. He is better off flying above it all and making it a compare and contrast thing.

That is better for Democrats come election time.

309
Stanley Sea  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:02:45am

omg this story

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310
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:04:32am

re: #279 dangerman

home from the doc’s

the good news
not the flu. not pneumonia

the bad
a generic unidentifiable bug that’s got a nasty disposition
the coughing and shortness of breath are still exquisite and will be for a time

the really good news:
my fear was all this cold weather running was translating into periodic low resistance. i wasnt warm enough, too warm, overheated, undersweated. whatever. it is in fact totally unrelated to cold weather running. its a real live bug that i got from someone/somewhere, whether i would have been out running or not.

and now back to bed

From being in an airplane? It’s a damn good place to catch something. People packed together in a tube with recycled air.

311
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:09:38am

re: #297 HappyWarrior

Yet you voted for it and will defend it because you’re a spineless wimp who does what he thinks will let him become president.

If Marco the Wimp was so conscious of polling, he should never have voted for the damn thing. He just didn’t have the backbone to stand up to McConnell and the other Repub Senators. He didn’t want to get screamed at by Hatch. It might have made him cry.

312
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:18:08am

re: #309 Stanley Sea

omg this story

[Embedded content]

Ah, thank you COD players for helping to perpetuate the stereotype of gamers as immature man-children.

313
Brother Holy Cruise Missile of Mild Acceptance  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:24:04am

re: #312 Targetpractice

I just thought it was CoD players who were immature man-children. #NotAllGamers

314
Belafon  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:25:06am

re: #309 Stanley Sea

omg this story

[Embedded content]

And the SWAT team shot him immediately for what reason?

315
FormerDirtDart  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:25:37am
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316
FormerDirtDart  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:26:52am
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317
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:26:52am

Hmph…

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318
Targetpractice  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:29:16am

re: #315 FormerDirtDart

[Embedded content]

The only people who ever seemed to believe that “entitlements” were safe after the passage of Wealthcare were those like Collins who bought into the “promises” that the GOP would leave those alone. The rest of us understood that this is the way the GOP works, first creating a financial “crisis” and then using that “crisis” to justify taking an axe to any spending they don’t agree with.

319
William Lewis  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:30:48am

re: #300 ObserverArt

I don’t think gated communities are going to be safe. Leaving the country and not coming back may be the only way out.

So? Unlike some, they do not care about the country. As long as they get to keep the results of their looting of the country, they’ll happily live anywhere and any of the right wing/fascist nations will be happy to have them.

Perhaps if we built portable Guillotines to the 82nd Airborne and sent them to collect on their over due taxes? O_O

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

320
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:30:49am

re: #316 FormerDirtDart

[Embedded content]

Awwwwww…is all I can say.

321
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:30:56am
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322
ObserverArt  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:35:10am

re: #319 William Lewis

So? Unlike some, they do not care about the country. As long as they get to keep the results of their looting of the country, they’ll happily live anywhere and any of the right wing/fascist nations will be happy to have them.

Perhaps if we built portable Guillotines to the 82nd Airborne and sent them to collect on their over due taxes? O_O

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Well it is obvious you are correct. Maybe that is how a country rebuilds itself. Not an ideal way, but maybe the only way. Other than that, like the comment stated I was basing mine on, it will be a police state protecting them from us.

323
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:38:03am

re: #321 JordanRules

Something’s definitely brewing in Iran. The outcome is uncertain, however.

324
Dr Lizardo  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:41:04am

re: #321 JordanRules

This is an interesting take on the situation on the ground in Iran from Deutsche Welle.

Video footage of protests in at least three Iranian cities prompted warnings from authorities Friday and exposed citizen anger over lost investments initiated in the era of past President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad — before the lifting of international sanctions.

Iranian news agencies said small protests Friday in Tehran and the western earthquake-shaken city of Kermanshah were dispersed by police, apparently with scattered arrests.

The Iranian news agency Fars quoted a local lawmaker from the city of Neyshabour Friday as tracing the “major crisis” in adjacent Mashhad to “illegal financial institutions” that mushroomed under Ahmadinejad.

Iran’s official news agency IRNA had previously depicted Mashhad, a Shiite pilgrimage hub, as a city hit hard by the closure of Mizan, one of three banks brought down by toxic construction-related debts.

Current President Hassan Rouhani, who since 2013 has tasked Iran’s central bank with reimbursing depositors, was urged again on Wednesday by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to make good on solving the problem.

dw.com

325
William Lewis  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:41:41am

re: #323 Dr Lizardo

Something’s definitely brewing in Iran. The outcome is uncertain, however.

Especially since we can’t count on the US and Israeli governments to stand aside, shut up and ignore it till it’s all over.

326
gocart mozart  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:45:43am
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327
sagehen  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:46:53am

re: #293 JordanRules

Good thread about journalism, access and power.

[Embedded content]

“Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.”

― George Orwell

328
Patricia Kayden  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:47:57am

re: #315 FormerDirtDart

The only thing we can do to combat this is to come out in droves and vote out Republicans next November. Then we have to vote for a Democratic President to reverse all the mess Republicans have enacted during Trump’s first term. Paul Ryan has made it clear for years that he was eager to cut “entitlements” (Social security, medicare, etc.). He’s finally getting a chance to fulfill his dreams and is going full steam ahead.

329
JordanRules  Dec 29, 2017 • 11:54:32am

re: #327 sagehen


Damn near every journalist is defending this bullshit interview too. Its frightening that they don’t hold their profession in higher regard.


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