ChrisWeigant.com

Friday Talking Points -- Enough!

[ Posted Friday, June 3rd, 2022 – 17:25 UTC ]

Last night, President Joe Biden gave only the second evening address (not counting speeches to joint sessions of Congress) of his presidency. The last time he did so was over a year ago. The subject of his speech this time was a grim one: the recent massacres of innocents in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. And all of the others which didn't receive quite as prominent media coverage, as well. He urged Congress to act, in the strongest possible terms. He pointed out that Republicans are the ones obstructing any progress whatsoever, and pleaded for some bipartisanship in the Senate.

This may bear some modest legislative fruit, although it may turn out to have been in vain. Talks continue between Republican and Democratic senators, but it is interesting that there aren't even enough Republicans participating in the talks to break the inevitable filibuster. So even if they do announce a bipartisan agreement, it still may not pass.

Whatever does get announced (assuming the process even gets that far) will most likely fall far short of what Biden called for in his speech (emphasis in original):

  • Ban assault weapons
  • Ban high-capacity magazines
  • "If we can't ban assault weapons, then we should raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21."
  • "Strengthen background checks" to "keep guns out of the hands of felons, fugitives, and those under restraining orders."
  • Pass safe storage laws that hold gun owners responsible for crimes committed with their unsecured weapons.
  • Pass red-flag laws.
  • Repeal liability protection for gun manufacturers.
  • "Address the mental health crisis deepening the trauma of gun violence and as a consequence of that violence."

Realistically (and optimistically, even) the only two of those on Biden's list to even have a chance in the Senate are the red-flag laws and expanded (but probably not "universal") background checks. The most interesting item in it, hands down, was to repeal the liability protection for gun manufacturers. If gun corporations had to face lawsuits from the misuse of their weapons, they might just change the way they market and even design such weapons. It's certainly worth a try -- as Biden said, imagine if tobacco companies had had the same legal liability shield. Gun manufacturers are the only industry in America to have such a carve-out from legal consequences of business decisions they make -- which in and of itself is an outrage. So it certainly was interesting to hear Biden make this case.

Biden's speech was fairly good -- it was on an emotional subject that he is invested in, so he didn't just appear as a politician reading something off a TelePrompTer. Instead, we got genuine presidential heartfelt anguish and outrage and frustration (with the most memorable line being: "Enough! Enough!"). It was short and to-the-point, Biden specifically called out Republicans for being against commonsense gun safety measures, and he also took the time to assure law-abiding gun owners that this was not some sort of all-out assault on the Second Amendment.

The speech probably didn't convince a whole lot of people to change their minds, but that's not what it was designed for. Biden gave the speech as a coda from his recent condolence visits to Buffalo and Uvalde, and he gave the speech to put a bright spotlight on the Senate negotiators, in an effort to avoid the whole thing just falling apart and getting swept aside in favor of whatever pops up next on the political landscape.

Maybe we are finally at the point where even Republicans can be "rational" (as Biden said earlier in the week, which provoked a sharp negative reaction among many Democrats). Maybe not. We should have the answer to that within a few weeks, though, as all the negotiators are saying that they've got a short window of time in which to effectively act.

Of course, we've been saying for quite a while now that Biden should give a lot more of these evening television addresses to the public -- we really have no idea why he has been so reluctant to utilize the biggest bully pulpit the president has at his disposal. Maybe Biden has realized this -- we'll have to see whether we have to wait another year to see the next one or not.

The core question remains, though: can Republicans be rational? The evidence so far is not encouraging. Here are just a few Republican reactions to the school shooting from throughout the week:

Senator John Cornyn defends Uvalde police response. Cornyn is one of the chief "rational" Republicans in the bipartisan talks, mind you.

Representative Mo Brooks (who is running for a Senate seat) says we need military-style weapons to "take back" our government.

The entire Republican Party from Texas Governor Greg Abbott on down, stuck to one note in their response: it's a mental health problem, that's the only way to look at it! We need to improve our mental health system, that's the ticket. Except, of course, when it comes to actually doing that, as a Washington Post article helpfully pointed out (emphasis in original):

Texas, for instance, ranks last of all 50 states in overall access to mental health care, according to the nonprofit Mental Health America. The ranking is based on available data on measures such as the shares of adults and children with mental health issues who have been unable to receive treatment.

Among the reasons why: Texas is one of a dozen states that still have not expanded Medicaid, the public health insurance program that covers poor and low-income Americans, and which is the country's single largest payer for mental health services.

Texas officials' refusal to expand Medicaid does not appear to be rooted in public welfare nor fiscal responsibility concerns. The federal government has offered holdout states billions of dollars in incentives to expand Medicaid, most recently through last year's American Rescue Plan. These incentives would, on net, cause state revenue to come out ahead, even after accounting for Texas's new spending obligations if it were to make more residents eligible for public insurance. Expanding Medicaid would also reduce costs for hospitals that currently provide a lot of uncompensated care for uninsured patients.

Instead, Texas chooses to be the state with the highest share of residents who are uninsured.

It gets worse. In April, Abbott transferred $211 million away from the state's Health and Human Services Commission, which oversees mental health programs, as NBC News has noted. The money was transferred to support Operation Lone Star, the governor's controversial deployment of National Guard and law enforcement resources to the border.

Republican after Republican offered the bromide of better mental health services, while absolutely refusing to improve mental health services in any way.

At least Abbott and his ilk were at least attempting to make a rational argument. Not so for others in the rightwingosphere. Most Republicans live in an abject fantasy world of swirling conspiracy theories, and the Uvalde shooting just got woven into this insanity along with everything else.

Laura Ingraham tried to pin it all on "the pot psychosis-violent behavior connection," which she apparently made up on the spot, just to blame the Demon Weed for it all (maybe she saw Reefer Madness as a documentary, instead of hilariously bad government propaganda?).

Representative Billy Long suggested it was (somehow) all the fault of legal abortion.

And some Republicans trotted out the whole "criminals won't follow laws, what good are laws?" argument, which they never seem to use for any other laws on the books.

Meanwhile, posing with a gun (or lots of guns!) is still seen as a dandy way to appear authentic to the Republican voter base, and one House member (only virtually present, thankfully) brandished several of his own guns during a committee hearing on gun violence.

Donald Trump tried to read the names (mangling most of them badly) of the Uvalde victims during an appearance at the National Rifle Association conference, and then celebrated by doing his little "cha-cha-cha" dance move to music at the end, with a big grin on his face. Because apparently 21 dead innocent people is something to smile bigly and dance about.

So we're not sure entirely where Joe Biden expects to find 10 "rational" GOP senators in today's Republican Party, but we do wish him luck.

To save some time, let's whip through a few other quick items from the political landscape before we move along to the awards segment of the program....

Apparently, when Republicans run against Republicans, elections are all free and fair and there is no fraud and there is no problem whatsoever with accurately counting the votes. That seems to be the takeaway from the Republican primaries held so far. Nobody's pulled a hissy fit or thrown a tantrum worthy of a two-year-old when they lose -- not even the Trumpiest of candidates. Funny how that works -- the Big Lie only gets wheeled out when Democrats win an election, otherwise the whole system is hunky-dory and A-OK.

Well, for the most part, at least. There's always one who'll never give up. Donald Trump tried to gin up some interest in a new conspiracy theory that his chosen candidate in the Georgia governor's race somehow lost due to some sort of fraud or another -- which was patently absurd when you consider that the guy Trump wanted to beat won by an astounding margin of over 50 points. Even that didn't stop Trump from trying his Big Lie logic, but everyone basically yawned and ignored his rantings, for once.

Those five GOP candidates for Michigan governor will indeed not be allowed on the ballot after hiring a firm that turned in almost 70,000 fraudulent voter signatures on their candidate petitions. The three of them who sued all lost in court this week, so it looks like none of them will be on the Republican primary ballot.

Speaking of Republicans in Michigan, there is reportedly "an army" (their words, from one of their training sessions) of new poll workers trained by the Republican Party to cause all sorts of problems during the upcoming election. They are undermining the election system from within, plain and simple. The January 6th coup never ended, folks -- it continues to this day, in preparation for the next elections.

The unemployment numbers came out today, and the unemployment rate stayed at the near-record level of 3.6 percent. Within a few months, we will have gained back every job lost in the pandemic, at a record pace. We still have inflation to deal with, but the rest of the economy is roaring back, adding to Joe Biden's record as the president who has added more jobs in his first year-and-a-half in office of any president in American history.

The K-pop band BTS visited the White House this week, causing a mini-frenzy in the press room.

And to end on an even-more amusing note, over across the pond, the Queen of England had a big celebration marking the longest monarch's reign in British history (by far). Part of this was showing off a new royal dog (who just celebrated a second birthday) named Seamus. Which led us to wonder whether anyone was clued in enough to play Pink Floyd's spoof of a Blues song "Seamus" over the loudspeakers while he trotted by in review. I mean it's all about a dog named Seamus -- it'd be perfect! "Seamus, that's the dog, was outside...."

 

Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week

President Joe Biden deserves at least an Honorable Mention for both his speech and his condoler-in-chief visit to Uvalde this week. It is so nice to see a president who is capable of human empathy once again -- that's the thought we were left above all others.

But we have to hand our Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week this week to Michael Sussmann, who was proclaimed innocent by a jury in a federal court case this week.

You may not know his name, at least if you're not regularly exposed to the frothing-at-the-mouth right-wing media. The whole story goes back three years, when then-Attorney General Bill Barr appointed a Department of Justice lawyer, John Durham, to launch a real witch-hunt, for the benefit of Donald Trump. In Trump's opinion, the "Russia hoax" had only one victim -- Donald Trump. There was a nefarious Deep State plot to turn the voters away from him, which was run by President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Hillary's campaign, and pretty much the entire F.B.I. (or even the entire Department of Justice, it's hard to tell, sometimes). This nefarious scheme involved all sorts of wrongdoing by multiple individuals.

Durham dug into this swamp of lies with fervor. Even though the "Russia hoax" was never a hoax -- prominent members of Trump's campaign had close ties to shady Russian actors, as has been repeatedly proven -- Durham tried to flip the whole script on its head and make it all a gigantic (and baseless) plot hatched by Hillary and her minions.

The fact that this was never true didn't stop Durham on his quest. But here we are at the point where Durham is supposed to be revealing the whole Deep State conspiracy to the world, and all he's got to show for it are a handful of people charged with much less serious crimes. Sussmann was tried for "lying to the F.B.I.," about whether he was working for the Clinton campaign or not.

Sussmann was supposed to be the first big domino to fall. Instead, what fell down in a big way was Durham's prosecutorial decision to prosecute him in the first place. The jury took all of six hours to return a "not guilty" verdict on all charges. Sussmann walked out of the courthouse a free man, fully vindicated.

Durham's case was roundly denounced by plenty of legal experts as being nothing short of a political conspiracy theory that completely fell apart when it was time to present actual evidence inside an actual courtroom -- in much the same way all of Trump's conspiracy theories crumble.

Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig predicted early on that this would be the outcome:

"That sound you heard -- that muffled thud, off in the distance of southern New England -- that was the sound of the much-ballyhooed John Durham investigation as it reached its pathetic anticlimax. That was the sound of a dud," wrote Honig in a Sept. 2021 editorial. He concluded that the comments hold true eight months later.

Got that? Honig predicted this at the start of the process. The snarkiest commentary came from one of Hillary Clinton's lawyers, though who opened his glee-infused commentary with:

Well, that was a quick acquittal! The Michael Sussmann prosecution brought by Trump administration special counsel John Durham tried to generate a Clinton-conspiracy bang but ended with a not-guilty-verdict whimper.

For sending yet another of Trump's explanations about how he is always the victim and nothing is ever his fault down in flames this week, we applaud the vindication of Michael Sussmann and hereby award him the Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week award, for what he had to endure to get here.

[Michael Sussmann is a private citizen who is probably relieved to exit this particular spotlight, and it is our blanket policy not to provide contact information for private citizens or non-incumbent political candidates, sorry.]

 

Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week

Once again, we have to give the Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week this week to Senator Joe Manchin.

Manchin actually favors gun safety legislation. He has for a long time, in fact. After the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012, he teamed up with Republican Senator Pat Toomey and put together a measure to require background checks for gun purchases at gun shows and online. Of course, it didn't pass.

After Uvalde, Manchin came out strongly in favor of passing the same bill, saying to reporters: "You all know where I stand; I'll do anything I can."

However, he immediately defined "anything I can" as somewhat less than most people mean when they use the word "anything." During the same session with reporters, Manchin was asked if he was open to changing the filibuster rule, which could be the only way any gun safety legislation can pass. Manchin immediately (graveyard pun intended) shot this down: "The filibuster is the only thing that prevents us from total insanity."

To top this stunning bit of doublethink off, Manchin is also now campaigning on bringing down prescription drug prices, despite being instrumental in killing off Biden's "Build Back Better" bill, which would have done so.

To most people, "total insanity" is not only having to live with massacre after massacre after massacre, but doing absolutely nothing to change it in any way. Which is why Joe Manchin is (once again) the winner of this week's Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week.

[Contact Senator Joe Manchin on his Senate contact page, to let him know what you think of his actions.]

 

Friday Talking Points

Volume 665 (6/3/22)

We begin today's talking points with a program note. The House Select January 6th Committee has now officially announced that it will hold the first of many televised hearings next Thursday evening -- in primetime.

You can bet your bottom dollar we'll be glued to the television set that night, but because of the timing it will be impossible for us to write and post our reactions to the kickoff primetime hearing that evening, so the first chance to do so will be next Friday. So we are going to have to pre-empt this column in order to provide our commentary and coverage. We have no idea when the next hearings will take place (there are reportedly going to be anywhere from six to eight of them this month alone), but we do caution that this could throw our Friday schedule off repeatedly during the month. Every Friday without a Thursday-evening hearing preceding it, we will return to our regular programming here, but we did want to give our readers a heads-up.

 

1
   Democrats want to protect kids

This is a powerful message, and we hope all Democrats start using it immediately.

"Democrats are trying to protect schoolchildren, while Republicans are more concerned with protecting the rights of madmen who massacre them in their schools. Republicans thought they had a big campaign issue about 'protecting kids' from bizarre and mostly non-existent threats buried within their curricula. But now the voters will be able to see precisely who is interested in protecting children -- from dying by gunshots -- and which party is fighting against protecting schoolkids tooth and nail. Democrats want to protect kids, by keeping them safe and alive. Please remember that the next time a Republican starts spouting off about some made-up threat within the school's library or textbooks."

 

2
   Enough is enough

Biden leaned heavily on this, and so should other Democrats.

"How much is too much? How many times is too damn many? How many slaughters of innocents are we as a country going to have to suffer through before we decide 'Enough!' Joe Biden is right. Enough is enough. It is past time to argue, it is past time to debate, the time is now to act. We must make our streets and our schools and our shopping centers and our churches safer. It is past time for excuses and long past time to do the N.R.A.'s bidding rather than what nine out of ten people in this country want to get done. I for one am tired of being told seeing innocents massacred in schools is some sort of 'new normal' and that we all just have to accept that nothing can be done -- because that couldn't be further from the truth."

 

3
   Insanity

Point out what they are fighting against, in detail.

"Republicans are actually fighting hard to stop a law being passed which would remove guns from a person who has been reported by medical professionals as being mentally unstable or who has shown they are a danger to either themselves or others around them. Got that? Republicans are arguing for the rights of mentally-unstable people to keep their guns. You'll notice I didn't use the word 'insanity,' there, because the true insanity is for any politician to stand against a red-flag law that would remove guns from any person a court finds mentally unfit or a proven danger. That is what is insane, to me."

 

4
   Universal!

Another one worth pointing out.

"Background checks should be universal, and happen every single time a gun changes ownership, no matter where it is sold -- period. What is so hard to understand about that? How can Republicans argue otherwise? Who in their right mind could be fighting to save the loopholes that some people use to get around the background check system? If there are loopholes, people flagged by the background check system -- criminals, unstable people, even terrorists -- will continue using them. Plug up the loopholes once and for all! America deserves a universal background check system, period."

 

5
   Got your popcorn?

Build some hype!

"I don't know what you will be doing this Thursday night at 8:00 P.M. Eastern time, but I will be settled back with a big bowl of popcorn to see the show the January 6th Committee is going to put on. They will be telling the whole story of the insurrection attempt and worst attack on the United States Capitol since the British burned it to the ground in 1814, and they will be revealing all sorts of details that are so far unknown. I will be watching this show from beginning to end, because I care deeply about American democracy and I want to see Congress make sure that nothing like this ever happens again."

 

6
   Justice for all

Speaking of the committee....

"I was glad to see former Trump aide Peter Navarro indicted this week on two counts of contempt of Congress, for his refusal to testify to the January 6th Committee even after being subpoenaed. He isn't the first to face a criminal contempt trial and he likely won't be the last. Either there is justice in this country that is applied equally to all -- even the most well-connected politically -- or we have no justice system left to speak of. So I'll be following all of these cases when they get to trial, and I hope they all are convicted and serve very long prison sentences where they can contemplate what loyalty to one man above the Constitution leads to, in the end."

 

7
   Peach tree? Is that a Georgia thing?

And finally, one bit of sheer lunacy to close with. Maybe we need literacy tests for members of Congress? At this point, it couldn't hurt....

"Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene displayed her stunning ignorance to the world -- yet again -- this week, when she said the following:"

The government totally wants to provide surveillance on every part of your life. They want to know when you're eating. They want to know if you're eating a cheeseburger, which is very bad because Bill Gates wants you to eat his fake meat that grows in a peach tree dish [sic]. So you'll probably get a little zap inside your body that'll say: "No, no, don't eat a real cheeseburger, you need to eat the fake burger, the fake meat, from Bill Gates!" They probably also want to know when you go to the bathroom and if your bowel movements are on time or consistent. I mean what else do these people want to know?

"While leaving the rest of this deranged and utter lunacy aside for others to eviscerate, we have to point out that, yes, she did actually call a Petri dish a 'peach tree dish.' Maybe it's a Georgia thing, who knows? Or maybe she's just truly as dumb as a bag of hammers... seems much more likely, to me."

-- Chris Weigant

 

Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant

Cross-posted at: Democratic Underground

 

318 Comments on “Friday Talking Points -- Enough!”

  1. [1] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    I haven't read the FTP column yet.
    I am addressing Michale.
    I was the first comment yesterday and am bummed that no one thought it fit to comment on it except him.

    Note: I saw Don Harris cursed in yesterday's comments so I assume that's not unacceptable.

    Michale
    A baby that's born is a child - a human being. That is fact.

    Calling it a living, independent creature at any point prior to that is a matter of faith.

    Whether you think it's at the moment of fertilization, when it attaches itself to the walls of the uterus, when we can detect electrical impulses (oddly, called heartbeats prior to there being a heart to beat) or any other time is a matter of faith.

    You and everyone else are welcome to live your lives according to your faith. I don't begrudge you that for an instant.

    However, I will not allow anyone to shove their fucking religious beliefs down my throat! I will not swallow!!!

    I believe differently. Period. Full stop. I can live my life according to my beliefs. If you or anyone else doesn't like it: FUCK OFF!!!

  2. [2] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    They keep the peach tree dish right next to the Jewish space lasers. A peach PIE dish, on the other hand, now that would be something tasty for democracy.

  3. [3] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    I thought the president's speech was a little better than "fairly good", as speeches go ...

  4. [4] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Speak2.

    We don't need another Don.

    Ahem.

  5. [5] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    The time may have come to consider shutting down these comments sections until such time as users grow up and stop commenting like imbeciles.

    I wouldn't miss the asinine back and forth much and there are many places in which to enjoy music.

  6. [6] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Speak2,

    Note: I saw Don Harris cursed in yesterday's comments so I assume that's not unacceptable.

    Thanks for demonstrating the juvenile behavior I'm talking about here.

  7. [7] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    Fair enough, Elizabeth. Visceral, as I said yesterday. My bad (I'll accept that and simply apologize). I apologize.

    I stand by my point (however in-artfully expressed), without regret or remorse, FWIW.

  8. [8] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    Hey Don:

    My comments weren't directed at you in any way. We have our differences (in opinion), but I clearly stated the target of my comment.

    I only mentioned you in passing, as you had used foul language yesterday (and again, just now). Is all.

    We've got no beef, you and I.

  9. [9] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @speak2,
    I didn't consider your use of profanity particularly bad. It was only one post, and not aggressive in tone or context - i doubt Michale (or cw, for that matter) would be offended in the least by it.
    JL

  10. [10] 
    Kick wrote:

    Chris

    The most interesting item in it, hands down, was to repeal the liability protection for gun manufacturers.

    Yes! The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

    If gun corporations had to face lawsuits from the misuse of their weapons, they might just change the way they market and even design such weapons.

    Exactly, but gun manufacturers are lately increasingly being successfully sued under exceptions in the PLCAA, which contains several provisions by which they actually can be sued, including for claims that they've knowingly violated laws that are related to the marketing of their product related to a shooting.

    In 2019, the Supreme Court of the State of Connecticut found that the PLCAA permitted a lawsuit by some of the families of the victims of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Again, the families are suing Remington for violating the state's marketing law by allegedly promoting their Bushmaster rifle for criminal use. Fast forward to now, and Remington (which twice filed for bankruptcy during the case), in February 2022 has agreed to pay the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary killing $73 million, the first settlement of its kind.

    Following the Connecticut Supreme Court ruling, other cases were launched that are working their way through the courts now since there are exemptions in PLCAA wherein gun manufacturers can be held liable for the harm caused by their products.

    Victims of a 2019 mass shooting at a California synagogue sued Smith & Wesson, saying the company negligently marketed the AR-15 style rife used by the shooter. In 2021, a California judge rejected Smith & Wesson's argument that the lawsuit was barred under PLCAA. Stay tuned.

    In 2022, the Supreme Court of the State of Texas ruled that an online seller of ammunition -- Luckygunner -- was NOT protected by the PLCAA from a lawsuit on behalf of victims of the 2018 shooting at a Santa Fe, Texas, high school. The company is being accused of knowingly violating a law that makes it illegal to sell ammunition to minors.

    In 2021, Mexico sued Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Sturm, Ruger & Co., and other firearm makers for the flood of weapons across the border from the United States. The lawsuit alleges the companies designed, marketed and distributed military-style assault weapons in ways they knew would arm drug cartels. Stay tuned.

    The governor of New York has recently signed into law a measure that allows firearm sellers, manufacturers and distributors to be sued by the state, cities or individuals for creating a public nuisance. A U.S. judge recently ruled against the firearms industry which sued to block the law. Stay tuned.

    AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE

    Very recently -- May 25, 2022 -- State of California senators have approved a bill just hours after the Texas shooting in Uvalde that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes, transports, imports, or sells assault weapons and untraceable ghost guns. That bill, which is supported by Governor Gavin Newsom, is styled on the Texas anti-abortion "vigilante" law that is meant to skirt conflicting federal law, and that bill will now be considered by the California state assembly.

    California Senate Advances Newsom-Sponsored Gun Bill Modeled After Texas’ Abortion Law

    Whoop, there it is. Since the SCOTUS has allowed Texas to deny its citizens the exercise of their constitutional rights, then the flood gates have been opened for any other state to do the exact same thing. :)

  11. [11] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    I didn't consider your use of profanity particularly bad. It was only one post, and not aggressive in tone or context - i doubt Michale (or cw, for that matter) would be offended in the least by it.

    Obviously.

    Here's what I consider bad for CW.com - we are heading towards the point where more and more commenters will be using profanity in more and more meritless comments. To what end?

    I'm a firm believer in the notion that there is a time and place for profanity but, when it is used willy nilly whenever the urge presents in a place like this, then it is ultimately a sign that a comments section has lost all meaning and purpose.

  12. [12] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    And, not even pie can save it.

  13. [13] 
    Kick wrote:

    Chris

    Durham's case was roundly denounced by plenty of legal experts as being nothing short of a political conspiracy theory that completely fell apart when it was time to present actual evidence inside an actual courtroom -- in much the same way all of Trump's conspiracy theories crumble.

    I know, right, and how about the hypocrisy of it all!?

    When Michael Flynn admittedly LIES to the FBI, it is a "process crime" to the right-wing talking heads and right wingnut talking-point regurgitators. But when Michael Sussmann is accused of lying to the FBI, it is LOCK UP HILLARY AND ALL DEMOCRATS!

    It was a simple charge of lying to the FBI and was dead on arrival. In our defense, we attempted on multiple occasions to warn the frothing right wingnuts that they were being lied to (again) by the right-wing conspiracy propagandists who keep them wound up over "much ado about nothing," but they can't seem to figure out the many ways in which they're constantly being played for suckers. :)

  14. [14] 
    Kick wrote:

    Friday Talking Points
    Volume 665

    You can bet your bottom dollar we'll be glued to the television set that night, but because of the timing it will be impossible for us to write and post our reactions to the kickoff primetime hearing that evening, so the first chance to do so will be next Friday.

    Nevertheless and still, I think you should definitely be required to refer to your observations of the January 6 Committee hearing as:

    **********
    Volume 666
    **********

    Journalistic etiquette practically demands it. :)

  15. [15] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    It's not the profanity that makes a comment meritless.

    True.

  16. [16] 
    Kick wrote:

    Got your popcorn?

    Yes.

    Build some hype!

    Okay, since you asked nicely.

    I would definitely not want to be Mark Meadows or Virginia "Ginni" "Conspiracy Cult Nutjob" Thomas since they are two of the links that are a roadmap of the conspiracy involving all three branches of the United States Government.

    How's that for hype? :)

  17. [17] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Well, Don ... tinkering arouond the edge is all I've got for now and I'm putting this comments section to bed. :)

  18. [18] 
    Kick wrote:

    Speak2
    1

    Very well said, Speak2.

    Any person, religious zealot, political Party, or government on Earth that advocates that a woman should be forced to carry her rapist's baby to term can definitely eff right off.

    Your words definitely fit the situation that women all over America are now facing.

    I say castrate the majority of men yet keep a few of them available to donate sperm to those wishing to have children. Problem solved. :)

  19. [19] 
    Kick wrote:

    Elizabeth Miller
    3

    I thought the president's speech was a little better than "fairly good", as speeches go ...

    I agree. I thought it was a great speech. Especially the part where Biden puts to rest the utter asinine right-wingnut conspiracy theory bullshit claim that the government is going to outlaw all the guns in America. As if.

  20. [20] 
    Kick wrote:

    Elizabeth Miller
    4

    Speak2.

    We don't need another Don.

    False equivalency. The sentiment fits dead on accurately on this one, EM.

    You might want to get a hold of your overaggressive board mothering or you'll miss the "muscular debate" you keep claiming to want. Speak2 just provided it... just so you know. :)

  21. [21] 
    Kick wrote:

    Elizabeth Miller
    5

    The time may have come to consider shutting down these comments sections until such time as users grow up and stop commenting like imbeciles.

    On whose authority?

    Also, I take issue with your characterization if you are referring to Speak2; however, if you are meaning the board "DH"... then you are as right as rain and as perfect as pie. :)

  22. [22] 
    Kick wrote:

    Speak2
    7

    I apologize.

    You needn't.

    I stand by my point (however in-artfully expressed), without regret or remorse, FWIW.

    You better. :)

  23. [23] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Speak2-

    I think profanity is fine as long as it's used sparingly and most important improves what you are trying to get across. Certain curse words in certain circumstances adds nuance that an exclamation mark would just not convey. It's when it becomes gratuitous or in Don's case uncontrolled and excessive that I wish for moderation.

    Now the death wishes...should get one banned anywhere, and usually does. There is just no excuse for that.

  24. [24] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    And profanity should not be directed at anyone maliciously.

    Fuck this, OK. Fuck you, not OK.

  25. [25] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    Thank you (especially Kick).

    My "words" have merited more comments than my words. That is what bums me out, at this point. I'm going to repost Comments [1] from yesterday and today (without foul language), because I think the meaning is more important than my choice of words.

  26. [26] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    Today (yes, I've now read the column).

    I haven't read the FTP column yet.
    I am addressing Michale.
    I was the first comment yesterday and am bummed that no one thought it fit to comment on it except him.

    Note: I saw Don Harris cursed in yesterday's comments so I assume that's not unacceptable.

    Michale
    A baby that's born is a child - a human being. That is fact.

    Calling it a living, independent creature at any point prior to that is a matter of faith.

    Whether you think it's at the moment of fertilization, when it attaches itself to the walls of the uterus, when we can detect electrical impulses (oddly, called heartbeats prior to there being a heart to beat) or any other time is a matter of faith.

    You and everyone else are welcome to live your lives according to your faith. I don't begrudge you that for an instant.

    However, I will not allow anyone to shove their religious beliefs down my throat!

    I believe differently. Period. Full stop. I can live my life according to my beliefs. If you or anyone else doesn't like it: KISS OFF!!!

  27. [27] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    Yesterday (exact copy-and-paste)

    Chris: You're the wordsmith. but I'm offering this everywhere.

    A thought came to me earlier. We should stop saying “shootings [are] the number one killer of our children in America.” Or, at least, we should stop leaving it there. Let’s give it a name:

    The John Roberts Legacy: Shootings are the number one killer of our children in America.

    I get that long-term, his lasting legacy and core agenda is legalized corruption (coupled with wealthy, well-connected white people are above the law).

    Still, this is visceral. We should never mention one without the other. Let that seep into the lexicon.

  28. [28] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [1]
    [23]
    [25] etc.

    Speak2 I'm in 100% agreement with you and have no problem with your phraseology.

    Freedom of Religion is meaningless inked it includes freedom from other people's religion.

    [4]
    [5]

    Elizabeth, to equate what Don and Michale do here and the harm they cause to any other commenter here is fucking insane! Even more insane is you trying to reason with or otherwise moderate them because that will never happen in a million years. Never. You seem completely oblivious to reality.

    Oh, and knock off the Board Mother routine. Who the fuck do you think you are?

  29. [29] 
    Michale wrote:

    Kick,

    I am ecstatic that you have finally conceded that not all killing is illegal..

    It's very gratifying that you finally see the facts.. :D

    Thank you for your concession.. :D

    And, as always, the name-checks are extremely welcome.. :D

  30. [30] 
    Michale wrote:

    Ban assault weapons

    Ban high-capacity magazines

    "If we can't ban assault weapons, then we should raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21."

    "Strengthen background checks" to "keep guns out of the hands of felons, fugitives, and those under restraining orders."

    Pass safe storage laws that hold gun owners responsible for crimes committed with their unsecured weapons.

    Pass red-flag laws.

    Repeal liability protection for gun manufacturers.
    "Address the mental health crisis deepening the trauma of gun violence and as a consequence of that violence."

    Let's take these one by one..

    Ban assault weapons

    Won't happen.. Never, ever, EVER... happen..

    Because Democrats cannot define what an "assault weapon" is.. A baseball bat can be an "assault weapon"... A kitchen knife can be an "assault weapon".. Someone's foot or hand can be an "assault weapon"..

    The *ONLY* qualifying parameter that Democrats can point to is "it looks scary"....

    THAT is the ONLY determining factor in the eyes of ignorant Democrats..

    An "assault weapon" ban will NEVER happen.. Especially under the auspices of Heller..

    NOT.... GONNA... HAPPEN...

  31. [31] 
    Michale wrote:

    Ban high-capacity magazines

    This is one of those useless laws that won't do a damn thing to stop Crowd Based Mass Shootings™.

    It's a WOULDN'T IT BE NICE law that gives Democrats a warm fuzzy that they actually DID something without ACCOMPLISHING anything..

    I have been carrying a gun since I was 17.. I am just shy of 60 right now..

    Any one of ya'all and me can hit the range.. We'll each have an identical rifle, say a Ruger Mini-14...

    You will have a 50rnd mag and I'll have 5 10rnd mags..

    At the signal, we both commence shooting..

    I'll be done with my 50rnds and be having a beer at the bar next door when you finish your 50rnd magazine..

    Limitations on mag capacity is a dunsel..

    It serves NO USEFUL purpose except to give ignorant morons a false sense of accomplishment..

  32. [32] 
    Michale wrote:

    "If we can't ban assault weapons, then we should raise the age to purchase them from 18 to 21."

    This actually has a decent chance of passing except for it won't because of what moron Democrats are doing with it....

    I don't agree with it.. It's unfair and it's not right...

    Even RUSS agrees with me on that..

    And it also will do absolutely NOTHING to stop these Crowd Based Mass Shootings™...

    It's another dunsel that will give ignorant morons a false sense of actually accomplishing something..

  33. [33] 
    Michale wrote:

    "Strengthen background checks" to "keep guns out of the hands of felons, fugitives, and those under restraining orders."

    Background checks cover 99.8% of all firearm sales in the US. There has *NEVER* been a Crowd Based Mass Shooting™ that occurred with a firearm that was transferred under that .2%..

    The Gun Show Loophole is a myth..

    This is another one of those WOULDN'T IT BE NICE laws that will do absolutely NOTHING to prevent Crowd Based Mass Shootings™..

    I concede that it MIGHT have passed if Democrats are royally screwing things up... As such, it has absolutely NO CHANCE of passing..

  34. [34] 
    Michale wrote:

    Pass safe storage laws that hold gun owners responsible for crimes committed with their unsecured weapons.

    Another one of those nebulous WOULDN'T IT BE NICE laws that is a dunsel.. It might have passed because it would be toothless as it is unable to define what "safe" storage would look like..

  35. [35] 
    Michale wrote:

    Pass red-flag laws.

    NOW we're getting into an area that might actually do some good..

    But it won't pass because Democrats are being morons about it..

    And ANY Red Flag laws MUST have punitive and strict repercussions in the form of huge fines for agencies who misuse or use under ulterior motives the red flag laws and huge fines AND harsh jail sentences for individuals who misuse or use under ulterior motives the red flag laws..

  36. [36] 
    Michale wrote:

    Repeal liability protection for gun manufacturers.

    Absolutely positively 1000% NOT GONNA HAPPEN...

    When used legally, safely and as proscribed a firearm is no different from a car...

    Ford or Chevy is not liable if some psychotic scumbag mows down and kills and injures almost 70 people at a parade...

    Yes, a gun is designed to kill people.. It's design is completely irrelevant in any proceeding.. When used, legally and safely and as proscribed, killing people is not illegal...

    And the GUN ITSELF did not make a sentient decision to act legally or illegally any more than a fork makes a sentient decision to make someone fat... Any more than a pencil made a sentient decision to fail someone's written test..

    Even IF Democrats were not acting like complete and utter morons, this law would have absolutely ZERO chance of passing...

  37. [37] 
    Michale wrote:

    "Address the mental health crisis deepening the trauma of gun violence and as a consequence of that violence."

    And Democrats will NEVER do ANYTHING remotely helpful in this regard because of the sacred cow of PERSONAL PRIVACY that Democrats claim to be all about...

    So, NOTHING of any relevance or import will come from this..

  38. [38] 
    Michale wrote:

    Now, let's address the jackass in the room..

    This actually has a decent chance of passing except for it won't because of what moron Democrats are doing with it....

    I concede that it MIGHT have passed if Democrats are royally screwing things up... As such, it has absolutely NO CHANCE of passing..

    But it won't pass because Democrats are being morons about it..

    Even IF Democrats were not acting like complete and utter morons, this law would have absolutely ZERO chance of passing...

    Here's the deal.. A few of those laws would actually have a decent chance of passing.. Most of those laws are what science would label as NO CHANCE IN HELL OF PASSING...

    And here is where Democrats are showing their complete and utter STOOPIDITY and PROVING beyond ANY doubt that they are simply INCAPABLE of learning from their past screw-ups..

    I am, of course, referring to Democrats' Wet Dream, BUILD BACK BROKE...

    I believe even the Weigantian Administration agreed that Democrats should have broken the Wet Dream into separate bills that would have increased the chances of at least SOMETHING passing...

    But no.. Democrats were MORONS and went with the ALL OR NOTHING strategy and ended up with nothing but their wee-wees in their hands..

    And now history repeats itself..

    Democrats are shoving the NO WAY IN HELL IT WILL PASS bills in with the Decent Chance Of Passing bills.. Thereby INSURING that NONE OF IT will pass..

    So, either one of two possibilities exist..

    Democrats are complete and utter MORONS who cannot learn a simple lesson...

    Or Democrat are completely UNSERIOUS about passing ANY of their hysterical anti-gun laws..

    I leave it to you, the reader, to decide which is appliable..

  39. [39] 
    Michale wrote:

    Speak2,

    I haven't read the FTP column yet.
    I am addressing Michale.
    I was the first comment yesterday and am bummed that no one thought it fit to comment on it except him.

    "I'm fatter... er... FLATTERED"
    -Eddie Murphy, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR

    :D

    A baby that's born is a child - a human being. That is fact.

    Calling it a living, independent creature at any point prior to that is a matter of faith.

    Not factually accurate..

    According to SCIENCE it is a living independent baby..

    I will grant you that, prior to 6 weeks, a logical case can be made for calling the baby an 'it'.. I will concede that an argument can be made...

    But, once a heartbeat has been established, SCIENCE has stated that 'it' is now a living human being..

    Whether you think it's at the moment of fertilization, when it attaches itself to the walls of the uterus, when we can detect electrical impulses (oddly, called heartbeats prior to there being a heart to beat) or any other time is a matter of faith.

    AS I have proven beyond ANY doubt, you are not factually accurate...

    I am going to assume that by "faith", you mean religious faith.. As has been well established here in Weigantia™, I am not a person of that sort of faith.. I am as agnostic as they come...

    I rely on FACTS and SCIENCE...

    And, according to SCIENCE, once a heartbeat is established then we are discussing a living human being, not a clump of cells..

    You and everyone else are welcome to live your lives according to your faith. I don't begrudge you that for an instant.

    That's great.. As long as you agree that my "faith" is the faith of facts and science..

    However, I will not allow anyone to shove their fucking religious beliefs down my throat!

    Ahhhhh Language, dood.. Language....

    So, you DO equate "faith" with religion.. That's fine.. You are perfectly within your rights to make that mistake...

    But, I can assure you my "faith" is the faith of facts and science and my "faith" assures me that, once a heartbeat is detected, then the point of our discussion becomes a living human being and, as such, deserves all the protections of law and morality that is common in today's society..

    I will not swallow!!!

    Uuhh...er.... Will THAT's between you and your partner.. I don't think ANYONE here wants to know these kinds of details..

    "I am Mrs. Swallows. My maiden name was Ms Spitz..."
    "Which is it? Spitz or Swallows.."

    -AUSTIN POWERS, THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME

    I believe differently. Period. Full stop. I can live my life according to my beliefs. If you or anyone else doesn't like it: FUCK OFF!!!

    Again with the language, dood..

    "Cursing is the sign of a weak mind"
    -Finlay, JACK REACHER

    Yes, you can live your life according to your "faith" hypocritical though it may be.

    But if yer gonna lay out such blatant hypocrisy and cruelty...

    Don't expect it to go un-commented... :D

  40. [40] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    I didn't consider your use of profanity particularly bad. It was only one post, and not aggressive in tone or context - i doubt Michale (or cw, for that matter) would be offended in the least by it

    Offended?? Not even close.. :D

    It just gives me an idea of who I am dealing with..

    "Cursing is the sign of a weak mind"
    -Finlay, JACK REACHER

    :D

  41. [41] 
    Michale wrote:

    Los Angeles hospital stabbing leaves at least 3 injured; suspect in custody, police say

    The Los Angeles Police Department said the suspect was barricaded inside the hospital for several hours before being taken into custody
    https://www.foxnews.com/us/los-angeles-hospital-stabbing

    BAN ASSAULT KNIVES!!!!

    Then this sort of thing will NEVER happen!!!

    :epic eyeroll:

  42. [42] 
    Michale wrote:

    And, if you are wondering JUST HOW UTTERLY WHACKED things have gotten in California???

    California court rules a bumblebee is a fish under environmental law

    The Appellate Court ruled a lower court 'erred when it reached a contrary conclusion'
    https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-court-bumblebee-fish-environmental-law

    Wonder no more.. :^/

  43. [43] 
    Michale wrote:

    For those of ya'all who had hoped and dreamed that inflation will be better by November??

    Investors may be in for a rude surprise: History shows inflation can take years to return to normal even when the Fed hikes interest rates above 10%

    `There are aspects of the historical pattern that are very relevant: Namely, that inflation took a number of years to develop, kept growing, receded, then came back and was hard to get rid of,’ says Mace McCain of Frost Investment Advisors.
    https://www.marketwatch.com/story/investors-may-be-in-for-this-rude-surprise-history-shows-inflation-can-take-years-to-return-to-normal-even-when-fed-hikes-above-10-11654192355

    Keep dreaming.. :D

    The Uber Nuclear Biblical Shellacking Of The Democrat Party is coming.. :D

    And NOTHING will stop it... :D

  44. [44] 
    Michale wrote:

    Democrats are getting it from all sides..

    Even their own base!! :D

    Democrats Face Pressure on Crime From a New Front: Their Base
    https://dnyuz.com/2022/06/03/democrats-face-pressure-on-crime-from-a-new-front-their-base/

    Democrats simply DO NOT have a safe port for their hateful and hurtful Anti-America Anti-Cop Pro-Criminal positions..

    It's THAT simple..

  45. [45] 
    Michale wrote:

    Looks like Biden's Handlers are afraid of Elon!!! :D

    Musk deal for Twitter dodges lengthy U.S. antitrust review
    https://finance.yahoo.com/news/twitter-says-waiting-period-musks-123424926.html

    Sic 'em Elon!!! :D

  46. [46] 
    Michale wrote:

    Did ya'all read the twits where Biden's Handlers tried to diss Elon about going to the moon and Elon bitch slapped Biden's Handlers by reminding them that it's SPACE X that is going to make the US return to the moon possible!?? :D

    It was a glorious slap down of Biden's Handlers by Elon.. :D

  47. [47] 
    Michale wrote:

    Another one of Biden's Handlers' epic failures..

    Russia may be in Ukraine to stay after 100 days of war
    https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-moscow-government-and-politics-139234bb95a3fe3ca2de0fe2c716dda8

    In the dictionary under INCOMPETENCE there is a picture of Democrats...

  48. [48] 
    Michale wrote:

    Even Bill Clinton is telling Democrats how moronic they are being!!

    Bill Clinton and Tony Blair Have a Warning for Progressives

    Long tarnished by their own actions, two heroes of the ’90s seek to reclaim their voices.
    https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/06/02/bill-clinton-tony-blair-warning-for-progressives-00036616

    Ya'all just HAVE to know that Democrats are scroo'ing da pooch if Bubba is laying into them.. :D

  49. [49] 
    Michale wrote:

    Ahead of U.S. midterms, Democrats struggle to find footing on violent crime
    https://news.yahoo.com/ahead-u-midterms-democrats-struggle-100953033.html

    Just what Democrats need..

    ANOTHER hurdle to overcome to make a respectable showing in the coming Uber Nuclear Biblical Shellacking.. :D

  50. [50] 
    Michale wrote:

    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fed-up Democrats in San Francisco and Los Angeles, liberal-leaning California cities reeling from COVID-era spikes in homicides and gun violence, may punish their own party at the polls next week over its criminal justice policies.

    San Francisco's progressive district attorney, Chesa Boudin, is likely to be pushed out of office in a recall vote, while voters in Los Angeles will be choosing a new mayor – with an ex-Republican as a leading candidate.

    The results could send a blinking-red warning to Democrats ahead of November's midterm elections.

    In congressional and local races across the United States, Republicans have seized upon calls by progressives to reduce police department budgets and other liberal criminal justice policies to paint almost all Democratic candidates as lenient on crime.

    What's so awesome about all this is it's DEMOCRATS eating their own!!!!

    Ya'all just GOTS ta love the irony, eh?? :D

    GOP'ers don't have to lift a finger!!! :D

  51. [51] 
    Michale wrote:

    Once again, DeSantis PROVES that ya mess with da bull!!??

    DeSantis vetoes $35M earmarked for Rays facility after team postures on gun violence
    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/desantis-vetoes-35m-earmarked-for-rays-facility-after-team-postures-on-gun-violence

    Ya get da horns!!! :D

  52. [52] 
    Michale wrote:

    Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) vetoed $3.1 billion in spending as he signed a $109.9 billion budget Thursday, slashing funds that would have, in part, gone toward a youth sports complex earmarked as a possible spring training facility for the Tampa Bay Rays.

    The Republican cited the need to protect the state "against what very well may be a Biden-induced recession" at the signing ceremony. The facility in question, in Pasco County, would have cost $35 million. The veto comes after the Rays published a call to end gun violence in the aftermath of the Texas and New York mass shootings, and a report from OutKick said it learned that the decision was indeed in response to the team "politicizing" the massacres.

    If these ignorant Democrat leaning morons want to play politics with the big boys?? They better learn ta bring some clout..

    Disney tried ta mess with da bull.. THEY got da horns too!! :D

  53. [53] 
    Michale wrote:

    Jan. 6 committee cuts back number of planned public hearings for June
    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/jan-6-committee-cuts-back-number-of-planned-public-hearings-for-june

    The J6C is learning that the American people JUST DON'T CARE... :D

    But I am sure that Weigantians™ will make mountains out of mole hills..

    Just like they did with the Russia Collusion delusion.. :D

  54. [54] 
    Michale wrote:

    Liz,

    I thought the president's speech was a little better than "fairly good", as speeches go ...

    Why??

    It covered no new ground..

    It didn't lay out ANY new plans..

    It was simply a partisan rehash of Democrat Talking Points that, due to DEMOCRAT intransigence, went NOWHERE after Sandy Hook and will go NOWHERE now..

    In short, it was same ol same ol with the exact same chances of success..

    ZERO... ZILCH.... NADA.... NONE....

    And Uvalde and Buffalo will fade and Democrats will ignore the huge gun violence problems in DEMOCRAT run cities..

    It must be a day that ends in 'Y'... :eyeroll:

  55. [55] 
    Michale wrote:

    Since this is a long quote, I am going to put it into a BLOCKQUOTE instead of bold, which is normally what I do with quotes..

    Thanx Kick for showing me how to use BLOCKQUOTEs!! :D It's very much appreciated..

    You know, every time I've been on your show to talk about this war from the start, the theme has always been the one question that's most important happens to be the one never being asked, which is — in what way does this war serve the interests of the American people?

    It doesn't. Obviously, it serves the interest of a tiny sliver of people in Washington, weapons manufacturers, people in the security state who get money and power from these sorts of things.

    And right at the moment, when their market for these weapons disappeared, when the U.S. finally got out of Iraq and Afghanistan, lo and behold, there's this new market in Ukraine.

    And I think this op-ed really reflects the fact of how suppressed the debate has been, because it points to things like, we've been in Ukraine since 2014, we've been arming them since at least 2017 or 2018 with heavy weaponry, making very provocative gestures toward Russia right on the other side of the border.

    And there's been an absence of any attempt to resolve the war diplomatically, which is what you would be doing, trying to solve it diplomatically if you actually cared about the Ukrainians.

    The Biden administration instead has been escalating the war seemingly deliberately, which is what you would do if you don't care about Ukrainians, but instead care about weapons manufacturers and the power of the U.S. security state.

    GLENN GREENWALD

    Liz, I think you would agree with Mr Greenwald, eh??

  56. [56] 
    Michale wrote:

    Speak2

    Note: I saw Don Harris cursed in yesterday's comments so I assume that's not unacceptable.

    This is called CONFIRMATION BIAS

    Look it up... :D

  57. [57] 
    Michale wrote:
  58. [58] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Michale [60],

    One thing is for sure - Ukraine has been receiving very bad advice - and, probably, no small amount of pressure - from the US to stand up to Putin militarily and to ignore any diplomatic initiatives like the one orchestrated by Israel very early on in this war.

    Something else is true. The US did NOTHING to prevent this war and, in fact, did many things to invite it.

  59. [59] 
    Michale wrote:

    Liz,

    We are in 1000% agreement on that...

  60. [60] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Not 100% sure about THAT, Michale.

  61. [61] 
    Michale wrote:

    Bashi,

    And profanity should not be directed at anyone maliciously.

    Fuck this, OK. Fuck you, not OK.

    Well said...

  62. [62] 
    Michale wrote:

    Liz,

    Not 100% sure about THAT, Michale.

    You can be... When it comes to Ukraine, I think we're reading from the same book...

  63. [63] 
    Michale wrote:

    I'll be off the grid for a bit..

    Doing a re-install of my Windows 11 machine..

    See ya'all in a few...

  64. [64] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Bashi[28-29],

    Very nicely put! :)

  65. [65] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Michale,

    You can be... When it comes to Ukraine, I think we're reading from the same book...

    Not when it comes to the all important details of the how's and why's of it, I'm sorry to say ...

  66. [66] 
    C. R. Stucki wrote:

    "If gun manufacturers had to face liability for the misuse of their weapons", they would instantly have to cease production, simple fact of life.

    But the question is, should they ever have to face such liability, meaning are they responsible for the misuse of their products?

    Ask yourselves, Dem/Lib morons/fumduckers, should, fertilizer manufacturers be considered at fault ("liable") when a Timothy McVeigh bombs a courthouse with a truckload of fertilizer?? Should Shell Oil be held responsible when a Josh Powell soaks his sons with gasoline and burns them to death??? Should Alfred Nobel be held responsible for when somebody steals some of the dynamite he makes and blows up the bank vault??? Should GM be considered liable when somebody crashes his Chevy into a crowd of political demonstrators???

  67. [67] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Banning classes of weapons may or may not be constitutional. Pies in the face, however, are an inalienable right. They rarely kill anyone, and are generally both tasty and amusing. Don't let Donald Trump's fear become national policy!

    You'll have to pry this pie from my warm sticky hands.

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

  68. [68] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @Liz,

    Ukraine has been under attack for a decade spanning three presidencies. Putin escalated mainly because he wasn't making any more headway through espionage and diplomacy. Obama was distracted by other conflicts, and trump was compromised by his business relationships. Biden did the right thing to stand up to Putin, he just didn't go far enough defending Ukraine militarily.

    I believe you're living in a fantasy world when it comes to our diplomatic options in that conflict.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  69. [69] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @Don,
    Wasn't addressing you, and no longer care what you think. I'll have my pie and eat it too.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

  70. [70] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Just like Liz, Michale or anyone else, if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  71. [71] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    You have fun with that, Don.

  72. [72] 
    Michale wrote:

    CRS,

    Ask yourselves, Dem/Lib morons/fumduckers, should, fertilizer manufacturers be considered at fault ("liable") when a Timothy McVeigh bombs a courthouse with a truckload of fertilizer?? Should Shell Oil be held responsible when a Josh Powell soaks his sons with gasoline and burns them to death??? Should Alfred Nobel be held responsible for when somebody steals some of the dynamite he makes and blows up the bank vault??? Should GM be considered liable when somebody crashes his Chevy into a crowd of political demonstrators???

    EXACTLY...

    If every inventor, producer and manufacturer can be held liable for the illegal use or misuse of their inventions or products, then NO ONE will be inclined to invent, produce or manufacture ANYTHING...

    Democrats are MASTERS of short term LIMITED thinking..

    They PROVE it every time they open their mouths..

  73. [73] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [63]

    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    One thing is for sure - Ukraine has been receiving very bad advice - and, probably, no small amount of pressure - from the US to stand up to Putin militarily and to ignore any diplomatic initiatives like the one orchestrated by Israel very early on in this war.

    Something else is true. The US did NOTHING to prevent this war and, in fact, did many things to invite it.

    Elizabeth, I don't know if you've read mine (and other Weigantians) Ukraine commentary because you haven't replied, refuted or even acknowledged most of it.

    But then you just pop up and say something completely uninformed like this. Are you getting your news from RT?

  74. [74] 
    Michale wrote:

    Just like Liz, Michale or anyone else, if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

    Yes, but if I am successful, I will BAN ALL MANUFACTURE of pies and you will be without!!!

    MMMUUUAHHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

  75. [75] 
    Michale wrote:

    Democrats need to come to grips with reality..

    All the plans listed in #35...???

    NOT GOING TO HAPPEN...

    It's simply Build Back Broke Redux....

  76. [76] 
    Michale wrote:

    Let's look at things this way...

    It will NEVER happen, but let's postulate a scenario where Democrats finally, by hook or by crook, get their gun ban.. I mean, well documented Democrat cheating and fraud put Biden's Handlers in the Oval Office, so let's assume that Democrats can get their gun ban..

    There are approx 120 million gun owners in America.. At LEAST 95% of those gun owners are PASSIONATE about being gun owners..

    These 120 million PASSIONATE gun owners own 400 million guns..

    Now, tell me..

    What will happen if Democrats try to take those guns by force???

    I think we ALL can figure out how THAT would go, eh??

    So Democrats.. Be careful what you ask for.. If Democrats come for our guns, they may find them delivered piece by piece at a very fast rate of fire...

    "Now you will make it right or the next missile I send you will come very much faster"
    -Ulysses Klaue, AVENGERS AGE OF ULTRON

  77. [77] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,

    You only THINK that! One of the most awesome things about pie is that anyone can make it in their own kitchen. This is but one of the many ways pie facilitates the Democratic process.

  78. [78] 
    Michale wrote:

    You only THINK that! One of the most awesome things about pie is that anyone can make it in their own kitchen. This is but one of the many ways pie facilitates the Democratic process.

    You are obviously not up on current events.

    Ghost Pies will be banned...

  79. [79] 
    Michale wrote:

    Soooo...

    Will Monday bring the ignoble death of Roe V Wade??

    I certain hope so!! :D

    We also might know if Roberts was factually accurate when he said that the SCOTUS is not susceptible to the whims of hysterical idealogues..

  80. [80] 
    ListenWhenYouHear wrote:

    At least they are honest about what they believe they should be allowed to do:

    Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro was indicted Friday on contempt of Congress charges for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 committee. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) wasted no time hustling over to Newsmax to utter an odd complaint, griping that Republicans “can’t even lie to Congress or lie to an FBI agent or they’re coming after you.”

    The GOP…the Party of Lies!

  81. [81] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    Just watched BY THE PALE MOONLIGHT again..

    VERY powerful episode..

    But it proves one point beyond ANY doubt.

    THE ENDS JUSTIFIES THE MEANS...

    With a corollary

    AS LONG AS THE MEANS ARE PROPORTIONAL TO THE ENDS..

    You ever read FAIL SAFE??

  82. [82] 
    Michale wrote:

    The GOP…the Party of Lies!

    You mean, like all the LIES that Hillary and the Democrats told about Hunter Biden's Laptop, about the Russia Collusion Delusion..

    You mean THOSE lies??? :eyeroll:

  83. [83] 
    Michale wrote:

    Face the FACTS, Russ..

    When it comes to LIES, you and your Democrats have actually NO MORAL ground to cling to... :eyeroll:

  84. [84] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,
    I think one of the things that makes the episode great is that it doesn't necessarily prove that the ends justify the means. Cisco ultimately decides that in this case they do, but by the end he's fully aware of the cost to his ideals and his self image.

  85. [85] 
    ListenWhenYouHear wrote:

    [90]

    These 120 million PASSIONATE gun owners own 400 million guns..

    Now, tell me..

    What will happen if Democrats try to take those guns by force???

    I think we ALL can figure out how THAT would go, eh??

    Yeah, the vast majority will be true Patriots and will hand over their guns during the “buy back” period as required by law. Their loyalty is to our Constitution and to our Nation; not to gun makers who have convinced you that you are not truly a man without a gun. You will have plenty of time to turn your gun in peacefully before possession becomes a felony.

    It’s only the terrorists that will refuse to hand over the specific guns being recalled. It won’t be necessary for the government to go door to door looking for the illegal firearms. When these terrorists are identified and authorities respond the their threat, do you honestly believe YOU and your gun stand a chance if you resist? You, yourself, have stated many times that the police respond to a person’s actions regardless of the color of their skin. You’ll see that play out for yourself! So choose wisely where you will make your stand!

  86. [86] 
    Michale wrote:

    Russ,

    Yeah, the vast majority will be true Patriots and will hand over their guns during the “buy back” period as required by law.

    And yet, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to lawfully repeal the 2nd..

    Ergo, ANY repeal of the 2nd would be ILLEGAL and gun owners will NOT hand over their weapons peacefully..

    You America hating Democrats just HAVE to know that..

    Right???

  87. [87] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL

    I think one of the things that makes the episode great is that it doesn't necessarily prove that the ends justify the means. Cisco ultimately decides that in this case they do, but by the end he's fully aware of the cost to his ideals and his self image.

    Yes.. Sisko felt that the ENDS (bringing the Romulans into the war) was worth the means, killing "innocent" people..

    He decided that was a trade off for his values he could live with..

    I agree..

    Now imagine this scenario...

    *****SPOILER********

    In FAIL SAFE, a US B-52 is mistakenly sent to bomb MOSCOW...

    The POTUS decides that, if the B-52 makes it and destroys MOSCOW, then an identical B-52 will drop an identical nuke to destroy New York City..

    By making that decision, the POTUS prevents a full blown nuclear war that will kill BILLIONS...

    Your thoughts??

  88. [88] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua,

    It is pure fantasy to imagine that Ukraine would be victorious against Russia, with or without US military support.

    But, what do you suppose would be the consequences - for everyone - if the US (and its NATO allies) actually did what needed to be done to ensure that Ukraine is victorious over Russia?

    Three guesses and the first two don't count.

  89. [89] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,

    i understand the reasoning, but i don't think i'd personally be able to make that decision. i guess that's why i'm not running for president.

    @liz,

    define "victorious" - for ukraine, victory is continuing to exist without being under the control of russia's dictator. as such, they've absolutely been successful, even without all that much support from us in the west. if we did what needed to be done to support ukraine, putin would back down because he'd have to. he's evil but not crazy.

    Mud pie, blood pie.

    Pissaladiere, hachis parmentier.

    Rijstevlaai, apple pie.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  90. [90] 
    Speak2 wrote:

    EM [104]

    We've seen the corruption and incompetence that is the Russian military. Claim to order 1,000, but only order 100 (enough for an inspection) and the rest of the $ get pocketed.

    Even the 100, no maintenance. Again, budget that gets pocketed.

    I'm not a nuclear physicist or weapons expert, but I am comfy with the science (I'm a math prof). Nuclear weapons need to be maintained, both inside and out. The structures used to launch them need to be maintained, as well.

    Are we so sure that Russia is still a nuclear-armed nation? I am of the opinion that they might not be keeping up their end of the Mutally-Assured-Destruction model and I'm happy about that.

    I don't know if I'm right, but there is nothing that we've seen that would suggest Russia has spent the money doing the necessary maintenance.

  91. [91] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Speak,

    You may have noticed that enough havoc is being wreaked globally without the use of nuclear weapons as a result of this stupid and unnecessary war.

  92. [92] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua,

    After 100 days of war, Russia controls 20 percent of Ukraine. That's according to the Ukrainian leader.

  93. [93] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    if we did what needed to be done to support ukraine, putin would back down because he'd have to.

    You seem to think that a US proxy war a few hundred miles from the center of Moscow is a good idea. I don't get that logic.

  94. [94] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Russia is winning the economic war

    ... mostly because much of the world is NOT on board with the regime of sanctions against Russia.

  95. [95] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    To get big money out of politics, I think you have to work it both ways ... from the grassroots up AND from the top down.

    In other words, encourage people to vote for candidates who aren't beholden to big money interests while at the same time exposing how big money interests have corrupted the system in ways that negatively impact the average citizen.

    It's a tall order, anyway you slice it and so what's needed is a 'full-court press' on campaign finance reform along with a grass roots campaign to support "small donor" candidates across the country.

  96. [96] 
    ListenWhenYouHear wrote:

    DH,

    If I live in an extremely wealthy district…so much so that every person who donates to our Representative is able to and does give the max campaign donation. There are no $50 or $300 donations, they all max out at $2900 for the general election. If everyone donates the max, which means the minimum given is also the max amount possible, is this really a case of a politician being “bought”? Are you suggesting that the candidate is bought by everyone equally in this case?

  97. [97] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @liz,
    Crimea has been controlled by Russia for eight years already, and that's part of the 20% you're talking about. And yes, many countries either can't or won't disentangle their own economies from Russian fossil fuels. Fighting Putin economically was never going to be easy, but that's even MORE of a reason why it's necessary to provide Ukraine with better military support.

    @Russ,
    No matter how much money someone donates, they will always respond to the power of pie.

    Crawfish pie, deep dish pie,

    Possum pie, blossom pie,

    Mud pie, blood pie.

    Pissaladiere, hachis parmentier.

    Rijstevlaai, apple pie.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  98. [98] 
    ListenWhenYouHear wrote:

    Michale

    And yet, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to lawfully repeal the 2nd..

    Ergo, ANY repeal of the 2nd would be ILLEGAL and gun owners will NOT hand over their weapons peacefully..

    Since outlawing a single type of weapon is allowed under the 2nd, this would not be Democrats trying to repeal the 2nd. You keep showing just how much you hate this country with your histrionics . There are democratic ways to repeal an amendment — prohibition ring a bell? So if the 2nd is ever repealed, then it won’t be “illegally” done.

  99. [99] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [107]

    Don Harris wrote:


    Nypoet-
    No one in their right mind would try to pry anything form your warm sticky fingers after reading your masturbation pretending to be comments here.

    Stop excreting your masturbatory releases here and stick to licking it from your warm sticky fingers you fucking asshole.

    Fuck off.

    Are we to be grateful that CW's Comment Policy has at least kept your Mother out of Weigantia?

  100. [100] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Speaking of Comment Policy, I have to ask Michale how he defines comment spam.

  101. [101] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [111]

    You seem to think that a US proxy war a few hundred miles from the center of Moscow is a good idea. I don't get that logic.

    No. VLADIMIR PUTIN thought a proxy war a few hundred miles from Moscow was a good idea. I didn't think so which is why I erroneously predicted that he was saber rattling to get more concessions and wouldn't actually invade.

    But with Trump no longer around destroying NATO from within and with Russian economy and demographics in a death spiral, invade he did-- while he still could. This had nothing to do with the West! Putin has publically yearned for the return of Soviet-era boundaries against the West.

    Ukraine has already won the war. They won't have to drive the Russians all the way out of pre-2014 Ukraine, the troops will be withdrawn via negotiations because Russia cannot sustain this war effort, especially with so little to show for it.

    I get it that you're a Pacifist. You afloat to believe that a bad peace is better than every war.

    Wouldn't you defend Ontario if Ruler-for-Life Donald Trump decided to invade it while promising the world that Ontario was all he wanted?

  102. [102] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Think about it: Ontario shouldn't even be a separate country! Economically, politically and culturally the 50% of Canadians living in Southern Ontario have so much in common with Murica. We go back centuries together. The languages spoken in Ontario and Murica even have more in common than the Russian and Ukrainian languages do.

    And Murica needs to protect itself from the threat of Canadian Neo-Nazism!

    Why not invade? What is the British Poodle going to do to defend you besides wringing their hands and uttering a few whimpers of protest?

    Are ya starting to feel me, Liz?

  103. [103] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Europe:

    Yeah, sure! To hell with the people of Canada, you can have Ontario just because you want it. Just so long as you swear on your Mother's grave that you'll be satisfied with just Ontario! Then we can have peace in our time.

  104. [104] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    (my beast Trump voice)

    People don't know this, but Ontario and Murica fought side by side bigly to occupy the airports during the Revolution!

    C'mon, Ontario you BELONG with us -- the rest of your country is simply Siberia: Western Hemisphere Edition. People say there's a little civilization over the in Vancouver but it's dangerously close to Portland, Oregon. So it doesn't really matter.

  105. [105] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    i understand the reasoning, but i don't think i'd personally be able to make that decision. i guess that's why i'm not running for president.

    I should also note that, in the book, the President's wife and daughter were IN New York City, when the POTUS ordered the city to be nuked..

    The point is, of course, that it takes a man of the highest integrity to sacrifice his own conscience and values for the greater good..

    When it comes down to it, sacrificing millions of innocents to save billions of innocents is the right thing to do..

    I would like to think I possess such courage to make that choice..

    On the FLIP side of that argument, we have KODOS the Executioner...

    Just to stir the pot a little..

  106. [106] 
    Michale wrote:

    Liz,

    ... mostly because much of the world is NOT on board with the regime of sanctions against Russia.

    To use your vernacular...

    That is a good point.. No.. That is a VERY good point..

  107. [107] 
    Michale wrote:

    Russ,

    Since outlawing a single type of weapon is allowed under the 2nd,

    Not germane to our discussion..

    We are talking about outlawing a certain class of weapon under the Constitution that is ALREADY perfectly legal..

    In the Post Heller era, such an outlawing will NEVER happen thru legislation..

    The ONLY POSSIBLE way it could happen is thru Executive Order.. An EO that would be struck down quickly by the Judiciary..

    If the Executive tried to enforce the EO before the Judiciary could rule the order unconstitutional and if the Executive was even able to find LEOs that would obey the Executive, then you would have your civil war..

    Your gun ban on ANY legal firearm in the here and now will NEVER legally happen... PERIOD... FULL STOP...

    If Democrats tried to push it and attempt by force, a ban..

    They would lose... And lose big..

    It's all moot, really..

    Democrats have PROVEN they can't get their shit together... The WORST that can happen is Biden's Handlers push an EO that will be ignored..

    And, in November, Democrats become lame ducks en masse..

    There are democratic ways to repeal an amendment — prohibition ring a bell?

    And those ways are IMPOSSIBLE for the 2nd in the here and now..

    Which is exactly why I said that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to legally repeal the 2nd.. Democrats would have to rely on the CROOK part of by hook or by crook.. Like they did in the 2020 election..

    Think about it... To repeal the 2nd, you would need 38 states to vote YES to repeal..

    21 states are OPEN CARRY states. 4 more states are open carry with restrictions.. 13 states are MUST ISSUE carry permit states..

    So, the THIRTY EIGHT STATES are either open carry or MUST ISSUE carry permits...

    Which means a repeal of the 2nd LEGALLY is IMPOSSIBLE..

    I don't have to even bother to mention that there is NO WAY to get 2/3rds of BOTH the House and the Senate to agree to a repeal..

    Which brings us back to my original FACT..

    A repeal of the 2nd is IMPOSSIBLE in the here and now..

    Logically, if Democrat PUSH a ban without the force of law or a thin facade of law behind it, gun owners will fight rather than give up their arms..

    So, by all means, Democrats.. PUSH your gun ban... Try to enforce your gun ban... I double dog dare you...

    See what happens..

  108. [108] 
    Michale wrote:

    Speaking of Comment Policy, I have to ask Michale how he defines comment spam.

    You first.. :D

  109. [109] 
    Michale wrote:

    Pain at the pump: Gas costs nearly $10 a gallon at this California station
    https://www.fox5ny.com/news/gas-is-nearly-10-a-gallon-at-this-california

    Man it really sucks to live in California, eh??

    A Democrat "paradise"... :eyeroll:

  110. [110] 
    Michale wrote:

    Ya'all's hero is going down!!! :D

    Rep. Liz Cheney in a bitter fight against Trump-backed Wyoming GOP primary rival
    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/rep-liz-cheney-in-a-bitter-fight-against-trump-backed-wyoming-gop-primary-rival

    Yunno what epitomizes Democrats and their hypocrisy so perfectly???

    Democrats gleefully and joyfully bending the knee to Dick 'Darth' Cheney...

    Democrats prostrating themselves before Darth Cheney..

    That is such a PERFECT representation of the entirety of the Democrat Party.. :D

  111. [111] 
    Michale wrote:

    Black voters’ support for Biden has cooled, poll finds
    Black voters overwhelmingly support Democrats and still back Biden more than other groups. But that support has fallen, and fewer say the election matters than in 2020.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/04/biden-black-voters-softer-support/

    OK.. We KNOW that Democrats have lost hispanic American support by the TENS OF MILLIONS due to Democrat support for DEFUND THE POLICE and illegal immigration...

    We know that Democrats have lost suburban mom support due to Democrats CRT and Trans policies in schools.. Not to mention TARGETING those suburban moms and dads as "domestic terrorists"..

    NOW, Democrats are losing support of black Americans due to Democrats DEFUND POLICE and trans/gay support policies...

    Democrats are LOSING support from virtually ALL voting blocs!!!

    "It's beginning to look a lot like Uber Nuclear Biblical Shellacking..."

    Sung to the tune of IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS...

    :D

  112. [112] 
    Michale wrote:

    As far as ya'all hysterical glee about Navaroo being indicted for CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS...

    Shit, Dumbocrats would have to indict 82% of Americans who ALSO have Contempt For Congress... :D

  113. [113] 
    Michale wrote:

    HA!!!!!! Another President Trump win!!! :D

    U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick concedes to Dr. Mehmet Oz in tight Pennsylvania primary

    https://tinyurl.com/mr45aku3

    Another 'I' in the WIN COLUMN for President Trump...

    Boy oh boy, I bet ya'all are just crying in yer Cheerios this morning, eh?? :D

  114. [114] 
    Michale wrote:

    For you Weigantians who were hoping that the economy would turn around and help Democrats in the coming mid term??

    3 signs that the US economy is already losing steam

    London (CNN Business)Fears about whether America could fall into a recession are dominating conversations among investors and pose a risk to the Biden administration ahead of midterm elections this fall.

    In the meantime, the US economy is humming along — though there are signs it is sliding into a lower gear.
    https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/03/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html

    Keep hoping..

    We're heading for a recession..

    All thanx to Democrat and Biden's Handlers' incompetent management..

  115. [115] 
    Michale wrote:

    The #MeToo movement gets it's well deserved come-uppance...

    Depp Verdict Marks Turning Point in Weaponization of ‘Me Too’ Movement
    https://www.theepochtimes.com/depp-verdict-marks-turning-point-in-weaponization-of-me-too-movement_4509471.html?utm_source=epochHG&utm_campaign=rcp

    The hysterical...er... I mean historical journey of #MeToo..

    "ALL WOMEN ARE TO BE BELIEVED"
    -Democrats re: Blasey-Ford

    "SOME WOMEN ARE TO BE BELIEVED"
    -Democrats re: Tara Reade

    "WHAT'S A 'WOMAN'???"
    -Democrat Judge Jackson Brown

    :eyeroll:

  116. [116] 
    Michale wrote:

    Most people already knew that the suggestion that all “women are to be believed” at their first utterance of a “Me Too” accusation is as ludicrous as claiming that women never lie and men never tell the truth. Yet today’s propagandized Internet and media environment made it where even commonsense responses to ludicrous claims have made people targets for bullying, attacks, cancellation, and harassment.

    An eventual backlash was inevitable.

    First came the obvious inconsistencies. It turned out some women were not believed by the very advocates who claimed “women were to be believed.” In practice, it depends on which side the woman is on. Likewise, facts ultimately proved that some women who were believed turned out to be blatantly lying.

    Second, the “Me Too” cause—in and of itself a worthy one—became weaponized. It has been exploited by dishonest players who know that the mere taint of an accusation is enough to destroy a political or personal enemy.

    And yet, even now, the many in the media miss the point punctuated by the Depp verdict. They remain blinded by their zeal to twist the case to fit their narrative rather than admit women are not always to be believed, some of them don’t tell the truth, and they—the media—got behind the wrong horse.

    For example, a headline in the propaganda blog Slate actually dubs the Depp trial as being “rigged.” The article, like many in the media, wrongly assumed that all of the support for Depp’s side of the story had nothing to do with evidence. (It was written by a woman named Nicole Lewis who apparently feels a great deal of self-shame for having idolized Depp in her youth.) “We have been told again and again to disbelieve women and revere men,” whined Lewis.

    Quite the opposite. (Where have these people been the past decade?)

    Democrat activists act like NOTHING has changed since the 40s and 50s... :eyeroll:

  117. [117] 
    Michale wrote:

    Once again, I need to thank Kick for showing me the BLOCKQUOTE feature.. :D

    It makes things so much nicer for everyone.. :D

  118. [118] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Michale,

    Once again, I need to thank Kick for showing me the BLOCKQUOTE feature.. :D

    That's getting a bit old ... it sounds like you really don't mean it, you know.

  119. [119] 
    Michale wrote:

    That's getting a bit old ... it sounds like you really don't mean it, you know.

    I actually do... If she hadn't shown me how to do it, ya'all would still be having to put up with a PLETHORA of bold in my comments..

    So ya'all should be as grateful as I am that Kick showed me how.. :D n'est-ce pas??

  120. [120] 
    Michale wrote:

    It is pure fantasy to imagine that Ukraine would be victorious against Russia, with or without US military support.

    I have to disagree with you here, Liz..

    If the US put it's FULL support behind Ukraine, it's obvious this war would have been over LONG ago..

    And, if Speak2 is factually accurate in his claims about Russia's lack of maintenance on their nuclear arsenal, the chances of a Russia nuclear response is slim to none..

  121. [121] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    But politicians will not do it unless citizens get together to demand it and enforce that demand with their vote.

    Yeah, and there's the rub.

    How do you get citizens who know they are being bamboozled to want to act to stop it, whether by way of OD or some other action?

    I mean, voting in their best interests is not exactly something that voters are known for always doing, after all.

  122. [122] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    We know how you feel about Kick showing you blockquote, Michale. We don't need to be reminded about it, anymore.

    And, by the way, you are overusing blockquote, now, too. ;)

  123. [123] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Crimea has been controlled by Russia for eight years already, and that's part of the 20% you're talking about. And yes, many countries either can't or won't disentangle their own economies from Russian fossil fuels. Fighting Putin economically was never going to be easy, but that's even MORE of a reason why it's necessary to provide Ukraine with better military support.

    As you know, Crimea has been controlled by Russia for many more years than eight, collectively, but that is a whole other piece of history. And, besides, Crimea is a very small portion of the 20 percent of Ukraine now controlled by Russia.

    It's pretty clear that the US is now so much more than a weapons supplier to Ukraine. It now owns Ukraine - lock, stock and barrel. What's interesting to me is just how long the US is going to prolong this stupid and unnecessary war by providing just enough weapons to prevent a negotiated way out of this unholy mess.

    How long are you willing to subject the world to an economic and military war with Russia over Ukraine's membership in NATO? How freakin' ridiculous is that even to contemplate!!!???

  124. [124] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua,

    [148] is for you! Sorry about that.

  125. [125] 
    Michale wrote:

    And, by the way, you are overusing blockquote, now, too. ;)

    There's just NO PLEASING people.. :D hehehehehe

  126. [126] 
    Michale wrote:

    It's pretty clear that the US is now so much more than a weapons supplier to Ukraine. It now owns Ukraine - lock, stock and barrel. What's interesting to me is just how long the US is going to prolong this stupid and unnecessary war by providing just enough weapons to prevent a negotiated way out of this unholy mess.

    This... Exactly this...

  127. [127] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    That's right.

  128. [128] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Indeed, that is what I'm talking about, Don.

  129. [129] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Trying to convince the bamboozled that they are being bamboozled, I mean.

  130. [130] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    What's interesting to me is just how long the US is going to prolong this stupid and unnecessary war by providing just enough weapons to prevent a negotiated way out of this unholy mess.

    On the question of half-measures i agree completely. I disagree strongly about which side of the road to take, but it serves nobody to keep straddling the center.

    And as to how we get people to finally start voting their interests, the answer of course is increased access to pie!

    Creme brulee, flan flambe.

    Quiche Lorraine, Cool Whip train.

    Crawfish pie, deep dish pie,

    Possum pie, blossom pie,

    Mud pie, blood pie.

    Pissaladiere, hachis parmentier.

    Rijstevlaai, apple pie.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  131. [131] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    And, then, once that is accomplished, getting them to want to do something about it. Forget about the middlemen like Chris and Nader. You have to go direct to the bamboozled!

  132. [132] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua, between you and Don, I think you guys could get her done! :)

  133. [133] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua,

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

    Very nice, by the way!

  134. [134] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    As in the Rolling Stones album, I mean. :)

  135. [135] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    And as to how we get people to finally start voting their interests, the answer of course is increased access to pie!

    Creme brulee, flan flambe.

    Quiche Lorraine, Cool Whip train.

    Crawfish pie, deep dish pie,

    Possum pie, blossom pie,

    Mud pie, blood pie.

    Pissaladiere, hachis parmentier.

    Rijstevlaai, apple pie.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

    Your pie love shows desperation.. It's almost as if you have to constantly remind yourself about Pie because you find thoughts and dreams of cake are entering your sub-conscious..

  136. [136] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    You have to admit ... Joshua has the best slogan!

  137. [137] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Hands down. Ahem.

  138. [138] 
    Michale wrote:

    As a Pro GUN slogan, it's the best..

    As a pro pie slogan, it's the worst.. Because NO ONE likes pie..

  139. [139] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    You are SUCH a party pooper.

  140. [140] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Speaking of which ...

  141. [141] 
    Michale wrote:

    You are SUCH a party pooper.

    Anyone who brings a pie has already pooped on the party... :D

  142. [142] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Moose...well, you know.

  143. [143] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    Well, it will be harder to do without the high profile people who you think can help the effort. It will take more work on your part and on the part of other like-minded people you can recruit into the effort, no doubt about it.

    And, maybe the high profile people who could help with this effort would be coming out of the woodwork once you get enough regular people on the bandwagon.

    Take Big Money - Lose Our Votes is a fine slogan!

    Though, I still think you have to come up with something other than VV or OD ... something that would better compel people to join in this worthwhile effort.

  144. [144] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    Chris should address whatever Chris wishes to address. He is NOT obliged to pay any attention to other blogs or to comments sections of any kind.

    If CW wishes to address OD or any of your comments here, then he is free to do so. The corollary is also true.

    This is Chris's blog. It is an excellent blog. Which is why I am here, reading and contributing.

    I'm sorry if you took my [171] as being about what you have or haven't done or about moving goal posts because it was meant to be neither. But, I'm quite used to having comments here misconstrued and otherwise misunderstood. :)

  145. [145] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    And, you might try to grow some patience. Geez.

  146. [146] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Don,

    Have you wondered why you are mocked with pie? Or is that too introspective for you?

    I tell you what's also not rational discussion, trotting out the same boiler plate reply to every question and criticism as you have since you first started posting here. That is why you are mocked with pie. We are all bored with your Schick and your inability to think beyond it.

    Nader may have said you need to get help but help is not have other people do everything for you. You are in a spiral of being so obsessed with getting someone, anyone to cover your idea that the rest of your organization has degraded to the point no one with any integrity would touch you with a ten foot pole. You want reality based but you can't handle reality based. Reality is you have soiled the name "one demand" and "Don Harris" that a quick search won't find you and a more in depth search will have the searcher running for the hills.

    Your profanity laced tirades are not telling it like it is, you are no George Carlin. They just make you look like a spoiled little brat who refuses to eat his peas.

    You want acceptance, you want coverage, get off your ass and do something. Anything. You are so obsessed with your idea that you make up dehumanizing names for your opposition but not enough to do the work required to make you seem serious. Why is that?

    It's 2022 in the middle of the primaries. Are there any candidates that meet your litmus test? Have you even bothered to look?

  147. [147] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    It's 2022 in the middle of the primaries. Are there any candidates that meet your litmus test? Have you even bothered to look?

    Great question!

  148. [148] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    So, I'm thinking about a theme for this evening's festivities ...

    Lately, I've been checking out radio stations I've never heard of and discovering some pretty phenonemal playlists!

    How about we highlight our favourite radio stations and play a sampling of their lineup of tunes?

  149. [149] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    The following is from the 'About This Blog' section of Chris's blog ...
    -------------------------------------------------

    This blog's purpose

    This blog's purpose is to present to the public one man's view [Elizabeth's emphasis] of politics.

    My main focus will be on the hypocrisy and foibles which emanate so regularly from Washington, D.C., but which are largely ignored by the mainstream media.

    But unlike some bloggers, I do not discount the value of the media. This blog will never be able to match resources with the giants of the journalism profession, and I therefore utilize them as resources for much of what I write about.

    I do have problems with media bias in general, but my main problem with the mainstream media is what they ignore. The stories that surface for a day, and then sink like a stone in an unobserved pond in the middle of a forest are the ones which interest me most. Stories of import, stories which should demand attention but are quietly buried on some editor's "who cares" spike, in other words.

    I try to avoid commenting on hot "flash-in-the-pan" topics for two reasons:

    (1) everyone else is commenting on them, therefore someone else is bound to say what I'm feeling about them; and (2) I'd rather devote my time to shining a spotlight on the issues which I feel people are ignoring [Elizabeth's emphasis again], rather than add to an overcrowded field of light being shined on the "scandal-du-jour."

    Of course, nobody's perfect, and occasionally I will get sucked in to issues which the public (with a big help from the media) have determined are "the big story." But commenters to my stories (both here and on The Huffington Post) usually drag me back from such folly quickly, so I promise to keep them to a minimum.

    One other sinkhole I promise to avoid is engaging in gratuitous flamewars (blogwars?) with other bloggers, or other media types. Much of what I read on popular blogs is merely "gotcha-ism" personally directed against other bloggers, or mainstream media types. I find these tempests-in-a-teapot boring, myself, and hope never to get dragged into such a contest.

    My promises to you:

    I promise to always make the attempt to both entertain you and inform you about current events.

    I promise to bring to you, the reader, as wide and varied a sampling of the opinions of the day as I can possibly manage.

    I promise to respect your viewpoint -- whatever it may be -- in your comments, and to take your viewpoint seriously.

    And lastly, I promise to reserve my wrath and scorn for those politicians (of whatever party) who truly deserve it....

    -- Chris Weigant

  150. [150] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    Based on your behavior here in the comments sections and your obvious obsession with your pet project, I think Chris should NOT pay any attention to your comments or give any time and space to your pet project here on his very own blog.

  151. [151] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Cymru am byth!!!

    Wales are going to Qatar!

    Ukraine were the better team all day, but Wales were the luckier team, and sometimes at the highest level that's what makes the difference.

  152. [152] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Hooray!

  153. [153] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Ah, nothing against Team Ukraine ... just to be clear.

  154. [154] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    It is not wrong to be obsessed with trying to improve our political system. It is not an obsession with anything bad. It is in reality a good thing to be obsessed with.

    That is all true.

    But, the obsession becomes bad when you try to force someone to do something that they do not want to do. And, that is precisely what you are doing in your attempts to force the owner of this blog to address your obsession.

    One day, I'm sorry to say, it may well indeed be addressed and you will have only yourself to blame for it.

  155. [155] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    All plaudits to Ukraine. They played outstanding and were extremely unlucky to come away with a loss. And in Qatar i think ALL nations should wear a yellow and blue flag on their kit in support of the Ukrainian people.

  156. [156] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joahua,

    All plaudits to Ukraine. They played outstanding and were extremely unlucky to come away with a loss. And in Qatar i think ALL nations should wear a yellow and blue flag on their kit in support of the Ukrainian people.

    Hear! Hear! That's a great idea. I'm surprised they don't already do that ...

  157. [157] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Don,

    Apparently, you don't know what Chris's mission statement is. You should read it!

  158. [158] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua ... it sounds like I just gave you a Hawai'ian name! :)

    Joahu'a!

  159. [159] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    You may have to read it again as an important part was missed.

  160. [160] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [183,4,5]

    Oh yeah? Fuck the bo -- er, Don Harris the both of you!

    Slava Ukrayina!

  161. [161] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    ONE
    Make every last post about some ill conceived pie in the sky idea. Heh.

    TWO
    Get as obnoxious as it takes to get some fool to pay attention to you.

    THREE
    Lose all reading comprehension when the fool points out the myriad problems with ill conceived pie in the sky idea.

    FOUR
    ...thereby utterly FAILING to address what fool wrote.

    FIVE
    When understandably unsatisfied fool moves on, insist that you DID address and answer. Insist it's the whole world and not you.

    SIX
    Rinse and repeat.

    Boring boring boring boring boring boring...

  162. [162] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [111]

    You seem to think that a US proxy war a few hundred miles from the center of Moscow is a good idea. I don't get that logic.


    No. VLADIMIR PUTIN thought a proxy war a few hundred miles from Moscow was a good idea. I didn't think so which is why I erroneously predicted that he was saber rattling to get more concessions and wouldn't actually invade.

    But with Trump no longer around destroying NATO from within and with Russian economy and demographics in a death spiral, invade he did-- while he still could. This had nothing to do with the West! Putin has publically yearned for the return of Soviet-era boundaries against the West.

    Ukraine has already won the war. They won't have to drive the Russians all the way out of pre-2014 Ukraine, the troops will be withdrawn via negotiations because Russia cannot sustain this war effort, especially with so little to show for it.

    I get it that you're a Pacifist as you APPARENTLY to believe that a bad peace is better than every war.

    So...

  163. [163] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    EUROPE:
    [198]

    Yeah, sure! To hell with the people of Canada, you can have Ontario just because you want it. Just so long as you swear on your Mother's grave that you'll be satisfied with just Ontario! Then we can have peace in our time.

  164. [164] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    So, Elizabeth. Plugging Ontario into the same equation kinda makes all the difference, eh?

  165. [165] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [198]

    Wouldn't you defend Ontario if Ruler-for-Life Donald Trump decided to invade it while promising the world that Ontario was all he wanted?

    Think about it: Ontario shouldn't even be a separate country! Economically, politically and culturally the 50% of Canadians living in Southern Ontario have so much in common with Murica. We go back centuries together. The languages spoken in Ontario and Murica even have more in common than the Russian and Ukrainian languages do.

    And Murica needs to protect itself from the threat of Canadian Neo-Nazism!

    Why not invade? What is the British Poodle going to do to defend you besides wringing their hands and uttering a few whimpers of protest?

    Think about it: Ontario shouldn't even be a separate country! Economically, politically and culturally the 50% of Canadians living in Southern Ontario have so much in common with Murica. We go back centuries together. The languages spoken in Ontario and Murica even have more in common than the Russian and Ukrainian languages do.

    And Murica needs to protect itself from the threat of Canadian Neo-Nazism!

    Why not invade? What is the British Poodle going to do to defend you...besides wringing their hands and uttering a few whimpers of protest?

  166. [166] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Okay, Elizabeth. Plugging in Ontario for Ukraine makes it a whole different story, eh?

    Unless you wouldn't take up arms to defend Ontario, in which case please say so.

  167. [167] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Enough with your nonsense, Caddy. I've no time for it.

  168. [168] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    I have dealt with your faux Ontario scenario. Look it up.

  169. [169] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Hint: you need many more "plug ins" ...

  170. [170] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @caddy,

    my idea is NOT about pie in the sky, it's about pie in the VOTING BOOTH! furthermore, i resent bashi's continued acceptance of don's incorrect assertion that my pie idea is somehow all about him. although i'm glad of the attention, the fact that someone interprets my brilliant idea as no more than a comment on his own complete nothing of an organization is frankly somewhat insulting.

    Empanada gallega, pastelitos de fresa.

    Szarlotka, kremovka.

    Creme brulee, flan flambe.

    Quiche Lorraine, Cool Whip train.

    Crawfish pie, deep dish pie,

    Possum pie, blossom pie,

    Mud pie, blood pie.

    Pissaladiere, hachis parmentier.

    Rijstevlaai, apple pie.

    Rose hip pie, chocolate chip pie

    Eskimo pie, Bustelo pie.

    Bubble gum pie, spiced rum pie.

    peanut butter pie, crust cutter pie.

    mince and cheese pie. viennese pie.

    alevropita. galatopita.

    chiffon pie. parmesan pie.

    grasshopper pie. apple cobbler pie.

    ice cream pie. rice dream pie.

    cherry pie. berry pie.

    peach pie. quiche pie.

    meat pie. sheet pie.

    low-carb pie. rhubarb pie.

    prawn pie. pecan pie.

    pork pie. torte pie.

    succotash pie, baby smash pie,

    chocolate mousse pie. grapefruit juice pie.

    key lime meringue pie, orange tang pie,

    chicken pot pie.

    got pie?

    get edible.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

  171. [171] 
    nypoet22 wrote:
  172. [172] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    well, that's another excellent song:

    asshole, by denis leary

  173. [173] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Joshua[208],

    I believe I can name that cover band without even clicking on your link! :)

    But, I'm going to anyways!

  174. [174] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    umm, yeah, so...

    you don't own me

  175. [175] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Okay, so ... I couldn't name that cover band before clicking but it surely is a good one!

  176. [176] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    by the way, don mclean is NOT the only great artist to have honored pie.

    here's one more example

  177. [177] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    wow, there are so MANY!

    e.g. warrant

  178. [178] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    ooh, here's another great one:

    neil diamond!

  179. [179] 
    nypoet22 wrote:
  180. [180] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Raspberry, strawberry, lemon and lime
    What do I care?
    Blueberry, apple, cherry, pumpkin and plum
    Call me for dinner, honey, I'll be there

  181. [181] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    pie goes back to practically all the old greats,

    like dinah shore

  182. [182] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    not to be outdone,

    the beatles
    ...
    doubled up

  183. [183] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    and that's not even counting their

    solo work

  184. [184] 
    nypoet22 wrote:
  185. [185] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    kenny chesney

    key lime pie

  186. [186] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    oasis:

    magic pie

  187. [187] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Not a whole lot of great songs about cake, are there?

  188. [188] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    My sincere apologies for the delay...

    ***TWWEEEEEEEEEET!***

  189. [189] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    The red card has been shown.

  190. [190] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Don Harris has been erased from the site.

    He was warned.

  191. [191] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    To all other CW.com users:

    You're welcome.

    Also, if you spot him under a new login name, please do not hesitate to use the "Email Chris" function to let me know about it right away.

    Violate the rules too many times, and you are not welcome here any more.

    -CW

  192. [192] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Oh, one last thing. Because ALL his previous comments have been deleted, there will be gaps and numbering issues (for people answering each other by comment number), but I couldn't really do anything about that. My apologies.

    -CW

  193. [193] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [188]

    Bout bleeping time.

    I'd rather you focus on cranking out the content than spend time monitoring the peanut gallery.

    So as to clarify, what is

    Comment Spam?

    Asking for a Michal -- er, a friend.

  194. [194] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Okaaay!

    We have a Sunday Night Canadian Music Appreciation Night and Dance Party theme.

    I just Want to Celebraaate! Rare Earth, the Great White Hope signed by Motown.

  195. [195] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Way better.

  196. [196] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    MtnCaddy [194] -

    nice start...

    :-)

    -CW

  197. [197] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @cw,

    so, have any music you'd particularly like to share?
    :)
    JL

  198. [198] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    does it have to be Canadian?

  199. [199] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    No, absolutely not!

  200. [200] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Caddy never gets the name for this evening right. :(

  201. [201] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:
  202. [202] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    I think Jerry said it best...

    :-)

    "Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile..."

    Lyrics from Google

  203. [203] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    :-)

  204. [204] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:
  205. [205] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    It's Indigenous History Month up here so I'll be highlighting my favourite songs by Indigenous artists over the next few weeks ...

    Ghost Dance - Robbie Robertson

  206. [206] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [170]

    Let's give you the benefit of the doubt and hopefully it's not all about auditioning for the rule of Replacement Fredo.

    (moment of silence)

    While I don't want to encourage such abomination I would, however, assure you that you passed the audition.

    :D

  207. [207] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [180]

    Hey! You forgot to gratuitously thank Kick for showing you blockquote!

    Thanks, Kick! (waving)

  208. [208] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    LizM -

    Not sure whether this counts or is "appropriation", but hey it's a great song and video...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JduG0nT1Q3s

    :-)

    -CW

  209. [209] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    (remember the 1980s?)

  210. [210] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    [198]

    Chris Weigant wrote:

    does it have to be Canadian?

    Elizabeth Miller wrote:


    No, absolutely not!

    Caddy never gets the name for this evening right. :(

    In theory, no I don't. Kinda like, in theory, Putin wants peaceful negotiations over Ukraine. But in practice...

    Correct Answer:

    No...but resistance is futile.;D

  211. [211] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Celebrate.

    KOOL AND THE GANG

  212. [212] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Liz, if I promise to indulge your Sunday Night labeling
    prefence,
    could we go with black folk music in two weeks, on Juneteenth?

  213. [213] 
    MtnCaddy wrote:

    Liz, if I promise to indulge your Sunday Night labeling
    preferences
    could we go with black folk music in two weeks, on Juneteenth?

  214. [214] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    i remember the 80's.

  215. [215] 
    nypoet22 wrote:
  216. [216] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Great idea for Juneteenth!

  217. [217] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Hey Chris!

    Lovely to have you aboard at the CW Sunday Night Music Festival and Dance Party!

    And, HUGE thanks to Joshua and Caddy for getting this party underway ... and early, too! That puts a big ole smile on my face.

    :-)

  218. [218] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    great selections, liz. robbie did some outstanding stuff.

  219. [219] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    and love the peter gabriel, cultural appropriation or no

  220. [220] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    no worries about appropriation - at least, not from my perspective - that was a fun video!

  221. [221] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    As long as cultural appropriation is ok with everybody, here's the classic in the category. Like I said, remember the 1980's? The movie was awesome...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjyqg97lj3w

    Phillip Glass, Koyaanisqatsi, "Prophecies"

    -CW

  222. [222] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Lyrics:

    Yaw itam it
    Awk haykyanayawk
    Yaw oova iwiskövi

    Naanahoy lanatini
    Naap yaw itamit hiita kya-hak
    Hiita töt sqwat angw ipwaye
    Yaw itam hiita qa löl mat awkökin

    Yaw yannak yangw sen kisats
    Köö tsaptangat yaw
    Töövayani oongawk

    Koyaanisqatsi
    Koyaanisqatsi
    Koyaanisqatsi
    Koyaanisqatsi

    (etc... ad infinitum)

  223. [223] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    The language is Hopi.

    They are Hopi sayings.

    The translation was terrifying, back in the Cold War/Ronald Reagan days...

  224. [224] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    "If we dig precious things from the land, we will invite disaster."

    "Near the Day of Purification, there will be cobwebs spun back and forth in the sky."

    "A container of ashes might one day be thrown from the sky which could burn the land and boil the oceans."

  225. [225] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Like I said... terrifying...

    -CW

  226. [226] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    (I used to be able to play that whole haunting repetitive riff on the keyboards... once upon a time...)

  227. [227] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Wow!

  228. [228] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Peter Gabriel did a lot to advance American acceptance of African music, him and Paul Simon. Started the whole "World Beat" thing, as I recall. Again, seen through today's PC-lens, maybe cultural appropriation, but that was definitely not their goal, they just wanted to bring the music to a much bigger audience at the time...

    -CW

  229. [229] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    OK, it's hard not to call this cultural appropriation, but still, it's like the earliest exposure I ever had to even the concept of "African music" and everyone knows that one song in the middle of it, and it's still a pretty cool album side, so here you all go:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMZW6jO3y5w

    :-)

    -CW

  230. [230] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Now, technically, this is *not* cultural appropriation, or if it is it is very localized...

    Manfred Mann (Manfred Sepse Lubowitz) was raised and a citizen of South Africa and hated the Apartheid system. His eponymic band (3 of them) certainly grew with the times more than most from the early 1960s. This was him in the 80s, when Apartheid was a worldwide protest movement... from an album called "Somewhere in Afrika"...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8AgERfCW7k

    Pretty cool, and hard to call it cultural appropriation, he just wrote songs about how he felt about it all... and covered songs he liked...

    -CW

  231. [231] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    (man, y'all go to bed way early... sez Mr. West Coast...)

    :-)

  232. [232] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Brothers and sisters of Africa
    Amandla
    It's not for me
    Awethu
    To say to you what you must do
    Maatla aruna

    Brothers and sisters remember well
    Amandla
    They can't control
    Awethu
    What's in your mind, what's in your soul
    Maatla aruna

    Brothers and sisters of Azania
    Amandla
    The chains of time
    Awethu
    Will break the man who holds the key
    Maatla aruna

  233. [233] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Oh, and for the early-morning crew...

    Michale, you listening?

    Chill out today, ok?

    Seriously, like, don't harsh everyone's mellow. Give it a rest.

    Just, y'know, a word in a friendly ear...

    -CW

  234. [234] 
    MyVoice wrote:
  235. [235] 
    Michale wrote:

    There is no friendly ear here.. There hasn't been since.. well, ya know.. :^/

    As for "mellow".. Things haven't been the same since my mellow was harshed...

    Hard for me to care much about anyone else's mellow since that... :^/

  236. [236] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  237. [237] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  238. [238] 
    Michale wrote:

    MC,

    Hey! You forgot to gratuitously thank Kick for showing you blockquote!

    Thanks, Kick! (waving)

    EXACTLY!!!

    *EVERY* Weigantian should be thanking Kick for showing me the Blockquote...

    Because she did, now EVERYONE is happy!!! :D

    Me especially... :D

  239. [239] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  240. [240] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  241. [241] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  242. [242] 
    Michale wrote:

    Let me lay it out plain and clear so that there can be no doubt..

    Democrats WILL NEVER have any kind of gun ban.. NEVER... EVER...

    To do so, Democrats will have to get rid of the 2nd Amendment..

    And our country could not survive without the 2nd...

    Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what is for lunch. Liberty, thanks to the 2nd Amendment, is the well armed sheep disputing the outcome of the vote.

    Democrats need to get used to the idea that, when it comes to gun control, they have absolutely ZERO valid argument..

    All anti-gun laws that CAN be passed HAVE been passed...

    The hysterical anti-gun cupboard is bare..

  243. [243] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  244. [244] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,

    Come on man, that wasn't a threat it was an olive branch. Read the vibe and don't be so cake about it!

    Don may be gone, but the power of pie remains!

  245. [245] 
    Michale wrote:

    Come on man, that wasn't a threat it was an olive branch.

    I actually didn't even consider it as a threat.. But, since you bring it up, yes.. I DO see the implied threat..

    Max nichts...

    There is only one true olive branch I am interested in.. And, in the year+ since the incident in question occurred there has been NOTHING like an olive branch..

    and don't be so cake about it!

    It's pie that poisons people's minds..

    Pie is the disease. Cake is the cure..
    -Sylvester Stallone

    but the power of pie remains!

    And therein lies the problem.. Pie is evil.. It makes good people do evil things...

    Private Santiago is dead, and that is a tragedy. But he is dead because he had no cake. He is dead because he had pie. And God was watching.
    -Keifer Sutherland, A FEW GOOD MEN

  246. [246] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  247. [247] 
    Michale wrote:

    Bon Jovi founding bassist Alec John Such dead at 70
    Alec John Such was a founding member of the band Bon Jovi

    https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/bon-jovi-alec-john-such-dead

    Decades and decades of drug abuse..

    It kills...

    RIP AJS....

  248. [248] 
    Michale wrote:

    I have been making an effort to keep things ON TOPIC in today's comments..

    But I must point out what is NOT on topic since Friday..

    Ukraine...

    Other than the comments, there is NOTHING about Ukraine in the commentary..

    And the in news of the day, Ukraine seems to be following further and further back in the media consciousness...

    Which indicates to me that Biden's Handlers have milked all they can milk from the Ukraine crisis and Biden's Handlers' media water carriers are hard at work once again protecting Biden's Handlers...

    While not fascinating it is.... interesting...

  249. [249] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    I will caveat one point..

    Hard for me to care much about anyone else's mellow since that... :^/

    I DO care about ya'all's mellow... Not to the extent that would permit me to ignore facts and reality..

    But rest assured I take no (well not MUCH anyways) pleasure in exposing ya'all to the facts of the here and now that "harsh yer mellow"...

    If the facts and reality "harshes yer mellow" well, then maybe ya'all should reconsider the anti-America anti-LEOs Democrats ya'all are supporting...

    I'm just sayin'...

    PIE IS DEAD!!! LONG LIVE CAKE!!!!

  250. [250] 
    Michale wrote:

    An infamous day. A search for answers. Will America tune in?
    https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-united-states-impeachments-government-and-politics-334c3bc07da118c69025f99649f5d2f4

    Given the facts of the here and now??

    Probably not... The vast majority of Americans are not interested in re-litigating the past...

    Just like ya'all claim about President Trump's BIG LIE... :^/

  251. [251] 
    Michale wrote:

    On the PLUS side..

    If we DO see a Roe V Wade/Democrat Eugenics V Casey ruling today, that will DEFINITELY put any 6JC (Thanx MC.. :D) news on the back page.. :D

  252. [252] 
    Michale wrote:

    1 HOUR 11 MINUTES
    https://www.scotusblog.com/

  253. [253] 
    Michale wrote:

    Just a fair warning..

    My lovely wife is leaving on Thu to go spend some time with her sister whose wife is going thru some harsh medical stuff... So I'll be on my own for 2 weeks and might be more... ahem... cantankerous and bitchy than usual...

    I don't sleep well when I sleep alone.. :^/

    Just and FYI and an apology (of sorts) in advance..

  254. [254] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Yma o Hyd was sung before the Wales Ukraine game.

    Extremely poignant and meaningful for both nations. Maybe meaningful to us founding weigantians as well, if we take a moment and reflect.

  255. [255] 
    Michale wrote:

    Kick,

    Thank you SOOO much for these comment.. It's REALLY very much appreciated!! :D

    When Michael Flynn admittedly LIES to the FBI, it is a "process crime" to the right-wing talking heads and right wingnut talking-point regurgitators. But when Michael Sussmann is accused of lying to the FBI, it is LOCK UP HILLARY AND ALL DEMOCRATS!

    First off, GENERAL Flynn's "admission" was coerced and, as such, is not legally viable..

    Secondly, GENERAL Flynn's "lie" (if it actually occurred) was indeed, a PROCESS crime..

    Whereas Sussmann's lie was principal to the crime committed..

    Allow me to dumb it down for you..

    As my previous example indicates, there was a murder.. Joe Democrat was a suspect... When questioned, Joe Democrat claimed he was at the library studying.. When in fact, Joe Democrat was in an alley boinking an alley dog... Joe Democrat is subsequently cleared for the murder, but Joe Democrat DID commit a process crime.. A crime that resulted from the INVESTIGATION of the original crime and not part/parcel to the original crime itself..

    THAT is what GENERAL Flynn was coerced into admitting to.. A PROCESS crime..

    NOW...

    Let's postulate a scenario where said murder is being investigated along side a crime of CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER...

    Joe Democrat was in on the murder and WITNESSED the murder.. Joe Democrat LIED and said that Jane Republican committed the murder.. This was done to protect John Democrat who actually committed the murder..

    By being part of the murder and LYING about it to try and protect the actual murder, Joe Democrat's lie was an ACTUAL crime... Joe Democrat was part of the conspiracy and LIED to authorities..

    This is an actual crime..

    So it is with Sussmann.. He was PART of the illegal conspiracy and LIED to further the illegal conspiracy.

    That is a REAL and ACTUAL bona fide crime..

    But it's likely Durham knew that a DC jury would never convict Sussmann...

    In hindsight, Durham's goal was obviously to get it on record that Hillary was the architect of the illegal conspiracy...

    MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...

    Thanx again for allowing me to school you Kick.. :D It's ALWAYS a pleasure to point out when yer wrong.. :D

    But yer still my friend, eh? :D

  256. [256] 
    Michale wrote:

    Extremely poignant and meaningful for both nations. Maybe meaningful to us founding weigantians as well, if we take a moment and reflect.

    You'll have to explain it to me...

    Didn't understand a word he said...

  257. [257] 
    Michale wrote:

    As my previous example indicates, there was a murder.. Joe Democrat was a suspect... When questioned, Joe Democrat claimed he was at the library studying.. When in fact, Joe Democrat was in an alley boinking an alley dog... Joe Democrat is subsequently cleared for the murder, but Joe Democrat DID commit a process crime.. A crime that resulted from the INVESTIGATION of the original crime and not part/parcel to the original crime itself..

    THAT is what GENERAL Flynn was coerced into admitting to.. A PROCESS crime..

    And ANY prosecutor worth ANYTHING at all will ignore PROCESS crimes..

    The ONLY prosecutors who will actually charge process crimes are weak will'ed weak knee-ed ball-less biatches who has an ax to grind...

  258. [258] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    Yma o Hyd is Welsh for "we are still here."

    Here's the full lyrics translated into English:

    https://lyricstranslate.com/en/yma-o-hyd-still-here.html

  259. [259] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    In spite of everyone and everything,
    We are still here.

  260. [260] 
    Michale wrote:

    Ahhhh

    Thank you...

  261. [261] 
    Michale wrote:

    SCOTUS ORDERS start in 1 minute...

    SCOTUS Rulings start at 1000hrs EDT...

  262. [262] 
    Michale wrote:

    FIVE MINUTE WARNING...

  263. [263] 
    Michale wrote:

    AND awaaaayyyyy we go!! :D

  264. [264] 
    Michale wrote:

    We have the first opinion, and it is Siegel v. Fitzgerald.

    Siegel v. Fitzgerald: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-441_3204.pdf

    It is by Justice Sotomayor, and it is unanimous.

  265. [265] 
    Michale wrote:

    We have the second opinion -- it is Gallardo v. Marstiller.

    It is by Justice Thomas, and the vote is 7-2.

    Sotomayor dissents, joined by Breyer. Kagan joins the majority.

    Gallardo v. Marstiller: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/20-1263_g2bh.pdf

  266. [266] 
    Michale wrote:

    I have to say I disagree with the majority in Gallardo...

  267. [267] 
    Michale wrote:

    The next rulings will come from either Thomas or or Roberts..

    IF Dobbs is today, then that means that Roberts was swung over to the majority and Roe and Democrat Eugenics is toast..

  268. [268] 
    Michale wrote:

    We have Southwest Airlines v. Saxon.

    It is unanimous, except that Justice Barrett did not participate in the case.

    Southwest Airlines v. Saxon: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-309_o758.pdf

  269. [269] 
    Michale wrote:

    Looks like we won't get DOBBS today.. :(

  270. [270] 
    Michale wrote:

    Yep.. No Dobbs today.. :(

  271. [271] 
    Michale wrote:
  272. [272] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m[271],

    yes, that's precisely the unfounded and factually disproven conspiracy theory CW was discussing in his MIDOTW segment; thanks so much for giving us a visual demonstration of it.

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!
    ;)

    JL

  273. [273] 
    Michale wrote:

    Except for the fact that the whole "conspiracy theory diatribe" was PROVEN to be nothing but PTDS infused bupkis...

    The ENTIRE Russia Collusion Delusion con was PROVEN to be orchestrated by Hillary Clinton..

    This has been documented by FACT by those people who were part of the conspiracy...

    Durham didn't NEED Sussmann to be convicted to establish the facts...

    The Russia Collusion Delusion was indeed, a con... Set up and executed by none other than Shillary herself..

    This is established FACT now..

    And if you want to take away my pie, you'll have to pry it FROM MY WARM STICKY FINGERS!!!

    No one wants pie, JL...

    Even Agent J confirmed that pie is nothing but "dumb ass"...

  274. [274] 
    Michale wrote:

    So, we STILL have Roe V Wade and Democrat Eugenics v Casey to be thrown on the trash heap of history to look forward to.. :D

    That's a plus.. :D

  275. [275] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  276. [276] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    No, Putin did that. But more importantly all the California super high gas prices you have posted are places in the middle of no where that are always a few bucks more a gallon than any where else.

    I'm just waiting for you to post that one gas station in the middle of the Big Sur drive on hwy 1. It's always shockingly high.

    :eyeroll indeed...

  277. [277] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

  278. [278] 
    Michale wrote:

    No, Putin did that. But more importantly all the California super high gas prices you have posted are places in the middle of no where that are always a few bucks more a gallon than any where else.

    Moose poop... Gas prices were already skyrocketing before Putin did his thing..

    Pure unadulterated moose poop..

    I'm just waiting for you to post that one gas station in the middle of the Big Sur drive on hwy 1. It's always shockingly high.

    Since ya know where it is, why don't YOU post it??

    Oh that's right.. Yer a Democrat.. :eyeroll:

  279. [279] 
    Michale wrote:

    Oh that's right.. Yer a Democrat.. :eyeroll:

    Apologies, Bashi.. That was a gross and perverse personal attack....

    That's a heinous name to call someone...

    I apologize most profusely... It was uncalled for...

  280. [280] 
    Michale wrote:

    And now from the ONLY Official unbiased News Source for Weigantia...

    Why Uvalde Doesn’t Justify Gun Control
    https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2022/06/06/why_uvalde_doesnt_justify_gun_control_147696.html

    The psychosis of gun-hating Democrats is simply beyond comprehension...

    They must have had too much pie in their lives..

    The ONLY good pie is NO PIE...

  281. [281] 
    Michale wrote:

    The above makes some good points..

    It's easier to push a nonsensical dunsel agenda than to actually address the REAL problem..

    NO ONE wants to concede that our indoctrinated children can do such unspeakable evil..

    So those who choose to be ignorant of the REAL problems come up with scapegoats and boogeymen..

    The ooooooo soooo scary "assault rifle" is the problem... These oooo soooo scary guns walk into our midst if their own volition and consciously decide to shoot innocent people..

    :eyeroll:

    Of course, we IGNORE the people who use "assault SUVs" or "assault knives" or "assault baseball bats"..

    THOSE murders are perfectly acceptable and warrant NO comment whatsoever..

    It's the OBVOUSLY sentient "assault rifles" that are the problem... :eyeroll:

    Let's face reality here..

    It's the hysterical anti-gun agenda that's at work here..

    Nothing more..

    And, like Democrats' and their Build Back Broke wet dream, ANY kind of gun ban is simply another wet dream that is destined to failure..

    Because GUNS aren't the problem here..

    Mentally sick people are the problem here..

  282. [282] 
    Michale wrote:

    And it's ALL because they ate too much pie..

  283. [283] 
    Michale wrote:

    HERE is a great idea...

    Instead of taking guns away from law abiding people who would never even CONSIDER a mass shooting, how about, if ANYONE makes a threat regarding a mass shooting, charge them with a felony and throw them in jail for 5 years...

    That means Democrats would HAVE to actually CRACK DOWN on criminals and actually IMPOSE harsh bail and sentencing, as opposed to letting some scumbag who is on PROBATION for ruf'ing a teenage girl and then tried to brutally murder a mother and her baby be sentenced to a few months of SUMMER CAMP!!!

    But, you see... DEMOCRATS won't agree to ACTUALLY prosecuting REAL crimes... :eyeroll:

    They just want to let these Crowd Based Mass Shootings™ continue so they can have their hysterical Anti-Gun talking point.. :eyeroll:

  284. [284] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Moose poop... Gas prices were already skyrocketing before Putin did his thing..

    Pure unadulterated moose poop..

    You mean recovering from the pandemic influenced artificial low. They were "skyrocketing" before Putin did his thing, they started in November under Trump. But the reality is we are not in a vacuum, oil is global. Biden has only minor influence over world gas prices which are also high. OPEC cut production because of the pandemic to keep the price of oil from cratering too much, now they are intentionally slow coming back to normal as it's profitable to do so. Then Russia threw a monkey wrench in the whole thing by invading Ukraine, though the effect of gas prices started with the early posturing before the invasion started, commodity markets being as they are...

  285. [285] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    If the twits at Twitter are acting in good faith, WHY won't they provide the requested facts???

    They did and had to because they are a publicly traded company and SEC requires it. Their filing basically amounted to: our audit came up with 5% but we think it's probably a bit higher.

    Musk came in knowing this and signed the deal without due diligence. That's on him.

    It's still all really because Tesla's share price has cratered and he can no longer afford Twitter...

  286. [286] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Here [politico.com] is an interview with a couple of professors of criminology and criminal justice. They think the Republicans taking the mental health route and the Democrats taking the gun control route is not going to solve the problem but a combination of the two is required...

  287. [287] 
    Michale wrote:

    They did and had to because they are a publicly traded company and SEC requires it. Their filing basically amounted to: our audit came up with 5% but we think it's probably a bit higher.

    Yet, Twitter refuses to back up that claim with FACTS...

    THAT is the point..

    You mean recovering from the pandemic influenced artificial low.

    Sure Bashi.. Whatever you have to say to protect your precious Democrats.. :eyeroll:

    It's still all really because Tesla's share price has cratered and he can no longer afford Twitter...

    Not factually accurate.. Funding is already secured..

    It's Twitter's fraud that is the problem here..

  288. [288] 
    Michale wrote:

    Here [politico.com]

    Politico...

    'nuff said..

    There IS no "gun control" route..

    There are ZERO anti-gun laws that can be passed that would have ANY impact on Crowd Based Mass Shootings™.

    This is fact...

    The ONLY route is the mental health route..

    But Democrats refuse to even believe that's a problem..

    Meanwhile, Democrats push resort style punishment for violent offenders.. :eyeroll:

  289. [289] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Yet, Twitter refuses to back up that claim with FACTS...

    THAT is the point..

    Contract law says otherwise...

    Not factually accurate.. Funding is already secured..

    Quite factually accurate. The deal is secured with Tesla stock, and Musk could survive a margin call as long as Tesla stayed above about $740 a share, it was above a $1000 a share when he signed the deal. It's now in the $720s...

    You might want to see optometrist with all those eyerolls as they seem unwarranted to the content that they happen on...

  290. [290] 
    Michale wrote:

    Time will tell..

    Yer just pissy because yer Democrats are losing their #1 propaganda outlet.. :D

  291. [291] 
    Michale wrote:

    But thank you for conceding #288... :D

    I accept your concession.. :D

  292. [292] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    There. That's a little better.

  293. [293] 
    Michale wrote:

    We interrupt Economy Month to bring you...Jan. 6
    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/we-interrupt-economy-month-to-bring-you-jan-6

    So Democrats were pushing *ANOTHER* Summer of recovery...

    Wha?? The 3rd or 4th one this decade?? :eyeroll:

    But of course, Democrats don't have *ANYTHING* to brag about over the dismal and recession-esque economy..

    So, Democrats are trying to push their hysterical and boring 6JC garbage...

    And so it goes and so it goes...

    And so will Democrats soon I suppose... :D

  294. [294] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,

    The problem isn't to much pie, it's not enough. And for the record i agree with you that law enforcement needs an exception carved out to medical privacy laws. My sole area of my departure from your idea is that it needs to be especially where mental illness and gun ownership intersect.

  295. [295] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    There's simply no such thing as too much pie

  296. [296] 
    Michale wrote:

    My sole area of my departure from your idea is that it needs to be especially where mental illness and gun ownership intersect.

    That doesn't depart from my idea...

    But you don't need a gun registry beyond what we already have, to impose a mental health law...

    The PROBLEM is, as Democrat Murphy clearly demonstrates and Bashi's Politico article prove....

    Democrats DON'T want to hear about ANY mental health aspect of these mass shootings..

    They are focused SOLELY on their hysterical Anti-Gun agenda to the exclusion of ANY other possibility..

    Which is ironic because mass shootings of THESE kind are SOLELY based on mental health, NOT the tools used..

    The Waukesha killer was just as psychotic and insane as the Uvalde killer was...

    Their choice of tools they used in their mass murders was completely and utterly irrelevant..

  297. [297] 
    Michale wrote:

    Pie is an abomination and needs to be removed from the planet..

  298. [298] 
    Michale wrote:

    [Removed for being wildly off topic]

    I have gone to GREAT LENGTHS today to insure my comments were ON TOPIC..

    Would it be permissible to ask exactly WHAT comments were considered OFF TOPIC by the moderator..

    And why it was only MY comments that were considered OFF TOPIC but the RESPONSE to those supposed OFF TOPIC comments were left alone as ON TOPIC??

  299. [299] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    There's simply no such thing as too much pie

    I had more to say on this topic, but apparently I am solely being held to a different standard than others when it comes to on/off topic comments.. :eyeroll:

  300. [300] 
    Michale wrote:

    One of the comments I made was about Twitter.. Apparently, that is "off topic" even though Twitter is mentioned in the main commentary...

    So, I guess that "off topic" is some arbitrary standard that I, and I alone, am forced to guess at.. :eyeroll:

  301. [301] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @m,

    Pie is ALWAYS on topic, no matter what the topic is.

  302. [302] 
    BashiBazouk wrote:

    Another interesting opinion of guns by Matthew McConaughey. [statesman.com] He is pushing for "gun responsibility". I generally agree with his ideas...

  303. [303] 
    Michale wrote:

    At the risk of being "wildly off topic" (obviously a Democrat euphemism for "wildly unpopular amongst Democrats) :^/ ...

    The Supreme Court’s June of Doom Is Upon Us
    The United States of America will be a vastly different country by the end of the month.

    https://newrepublic.com/article/166678/supreme-court-roe-guns-epa

    Interesting to note..

    While throwing Roe v Wade and Democrat Eugenics v Casey on the trash heap of history where it belongs is getting the vast majority of the press, there is a VERY ON TOPIC ruling that is not getting much press..

    New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen

    Interesting history behind this ruling..

    It seems that Democrats tried to pull this from a SCOTUS hearing.. Democrats in NY conceded they were wrong and tried to hurry a re-write of the law to prevent the SCOTUS from hearing the case.. You see, Democrats were afraid that, since the SCOTUS is 6-3 Conservative, the SCOTUS would rule broadly rather than narrowly..

    As usual, Democrats were too smart by half..

    Even though NY Democrats re-wrote the law, the SCOTUS took the case anyways, which is a VERY strong indication that they will rule BROADLY and screw up a buttload of Democrat States' anti-gun dunsel laws..

    The case basically comes down to the concept of MAY ISSUE vs MUST (SHALL) ISSUE with regards to CCW permits AKA Conceal Carry permits..

    Most Democrat (if not all... I am too lazy to look it up and it would be useless to bother since they are all going to be struck down anyways.. :D ) states have a MAY ISSUE conceal carry permit structure..

    Which means simply that, unless you can give a GOOD REASON (as defined by hysterical gun hating Democrats) then you cannot exercise your constitutional right to keep and bear arms...

    The SCOTUS ruled in Heller that owing a gun (keep arms) is an INDIVIDUAL Constitutional Right completely unconnected from the example of a militia given in the text of the 2nd...

    The SCOTUS is not set to rule in Bruen that CARRYING a gun (bear arms) is ALSO an individual right completely unconnected from the example of a militia given in the text of the 2nd...

    In short, Democrats tried an end run around the 2nd Amendment and it's all going to blow up in their faces..

    It's the ISHMAEL EFFECT...

    By their own actions, Democrats are bringing about the VERY thing they wanted to avoid... :D

    AKA HOISTED BY THEIR OWN PICARD!!! :D

  304. [304] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    Pie is ALWAYS on topic, no matter what the topic is.

    "I would have thought so too.. Yet, here we are..."
    -Homer Simpson

  305. [305] 
    Michale wrote:

    Another interesting opinion of guns by Matthew McConaughey. [statesman.com] He is pushing for "gun responsibility". I generally agree with his ideas...

    Just another gun hating moron...

    But I'll read his ideas and pass judgement...

  306. [306] 
    Michale wrote:

    The following are the gun hating moron's "ideas"..

    1) All gun purchases should require a background check. Eighty-eight percent of Americans support this, including a lot of responsible gun owning Texans. … I’ve met them. Roof, who killed nine people in a black church in South Carolina in 2015, got his pistol without a completed background check due to a legal technicality. The system failed. Gun control activists call this a loophole. I call it incompetence.

    All gun purchases ARE given a background check except for family transfers...

    Is the system perfect?? Obviously not... But checks are done.. So no new law is needed...

    2) Unless you are in the military, you should be 21 years old to purchase an assault rifle. I’m not talking about 12-gauge shotguns or lever-action hunting rifles. I’m talking about the weapon of choice for mass murderers, AR-15s. The killer in my hometown of Uvalde purchased two AR-15s for his eighteenth birthday, just days before he killed 19 students and two teachers. He obeyed the law. Had the law been different, perhaps I wouldn’t be writing this today.

    Even RUSS is against this..

    McCaughny wants to ban guns from 18 year olds SOLELY because they "look scary"... This is complete and utter moose poop. It's idiotic and can be ignored..

    3) Red Flag Laws should be the law of the land. These measures, which are already in effect in 19 states and Washington, D.C., empower loved ones or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily prevent individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others from purchasing or accessing firearms. These laws must respect due process, judicial review, and hold account individuals who may abuse such laws.

    Red Flag laws already exist.. If there is to be a NATIONAL law, then it MUST have punitive teeth for those individuals and agencies who would misuse the law...

    Since this is a MENTAL HEALTH law and NOT a gun law, it's permissible and has NOTHING to do with gun responsibility..

    4) We need to institute a national waiting period for assault rifles. Individuals often purchase weapons in a fit of rage, harming themselves or others. Studies show that mandatory waiting periods reduced homicides by 17 percent. Gun suicides account for the majority of U.S. gun deaths. A waiting period to purchase an assault rifle is an acceptable sacrifice for responsible gun owners when it can prevent a mass shooting crime of passion or suicide.

    Sure.. Let's also have a waiting period for posting on the Internet.. You have to wait 2 weeks from the time your 'net is connected to post.. :eyeroll:

    The idea that people use RIFLES to commit suicide is utterly MORONIC and it simply proves that this guy is drug-addled and has no more functioning brain cells.. Further anyone who wants to commit suicide is not going to wait for any waiting period... He or she will just jump off a bridge or go play on the freeway.. Utterly moronic..

    Why don't you show some illegal drug responsibility McCanahay and stay off of them....

    :eyeroll:

    Same old moose poop ideas that are meaningless, ignorant and will do NOTHING to address the problem..

    The ONLY one that is halfway decent is the mental health red flag law and that is unworkable without fraud protection..

  307. [307] 
    Michale wrote:

    Speaking of Biden... I know, I know... Bad news for Democrats is not welcome here...

    But hay.. It's ON TOPIC since Biden is mentioned quite a few times in the commentary and well... yunno... facts are facts..

    White House worried about Jimmy Carter parallels to Biden presidency as approval rating remains low: report

    The president will join Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday for his first major interview in over 100 days
    https://www.foxnews.com/media/white-house-biden-jimmy-carter-paralells-approval-rating-low

    Jimmy Carter is ECSTATIC about Joe Biden...

    Jimmy Carter is no longer the WORST POTUS of the modern era...

  308. [308] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    Michale -

    My standard for today is "anything which annoys me too much."

    That could change on a day-to-day basis.

    My goal: to be able to read my own site's comments section without getting frustrated by seeing it hijacked by anybody. Perhaps I'll be a wee bit too picky at first, but that seems like a worthwhile goal.

    It has been far too long since I was able to enjoy the comments, and I aim to change that.

    -CW

  309. [309] 
    nypoet22 wrote:

    @cw,

    I like the idea of you owning your idiosyncrasies. if it were me i might type [post deleted because it violates the 'not enough pie' principle] :)

  310. [310] 
    Michale wrote:

    JL,

    If that's the way it's going to be it should be marked as [Deleted because comments that point out the FACTS of Democrat incompetence and stoopidity frustrates the moderator.]...

    Alas, no more cake conversations.....

    Cake and Pie are off topic...

    Game over.. Cake won... Pie lost...

  311. [311] 
    Chris Weigant wrote:

    All I'm saying is I'm not a very happy camper right now. I made it 16 years without having to ban anyone, this is a first for this site.

    In any case, new post up... check it out...

    http://www.chrisweigant.com/2022/06/06/alaskas-goldilocks-ballot-reforms/

    -CW

  312. [312] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:

    Michale,

    Make sure that your eyes don't roll right out of their sockets, okay? Heh.

    You better be good!

    And, remember the old adage ... absence makes all hearts grow fonder.

    Also, try to stay on topic - if your comment doesn't have a single blessed thing to do with Chris's headlining piece, then do not hit the Submit Comment thingy. Rather put it underneath another previous headlining piece where it does match up with the daily topic ... or, just hold the urge.

    Remember, there's always the FTP columns where the topic range is wider...well, except for Sunday nights where the topic is music, music and more music and nothing but music! :)

    When following these simple rules there will be no need for anyone's eyes rolling out of their sockets and everyone will just feel better. You can trust me on this.

    These days, patience is at an all-time low, just generally speaking and given the state of affairs at home and abroad, so ...

  313. [313] 
    Elizabeth Miller wrote:
  314. [314] 
    Kick wrote:

    Michale
    29

    I am ecstatic that you have finally conceded that not all killing is illegal..

    Since you claim that abortion is killing, and you obviously know I'm pro choice, what's your excuse for this bullshit above? You might as well be admitting you're blind as a bat and simply have no ability whatsoever to connect the dots. Heh.

    It's very gratifying that you finally see the facts.. :D

    Not even a good try. :)

  315. [315] 
    Kick wrote:

    Michale
    117

    Once again, I need to thank Kick for showing me the BLOCKQUOTE feature.. :D

    So you're saying you're MtnCaddy? Because I definitely showed MtnCaddy. :)

    It makes things so much nicer for everyone.. :D

    I agree. It was definitely me that spent almost an entire day awhile back emulating your (old) "shitting all over the board" posting style in order to show how bad it would look if everyone did it. MtnCaddy begged me to stop so I did. ;)

  316. [316] 
    Kick wrote:

    Elizabeth Miller
    122

    We know how you feel about Kick showing you blockquote, Michale. We don't need to be reminded about it, anymore.

    Especially since I never showed him; I showed MtnCaddy.

    And, by the way, you are overusing blockquote, now, too. ;)

    Heh. :)

  317. [317] 
    Kick wrote:

    MtnCaddy
    207

    Thanks, Kick! (waving)

    *big grin and wave*

    There is another poster here who desperately continues to insist that it was I who showed him how to use the blockquote feature; this is categorically and unequivocally false information.

    So who was it?

    You're the man, MtnCaddy! :)

  318. [318] 
    Kick wrote:

    Michale
    255

    First off, GENERAL Flynn's "admission" was coerced and, as such, is not legally viable..

    Incorrect. He actually admitted to lying to the FBI. If he didn't lie to the FBI then he obviously lied to the judge to whom he confessed under oath... take your pick. Additionally, Flynn was also actually given the chance by the FBI to correct his perjured testimony... to which he refused.

    Secondly, GENERAL Flynn's "lie" (if it actually occurred) was indeed, a PROCESS crime..

    So first you insist that Flynn's admission was "coerced," and now you're quite content to question whether or not "it actually occurred." You're contradicting your own debate points; thank you so much for the assist.

    Whereas Sussmann's lie was principal to the crime committed..

    Incorrect. Durham was never investigating a suspected crime, and then when the statutes of limitation started expiring (like I already told you), Durham wrapped a conspiracy theory around a statement he claimed was false for which he had zero solid evidence... after months and months of Durham repeating those conspiracy theories at every chance he got, those same conspiracy theories that Durham had also already admitted would not amount to a crime in any case. The jury took very little time to inform Durham that he had bupkis for proof that a crime was committed and then informed him in no uncertain terms that the entire trial had been a waste of time and taxpayers' money:

    Quoting the jury foreperson: "The government had the job of proving beyond a reasonable doubt. We broke it down…as a jury. It didn’t pan out in the government's favor."

    Asked if she thought the prosecution was worthwhile, the foreperson stated: "Personally, I don't think it should have been prosecuted because I think we have better time or resources to use or spend to other things that affect the nation as a whole than a possible lie to the FBI. We could spend that time more wisely."

    Allow me to dumb it down for you..

    So you're saying you're going to sound even dumber than you already do? You needn't waste your time. It was me (and Russ) who already warned you it was a shitty case going nowhere, and you were also warned there was an issue of statute of limitations involved... because there was.

    [snip] Not relevant.

    So it is with Sussmann.. He was PART of the illegal conspiracy and LIED to further the illegal conspiracy.

    Incorrect, but I agree you achieved your stated goal of sounding dumb. :D

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