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Sunday Night Open Thread

I can't think of a time our country has been in worse shape. Between the pandemic and Donald Trump, it will take a generation at least -- well beyond my life span -- to regroup and recoup what we had that went down the drain with Trump's ineptitude and inability to believe in anything outside the bubble of his alternate universe built on false facts.

I had hoped that he would have quit by now. Instead, he's making himself more of a laughing stock, "here and anround the world" (as CNN would say).

Why isn't someone directing the FAA to shut down air traffic for Thanksgiving week? Could it be Donald Trump wants as many of us to die as possible as revenge for his election loss? Even he isn't flying to Mar-a-Lago on AF One for the holiday. That ought to tell you something. (Yes, maybe he's afraid his "things" will be gone when he gets back, but what does he own at the White House beside his clothes and the mattress he had shipped in? Doesn't the rest belong to the Government? Answer: I have no idea, which is why I'm asking the question.)

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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    Question (5.00 / 5) (#8)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 08:52:39 PM EST
    Who wears a red hat and hates Nazis?
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    .
    Santifa Claus.

    I think the country is spending too much time (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 06:11:26 AM EST
    worrying about this -

    A new Seven Letter Insight poll finds 56% of voters who backed President Trump in the election don't believe their vote was recorded accurately.

    Seriously, so what.  These are the same people who never believed Obama was an American or a Christian.  Who cares what they think.  Every minute we spend wringing our hand about this is a minute they win.  Their "belief" is not required.

    This is true only if we allow it -

    "I am the most fabulous whiner. I do whine because I want to win. And I'm not happy if I'm not winning. And I am a whiner. And I'm a whiner and I keep whining and whining until I win."

    -- Donald Trump, interviewed by CNN in August 2015.



    Done (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 05:17:37 PM EST

    The General Services Administration has informed President-elect Joe Biden that the Trump administration is ready to begin the formal transition process, CNN reports.


    Parent
    Now for something completely different... (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by desertswine on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:22:47 PM EST
    Wildlife resource officers counting sheep in Utah came across a strange metallic monolith in the desert.  Maybe trump is planning on going back where he came from.

    This is a really good news day (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 07:17:35 PM EST
    Senator Dianne Feinstein steps away from Judiciary Committee leadership

    Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) is next in line for the chairmanship.

    Now if they could just get her to retire.

    Watching this press conference (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 12:20:39 PM EST
    With all these dull boring competent cabinet nominees is a lot more fun than it should be in a sane world.

    Which is followed by (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 12:46:32 PM EST
    Trump pardoning turkeys.

    Great.

    Parent

    On the day after Tr*mp and Barr announce (none / 0) (#48)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 01:43:26 PM EST
    that they intend to proceed with the execution of the only woman on federal death row, less than two weeks before the Inauguration. And four others (two in December, two in January). Even though Biden has said he opposes capital punishment, and so would presumably commute any federal death sentence to life imprisonment. There should be a national campaign for a reprieve for this woman, at least.

    Parent
    To bad her last name is not Trump. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 02:27:51 PM EST
    There would definitely be a pardon coming her way.

    The mind boggles considering who he might pardon.  His family for sure.  Rudy, probably.

    But I think he is to smart to try to pardon himself.  Won't take the risk.  I think he will find a reason to resign, as in, you can't fire me because I quit, and have Pence do it.

    Parent

    Apparently, there is a hundred year tradition (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by Peter G on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:01:03 PM EST
    of an outgoing Administration deferring to the incoming President during the lame duck, and not scheduling federal executions, to allow the new President to exercise their own judgment about clemency. Death penalty scholar Austin Sarat, of Amherst College, explains. Not that tradition or humane considerations count with this monster or his AG.

    Parent
    Because (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 12:20:56 PM EST
    of course

    President Trump is trying to rush through a proposed regulation that could see federal executions being carried out by firing squads again, the Daily Beast reports.

    link

    Parent

    the vengeance and amorality (none / 0) (#50)
    by leap on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 02:29:32 PM EST
    of this administration is so depressing. Soon, the agents of that group will be gone, leaving 72 million foul acolytes teeming like MAGATS in the background. How are we ever going to recover from this?

    Parent
    We (none / 0) (#51)
    by FlJoe on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 04:16:30 PM EST
    will not recover
    until/unless  
    The undemocratic mechanisms of government are rectified (electoral college, unrepresentative Senate, voter supression) .
    and/or
    The right wing propaganda machine is demolished.


    Parent
    Happy T-Day... (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by desertswine on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 11:42:46 PM EST
    Alice is broke. There is a gofundme. Per (none / 0) (#119)
    by oculus on Sat Nov 28, 2020 at 02:42:42 PM EST
    Twitter.

    Parent
    Republicans are once again (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 06:15:07 PM EST
    Deciding that they are deficit hawks and Lindsey wants to recreate the Cat Food Commission.

    GOP senators say they expect to refocus on curbing the nation's debt and reforming entitlement programs starting in 2021, as the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the debt has surpassed the size of the American economy.

    "I think that's kind of getting back to our DNA. ...I think spending, entitlement reform, growth and the economy are all things that we're going to have to be focused on next year and, yeah, I would expect you'll hear a lot more about that," said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican.
    ...

    Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is poised to become the chairman of the Budget Committee if Republicans keep the Senate. He said he wants to create a new commission to propose ways to reduce the deficit and address the country's debt.

    If the Dems play this game again, they will lose in 2022 and 2024 and they will deserve the loss.

    Just listened to an ad (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 30, 2020 at 08:57:57 PM EST
    by Jon Ossoff. It wasn't very good. Vague...basically don't let McConnell do to Biden what he did to Obama.

    So many opportunities lost with that message. Stronger message would have emphasized that if you want good affordable healthcare, increased SS benefits rather than cut to benefits, affordable college education, jobs created with infrastructure legislation and other good things, Biden and the Dems will need the majority in the Senate.

    Yeah (none / 0) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Dec 02, 2020 at 05:04:14 AM EST
    Ossoff has run a terrible campaign. It has been cringe worthy and frankly bringing up Obama is not gonna help him. Warnock has run a much better campaign. Ossoff comes off as every bit as much the entitled jerk as Perdue does.

    The good news is maybe none of this will matter because the GOP here in GA is currently too busy having a civil war.

    Parent

    I understand (none / 0) (#1)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 04:30:10 PM EST
    that the Trumps can take what they brought with them like clothes and any gifts that were given to them but everything else stays.

    Count the (5.00 / 3) (#2)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 05:11:16 PM EST
    silverware and check his pockets for spoons.

    Parent
    Fix the Rose Garden (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by MKS on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 07:36:28 AM EST
    Change it back to colorful instead of Melania's frozen white scheme.

    Parent
    What they should (5.00 / 3) (#29)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:45:04 PM EST
    do is contact the descendants of every first lady and have them pick a rose to represent them. Of course the living first ladies could pick their own.

    If they can't restore the rose garden they certainly need to do something to get rid of the Marriott hotel entrance design with something special and unique. After the horrible Christmas decorations, we all knew Melania would screw up getting rid of the rose garden.

    Parent

    That is a great idea (none / 0) (#30)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:53:17 PM EST
    I hope that they pursue that idea.

    Parent
    Wasn't the idea of the other rose garden (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 09:21:09 AM EST
    that some were planted by each First Lady.  Or something like that.

    To late for them.

    But they should change it just to remove the Trump stench.

    Parent

    Biden is going to have to (none / 0) (#9)
    by desertswine on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 09:41:13 PM EST
    fumigate the place.

    Parent
    Indeed. I've always thought (none / 0) (#22)
    by leap on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 10:36:48 AM EST
    Trump smells foul, a rank, rotten sour odor. And that he tries to cover up that total body stench with cheap cologne or Axe for Teenage Boys. And that mix of fetid miasma carries into all the halls and corridors and office nooks in the White House. And the "Living Quarters..." My god. Are there enough windows in that place that can open up and let in fresh air? Is the ventilating system equipped with industrial HEPA filters? Biden's hazmat crew will need to install ozone generators everywhere Trump's mob of malodorous bootlickers have moved and touched.

    What an awful job to do.

    Parent

    I wondered that too (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 05:23:47 PM EST
    If he was not leaving fir the holiday because he was afraid he would return to find his baggy suits extra long ties and golf clubs piled in the driveway.

    I think there is going to be a growing chorus next week about letting the transition begin at least.  Biden plans to announce cabinet picks on Tuesday.  The FBI background checks can't happen until it's official.

    I am (none / 0) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 05:34:05 PM EST
    kind of surprised that he didn't leave and go to Mar A Lago and just stay there but maybe that is the Christmas plan.

    Parent
    Why can't he just get in the running car? (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by desertswine on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 09:42:59 PM EST
    Are you crazy? (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:29:23 PM EST
    He should hide behind the chainsaws, then head to the cemetery.

    Parent
    Wheels are coming off (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 06:35:52 PM EST
    Ironically, the conspiracy-minded and (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by Peter G on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 07:56:14 PM EST
    fact-reckless Sidney Powell is probably their best appellate lawyer, particularly since the team from Jones Day withdrew. (The Jones Day firm is lousy with extreme Tr*mpsters, but they tend to be excellent lawyers, on the technical level.) Before she entered private practice, Powell was chief of appeals for two different Texas federal prosecutors' offices. (Maybe that's where she learned to railroad her adversaries and their clients without regard for the truth. In fact, she wrote a rather successful book about how often federal prosecutors are unfair and dishonest.) Unless Dersh rises from his cave to come back in. He was also renowned as an appellate lawyer, albeit a publicity hound, before he drifted toward Right Wing political posturing.  

    Parent
    This is really funny and sad at the same time (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 07:35:10 AM EST
    John Fetterman quipped that (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 06:13:18 AM EST
    the only news from that Powell story is that the Trump legal team has developed "standards"

    Parent
    I'm totally crushing (none / 0) (#89)
    by smott on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 09:23:11 AM EST
    On Fetterman!
    He was mayor of a small town near my neighborhood, first made news by ignoring the PA GOP legislators and marrying gay couples.
    He's awesome. Smart, blue collar, not bigoted. Perfect for rust belt.

    Parent
    Havoc (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 22, 2020 at 06:39:36 PM EST
    don't forget about GOP Senators as well. (none / 0) (#15)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 08:38:51 AM EST
    He took shots are Pat Toomey (R-PA) yesterday.

    This has to be said. In my 61-1/2 years on this planet, I have never felt the degree of contempt for a single person as I do this worthless SOB that is taking up space at 1600 PA Ave. He is a $cumbag, so he assumes everyone else is as well. He is low, dishonest, dishonorable and without any redeeming qualities. So he sees the rest of the world as being like him.

    He couldn't be more wrong about the rest of the world.

    Parent

    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 09:11:00 AM EST
    I think he is shocked and surprised that "Trump" judges are ruling against him.  I think he believed all those judges Mitch rammed through would give him a permission slip because he picked them.

    Which is a great illustration of what you said.  He really can't comprehend the idea of doing your constitutional duty.

    Sad.

    Parent

    Finally (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 08:58:51 AM EST
    I hate spending money (none / 0) (#21)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 10:15:36 AM EST
    on stuff like septic tanks.  You never get to say, hey, check out my new septic tank.

    So

    check out my new septic tank

    Parent

    Looks like a good sized septic tank. (none / 0) (#24)
    by fishcamp on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:09:11 PM EST
    Hope the installation, hook up, and leach field tasks go well.  Pretty work Howdy.

    Parent
    Hooked up (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:21:18 PM EST
    and buried

    I'm feeling the need for a long shower.

    1000 gallons is code.  

    A new septic system is a very big selling detail around here.  So there's that.  One of these days I'll sell this an buy a condo.  There are some very cool ones around.

    Parent

    Trump is the virus (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 09:24:47 AM EST
    Seattle Times: "Loren Culp lost Washington's gubernatorial race by more than 545,000 votes, but he's not conceding -- and says he's not going away."

    "Culp, the Republican who took 43% of the statewide vote against Gov. Jay Inslee, has taken a page from President Trump's playbook by attempting to sow doubts about the election results and lobbing unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud."

    link

    You know, if the Republicans ... (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 01:06:57 PM EST
    ... had devoted as much time and effort toward at least an attempt to combat the COVID pandemic, as they have in pursuit of various crackpot conspiracy theories and sham investigations, perhaps we would have all been able to spend the upcoming holidays with our families, rather than plan to share the experience vicariously through Zoom and Skype.

    Parent
    And also Donald, (none / 0) (#27)
    by fishcamp on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:34:24 PM EST
    we could have visited the Hawaiian islands.  It used to be great fun to leave Aspen at 0 dark thirty for denver, and the ride to LA and on to Hawaii.  We were young.  Then the island hop began, visiting friends, and partying, on the outer islands, and of course, leaving items along the way because you were coming back.  Finally, weeks overdue, I would arrive home, freezing, broke, with my parka and boots still in Kauai.  But you're right they should have done better.

    Parent
    United flies nonstop between DEN and HNL. (none / 0) (#32)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 04:15:25 PM EST
    Any time I can avoid a connection, I'll do so. That's kind of hard to do from Hilo, where 95% of all flights are to and from HNL. But at least United flies nonstop to LAX and SFO from here.

    Parent
    I did not know that (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 05:48:45 PM EST
    you could go non-stop from Denver to Honolulu -- like Fishcamp, I always transferred in LA or San Francisco. But the week after Thanksgiving, for the past 25 years,  is the week NORML puts on its legal seminar in Key West (at the Pier House, I love their "spa rooms" (huge and on the second floor, in the spa building) and of course its cancelled this year (as was the summer NORML legal conference in Aspen). Hopefully 2021 will be better, but I'm not counting on it.

    Parent
    It'll get better under Biden. (none / 0) (#61)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:35:26 PM EST
    Honestly, everyone will likely be wearing masks and social distancing through at least the first six months of 2021. It really all depends how quickly the Feds can distribute the vaccines once they're approved.

    But on the optimistic side, we're planning a trip to Ireland in November 2021. Hope springs eternal.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Starting today, ... (none / 0) (#142)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:40:58 PM EST
    ... United has also added nonstop service from Denver to Kauai, Maui and Kailua-Kona, in addition to its current service to Honolulu. So, you don't have to transfers or layover at LAX or SFO unless you really want to do so. It's about 7 hours and 30 minutes nonstop between HNL and DEN, and the other flights will be comparable in length, so why prolong the ordeal if you don't have to?

    Parent
    The low profile, (none / 0) (#20)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 10:05:42 AM EST
    high competency Cabinet and staff to soon to be announced by Biden/Harris, particularly, the national security/economics  team, hampers the Republican demonization campaign in the Georgia senators race, turn out being determinative.  While demonization, no doubt, remains a Republican staple, there will not be enough time before the January 5 run-off.

    It might make sense, however, to wait on the run-off before announcing the Attorney General appointment.

    Well, the (none / 0) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 03:39:29 PM EST
    Republicans are on it, literally.   Franklin Graham claims Rev Warnock has a " demonIc agenda".

    Parent
    Attacking a historic (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by MO Blue on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 10:55:04 AM EST
    black church and its Paster might not have the desired result. Personally, I think it just might bring Democratic voters out to the polls in droves.

    Parent
    The rainy season has come early this year. (none / 0) (#31)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 04:08:42 PM EST
    It was a very wet weekend here on the Big Island, and while the rain let up for a little while this morning, we're in for a bit of a deluge this afternoon through tomorrow.

    I've got a County COVID task force meeting at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow in Kealakekua over on the Kona side and because it's a two-hour drive (95 miles over the Saddle Hwy., or 110 miles around South Point), I'm going to head over there this afternoon and spend the night. Otherwise, I'd have to leave our house by no later than 5:30 a.m. tomorrow to get there on time to set up.

    We've been quite fortunate in Hawaii, in that we've managed to contain the spread of coronavirus. Our geographic isolation has likely played a significant part in our low numbers, but we've also been quite rigorous in enforcing emergency quarantine orders and doing contact tracing. And on an island the size of ours that's predominantly rural, that's been no small feat. And so, I've been on the road a lot.

    It's therefore great news that Oxford AstraZeneca announced that its COVID vaccine has a 90% efficacy rate. Of the possible three vaccines thus far, Oxford AstraZeneca holds the most promise. It's much cheaper than the American vaccines, 80% less per dose. There are no temperature issues with delivery. And best of all, it's already been in production for months.

    Hail Britannia!

    The turkey demands a recount (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 23, 2020 at 07:19:20 PM EST
    Not a walk in the park (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 07:32:07 AM EST
    "We really need to make patients aware that this is not going to be a walk in the park," Fryhofer said during a virtual meeting with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, an outside group of medical experts that advise the CDC. She is also a liaison to the committee. "They are going to know they had a vaccine. They are probably not going to feel wonderful. But they've got to come back for that second dose."

    Participants in Moderna and Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine trials told CNBC in September that they were experiencing high fever, body aches, bad headaches, daylong exhaustion and other symptoms after receiving the shots. While the symptoms were uncomfortable, and at times intense, the participants said they often went away after a day, sometimes sooner, and that it was better than getting Covid-19.

    Both companies acknowledged that their vaccines could induce side effects that are similar to symptoms associated with mild Covid-19, such as muscle pain, chills and headache.

    One North Carolina woman in the Moderna study who is in her 50s said she didn't experience a fever but suffered a bad migraine that left her drained for a day and unable to focus. She said she woke up the next day feeling better after taking Excedrin but added that Moderna may need to tell people to take a day off after a second dose.

    "If this proves to work, people are going to have to toughen up," she said. "The first dose is no big deal. And then the second dose will definitely put you down for the day for sure. ... You will need to take a day off after the second dose."

    link

    But better than dying

    Should have included the subtitle (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:55:05 AM EST
    The group becomes the latest in a growing list of Trump backers who are encouraging people to either not vote in the runoffs or write in the president's name.



    Parent
    Intended for comment 38 (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:56:30 AM EST
    Sorry

    Parent
    Roger comes home to roost (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 08:31:26 AM EST
    "Conservative operatives and a super PAC with ties to infamous GOP dirty trickster Roger Stone are calling for Trump supporters to punish Republicans by sitting out Georgia's crucial Senate runoffs or writing in Trump's name instead."

    "And though their efforts remains on the party's fringes, the trajectory of the movement has Republicans fearful that it could cost the GOP control of the Senate."

    link

    For once (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by MO Blue on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 10:52:08 AM EST
    I hope that Stone is successful in his current agenda.

    Parent
    Agreed, but (none / 0) (#43)
    by jmacWA on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 12:10:50 PM EST
    It depends on people being stupid enough to write-in a name on what is supposed to be a runoff between the two top candidates from the general election.

    Parent
    You may be (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 12:15:33 PM EST
    Under estimating the stupidity.

    In other news - Nevada

    Tweet
    See new Tweets
    Tweet

    Kyle Griffin
    @kylegriffin1
    ·
    49m
    CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) -- Nevada Supreme Court certifies Joe Biden's win in Nevada, making his win in the battleground state official.



    Parent
    Undoubtedly, (none / 0) (#45)
    by RickyJim on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 12:15:40 PM EST
    there won't be any place on the ballot to write in another name.

    Parent
    Black Narcissus (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 04:53:25 PM EST
    This whole 3 pt miniseries ran last night on FX streaming on FX on HULU.  The reviews are surprisingly, to me, tepid.  

    the complaints are it was slow or boring or only offers beautiful backgrounds.  Which oddly is the only thing I remember about the 1947 version.  I think it won an Oscar for cinematography.   I want to see it again now.

    Variety review

    I think it's great.
    For me the final tv performance of Diana Rigg makes it worth watching.  She has a movie coming out next year.

    I'm afraid a very dark Xmas is coming (none / 0) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 05:02:46 PM EST
    I really think the way people are behaving is going to lead to an explosion of new cases and deaths.  Just in time for Christmas.

    I am amazed how many people I talk to plan to just do it pretty much like always.  People I thought were smarter.  It's worse than it's ever been and we are weeks from a vaccine.  People are weird.

    I will be here.  Being thankful for my solitude.

    I was just out (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 10:37:02 AM EST
    and I drove thru the Walmart parking lot.  I had planned to stop to get some stuff for dinner with my neighbor tomorrow.  I did not stop.  The parking lot looked like Christmas Eve.

    And based on the number of cars I would estimate 20 or so unmasked.  At least.  

    Later.  We will make do.

    Parent

    COVID for Thanksgiving, (none / 0) (#54)
    by leap on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 05:13:07 PM EST
    coffins for Christmas.

    Lovely.

    Parent

    I know (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 05:36:51 PM EST
    someone that died on Sunday from COVID. She was a big Trumper. I expect there will be more of these.

    Parent
    Hey (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 07:17:36 PM EST
    Are any of your crazies pushing this #WriteInTrumpforGa thing?

    I keep hearing about it.  Bill Krystal is urging the nutters to write in Trump to "show their loyalty"

    Thank Odin for their boundless stupidity.

    Parent

    Per Vox (none / 0) (#57)
    by MO Blue on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 07:50:03 PM EST
    The Stone-affiliated PAC, for instance, is encouraging Trump fans to write in Trump's name, even though the Georgia runoff ballot doesn't allow for write-ins.

    Vox

    What a shame.

    Parent

    If we are talking about (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Nov 24, 2020 at 07:56:42 PM EST
    Mail in paper ballots I would assume you can write whatever you want regardless of what is allowed.

    I don't think a countable vote is the point.

    Parent

    No, outside of (none / 0) (#62)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 06:51:58 AM EST
    social media from people that don't live in GA I am not hearing that kind of thing.

    Here what I am seeing and hearing is that Republicans are either trying to digest the fact that Trump actually lost and are in shock about that fact or they have gone down the rabbit hole with Sidney Powell and think Trump is still going to pull off a win. One of the Trumpers I know said yesterday it's November 24th and Joe Biden isn't president. So I am guessing that until Trump leaves and Biden is sworn in it's not going to sink in with that group.

    Parent

    3% (none / 0) (#63)
    by leap on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 09:16:56 AM EST
    "Almost no Trump voters consider Biden the legitimate 2020 election winner" 3%. That's how many Trump voters "think" Biden won.

    Parent
    To (none / 0) (#66)
    by FlJoe on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 03:02:20 PM EST
    no one's surprise, tRump pardons Flynn.

    Unsurprising (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by KeysDan on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 04:06:21 PM EST
    and appalling.  The first of a long list of reprehensible acts coming over the next two months.

    Parent
    Could make a Sally Yates confirmation hearing (none / 0) (#68)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 04:56:04 PM EST
    for AG more interesting.

    Parent
    I wonder if he will pardon (none / 0) (#69)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 04:58:31 PM EST
    Julian Assange?  He loves WIKILEAKS

    Parent
    Pardon (none / 0) (#71)
    by FlJoe on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 05:55:41 PM EST
    everyone, then Biden can declassify everything and let the FOIAs fly

    Parent
    Do we agree? (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 05:01:11 PM EST
    Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner responded to President Donald Trump's pardon of retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn by saying that it's entirely possible that the judge in Flynn's case could nullify the pardon.

    "Just as Judge Emmet Sullivan refused to grant Barr's corrupt motion to dismiss, I hope Judge [Emmet] Sullivan sets a hearing on whether this pardon is corrupt & hence illegal/void," said Kirschner.



    Parent
    Kind of far-fetched, but you could view (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:18:53 PM EST
    the crazy, embarrassing behavior of Flynn's lawyer, Sidney Powell, over the last couple of weeks as having no rational explanation other than to curry favor with Tr*mp, and thus as potentially being a quid pro quo for the pardon. (Why else would an obviously intelligent lawyer so blatantly and publicly trash her own credibility and reputation for all time ... including the credibility of the allegations of misconduct she has advanced in the Flynn case.) But even then, it seems to me that a corruptly procured pardon would still be valid, while both the President and the person receiving the pardon (and anyone involved in the corrupt scheme) could be prosecuted for bribery or some other pertinent offense for engaging in that scheme.

    Parent
    Adam Schiff just said (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 08:13:31 PM EST
    If it was used as a bribe it could be prosecuted.

    David Frum

    "Here's the first and most important thing to understand about the crime for which President Trump just pardoned former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn: Flynn did not lie to protect himself. He lied to protect Donald Trump..."

    "From Flynn's own narrow personal point of view, there was no reason to lie about any of these conversations. Yes, he was pushing the limits a little bit, doing diplomacy before the new administration took office. A more elegant diplomat would have found a way to honor the rule that there's only one administration at a time, while also communicating what he wanted the Russians to know about the differing intentions of the incoming administration. But such limit-pushing has surely happened often before in the history of American foreign policy. All Flynn had to say to avoid legal jeopardy was, `Yes, I spoke to Ambassador Kislyak. Possibly I was premature. My bad.'"

    "So why didn't he say that?"

    link

    Parent

    That is Different What I Heard (none / 0) (#76)
    by RickyJim on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:21:15 PM EST
    I heard Kirschner tell Joy Reid that once a pardon is accepted, he loses his 5th amendment right of pleading he can't testify about the crimes for which he was pardoned.  So Sullivan can force him back into court to testify about them.  I've never heard of a judge nullifying a pardon.

    Parent
    In what proceeding are you saying (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Peter G on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 09:22:01 PM EST
    that Judge Sullivan could summon Flynn into court or question him? The case before Judge Sulllivan is the criminal case in which Flynn was pardoned. That case is now over. The judge has no general investigatory authority; under Article III of the Constitution a federal judge can only preside over a "case or controversy." There is no longer a case or controversy concerning Flynn that is assigned to Judge Sullivan (or any other judge) that I know of.

    Parent
    I have a legal question, Peter. (none / 0) (#84)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 12:58:02 AM EST
    Could a post-Barr DOJ prosecute Gen. Flynn for crimes unrelated to either the counts for which he was initially indicted or the single charge to which he twice pled guilty? Or does the pardon likewise cover any or all illegal conduct to which he also admitted as part of his subsequent elocution in federal court?

    Personally speaking, were I President Biden's attorney general, I might consider opening a case against the general's son Michael G. Flynn for his part in his father's harebrained scheme to kidnap exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen and subject him to an illegal rendition to Turkey and a likely horrible fate, for which Gen. Flynn's consulting firm was reportedly to be paid $15 million by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

    Then, because I'm obviously in the mood to fck with this three-star a$$hat, I'd subpoena Daddy Flynn and compel his testimony in the case against his own child. After all, DOJ had a deal with Daddy to not prosecute Sonny Boy in exchange for Daddy's guilty plea and cooperation, upon which Daddy then very publicly and loudly reneged. And of course, Sonny Boy's not covered under Trump's "Get Out of Jail Free" card for Daddy.

    Make the Flynns squeal, just like the little piggies they are.

    Parent

    I have not read whether Flynn's pardon (none / 0) (#87)
    by Peter G on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 09:07:36 AM EST
    covers any and all offenses he may have committed (up to yesterday), on the one hand, or specific offenses covered by the pending case, on the other. A "warrant of pardon" can be written either way. It is true, as RickyJim pointed out, that by virtue of the pardon Flynn cannot claim Fifth Amendment protection. So as you point out, he could be compelled to testify in an investigation of others, including his son, even if he himself may have been implicated in those shenanigans.

    Gulen's hideaway is about an hour north of where we live. I have been to an event at his Islamic Institute (basically a graduate school) in Allentown. Very nice folks, and a seemingly very intellectual strand of Islam they preach. And outstanding food.

    Parent

    As of today, there has been nothing filed ... (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 01:51:48 PM EST
    ... in Judge Sullivan's court docket to the effect that all proceedings in U.S. v. Flynn are now concluded, nor has anything even been posted on the website of the Pardon Attorney. The only related item posted there is the Trump administration's Flynn counter-narrative on White House stationery, but that's hardly likely to qualify as a formal pardon in federal court.

    So, as of this writing, it appears that what we've actually been discussing here is Trump's tweet conveying his intention to pardon Flynn, rather than the actual pardon itself, which I would assume is forthcoming. Whenever the pardon document is posted and filed, I'll try to repost here.

    Happy Thanksgiving. Stay safe. Aloha.

    Parent

    ... for Gen. Flynn last might in his court docket, and from the look of it, the document appears to be as much about attempting to invalidate Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, as it is to provide Flynn with his official "Get Out of Jail Free" card.

    Were I a federal prosecutor, I might be tempted to test the breadth and scope of this pardon by targeting Flynn Jr. It's not that I want to punish Gen. Flynn's son, per se, as much as I'd want to establish, once and for all in the public record, that Daddy is skanky pond scum and a real scoundrel. These people need to be trashed and ruined professionally, and rendered forever unemployable for any government or government-contracted job.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Latest pardon news (none / 0) (#141)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:39:34 PM EST
    not the pardon story I expected to read today.


    Justice Department investigating potential presidential pardon bribery scheme, court records reveal

    The Justice Department is investigating a potential crime related to funneling money to the White House or related political committee in exchange for a presidential pardon, according to court records unsealed Tuesday in federal court.

    The case is the latest legal twist in the waning days of President Donald Trump's administration after several of his top advisers have been convicted of federal criminal charges and as the possibility rises of Trump giving pardons to those who've been loyal to him.



    Parent
    LOL! (none / 0) (#143)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:46:23 PM EST
    Why does that not surprise me? After all, grifters simply can't help themselves; they just gotta grift.

    Parent
    Renato (none / 0) (#144)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:48:44 PM EST
    Tweet
    See new Tweets
    Tweet

    Renato Mariotti
    @renato_mariotti
    ·
    53m
    Exchanging anything of value for an official act, such as granting a pardon, is a federal crime.

    Campaign contributions can be a bribe if they are offered in exchange for that official act.
    Quote Tweet

    Shimon Prokupecz
    @ShimonPro
     · 57m
    NEW: Unsealed court document in DC reveals DOJ investigating an alleged "secret lobbying scheme" and a bribery conspiracy that offered "a substantial political contribution in exchange for a presidential pardon or reprieve of sentence." @kpolantz



    Parent
    That it's Bill Barr's DOJ (none / 0) (#146)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:59:55 PM EST
    surprises me a little.

    Parent
    As much as this does? (none / 0) (#151)
    by Peter G on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 07:01:52 PM EST
    Yes but (none / 0) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 07:05:04 PM EST
    That picture of Durham really startled me (none / 0) (#156)
    by Peter G on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 08:36:39 PM EST
    He was a young Asst US Atty in Connecticut when I was a baby Assistant Federal Public Defender there (i.e., in the mid-'70s). Not what he looked like then. On the other hand, I don't suppose I look very much the same now as I did then, either.

    Parent
    It reminds me of Statler (none / 0) (#158)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 08:55:40 PM EST
    Billy (none / 0) (#153)
    by FlJoe on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 07:10:14 PM EST
    Barr is in pure CYA mode right now. He probably has "plausible deniability" for most of sketchy stuff he has been up to, but obstructing this one, at this time was not in his best interest. He will gladly throw some big fish to the wolves to save his sorry skin.

    Parent
    Also seems noteworthy (5.00 / 1) (#155)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 07:24:29 PM EST
    that there was no leaks from the "deep state" before the votes were cast.

    Parent
    Of course. Now. (none / 0) (#154)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 07:19:12 PM EST
    But this apparently goes back many months.  I guess the warrants were back in the summer

    And it must be a pretty big thing.  It says 50 devices were seized.  As was noted, that's a lot of devices.

    Parent

    Yes, (none / 0) (#157)
    by KeysDan on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 08:50:51 PM EST
    DOJ had to show probable cause.

    Parent
    Although frankly, based on experience (none / 0) (#159)
    by Peter G on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 09:39:57 PM EST
    what it takes to get a U.S. Magistrate Judge to sign a warrant to seize and search a "device" (i.e., a cell phone or personal computer) is not very impressive. Reminiscent of the indictment of the proverbial ham sandwich, which also purportedly requires "probable cause."

    Parent
    The Week (none / 0) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 09:20:23 AM EST
    It takes a traitor... (none / 0) (#72)
    by desertswine on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 05:58:15 PM EST
    Just one more (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 06:43:24 PM EST
    I can't watch that (none / 0) (#74)
    by leap on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:08:03 PM EST
    thinking someone purposely put out fermented pears for wildlife to consume. That's just sick. Sorry. I don't think that's funny.

    Parent
    Relax (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:35:28 PM EST
    Do animals like getting drunk?
    They do. A lot. Butterflies, for instance, enjoy a good brew, says Katy Prudic, an entomologist at the University of Arizona: "I've gotten butterflies out of beer cans before." Males likely drink beer to boost their spermatophores, nutrient-rich packages that they give to females as a nuptial gift, Prudic says.Nov 21, 2015

    link

    Parent

    Maybe (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:37:22 PM EST
    Try a nice cocktail

    Parent
    Or a Marula fruit (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 07:49:31 PM EST
    African Animals Getting Drunk From Ripe Marula Fruit

    My favorite comment

    Marulu fruit is a gate way drug, now all those animals are on meth and crack

    Parent

    Cats on catnip: (none / 0) (#85)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 01:20:50 AM EST
    LINK. One of our three cats doesn't care for catnip, though. She'll just turn up her nose every time and walk away. But then given the opportunity, she'll raid The Spouse's herb garden to attack the basil, so go figure. Cats don't need a reason to do what they do. That's why they're cats.

    Parent
    Snails like beer. (none / 0) (#93)
    by desertswine on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 12:32:04 PM EST
    I am kind of impressed (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 08:59:51 PM EST
    with the way Biden is handling the clusterf'ck we are living through.  His folksy bordering on corney Thanksgiving message today was close to pitch perfect.  IMO.  The contrast with Trump screeching nonsense at an stunt in Gettysburg, of all places, with Rudy was blinding.

    He has a way of projecting authenticity, not judging if he actually has authenticity but he projects it in a way that is such a stark contrast with Trump it seems to be just what is needed.

    The words, the tone, the message.  I don't credit just him with this.  He has a good management team.  But he really seems to be an almost perfect response to Trump with his Mr Rogers unity stuff.

    We are going to hear him call us (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Towanda on Wed Nov 25, 2020 at 10:29:39 PM EST
    "folks" a thousand times in the coming term of office.

    It already makes me laugh every time,

    Parent

    Meanwhile, back at the death cult..... (none / 0) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 08:16:54 AM EST
    "I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings."

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone  anyway.

    Parent

    Supreme Court just ruled (none / 0) (#90)
    by MO Blue on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 09:43:48 AM EST
    The More The Merrier

    Supreme Court blocks New York coronavirus restrictions on houses of worship

    A bunch of old people crowding together, singing and shouting for a long period of time. A Petri dish for the virus or a death wish.

    I thought the religious zealots wanted to promote a religious country, not thin its ranks. Unfortunately, this decision will impact the entire community and not just the people attending the churches.

    Parent

    The Court's "per curiam" majority (5.00 / 2) (#91)
    by Peter G on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 10:02:28 AM EST
    opinion granting the NYC stay is unsigned, but I think it was written by Justice Barrett. Roberts, Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan dissented, so none of them is the author. There are signed concurrences by Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, so it's neither of them. And the per curiam doesn't have the hectoring tone of an Alito opinion or the Eighteenth-and-Nineteenth Century focus of a typical Thomas opinion. So that leaves our new friend ACB. The opinion, imho, is patently illogical; it turns on insisting that public health officials have to categorize churches and synagogues, in terms of what restrictions apply, as being like big box stores rather than like concerts, theaters, and lecture halls. Disturbing.

    Parent
    Justice Sotomayor (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by MO Blue on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 10:19:18 AM EST
    Justice Sotomayor pens scathing dissent to COVID-19 ruling: This `will only exacerbate the Nation's suffering'

    "Unlike religious services ... bike repair shops and liquor stores generally do not feature customers gathering inside to sing and speak together for an hour or more at a time," she wrote. "Justices of this Court play a deadly game in second guessing the expert judgment of health officials about the environments in which a contagious virus, now infecting a million Americans each week, spreads most easily."


    Parent
    Sanctity of Life (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by KeysDan on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 12:58:30 PM EST
    ends at birth.  The Handmaiden came out of the gate, essentially, redefining religious liberty as religious privilege. Science and epidemiology play second fiddle.

    Gorsuch does not seem to recognize that if A and B are different, A and B can be treated differently. By his lights, going to a bike shop for tire repair is no different than gathering by the hundreds to pray out loud, chanting and singing at the top of the lungs--- for an hour or more.

    Alito's majority position tracks his ireful speech to the Federalist Society earlier in the month. The gnashing ideologic tone of that presentation to the conservative law group tipped his hand with "the pandemic has resulted in unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty." Highlighting "worship services".

    In dissent, Roberts takes issue with injunctive relief being granted and the claim likely to prevail, when the governor of NY has already reclassified the hot spot zones, eliminating the need for the injunction.  If problems re-occur, the case could be speedily re-heard, he points out. However, it sure seems like the majority unwilling to let this opportunity to slip away.

    And, Roberts not only defended his own dissent, but also, felt the need to point out the good faith arguments of the other dissenters, suggesting, to me, some spirited Zoom discussions.

    Sotomayor, for the dissent, nails it.  "Justices of this Court play a deadly game in second guessing the expert judgment of health officials .."  And, she reminds that the Court did not cite Trump's words in the Muslim ban ruling, but in this case, they cited Governor Cuomo to help their argument.

     

    Parent

    Kind of blows (none / 0) (#96)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Nov 26, 2020 at 02:11:41 PM EST
    That "pro-life" thing out the window.

    Parent
    CNN just re-ran trump's (none / 0) (#98)
    by desertswine on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 01:42:34 AM EST
    unbelievable Thursday rant about the "tremendous fraud" in the election.  He is absolutely insane.

    Insane like a bipolar fox (5.00 / 2) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 08:57:58 AM EST
    I'm afraid.  It has become so obvious this whole thing is not about changing the election results.  It about priming the conspiracy pump and setting the stage for his "president in exile" thing.

    It will be interesting to see how many of his "followers" stick with him after this sh!t show.  It will be the ones who believe him, a pretty small number I think, plus the ones who get the joke and know exactly what he is doing like congressional republicans.   And plenty of fans.  Too many.

    But you are right.  It's clearly insane.  As we get deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole I'm worrying less about how much real problem he can really cause.  Except for elected republicans.

    One thing for sure he is preaching to the choir.
    No one else cares much.

    Parent

    I'm still worried about problems (none / 0) (#102)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:04:46 AM EST
    he may cause.

    Top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated near Tehran: reports

    Even if the US was not actively involved in this assassination, I don't doubt that Trump will find some way to add fuel to the fire.

    Parent

    I eat you (none / 0) (#103)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:07:26 AM EST
    By 42 seconds

    Parent
    Um (none / 0) (#104)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:08:11 AM EST
    BEAT you

    :)

    Parent

    Yes, you did "beat" me (none / 0) (#106)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:16:58 AM EST
    and the BBC report you linked was better and more informative.

    Parent
    Appropriate visual to wind down (none / 0) (#100)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 09:59:01 AM EST
    The kid's (none / 0) (#107)
    by KeysDan on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 11:51:16 AM EST
    desk is all that's left.  A truck backed up to the White House and is now on its way to Mar-a-Lago with the Resolute desk and everything not nailed down.  Even the ornaments are gone from the Christmas tree next to the playskool desk.

    Parent
    I wouldn't put it pass (none / 0) (#108)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 12:12:00 PM EST
    Trump to recreate the Oval Office (with gold fixtures) at Mara-a-Lago and hold court as a president in exile.

    Parent
    Yes, (none / 0) (#109)
    by KeysDan on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 12:28:10 PM EST
    The Trump Presidential Library and Casino.

    Parent
    That is funny (none / 0) (#111)
    by MO Blue on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 02:04:32 PM EST
    but with Trump it is within what is actually possible.

    Parent
    Trump Presidential Library Rest-stop & Casino (none / 0) (#116)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 03:20:31 PM EST
    off I-4 right next to Disney World

    Parent
    Trump says (none / 0) (#101)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:04:04 AM EST
    After (none / 0) (#105)
    by leap on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 10:11:31 AM EST
    a hard day of driving, Dump finally gets to sit down at his personal desk.

    Parent
    53 days. (none / 0) (#110)
    by desertswine on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 01:24:01 PM EST
    And no 40 something (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 02:16:11 PM EST
    "Driven by Trump's insistence that Georgia's elections are indelibly rife with fraud, conspiratorial MAGA figures are calling for a boycott of the two Senate runoff races, slated for Jan. 5, that will determine which party controls the upper chamber."

    "Their reason: The two GOP candidates, Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, are not only insufficiently pro-Trump, they may be complicit in Georgia's electoral fraud."

    link

    Parent

    It can get worse (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 02:19:33 PM EST
    Lawmakers In Taiwan Throw Pig Organs

    November 27, 2020 at 8:34 am EST By Taegan Goddard 66 Comments

    "Lawmakers in Taiwan got into a fist fight and threw pig organs at each other Friday over a soon-to-be enacted policy that would allow imports of U.S. pork and beef," the AP reports.

    One lawmaker wrestled another lawmaker to the floor in the scuffle.

    and almost certainly will.

    Just to make everyone feel old, ... (none / 0) (#114)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 02:59:17 PM EST
    ... today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of George Harrison's debut solo album, All Things Must Pass. One of its tracks, "What Is Life", was used to great effect by director Martin Scorsese in his 1991 masterpiece "GoodFellas," during the montage where Henry and Janice Hill's paranoia about DEA surveillance is about to be fully realized.

    Oops! My bad. (none / 0) (#115)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Nov 27, 2020 at 03:07:24 PM EST
    Henry Hill's wife was named Karen, not Janice. It must be the aversion I've developed to Karens.

    Parent
    Puhlease. Enough with the "Karen". (none / 0) (#120)
    by oculus on Sat Nov 28, 2020 at 02:44:08 PM EST
    ... to the Karens of our country who, thanks to mobile phone video recordings, are often shown to be their own best caricatures. But seriously, who should be the entitled white male counterpart to Karen -- Philip? Adam?

    I nominate Steve. ;-D

    Parent

    Purportedly, "Ken." (none / 0) (#134)
    by oculus on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 07:10:52 PM EST
    Ken would work. (none / 0) (#138)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 01:45:34 PM EST
    So, too, would Wayne. Or, maybe Steve could be Karen's third husband, while Ken and Wayne are her exes.

    (Sigh!) These sorts of things get so complicated sometimes.

    Parent

    No universal agreement (none / 0) (#145)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 05:57:50 PM EST
    on the name

    but no argument  about the haircut

    I definitely know him.

    Parent

    Here's a roomful of Steves ... (none / 0) (#149)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 06:55:35 PM EST
    ... back when they were in prep school back in the '80s. They just ooze white entitlement.

    The Steve on the far right wishes he didn't have to hide the fact that he's in love with the Steve on the far left, who otherwise barely even notices him.

    The double-chinned Steve in the middle later moved to San Diego as an adult, and eventually OD'd on a speedball at the Holiday Inn just off I-5 near downtown.

    The Steve with the Kelly green sweater, who is Karen's third husband, is the father of six children ages 2 through 24 by three different women, and is grateful that his wealthy parents set up a trust fund for each of them.

    So much drama in just one little photo. ;-D

    Parent

    I heard Kevin (none / 0) (#161)
    by CST on Wed Dec 02, 2020 at 11:39:09 AM EST
    Which is also an insult in German.

    Parent
    Funny (none / 0) (#118)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Nov 28, 2020 at 02:06:05 PM EST
    He won't need (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by KeysDan on Sat Nov 28, 2020 at 02:52:41 PM EST
    Pence.   Trump/Giuliani 2024. has a strong ring.  If he needs a woman running mate, Sidney Powell might be just what he is looking for.

    Parent
    He won't run in 2024. (none / 0) (#126)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 10:55:11 AM EST
    He will spend the next 4 years claiming he is going to run, but he will not. He won't put himself in the position of losing again.

    A-hole that he is, he will make his announcement on Jan 20, 2021.

    A more despicable person never walked this planet. And I'm including some pretty bad people in there. Pol Pot, Hitler, Mussolini. He is more contemptible than all of them.

    Parent

    Yes, Trump's (none / 0) (#127)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 11:06:08 AM EST
    ""candidacy" will offer four more years--- of campaign grifting.  And, on the brighter side, serve to block Pence, Cotton, Hawley,, Cruz, Rubio, and Pompeo.

    Parent
    That would definitely be a benefit (none / 0) (#128)
    by MO Blue on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 12:17:26 PM EST
    serve to block Pence, Cotton, Hawley,, Cruz, Rubio, and Pompeo.

    It would unintentionally be the best thing he has ever done in useless his life.

    Parent

    RIP David Prowse (none / 0) (#122)
    by McBain on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 09:01:12 AM EST
    Link
    British actor David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, has died aged 85, his management company announced Sunday.

    Prowse wore the Vader costume and did most of the physical acting in the original trilogy.  He also had a small role in A Clockwork Orange and was a British bodybuilding champion who trained Christopher Reeve for Superman. Prowse was the subject of the documentary "I Am Your Father".  

    As a kid I saw Prowse give a sci fi lecture/presentation that included clips from many famous films.  I still have an autographed photo somewhere that says "David Prowse is Darth Vader".

    I hate quoting Bobo Brooks (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 09:20:42 AM EST
    but he has a point

    "In a recent Monmouth University survey, 77 percent of Trump backers said Joe Biden had won the presidential election because of fraud. Many of these same people think climate change is not real. Many of these same people believe they don't need to listen to scientific experts on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus."

    "We live in a country in epistemological crisis, in which much of the Republican Party has become detached from reality."

    link

    The number is a little less scary if you think of it as 77% of 29% (#republicans per Pew) of 154 million or so voters.

    But not much.

    While I'm reading that (5.00 / 2) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 09:42:11 AM EST
    I'm watching a conversation about the 2 women who won the Nobel for CRISPR

    The discussion was about the "perils and promise" of the technology.

    For the first time humans literally have the ability to alter our evolution.  Correcting for height or intelligence really as easy as correcting for Sickle Cell Anemia.  Which has actually been done.

    The doctor sounded confident we would be wise enough to not misuse this knowledge.  

    See comment #123


    Parent

    Chinese super soldiers (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 04, 2020 at 09:45:29 AM EST
    David Bobo conveniently (none / 0) (#125)
    by leap on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 10:41:44 AM EST
    "We live in a country in epistemological crisis, in which much of the Republican Party has become detached from reality."

    disassociated himself from the Republican Party, of which he is, and has been, a devoted member his whole life. Screw him.

    Parent

    Agreed. (5.00 / 3) (#132)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 03:40:19 PM EST
    Far too few of these "former" Republicans fail to acknowledge that they once had no real objections to the white nationalists, xenophobes, racists and conspiracy theorists within their party's ranks.

    In fact, they were totally cool with it, so long as those people remained dutiful and reliable GOP voters who didn't actually interfere with what these Republican intellectual elites saw as the real business of government, which was to facilitate the general public's subordination and subservience to corporate interests.

    Only when the crackers and rubes engineered a hostile takeover of the Republican Party did they publicly take notice of the disreputable elements which they themselves had long courted as a means to maintain their own political hegemony in Washington, D.C.

    Only when they start expressing their regret for their own naiveté about the very real threat posed by racism and white nationalism of their party's disreputable elements, should we start taking seriously their advice. For now, their penance should be to roam the political wilderness for 40 years.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    What D from H said! (none / 0) (#133)
    by leap on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 04:18:38 PM EST
    n/t

    Parent
    Since I live in (none / 0) (#129)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 01:18:50 PM EST
    Trumplandia this has often been a worry for me but I hope once Trump leaves office it will calm down some.

    Parent
    a signal of tribal loyalty (none / 0) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Nov 29, 2020 at 03:16:46 PM EST
    I had a dream last night. (none / 0) (#135)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Nov 30, 2020 at 12:53:48 PM EST
    Nightmare actually. That the orange moron dropped a nuke on Iran. Then attempted to pull a Guiliani and claim he couldn't step down due to a national crisis (of his own making). The circumstances are not the same. 9/11 was election day in NYC. The POTUS election is settled. I put nothing past this administration in their attempt to steal this election. I think my dream was in the realm of possibilities.

    I've come to agree with Bill Maher. Orange moron is not going to leave on his own. Bill suggested this over two years ago. He asked every candidate that appeared on his show, what if? They all just chuckled, and said, well, that won't happen. I didn't think he had the stones to do it. But, now, I'm reconsidering. After his tweet that Joe Biden would be "allowed" in the White House once he had proven his 80 million votes weren't obtained fraudulently, I think he's going to have to be dragged out.

    He'll do it just to be the lead on the news on Jan. 20. He can't stand not to be the center of attention. That's why I knew that he would NEVER attend any successor's inauguration. It's not about him. Someone else is the focus. He is a petty little man that should never have been allowed into this position.

    He won't be the lead (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Nov 30, 2020 at 01:37:00 PM EST
    But it looks like it's up to the "media" to decide if he is news.

    They have always been so good at that I'm sure they will do the right thing.

    Trump reportedly wants to hold a 2024 campaign event during Biden's inauguration



    Parent

    Oh, sure. (none / 0) (#147)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 06:23:56 PM EST
    Already, NBC's Andrea Mitchell said Joe Biden's team was "not as forthcoming as you'd hope they would be" about his injury, as though the very fate of our great Republic now depends upon the president-elect's release of his X-rays.

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    You know (none / 0) (#148)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 06:28:35 PM EST
    I saw that.  Live.  I can't stand her and rarely ever see anything she does.  But I saw that.

    I ran for the remote

    Parent

    She and Dianne Feinstein ... (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 06:58:06 PM EST
    ... should get together on her MSNBC show, whereby they can both publicly announce their retirements.

    Parent
    Update on an earlier case. (none / 0) (#139)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Dec 01, 2020 at 02:08:59 PM EST
    Peter G, your old friend Alexander Silvert's stellar work on behalf of his client Gerard Puana is done.

    "It wasn't bad enough that you stole from my mother -- your own grandmother -- but you also harassed, mocked and humiliated her. You will be released someday, Katherine, to start your life over. But you can never erase the pain, grief and tremendous damage you caused us. It still remains."
    - Gerard Puana, to his niece Katherine Kealoha (Nov. 30, 2020)

    Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his now-estranged wife, former Deputy City Prosecutor Katherine Kealoha, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright to seven and thirteen years in prison, respectively, for their respective roles in a scheme to frame Puana, Katherine's uncle, for a crime that was never actually committed in an effort to cover up their own substantial financial crimes.

    Judge Seabright further absolved Puana of any responsibility whatsoever for his own months-long incarceration at a federal holding center at the behest of the Kealohas, who very likely would've gotten away with it by virtue of their positions in city government, were it not for Mr. Silvert's tenacity as a federal public defender in uncovering the Kealohas' fraud.

    Sometimes, justice does prevail.