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Weekend Open Thread

I've been busy at work and not reading much news. It's usually about Donald Trump.

I'm taking the weekend off from him. I'll follow the election news in Mexico instead. The past two weeks on Senor de los Cielos, Aurelio (the drug trafficker loosely based on Amado Carrillo Fuentes who reportedly died in 1997 after plastic surgery) has been kidnapping each presidential candidate and then grilling them on their position on legalizing drugs and extradition. He's trying to decide which one to make President. One is obviously a takeoff onAndrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Aurelio doesn't like him much. In real life, Lopez-Obrador is way ahead in the polls. He's described as a leftist, and this isn't his first rodeo, so I don't know why so people are comparing him to Trump.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Justice Kennedy Announces Retirement | Mexico's AMLO is no Donald Trump >
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    Tulsi Gabbard's hypocrisy (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by Yman on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 06:17:29 AM EST
    Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her position on the because she believed 6 primary debates (and 13 forums) was not enough.  Now, she's continuing to refuse to debate her own primary opponent even once.  Since being elected 6 years ago, she has never debated a primary opponent.

    She's probably (none / 0) (#13)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 06:39:32 AM EST
    a goner then.

    Parent
    Trust me, the woman is a crackpot. She embarrassed herself at last month's state convention in Waikoloa, and had to be dragged off the floor by sergeant-at-arms. I'm glad there are no debates, because Sherry has absolutely no business being in that race and I don't want her to hurt the party.

    That said, it's too bad we couldn't get somebody decent to run against Ms. Gabbard in HI-2. She has her own baggage.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I just hope (5.00 / 3) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 10:09:49 AM EST
    In the conversation now happening about the SC perhaps some of the idiot millennial and others who said "there is no difference between Trump and Hillary" at least begin to understand how completely stupid that was.

    Not holding my breath.

    Not holding (none / 0) (#23)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 01:56:17 PM EST
    my breath either. I've been having this discussion with them for a good 10 years. So far the whole thing goes over their heads. I can't imagine that anything will get through to them short of them being kidnapped to be handmaids.

    Parent
    Yes, I don't think we can (none / 0) (#24)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 03:40:03 PM EST
    hold our breath.  Even today, even in articles that seriously criticize Trump, we get, as in Frank Bruni's NYTimes article entitled "The Cosmic Joke of Trump's Power," that starts with--- Kennedy's retirement was like a "death in the family, a punch in the gut,"

     "Donald Trump barely won the White House, under circumstances--a tainted opponent, three million fewer votes than she (the tainted one) received, James Comey's moral vanity and Russia's amoral exertions...."

    And, in the same edition, Maureen Dowd (who can't write or phone anything in without a unkind word about the Clintons), writes a puff piece about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's win--yes, a good, exiting primary win, but usually, after being over the moon, we would like to see how someone performs in office.

     After Dowd states that Trump has "blanketed the earth with darkness," notes the pick of a  "creepy Fox enforcer who covered-up for Ailes/O'Reilly" for the White House staff, and expresses her concerns for a SC justice who will pass down detrimental judgments to just about everyone but a deplorable, she says "it finally seemed to be sinking in that if you insist on putting up presidential candidates who leave voters cold, really bad things can happen."

    So, see, it didn't really matter, the tainted,cold Hillary, or the cosmic joke/darkness of the earth. No difference, if you can't discern between Perrier and Sewer Water.

    Parent

    We can sleep well, (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 03:52:02 PM EST
    between Trump's telling the American people that the North Korea nuclear threat is over, and, now, on the Supreme Court front, Susan Collins has proclaimed that she would not support a nominee who demonstrated hostility toward Roe v Wade, because that would mean no respect for established decisions. That confidence must have been why she voted for Gorsuch and Alito. And, she trusts Trump to do the right thing.

    So says the leading spine-impaired Democrat (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 08:37:25 AM EST
    in Congress.

    "No one should call for the harassment of political opponents," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. "That's not right. That's not American."

    Chuck Schumer is a mealy-mouthed coward. I'm talking to you, New Yorkers.

    Chuck has all the spine (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:48:48 PM EST
    of a chocolate eclair, as TR said.

    Those two issues paramount to the well-being of the American people, moving the U.S Embassy to Jerusalem and de-fanging Dodd Frank have been accomplished so now he can lay down and die with a smile on his face.

    Chuck almost makes me miss Al D'Amato. Almost.

    Parent

    That's pretty rude (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by linea on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 08:08:05 PM EST
    I agree with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

    Advocating for the street harassment of political opponents is wrong and not consistent with the values of America or any democracy. But I suppose since you have already called for an actual coup, the values of a democracy really don't matter. My opinion.

    Parent

    Chuck Schumer can blow it out his patootie. (5.00 / 6) (#68)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:35:49 PM EST
    Sorry, but the Trumpsters created this toxic environment and poisonous political atmosphere. Let them now choke on it. I'll play nice with the white wingbats when they do, and not second before. Until then, I'm inclined to rhetorically pound their faces into the pavement. As I said the other day, any pretense of continued civility on our part at this crisis point will be to our country's eternal damnation.

    Parent
    I'm done (5.00 / 5) (#78)
    by Yman on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:28:37 AM EST
    ... with being quiet.  I used to avoid discussing politics in social settings or the office.  Not any more.  I live in a fairly conservative/Republican area and I won't look for conflict or confrontation, but I don't back away from it.  F&ck civility.  We're long past that.

    Parent
    Democracy Crisis meet Miss Manners. (5.00 / 2) (#104)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 12:04:36 PM EST
    Former Sec of Ed in the Obama Admin, Arne Duncan, takes the cake (assuming not for a gay wedding), on Huckabee S. being refused service at the Red Hen:

    "my personal opinion: no matter how much we dislike or disagree with someone, we should not deny them the chance to have a meal.  The history in the country of denying people access to restaurants, to water fountains, and even bathrooms is too raw, too real.  We can't keep dividing."

    I think Bill Maher had the best response to Duncan: what the f..k, is Huckabee S now--- Rosa Parks?

    And, David Axelrod, another Obama official, says "kind of amazed and appalled by the number of folks on the left who applauded the expulsion of press sec/family from a restaurant.  This, in the end, is a triumph for Trump vision of America. Now we are divided by red plates and blue plates."

    Seems like Axelrod, an otherwise smart guy, is stuck in 2008. No red states, no blue states, just dinner plates.


    Parent

    BS (5.00 / 3) (#105)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 12:23:35 PM EST
    being civil to these monsters just helps to normalize them and their hideous actions. I just hope if I ever get a chance to speak truth to power that I will have the guts to make a stand like the Red-Hen owners and others that refuse to use civility as a reason not to stand up to these monsters.

    Parent
    Let (none / 0) (#80)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 09:08:48 AM EST
    the shouts of righteous anger echo throughout the land.

    Parent
    That's the thing with (5.00 / 4) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 09:35:42 AM EST
    Schumer and Pelosi.  They are not shouting

    Look, you are already the poster children for "democrats".

    ACT LIKE IT.

    People are angry and they want YOU to be angry.  Like I said, if you are not angry you are complicit.  What the hell do you have to lose?

    Parent

    I (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:46:42 AM EST
    have  talked before about using the tactics of the right, but not their material. Remember the anger of the tea party? The media ohhed and ahhed about the strength and depth of their (astro-turfed) anger, they were actually extremely rude at town halls and campaign events, the media are still trying to decipher the anger of the deplorables all without ever proclaiming it was bad news for the Republicans.

    We need to take that anger and run with it, we have pictures of children locked in cages to throw in anybodies face who complains.

    Our base is itching for a fight bring it on


    Parent

    Amen (none / 0) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:51:53 AM EST
    Bruv.  

    Parent
    In the same vein. (none / 0) (#76)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:04:38 AM EST
    Democratic candidate Krysten Sinema in AZ is running AWAY from Schumer. Looks like time for me to break out the checkbook again for an out of state candidate ala Doug Jones.

    Parent
    You (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 04:57:52 AM EST
    know what's really not consistent with our values? Ripping families apart and locking children up, if these people have such sensitive feelings they should quit being monsters.

    Remember this "First they came for  the immigrants and I said nothing....". Sorry politeness is absolutely not desires at this point in history.

    He!! yes we're angry, why ain't you?

     

    Parent

    We passed (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:07:06 AM EST
    If you're not angry you are not paying attention.

    And arrived at

    If you're not angry you are complicit

    Parent

    Oh no (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 07:11:37 AM EST
    More wuudness while eating

    this time poor poor Scott Pruitt


    Parent

    This is why Pruit... (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by desertswine on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:42:16 AM EST
    needs bodyguards 24/7 - to protect him from irate teachers who want a future for their children.

    Parent
    Anyone who works (none / 0) (#77)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:06:32 AM EST
    for Bone Spurs should be shamed whenever they are seen in public.

    Parent
    Additionally. (none / 0) (#81)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 09:09:42 AM EST
    "But I suppose since you have already called for an actual coup"

    Yes. When the country of my birth, the country I and my father served in the US Navy, is in danger of losing that democracy you mention, then I support removing that danger, by any means necessary. If there is a cabal of patriots within the government, right now, and they can stop this train, I support them in removing this administration, no matter what it takes.

    I visited my cousin, down in PG County, MD this past Saturday. She is retired from 30 years working in administration at the US Supreme Court. She told me outright, she believes this country doomed. She is embarrassed to be an American. This is fundamentally becoming a different country. She has a cousin in Mass., who is in a panic, she becomes physically ill, from watching the news and seeing what this immoral, unethical incompetent POS is doing to the country we all grew up loving.

    So yes, if it takes a coup to stop this trainwreck, I am behind it 100%.

    There are a couple of movies out, where the White House comes under attack. I have told friends and co-workers, I never thought it possible in my lifetime, but if such a scenario were to play out today, I'd be rooting for the guys mounting the attack.

    Parent

    That will only help Trump fire up his base (none / 0) (#84)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:02:31 AM EST
    It's not a good strategy.  Trump is a master at getting activists and the media to do his advertising for him.

    Parent
    You know what McBain? (5.00 / 2) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:04:42 AM EST
    He is.

    MAYBE it's time WE TRIED THE SAME THING

    whaddya think?

    Parent

    I don't think harassing people in public (3.50 / 2) (#98)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:07:47 AM EST
    or at the homes is a good idea, that's my main point.  

    As for "trying the same thing", what do you have in mind?  Trump already turns negative coverage into something positive for him. How can democrats get in on that?

    Parent

    I think the idea is (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by CST on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:12:04 AM EST
    Liberals also have a base that can get fired up.

    And this is what they're getting fired up by, not "politeness".

    Parent

    Are you saying harassingTrump staffers (none / 0) (#107)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 01:33:34 PM EST
    will get more dems to vote?  I'm not sure about that.  Even if it does, what about the net effect with the Trump supporters and independents?

    Parent
    I'm saying people are angry (5.00 / 3) (#108)
    by CST on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 01:41:52 PM EST
    And they don't want to be told to sit down and shut up.  So when the pearl clutching media tells them to sit down and shut up, they are just going to get angrier.  Politicians who can channel that rage may see more voters turn out for them.

    Midterms are all turning out the base.  And the Dem base is angry.

    Trump is not the only one with a base that digs in it's heels and get's riled up by negative media coverage of them.  That's what I'm saying - it's the public crying about "civility" that will get the base riled up, rather than the harassment itself.

    Parent

    Dude (none / 0) (#109)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 02:00:14 PM EST
    have you looked at polling? Independents loathe Trump as much as Democrats do. The only people that Trump has is the GOP base which is 40% of the country. It has actually shown up in some of these elections the 20 point swing away from Trump. And even of those who approve how many are of the "somewhat" variety that are not going to be motivated by the 20% that is hardcore?

    Parent
    You still trust the polls? (none / 0) (#116)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 04:47:32 PM EST
    As for the midterms, I don't think Trump moves the needle (either way) as much as he gets credit for.  The better candidates will win.

    As for 2020... it's usually tough to beat an incumbent president.  Dems will probably need something better than Russia and immigration.  It's early yet but people in here should be talking about potential candidates.

    I heard Gavin Newsom, who I voted for, say he won't run for president so he can focus on California.  Any other news?

    Parent

    That "don't trust the polls" lie (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by Yman on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:09:21 PM EST
    Again?  You must realize the national polls were extremely accurate in 2016, right?  Because it's been proven to you time and time again, yet you still promote that silly lie.

    Parent
    Any (none / 0) (#117)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 04:55:49 PM EST
    more normalizations of the ugly?

    Parent
    Excuse me, but who won in Alabama last Dec.? (none / 0) (#122)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 07:19:17 PM EST
    Oh, yeah - THIS GUY.

    As for 2020, if what I'm hearing is correct, Trump will never even make it that far. The only way he'll escape Robert Mueller's clutches will be to absconf with Air Force One and flee to Moscow, where he can live in exile with Paul Manafort's good friend Constantin Kilimnik.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Gavin Newsom (none / 0) (#127)
    by MKS on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:58:14 PM EST
    may be committed to letting Kamala Harris have first bite at the apple.

    When she was Attorney General and Newsom Lt. Governor, and both were rising starts, it appears they had a deal that she would run for Senate and he for Governor.    It would have been Armageddon if they had run against each other.

    Sure enough, Gavin let her run for Senate without challenging her, and she in turn endorsed Gavin (over former LA Mayor Villaraigosa) for Governor.

    Harris has been making moves suggesting she would run for POTUS.  Hence, perhaps, Gavin's decision to sit 2020 out.  But if she runs and fails, I would suspect Gavin would be in for 2024.

    And, of course, Gavin has to say before he is elected Governor that he will not run for President.  What else could he say?

    Parent

    You're probably right (none / 0) (#119)
    by Yman on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:07:31 PM EST
    Unlike Trump voters, Democrats are too decent to accept religious bigotry, racism, sexism and conspiracy theories, let alone be motivated by them.

    Excellent point.

    Parent

    Somehow (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 03:33:12 PM EST
    I don't give a rat's patootie what you think is a good idea for Democrats.

    I would guess that public shaming is an invention of christians. So the Bone Spurs folks should be right OK with it.


    Parent

    Michelle Wolf (none / 0) (#125)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:22:47 PM EST
    Lol. So funny! (1.00 / 1) (#199)
    by linea on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 11:58:31 PM EST
    I don't think harassing people in public (2.00 / 1) (#98)
    by McBain
    or at the homes is a good idea, that's my main point.  

    Obviously, if you're going to post extremist radical nonsense you should expect to get down-voted on this forum.

    Parent

    You are invited (none / 0) (#201)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 06, 2018 at 08:48:39 AM EST
    To unburden yourself of "this forum" any time you like.

    Parent
    Nothing (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 11:28:55 AM EST
    says family values like a having a child out of wedlock or having a restraining order
    Mr. Trump embodies a real if imperfect model of family values. People familiar with the purple family model tend to view his alienation from his children's mother as normal and his closeness to his children as exceptional and admirable. I saw this among my acquaintances in Nebraska. Even those from red families were more likely than my acquaintances in New York to know someone who has had a child out of wedlock or is subject to a restraining order.
    link

    Huh? (none / 0) (#128)
    by linea on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 09:24:02 PM EST
    I don't know what this is other than an expression of contempt for the American working class and rural Christians. Granted, I've never been to Nebraska, but in my experience, shaming young women for having `children out of wedlock' isn't typical of traditionalist Catholics or conservative Christians. I'm sorry if women who grew up in working families in Nebraska apply for more domestic-violence restraining orders than the wealthy college-educated elites in New Yourk.

    Parent
    It's (none / 0) (#129)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 05:19:03 AM EST
    unadulterated moral relativism, a crackpot theory trying to explain why the party of "family values" supports the "imperfect" tRump.

    Parent
    You have to read ... (none / 0) (#130)
    by Yman on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 06:08:52 AM EST
    ... the original article.  The linked article is a critique of the original, which attempts to explain the author's theory about why some conservative religious groups support Trump despite the fact that he violates many of their religious norms.  The author is indicating Trump falls into what he calls the "purple" model of religious values, where unstable relationships are the norm and fathers quickly end up "out of the picture.  While out-of-wedlock births and divorce are absolutely against Catholic/evangelical church tenents, it's also fairly common among the purple groups working class members, so they just don't care about Trump's divorces, infidelities, treatment of women, etc.  The author is proposing a theory for the (hypocritical) support of Trump voters, not attacking women who file for protective orders.

    Personally, I have zero contempt for someone who is part of the "American working class and rural Christians."  OTOH, I have great contempt for hypocrisy and ignorance, particularly when it's willful.

    Parent

    I don't care, do u? (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 01:51:10 PM EST
      Melania received, in 2017, up to a $l million in royalties in a licensing agreement with Getty images of her that make news outlets funnel money to her.  And, such photos may only be used to accompany positive stories.  

    Imagine if Michelle had done this (5.00 / 1) (#59)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 01:53:31 PM EST
    Yes, and imagine if (none / 0) (#103)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:51:47 AM EST
    any first lady did this: Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Laura Bush, even Pat Nixon.  Americans provide the most celebrated house in the country for her to live in; a staff to help her in whatever she does, such as picking out just the right jacket to visit infant cages; helicopters, planes, limos.  Yet, she still grifts.

    Parent
    Meanwhile (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by CST on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:37:54 AM EST
    Alan Dershowitz is crying that his friends on Martha's Vineyard don't want to have brunch with him anymore.

    And the whole world busted out tiny violins.  Seriously though, the sheer narcissism is astounding (for some reason I'm having trouble linking right now, but google has it if you're bored).

    Don't worry Alan, there are plenty of Republicans on Martha's Vineyard.  They may not have brunch with you, for (((reasons))), but they love watching you on TV shilling for them.

    If he thinks it's bad now, (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 09:57:08 AM EST
    I would suggest he wait until Cheeto is now longer around to shill for.

    Hope you have a day job Al.

    Parent

    He's retired. (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by CST on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:18:11 AM EST
    Maybe he should check out Mar A Lago.  I hear Florida is really nice in July and August.

    Seriously though, there are lots of Trump supporters on Martha's Vineyard.  But they either work in the kitchens and Alan would not hang out with them, or they go to private clubs where Alan would not be invited.

    Alan's problem is he wants to hang out with rich liberals, and rich people can afford to pick their friends.  The liberals that work in the kitchens are probably more forgiving because they have to deal with their coworkers, but he wouldn't hang out with them either.

    Not enough tiny violins in the world.  

    Also, no mention of the fact that the entire economy there is highly dependent on summer work Visas and the shortage is killing businesses and workers.  It's not like he has a spare thought for anyone who actually works there.  He's too busy being sad that the other kids in his gilded playground are being mean to him.

    Parent

    I'm sure there's a nice (none / 0) (#99)
    by jondee on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:11:43 AM EST
    seaside villa in Haifa just waiting for Dersh if he wants it.

    We all should be so inconvenienced.

    Parent

    IF YOU'RE NOT ANGRY YOU'RE COMPLICIT (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:12:44 AM EST
    How's that for a bumper sticker?,

    I don't do bumper stickers (none / 0) (#87)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:15:21 AM EST
    But I would put THIS on my car.

    Parent
    Where can I buy one? (none / 0) (#89)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:17:07 AM EST
    Plato kind of said something similar (4.50 / 2) (#110)
    by leap on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 02:12:18 PM EST
    a while back.

    By the by, northernsun is where I got this lovely tee shirt last year. I get LOTS of great reactions to it.

    Parent

    Northern Sun (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by Peter G on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 03:53:36 PM EST
    and a terrific company, too (none / 0) (#118)
    by leap on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 05:19:19 PM EST
    Progressive swag since 1979! I love supporting them.

    Parent
    I think ... (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by Yman on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:11:37 PM EST
    ... I must have that shirt.

    Parent
    You know (none / 0) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:19:52 AM EST
    We could PRINT them

    :)


    Parent

    We have a very disoriented (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by jondee on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:46:25 AM EST
    disasterously poorly educated populace right now. Which Trump has said he loves. And for good reason.

    Half of this country is about as rational as the torch-brandishing rabble pounding on the door of Frankenstein's castle.

    Nice job, Google-Youtube. Thanks a lot Christianity.

    Parent

    I like that bumper sticker, (none / 0) (#101)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 11:46:18 AM EST
    but not the latest clarion call: "Abolish ICE".  This idea, as good as it may be, is being put out there and then left to blow in the wind.  Not that we should be all that worried about Trump seizing the idea and lying about it, as he has, but abolishing ICE requires more than a slogan.  Maybe, something a little more, like let's reform ICE by staffing it with humans.  Or even, let's de-Nazify ICE.  

    Parent
    I'm (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 06:43:32 AM EST
    agnostic on the whole abolish ICE issue. Of course it will give tRump effective ammunition, but it also might be an effective focus point for certain portions of the base ala the abolish the IRS meme of the tea party.

    In any case, like it or not the meme exists and the Democrats need to learn how to exploit it like the Republicans manage to do with any crackpot idea that the pull out of their a$$.

    When asked why some want to abolish ICE the answer for even the most timid Democrat should be "of course they are angry" and then point to proof positive why they should be.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement fails to fix problems found at its detention centers during inspections and often takes years to address problems like abusing strip-searches and failing to report sexual assaults, according to a federal investigation released Friday.

    The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General said in its report that inspections by a private contractor and a division of ICE failed to ensure consistent compliance with detention standards or comprehensive fixes of the problems they find.

     and there is always the pictures of children in cages.

    Democrats must stop playing defense  on crap like this and stay on constant offense, that's what the Republicans do.


    Parent

    Well said (none / 0) (#132)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 07:21:03 AM EST
    Thanks (none / 0) (#133)
    by FlJoe on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 08:17:45 AM EST
    but alas, it's fools like Axlerod who get the big bucks.

    Parent
    It is interesting (5.00 / 2) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 08:27:01 AM EST
    All these former Obama people are talking about the importance of civility

    Because, you know, it worked so well for them

    Parent

    I know (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 09:18:10 AM EST
    It's hard to believe that we actually at one time had a president who fought off an impeachment attempt from these nuts. It's like ever since around 2008 the entire party has been infected the kumbaya disease. I'm with you. After 8 years of attempting civility with these nuts they should know that it is never going to work. Republicans see civility as a sign of weakness.

    Parent
    IMO Obama was a good man (5.00 / 1) (#139)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 09:47:22 AM EST
    Perhaps a great man.  His failing was he never understood the depth and breadth of the hatred for him and for everything he represented.

    It went way beyond race.  But that was the scaffolding.  He represented reason, science, the post boomer generation.  He never understood it and they chewed him up.  

    We need a nominee who understands this.  And more importantly is willing to meet it with 'in yer face'

    Question Ga6th reminded me of, what do you think Bill Clinton would have done if a SC nominee was simply without precedence taken from him.  For a year.  
    ?

    Parent

    He certainly (5.00 / 3) (#142)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 12:04:53 PM EST
    did not understand it and probably went past not understanding to completely misreading what was going on. He blamed Bill Clinton for the problems in the 90's. Not excusing Bill's stupidity of having an affair but the issues of the GOP went beyond that kind of thing. He seemed to think if he was nice to the GOP they would be nice back and seemed to be continually flummoxed by the fact that they were not. Another thing he never understood and this is why I think 2010 and 2014 were losses is that people running for office were asked to stand up for Obama when Obama would not even stand up for himself.

    If they had tried that Supreme Court stunt with Bill using the government shut down as a standard, he would have been having a press conference everyday accusing the GOP of stealing a senate seat. He also would have gone public with what Putin was doing bipartisanship be damned. The whole Russia thing is going to be a big black mark on Obama's term in office. If you're gonna be president you gotta be willing to take the heat. Who cares if McConnell had a meltdown over an announcement? This is our country we're talking about and McConnell could yell and scream all he wanted.

    Parent

    As a new US Senator, (none / 0) (#148)
    by KeysDan on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 03:48:10 PM EST
    Barack Obama was taken with the "friendship" of Senator Tom Coburn (R.OK). Obama saw this as the way of the future---his charisma and personality would outdistance party differences. Or, at least there could be compromises and good people could find a middle way.

    Of course, Coburn, a very conservative senator, voted against Obamacare and most every other legislative effort and policy while Obama was president. While Obama still referred to Coburn as "my brother in Christ," he never seemed to learn, or deal with, the obvious fact that Republicans are barracudas.  

    Parent

    Maybe he will be able (none / 0) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 08:24:07 AM EST
    To afford a spine implant

    Parent
    Agreed. Some people apparently believe ... (none / 0) (#124)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:19:48 PM EST
    ... that by abolishing ICE, the current immigration problem will somehow resolve itself. I won't disagree with them that ICE's militarization is a serious problem which needs to be addressed and corrected

    But that said, I'd argue that ICE's present role is actually the result of some incredibly bad public policymaking on immigration, and does not merely stem from lousy organizational structure within the Dept. of Homeland Security. And unless and until we change the current bad policy itself, abolishing ICE won't mean squat if its present mission is then reconstituted in another federal agency within DHS.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Time running out for Thai soccer team (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:22:26 AM EST
    Link
    But with heavy rain expected to continue in the coming days, rising water levels could force rescuers to act sooner rather than later...
    ... Diving is considered among the least preferable escape methods, with experts cautioning that any attempt to traverse the narrow passageways will be fraught with difficulties and potential complications, especially if the children can't swim.

    I hope they make it out soon

    Jordan's time in the barrel (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 04:28:05 PM EST
    Rep. Jim Jordan, the powerful Republican congressman from Ohio, is being accused by former wrestlers he coached more than two decades ago at Ohio State University of failing to stop the team doctor from molesting them and other students.

    The university announced in April that it was investigating accusations that Dr. Richard Strauss, who died in 2005, abused team members when he was the team doctor from the mid-1970s to late 1990s.

    Jordan, who was assistant wrestling coach at the university from 1986 to 1994, has repeatedly said he knew nothing of the abuse until former students began speaking out this spring, and continued to deny it on Tuesday. His denials, however, have been met with skepticism and anger from some former members of the wrestling team

    Former head coach Russ Hellickson, Jordan's mentor, said in a recent video -- made by Mike DiSabato, a former wrestler -- that Hellickson had told Strauss that he was being too "hands on" with students.

    DiSabato, whose allegations against Strauss prompted Ohio State to open its investigation, called Jordan a "liar."

    "I considered Jim Jordan a friend," DiSabato said. "But at the end of the day, he is absolutely lying if he says he doesn't know what was going on."

    dead girl or a live wrestler

    According to the (none / 0) (#123)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 07:32:14 PM EST
    Washington Post Jordan has been contacted by investigators twice and has not responded.

    Parent
    We are having a big deal fireworks (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 04:31:05 PM EST
    Thing tonight which will be entirely visible from my front deck.

    Less than 1/4 mile away on the lake.  

    The dogs and I are looking forward to it.  Just kidding the dogs not so much.

    My dogs did well during their first (none / 0) (#166)
    by McBain on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 11:16:49 AM EST
    4th of July with us.  We even took them to a fireworks viewing area with lots of people and noise.  

    Sometimes we take care of my mom's dog.  He doesn't handle 4th of July or NYE well at all.  It's interesting because he's a bigger/tougher dog in many ways.

    Parent

    Score one for the Humans.... (5.00 / 1) (#168)
    by kdog on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 12:23:33 PM EST
    Facebook algorithm ain't so schmart, is it.

    I guess the geek squad is still trying to figure out how to teach the computer historical context and nuance before it goes and deems a segment of The Declaration of Independence "hate speech" and deletes it.  Or maybe they have, and the algorithm sides with King George the Turd.

    Either way, though we humans are certainly no f8ckin' prize, I'll take us over the machines anyday.

    Happy Independence Day y'all.


    This is awsum (5.00 / 5) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:33:44 PM EST
    Oh! (5.00 / 2) (#195)
    by FlJoe on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 07:00:43 PM EST
    The uncivility, we must boycott English muffins!

    Parent
    Watched the new film Hereditary (none / 0) (#1)
    by McBain on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 04:26:13 PM EST
    a couple days ago.  Not bad for a horror flick.  It reminded me of the classic Rosmary's Baby with a slow build up and lots of psychological tension.

    Anyone seen any movies that actually scared them? My all time favorite is the Shining.  

    In some ways AMLO (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 06:20:16 PM EST
    Seems to be the person who really means all the stuff Trump said about helping the forgotten.  The difference being he really means it.

    I guess its inevitable the shallow news would think they are the same.

    This does sound familiar (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 08:04:58 PM EST
    His supporters regard him as a man of the people. His opponents view him as an authoritarian, who, after losing the last two elections, refused to accept the result, and who with his ambitious plans for the government spending could send the country down the path of crisis Venezuela.

    Lopez Obrador has insisted that he will be able to fund all of his programmes simply by cutting out corruption. But analysts say he has not presented concrete details on how he plans to do that.

    This has contributed to the sense that voting for him is a step into the unknown, according to political analyst Eric Magar of the ITAM University.

    "This is a sort of bet to get rid of the old guys, not being sure exactly what the new guys intend to do and how new they are on the other hand," Magar told Al Jazeera.



    Parent
    I remember Shelly Duvals character (none / 0) (#3)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 06:47:09 PM EST
    in The Shining grated on my nerves so much, I almost didn't blame Jack for going after her with an axe. I wonder if Kubrick had Duval play the character
    that way intentionally..

    My daughter was just telling me the other night that Hereditary, Mother, and The Witch are the three best horror films made in years. But, she's also one of those people that rides on one of those super rollercoasters and then immediately wants to get on it again. I don't know where she gets that from..

    I personally don't need that kind of sensory overstimulation at this stage in the game.


    She has talked a lot (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:10:23 PM EST
    About what a nightmare that movie was for her.   Google it.

    IT is on HBO tonight
    Works for me.

    Parent

    Kubrick (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:14:42 PM EST
    Made them shoot the baseball bat scene over 100 times.  Imaging that.  Thats a long scene.

    Parent
    I guess you were in for (none / 0) (#6)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:21:04 PM EST
    a long slog participating in any Kubrick movie.

    Tony Curtis told the story that he said at one point "who do you have to f*ck to get out of this movie?" during the filming of Spartacus.

    Parent

    She said something like (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:29:34 PM EST
    'I cried 12 hours a day 6 days a week for three months'

    Parent
    Much of The Shining was filmed (none / 0) (#14)
    by fishcamp on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 07:35:05 AM EST
    at Timberline Lodge, Oregon where I learned to ski.  Of course that hedge maze was not really across the street from the lodge.

    Parent
    The hedge maze (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 09:25:12 AM EST
    Was also Kubrick.  It was not in the book.

    And it was one of the best choices he made IMO

    The book had attacking topiary animals which was great in a book but ridiculous to try to put on-screen

    Parent

    You certainly know your film history (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by fishcamp on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:47:28 AM EST
    Howdy.  We used to watch various ball games at Jack Nicholson's house in Aspen since he had the first tv dish in town.  It was one of those monster ones and the city finally made him get rid of it.  No problem, he just bought another house out of town.  Anyway, he is truly a film historian.  During breaks in the game he would switch to some old movie and give an amazing lecture on every aspect of the film.  He liked to show films where he had a fling with the leading ladies.  We would always ask "well did ya?"  He would just give us that disarming grin.  

    Parent
    I'm thinking about reading King's sequel (none / 0) (#16)
    by McBain on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 09:33:47 AM EST
    Dr. Sleep about the adult Danny Torrance. The problem is I never finished The Shining book.  Not sure why, I've read several King books. Maybe it was too different from the film.

    I'm currently reading a book about 2001: A Space Odyssey. Learning not just more about Kubrick but also Arthur C. Clarke.  

    Parent

    The Shining (none / 0) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 09:47:50 AM EST
    Is Kings most personal novel.

    It's about alcoholism and dealing with it.
    As he did.

    This was Kings major problem with the film.  

    If you care about King read the Shining.

    Parent

    The expanded version (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 09:48:59 AM EST
    King's inspiration for .. (none / 0) (#28)
    by desertswine on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 09:54:28 PM EST
    the Shining was supposedly the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park CO.  We stayed there once to attend the wedding of a friend at the hotel.  We didn't see any ghosts though, just an old Stanley Steamer in the lobby.  It's a really nice, old-timey place.

    Parent
    King's an old New England guy (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 01:36:14 AM EST
    from Maine, I believe.

    Parts of old New England definately have an eerie spiritual vibe to them. There's still a fair number of houses left over from the 17th and 18th century, and a lot of the old Puritan graveyards with their somewhat unsettling designs and inscriptions..

    When I was a kid there were these goofy rumors going around that old shut-in lady down the street went out at night and poisoned people's wells. Then years later, to my surprise, I read that this was a common charge brought against "witches" in the 17th century..

    Parent

    Funny that I was just reading (none / 0) (#8)
    by jondee on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:39:28 PM EST
    about this morning about all the controversies that swirled around Eyes Wide Shut..

    I always thought the first half of that film is fantastic, and the second half, hashed together during the time (I keep thinking) when Kubrick was physically failing and losing control of the picture, was kind of a mess..

    Sad last movie IMO (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:54:50 PM EST
    One thing if they left in the sex.  They even took that out.  Or covered it up.

    Kubrick next movie was supposed to be AI.  this was in the early day of Digital Domain so the crew was small enough everyone who wanted to got to read the scripts.  We had the script for AI when it was still Kubrick before he died.  It was quite a different movie than Spielberg made.  It was twisted and creepy.  A sort of meditation on juvenile s@x robots.

    Very little of that survived.  But his best friend, Jude Law,  was a male s@x worker.

    Parent

    In fact (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Jun 30, 2018 at 07:57:48 PM EST
    I think AI was supposed to be before Eyes Wide Shut but the technology was not quite there yet.  This was the very early days of Digital.

    Parent
    That was a terrible valedictory for Kubrick. (none / 0) (#69)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:43:21 PM EST
    I much prefer to remember him for visionary films like "Path of Glory" and "2001: A Space Odyssey," and not for the Überstylish mess that was "Eyes Wide Shut."

    Parent
    The Best People (none / 0) (#20)
    by KeysDan on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 11:29:22 AM EST
    the smartest, the richest, and live in nicer, golden apartments.  And, you can get patched through on Airforce One, by the middle east peace maker, Jared Kushner, to the smartest of smart, just to ask if Trump's refrigerator is running or if he has Prince Albert in the can.

    Baba Booey! (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:26:49 AM EST
    Classic.

    Parent
    Hello? Hello? (none / 0) (#21)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 11:37:03 AM EST
    This is Bob Melendez

    Parent
    Noooooo (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 01:54:04 PM EST
    It's Bob Menendez dontcha know?

    Parent
    Jared Kushner took the bait (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 03:58:25 PM EST
    So fast he swallowed it whole

    Parent
    Finished the "new" Netflix documentary (none / 0) (#27)
    by McBain on Sun Jul 01, 2018 at 07:35:47 PM EST
    series The Staircase a few days ago. Somehow I never followed the original Michael Peterson trial so this was entirely new to me. What is it with the name Peterson and high profile wife killing trials (Michael, Scott, Drew)?  

    I think the thing that bothered me the most from the trial was the judge allowing Peterson's gay affairs to be entered into evidence.  The prosecution basically got to insinuate that a married man who has sex with male prostitutes is more likely to kill his wife than someone who doesn't do that.

    The series also points out how prosecution expert witnesses can be incredibly biased and unethical.

    I watched it too. (none / 0) (#33)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 08:17:23 AM EST
    I vaguely remember hearing about the original case back in 2003 I think it was.

    To me the most damning thing was the fact that two women happened to die on a staircase. The fact that the state expert was basically manufacturing evidence against people was just horrifying. I know Kathleen's family is not happy about all this but I never understood why they did not have as much anger towards the state who botched the case as they did Peterson.

    Investigation Discovery did a three part series on this case too. The Netflix documentary was more Peterson friendly and the ID series was more friendly to Kathleen's family.

    Parent

    Generally speaking (none / 0) (#38)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:38:42 AM EST
    From personal experience, a closeted man who marrys and has s@x with male pr0stitutes is, in fact, more likely to kill his wife than the average Joe with more vanilla urges.

    It's kind of a no brainer

    I know nothing about this case.

    I'm just sayin

    Parent

    Any proof of that? (none / 0) (#42)
    by McBain on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 10:15:23 AM EST
    They didn't show any proof or expert witness opinion of that during the series.  

    Peterson claims to be bisexual and said his wife knew about his affairs and was OK with it for the most part.

    Parent

    For the most part? (none / 0) (#43)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 10:18:28 AM EST
    I am not personally invested.  Just an opinion from experience.

    Parent
    There's a theory that his wife was killed (none / 0) (#44)
    by McBain on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 10:19:40 AM EST
    by an owl.
    Among the physical evidence Pollard believed backed his claim was "the presence of blood droplets on the brick walkway and the slate landing outside the home" as well as "the existence of feathers attached to Mrs. Peterson's hair and found by the medical examiner clutched in her left hand with fresh blood."

    I've never heard of an owl attacking a human but I guess it does happen.

    Parent

    I'm sure it does (5.00 / 4) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 10:21:22 AM EST
    See Harry Potter

    Parent
    My grandparents had a large pine tree ... (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 04:10:33 PM EST
    ... in the front yard of their house in Pasadena, CA which for many years was also home to a mating pair of great horned owls. Whenever the owls had eggs and young in the nest, usually in late winter / early spring, they would silently swoop down from behind on people walking by and buzz their heads really close, which would startle them as was no doubt intended. They never attacked, but made it perfectly clear that they could and would if threatened.

    A few years ago, Rachel Maddow did a story about a resident barred owl in Salem, OR's Bush's Pasture Park that would occasionally strike park-goers. City parks officials didn't quite know what to do about it, which Rachel found amusing, so her show's set designer created (in jest) a yellow warning sign which showed a swooping owl about to strike a fleeing stickman.

    But those same parks officials actually saw a possible solution in The Rachel Maddow Show's faux "owl attack" warning sign, and so they asked her if it was okay to use her show's design to create their own signs. She was surprised but delighted and donated her show's design to the city, which then installed those signs in the park.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Some guy warned me about that years ago (none / 0) (#49)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 11:46:56 AM EST
    males of the larger species when they're in mating mode have been known to go for the back of the head if you turn your back on them. The guy told me they can hook a talon right up into your brain stem.

    I'm sure it happens extremely rarely.

    Parent

    Yeah, (none / 0) (#65)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:24:31 PM EST
    we had an owl attack a man in Atlanta and they have killed small pets here. However they don't kill people with their attacks. For an owl to have killed her she literally would have had to have some sort of bleeding disorder where she bled to death from where the owl talons cut her.

    Another thing I didn't understand is why Kathleen did not have an enlarged brain or any of the other symptoms of people who died from blunt force trauma.

    Parent

    Biased and unethical.. (none / 0) (#47)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 11:38:56 AM EST
    that was underscored fairly definitively years ago in Errol Morris's The Thin Blue Line, if you've ever seen that.

    Parent
    I did see The Thin Blue Line (none / 0) (#51)
    by McBain on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:07:00 PM EST
    thought it was excellent.

    My take is sometimes a prosecution team will assume someone is guilty and then ask, without asking, its expert witnesses to tell them what they want to hear.  Death by undermined means suddenly becomes homicide.  

    Parent

    I think it was even worse than that (none / 0) (#53)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:26:38 PM EST
    in the Randall Adams case.

    It looks now like the prosecution had a good idea right along who actually committed the murder, but because the perp was underage and not eligible to be tried in a capital case, the slimeball prosecutor, in the interests of getting another notch in his belt, went after Adams.

    Parent

    SUCCESSION (none / 0) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:13:28 AM EST
    On HBO.  This is probably not attracting a large audience, I really don't know, but it should be. It is excellent.

    It is one of the very best things on the tube right now.  Really.  Brian Cox has always been a favorite of mine and he is so good in this.  I hope he gets some EMMY attention.  It's long overdue.

    I find that my interest (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:37:32 AM EST
    in television shows that revolve around super-rich protagonists just isn't there anymore. I find it hard to get involved in when I can't relate to the characters on any level. Probably the main reason I abhor most "reality" television. Survivor, any of the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, Real Wives, any of that cr*p. The people involved have no relevance to me or my life experience. I do like "Shipping Wars" but that's probably because I have worked as an over-the-road irregular route truck driver, did a stint as a taxi driver in San Diego (our motto: Coast Cabs, the highest drivers and the lowest fares) and courier/delivery driver in Houston, TX. I can relate to those folks.

    Parent
    I get it (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:42:47 AM EST
    That was an issue about this from the beginning.

    But trust me, this is not a flattering portrait.  The GoT reference was dead on.

    There is no one in the story to root for  

    They make Cersi and Littlefinger look like amatures

    Its true, you are ready for a comedy about the Murdoch family or you are not.

    I'm loving it.

    Parent

    Not a comedy (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:49:31 AM EST
    Wrong

    More like a seriously hilarious drama

    And the humor comes entirely from the depth of depravity of every family member.

    This week involved a shredding episode.  It was amazing.

    Parent

    Review (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 09:20:30 AM EST
    For those mourning the loss of Game of Thrones this summer, fear ye not. HBO's new drama series Succession, which comes from Peep Show's Jesse Armstrong, is a worthy replacement. The setting is less fantastical, and there are generally less dragons, but the power moves, machinations, twisted family dynamics, and oodles of realpolitik in action are a delight. The series follows the powerful Roy family, led by patriarch Logan (Brian Cox), a Rupert Murdoch, media baron-type who controls an international conglomerate. But from the very beginning, the show sets up the complicated power dynamics between Logan and his children, all of whom seek power and respect, and have very deep-rooted daddy issues.

    Succession could easily become a series that, in this second Gilded Age of one-percenter excess, could be a drag. But the smart, often hilarious script and the active camera with a bevy of quick-zooms keep the show on the cusp of comedy. (Adam McKay directs the premiere, while subsequent episode directors include Mark Mylod and Adam Arkin). It's a drama, let there be no doubt, but there's enough awkwardness and unexpected reactions from the the wonderfully dastardly family members working to usurp one another that there's a necessary lightness to it as well. Everyone is despicable, and yet, the story is an easy one to dive into and feel compelled by.

    COLLIDER

    Parent

    I've been a fan of his ever since (none / 0) (#88)
    by McBain on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:16:46 AM EST
    he played Hannibal Lecter in the underrated Michael Mann film, Manhunter.  They spelled it Lecktor for some reason in that film but it was a very subtle, creepy performance.  Since I saw that before Silence of the Lambs, I prefer Cox to Hopkins in that role.

    Here's a clip...

    Parent

    So do I (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:30:55 AM EST
    He is very under rated

    Maybe this series will get him some respect.

    He is giving the performance of a lifetime

    I said, there is no one to root for.

    True but if you really need someone it's going to be the Rupert character.

    Not a small achievement.

    I love this series.

    Parent

    Cohen is ready (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 10:05:57 AM EST
    I suspect he flipped some time ago.  

    Vanity Fair

    CREDIT:
    Michael Cohen, President Trump's self-described "fixer," indicated that he might cooperate with prosecutors, potentially spelling more trouble for a White House that's already been rocked by a criminal investigation into election meddling by Russia.

    "My wife, my daughter and my son have my first loyalty and always will," Cohen said during an interview last weekend with ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos. "I put family and country first."

    We are in the END TIMES

    From your lips ... (none / 0) (#60)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 02:01:34 PM EST
    From everything I've read, Mueller hadn't talked to him yet.  I'm assuming it's because they want to review the materials they got from his office to be prepared for any proffer from Cohen.

    Parent
    The Vanity Fair reporter (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:17:41 AM EST
    Made an interesting point.  George only asked him two questions, did Trump know about the hush money and did he know about the Trump tower meeting.

    In both cases he declined to answer "on advise of counsel".  The interesting thing, she Saud, was this being a print interview where you only release what you want, why print that at all.

    She suspects it was a message about what he knows about those things.

    This definitely seems like the end game for Cohen.  The 1.3 million docs were just turned over to prosecutors.  He just switched lawyers to a guy who formerly worked and still has connections in the SDNY.  He ended any cooperation with Trumps lawyers.

    She also said he wanted to get some of his own story out before the "onslaught" from Trump supporters and FOX news.


    Parent

    He's definitely (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 06:24:05 AM EST
    following the same path we saw with Michael Flynn.

    Parent
    With his cooperation (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 10:38:42 AM EST
    Trump could be indicted

    Hard to justify someone indicted being allowed to appoint a justice to the high court.

    Parent

    Reality Check, (none / 0) (#48)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 11:45:00 AM EST
    The media, and some Democrats, are still over the moon with the Democratic primary win of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

    And, this win is a means to mock the aging leadership of the House Democrats---yes it is this "young'en", 56- year, heavy set, bald Joe Crowley that may have been the heir apparent to the old Mrs. Pelosi.  Goes to show that the Democrats need a new face and new message.  

    Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, an attractive, 28-year old, ran a great campaign, taking advantage of the complacent incumbent who did not seem to notice that the demographics of his district shifted dramatically in the past ten years.

      It would seem that the Ms. Coasio-Cortez will, if her campaign translates into legislative productivity, represent her district well and provide progressive thought and legislation.

    However, it should be borne in mind that Ms. Ocasio-Cortez did not defeat someone like the evil Freedom Caucus's Jim Jordan, or the even more evil, Mitch McConnell.

     It, apparently, was time for Joe Crowley to move on.  However, Crowley had a pretty good record: NARAL 100%, HRC 100%, Planned Parenthood 100%, American Public Health Assoc 100%, endorsed by American Nurses Association, Breast Cancer Assoc. 100&, League of Conservation Voters 95%, signed on to Bernie's Medicare for All (supporter of ACA), voted against Trump tax cuts, in favor of higher taxes on higher brackets, cuts for middle class, voted against ban on abortion funding, voted to reduce defense spending, sponsored Girls Protection Act, favor of DACA, And, locally, provided rent programs.

      No doubt, Crowley, had his policy shortcoming, such as support for the AUMF (Irag War), and others I am not aware of, but his defeat does not seem to me to be the repudiation of Crowley's record, in favor of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez's revolutionary thinking; she, like the sea captain, identifies stars to guide her.   The media and others need to get a grip.

    Many (most?) voters (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:05:42 PM EST
    don't vote on policy. I would wager a guess most run of the mill voters don't know where there congress person stands on a myriad of issues. And especially are unaware of their exact voting records.

    Ms. Ocasio-Cortez actually campaigned. Crowley did not. I believe that is what won the day more than any voting record.

    Parent

    I'm starting to think (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 01:04:22 PM EST
    most run-of-the-mill voters don't know who their congress person Is.

    Or have the ability to name the fifty states.

    Parent

    Well, with (none / 0) (#57)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 01:27:36 PM EST
    the opioid crisis and avoidable fire works accidents, the Trumpian deplorable white male demographic may lose ground giving America a chance.

    Parent
    LOL! The same polls taken during ... (none / 0) (#126)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 08:37:45 PM EST
    ... the height of the birther nonsense, which showed that a majority of Republican voters who resided in those Southern states which once constituted the former Confederacy believed that Barack Obama was not a citizen, similarly showed that nearly one in four GOP voters nationwide didn't know that his birthplace, Hawaii, is actually a state in the federal union.

    No doubt, Trump has a virtual hammerlock on that particular demographic's support.

    :-(

    Parent

    Yes, as I (none / 0) (#52)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:19:47 PM EST
    indicated, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez ran a superior campaign. Crowley fell asleep at the wheel.  My point, however, refers not so much to the District's constituents, as to the media and others who have made much more of this than a changing of the guard.

    Parent
    Just (none / 0) (#55)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 12:51:49 PM EST
    the MSM wanting so dearly to peddle their Dems in disarray BS.

    Parent
    Pretty (none / 0) (#62)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:03:23 PM EST
    much and the GOP wanting to push the "socialist" narrative. Really it is just the fact that she knocked on doors and Crowley did not.

    If she does not represent her district then she will be voted out. Actually i've been advocating for voting congress out every two years until you get someone who will actually listen to constituents. It seems to me ever since around 2001 congress has decided to only listen to a small slice of the electorate.

    Parent

    The (5.00 / 2) (#66)
    by FlJoe on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:52:17 PM EST
    Democrats are still blowing it, there is anger out there, a righteous anger that needs to be embraced not shunned. No apologies or backing down to the civility nags the bumper sticker should read "He!! Yeah We're Angry, Ain't you?

    Parent
    The civility (5.00 / 5) (#71)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 05:37:21 AM EST
    nags are making people angrier. Oh, Goebbels Sanders needs a hug because she didn't get to eat at a restaurant. This is what comes from access journalism and it doesn't help anybody. And this is from the f*ck your feelings crowd.

    Parent
    I predict (none / 0) (#63)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:05:04 PM EST
    she will fade into the woodwork much like Dave Bratt did. Then later on if she's in line with her district she'll be reelected. If she's not she'll be voted out.

    Parent
    Reality check (none / 0) (#64)
    by ragebot on Mon Jul 02, 2018 at 07:06:27 PM EST
    In 2018 Crowley ran against Republican Frank Spotorno who got 17.1% of the vote which totaled 30,545 votes.  Crowley got just over 70% of the vote in a district with a population of 691,715, with just under 80% of voting age.   Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won the primary with 57.48% of the vote and a vote total of 15,897 votes; or about half of what a Republican got in the general.

    In no way am I suggesting a Republican could win in that district; just that Crowley really screwed the pooch on this one.

    Parent

    This was a Democratic primary election. (none / 0) (#154)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 06:56:24 PM EST
    You really can't compare the results of a closed party primary, which is limited to registered Democratic voters only, with an open general election in which everyone can vote.

    Well, okay, you can, since you just did. But you're certainly not going to derive any useful analysis or information from it, never mind a "reality check." The lessons to be learned here have nothing to do with numbers.

    I've been in this game for 30 years now and from my own considered observations over that time, I believe that the biggest mistake which politicians like Joe Crowley and now-former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) can make -- and which elected officials do occasionally make, time and again, at all levels of government -- is to simultaneously take both their careers and their constituencies for granted.

    Cantor and Crowley were both enamored with their own reflections, and were too busy measuring the drapes and desk in the House Speaker's office to notice the trouble that was brewing in their own respective backyards. They neglected to take care of business at home, and that oversight cost them their jobs.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Jim Jordan , Republican Congressman (none / 0) (#106)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 12:37:28 PM EST
    from Ohio, founder of the House Freedom Caucus, and former assistant wrestling coach at OSU, from 1986-1994, has denied knowing anything about assaults on male athletes  by the team doctor, Richard Straus (who committed suicide in 2005), while a wrestling coach..

    Former wrestlers and students claim it was common knowledge, going to the doc for a sore thumb and having shorts taken down. And, showering with the athletes. The head wrestling coach, did acknowledge the doctor's inappropriate behavior and OSU has hired a law firm to conduct an investigation.  

    Jordan has been discussed as being successor to Paul Ryan.   Seems a Republican tradition of wrestling coaches as speaker...the longest serving being Dennis Hastert, known, for among other things, the Hastert Rule.

    Oops (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 04:35:38 PM EST
    I repeated

    Worth repeating

    Parent

    Oh, yuck.. (none / 0) (#155)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 07:31:12 PM EST
    KeysDan: "Former wrestlers and students claim it was common knowledge, going to the doc for a sore thumb and having shorts taken down. And, showering with the athletes."

    I'm sorry, and I don't mean to sound like a prude, but that's just creepy. How could you NOT know as an adult coach or staffperson that it's inappropriate to shower with student-athletes? It should've raised a red flag right there. That's why coaches and staff have their own locker room facilities at most colleges and universities.

    Male machismo, which is particularly strong amongst athletes, is one of the primary reasons why male-on-male sexual assault is an even more under-reported crime than the male-on-female variety. But sad to say, it's also a much more common occurrence than many people would otherwise like to believe.

    The fact that one in four females is likely to be sexually molested / assaulted in college is a sobering enough sttistic. But people ought to be equally aware that one in six boys will experience the same prior to reaching age 18.

    We need to do a far better job protecting young people from adult predatory behavior than we currently do.

    Aloha.
     

    Parent

    Strange (none / 0) (#111)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 03, 2018 at 02:48:42 PM EST
    post at Emptywheel.
    Sometime last year, I went to the FBI and provided information on a person whom I had come to believe had played a significant role in the Russian election attack on the US. Since that time, a number of public events have made it clear I was correct.

    I never in my life imagined I would share information with the FBI, especially not on someone I had a journalistic relationship with. I did so for many reasons

    Marcy has always seemed like a straight shooter, but this seems like something from Louise Mensch
    I only came to be convinced slowly about Russia's role in the attack and I have been skeptical of the Steele dossier from the day it was published. That said, I obviously do not like Donald Trump -- though I'm no Hillary fan, either. But my decision to share information with the FBI had nothing to do with my dislike for Donald Trump. It had to do with the serious damage that someone else I believed to be involved in the Russian attack -- someone I had been friendly with -- was doing to innocent people, almost all of those people totally uninvolved in American politics.
    she does seem genuinely scared though
    Several times since I first considered sharing information with the FBI, I've asked my attorney to contact the FBI to tell them of what I perceived to be a real threat that arose from sharing that information. One of those times, I let law enforcement officers enter my house without a warrant, without me being present.

    My risk isn't going to go away -- indeed, going public like this will surely exacerbate it. That's to be expected, given the players involved.

    But I'm a public figure. If something happens to me -- if someone releases stolen information about me or knocks me off tomorrow -- everyone will now know why and who likely did it. That affords me a small bit of protection.



    WINCHESTER (none / 0) (#136)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 09:01:20 AM EST
    In for a bit of escapist fun?

    If not you are a better man that I

    I found this on PPV and watched out of boredom.  And the lack of new films.

    It got less than favorable reviews.  As is to often the case IMO the reviewers didn't get it.

    If, like me you would enjoy watching Helen Mirren do almost anything,  you will enjoy this.

    There are some very interesting subplots.  Guns, addiction.  

    Trailer (none / 0) (#137)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 09:12:51 AM EST
    JUST HEARD (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 10:45:58 AM EST
    Jansen Piro is on the short list

    Oh please

    Oh please

    Oh please

    Who is that? (none / 0) (#143)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 12:06:57 PM EST
    I googled the name and nothing came up.

    Parent
    Jeanine, maybe (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by Yman on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 01:55:05 PM EST
    Dear God.

    Could you imagine?

    Parent

    Oh, lord (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 02:43:55 PM EST
    I'm with Howdy on that one. Can you imagine? Reams of tapes with her spouting garbage.

    I don't think it's going to be a woman nominated because it opens up too many things to ask like what do you think of the Access Hollywood tape.

    Parent

    Yes the very one (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 02:59:03 PM EST
    Damn spell check

    Parent
    Coolidge (none / 0) (#141)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 10:50:42 AM EST
    Happy Independence Day.

    "About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers."

    Well, yes and no, Calvin (5.00 / 4) (#144)
    by Peter G on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 01:52:42 PM EST
    When Jefferson wrote that "all men are created equal," it was not "final" because we still had many tasks ahead of us to make that idea more nearly real, one of which required a civil war. The idea that all persons are endowed with inalienable rights had to be -- and still has to be -- infused with content. What are "among those rights," along with "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"? And what kinds of government or private action constitute attempts to alienate those rights, that is, take them away? And yes, the Enlightenment theorists got it right when they proposed, some 275 years ago, as endorsed by the American Revolutionaries 40 to 50 years later, that governments can only derive just powers from the consent of the governed. But who, then, shall be entitled to vote, and for which offices, and from districts defined how, and how easily or with what restrictions? No, Silent Cal was not right that there was no important progress to be made in perfecting our democracy after 1776.

    Parent
    In the same year that Coolidge (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by jondee on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 05:31:27 PM EST
    gave that speech, 1926, 30 people in the U.S were lynched.

    So, there was still plenty of work to be done here. And there still is.

    Parent

    Calvin Coolidge was a benign presence ... (none / 0) (#152)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 05:55:09 PM EST
    ... as president, as entirely befitting an incurious and risk-adverse man whose entire political career was, not surprisingly, gloriously unremarkable in both content and accomplishment.

    In July 1924, before the days of antibiotics, Coolidge lost his 16-year-old son Calvin, Jr. to blood poisoning, which was caused by a blister which had become badly infected. By most all contemporaneous accounts, the boy's passing affected Coolidge greatly and he suffered thereafter from depression. While he won election to the White House in his own right later that same year, he was never quite the same man, emotionally or spiritually, that he was prior to his son's death.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Tragedy is no respecter of persons (none / 0) (#153)
    by jondee on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 06:24:34 PM EST
    seemingly. That's a sad story about President Coolidge's son.

    Parent
    Alexis Charles Henri Clérel, Viscount de Tocquevil (none / 0) (#197)
    by ragebot on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 11:35:07 PM EST
    is perhaps most famous for the quotation
    The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.
     This was not his only insightful comment but does illustrate why the question of suffrage is significant.  Modern economists would point out this is the problem of rent seeking, be it from big companies or individuals looking for direct government payments.  Perhaps improving our democracy is more about not who should vote but who should get bribes from Congress using public money.

    Parent
    Another (none / 0) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 04:42:39 PM EST
    nerve agent attack in UK

    Or at least more casualties

    US Amb to Estonia resigns (none / 0) (#156)
    by linea on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 08:35:31 PM EST
    TALLINN - The U.S. ambassador to Estonia, James D. Melville, announced his resignation, effective July 29.

    "For the President to say the EU was 'set up to take advantage of the United States, to attack our piggy bank,' or that 'NATO is as bad as NAFTA' is not only factually wrong, but proves to me that it's time to go," he wrote, citing Trump's reported comments in recent weeks that have unnerved U.S. allies.

    "I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell my friends that I'm leaving Estonia one month from today, on July 29, to retire from the Foreign Service and begin life as a private citizen after 33 years of public service. I've always admired the professionalism of my colleagues in supporting U.S. Government policy as articulated and directed by our elected leaders and their administrations, without regard to partisan politics," Melville wrote.

    "The truth is I've had a full tour in Tallinn and intended to retire upon the confirmation of a successor. Since there's no longer anyone in sight for that role, I suppose I could have stayed on for many more months," the ambassador said, declaring his love for Estonia, its wonderful people and beautiful landscape. "But on balance, I'm glad not to be staying, for all the reasons I've just explained. I leave willingly and with deep gratitude for being able to serve my nation with integrity for many years, and with great confidence that America, which is and has always been, great, will someday return to being right."



    The g-kids are in Portland OR. tonite.. (none / 0) (#157)
    by desertswine on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 08:59:16 PM EST
    visiting their cousins.  The Fourth kinda sucks without kids around to grill hot dogs for and to screech at the fireworks you set off on the street.

     Oh well, we'll just celebrate when they get back on the Glorious Eleventh.

    EU to fine Lithuania for rural outhouses (none / 0) (#158)
    by linea on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 09:33:31 PM EST
    The European Commission is preparing to impose a fine on Lithuanian for not remediating the high number of outhouses in rural farm villages.

    EU standards stipulate that 98% of the population be connected to a centralized water disposal and purification system.

    Lithuania currently has 80% of the population connected to a centralized water disposal and purification system and the remaining unconnected 20% is limited to rural farm villages. In comparison, Russia has more than a quarter of its population using outhouses (27,8%) while Latvia has 12,2%.

    Rural Lithuania suffers from depopulation and lack of money to build infrastructure. Most young people have left the rural areas and small rural communities consist mostly of elderly pensioners.

    In 2016, Vilnius was rated second to Oslo as having the highest life satisfaction rating in Europe by residents. Paris was rated one of the lowest by residents.

    I think (none / 0) (#160)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 06:52:35 AM EST
    This might be the first TL comment on outhouses.

    A subject I am familiar with a bit.

    Its just me but is it not bad enough to have to use an outhouse?  Fines seem redundant

    Parent

    I'm somewhat familiar with it too (none / 0) (#161)
    by jondee on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 08:29:04 AM EST
    I have some friends who are privy diggers. Quite the hobby, and not for the faint of heart.

    Parent
    I grew up with one (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 08:46:59 AM EST
    If you are talking about modern America you are almost certainly talking about people who have made that choice.  I know one or two of those

    I can almost guarantee you the people mentioned in that comment do not have a choice.   It's really simple economics.  If they could afford indoor plumbing they would.  Only spoiled American lefties would think it ennobling to wake up on a winter morning and trek through the snow and sit on a plank in a freezing wooden box.

    Trust me.  Nothing ennobling about it.

    Parent

    There's nothing ennobling (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by jondee on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 10:13:47 AM EST
    about being subjected to unnecessary hardship. As if life as it is wasn't tough enough.

    This "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" meme is what yuppies at Planet Fitness say. If suffering was really good for people, the prisons and jails here would be mostly empty.

    Parent

    The Hunt for Red October (none / 0) (#198)
    by ragebot on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 11:50:52 PM EST
    was a great flick, who's main character was Marko Alexandrovich Ramius, icon of the Russian sub fleet described as 'the schoolmaster of Vilnius' At the beginning of his defection he kills the political officer on his sub; one Ivan Putin.  Of course this was well before most of us were aware of the real Putin.

    Back to the topic of the OP, my boat which I live on in season has what is described as a composting head.  Catamarans like mine that sail fast are very weight sensitive so a conventional head with a holding tank that can contain dozens, or even a hundred gallons of water and human waste are simply too heavy.  A composting head is much lighter in weight and properly operated have much less odor than a conventional head and produce compost that can be used in gardens.  Given the problems with our current waste treatment plants, including not only what to do with treated waste water but how much water is input into the system I often wonder why composting waste systems are not more popular.  Many years ago I investigated Earthships, perhaps the most numerous example of usage of composting heads.


    Parent

    That's a different subject (none / 0) (#200)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 06, 2018 at 08:47:24 AM EST
    I agree it's an interesting approach

    I, as most ruralish people, have a personal septic system.  Properly constructed and maintained they are at least an improvement over massive treatment plants.

    Parent

    Sweden's foreign tech workers face deportation (none / 0) (#159)
    by linea on Wed Jul 04, 2018 at 10:07:00 PM EST
    International technology companies are criticizing Sweden's complex and lengthy work-visa renewal process where even minor errors in paperwork can result in deportation of foreign computer technology workers.

    The Migration Agency is facing severe criticism for its strict interpretation of the rules for work-visas and refusal to renew permits for tech workers resulting in deportation of thousands of foreign workers.

    A court ruling in December 2017 mandated that the Migration Agency base its permit decisions on "an overall assessment" of each case, so that one minor error wouldn't jeopardize the entire application. Despite the court ruling, high numbers of technology workers continue to be deported because of administrative errors by the employers and other minor paperwork issues.

    Barrett or Kavanaugh (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 09:43:29 AM EST
    It's going to be the tell on if Trump wants a justice or a fight

    The test for fitness for (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 12:40:12 PM EST
    the Supreme Court is their willingness to accept a nomination from Trump.  If they do, they are not fit.  

     It would be more than a blemish to carry through their long tenure of office--- the stigma of being appointed by a person of the worst character to be US president.  A president under investigation at the time by a Special Counsel, appointed by his own Deputy AG (and his AG recused) for, in essence, conspiracy against the US and obstruction of justice.

     And, if anyone believes that Trump would never discuss a case, give a wink and a nod, or even something blatant (cf Comey) I have a Trump University diploma to sell you.  He gave them something and will call it back. He has a way of corrupting even, once, good people (cf. Gen Kelly). It is what he does.

    Both Brent Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett would do the trick for the Evangelicals and other deplorables.  Amy's gender may be a deciding factor for Trump, but otherwise she does not cut his mustard.

     Not Ivy League. She is a graduate of Rhodes College, a small, well-thought of liberal arts college in Memphis, but nobody's Harvard.  And, a law graduate of Notre Dame, where she stayed on and on as a faculty member, with a short stint in private practice.  Sort of, academically, inbred.

    She has only been on the 7the Court of Appeals since Nov 2017. A thin history, but that may, actually, help her dodge questions.
    Coney Barrett is, as is Kavanaugh, a Catholic. And, a member of a charismatic group called People of Praise, sponsored by the late, conservative Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago. She has 7 children, 5 biological and 2 adopted from Haiti. Her husband, Jesse, is an Assistant AG for the N. District of Indiana.

    Kavanaugh is more Trump's cup of tea. Yale (BA/JD), clerked for Kennedy, Judge Silberman, a little too close to Starr), and a Fellowship with Ken Starr.  Kavanaugh popped up everywhere , a company man: helped draft the Starr Report on Clinton, Investigator of Vince Foster's death, and Florida recount, Gore v.Bush.  Brent may be seen as being too close to W. Bush, particularly, his wife Ashley, who is from Texas where she was on then Gov. Bush's staff and, when president, became Bush's personal secretary.

    But, I believe Kavanaugh has the edge based on his MN Law Review article claiming US presidents  are exempt from "time-consuming and distracting lawsuits and INVESTIGATIONS.(my caps).  

    Parent

    I'm with you (none / 0) (#171)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:12:12 PM EST
    Kavannaugh saying that presidents can't be sued is going to be the deciding factor. Besides Barrett opens up too many questions about Trump and women and grab them by the p*ssy and pron stars and everything else.

    Parent
    I think it could be Amy (none / 0) (#177)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:51:29 PM EST
    I think be wants the fight

    Parent
    Predict It (none / 0) (#179)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:03:21 PM EST
    As of Thursday morning, Brett Kavanaugh, a judge on the D.C. Circuit Court, led the pack with a 41 percent chance of being the pick. He has long been a favorite in conservative legal circles
    Sixth Circuit Court Judge Raymond Kethledge is second on the site with shares at 36 cents, followed by Amy Coney Barrett at 25 cents, Amul Thapar at 4 cents, Thomas Hardiman at 3 cents and Joan Larsen at 2 cents.



    Parent
    Too many Catholics on the court now. (none / 0) (#173)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:37:59 PM EST
    But then, I am biased against them all. I am a devout atheist.


    Parent
    Cannot find (5.00 / 1) (#183)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:59:54 PM EST
    a reference to Judge Raymond Kethlege's religion.  I would go with some Protestant denomination.  His appointment to the federal bench took only two years---Kavanaugh took three.  Durbin and Leahy claimed after the hearing/confirmation that Kavanaugh gave a "Misleading" statement. But, of course, nothing came of it.

    I am beginning to think that Trump will go with Kethledge.  More from central casting than the others. But, who knows?  He could tweet during his morning executive time:  Pirro.

    Parent

    Cavanaugh (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 09:45:17 AM EST
    Is currently being attacked for not being right wing enough.

    Google

    Parent

    Former MSNBC host... (none / 0) (#167)
    by desertswine on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 12:22:10 PM EST
    Pruitt out at EPA. (none / 0) (#170)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 02:47:35 PM EST
    Bone Spurs tweeted out that he accepted Pruitt's resignation. Time to topple the top rung of this mafia ladder.

    I forgot to link to this gem in my earlier comment (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by vml68 on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:03:00 PM EST
    Oh puke (5.00 / 2) (#180)
    by Zorba on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:12:49 PM EST
    Pardon the wording.
    Sounds like he's addressing the "God Emperor."

    This is not a theocracy!  At least, not yet.....


    Parent

    It (5.00 / 2) (#202)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jul 06, 2018 at 08:51:59 AM EST
    is really, really becoming more and more cult-like by the day. To the apologists he can do no wrong and the deplorables worship him like a god.

    Parent
    Ugh.... (none / 0) (#194)
    by desertswine on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 06:08:25 PM EST
    Sounds like its terminal.

    Parent
    So, does that (none / 0) (#172)
    by Zorba on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:14:57 PM EST
    now mean that he couldn't step into becoming Attorney General (if Trump pushes Sessions out, as has been rumored might happen) without a confirmation battle?

    I don't think Trump would try and move him into the DOJ, not now.  And I think some of the Republicans would even have problems with it.

    But with Trump, you never know.  Once he gets an idea into his head, he's like a dog with a bone and doesn't want to abandon it.

    Parent

    I guess that's to be expected when you hire (none / 0) (#174)
    by vml68 on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:46:19 PM EST
    "only the best"!

    Parent
    The new guy (none / 0) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:48:53 PM EST
    Is a rollercoaster and lobbyist for the coal industry and chief of staff for Inhofe.

    So......

    Parent

    Wow spell check (5.00 / 1) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 03:49:53 PM EST
    Turned former lawyer into rollercoaster

    Excellent

    Parent

    Good news bad news (none / 0) (#181)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:49:40 PM EST
    Deep breaths (none / 0) (#182)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 04:51:27 PM EST
    "Wheeler is much smarter and will try to keep his efforts under the radar in implementing Trump's destructive agenda," said Jeremy Symons, vice president for political affairs at the Environmental Defense Fund. "That should scare anyone who breathes."


    Parent
    While it is good to just to (none / 0) (#185)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:10:49 PM EST
    get the crooked and corrupt Pruitt out of there, all those investigations should continue.  I would like to see him in a coal-fired prison if found guilty.  As for Mr. Wheeler, is it true that he is also a former lobbyist for buggy whips?

    Parent
    SLATE (none / 0) (#187)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:15:12 PM EST

    Pruitt Failed to Sabotage the EPA
    His successor will be masterful at it.

    I'm as happy as anyone Pruitt is gone.  But we may miss his incompetence

    Parent

    Another one of Howdy's (none / 0) (#184)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:06:06 PM EST
    you can't make this sh*t up. Michael Cohen has hired Lanny Davis. This is making me laugh and laugh.

    You beat me by (5.00 / 1) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:12:04 PM EST
    2 seconds

    Parent
    Just (none / 0) (#188)
    by FlJoe on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:19:40 PM EST
    heard a pundit say he's going to be Cohen's Rudy, makes sense to me, it's all reality TV anyway, can't wait until Avenatti and Davis show up on the shows together. Rudy meanwhile continues to be written out of the script.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#189)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:28:31 PM EST
    I hope he spills the beans about Cohen. I can't say that this move is making Trump happy. I will be expecting the crazy tweets to be starting soon.

    Parent
    Trump may leave Cohen (none / 0) (#191)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:31:11 PM EST
    To his flying monkeys

    Or not

    Parent

    In perhaps not unrelated news (none / 0) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:29:46 PM EST

    Mueller Taps More Prosecutors to Help With Growing Trump Probe


    Special Counsel Robert Mueller is tapping additional Justice Department resources for help with new legal battles as his year-old investigation of Russian interference with the 2016 election continues to expand.

    As Mueller pursues his probe, he's making more use of career prosecutors from the offices of U.S. attorneys and from Justice Department headquarters, as well as FBI agents -- a sign that he may be laying the groundwork to hand off parts of his investigation eventually, several current and former U.S. officials said.



    Parent
    If Cohen (none / 0) (#192)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 05:33:18 PM EST
    has flipped can you imagine the motherlode that would come out of that? Many more prosecutors would be needed for sure.

    Parent
    Shame on Trump... (none / 0) (#196)
    by desertswine on Thu Jul 05, 2018 at 08:02:10 PM EST
    Some immigrant U.S. Army reservists and recruits who enlisted in the military with a promised path to citizenship are being abruptly discharged, the Associated Press has learned.

    Forgive the over run (none / 0) (#203)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 06, 2018 at 10:00:48 AM EST
    But TMC is killing it today.

    Clearly they a competing with H channels Friday AA marathon

    They are winning.

    Right now we have FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON.  IN 1958 a meditation on "just because we can,  should we"

    Followed by countdown which I have never seen


    Improvisational director Robert Altman hadn't yet found his cinematic "voice" when he helmed the conformist, stick-to-the-script Countdown. James Caan is top-billed as a scientist who is chosen over astronaut Robert Duvall for the upcoming NASA moon shot. In their haste to beat the Russians to the moon, the NASA folks have tried to sidestep several safety measures, but doctor Charles Aidman sees to it that every possible precaution is taken. When Caan makes it to the lunar surface, he stumbles upon gruesome evidence that the Russians had sent up a secret expedition themselves--and had fatally ignored all those extra security precautions which he's been subject to. Ted Knight, who received some of his best pre-Mary Tyler Moore roles in Altman's TV work, co-stars in Countdown. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

    Then FORBIDDEN PLANET, the 2001, then 2010.

    Happy friday