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When Money is King
Author: BobR
Date: 02/08/2013 13:58:21
A storm is brewing. No, I'm not talking about "Nemo" which is about to slam New England. I am talking about within Republican party politics - specifically, the power grabs amid the various factions: The Tea Party, the Establishment, and the Outside Interests (represented by Karl Rove). Initially embraced for their energy, the Tea Party has shown itself to be incapable of fielding candidates that can win anything bigger than House races. The Establishment is seeing its power usurped by the upstarts, as well as being pushed out of incumbencies, and trying to reassert itself. And Big Money just wants control of everything without having to dirty their hands by actually running for office.
This situation is the result of the American way of life, and some various court cases and changes to law. Political parties have come and gone (whigs and Torries anyone?), but campaign rules and - particularly finance rules - are somewhat anathema to the American idea of opportunity and entrepreneurism. Even in the 1800s, campaigns and advertising were self-funded. This began to change and after the civil war, corporate money became more involved in the process. Various laws have been passed along the way, but campaigns always manage to find a way around them.
From the Tillman Act to the Federal Corrupt Practices Act to the Hatch Act, attempts were continually made to limit corporations' influence over elections. Finally, in the 1970s, Congress passed laws creating the FEC and giving it some teeth, and created laws requiring campaign financial disclosure. Subsequent laws further refined donation limits and sources.
Decades of campaign finance reform legisilation was largely undone by a single Supreme Court case. I am referring to - of course - the Citizen's United case. That one decision opened the floodgates for a new beast known as the Super PAC. Where candidate-controlled PACs were tightly regulated by the FEC and campaign finance law, the Super PACs were (and are) the wild west. There are no financial limits; they are essentially private "companies" that can raise and spend as much money as they want - in any way that they want - to try to influence the outcome of an election. The only requirement is that they aren't supposed to coordinate directly with the candidates' campaign apparatus.
This is where Karl Rove comes in. He and other "grassroots" organizations like Crossroads and Americans for Prosperity are free to do what they want with their money. Karl has publicly stated that he wants to undermine the fringe Tea Party candidates that win primaries and lose general elections. Naturally, the Tea Party is incensed. The Establishment is likely both happy and scared. Happy to see the Tea Party marginalized; scared that they will be forced to kiss the ring of this new Godfather.
It all sort of makes you wonder how this all works in other western countries. Is money truly a king-maker in - say - Germany or France?
France has gone through some of the pain we have and in 1988 began to tighten things up. Along the way, they also shortened the election campaign cycle:
Notice the term there: "legal entity". In the vernacular and - as it applies to American politics - that would generally translate to "corporation". So businesses in general are prohibited from contributing to campaigns. There's no silly idea that "corporations are people, my friend".
In Germany, the political parties receive government funding for their campaigns. Although private funds can be collected as well, they are to the party, not individual candidates:
The common wisdom in the U.S. is that He With The Most Money Wins. While there are naturally exceptions to the axiom (e.g.: the heavily-funded whack-job Tea Party Candidates), the reality is that those with money (particularly large piles of money) have a louder voice in the political process. The Constitution states "We the People", not "We the Monied". Karl Rove's blatant power grab using money from wealthy donors as a bludgeon to influence election results should be an embarrassment to any patriotic American.
This is likely to get worse before it gets better. Congress cannot get even the most basic functions accomplished with the partisan bickering. How likely is it that they will vote for (much less pass) a constitutional amendment to limit the funding and duration of election campaigns?
Tea Partiers decry the type of heavy-handed top-down governing present in many western European democracies as "socialism". Yet it is that same strong government that prevents the likes of Karl Rove from steamrolling candidates like the Tea Partiers. Deep pocket financial donors are a fickle lot, and if the Tea Party wants to survive, they (along with the rest of America) need to realize that getting that kind of private money out of the electoral process is necessary for our democracy to remain vibrant.
This situation is the result of the American way of life, and some various court cases and changes to law. Political parties have come and gone (whigs and Torries anyone?), but campaign rules and - particularly finance rules - are somewhat anathema to the American idea of opportunity and entrepreneurism. Even in the 1800s, campaigns and advertising were self-funded. This began to change and after the civil war, corporate money became more involved in the process. Various laws have been passed along the way, but campaigns always manage to find a way around them.
From the Tillman Act to the Federal Corrupt Practices Act to the Hatch Act, attempts were continually made to limit corporations' influence over elections. Finally, in the 1970s, Congress passed laws creating the FEC and giving it some teeth, and created laws requiring campaign financial disclosure. Subsequent laws further refined donation limits and sources.
Decades of campaign finance reform legisilation was largely undone by a single Supreme Court case. I am referring to - of course - the Citizen's United case. That one decision opened the floodgates for a new beast known as the Super PAC. Where candidate-controlled PACs were tightly regulated by the FEC and campaign finance law, the Super PACs were (and are) the wild west. There are no financial limits; they are essentially private "companies" that can raise and spend as much money as they want - in any way that they want - to try to influence the outcome of an election. The only requirement is that they aren't supposed to coordinate directly with the candidates' campaign apparatus.
This is where Karl Rove comes in. He and other "grassroots" organizations like Crossroads and Americans for Prosperity are free to do what they want with their money. Karl has publicly stated that he wants to undermine the fringe Tea Party candidates that win primaries and lose general elections. Naturally, the Tea Party is incensed. The Establishment is likely both happy and scared. Happy to see the Tea Party marginalized; scared that they will be forced to kiss the ring of this new Godfather.
It all sort of makes you wonder how this all works in other western countries. Is money truly a king-maker in - say - Germany or France?
France has gone through some of the pain we have and in 1988 began to tighten things up. Along the way, they also shortened the election campaign cycle:
Campaign finance is strictly regulated. All forms of paid commercial advertisements through the press or by any audiovisual means are prohibited during the three months preceding the election. Instead, political advertisements are aired free of charge on an equal basis for all of the candidates on national television channels and radio stations during the official campaign. Campaign donations and expenditures are capped. Candidates must appoint an independent financial representative to handle all their financial matters relating to the election. Campaign accounts are audited by a special commission. Candidates whose campaign accounts are certified may be reimbursed up to 50 percent of their expenses by the state if they meet certain conditions.
[..]
No legal entity is allowed to participate in financing a political candidate unless the legal entity is a political party or a political group. Financing is not allowed in any form whether direct, e.g., by donating money, or indirect, e.g., by rendering services or granting favors or advantages to a candidate’s political campaign by providing services and products below regular market fees or prices.
Nor is a legal entity allowed to finance political parties or political groups. Financing is not allowed in any form whether direct, e.g., by donating money or properties, or indirect, e.g., by rendering services, providing products below regular market fees or prices, or granting favors or advantages to political parties, groups, their financial representatives, or associations.
Notice the term there: "legal entity". In the vernacular and - as it applies to American politics - that would generally translate to "corporation". So businesses in general are prohibited from contributing to campaigns. There's no silly idea that "corporations are people, my friend".
In Germany, the political parties receive government funding for their campaigns. Although private funds can be collected as well, they are to the party, not individual candidates:
In Germany, the political parties are tightly run organizations that finance election campaigns, nominate candidates, exact membership dues from their members, and subject members in Parliament to strict caucus rules. The parties receive government funds and are subject to some not very onerous disclosure requirements. The individual candidates or members of Parliament are minor players in these systems.
The length of election campaigns is not defined by federal law. State and local laws limit campaign billboards to a few weeks before the election. State laws limit campaign advertising in radio and television to a few spots that are allotted in the month preceding the election. By an agreement among the states, the political parties may not purchase any advertising time on radio or television, and are thereby limited to the few officially granted campaign spots.
[..]
In Germany, private funding of political parties is encouraged, as a counterweight to heavy government funding. The law is silent on donations to individual representatives for their own political use, yet these are permissible and parliamentary rules provide disclosure rules and limits for these donations that are similar to the statutory rules governing donations to the parties. They are, however, of lesser practical importance, and the statutory provisions presume that the donation is given to the individual in his role as a representative of the party, by obligating this individual to turn party donations over to the party as soon as possible.
The common wisdom in the U.S. is that He With The Most Money Wins. While there are naturally exceptions to the axiom (e.g.: the heavily-funded whack-job Tea Party Candidates), the reality is that those with money (particularly large piles of money) have a louder voice in the political process. The Constitution states "We the People", not "We the Monied". Karl Rove's blatant power grab using money from wealthy donors as a bludgeon to influence election results should be an embarrassment to any patriotic American.
This is likely to get worse before it gets better. Congress cannot get even the most basic functions accomplished with the partisan bickering. How likely is it that they will vote for (much less pass) a constitutional amendment to limit the funding and duration of election campaigns?
Tea Partiers decry the type of heavy-handed top-down governing present in many western European democracies as "socialism". Yet it is that same strong government that prevents the likes of Karl Rove from steamrolling candidates like the Tea Partiers. Deep pocket financial donors are a fickle lot, and if the Tea Party wants to survive, they (along with the rest of America) need to realize that getting that kind of private money out of the electoral process is necessary for our democracy to remain vibrant.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 14:05:23
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 14:05:23
Morning all.
Hmmm. From NWS
According to my precise calculations that gives us anywhere from 27 to 39 inches.
Already installed two software packages on the workstation at work.
It's because I had a helper.
Hmmm. From NWS
Today Snow. High near 33. East wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches possible.
Tonight Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 21. Windy, with a northeast wind 22 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 65 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 16 to 22 inches possible.
Saturday Snow, mainly before 1pm. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Windy, with a north wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.
According to my precise calculations that gives us anywhere from 27 to 39 inches.
Already installed two software packages on the workstation at work.
It's because I had a helper.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 02/08/2013 14:05:30
Scoopster on 02/08/2013 14:05:30
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee from Ground Zero! 
Comment by 
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:10:53
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:10:53
Morning 
Everyone north of here keep warm and safe!
Everyone north of here keep warm and safe!
Comment by 
Raine on 02/08/2013 14:12:49
Good morning.
Anonymous released the LA cop shooters manifesto -- and I just spent the past 45 minutes reading. HOLY shmoly -- dude is scary.
Raine on 02/08/2013 14:12:49
Good morning. Anonymous released the LA cop shooters manifesto -- and I just spent the past 45 minutes reading. HOLY shmoly -- dude is scary.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:15:56
Have you laid in your stock of "medicine" along with bread, milk and toilet paper?
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:15:56
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee from Ground Zero!
Have you laid in your stock of "medicine" along with bread, milk and toilet paper?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:16:48
In between the crazy, he has some valid points about the racist culture of the LAPD.
Mondo recommends two books:
City of Quartz and To Serve and Protect
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:16:48
Quote by Raine:
Anonymous released the LA cop shooters manifesto -- and I just spent the past 45 minutes reading. HOLY shmoly -- dude is scary.
In between the crazy, he has some valid points about the racist culture of the LAPD.
Mondo recommends two books:
City of Quartz and To Serve and Protect
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 14:18:52
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 14:18:52
IT......HAS.......BEGUN.
Just very very small flakes right now.
The office is closing at noon today. I see very few people logged in on Lync.
Just very very small flakes right now.
The office is closing at noon today. I see very few people logged in on Lync.
Comment by 
TriSec on 02/08/2013 14:20:42
TriSec on 02/08/2013 14:20:42
Morning,. comrades.
So far, a fizzle. I checked the radar not too long ago and we're in 'the slot" between the two storm halves.
I went to the market this am not too long after it opened....complete mayhem. All I wanted was tonic, chips, and pizza fixins for later.
Woman in front of me had no less than 6 loaves of bread. Seriously?
I did get the previously mentioned breakfast links, so all my bread, milk, and eggs will be converted to French Toast tomorrow morning.
So far, a fizzle. I checked the radar not too long ago and we're in 'the slot" between the two storm halves.
I went to the market this am not too long after it opened....complete mayhem. All I wanted was tonic, chips, and pizza fixins for later.
Woman in front of me had no less than 6 loaves of bread. Seriously?
I did get the previously mentioned breakfast links, so all my bread, milk, and eggs will be converted to French Toast tomorrow morning.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:24:16
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:24:16
*sigh* hey dumbell - there is a Constitutional right to PRIVACY!
Comment by 
BobR on 02/08/2013 14:35:27
BobR on 02/08/2013 14:35:27
Bloggie is posted! 
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:43:11
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 14:43:11
So we have to competing Mass-ites on the snow storm. Steal cage match time. Tri and Rabbit go in, only one comes out! Let the mayhem begin!
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 14:52:29
This looks like it will be a hellov-a-storm. You know it's bad when Jim Cantore (AKA weather stud
) is in you town. He's after the weather Ground zero guy.
Looks like the first part of the storm is hitting land now. They are saying the TWC that it is set to seriously decline after 3 pm.
Worried about my Mom and Oma. The Valley is predicted to get anywhere from 12-24 inches. I hope the neighbors in town can help them dig out.
Raine on 02/08/2013 14:52:29
Quote by Mondobubba:
So we have to competing Mass-ites on the snow storm. Steal cage match time. Tri and Rabbit go in, only one comes out! Let the mayhem begin!
This looks like it will be a hellov-a-storm. You know it's bad when Jim Cantore (AKA weather stud
) is in you town. He's after the weather Ground zero guy.Looks like the first part of the storm is hitting land now. They are saying the TWC that it is set to seriously decline after 3 pm.
Worried about my Mom and Oma. The Valley is predicted to get anywhere from 12-24 inches. I hope the neighbors in town can help them dig out.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/08/2013 14:55:59
Not quite.. I had to settle for a couple six-packs heh.
Scoopster on 02/08/2013 14:55:59
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee from Ground Zero!
Have you laid in your stock of "medicine" along with bread, milk and toilet paper?
Not quite.. I had to settle for a couple six-packs heh.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:57:51
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 14:57:51
I would think if your a cop you'd want there to be a limit the chances of getting shot or shot at - idiot 
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 14:58:27
TriSec on 02/08/2013 14:58:27
Teeny, tiny little flakes have started. Kinda the way the Oobleck did.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 15:12:44
Raine on 02/08/2013 15:12:44
Sean Hannity also left the part out that John Huntsman was the shooters favorite POTUS candidate.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 15:13:25
I could be naive, but I don;t think that fellow was a law officer... 
Raine on 02/08/2013 15:13:25
Quote by wickedpam:
I would think if your a cop you'd want there to be a limit the chances of getting shot or shot at - idiot
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 15:14:03
I really truly wish we could get some honest to god election reform in this NAtion.
Raine on 02/08/2013 15:14:03
Quote by BobR:
Bloggie is posted!
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 15:14:57
what!? no!
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 15:14:57
Quote by Raine:I could be naive, but I don;t think that fellow was a law officer...Quote by wickedpam:
I would think if your a cop you'd want there to be a limit the chances of getting shot or shot at - idiot
what!? no!
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 15:38:09
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 15:38:09
every time someone says concierge doctors I think of
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 15:56:45
Yoikes! Nasty, heavy wet snow at that. That is the worst kind.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 15:56:45
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
So we have to competing Mass-ites on the snow storm. Steal cage match time. Tri and Rabbit go in, only one comes out! Let the mayhem begin!
This looks like it will be a hellov-a-storm. You know it's bad when Jim Cantore (AKA weather stud
Looks like the first part of the storm is hitting land now. They are saying the TWC that it is set to seriously decline after 3 pm.
Worried about my Mom and Oma. The Valley is predicted to get anywhere from 12-24 inches. I hope the neighbors in town can help them dig out.
Yoikes! Nasty, heavy wet snow at that. That is the worst kind.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:02:20
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:02:20
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:18:34
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:18:34
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:22:08
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:22:08
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:26:51
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:26:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:28:20
Wait....
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:28:20
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
Wait....
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:29:14
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:29:14
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
The stupid, it burns!
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 16:29:58
Flakes are getting bigger here.
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 16:29:58
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
Wait....
Flakes are getting bigger here.
Comment by Scoopster on 02/08/2013 16:30:47
We've gotten about a half inch since it started snowing at like 6-7.. it's not coming down very hard but the flakes are normal size now instead of flurries.
Scoopster on 02/08/2013 16:30:47
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
We've gotten about a half inch since it started snowing at like 6-7.. it's not coming down very hard but the flakes are normal size now instead of flurries.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:31:43
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:31:43
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, how is the Nemopocylpse?
So far, the biggest fizzle of all time. Little more than a dusting thus far.
Rabbit, where are you relative to Waltham? West, South?
Wait....
Flakes are getting bigger here.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 16:32:45
Raine on 02/08/2013 16:32:45
Weather channel reporting that Worcester is getting an inch of snow per hour right now.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:33:48
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:33:48
Quote by Mondobubba:
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 16:35:38
Mala... what a racist thing to say! Wait, wut?
Raine on 02/08/2013 16:35:38
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:38:42
Silly, you know where Hansel and Gretel live.
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:38:42
Quote by Raine:Mala... what a racist thing to say! Wait, wut?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
Silly, you know where Hansel and Gretel live.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 16:41:09
Raine on 02/08/2013 16:41:09
Did Chris just say that they have a Clear-channel computer? HMMM....
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:45:27
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 16:45:27
I'm not a Star Wars fan and even I know how Boba Fett is
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:53:07
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 16:53:07
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:57:19
Well, my commute was all of 13 steps downstairs this morning. It's barely even snowing in our fine borough of Waltham.
TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:57:19
Quote by Raine:
Weather channel reporting that Worcester is getting an inch of snow per hour right now.
Well, my commute was all of 13 steps downstairs this morning. It's barely even snowing in our fine borough of Waltham.
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:59:11
If anyone notices a nationwide shortage of eye-bleach, it was me.
TriSec on 02/08/2013 16:59:11
Quote by Mondobubba:
Breaking story, Bush email account hacked. Naked self potrait of GWB.
If anyone notices a nationwide shortage of eye-bleach, it was me.
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 17:00:13
TriSec on 02/08/2013 17:00:13
Quote by wickedpam:
I'm not a Star Wars fan and even I know how Boba Fett is
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:00:54
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:00:54
Quote by TriSec:Quote by wickedpam:
I'm not a Star Wars fan and even I know how Boba Fett is
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:01:44
You are welcome!
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:01:44
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Breaking story, Bush email account hacked. Naked self potrait of GWB.
If anyone notices a nationwide shortage of eye-bleach, it was me.
You are welcome!
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:02:51
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 17:02:51
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 17:06:46
have you noticed the guy looks like ll cool j?
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 17:06:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
How hard is it to find a 6' 6" black guy in the San Bernadino mountains?
have you noticed the guy looks like ll cool j?
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 17:07:36
Raine on 02/08/2013 17:07:36
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
Weather channel reporting that Worcester is getting an inch of snow per hour right now.
Well, my commute was all of 13 steps downstairs this morning. It's barely even snowing in our fine borough of Waltham.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 18:05:29
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 18:05:29
Hmmm, bloggie died for a while.
Anyway. Gov Patrick has banned all cars from the roads starting at 4PM.
Anyway. Gov Patrick has banned all cars from the roads starting at 4PM.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 18:10:16
HANsel? HANsel?
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 18:10:16
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Mala... what a racist thing to say! Wait, wut?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
HANsel? HANsel?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:22:23
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:22:23
I'm at lunch. There are dueling tv ads for reverse mortgages on the TVs in our luxuriously appointed break room. On Fox News, Fred Thompson. On the History Channel, Henry Winkler. Who do you trust more?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:23:44
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:23:44
Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
Weather channel reporting that Worcester is getting an inch of snow per hour right now.
Well, my commute was all of 13 steps downstairs this morning. It's barely even snowing in our fine borough of Waltham.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 18:34:52
Fonzi, always trust Fonzi
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 18:34:52
Quote by Mondobubba:
I'm at lunch. There are dueling tv ads for reverse mortgages on the TVs in our luxuriously appointed break room. On Fox News, Fred Thompson. On the History Channel, Henry Winkler. Who do you trust more?
Fonzi, always trust Fonzi
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 18:37:30
In Fonzi we trust.
Raine on 02/08/2013 18:37:30
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I'm at lunch. There are dueling tv ads for reverse mortgages on the TVs in our luxuriously appointed break room. On Fox News, Fred Thompson. On the History Channel, Henry Winkler. Who do you trust more?
Fonzi, always trust Fonzi
Comment by 
clintster on 02/08/2013 18:37:31
For some reason that line reminded me of this:
clintster on 02/08/2013 18:37:31
Quote by Mondobubba:
Breaking story, Bush email account hacked. Naked self potrait of GWB.
For some reason that line reminded me of this:
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 18:41:25
Raine on 02/08/2013 18:41:25
Does this Toyota Tacoma look like a Grey Nissan Intrepid? 
An attorney representing two women who were delivering newspapers when they were shot by police during a massive manhunt for an ex-LAPD officer called the incident "unacceptable," saying his clients looked nothing like the suspect.
Emma Hernandez, 71, was delivering the Los Angeles Times with her daughter, Margie Carranza, 47, in the 19500 block of Redbeam Avenue in Torrance on Thursday morning when Los Angeles police detectives apparently mistook their pickup for that of Christopher Dorner, the 33-year-old fugitive suspected of killing three people and injuring two others.
Hernandez, who attorney Glen T. Jonas said was shot twice in the back, was in stable condition late Thursday. Carranza received stitches on her finger.
"The problem with the situation is it looked like the police had the goal of administering street justice and in so doing, didn't take the time to notice that these two older, small Latina women don't look like a large black man," Jonas said.
Comment by 
livingonli on 02/08/2013 18:52:51
livingonli on 02/08/2013 18:52:51
Hi folks! It looks like my internet's are a bit testy today which may be do to more people being online if there not going out in this shit weather. Glad, I have today off.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:59:31
I'm with you, the Fonz. Poor Fred Thompson, reduced to hustling reverse mortgages. He used to be a Senator for gosh sake!
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 18:59:31
Quote by Raine:In Fonzi we trust.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I'm at lunch. There are dueling tv ads for reverse mortgages on the TVs in our luxuriously appointed break room. On Fox News, Fred Thompson. On the History Channel, Henry Winkler. Who do you trust more?
Fonzi, always trust Fonzi
I'm with you, the Fonz. Poor Fred Thompson, reduced to hustling reverse mortgages. He used to be a Senator for gosh sake!
Comment by trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 19:00:28
Wolfgang's replacement from the Black Forest (yes, he said that)
trojanrabbit on 02/08/2013 19:00:28
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Mala... what a racist thing to say! Wait, wut?Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Fox News Claims Solar Won't Work in America Because It's Not Sunny Like Germany
The stupid, it burns!
yes, Germany known for its sunny sky's and Black Forest
HANsel? HANsel?
Wolfgang's replacement from the Black Forest (yes, he said that)
Comment by clintster on 02/08/2013 19:02:07
This business will get out of hand, and it will get out of hand quickly.
clintster on 02/08/2013 19:02:07
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:In Fonzi we trust.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
I'm at lunch. There are dueling tv ads for reverse mortgages on the TVs in our luxuriously appointed break room. On Fox News, Fred Thompson. On the History Channel, Henry Winkler. Who do you trust more?
Fonzi, always trust Fonzi
I'm with you, the Fonz. Poor Fred Thompson, reduced to hustling reverse mortgages. He used to be a Senator for gosh sake!
This business will get out of hand, and it will get out of hand quickly.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:02:22
My current earworm. Yes this version.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:02:22
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:04:04
This doesn't surprise me at all. We are talking about the LAPD.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:04:04
Quote by Raine:
Does this Toyota Tacoma look like a Grey Nissan Intrepid?And does the shooter look like An attorney representing two women who were delivering newspapers when they were shot by police during a massive manhunt for an ex-LAPD officer called the incident "unacceptable," saying his clients looked nothing like the suspect.
Emma Hernandez, 71, was delivering the Los Angeles Times with her daughter, Margie Carranza, 47, in the 19500 block of Redbeam Avenue in Torrance on Thursday morning when Los Angeles police detectives apparently mistook their pickup for that of Christopher Dorner, the 33-year-old fugitive suspected of killing three people and injuring two others.
Hernandez, who attorney Glen T. Jonas said was shot twice in the back, was in stable condition late Thursday. Carranza received stitches on her finger.
"The problem with the situation is it looked like the police had the goal of administering street justice and in so doing, didn't take the time to notice that these two older, small Latina women don't look like a large black man," Jonas said.
This doesn't surprise me at all. We are talking about the LAPD.
Comment by clintster on 02/08/2013 19:06:07
Damn, should've posted the Fred Thompson here. Well, it isn't too late...
clintster on 02/08/2013 19:06:07
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Does this Toyota Tacoma look like a Grey Nissan Intrepid?And does the shooter look like An attorney representing two women who were delivering newspapers when they were shot by police during a massive manhunt for an ex-LAPD officer called the incident "unacceptable," saying his clients looked nothing like the suspect.
Emma Hernandez, 71, was delivering the Los Angeles Times with her daughter, Margie Carranza, 47, in the 19500 block of Redbeam Avenue in Torrance on Thursday morning when Los Angeles police detectives apparently mistook their pickup for that of Christopher Dorner, the 33-year-old fugitive suspected of killing three people and injuring two others.
Hernandez, who attorney Glen T. Jonas said was shot twice in the back, was in stable condition late Thursday. Carranza received stitches on her finger.
"The problem with the situation is it looked like the police had the goal of administering street justice and in so doing, didn't take the time to notice that these two older, small Latina women don't look like a large black man," Jonas said.
This doesn't surprise me at all. We are talking about the LAPD.
Damn, should've posted the Fred Thompson here. Well, it isn't too late...
Comment by livingonli on 02/08/2013 19:09:42
livingonli on 02/08/2013 19:09:42
Fred Thompson is just one step away from doing Infomercials.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:14:54
What do you mean one step away, Livin?
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:14:54
Quote by livingonli:
Fred Thompson is just one step away from doing Infomercials.
What do you mean one step away, Livin?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:28:44
Raine you hit the nail on the head yesterday when you said this wasn't going to end well.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:28:44
Quote by clintster:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Does this Toyota Tacoma look like a Grey Nissan Intrepid?And does the shooter look like An attorney representing two women who were delivering newspapers when they were shot by police during a massive manhunt for an ex-LAPD officer called the incident "unacceptable," saying his clients looked nothing like the suspect.
Emma Hernandez, 71, was delivering the Los Angeles Times with her daughter, Margie Carranza, 47, in the 19500 block of Redbeam Avenue in Torrance on Thursday morning when Los Angeles police detectives apparently mistook their pickup for that of Christopher Dorner, the 33-year-old fugitive suspected of killing three people and injuring two others.
Hernandez, who attorney Glen T. Jonas said was shot twice in the back, was in stable condition late Thursday. Carranza received stitches on her finger.
"The problem with the situation is it looked like the police had the goal of administering street justice and in so doing, didn't take the time to notice that these two older, small Latina women don't look like a large black man," Jonas said.
This doesn't surprise me at all. We are talking about the LAPD.
Damn, should've posted the Fred Thompson here. Well, it isn't too late...
Raine you hit the nail on the head yesterday when you said this wasn't going to end well.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 19:30:24
Raine on 02/08/2013 19:30:24
@TheTweetOfGod
The Boy Scouts postponed their decision on admitting gays? What, were they not prepared?
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:35:51
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 19:35:51
Quote by Raine:@TheTweetOfGod
The Boy Scouts postponed their decision on admitting gays? What, were they not prepared?
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 19:38:15
Classic! 
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 19:38:15
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:@TheTweetOfGod
The Boy Scouts postponed their decision on admitting gays? What, were they not prepared?
Classic!
Comment by livingonli on 02/08/2013 19:41:07
livingonli on 02/08/2013 19:41:07
Weather Channel showing a major crash on I-95 in Connecticut east of New Haven.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 19:44:23
That sucks.
Raine on 02/08/2013 19:44:23
Quote by livingonli:
Weather Channel showing a major crash on I-95 in Connecticut east of New Haven.
Comment by TriSec on 02/08/2013 19:47:33
TriSec on 02/08/2013 19:47:33
Think I should check up on my elderly, shut-in mother?
(Who am I kidding - she probably saddled up her oxygen tank and went to the Italian market and is making cake or something this afternoon.)
Tough Fucks - it runs in the family.
(Who am I kidding - she probably saddled up her oxygen tank and went to the Italian market and is making cake or something this afternoon.)
Tough Fucks - it runs in the family.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 20:17:58
Mental image, Tri's mom, in black dress, sensible shoes and heavy woolen over coat resolutely marching down to the market with O2 tank in tow, muttering the whole time about how lazy people are today.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 20:17:58
Quote by TriSec:
Think I should check up on my elderly, shut-in mother?
(Who am I kidding - she probably saddled up her oxygen tank and went to the Italian market and is making cake or something this afternoon.)
Tough Fucks - it runs in the family.
Mental image, Tri's mom, in black dress, sensible shoes and heavy woolen over coat resolutely marching down to the market with O2 tank in tow, muttering the whole time about how lazy people are today.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 21:05:17
Raine on 02/08/2013 21:05:17
Mom and Oma have all the medicine up to date. Food has been purchased and bathtub has been filled with water (they have a well-- this is needed if the power goes out.) She has the Kerosene heater ready to go -- near an open window, once again, if needed. My sisters live about 10-15 miles away so I have reached out to friend in Germantown to check up on them after the storm is done. Hopefully someone will come and shovel them out.
This is the thing, My Mom is stubborn as heck too -- but I just don;t want her to shovel off the porch and the walkway to the car. That said, it is needed, after all -- Oma is 94.
Yes, I worry. But I am doing stealthy things behind the scenes to make sure people are checking in on them until my sister can get out of her own area and check up on mom.
That's rural living, folks.
This is the thing, My Mom is stubborn as heck too -- but I just don;t want her to shovel off the porch and the walkway to the car. That said, it is needed, after all -- Oma is 94.
Yes, I worry. But I am doing stealthy things behind the scenes to make sure people are checking in on them until my sister can get out of her own area and check up on mom.
That's rural living, folks.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:13:49
Best.daughter/granddaugther.evah!
Stealth is a good thing!
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:13:49
Quote by Raine:
Mom and Oma have all the medicine up to date. Food has been purchased and bathtub has been filled with water (they have a well-- this is needed if the power goes out.) She has the Kerosene heater ready to go -- near an open window, once again, if needed. My sisters live about 10-15 miles away so I have reached out to friend in Germantown to check up on them after the storm is done. Hopefully someone will come and shovel them out.
This is the thing, My Mom is stubborn as heck too -- but I just don;t want her to shovel off the porch and the walkway to the car. That said, it is needed, after all -- Oma is 94.
Yes, I worry. But I am doing stealthy things behind the scenes to make sure people are checking in on them until my sister can get out of her own area and check up on mom.
That's rural living, folks.
Best.daughter/granddaugther.evah!
Stealth is a good thing!
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:21:38
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:21:38
This is what I love about my mom living in North Carolina, no snow. I am also very grateful to PoppaMondo for pushing so hard to move into the old fart center before his untimely demise. My mom has a crack staff of the sweetest people in the world to look in on her and make sure she is doing well.
Comment by livingonli on 02/08/2013 21:29:37
livingonli on 02/08/2013 21:29:37
At least my roommate has a snow blower at this place since we'll need it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:34:11
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:34:11
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 21:36:50
IT's good to know our loved ones are taken care of when we can't be there.
Raine on 02/08/2013 21:36:50
Quote by Mondobubba:
This is what I love about my mom living in North Carolina, no snow. I am also very grateful to PoppaMondo for pushing so hard to move into the old fart center before his untimely demise. My mom has a crack staff of the sweetest people in the world to look in on her and make sure she is doing well.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:40:07
Indeed! My "sister" Nancy is close to my mom. Her family lived next door to us when I was kid, she used to babysit me, so I know my mom is in good hands. Since Nancy has been there for a few of the health issues with Mama & Poppa Mondo the past couple of years.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 21:40:07
Quote by Raine:IT's good to know our loved ones are taken care of when we can't be there.Quote by Mondobubba:
This is what I love about my mom living in North Carolina, no snow. I am also very grateful to PoppaMondo for pushing so hard to move into the old fart center before his untimely demise. My mom has a crack staff of the sweetest people in the world to look in on her and make sure she is doing well.
Indeed! My "sister" Nancy is close to my mom. Her family lived next door to us when I was kid, she used to babysit me, so I know my mom is in good hands. Since Nancy has been there for a few of the health issues with Mama & Poppa Mondo the past couple of years.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 21:41:26
Raine on 02/08/2013 21:41:26
You know, Randi just brought up an amazing point that I hadn't really thought about. Regarding the Post office, it was the post office that actually started the idea of a national infrastructure.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 21:53:44
It's quite interesting tome.
Raine on 02/08/2013 21:53:44
Quote by Raine:
You know, Randi just brought up an amazing point that I hadn't really thought about. Regarding the Post office, it was the post office that actually started the idea of a national infrastructure.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 21:56:19
I actually lived just off Albany Post Road
Raine on 02/08/2013 21:56:19
Quote by Raine:It's quite interesting to me.Quote by Raine:
You know, Randi just brought up an amazing point that I hadn't really thought about. Regarding the Post office, it was the post office that actually started the idea of a national infrastructure.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
I actually lived just off Albany Post Road
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 22:07:06
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 22:07:06
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:It's quite interesting to me.Quote by Raine:
You know, Randi just brought up an amazing point that I hadn't really thought about. Regarding the Post office, it was the post office that actually started the idea of a national infrastructure.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
I actually lived just off Albany Post Road
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 22:13:36
Check this out.
The very idea that the congress in 2006 decided to force the USPS to pre-fund pension funds for 75 years is ludicrous. Since when does government give a SHIT about pension funds? There are a lot of people who live in Rural America that have one daily regular contact with the outside world -- it is their postal carrier.
This law must be changed. It really has to be changed. Email isn't killing the USPS, congress is.
Raine on 02/08/2013 22:13:36
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:It's quite interesting to me.Quote by Raine:
You know, Randi just brought up an amazing point that I hadn't really thought about. Regarding the Post office, it was the post office that actually started the idea of a national infrastructure.
Postal Routes. When I moved up to the hudson valley in 1978 (the year of the blizzard of 78) Our address was actually a PR address.
I actually lived just off Albany Post Road
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the United States Constitution, known as the Postal Clause or the Postal Power, empowers Congress "To establish Post Offices and post Roads".
The very idea that the congress in 2006 decided to force the USPS to pre-fund pension funds for 75 years is ludicrous. Since when does government give a SHIT about pension funds? There are a lot of people who live in Rural America that have one daily regular contact with the outside world -- it is their postal carrier.
This law must be changed. It really has to be changed. Email isn't killing the USPS, congress is.
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 22:17:02
For a long time, they weren't even paved -- they were dirt roads, some still exist in America, but that said, they are still part of infrastructure.
I think it was the USPS that helped create an organized way to keep track of Americans. FedEx, UPS etc., would not exist without the USPS. It was the USPS that created something called an address. I find this amazing.
Raine on 02/08/2013 22:17:02
Quote by Mondobubba:
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
I think it was the USPS that helped create an organized way to keep track of Americans. FedEx, UPS etc., would not exist without the USPS. It was the USPS that created something called an address. I find this amazing.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 22:26:36
I've been doing a lot of reading about the Post Office this week. One of the big points I keep finding is if members of congress would stop interfering with the USPS, and let them close some of these tiny post offices that serve maybe 100 people they wouldn't have to stop Saturday delivery.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 22:26:36
Quote by Raine:For a long time, they weren't even paved -- they were dirt roads, some still exist in America, but that said, they are still part of infrastructure.Quote by Mondobubba:
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
I think it was the USPS that helped create an organized way to keep track of Americans. FedEx, UPS etc., would not exist without the USPS. It was the USPS that created something called an address. I find this amazing.
I've been doing a lot of reading about the Post Office this week. One of the big points I keep finding is if members of congress would stop interfering with the USPS, and let them close some of these tiny post offices that serve maybe 100 people they wouldn't have to stop Saturday delivery.
Comment by wickedpam on 02/08/2013 22:29:21
wickedpam on 02/08/2013 22:29:21
Oh Lord, that caller just got the premise to The Postman completely wrong
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 22:52:06
The UPS guy?
Raine on 02/08/2013 22:52:06
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh Lord, that caller just got the premise to The Postman completely wrong
Comment by Raine on 02/08/2013 23:01:09
I'd really like to see the posts or links that you are seeing regarding this.
Are you talking about PO's that deliver mail for 100 ppl are less? I ask becuase when I moved to the Hudson Valley we had a Post office -- and it closed shortly after we got up there.
After it closed, I was in a hamlet called Clermont. Our postal address moved to Germantown NY. Clermont still technically exists, but it went from a town to a hamlet. It still has a governing body, but it lost a lot of say in county politics. (columbia county NY)
This is something else to consider. The USPS may very well have a place in the say of local politics. a Zip code is something of value. No zip code, no say. There might actually be a case to be made that this could be a consolidation of political power.
There is an irony in that.
Raine on 02/08/2013 23:01:09
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:For a long time, they weren't even paved -- they were dirt roads, some still exist in America, but that said, they are still part of infrastructure.Quote by Mondobubba:
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
I think it was the USPS that helped create an organized way to keep track of Americans. FedEx, UPS etc., would not exist without the USPS. It was the USPS that created something called an address. I find this amazing.
I've been doing a lot of reading about the Post Office this week. One of the big points I keep finding is if members of congress would stop interfering with the USPS, and let them close some of these tiny post offices that serve maybe 100 people they wouldn't have to stop Saturday delivery.
Are you talking about PO's that deliver mail for 100 ppl are less? I ask becuase when I moved to the Hudson Valley we had a Post office -- and it closed shortly after we got up there.
After it closed, I was in a hamlet called Clermont. Our postal address moved to Germantown NY. Clermont still technically exists, but it went from a town to a hamlet. It still has a governing body, but it lost a lot of say in county politics. (columbia county NY)
This is something else to consider. The USPS may very well have a place in the say of local politics. a Zip code is something of value. No zip code, no say. There might actually be a case to be made that this could be a consolidation of political power.
There is an irony in that.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 23:06:19
The Postman was shitty novel and a worse movie. The book is why I think the Campbell award that is given out at Worldcon sucks. It is voted on my fans and fans' taste is all in their mouths.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 23:06:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Oh Lord, that caller just got the premise to The Postman completely wrong
The Postman was shitty novel and a worse movie. The book is why I think the Campbell award that is given out at Worldcon sucks. It is voted on my fans and fans' taste is all in their mouths.
Comment by Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 23:12:30
I think the article I was looking at regarding political interference in the USPS was either in Slate or Salon yesterday. It is worth the read.
You are so right about zip codes. They have become something beyond a way to speed mail delivery. People look for homes based on zip codes. There are battles about which zip code is in what part of county or city. My zip code when I was a kid was a Bethesda one. Technically, if not geographically my neighborhood had more to do with Kensington than Bethesda, but the latter is much more desirable than the former. Bethesda is oh so slightly up the scale than Kensington dotcha know.
Mondobubba on 02/08/2013 23:12:30
Quote by Raine:I'd really like to see the posts or links that you are seeing regarding this.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:For a long time, they weren't even paved -- they were dirt roads, some still exist in America, but that said, they are still part of infrastructure.Quote by Mondobubba:
Randi is right. You needed to have paved roads to really serve the rural routes. Not that the PO was doing the road work, but it made the state and local governments improve the roads. Interesting point, Randi and Raine.
I think it was the USPS that helped create an organized way to keep track of Americans. FedEx, UPS etc., would not exist without the USPS. It was the USPS that created something called an address. I find this amazing.
I've been doing a lot of reading about the Post Office this week. One of the big points I keep finding is if members of congress would stop interfering with the USPS, and let them close some of these tiny post offices that serve maybe 100 people they wouldn't have to stop Saturday delivery.
Are you talking about PO's that deliver mail for 100 ppl are less? I ask becuase when I moved to the Hudson Valley we had a Post office -- and it closed shortly after we got up there.
After it closed, I was in a hamlet called Clermont. Our postal address moved to Germantown NY. Clermont still technically exists, but it went from a town to a hamlet. It still has a governing body, but it lost a lot of say in county politics. (columbia county NY)
This is something else to consider. The USPS may very well have a place in the say of local politics. a Zip code is something of value. No zip code, no say. There might actually be a case to be made that this could be a consolidation of political power.
There is an irony in that.
I think the article I was looking at regarding political interference in the USPS was either in Slate or Salon yesterday. It is worth the read.
You are so right about zip codes. They have become something beyond a way to speed mail delivery. People look for homes based on zip codes. There are battles about which zip code is in what part of county or city. My zip code when I was a kid was a Bethesda one. Technically, if not geographically my neighborhood had more to do with Kensington than Bethesda, but the latter is much more desirable than the former. Bethesda is oh so slightly up the scale than Kensington dotcha know.