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Hello Tampa! - City by the Bay!
Author: BobR
Date: 08/29/2012 13:01:32
The Republican convention is now in full swing in Tampa, FL. These things are always a bit of the theatre of the absurd, regardless of party, and this one has not failed to disappoint. The idea is for members of the party from all over the country to get together, officially nominate their candidate, try to hammer out a general consensus on what they represent, and get everyone's energy revved up for the final stretch to the general election.
Like their convention 4 years ago, a hurricane cut short their plans by one day. You'd think they'd get the hint that someone was trying to tell them something, but of course they don't.
Weather wasn't the only hurricane. For the couple weeks previous to the convention, it's been all rape and abortion all the time. Todd Akin (R-MO) got the ball rolling with his "legitimate rape" comment. Then there was PA Senate candidate Tom Smith who said his daughter's out-of-wedlock pregnancy was the same thing as rape. He also said that there should be no abortions allowed for rape victims. NJ Governor Chris Christie - slated to speak at the convention - said that the GOP shouldn't condescend to women.
With all this woman-bashing talk, you have to wonder how that all squares with the Republican party platform and the candidates. As it turns out, the GOP Platform codifies the anti-abortion rhetoric. They also apparently decided to officially come out against gay marriage and porn (although I don't know if that's exactly going to fly with some of their supporters). As has been widely reported, veep candidate Paul Ryan has espoused these views as well, and has been trying very hard to obfuscate that recently. His record is a matter of record, though, and he can't deny his previous votes. If you are a women that supports your (or your daughter's) right to contraception and emergency abortion, this should be a deal-breaker for you.
Getting back to the convention itself, yesterday was the roll-call vote. This is where every "great" state gets to announce how many delegate votes they are casting, and for which candidate. Convention organizers decided to handle this with all the diplomacy of a cold war dictator. States that did not go for Romney (Georgia - Newt Gingrich, and the states that went to Ron Paul) were isolated from the other states up in the nosebleed seats. When the microphone got to them, it "mysteriously" stopped working. If one of the other states said "10 votes for Mitt Romney and 5 votes for Ron Paul", the announcer on stage only repeated the "10 votes for Mitt Romney".
On top of this, they voted on changing the rules for next time so that party embarrassments like Ron Paul wouldn't have a chance. Naturally, the Ron Paul supporters were not amused:
Most of the rest of the day was speeches. There was VA Gov. Bob McDonald waxing poetic about how his state "did build that" without acknowledging how the northern half (the one that brings in all the money) is all federal government contractors (mostly military). SC Gov Nikki Haley touted her state's manufacturing and union busting.
Rick Santorum talked mostly about himself. He didn't mention Mitt Romney at all. He did talk a lot about hands. That was weird.
One of the most anticipated speeches was by Ann Romney - Mitt's wife. She stood there in an expensive designer dress and millions in offshore accounts talking about struggling economically. It was absurd and everyone knew it, hence the tepid reaction from the crowd. She said that the most important thing was "love".
Which made it even more hilarious when the fat goomba governor of NJ (yet another governor...hmmm) Chris Christie lumbered out onto the stage for the keynote address, and promptly told the crowd it was better to be respected than loved.
Oops.
Along with cancelling out Ann Romney's message, he also went on to delineate the differences between Republicans and Democrats, mostly lying about both. He also said that "real leaders don't follow polls - they change polls", which is hilarious considering how weather vane Mitt changes his positions every time the political wind blows a different direction. Like Santorum and Haley before him, he barely mentioned Mitt at all. It was more of a "I'll be running for the nomination in 2016" speech.
Perhaps the reason for having all those governors there was to shore up Romeny's experience as governor of Massachusetts. They criticized president Obama's economic policies, while talking about how great their states were doing. That would seem to undercut their own message. I'd love to see the Obama campaign use snippets of those for his own campaign ads.
As you might expect, there were some sideshow stories coming from the convention, like all of the strip clubs, including the one with a Sarah Palin impersonator. Workers checking IDs at these establishments report that there is a large contigent of conventioneers showing up. It makes one wonder if they've read their own platform.
There was also the attendee that threw nuts at a black CNN camerawoman and yelled "this is how we feed the animals". It would be awesome if she got that on tape, but I imagine we'd be seeing it already if she had.
Tonight we'll have another parade of Republican speakers, including Mitch McConnell, John McCain, Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee, Condoleeza Rice, and veep candidate Paul Ryan. That should be quite the pastiche of conservative dogma and President Obama bashing. I wonder how many of them will actually mention Mitt Romney?
Grab your popcorn!
Like their convention 4 years ago, a hurricane cut short their plans by one day. You'd think they'd get the hint that someone was trying to tell them something, but of course they don't.
Weather wasn't the only hurricane. For the couple weeks previous to the convention, it's been all rape and abortion all the time. Todd Akin (R-MO) got the ball rolling with his "legitimate rape" comment. Then there was PA Senate candidate Tom Smith who said his daughter's out-of-wedlock pregnancy was the same thing as rape. He also said that there should be no abortions allowed for rape victims. NJ Governor Chris Christie - slated to speak at the convention - said that the GOP shouldn't condescend to women.
With all this woman-bashing talk, you have to wonder how that all squares with the Republican party platform and the candidates. As it turns out, the GOP Platform codifies the anti-abortion rhetoric. They also apparently decided to officially come out against gay marriage and porn (although I don't know if that's exactly going to fly with some of their supporters). As has been widely reported, veep candidate Paul Ryan has espoused these views as well, and has been trying very hard to obfuscate that recently. His record is a matter of record, though, and he can't deny his previous votes. If you are a women that supports your (or your daughter's) right to contraception and emergency abortion, this should be a deal-breaker for you.
Getting back to the convention itself, yesterday was the roll-call vote. This is where every "great" state gets to announce how many delegate votes they are casting, and for which candidate. Convention organizers decided to handle this with all the diplomacy of a cold war dictator. States that did not go for Romney (Georgia - Newt Gingrich, and the states that went to Ron Paul) were isolated from the other states up in the nosebleed seats. When the microphone got to them, it "mysteriously" stopped working. If one of the other states said "10 votes for Mitt Romney and 5 votes for Ron Paul", the announcer on stage only repeated the "10 votes for Mitt Romney".
On top of this, they voted on changing the rules for next time so that party embarrassments like Ron Paul wouldn't have a chance. Naturally, the Ron Paul supporters were not amused:
A minor revolt broke out on the floor of the Republican Party's presidential convention Tuesday afternoon and evening. Ron Paul delegates from several states erupted into protest over a controversial change to the party's rules to block future insurgencies mounted by outside candidates like their hero. Paul supporters also freaked out over the convention's refusal to recognize about two dozen Paul delegates and for refusing to treat Paul like a serious candidate for the nomination.
During the roll call of the states, the Paulites were irate, screaming at the podium, as convention secretary Kim Reynolds declined to read out the delegate votes for any candidate other than Romney. "The Republican Party is so afraid of Ron Paul that they won't repeat his name," shouted Jim Ayala, a Nevada delegate and Paul supporter wearing an Oath Keepers t-shirt.
Minutes earlier, the Paulites were enraged when the convention adopted the new set of rules on a voice vote during which the Paul backers out-shouted the other delegates. One Nevada delegate and Paul supporter, Mark Carducci, thrust two middle fingers into the air toward RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), screaming "Fuck you, tyrants!"
Most of the rest of the day was speeches. There was VA Gov. Bob McDonald waxing poetic about how his state "did build that" without acknowledging how the northern half (the one that brings in all the money) is all federal government contractors (mostly military). SC Gov Nikki Haley touted her state's manufacturing and union busting.
Rick Santorum talked mostly about himself. He didn't mention Mitt Romney at all. He did talk a lot about hands. That was weird.
One of the most anticipated speeches was by Ann Romney - Mitt's wife. She stood there in an expensive designer dress and millions in offshore accounts talking about struggling economically. It was absurd and everyone knew it, hence the tepid reaction from the crowd. She said that the most important thing was "love".
Which made it even more hilarious when the fat goomba governor of NJ (yet another governor...hmmm) Chris Christie lumbered out onto the stage for the keynote address, and promptly told the crowd it was better to be respected than loved.
Oops.
Along with cancelling out Ann Romney's message, he also went on to delineate the differences between Republicans and Democrats, mostly lying about both. He also said that "real leaders don't follow polls - they change polls", which is hilarious considering how weather vane Mitt changes his positions every time the political wind blows a different direction. Like Santorum and Haley before him, he barely mentioned Mitt at all. It was more of a "I'll be running for the nomination in 2016" speech.
Perhaps the reason for having all those governors there was to shore up Romeny's experience as governor of Massachusetts. They criticized president Obama's economic policies, while talking about how great their states were doing. That would seem to undercut their own message. I'd love to see the Obama campaign use snippets of those for his own campaign ads.
As you might expect, there were some sideshow stories coming from the convention, like all of the strip clubs, including the one with a Sarah Palin impersonator. Workers checking IDs at these establishments report that there is a large contigent of conventioneers showing up. It makes one wonder if they've read their own platform.
There was also the attendee that threw nuts at a black CNN camerawoman and yelled "this is how we feed the animals". It would be awesome if she got that on tape, but I imagine we'd be seeing it already if she had.
Tonight we'll have another parade of Republican speakers, including Mitch McConnell, John McCain, Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee, Condoleeza Rice, and veep candidate Paul Ryan. That should be quite the pastiche of conservative dogma and President Obama bashing. I wonder how many of them will actually mention Mitt Romney?
Grab your popcorn!
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 13:09:57
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 13:09:57
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 08/29/2012 13:12:01
TriSec on 08/29/2012 13:12:01
Morning, comrades!
Sitting at my home desk with Momma on in the background...off for more toxins today.
Sitting at my home desk with Momma on in the background...off for more toxins today.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:13:57
Ohh that sounds like fun!
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:13:57
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades!
Sitting at my home desk with Momma on in the background...off for more toxins today.
Ohh that sounds like fun!
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:27:31
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:27:31
Morning,
So sorry I missed the Santorum spew. I was at a PTA meeting at my childs school.
Oh dear GOD. I am a ................ parent
So sorry I missed the Santorum spew. I was at a PTA meeting at my childs school.
Oh dear GOD. I am a ................ parent
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:29:03
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:29:03
Dear America,
If you have broadband internet access through your cable provider, you most likely have some sort of security software available to you. Please use it. This will prevent your computer from becoming a festering boil of adware. Thank you.
If you have broadband internet access through your cable provider, you most likely have some sort of security software available to you. Please use it. This will prevent your computer from becoming a festering boil of adware. Thank you.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:29:31
Don't get the minivan! Noooooooo!
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:29:31
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning,
So sorry I missed the Santorum spew. I was at a PTA meeting at my childs school.
Oh dear GOD. I am a ................ parent
Don't get the minivan! Noooooooo!
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:29:59
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:29:59
Wait, Bobby Jindal is speaking tonight? He's not in NOLA telling the feds to f*ck off and take their money back to DC?
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 13:36:29
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 13:36:29
I don't get how Ron Paul supporters still stick with a party that really doesn't want them.
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:37:03
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 13:37:03
By the way, I'm thinking of a contest:
SPOT THE (non-paid) BLACK PERSON AT THE RNC
Rules,
must be actually African American, not white person with a tan
must take a screen shot of person actually enjoying the event and not afraid.
black person should not be working at the event (vending, tv crew, stagehand, or hired person in the crowd etc)
Black person cannot be a white person with black skin, i.e. Clarence Thomas
Good luck!!
SPOT THE (non-paid) BLACK PERSON AT THE RNC
Rules,
must be actually African American, not white person with a tan
must take a screen shot of person actually enjoying the event and not afraid.
black person should not be working at the event (vending, tv crew, stagehand, or hired person in the crowd etc)
Black person cannot be a white person with black skin, i.e. Clarence Thomas
Good luck!!
Comment by TriSec on 08/29/2012 13:39:53
I was struck by the number of white-haired males in the crowd shots last night. There was the occasional "youngling", but you could see their empty souls right through their black, shark-like eyes.
TriSec on 08/29/2012 13:39:53
Quote by velveeta jones:
By the way, I'm thinking of a contest:
SPOT THE (non-paid) BLACK PERSON AT THE RNC
Rules,
must be actually African American, not white person with a tan
must take a screen shot of person actually enjoying the event and not afraid.
black person should not be working at the event (vending, tv crew, stagehand, or hired person in the crowd etc)
Black person cannot be a white person with black skin, i.e. Clarence Thomas
Good luck!!
I was struck by the number of white-haired males in the crowd shots last night. There was the occasional "youngling", but you could see their empty souls right through their black, shark-like eyes.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:47:13
Oh VJ you scamp!
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 13:47:13
Quote by velveeta jones:
By the way, I'm thinking of a contest:
SPOT THE (non-paid) BLACK PERSON AT THE RNC
Rules,
must be actually African American, not white person with a tan
must take a screen shot of person actually enjoying the event and not afraid.
black person should not be working at the event (vending, tv crew, stagehand, or hired person in the crowd etc)
Black person cannot be a white person with black skin, i.e. Clarence Thomas
Good luck!!
Oh VJ you scamp!
Comment by 
Raine on 08/29/2012 13:55:14
Good Morning!
Last night was weird
and Boner talked about bars. He did.
Raine on 08/29/2012 13:55:14
Good Morning! Last night was weird
and Boner talked about bars. He did.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:01:14
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:01:14
Personally I don't want to come to work with a massive hangover from the drinking I would need to do to get through the hot mess o' hate. I also don't want scream myself hoarse, nor do I want to destroy my teevee. So, I will spend the next frew days watching episodes of "The Wire" (season 4) and "Treme" on demand.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:05:13
The Boner, last night.
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:05:13
“My dad and my uncles owned a bar outside of Cincinnati. I worked there growing up, mopping floors, waiting tables. Believe me when I say I learned how to deal with every character who walked in the door. So let’s say right now, a guy walked into our bar and said, ‘the private sector is doing fine.’ Well, do you know what we’d do? That’s right: we’d throw him out. … If a guy walked into our bar … and said, ‘if you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that,' do you know what we’d do? Throw him out. …. President Obama just doesn’t get this. He can’t fix the economy because he doesn’t know how it was built. So in 70 days, when the American people walk into the voting booth, what should we do? Throw him out. “
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:05:57
We watch, so you don't have to.
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:05:57
Quote by Mondobubba:
Personally I don't want to come to work with a massive hangover from the drinking I would need to do to get through the hot mess o' hate. I also don't want scream myself hoarse, nor do I want to destroy my teevee. So, I will spend the next frew days watching episodes of "The Wire" (season 4) and "Treme" on demand.
We watch, so you don't have to.
Comment by 
BobR on 08/29/2012 14:06:36
BobR on 08/29/2012 14:06:36
I only half-listened to Boner's speech. The one from Santorum, though was a doozy. He literally talked about hands for 5 minutes. 
Comment by TriSec on 08/29/2012 14:08:26
TriSec on 08/29/2012 14:08:26
Ah, it's recruiting season around here (Cub Scouts). I had the teevee mosheen on in the background, and it was just that, noise. I gave up shortly before Ann told us that all we need is love.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:08:47
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:08:47
Is there a drinking game for the RNC? What are the words/phrase you drink on?
"We built this!"
"Freedom"
"Restore America"
"Socialism"
"We built this!"
"Freedom"
"Restore America"
"Socialism"
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:09:30
My thoughts as I read Bobber's excellent blog.
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:09:30
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:
Personally I don't want to come to work with a massive hangover from the drinking I would need to do to get through the hot mess o' hate. I also don't want scream myself hoarse, nor do I want to destroy my teevee. So, I will spend the next frew days watching episodes of "The Wire" (season 4) and "Treme" on demand.
We watch, so you don't have to.
My thoughts as I read Bobber's excellent blog.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:09:48
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:09:48
it would be nice to actually hear Steph's guest :/
Comment by 
clintster on 08/29/2012 14:10:03
clintster on 08/29/2012 14:10:03
Just saw the Obama "ROPE" poster on Google (I won't even link to it out of respect). I know that there is an undercurrent of racism in the current anti-Obama rhetoric, but what the Hell?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 08/29/2012 14:10:03
Scoopster on 08/29/2012 14:10:03
Mornin' all & Happy Humpdee! 
Man this is turnin' out to be one awesome week! First I get a fairly clean bill of health from the doc, then I kicked major card-player ass in a major tournament this weekend, then I get a letter from my best friend who i haven't heard from in a year, then I get a PM from a lady friend sayin' she'll be in state next month.
Now I just need to hit a small lottery so I can make up for all the money I burnt over the weekend.
Man this is turnin' out to be one awesome week! First I get a fairly clean bill of health from the doc, then I kicked major card-player ass in a major tournament this weekend, then I get a letter from my best friend who i haven't heard from in a year, then I get a PM from a lady friend sayin' she'll be in state next month.
Now I just need to hit a small lottery so I can make up for all the money I burnt over the weekend.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:25:06
I wonder if the artist can be reported to the FBI?
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:25:06
Quote by clintster:
Just saw the Obama "ROPE" poster on Google (I won't even link to it out of respect). I know that there is an undercurrent of racism in the current anti-Obama rhetoric, but what the Hell?
I wonder if the artist can be reported to the FBI?
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:28:54
That happens alot lately.
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:28:54
Quote by wickedpam:
it would be nice to actually hear Steph's guest :/
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 14:29:16
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 14:29:16
Must disagree, no matter how much we hate the art, we don't arrest artists. We've been through this with so many writers and playwrights!
I prefer a quiet but firm kick in the balls.
I prefer a quiet but firm kick in the balls.
Comment by velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 14:33:27
Well, after all the kids he's had, I'm sure his wife doesn't want anymore. And since sex is ONLY for procreation, that's all he has left. His hands.
Poor thing.
velveeta jones on 08/29/2012 14:33:27
Quote by BobR:
I only half-listened to Boner's speech. The one from Santorum, though was a doozy. He literally talked about hands for 5 minutes.
Well, after all the kids he's had, I'm sure his wife doesn't want anymore. And since sex is ONLY for procreation, that's all he has left. His hands.
Poor thing.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:35:37
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:35:37
Fluck CNN. About the nut incident bobber mentioned:
This is a legitimate story-- and they won't comment on it.
CNN can confirm there was an incident directed at an employee inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum earlier this afternoon. CNN worked with convention officials to address this matter and will have no further comment,†the network said in a statement
This is a legitimate story-- and they won't comment on it.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:38:02
its not so much as arrest the artist, cause you can certainly have art that descents and I support that even if I don't like the message or agree with it, this to me seems more like a death threat.
I suppose its that whole fine line thing *sigh* stupid lines.
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 14:38:02
Quote by velveeta jones:
Must disagree, no matter how much we hate the art, we don't arrest artists. We've been through this with so many writers and playwrights!
I prefer a quiet but firm kick in the balls.
its not so much as arrest the artist, cause you can certainly have art that descents and I support that even if I don't like the message or agree with it, this to me seems more like a death threat.
I suppose its that whole fine line thing *sigh* stupid lines.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:39:07
I think there might be some lawyers involved.
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:39:07
Quote by Raine:
Fluck CNN. About the nut incident bobber mentioned:CNN can confirm there was an incident directed at an employee inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum earlier this afternoon. CNN worked with convention officials to address this matter and will have no further comment,†the network said in a statement
This is a legitimate story-- and they won't comment on it.
I think there might be some lawyers involved.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 14:41:21
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 14:41:21
Good morning!! BobR, thanks for a great blog on the strange events in Tampa. I am not watching as I prefer reading about this sort of mess.
Racism is part of the GOP and is often coded into hate for the government and government programs. Take Neal Boortz's diatribe that government schools created Obama.
Time Wise had a great piece recently on the use of racism by the current GOP. The goal is to make the current president and Democratic politicians seem illegitimate, and their supporters to be illegitimate as Americans.
Some years back, I learned that one of my grandfathers was a Republican precinct captain in Chicago in the 1930s onwards. This current GOP bears little resemblance to a party that would support a Wendell Wilkie or a Dwight Eisenhower. This is a party that questions the patriotism and legitimacy of their political supporters. It is a party that is increasingly a party of aging Evangelical white males which makes no appeals to minority or women voters. It is a party that makes me argue for a change to our election laws to make it easier for third parties to exist to give voters more choices. I fear that the GOP will go the way of the Whigs but not go gently. This is a party that approaches too many other Americans with neither love nor respect. As such, I question their fitness to govern this nation as they seem to have forgotten Abraham Lincoln's quoting of Jesus of Nazareth who knew that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Racism is part of the GOP and is often coded into hate for the government and government programs. Take Neal Boortz's diatribe that government schools created Obama.
Time Wise had a great piece recently on the use of racism by the current GOP. The goal is to make the current president and Democratic politicians seem illegitimate, and their supporters to be illegitimate as Americans.
If It Walks Like a Duck and Talks Like a Duck: Racism, Bigotry and the Death of Respectable Conservatism
Posted on August 25, 2012
For the most part, I’ve tried to be restrained.
Although conservatives accuse those of us on the left of thinking that all critiques of President Obama are rooted in racism, this has certainly never been my argument. Indeed, I’ve written two books highly critical of Obama’s positions on a number of issues (from a place well to his left), and am fully aware that decent, honest people can disagree with Barack Obama from the right, too, without their disagreements serving as proof of some latent, let alone blatant, bigotry or anti-black bias.
That said, what I have also long maintained — and what seems increasingly evident as we move into the heart of the 2012 campaign — is that the style of opposition, its specific form, and its particular content are too often embedded in a narrative of white racial resentment, white racial anxiety, and a desire to “other†the president in ways that go well beyond the politically partisan. It is not that criticisms of Obama are quantitatively racist, per se, but rather that they are qualitatively so in too many instances; a distinction, yes, but one that does not alter the underlying reality.
In other words, it is one thing to disagree, even mightily, with a president’s policies.
It is quite another to suggest that that president is really a foreign imposter: over, and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. And to accept no proof, no matter how extensive, that he really is an American after all.*
Or to suggest that he is a secret Muslim who wishes to see Sharia Law imposed in the United States, and who is working to usher in just such an outcome, and that he and his wife engage in “terrorist fist jabs†as their preferred form of greeting.
Or a Manchurian Candidate, bent on destroying America, or at least deliberately destroying the economy so as to pay whites back for slavery and racism, and insisting that he only appoints people to his administration if they hate whites, and that he only received the endorsement of Colin Powell because he’s black.
Some years back, I learned that one of my grandfathers was a Republican precinct captain in Chicago in the 1930s onwards. This current GOP bears little resemblance to a party that would support a Wendell Wilkie or a Dwight Eisenhower. This is a party that questions the patriotism and legitimacy of their political supporters. It is a party that is increasingly a party of aging Evangelical white males which makes no appeals to minority or women voters. It is a party that makes me argue for a change to our election laws to make it easier for third parties to exist to give voters more choices. I fear that the GOP will go the way of the Whigs but not go gently. This is a party that approaches too many other Americans with neither love nor respect. As such, I question their fitness to govern this nation as they seem to have forgotten Abraham Lincoln's quoting of Jesus of Nazareth who knew that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:42:43
You may be correct, Mondo.
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:42:43
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Fluck CNN. About the nut incident bobber mentioned:CNN can confirm there was an incident directed at an employee inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum earlier this afternoon. CNN worked with convention officials to address this matter and will have no further comment,†the network said in a statement
This is a legitimate story-- and they won't comment on it.
I think there might be some lawyers involved.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:44:28
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:44:28
Bob said it best last night:
Rick Santorum gave the RNC a handjob last night.
Rick Santorum gave the RNC a handjob last night.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:44:32
This is not my maternal grandfather's beloved Republican party.
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:44:32
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning!! BobR, thanks for a great blog on the strange events in Tampa. I am not watching as I prefer reading about this sort of mess.
Racism is part of the GOP and is often coded into hate for the government and government programs. Take Neal Boortz's diatribe that government schools created Obama.
Time Wise had a great piece recently on the use of racism by the current GOP. The goal is to make the current president and Democratic politicians seem illegitimate, and their supporters to be illegitimate as Americans.If It Walks Like a Duck and Talks Like a Duck: Racism, Bigotry and the Death of Respectable Conservatism
Posted on August 25, 2012
For the most part, I’ve tried to be restrained.
Although conservatives accuse those of us on the left of thinking that all critiques of President Obama are rooted in racism, this has certainly never been my argument. Indeed, I’ve written two books highly critical of Obama’s positions on a number of issues (from a place well to his left), and am fully aware that decent, honest people can disagree with Barack Obama from the right, too, without their disagreements serving as proof of some latent, let alone blatant, bigotry or anti-black bias.
That said, what I have also long maintained — and what seems increasingly evident as we move into the heart of the 2012 campaign — is that the style of opposition, its specific form, and its particular content are too often embedded in a narrative of white racial resentment, white racial anxiety, and a desire to “other†the president in ways that go well beyond the politically partisan. It is not that criticisms of Obama are quantitatively racist, per se, but rather that they are qualitatively so in too many instances; a distinction, yes, but one that does not alter the underlying reality.
In other words, it is one thing to disagree, even mightily, with a president’s policies.
It is quite another to suggest that that president is really a foreign imposter: over, and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. And to accept no proof, no matter how extensive, that he really is an American after all.*
Or to suggest that he is a secret Muslim who wishes to see Sharia Law imposed in the United States, and who is working to usher in just such an outcome, and that he and his wife engage in “terrorist fist jabs†as their preferred form of greeting.
Or a Manchurian Candidate, bent on destroying America, or at least deliberately destroying the economy so as to pay whites back for slavery and racism, and insisting that he only appoints people to his administration if they hate whites, and that he only received the endorsement of Colin Powell because he’s black.
Some years back, I learned that one of my grandfathers was a Republican precinct captain in Chicago in the 1930s onwards. This current GOP bears little resemblance to a party that would support a Wendell Wilkie or a Dwight Eisenhower. This is a party that questions the patriotism and legitimacy of their political supporters. It is a party that is increasingly a party of aging Evangelical white males which makes no appeals to minority or women voters. It is a party that makes me argue for a change to our election laws to make it easier for third parties to exist to give voters more choices. I fear that the GOP will go the way of the Whigs but not go gently. This is a party that approaches too many other Americans with neither love nor respect. As such, I question their fitness to govern this nation as they seem to have forgotten Abraham Lincoln's quoting of Jesus of Nazareth who knew that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
This is not my maternal grandfather's beloved Republican party.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:45:00
:shudder: Ewww?
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 14:45:00
Quote by Raine:
Bob said it best last night:
Rick Santorum gave the RNC a handjob last night.
:shudder: Ewww?
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 14:50:49
Raine on 08/29/2012 14:50:49
Ben Quayle lost his primary last night. The GOP stayed out of the race because the Club for growth warned them to.
Quayle had the support of prominent GOP figures like Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl. Over the summer, he revived his 2010 campaign ad rhetoric, calling President Obama the "worst president in history."
While Quayle had some establishment support, the influential conservative group Club for Growth warned the Republican Party to stay out of the primary. If the GOP backed Quayle, Club leaders warned they would back Schweikert.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 15:00:04
Gawker nails it.
Raine on 08/29/2012 15:00:04
Rick Santorum talked mostly about himself. He didn't mention Mitt Romney at all. He did talk a lot about hands. That was weird.
Rick Santorum is still talking on national television. Tonight, during the Republican National Convention, he decided to talk about hands. But not just any hands. He talked about his father's hands, his daughter's hands. Poor hands. Weathered hands. Old hands. Young hands. But what about dude's hands that hold other dude's hands, Rick? What about those hands?
Comment by Scoopster on 08/29/2012 15:11:11
Scoopster on 08/29/2012 15:11:11
This idiot caller has absolutely no idea what he's talking about. IT'S THE LOOPHOLES, STUPID!
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 15:11:49
Raine on 08/29/2012 15:11:49
Billy, you are obtuse.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 15:14:17
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 15:14:17
$75/month basement apartment? I would have killed for that!
Comment by BobR on 08/29/2012 15:14:37
Isn't that what the Republicans refer to as "Chicago-style politics"?
BobR on 08/29/2012 15:14:37
Quote by Raine:
Ben Quayle lost his primary last night. The GOP stayed out of the race because the Club for growth warned them to.Quayle had the support of prominent GOP figures like Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl. Over the summer, he revived his 2010 campaign ad rhetoric, calling President Obama the "worst president in history."
While Quayle had some establishment support, the influential conservative group Club for Growth warned the Republican Party to stay out of the primary. If the GOP backed Quayle, Club leaders warned they would back Schweikert.
Isn't that what the Republicans refer to as "Chicago-style politics"?
Comment by TriSec on 08/29/2012 15:15:43
TriSec on 08/29/2012 15:15:43
Alright gang...I'm dropping off for now.
Time to head to the hospital...
Time to head to the hospital...
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:24:23
Have fun!
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:24:23
Quote by TriSec:
Alright gang...I'm dropping off for now.
Time to head to the hospital...
Have fun!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 15:32:07
Perhaps, but as a Chicago native, I expect politics to be hardball not softball. Still, I hope that we see a few upsets in Arizona. I suspect that it may be one of the last gasps for Republicans in a few districts with increasing numbers of Hispanic voters.
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 15:32:07
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Ben Quayle lost his primary last night. The GOP stayed out of the race because the Club for growth warned them to.Quayle had the support of prominent GOP figures like Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl. Over the summer, he revived his 2010 campaign ad rhetoric, calling President Obama the "worst president in history."
While Quayle had some establishment support, the influential conservative group Club for Growth warned the Republican Party to stay out of the primary. If the GOP backed Quayle, Club leaders warned they would back Schweikert.
Isn't that what the Republicans refer to as "Chicago-style politics"?
Perhaps, but as a Chicago native, I expect politics to be hardball not softball. Still, I hope that we see a few upsets in Arizona. I suspect that it may be one of the last gasps for Republicans in a few districts with increasing numbers of Hispanic voters.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 15:47:32
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 15:47:32
One thing that I worry about with the rhetoric of hatred being bandied about is that it will encourage those who are violent and hateful to act. A story from AP confirms my worst suspicions and makes me wonder about the future of our country.
Why do I think that the police chief in East Lansing may have less competence and sensitivity than Barney Fife?
Police: Mich. Student Attack Not Likely Hate Crime
A Michigan State University student said he was attacked at an off-campus party by two men who asked if he was Jewish, and when he said he was, punched him and then stapled his mouth.
"It's shameful that in 21st century America, such religious hatred exists in our country," Zach Tennen, a 19-year-old sophomore, said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. "No one should ever be subjected to the horror I experienced."
But police in East Lansing said Tuesday the incident probably isn't a hate crime, and neither police nor Tennen's statement provided details about the attack, including how many people were present.
Why do I think that the police chief in East Lansing may have less competence and sensitivity than Barney Fife?
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 15:50:14
Raine on 08/29/2012 15:50:14
Sometimes he's frustrating to listen to, but DAMN if Charlie Pierce isn't an awesome writer. This was epic.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:51:46
What is interesting about Arizona is the dominace that Maricopa County has over the rest of the state. They majority of state senators and representatives are from Maricopa /Phoenix and they ride roughshod over the interests of the rest of the state.
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:51:46
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Ben Quayle lost his primary last night. The GOP stayed out of the race because the Club for growth warned them to.Quayle had the support of prominent GOP figures like Republican Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl. Over the summer, he revived his 2010 campaign ad rhetoric, calling President Obama the "worst president in history."
While Quayle had some establishment support, the influential conservative group Club for Growth warned the Republican Party to stay out of the primary. If the GOP backed Quayle, Club leaders warned they would back Schweikert.
Isn't that what the Republicans refer to as "Chicago-style politics"?
Perhaps, but as a Chicago native, I expect politics to be hardball not softball. Still, I hope that we see a few upsets in Arizona. I suspect that it may be one of the last gasps for Republicans in a few districts with increasing numbers of Hispanic voters.
What is interesting about Arizona is the dominace that Maricopa County has over the rest of the state. They majority of state senators and representatives are from Maricopa /Phoenix and they ride roughshod over the interests of the rest of the state.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 15:55:23
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 15:55:23
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:57:55
The local news here was pretty sparse about the RNC as well. Since ABC, NBC and CBS aren't bothering to have convention coverage at all, why should the affilates mention it on the local news?
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:57:55
Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
The local news here was pretty sparse about the RNC as well. Since ABC, NBC and CBS aren't bothering to have convention coverage at all, why should the affilates mention it on the local news?
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 15:58:51
That's unusual for channel 9.
Chris Cooley leaving is a pretty big local story, I suppose.
Raine on 08/29/2012 15:58:51
Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
Chris Cooley leaving is a pretty big local story, I suppose.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:59:54
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 15:59:54
Dear America,
Please do not call your web hosting company / web developer and ask to have Pay Pal buttons added to your website unitl you, 1) HAVE A PAY PAL ACCOUNT! 2) Get the code for the button from Pay Pal.
Thanks.
Please do not call your web hosting company / web developer and ask to have Pay Pal buttons added to your website unitl you, 1) HAVE A PAY PAL ACCOUNT! 2) Get the code for the button from Pay Pal.
Thanks.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:14:31
Cause its DC and politics is local here
The networks have shoved coverage to after 10 which is okay by me, I can avoid it
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:14:31
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
The local news here was pretty sparse about the RNC as well. Since ABC, NBC and CBS aren't bothering to have convention coverage at all, why should the affilates mention it on the local news?
Cause its DC and politics is local here
The networks have shoved coverage to after 10 which is okay by me, I can avoid it
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:15:03
Redskins seems to trump eveything
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:15:03
Quote by Raine:That's unusual for channel 9.Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
Chris Cooley leaving is a pretty big local story, I suppose.
Redskins seems to trump eveything
Comment by BobR on 08/29/2012 16:16:28
except for when they are actually playing
BobR on 08/29/2012 16:16:28
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That's unusual for channel 9.Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
Chris Cooley leaving is a pretty big local story, I suppose.
Redskins seems to trump eveything
except for when they are actually playing
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:18:36
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 16:18:36
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That's unusual for channel 9.Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
Chris Cooley leaving is a pretty big local story, I suppose.
Redskins seems to trump eveything
except for when they are actually playing
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 17:00:54
The RNC is not apporpriate for "Family Hour" anyway.
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 17:00:54
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
The local news here was pretty sparse about the RNC as well. Since ABC, NBC and CBS aren't bothering to have convention coverage at all, why should the affilates mention it on the local news?
Cause its DC and politics is local here
The networks have shoved coverage to after 10 which is okay by me, I can avoid it
The RNC is not apporpriate for "Family Hour" anyway.
Comment by wickedpam on 08/29/2012 17:09:23
wickedpam on 08/29/2012 17:09:23
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
okay - so last night was the 1st day of the RNC convention and Channel 9's FB page is covered with stuff on Issac and Chris Cooley. Does this seem normal for a news agency?
The local news here was pretty sparse about the RNC as well. Since ABC, NBC and CBS aren't bothering to have convention coverage at all, why should the affilates mention it on the local news?
Cause its DC and politics is local here
The networks have shoved coverage to after 10 which is okay by me, I can avoid it
The RNC is not apporpriate for "Family Hour" anyway.
Comment by 
livingonli on 08/29/2012 17:14:45
livingonli on 08/29/2012 17:14:45
Good day, folks. I am largely tuning out the GOP insanity fest as well since it will make me sick. I watched Thom Hartmann's show on Free Speech TV but tuned out the convention coverage since I knew it would be craptacular.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 18:24:56
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 18:24:56
My new goal in life is to organize the hourly employees where I work so we can bargin collectively and reform the pay structure.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 18:39:57
Raine on 08/29/2012 18:39:57
Romney Capaign Party yacht flies a Cayman Islands flag. but WAIT! ... there more!
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was scheduled to speak.
The Cracker Bay is owned by Gary Morse, developer of the Villages retirement community. Companies controlled by Morse gave nearly $1 million to the pro-Romney Restore Our Future superPAC. Registered in the Caymans, and flying a version of the Caymans' "civil ensign" or merchant flag, the Cracker Bay has an impressive art collection and can seat 30 for dinner.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 18:58:28
Yes that's called a flag of convenience. Wait for it....
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 18:58:28
Quote by Raine:
Romney Capaign Party yacht flies a Cayman Islands flag. but WAIT! ... there more!Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was scheduled to speak.
The Cracker Bay is owned by Gary Morse, developer of the Villages retirement community. Companies controlled by Morse gave nearly $1 million to the pro-Romney Restore Our Future superPAC. Registered in the Caymans, and flying a version of the Caymans' "civil ensign" or merchant flag, the Cracker Bay has an impressive art collection and can seat 30 for dinner.
Yes that's called a flag of convenience. Wait for it....
Ships are registered under flags of convenience to reduce operating costs or avoid the regulations of the owner's country.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 19:29:28
So, even when seeking the nomination of the Republican Party in order to try to become President of the United States of America, Mitt Romney has parties on a ship registered to a foreign nation that allows billionaires to take steps to avoid paying taxes. Typical!
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 19:29:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Romney Capaign Party yacht flies a Cayman Islands flag. but WAIT! ... there more!Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was scheduled to speak.
The Cracker Bay is owned by Gary Morse, developer of the Villages retirement community. Companies controlled by Morse gave nearly $1 million to the pro-Romney Restore Our Future superPAC. Registered in the Caymans, and flying a version of the Caymans' "civil ensign" or merchant flag, the Cracker Bay has an impressive art collection and can seat 30 for dinner.
Yes that's called a flag of convenience. Wait for it....Ships are registered under flags of convenience to reduce operating costs or avoid the regulations of the owner's country.
So, even when seeking the nomination of the Republican Party in order to try to become President of the United States of America, Mitt Romney has parties on a ship registered to a foreign nation that allows billionaires to take steps to avoid paying taxes. Typical!
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 19:35:46
Yep, pretty much, Will.
Here is another nugget mined from the Wikipedia article:
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 19:35:46
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Romney Capaign Party yacht flies a Cayman Islands flag. but WAIT! ... there more!Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was scheduled to speak.
The Cracker Bay is owned by Gary Morse, developer of the Villages retirement community. Companies controlled by Morse gave nearly $1 million to the pro-Romney Restore Our Future superPAC. Registered in the Caymans, and flying a version of the Caymans' "civil ensign" or merchant flag, the Cracker Bay has an impressive art collection and can seat 30 for dinner.
Yes that's called a flag of convenience. Wait for it....Ships are registered under flags of convenience to reduce operating costs or avoid the regulations of the owner's country.
So, even when seeking the nomination of the Republican Party in order to try to become President of the United States of America, Mitt Romney has parties on a ship registered to a foreign nation that allows billionaires to take steps to avoid paying taxes. Typical!
Yep, pretty much, Will.
Here is another nugget mined from the Wikipedia article:
The International Transport Workers' Federation goes further, stating that flags of convenience "provide a means of avoiding labor regulation in the country of ownership, and become a vehicle for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC ships have no real nationality, they are beyond the reach of any single national seafarers' trade union."
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 19:51:29
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 19:51:29
Mondo, so I guess Mitt is openly associating with people who recognize the sovereignty of no nation over their labor practices. Ah, Mondo, Romney could hardly expose his true self more than if he decided to flash the crowd on Thursday!
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 19:59:29
Make NO mistake about this: the Villages are a GOP wet dream THIS is what they want to happen to America. You step outside the villages, and you will see the result of the Villages. Entire communities that serve them, and entire towns that serve them -- with no payback to the REAL and actual municipalities that the Villages exists within.
They suck off of local and state municipalities. The Villages are not a town or city.
Raine on 08/29/2012 19:59:29
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Romney Capaign Party yacht flies a Cayman Islands flag. but WAIT! ... there more!Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell was scheduled to speak.
The Cracker Bay is owned by Gary Morse, developer of the Villages retirement community. Companies controlled by Morse gave nearly $1 million to the pro-Romney Restore Our Future superPAC. Registered in the Caymans, and flying a version of the Caymans' "civil ensign" or merchant flag, the Cracker Bay has an impressive art collection and can seat 30 for dinner.
Yes that's called a flag of convenience. Wait for it....Ships are registered under flags of convenience to reduce operating costs or avoid the regulations of the owner's country.
So, even when seeking the nomination of the Republican Party in order to try to become President of the United States of America, Mitt Romney has parties on a ship registered to a foreign nation that allows billionaires to take steps to avoid paying taxes. Typical!
Yep, pretty much, Will.
Here is another nugget mined from the Wikipedia article:The International Transport Workers' Federation goes further, stating that flags of convenience "provide a means of avoiding labor regulation in the country of ownership, and become a vehicle for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC ships have no real nationality, they are beyond the reach of any single national seafarers' trade union."
They suck off of local and state municipalities. The Villages are not a town or city.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 20:01:11
Just like the Villages.
Raine on 08/29/2012 20:01:11
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Mondo, so I guess Mitt is openly associating with people who recognize the sovereignty of no nation over their labor practices. Ah, Mondo, Romney could hardly expose his true self more than if he decided to flash the crowd on Thursday!
Just like the Villages.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 20:07:20
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 20:07:20
Raine, a friend from Michigan who now regrets moving to Florida, has compared parts of the state to a Third World country with gated communities of the wealthy served by the poor. We spent centuries rejecting serfdom and slavery, yet there are those who can only be content if they are lords or courtiers and the rest of us their serfs. Sorry, Mister Romney, I reject this vision as should anyone who actually believes in the thoughts that inspired our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. One must wonder what goes on in the hearts and minds of those who only wish to see others as servants.
Comment by Raine on 08/29/2012 20:11:06
Raine on 08/29/2012 20:11:06
The Villages is really a GOP wet dream:
There is a reason why GOP candidates love the Villages.
In spite of the fact that children cannot legally reside in most neighborhoods of The Villages, The Villages Charter Schools is a PK-12 charter school in unincorporated Sumter County. Children are eligible to attend the charter school if one or both of their parents work directly for The Villages or one of its direct subcontractors, or if a parent works for a business located within The Villages. Children of residents who reside in a family unit neighborhood or by granted exemption do not automatically qualify for attendance based solely on their residence.
There is a reason why GOP candidates love the Villages.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 20:16:18
These idiots seem to forget that sooner or later, those who set themselves up as royalty are brought down -- whether peacefully or by other means. The British royal family survived by ceding political power to the people, whereas the Russian imperial family will not.
If Mitt Romney wants to play class warfare, he should remember that peasants will ultimately revolt -- peacefully or otherwise -- and win. Mitt Romney and those like him may think that they are well intentioned, but so did a certain fictional Doctor Frankenstein.
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 20:16:18
Quote by Raine:
The Villages is really a GOP wet dream:In spite of the fact that children cannot legally reside in most neighborhoods of The Villages, The Villages Charter Schools is a PK-12 charter school in unincorporated Sumter County. Children are eligible to attend the charter school if one or both of their parents work directly for The Villages or one of its direct subcontractors, or if a parent works for a business located within The Villages. Children of residents who reside in a family unit neighborhood or by granted exemption do not automatically qualify for attendance based solely on their residence.
There is a reason why GOP candidates love the Villages.
These idiots seem to forget that sooner or later, those who set themselves up as royalty are brought down -- whether peacefully or by other means. The British royal family survived by ceding political power to the people, whereas the Russian imperial family will not.
If Mitt Romney wants to play class warfare, he should remember that peasants will ultimately revolt -- peacefully or otherwise -- and win. Mitt Romney and those like him may think that they are well intentioned, but so did a certain fictional Doctor Frankenstein.
Comment by Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 20:53:04
Florida is a profoundly insecure state which is why there are so many gated communities. They all don't cater to the rich, though. There is a gated, yes I said gatedtrailer park mobile home community here!
Mondobubba on 08/29/2012 20:53:04
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, a friend from Michigan who now regrets moving to Florida, has compared parts of the state to a Third World country with gated communities of the wealthy served by the poor. We spent centuries rejecting serfdom and slavery, yet there are those who can only be content if they are lords or courtiers and the rest of us their serfs. Sorry, Mister Romney, I reject this vision as should anyone who actually believes in the thoughts that inspired our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. One must wonder what goes on in the hearts and minds of those who only wish to see others as servants.
Florida is a profoundly insecure state which is why there are so many gated communities. They all don't cater to the rich, though. There is a gated, yes I said gated
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 21:38:18
Such a way of life will in the end prove toxic to a sense of community. We already are seeing an increasing gap between rich and poor, and ultimately people will stand up for themselves and demand to be treated as equals. There is a good line about this from the John Mellencamp song, "We Are the People"
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 21:38:18
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Raine, a friend from Michigan who now regrets moving to Florida, has compared parts of the state to a Third World country with gated communities of the wealthy served by the poor. We spent centuries rejecting serfdom and slavery, yet there are those who can only be content if they are lords or courtiers and the rest of us their serfs. Sorry, Mister Romney, I reject this vision as should anyone who actually believes in the thoughts that inspired our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. One must wonder what goes on in the hearts and minds of those who only wish to see others as servants.
Florida is a profoundly insecure state which is why there are so many gated communities. They all don't cater to the rich, though. There is a gated, yes I said gatedtrailer parkmobile home community here!
Such a way of life will in the end prove toxic to a sense of community. We already are seeing an increasing gap between rich and poor, and ultimately people will stand up for themselves and demand to be treated as equals. There is a good line about this from the John Mellencamp song, "We Are the People"
If you see yourself as a leader, may our thoughts be with you...
If you try to divide and conquer, we'll rise up against you...
We know only the strong with survive, but the meek will inherit...
So if you've got a Coat of Arms, oh friend... I suggest we wear it....
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 22:14:23
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 22:14:23
From the New Orleans Times-Picayune, thoughts on this anniversary of Hurricane Katrina:
Isaac makes for a stormy Hurricane Katrina anniversary: Editorial
Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 6:27 PM
Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune By Editorial page staff, The Times-Picayune
Not that anybody here in August 2005 could forget, but Isaac's approach near the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina was a sobering reminder of our city and region's near destruction and of the deaths and displacement of so many of our friends and loved ones..
Katrina was not New Orleans' introduction to trouble. The city has known perils its entire existence.
But there may have been no more perilous time than that of Katrina and its watery aftermath. At what other point was the continuing existence of the city in such doubt?
We don't hurt today like we did during Katrina's first anniversary, and certainly not like we hurt during the crisis itself. But the pain is still real, and it's likely to be with us even after ongoing recovery is completed.
It's important to note that this community still has its joie de vivre.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 23:56:31
Will in Chicago on 08/29/2012 23:56:31
Did I kill the blog?
Comment by livingonli on 08/30/2012 00:10:28
livingonli on 08/30/2012 00:10:28
I was out and I just got home. And since I really can't sit through the convention, I am watching the Giants-Pats game
Comment by TriSec on 08/30/2012 01:14:03
TriSec on 08/30/2012 01:14:03
Four Freedoms Party, one delegate.
Anyone playing in the mudpit tonite?
Anyone playing in the mudpit tonite?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 08/30/2012 01:28:59
I am listening to Talking Left with Shane-O and Danielle. I am not sure that I want to yell at the TV when Ryan shows up. I am in a bad mood so why make it worse?
Will in Chicago on 08/30/2012 01:28:59
Quote by TriSec:
Four Freedoms Party, one delegate.
Anyone playing in the mudpit tonite?
I am listening to Talking Left with Shane-O and Danielle. I am not sure that I want to yell at the TV when Ryan shows up. I am in a bad mood so why make it worse?
Comment by livingonli on 08/30/2012 01:54:37
livingonli on 08/30/2012 01:54:37
Giants-Pats in a 3-3 tie with 2 minutes left. I guess this is what happens when you don't use your starters.