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Leading US Off a Cliff
Author: BobR
Date: 12/21/2012 13:58:45
Republicans have been critical of President Obama since before he initially took office. As Congress bickers and gets little done, they - and in particular House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) - have tried to paint the president as an ineffectual leader. During the Libya crisis, they castigated him for "leading from behind". As we go through the same and sadly familiar yearly exercise of trying to get a spending bill enacted, Boehner has declared that the president should act like an adult and show some leadership on budget negotiations.
The initial spending bill from the Republicans was DOA, as it was essentially the Ryan budget plan that was soundly rejected by proxy via the most recent general election. So Boehner had the grand idea of proposing a "Plan B". It raised the tax increase bar from $250K/yr to $1M/yr. It also contained some rather draconian cuts in spending. It would not pass the Senate, but the real idea here was to get something out of the House, let the Dems vote it down, and then proclaim victory.
Except - he got shafted by his own party.
This "compromise" which was still too regressive for Democrats was apparently too "liberal" for the majority of Republicans in the House. After trying to rally enough votes before bringing it to the floor, Boehner gave up, and said it was up to the Dems to find a solution. How's that for leadership? If he can't even convince his own party to vote for a bill, what chance does he have to get the Dems to vote for it?
Apparently the Speaker expects the Dems to work on this over the Christmas holiday while they're at home sitting by the fire, and have something ready to go a couple days before new years eve, since they decided to pack it up and go home. How many CEOs do you know of that walk out of a meeting at 5:00 because that's supposed to be quitting time? The president, showing what hard work and leadership looks like, stated that they will work with the Congress to get it done. He's postponed being with his family for Christmas before to be available to sign last minute bills (remember the debt limit debacle?).
The House DID manage to pass the NDAA for next year. Glad to see they have their priorities in order. Military: yes... preventing millions of families' taxes from going up: no. This will hit the poor particularly hard, as below a certain income level, the dollar amount (not percent) of the tax increase is the same. It also means that the extended unemployment benefits will stop as well. Meanwhile, hunger and homelessness is rising dramatically in the U.S.
It's been said that the "fiscal cliff" is really more like a fiscal curb, or a fiscal slope. For those on the margins, however, a curb can seem like a cliff when you're scraping by as it is. The working poor need this deal to happen; they need their government to actually work and compromise and agree on something.
John Boehner has shown himself incapable of doing that. John Boehner can shut the hell up about being a leader and acting like an adult. He's proven he can do neither.
The initial spending bill from the Republicans was DOA, as it was essentially the Ryan budget plan that was soundly rejected by proxy via the most recent general election. So Boehner had the grand idea of proposing a "Plan B". It raised the tax increase bar from $250K/yr to $1M/yr. It also contained some rather draconian cuts in spending. It would not pass the Senate, but the real idea here was to get something out of the House, let the Dems vote it down, and then proclaim victory.
Except - he got shafted by his own party.
This "compromise" which was still too regressive for Democrats was apparently too "liberal" for the majority of Republicans in the House. After trying to rally enough votes before bringing it to the floor, Boehner gave up, and said it was up to the Dems to find a solution. How's that for leadership? If he can't even convince his own party to vote for a bill, what chance does he have to get the Dems to vote for it?
Apparently the Speaker expects the Dems to work on this over the Christmas holiday while they're at home sitting by the fire, and have something ready to go a couple days before new years eve, since they decided to pack it up and go home. How many CEOs do you know of that walk out of a meeting at 5:00 because that's supposed to be quitting time? The president, showing what hard work and leadership looks like, stated that they will work with the Congress to get it done. He's postponed being with his family for Christmas before to be available to sign last minute bills (remember the debt limit debacle?).
The House DID manage to pass the NDAA for next year. Glad to see they have their priorities in order. Military: yes... preventing millions of families' taxes from going up: no. This will hit the poor particularly hard, as below a certain income level, the dollar amount (not percent) of the tax increase is the same. It also means that the extended unemployment benefits will stop as well. Meanwhile, hunger and homelessness is rising dramatically in the U.S.
It's been said that the "fiscal cliff" is really more like a fiscal curb, or a fiscal slope. For those on the margins, however, a curb can seem like a cliff when you're scraping by as it is. The working poor need this deal to happen; they need their government to actually work and compromise and agree on something.
John Boehner has shown himself incapable of doing that. John Boehner can shut the hell up about being a leader and acting like an adult. He's proven he can do neither.
Comments:
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Comment by 
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:05:19
They are truly evil. They have made it clearer than ever that they would rather take the nation down economically in order to protect the wealthy in this nation.
Really evil.
Good morning! First!
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:05:19
They are truly evil. They have made it clearer than ever that they would rather take the nation down economically in order to protect the wealthy in this nation.
Really evil.
Good morning! First!
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:09:53
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:09:53
Morning 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 14:14:13
It isn't even to protect the wealthy, it is we need to take Obama down mentality. They just don't seem to understand that they need to do things for the good of the nation, not for what polls well for the party. They are evil.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 14:14:13
Quote by Raine:
They are truly evil. They have made it clearer than ever that they would rather take the nation down economically in order to protect the wealthy in this nation.
Really evil.
It isn't even to protect the wealthy, it is we need to take Obama down mentality. They just don't seem to understand that they need to do things for the good of the nation, not for what polls well for the party. They are evil.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 14:26:47
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:26:47
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:29:19
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:29:19
Why do I think that Cantor was on one hand telling Boehner to go for it, that he totally backed him, and on the other hand telling the tea party idiots not to vote for it.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 14:34:41
Cantor slowly shoved the knife in Boehner's back, While smiling to his face. From the link I just posted:
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:34:41
Quote by wickedpam:
Why do I think that Cantor was on one hand telling Boehner to go for it, that he totally backed him, and on the other hand telling the tea party idiots not to vote for it.
Cantor slowly shoved the knife in Boehner's back, While smiling to his face. From the link I just posted:
Boehner and his leadership team soon departed. Kevin McCarthy, the GOP whip, who hours earlier was meeting with on-the-fence members over Chick-fil-A sandwiches in his office, left the Capitol looking distressed. So did Eric Cantor, the majority leader, who had spent the past two days wooing backbenchers. Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the Budget Committee chairman and recent Republican vice-presidential candidate, strolled out of the Capitol with Representative Tom Price of Georgia, a popular conservative who has expressed his unhappiness with Boehner’s cliff strategy. The pair declined to discuss the drama, but they both looked tired and frustrated.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 14:41:24
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 14:41:24
Good morning, bloggers!! BobR, thanks for a great blog.
The GOP now has become all about the pursuit of power and defending the interests of the wealthiest Americans and corporations. They are no more the Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower than they are hobbits. (As for John Boehner, I suspect that the may be an exiled Oompa Loompa, but that is another story.)
Thom Hartmann has some thoughts on the chained consumer price index in an article from Alternet. I should point out, as has Jacob Dean, that it was Ronald Reagan who stated in 1984 that Social Security has not contributed one dime to the deficit. There is no need to cut the benefits by linking them to the chained CPI. Compromise is not a virtue for its own sake.
We must not fall into the trap of accepting the GOP's terms in political debates, whether on the social safety net, the budget, foreign policy or gun control. A few moments ago, I observed a moment of silence for the victims of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. As I said yesterday when I called into Bob Kincaid's program on the Head On Radio Network, I fear that the National Rifle Association will only obstruct any move on gun control. It seems that the GOP and the NRA both suffer from recycling the same worn-out, ineffective ideas based on the reality that they have constructed in their own minds -- a reality that holds those who differ from them in scorn and fear. Enough!!
If the President and Congress have to address the financial issues after the first of the year, it can be done. However, I think it will show both the intellectual cowardice and moral bankruptcy of the Republican Party. While I am very skeptical of the President's proposal that the Republicans rejected, perhaps he knew that even with letting them weaken Social Security that they would not accept the deal. Heck, people like Allen West need to keep their conservative credentials intact for their new jobs after the start of the year.
By the way, we got very little snow in the Chicago area. No sign of the end of the world, but perhaps we can take this time to think about how to transform this world into a better place. That is our task and our duty on all days, in any way that we can accomplish it. As for the obstructionists like the GOP, they may be remembered as fools who held on to their vision of reality but could not move beyond it to make a positive difference in their time. It is a shame, and I cannot see Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen or even Richard Nixon being this unreasonable.
The GOP now has become all about the pursuit of power and defending the interests of the wealthiest Americans and corporations. They are no more the Party of Lincoln and Eisenhower than they are hobbits. (As for John Boehner, I suspect that the may be an exiled Oompa Loompa, but that is another story.)
Thom Hartmann has some thoughts on the chained consumer price index in an article from Alternet. I should point out, as has Jacob Dean, that it was Ronald Reagan who stated in 1984 that Social Security has not contributed one dime to the deficit. There is no need to cut the benefits by linking them to the chained CPI. Compromise is not a virtue for its own sake.
Explaining the Pure Cruelty of Obama's Gimmick, "Chained CPI" in Simple Language
If Obama goes along with a “chained CPI,†he will be the first President in the history of the Dem Party to have actually cut Social Security.
Alternet/By Thom Hartmann
December 20, 2012 |
So, the White House says they want to cut Social Security Insurance payments over time, using a tricky little technique called the “chained CPI.†Instead of actually measuring real inflation, this particular “consumer price index†is “chained†to consumer’s behavior. They call it “hedonic and quality adjustments†to make it sound scientific.
Here’s how it works: If the price of beef goes up, and some people start eating cheaper chicken instead, then instead of measuring actual inflation (as reflected by the rising cost of meats), the Chained CPI measures the behavior of moving from beef to cheaper chicken and lowers the cost-of-living adjustment.
If more and more seniors can’t afford chicken and move to cheaper cat-food, then the “chained CPI†adjusts Social Security Insurance payments – and millions of disabled vets’ payments that are tied to Social Security – so that they can now afford cheaper brands of cat food. Republicans love this idea.
As I’ve pointed out here and here, back in the mid-1970s, Republican strategist Jude Wanniski, in an article titled “Taxes and a Two Santa Theory,†correctly pointed out that the American people loved Social Security, brought to America by Democrats and continually defended by Democrats. And Republicans had always played the role of Scrooge, saying, “Things like Social Security are not legitimate functions of government. Old-age poverty should be fixed by churches, and retirement income should be handled by Wall Street.â€
The Democrats, Wanniski pointed out, were essentially the Social Security Santa Claus, giving Americans what they wanted, even though Americans were also, themselves, gladly paying for that very same Social Security. So the job for Republicans was twofold. First, to become Santa Claus themselves. Because being the Social Security Santa was already taken, they should, Wanniski proposed, become the “tax-cut†Santa Claus. Tax cuts for everybody! Especially rich people! And the second really big job was to get Democrats to shoot their own Santa Claus – especially Social Security.
We must not fall into the trap of accepting the GOP's terms in political debates, whether on the social safety net, the budget, foreign policy or gun control. A few moments ago, I observed a moment of silence for the victims of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut. As I said yesterday when I called into Bob Kincaid's program on the Head On Radio Network, I fear that the National Rifle Association will only obstruct any move on gun control. It seems that the GOP and the NRA both suffer from recycling the same worn-out, ineffective ideas based on the reality that they have constructed in their own minds -- a reality that holds those who differ from them in scorn and fear. Enough!!
If the President and Congress have to address the financial issues after the first of the year, it can be done. However, I think it will show both the intellectual cowardice and moral bankruptcy of the Republican Party. While I am very skeptical of the President's proposal that the Republicans rejected, perhaps he knew that even with letting them weaken Social Security that they would not accept the deal. Heck, people like Allen West need to keep their conservative credentials intact for their new jobs after the start of the year.
By the way, we got very little snow in the Chicago area. No sign of the end of the world, but perhaps we can take this time to think about how to transform this world into a better place. That is our task and our duty on all days, in any way that we can accomplish it. As for the obstructionists like the GOP, they may be remembered as fools who held on to their vision of reality but could not move beyond it to make a positive difference in their time. It is a shame, and I cannot see Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen or even Richard Nixon being this unreasonable.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 14:50:25
I have a very strong feeling that the White house does better whip counts than the GOP.
With all the deals gone, and the repeal of the Bush Tax cuts, both parties come back in January and will have to pass what shall now be known as the Obama tax cuts.
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:50:25
Quote by Will in Chicago: However, I think it will show both the intellectual cowardice and moral bankruptcy of the Republican Party. While I am very skeptical of the President's proposal that the Republicans rejected, perhaps he knew that even with letting them weaken Social Security that they would not accept the deal.
With all the deals gone, and the repeal of the Bush Tax cuts, both parties come back in January and will have to pass what shall now be known as the Obama tax cuts.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 14:53:34
Raine on 12/21/2012 14:53:34
The States are also part of the gun control problem -- they aren't providing the data to the FBI to prevent some people from getting guns.
Here is an idea, start with holding federal funds for transportation until they start complying.
Here is an idea, start with holding federal funds for transportation until they start complying.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:58:38
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 14:58:38
I love the HR Puffenstuff lady 
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 12/21/2012 15:08:13
velveeta jones on 12/21/2012 15:08:13
Morning!!
Am I still here?
:blink:
Am I still here?
:blink:
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:22:41
It looks like it.
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:22:41
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning!!
Am I still here?
:blink:
It looks like it.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 15:24:15
Shouldn't we wait till 12:01 tonight to sound the all clear?
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 15:24:15
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning!!
Am I still here?
:blink:
It looks like it.
Shouldn't we wait till 12:01 tonight to sound the all clear?
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/21/2012 15:26:40
TriSec on 12/21/2012 15:26:40
Howdy folks.
Already had two breakfasts, we did our Yankee Swap, and I've had officially sanctioned spiked warnog this morning.
Probably should work a little today, but I'm still holding out for the apocalypse by lunchtime so I don't actually have to do too much...
Already had two breakfasts, we did our Yankee Swap, and I've had officially sanctioned spiked warnog this morning.
Probably should work a little today, but I'm still holding out for the apocalypse by lunchtime so I don't actually have to do too much...
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/21/2012 15:27:12
Scoopster on 12/21/2012 15:27:12
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee! 
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:29:38
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:29:38
BREAKING NEWS FROM NBC:
Obama to nominate Sen. John Kerry as next secretary of state, official tells NBC News
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 15:33:52
That's awesome. I had my doubts for him as President, but I always thought he'd make an awesome SecState.
TriSec on 12/21/2012 15:33:52
Quote by Will in Chicago:
BREAKING NEWS FROM NBC:
That's awesome. I had my doubts for him as President, but I always thought he'd make an awesome SecState.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:33:57
Don't worry, the warp drive is online and there is a very nice place orbiting Tau Ceti.
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 15:33:57
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning!!
Am I still here?
:blink:
It looks like it.
Shouldn't we wait till 12:01 tonight to sound the all clear?
Don't worry, the warp drive is online and there is a very nice place orbiting Tau Ceti.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 15:45:46
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 15:45:46
okay, idiot, it would because they are CIVILIANS NOT TRAINED POLICE OFFICERS!
IDIOT!
IDIOT!
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 15:59:14
Seems so damn simple.
Raine on 12/21/2012 15:59:14
Quote by wickedpam:
okay, idiot, it would because they are CIVILIANS NOT TRAINED POLICE OFFICERS!
IDIOT!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 16:00:04
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 16:00:04
With the talk about the end of the world, here is an appropriate video:
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:03:15
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:03:15
Ah, this whole arming the teachers bit again.
I've said this before. I'm a first responder myself, and I've had years of training in First AId (to the point where I train others.)
It all comes down to the training. When faced with a bloody trauma or other medical issue...I know what to do instinctively. I do it, and I don't actually think about it until it's done. It's the "ice water in the veins" effect. But I wasn't always that way. Being efficient and effective in a crisis situation is overcome by only two things...training and experience.
Handing a Glock to a teacher with little more than a few rounds squeezed off at a stationary target at the shooting range isn't going to cut it when there's a person armed with an assault rifle in the hall.
I've said this before. I'm a first responder myself, and I've had years of training in First AId (to the point where I train others.)
It all comes down to the training. When faced with a bloody trauma or other medical issue...I know what to do instinctively. I do it, and I don't actually think about it until it's done. It's the "ice water in the veins" effect. But I wasn't always that way. Being efficient and effective in a crisis situation is overcome by only two things...training and experience.
Handing a Glock to a teacher with little more than a few rounds squeezed off at a stationary target at the shooting range isn't going to cut it when there's a person armed with an assault rifle in the hall.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:03:37
Cool! Now we can have Ben Affleck for Senator, 2013!
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:03:37
Quote by Will in Chicago:
BREAKING NEWS FROM NBC:Obama to nominate Sen. John Kerry as next secretary of state, official tells NBC News
Cool! Now we can have Ben Affleck for Senator, 2013!
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/21/2012 16:05:43
Mala.... hun.... that's not good for your head. :rofl:
velveeta jones on 12/21/2012 16:05:43
Quote by wickedpam:
okay, idiot, it would because they are CIVILIANS NOT TRAINED POLICE OFFICERS!
IDIOT!
Mala.... hun.... that's not good for your head. :rofl:
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:07:21
might knock some sense into it
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:07:21
Quote by velveeta jones:Quote by wickedpam:
okay, idiot, it would because they are CIVILIANS NOT TRAINED POLICE OFFICERS!
IDIOT!
Mala.... hun.... that's not good for your head. :rofl:
might knock some sense into it
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:08:23
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:08:23
Holy crap. The NRA came out with NOT ENOUGH GUNS IN SCHOOLS???
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:09:42
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:09:42
THE MEDIA IS AT FAULT?
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:10:17
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:10:17
See the NYT article about that so called NAtional database.
The NRA made sure it wasn't mandatory.
The NRA made sure it wasn't mandatory.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:12:29
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:12:29
um - violent crime is actually down in DC, they are poised to have less then 100 murders this year first time since 1963.
Did he just blame WOW?
those movies are 20 years old - and do we even have music videos anymore?
Did he just blame WOW?
those movies are 20 years old - and do we even have music videos anymore?
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:14:07
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:14:07
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:18:34
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:18:34
Maybe the "normal" states should secede instead of the teabaggers. I think we'd be much happier if we sever those bonds.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:19:10
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:19:10
and those people are TRAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
there's not emoticon strong enough to display my current disgust of a particular human being
there's not emoticon strong enough to display my current disgust of a particular human being
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:21:09
He has blamed EVERYTHING but gun violence.
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:21:09
Quote by wickedpam:
um - violent crime is actually down in DC, they are poised to have less then 100 murders this year first time since 1963.
Did he just blame WOW?
those movies are 20 years old - and do we even have music videos anymore?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:23:22
NRA membership needs to take a hard look at their leadership and do something about it.
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 16:23:22
Quote by Raine:He has blamed EVERYTHING but gun violence.Quote by wickedpam:
um - violent crime is actually down in DC, they are poised to have less then 100 murders this year first time since 1963.
Did he just blame WOW?
those movies are 20 years old - and do we even have music videos anymore?
NRA membership needs to take a hard look at their leadership and do something about it.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 16:25:55
Raine on 12/21/2012 16:25:55
I am so pissed right now.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:26:55
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:26:55
I know quite a few Scouters that are also shooters and NRA members.
For the most part, parents with kids in school.
I don't think there is a groundswell among the rank and file to arm everyone.
Like most things, the leadership is completely out of touch with the membership, and are pushing their own narrow agenda for likely political or financial motives.
(See also, The BSA and national membership policy.)
For the most part, parents with kids in school.
I don't think there is a groundswell among the rank and file to arm everyone.
Like most things, the leadership is completely out of touch with the membership, and are pushing their own narrow agenda for likely political or financial motives.
(See also, The BSA and national membership policy.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:32:06
Tri, this is not an option, we had a war, remember?
Here are my personal feelings on this issue:
That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:32:06
Quote by TriSec:
Maybe the "normal" states should secede instead of the teabaggers. I think we'd be much happier if we sever those bonds.
Tri, this is not an option, we had a war, remember?
Here are my personal feelings on this issue:
That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:38:40
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:38:40
YA know, "Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" is not unlike the sound made when TriSec eats way too much and my incision lets go and what's left of my intestines falls out.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:42:14
Burn away, sir. I"m so fucking sick and tired of the fucking south that I don't care anymore. (no offence intended to our southern bloggers - t'aint you; it's your state.)
But Thomas Jefferson noted, "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
These are no longer light and transient causes, I think we are heading for a tipping point someday.
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:42:14
Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, this is not an option, we had a war, remember?
Here are my personal feelings on this issue:
That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town.
Burn away, sir. I"m so fucking sick and tired of the fucking south that I don't care anymore. (no offence intended to our southern bloggers - t'aint you; it's your state.)
But Thomas Jefferson noted, "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
These are no longer light and transient causes, I think we are heading for a tipping point someday.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:43:54
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:43:54
Oh, and of course the gummint has set things up so the north is defenseless. You know my rant about no airbases near the Northeast Corridor....betcha can't name one Army Base in the Northeast.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:50:35
I repeat, we had a war. The side that tried to quit lost. Fuck Jefferson and the horse he rode in on.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:50:35
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Tri, this is not an option, we had a war, remember?
Here are my personal feelings on this issue:
That wouldn't have been necessary if that sesesh woman hadn't started it. They never learn. You see sesesh has to be cleared away by the hand of God like the Jews of old. Now I will have to burn this town.
Burn away, sir. I"m so fucking sick and tired of the fucking south that I don't care anymore. (no offence intended to our southern bloggers - t'aint you; it's your state.)
But Thomas Jefferson noted, "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
These are no longer light and transient causes, I think we are heading for a tipping point someday.
I repeat, we had a war. The side that tried to quit lost. Fuck Jefferson and the horse he rode in on.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:51:10
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:51:10
Quote by TriSec:
YA know, "Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" is not unlike the sound made when TriSec eats way too much and my incision lets go and what's left of my intestines falls out.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:52:26
So basically they went on a media blackout for a week and this is the best they could do? Man they are predicable, arrogant bunch of fucktards aren't they?
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 16:52:26
Quote by Raine:
I am so pissed right now.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
So basically they went on a media blackout for a week and this is the best they could do? Man they are predicable, arrogant bunch of fucktards aren't they?
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:56:06
Then we must continue to agree to disagree on this issue.
TriSec on 12/21/2012 16:56:06
Quote by Mondobubba:
I repeat, we had a war. The side that tried to quit lost. Fuck Jefferson and the horse he rode in on.
Then we must continue to agree to disagree on this issue.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 17:01:02
TriSec on 12/21/2012 17:01:02
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:08:40
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:08:40
Wayne LaPierre, tertiary syphilitic. That is my explanation for him and his out of touch crazy ass response.
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/21/2012 17:10:13
livingonli on 12/21/2012 17:10:13
Good day, everyone. The only conclusion that I get from that is Wayne Pierre must have a one-inch penis.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:10:14
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:10:14
He mentioned "American Psycho?" A movie that came out TWELVE years ago? Seriously?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 17:26:58
The NRA came out earlier than I thought today and made a statement rejecting gun control and calling for armed police officers in every school. I will give the NRA credit for one virtue -- consistency. This is more or less what I thought that they would do. I guess we can only be safe if everyone can get enough fire power that it would have boggled the mind of George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Here is what NBC News had on this press conference: Defiant NRA leader rejects gun control.
I think that the majority of NRA members who support gun control measures should either change their organization's leadership or resign en masse.
The South is changing, and demographic change will put Texas into play within a few years. So, I will not abandon hope for this union.
As for Wayne Pierre, let me use a line that someone in Anne McCaffrey Pern novel once used as an insult that perfectly sums up my feelings about him as a person: May his orifices congeal and his extremities rot off.
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 17:26:58
Quote by Raine:
I am so pissed right now.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
The NRA came out earlier than I thought today and made a statement rejecting gun control and calling for armed police officers in every school. I will give the NRA credit for one virtue -- consistency. This is more or less what I thought that they would do. I guess we can only be safe if everyone can get enough fire power that it would have boggled the mind of George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Here is what NBC News had on this press conference: Defiant NRA leader rejects gun control.
I think that the majority of NRA members who support gun control measures should either change their organization's leadership or resign en masse.
The South is changing, and demographic change will put Texas into play within a few years. So, I will not abandon hope for this union.
As for Wayne Pierre, let me use a line that someone in Anne McCaffrey Pern novel once used as an insult that perfectly sums up my feelings about him as a person: May his orifices congeal and his extremities rot off.
Comment by Raine on 12/21/2012 17:28:59
Raine on 12/21/2012 17:28:59
We are heading out soon. I'll see y'all tonite.
I hope to be in a better mood by then.
I hope to be in a better mood by then.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:33:49
Oh Will you have warmed my cockles with the Anne McCaffrey line. Mrs Mondo was a big Pern fan, she was very active in the online community. That was an insult she used on more than one occasion.
For her eulogy, I quoted the long scene where IVIS and Robinton both shut down. She loved that.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 17:33:49
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:
I am so pissed right now.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
The NRA came out earlier than I thought today and made a statement rejecting gun control and calling for armed police officers in every school. I will give the NRA credit for one virtue -- consistency. This is more or less what I thought that they would do. I guess we can only be safe if everyone can get enough fire power that it would have boggled the mind of George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Here is what NBC News had on this press conference: Defiant NRA leader rejects gun control.
I think that the majority of NRA members who support gun control measures should either change their organization's leadership or resign en masse.
The South is changing, and demographic change will put Texas into play within a few years. So, I will not abandon hope for this union.
As for Wayne Pierre, let me use a line that someone in Anne McCaffrey Pern novel once used as an insult that perfectly sums up my feelings about him as a person: May his orifices congeal and his extremities rot off.
Oh Will you have warmed my cockles with the Anne McCaffrey line. Mrs Mondo was a big Pern fan, she was very active in the online community. That was an insult she used on more than one occasion.
For her eulogy, I quoted the long scene where IVIS and Robinton both shut down. She loved that.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 17:38:55
I remember the scene with AIVAS and Robinton. It was a very good ending for a well beloved character in Pern.
I suppose we should not wish that Wayne LaPierre has a run in with Thread, but he may just be toxic enough to kill it.
Will in Chicago on 12/21/2012 17:38:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:
I am so pissed right now.
They lied about providing thoughtful solutions.
The NRA came out earlier than I thought today and made a statement rejecting gun control and calling for armed police officers in every school. I will give the NRA credit for one virtue -- consistency. This is more or less what I thought that they would do. I guess we can only be safe if everyone can get enough fire power that it would have boggled the mind of George Washington and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Here is what NBC News had on this press conference: Defiant NRA leader rejects gun control.
I think that the majority of NRA members who support gun control measures should either change their organization's leadership or resign en masse.
The South is changing, and demographic change will put Texas into play within a few years. So, I will not abandon hope for this union.
As for Wayne Pierre, let me use a line that someone in Anne McCaffrey Pern novel once used as an insult that perfectly sums up my feelings about him as a person: May his orifices congeal and his extremities rot off.
Oh Will you have warmed my cockles with the Anne McCaffrey line. Mrs Mondo was a big Pern fan, she was very active in the online community. That was an insult she used on more than one occasion.
For her eulogy, I quoted the long scene where IVIS and Robinton both shut down. She loved that.
I remember the scene with AIVAS and Robinton. It was a very good ending for a well beloved character in Pern.
I suppose we should not wish that Wayne LaPierre has a run in with Thread, but he may just be toxic enough to kill it.
Comment by livingonli on 12/21/2012 17:39:10
livingonli on 12/21/2012 17:39:10
So I guess we will be opening our Blogger Joe stuff on Monday. Hopefully, mine will get here today or tomorrow since the mail carrier where I am is a little slow compared to where I used to live.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 17:42:08
Yes, Monday - think Tri may have been to only one to send out in a timely manner - must be that scout training of always being prepared
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 17:42:08
Quote by livingonli:
So I guess we will be opening our Blogger Joe stuff on Monday. Hopefully, mine will get here today or tomorrow since the mail carrier where I am is a little slow compared to where I used to live.
Yes, Monday - think Tri may have been to only one to send out in a timely manner - must be that scout training of always being prepared
Comment by wickedpam on 12/21/2012 18:02:15
wickedpam on 12/21/2012 18:02:15
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:02:31
No, actually. It's retail - I knew when the shipping cutoff was, and we also know the estimated time of delivery nationwide for a shipment from Freeport.
(Psst, an hour ago. If you didn't drop it at the post office by noon today, it's not getting there unless you spring for FedEx.)
TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:02:31
Quote by wickedpam:
Yes, Monday - think Tri may have been to only one to send out in a timely manner - must be that scout training of always being prepared
No, actually. It's retail - I knew when the shipping cutoff was, and we also know the estimated time of delivery nationwide for a shipment from Freeport.
(Psst, an hour ago. If you didn't drop it at the post office by noon today, it's not getting there unless you spring for FedEx.)
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:24:05
TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:24:05
TriSec's Afternoon:
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:43:27
TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:43:27
So, the NRA"s strategy had an immediate effect.
Four people were killed, including the gunman, and three state troopers were injured Friday in a series of shootings over a wide area of central Pennsylvania, authorities said.
US Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio said at a briefing for reporters that a woman and three men, including the gunman, were dead. One of the injured troopers was shot but was protected by his bulletproof vest, one was injured in a vehicle crash and one was injured by flying glass from a bullet that was shot through his car window, he said.
None sustained life-threatening injuries in the shooting incident, which occurred at multiple locations over several miles of Juniata Valley Road near Geeseytown, about 75 miles west of Harrisburg.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 18:54:12
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 18:54:12
I've been thinking about the gun thing and it comes down to this: needs vs wants.
Do you need an AR15 clone with a high capacity magazine? No you want one. Big difference.
Let me try an analogy; do I need a 55 inch plasma teevee? No, I want one.
Do you need an AR15 clone with a high capacity magazine? No you want one. Big difference.
Let me try an analogy; do I need a 55 inch plasma teevee? No, I want one.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:58:20
TriSec on 12/21/2012 18:58:20
I already have a car.
I'd like a newer one with all the bells and whistles, but the one I got is running just fine. I even had to go to driver's ed classes, and have insurance and other things just to own one.
Huh, a well-regulated driver. Go figure.
I'd like a newer one with all the bells and whistles, but the one I got is running just fine. I even had to go to driver's ed classes, and have insurance and other things just to own one.
Huh, a well-regulated driver. Go figure.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 18:58:21
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 18:58:21
Overheard at work: "You know what you don't hear about, mass shooting stopped by someone with a gun."
That is because this is like the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa.
That is because this is like the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 19:32:56
Well, the hull shape is vaguely reminiscent of a "Great White Fleet" Battleship....the upper decks though...dude, what were you thinking?
TriSec on 12/21/2012 19:32:56
Quote by Mondobubba:
Is it me, or does Steve Jobs' yacht look weird?
Well, the hull shape is vaguely reminiscent of a "Great White Fleet" Battleship....the upper decks though...dude, what were you thinking?
Comment by Scoopster on 12/21/2012 19:54:53
Scoopster on 12/21/2012 19:54:53
Back from lunch with the office crew.. I'm so stuffed!
And now I come back and read the highlights of that NRA farce conference and want to
And now I come back and read the highlights of that NRA farce conference and want to
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 20:11:38
Yeah the upper decks are off. That is what caught my eye first. You are right about the main deck, very Great White Fleet.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 20:11:38
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Is it me, or does Steve Jobs' yacht look weird?
Well, the hull shape is vaguely reminiscent of a "Great White Fleet" Battleship....the upper decks though...dude, what were you thinking?
Yeah the upper decks are off. That is what caught my eye first. You are right about the main deck, very Great White Fleet.
Comment by TriSec on 12/21/2012 20:15:02
TriSec on 12/21/2012 20:15:02
Remember the Concorde crash? Patrick Smith has a stunning "Ask the Pilot" about the real causes.
It's absolutely av-dorkey, but there were a number of things going on. Concorde was overloaded, it took off with a tailwind, cockpit discipline broke down, and most stunning of all....may have been badly maintained.
According to some former Concorde crew members, the fire itself was survivable; the tank should have emptied quickly and burnt itself out from fuel starvation. Like most aviation accidents, there's a chain of events that led to the accident.
Well worth the read.
It's absolutely av-dorkey, but there were a number of things going on. Concorde was overloaded, it took off with a tailwind, cockpit discipline broke down, and most stunning of all....may have been badly maintained.
Concorde F-BTSC went into the hangar at Charles de Gaulle on 18 July, a week before the crash. The part which was lifed was the left undercarriage beam — the horizontal tube through which the two wheel axles pass at each end. In the middle is a low-friction pivot which connects the beam to the vertical leg extending down from inside the wing. The bits of the pivot which bear the load are two steel shear bushes. To keep them in position, they are separated by the spacer: a piece of grey, anodised aluminium about five inches in diameter and twelve inches long. When the plane left the hangar on 21 July, the spacer was missing. After the crash, it was found in the Air France workshop, still attached to the old beam which had been replaced.
According to some former Concorde crew members, the fire itself was survivable; the tank should have emptied quickly and burnt itself out from fuel starvation. Like most aviation accidents, there's a chain of events that led to the accident.
Well worth the read.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 20:35:16
Av-dorky, yes. But very readable av-dorkery.
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 20:35:16
Quote by TriSec:
Remember the Concorde crash? Patrick Smith has a stunning "Ask the Pilot" about the real causes.
It's absolutely av-dorkey, but there were a number of things going on. Concorde was overloaded, it took off with a tailwind, cockpit discipline broke down, and most stunning of all....may have been badly maintained.
Concorde F-BTSC went into the hangar at Charles de Gaulle on 18 July, a week before the crash. The part which was lifed was the left undercarriage beam — the horizontal tube through which the two wheel axles pass at each end. In the middle is a low-friction pivot which connects the beam to the vertical leg extending down from inside the wing. The bits of the pivot which bear the load are two steel shear bushes. To keep them in position, they are separated by the spacer: a piece of grey, anodised aluminium about five inches in diameter and twelve inches long. When the plane left the hangar on 21 July, the spacer was missing. After the crash, it was found in the Air France workshop, still attached to the old beam which had been replaced.
According to some former Concorde crew members, the fire itself was survivable; the tank should have emptied quickly and burnt itself out from fuel starvation. Like most aviation accidents, there's a chain of events that led to the accident.
Well worth the read.
Av-dorky, yes. But very readable av-dorkery.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 21:26:28
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 21:26:28
Av/disaster-dork softball for TriSec. What happened on this date in 1988? Bonus point for the type of plane.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 21:31:37
Mondobubba on 12/21/2012 21:31:37
Comment by TriSec on 12/22/2012 02:10:02
Maid of the Seas piled it in over Lockerbie. (It unfortunately had help.)
I remember it very well - I was flying to Florida the next day, and all the papers at Logan were plastered with grisly photos.
(Curiously, this has happened to us two other times....We went to SFO two days before Flight 800 went down, and we were flying home from Arizona the day after Egypt AIr 990 augured in.)
In a side note, TriSec is somewhat concerned. I feel like I'm coming down with something, and with a compromised immune system this may not end well. I've also been feeling meh for 9 days now, since they changed my regimen. I also have crushing fatigue now...the worst of my entire treatment cycle, back to August.
Well, I am off for the next four days, and I can sleep late on 3 of them. So we'll see what happens.
TriSec on 12/22/2012 02:10:02
Quote by Mondobubba:
Av/disaster-dork softball for TriSec. What happened on this date in 1988? Bonus point for the type of plane.
Maid of the Seas piled it in over Lockerbie. (It unfortunately had help.)
I remember it very well - I was flying to Florida the next day, and all the papers at Logan were plastered with grisly photos.
(Curiously, this has happened to us two other times....We went to SFO two days before Flight 800 went down, and we were flying home from Arizona the day after Egypt AIr 990 augured in.)
In a side note, TriSec is somewhat concerned. I feel like I'm coming down with something, and with a compromised immune system this may not end well. I've also been feeling meh for 9 days now, since they changed my regimen. I also have crushing fatigue now...the worst of my entire treatment cycle, back to August.
Well, I am off for the next four days, and I can sleep late on 3 of them. So we'll see what happens.