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Thursday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Colorado News
Posted on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 05:13:25 PM EST
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I'll be gone for several days. Here's an open thread. Hopefully BTD can put up a new one if it gets full.

< Self-Labeled "Warrior for Babies" Declares Guilt, Complains about Toilets | Saturday Open Thread >

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    Thursday Open Thread | 203 comments (203 topical)
    New family member (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 07:30:54 PM EST
    KOI GEORGE

    He is almost a foot long.   I got him because everything I got that was smaller than was eaten by his new best friend SHAKES.

    Shakes is a clown knife fish and he is getting really close to two feet.  When I brought George home today I also brought several tiny feeder fish.  I don't think Shakes could eat him but I wanted to give him something else to snack on just in case.   They have been at opposite ends of the 6 foot tank having a staring contest all day.

    A friend just stopped by with his 6 year old who was very interested in the fish of course.   I was talking about them to the dad explaining what they were and all and the kid pipes up "what are the cute little red ones?!"
    "Lunch" the dad said.  I wish I had a picture f the kids face.

    Another buddy for you to watch (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by ruffian on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:50:01 AM EST
    the newly announced third and final season of The Leftovers!

    Parent
    Just saw that! (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:19:22 AM EST
    Woo hoo

    Just finished the first season of LOST last night.   Excellent.  It most definitely has the "Lindelof List".  Though the angle of list is a bit steeper.

    Put it on your "long" list.  

    We also have a final season of Banshee coming up in a few weeks.   That's one I think you would really like.  

    Parent

    For living in (none / 0) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 08:01:25 PM EST
    a small town you always seem to have something interesting happening.

    Parent
    Your friend is as bad as me. (none / 0) (#3)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 09:34:13 PM EST
    On a trip to the L.A. Zoo so many years ago, I once identified the animals in the gazelle exhibit to my inquisitive 3-year-old, who got so excited that he told my sister to come see the "lion food." She glared at me with a look that said, "Just stop, if you know what's good for you."

    But that's nothing compared to the time my then-4-year-old daughter and I were driving back to Grandma's house in Pasadena from my brother's place in Glendora, and she spotted a dead jackrabbit on the side of the freeway onramp and asked what it was. For some reason, I responded flippantly that it looked like somebody ran over the Easter Bunny. I knew that I had just done something incredibly stupid when I looked to her with a grin only to see the horrified look on her face, and then the waterworks opened up.

    No small wonder from whom she got her cynical sense of humor. I had almost forgotten about the incident until she devilishly reminded me yesterday, in recounting the story to her husband while in my presence about how she first learned that there was no Easter Bunny. (Santa Claus managed to receive a stay of execution for another couple of years after that faux pas.)

    Aloha.

    Parent

    late to the party, Donald (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by The Addams Family on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 11:00:18 PM EST
    but i hear you have a brand-new little slugger to snuggle

    big congrats, Gramps!

    Parent

    Thank you. (none / 0) (#8)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:11:36 AM EST
    But at 11 lbs., 9 oz. he's more like our little left tackle. Mother and son were released from the hospital this afternoon and are now home.

    We had to return to Hilo early this morning, because my wife's an elementary school teacher and needed to get back to her class today. (I need to get back to work, too.) But my son-in-law's mother flew out from New York and will be staying with them through Christmas Eve to help get them settled in with the baby.

    We'll head back to Honolulu after school lets out for the holidays, where my mother and aunt will join us. Then my wife's parents arrive after the New Year from Texas. I figure that my daughter will be sick and tired of all the visiting relatives by mid-January, and will welcome having her baby and house to herself.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Congratulations to you, Donald (5.00 / 1) (#63)
    by christinep on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:15:55 PM EST
    What a wonderful Christmas for all of you ... beginning with you daughter & husband with their newborn babe.  

    What a season and reason for happiness and family warmth ... and, together with the expected visitors, an overflowing of family warmth for the beginning of a new life on earth.

    Joy and peace ... as it should be.

    Parent

    very happy holidays, Donald (none / 0) (#10)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:14:08 AM EST
    your little left tackle sounds adorable

    Parent
    And happy holidays to you and yours, as well. (none / 0) (#49)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:33:34 PM EST
    Stay warm and dry. It looks as though California is finally going to get that long-overdue wet winter.

    Parent
    Happy Holidays to You... (none / 0) (#70)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:29:04 PM EST
    ...from your favorite Nevada assemblywoman.

    Parent
    Without even opening that link, ... (none / 0) (#90)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:11:33 PM EST
    ... I'll just guess who that might be and take "Michele Fiore" for $200.

    And further assuming that I'm right, isn't her 5-year-old grandson Jake just adorable, totin' Grandma's Walther P22 like that?

    We're trapped inside a Fellini film.

    Parent

    I Thought I Rememebred You... (none / 0) (#97)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:57:49 PM EST
    ...posting a link to her the other day.

    A bit disturbing to see people with guns holding kids, but don't worry about it, they are fetishizing them, it's perfectly normal for everyone to be locked and loaded to celebrate the birth of a jesus.

    Parent

    WWJCC, my man. (none / 0) (#123)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:55:09 PM EST
    What would Jesus conceal-carry?

    ;-D

    Parent

    That was me (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:57:54 PM EST
    Actually.  

    if you are referring to this

    Parent

    Actually, Cap'n, ... (none / 0) (#147)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:07:19 PM EST
    ... I had already beaten you to the punch.

    Parent
    Oh well (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:29:43 AM EST
    Worth reposting

    Funny
    I just got a Christmas card from one of my idiot nephews.  It's the first one I remember ever getting from him and when I opened it I understood.  It's him and his wife but he is surrounded by all his guns. He has several.  Assault weapons, handguns.   He is wanna be jaw enforcement.  Rejected by locals because he is to fat.  Rejected by state police because he didn't pass the psych test (before he got fat)  Local law enforcement had to have a "little talk" with him because he was stopping people and acting like a cop.  He is IMO a disturbed and dangerous individual.  I was very pleased and happy when I learned State Police understood that.  

    Clearly he sent me the card because he knew I would hate it.  I would post a picture but I pitched it the day I opened it.  

    Anyway, this type of card is quite de ri·gueur this season I guess.

    Parent

    Good (none / 0) (#155)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:34:51 AM EST
    news from that is they seem to self identifying as mentally unstable.

    Parent
    Photos (none / 0) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:39:04 AM EST
    here's a FB profile pic

    Parent
    Kind of (none / 0) (#159)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 09:57:01 AM EST
    what I expected to see. He has many clones here in GA.

    Parent
    Personally (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:01:08 PM EST
    I find people with guns holding kids less disturbing than kids holding guns

    Parent
    You sound like (none / 0) (#82)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:50:14 PM EST
    Mr. Zorba.  Or even me, for that matter.
    When my kids were little, about 4 and 6 years old, several of us took our kids to see Walt Disney's "Bambi."  When one of my kids asked, "Why did the bad men kill Bambi's mother?"  I answered, "They're  not bad men, they're hunters, and they're going to eat her."
    One of the other mothers was appalled.    ;-)

    Parent
    Really cool pictures... (5.00 / 3) (#4)
    by desertswine on Thu Dec 10, 2015 at 10:57:24 PM EST
    of the planet Jupiter, as seen from the "top," and from the "bottom."

    Love them Millennials (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:27:13 AM EST
    60% favor sending boots on the ground to fight ISIS

    62% say "no way" they would personally go.
    84% "disinclined" to go.

    Could someone line these people up so I can give then the kick in the ass they have needed their whole lives?

    this poll (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by CST on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:16:31 AM EST
    makes me feel old.

    Parent
    Oops (none / 0) (#17)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:27:52 AM EST
    LINK

    Parent
    Would be interested (none / 0) (#22)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:55:57 AM EST
    To know what percent of the first group make up the second.

    Parent
    Oh, man, you gotta hear this. (5.00 / 4) (#35)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:03:45 AM EST
    Like every year, my son hired about a half dozen general extra laborers this past Spring for his parking lot maintenance business (paving, sealing, striping.) We start everyone off at $15.00/hr. We don't have to, but the business is doing good, plus it helps instill some loyalty, & cuts down on disruptive turnovers, somewhat.

    So, as the Spring began, the business took off faster than expected, certainly faster than usual. Ads went out in all the Media, and, soon we had four new mid-20 something employees. They came in bright eyed, bushy tailed, and, well spoken. Plus, they were thrilled they'd be getting 6-8 dollars more per hour than any other place that would hire such kids. We require no experience, but, the work is what you'd expect. I mean, how much fun is sweeping dirt off of roadways? However, we're fully mechanized, so you're talking about kids driving/riding power sweepers & front end loaders all day.

    Anyway, one Monday morning all the employees were gathered around the entrance waiting for the clock to strike 6:00 so they could sign in. On this particular Monday, the foreman told my son he took some phone calls, and, we'd have to juggle the schedule a bit. So, he was busily working at his desk, trying to put the finishing touches on the day's assignments & schedules. He yelled out to them to go ahead, and, sign in, he'd be out in just a couple of minutes. Well, about 5-10 minutes went by, and he went out to talk to the guys. Surprise, surprise, the four new hires were M.I.A.

    It didn't take long to find out what the problem was. The four newbies, after waiting around for a few minutes (and, being paid) felt disrespected that my son didn't have the schedule already made out before they came in. They thought it was outrageous that their valuable time was being wasted, and, they were, simply, not going to put up with it. So, no call, no notice, they just got in their cars and drove home. Harrumph!!

    But, wait, there's more.   

    A couple of hours later, my son called me at home, and, said, "Dad, go to this (XYZ) website, you're not going to believe it." I signed in, and, he was right, I didn't believe it. There's this Town Website where he lives & works, and those kids just couldn't wait to fly home, fire up their `puters, and howl to the High Heavens about how they've been so horribly mistreated and abused. It was a long, long post, filled, naturally, with every kind of erroneous accusations, wild innuendo, distorted everything, well, you get the picture. And, they actually stated the reason for their quitting.  The Leader (there's always one) said that when he hired on he was more than willing to work hard and steady. But, in return, he EXPECTED the Boss to be ready with the schedule, and making them wait those few minutes was a subliminal, "dog whistle" of sorts that betrayed the complete lack of respect he had for the new employees. THANK GOD they caught on to this early in their tenure, and didn't have to waste any more of their time being so abused.

    As God is my witness, Howdy, everything I just stated is not only not an exaggeration, it is, in fact, completely understated.

    Now, here's the thing. Those kids? I couldn't care less about their quitting in such an immature way. But, what hit me like a ton of bricks was the number of parents & adults that sympathized with them. "Darn right, boys; no one should have to put up with such nonsense." And, so on.

    Epilogue:

    Afterwards, I did some more background checking on those boys, let's call the leader, "Darren." The kid is 24 years old; Darren has had eleven employers prior to gracing us with his application.

    Go figure; I'm a right wing Conservative now. After that experience, there is no hope for this country. I think the whole Trump thing is, somehow, connected to this phenomenon. Political correctness run-a-muck. At 5% unemployment, there is no unemployment


    Parent

    That story is both funny and sad. (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:26:56 PM EST
    I'm now reminded of the late Rose Gilbert, aka "Mama G," a longtime popular English instructor at Palisades High School in Los Angeles, who taught there from the school's founding in 1961 until her retirement in 2012 at age 95.

    Even though the irrepressible Mama G was a very wealthy woman in her own right as the widow of billionaire developer Sam Gilbert, she continued to work well into her later years because she clearly loved teaching and being around young people, and she held the distinction of being the oldest teacher in the L.A. Unified School District.

    Mama G's A.P. English and literature classes were some of the most popular in school, even though she warned her students that she was quite demanding and they'd be doing a lot of reading and writing. She was also extraordinarily generous with her wealth, and endowed numerous scholarship funds at both her school and UCLA, and further assisted individual former students of hers who qualified for admittance at UCLA but otherwise struggled with the finances of a college education.

    When asked by a local TV news reporter upon the occasion of her retirement about the biggest change she'd seen in students over her five-plus decades at the school, Mama G noted without hesitation their growing and undue sense of entitlement, particularly over the last 30 years.

    "So many now believe that they're entitled to receive an 'A' in class and a slot at Harvard, and that it's someone else's fault if it doesn't happen," she said. "I don't blame the kids. They learn to harbor those expectations from their parents and other adults. But life doesn't always work out that way. Whenever parents suggest otherwise, they're just setting their own children up for some serious disappointments down the road."

    Words of wisdom for all parents, from a teacher who'd seen it all.

    Parent

    My mother told me (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:49:21 PM EST
    Over and over and over and over and over and, you get the idea, that I could do ANYTHING I wanted to do.
    She never told me I was entitled to anything I wanted.

    Parent
    And then, as though to prove Mama G's point, ... (none / 0) (#95)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:31:54 PM EST
    ... there's Charlie Renville of Fargo, ND, who wants Principal Andy Dahlen of Fargo North High School fired for disrespecting the 2nd Amendment, because Dahlen rejected a yearbook photo of Renville's son Josh holding what looks to be a loaded assault rifle:

    "I see a kid that loves his nation, loves free speech and loves the 2nd Amendment. The rifle is a rifle he built and it is his favorite rifle. Dahlen just doesn't like rifles, he doesn't believe in or support the second Amendment. He is a far left progressive who is using his position to promote his political agenda and push it on our children."

    Renville concludes, "So begins the fight for freedom." Oy, and oy again.

    I think I'm going to go get drunk.

    Parent

    Hey, sorry for the delayed response, (none / 0) (#101)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:24:30 PM EST
    got called away.

    Anyway, yeah, regarding our experiences with "entitled" people, it's a real, and, growing problem. Take "political correctness," for instance. Of course, what sentient, social being doesn't want to comport his/her self in a sincere, and, sensitive way? They call it "PC," but, for most of us, it's just the way we were brought up. So, what began as some kind of gentle steering towards a more tolerant way of interacting, has metastasized into the most intolerant, aggressive form of bullying you could imagine.

    The battles over what should or, shouldn't be tolerated, has grown into an ugly mess. What's evolving at some of our most highly acclaimed universities is downright scary to say the least.
    Once again, The Atlantic has a great collection of articles describing the action.

    Oh, BTW, it's great being a Grandfather, isn't it?; at least I think so. I've got a son and a daughter, a grandson and a granddaughter. I did my duty, as someone we know would say. oh.....lol.

    Now, I just gotta get me a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Clone for myself, and everyone will be happy.

    Congrats, again.


    Parent

    Agreed, Entitlement issues are a big problem. (none / 0) (#118)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:38:04 PM EST
    We are presently in litigation with another consultant, a young white male in his early thirties whose father is a longtime GOP state legislator out here. He had subcontracted some federal grant work to us on behalf of his clients, the board of directors for a Christian school in central Oahu. This was done by verbal agreement on our part, something which I will never, ever agree to do again thanks to this clown.

    That's because he then decided that he didn't have to pay us since those clients -- for whatever their reason -- failed to submit the proposal we wrote for them to the USDA by the clearly stated deadline, and were rejected. Meanwhile, the clients publicly announced their intent to sue the USDA for refusing to accept their proposal, claiming that they're now victims of anti-Christian discrimination.

    (Sigh!) Rules and ethics, apparently, are for little people.  

    Parent

    Hold the phone Shooter... (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:28:58 PM EST
    These kids were getting paid hourly, and were b&tching about standing around waiting???

    I've heard/seen some stupid sh*t, but that's a new one...it's an hourly wage earner's wet dream!!!

    Parent

    Yeah (none / 0) (#73)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:32:25 PM EST
    I would call that a gravy train.

    Parent
    Kids these days.. (none / 0) (#38)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:20:18 AM EST
    On the bright side, your son is doing well, and he's got a pop who's a good egg.

    Things could be worse.

    I work with guys who've done multiple bids in prison, so I try..am forced..to keep "things" in perspective..

    Parent

    Honestly (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:24:08 AM EST
    It's more than "kids these days" or the classic "get off my lawn"

    What struck me most about that original comment is what a whopping glaring holy sh!t contrast that result is from any similar result that would have been seen when I was that age group.  We cared about others.

    IMO that is a downright frightening statistic.   I hope it's wrong.  I really do.

    Parent

    They're confused conflicted misinformed (none / 0) (#40)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:33:29 AM EST
    distracted, and too many have the attention spans of sleep-deprived star-nosed moles..

    What can I tell you?

    Kali Yuga here we come.

    Parent

    do you hire the former inmates? (none / 0) (#61)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:14:30 PM EST
    if so, good for you

    if not, good for whoever does

    Parent

    I did (5.00 / 3) (#72)
    by Repack Rider on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:32:05 PM EST
    Do you hire the former inmates?  if so, good for you

    if not, good for whoever does

    I hired two Black men just weeks out of prison fifteen years ago.  When I started spending time in their neighborhood, I saw firsthand the racism and incompetence of the deputies assigned to that district.  I even came in for some of it myself.  These guys never had the chances in life that I had.

    Last year I sold the business to my former employees.  I'm told by some of my Black HS  classmates (Class of '63) that I am revered in that community for what I have done there.  I hired people, and when I was done, I left a functioning business there.

    The new owners did not have much opportunity when I met them.  They were ex-convicts, self-described as former drug dealing thugs.  

    We spent fifteen years in the trenches together, they learned my trade, and they are doing well with my former company.  You don't get friends like these with a handshake.  In a world of poverty, crime and drugs, opportunity is the cure.

    Parent

    you sound like my father (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:40:49 PM EST
    at his funeral, i met middle-aged & older men he had helped in the same way over the course of his working years

    i had no idea

    Parent

    I help them find jobs (5.00 / 4) (#109)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:04:13 PM EST
    and connect them to services and groups for substance abuse related problems.

    Parent
    It doesn't always work out.. (none / 0) (#180)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 02:17:54 PM EST
    so you might wanna subtract one of those fives..;-)

    Parent
    A for effort, always (5.00 / 2) (#184)
    by The Addams Family on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 04:19:22 PM EST


    Parent
    Appendix to the "Epilogue." (none / 0) (#89)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:57:58 PM EST
    Probably not much worse than becoming a right wing conservative--or its modern-day synonym, conservative. Please don't do it, we need you.

      Darren sounds like a derp and his followers the same.  More a case of not knowing a good thing when they have it, and a false sense of entitlement. And, probably, from the bio, more going on, not in a good way.  But, I do not think the situation is accurately described as "political correctness"--which is a whipping boy part of the Trump phenomenon with a racist and nativist underpinning.

    Parent

    if that's their attitude, (none / 0) (#60)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:09:37 PM EST
    then who would want their boots on the ground?

    i believe that's how we got an all-volunteer military

    meanwhile, they'd be "supporting the troops," right?

    so where's the problem?

    Parent

    Of course (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:23:04 PM EST
    Why didn't I see it?   They are TOTALLY supporting poor minorities protect their, and your, sorry ass.

    Parent
    how tiresome (none / 0) (#79)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:43:16 PM EST
    really

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:45:54 PM EST
    I thought you might think so

    Parent
    if you don't want them (none / 0) (#111)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:19:59 PM EST
    to protect your own sorry @$$ - you know, because RAAAAAY-cism! - then surely some accomodation can be made

    sort of a deferment in reverse

    & then you & your ever so virtuously unprotected @$$ can strut around and preen over your enlightened anti-RAAAAAY-cist! "views," not to mention your distorted & really quite patronizing take on the military

    Parent

    Service Call (5.00 / 3) (#137)
    by Repack Rider on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 07:58:14 PM EST
    if you don't want them to protect your own sorry @$$ - you know, because RAAAAAY-cism! - then surely some accomodation can be made

    sort of a deferment in reverse

    I served in a draftee army, and those I served with were a cross-section of America.  The "all volunteer army" has shifted that, because none of the educated white kids like those that I served with care to enlist.  Our military has been turned over to minorities.

    I do not believe this has sacrificed any military capability, but it means that middle and upper class white people rarely know anyone currently serving.  That makes it ever so much easier not to care about "those people" in harm's way.

    When I served, I was not protecting America.  I was protecting the same commercial interests who still dictate our military policy.  Unfortunately, the more resources you pour into "defeating" something like Isis, the more you play their game.  Asymmetrical warfare works best when the small force opposes a huge, unwieldy, top-heavy force.

    Like ours.

    Isis is not a threat to the United States.  The people who ARE threatened do not care to defend themselves, and want us to do it.

    & then you & your ever so virtuously unprotected @$$ can strut around and preen over your enlightened anti-RAAAAAY-cist! "views," not to mention your distorted & really quite patronizing take on the military

    I was E-5, Honorable Discharge.  Do you believe I have a "distorted" take on the military?  Did you serve?

    Parent

    i agree with much of what you say, Repack (none / 0) (#140)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:53:00 PM EST
    but, first, to answer your final question: no, i did not serve, nor were combat roles open to women during the time when i might have served

    i am old enough to have had friends, neighbors, & family members drafted to fight in Vietnam - not all of them came back whole, & some did not come back at all

    my father served in the Marines infantry at Guadalcanal, & both of my grandfathers served in the US Army in World War I

    i have friends & family members who have served in Iraq & are serving elsewhere right now - they are white, black, Asian American, Native American, & all proud to have volunteered

    some volunteered because of patriotism & some because of the desire for a military career & some for the opportunity to be trained for a civilian career - they are not monolithic in their motives, plans, & outlooks, just as they are not monolithic in their racial, ethnic, & socioeconomic backgrounds

    i honor their choices & their service - i don't take anyone's service lightly, especially because i didn't serve

    it seems that you've interpreted my comment as critical of you in some way, but i honor your service, too, however it came about, even though i was an antiwar activist during the Vietnam years, & even though i organized & participated in many demonstrations against both phases of the Gulf War

    Parent

    2012 Demographic report of Military (none / 0) (#141)
    by TrevorBolder on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:55:42 PM EST
    Gender. Women, who number 154,346, comprise 18.2 percent of the Selected Reserve force,
    while 693,941 men comprise 81.8 percent of the Selected Reserve force. The percentage of
    women in the Selected Reserve has increased over the past 12 years (from 17.5% of officers
    and 16.4% of enlisted members in 2000, to 18.5% of officers and 18.1% of enlisted members in
    2012). Overall, the ratio of female officers (23,709) to female enlisted members (130,637) is one
    female officer for every 5.5 female enlisted members, while the ratio of male officers (104,251)
    to male enlisted members (589,690) is one male officer for every 5.7 male enlisted members.
    Race/Ethnicity. Almost one-quarter (24.5% or 208,055) of the Selected Reserve members
    identify themselves as a minority (i.e., Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or
    Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, multi-racial, or other/unknown). The
    Selected Reserve is composed of 25,116 minority officers and 182,939 minority enlisted
    personnel, with one minority officer for every 7.3 minority enlisted personnel. The overall
    minority representation of officers in the Selected Reserve has increased from 14.6 percent in
    1995 to 19.6 percent in 2012, while the minority representation of enlisted personnel in the
    Selected Reserve has decreased from 29.5 percent in 1995 to 25.4 percent in 2012. To conform
    to the latest Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directives, Hispanic is not considered a
    minority race designation and is analyzed separately as an ethnicity. Overall, 10.1 percent of the
    Selected Reserve is of Hispanic ethnicity.

    Military One Source

    http://tinyurl.com/hw4ff6c

    Parent

    That was an idiotic and humorous rant (none / 0) (#112)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:23:45 PM EST
    Engaging you is pointless and it makes me feel dirty.  

    Parent
    "England will fight to the last ANZAC." (5.00 / 2) (#110)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:14:52 PM EST
    That was the rueful attitude of surviving Australian and New Zealand volunteer soldiers after over 36,000 of them were killed and wounded during a remarkable series of forlorn assaults against impregnable Turkish positions at the horrific Battle of Gallipoli 100 years ago, during the First World War. Winston Churchill, who had championed an effort to seize the Dardanelles as First Lord of the Admiralty, was subsequently sacked by British Prime Minister H.H. Asquith because of that disaster.

    (To be fair, the foolhardy campaign also cost Great Britain over 73,000 casualties of her own, before Lord Herbert Kitchener finally admitted defeat and ordered the complete withdrawal of British forces in Dec. 1915. And the nearly 20,000 casualties incurred by Irish volunteers in His Majesty's armed forces proved a direct catalyst for the subsequent Easter Rebellion and Irish War of Independence.)

    Personally, I believe that people would be a helluva lot less cavalier about promoting and supporting policy initiatives which place American service personnel in harm's way, if they thought that their own a$$ might be on the line, or that of their own child or grandchild.

    Those who choose to serve in our military deserve our sincere appreciation and gratitude. Inherent in that appreciation should be our obligation to not treat them merely as so many expendable commodities, by wasting their efforts and lives on frivolous or ill-considered enterprises.

    Our country violated that unspoken compact with our all-volunteer armed forces earlier, with the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses. In my honest opinion, it would be the height of folly to do so again on so vague and undefined a pretense, and so soon.

    If plunging once again into full-scale war in the Middle East is so vital to our national security interests, as so many on the right appear all too eager to claim, then let them put their money where their collective big mouths are, and reinstate the military draft to share the risk amongst all of us across the board.

    If they're not willing to do that, then perhaps those so-called interests really aren't nearly as important as some would otherwise have us believe.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    "Gallipoli" (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:30:25 PM EST
    one of the best antiwar films ever made

    Parent
    Yes, it's arguably ... (none / 0) (#144)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:42:29 PM EST
    ... director Peter Wiers' masterwork, and he's made some truly great movies over the years, including "Dead Poets Society," "Witness" and "Picnic at Hanging Rock."

    And "Gallipoli" still holds up today, almost despite having as one of its two co-stars someone who's since become infamous -- not to mention unemployable -- as perhaps the most odious anti-Semitic and homophobic personality in Hollywood today.

    That's too bad, because his open bigotry aside, I still think Mel Gibson is a good actor and director. But he's rendered himself box office poison at this point in what's left of his career, and it would take a very brave soul who's willing to risk a lot to hire him.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I think "Year of Living Dangerously" (5.00 / 2) (#202)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:00:14 PM EST
    is Weir's best film -- also with Mel Gibson (and Sigourney Weaver, and Linda Hunt as "Billy Kwan").

    Parent
    You write (2.00 / 1) (#116)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:31:59 PM EST
    I believe that people would be a helluva lot less cavalier about promoting and supporting policy initiatives which place American service personnel in harm's way, if they thought that their own a$$ might be on the line, or that of their own child or grandchild.

    But then you mess it up:


    Those who choose to serve in our military deserve our sincere appreciation and gratitude. Inherent in that appreciation should be our obligation to not treat them merely as so many expendable commodities, by wasting their efforts and lives on frivolous or ill-considered enterprises.en you mess it up:

    You can't appreciate what the military is all about without being in it. Why not two years of Universal Military Service starting at age 18 or high school graduation followed by either volunteering for more service or 6 years of reserve meetings monthly for two days and three weeks active??


    Parent

    No! Really? (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:49:59 PM EST
    jimakaPPJ: "You can't appreciate what the military is all about without being in it."

    That's just way beyond stupid and into the realm of truly pathetic. Let's just take that statement to its logical conclusion, and say that you can't appreciate what war is really all about since you've never actually served in combat overseas.

    Don't be an a$$, Jim -- again.

    Parent

    Now Donald, don't be a vulgar twit (1.00 / 2) (#135)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 07:48:11 PM EST
    Or at least try not to be.

    Of course you didn't succeed. But I digress.

    And before I go on, let me say again, I have never said what I did during my service. So don't go and try to put words in my mouth.

    The point is really simple. You live here you should serve. Period. That's pretty simple.

    Why do you think yourself too good to serve??

    Parent

    Definitions may vary (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:08:02 AM EST
    Here's the first listed definition

    vul·gar
    ˈvəlɡər/
    adjective
    lacking sophistication or good taste; unrefined.

    Parent

    Who cares what you think, Jim? (none / 0) (#145)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:57:52 PM EST
    Your increasingly shrill rhetoric on the subject -- Hell, on ANY subject, for that matter -- is like listening to a bad lounge act. It's only remotely decent when it's closing time and one is too stinkin' drunk to know any better.

    Parent
    So being for UMS is "shrill?" (none / 0) (#158)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 09:54:17 AM EST
    Again, you live here. You should serve.

    And you don't even see the nice side effects.

    Everyone gets to meet all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds.

    That's how people learn about others and become tolerant.

    Rich man,poor man, beggar man, thief
    Doctor, lawyer, indian chief...

    Diversity...it's more than just a slogan..

    Parent

    To "serve" means to do something good (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 12:16:44 PM EST
    for someone.

    a job title and description doesn't automatically mean you did something good..

    As a wise man once said, the map is not the territory, and the name is not the thing named.

     

    Parent

    But what ever I did (none / 0) (#174)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:10:58 PM EST
    was more than you.

    You can wiggle and snark but that fact remains.

    Parent

    That alleged fact only takes you so far; (5.00 / 5) (#183)
    by Anne on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 03:16:21 PM EST
    it is a snapshot, that's all.  While worthy of respect - assuming the service was honorable - it isn't the be-all, end-all that blankets the totality of someone's life with an impermeable layer of goodness.  You can't hide behind it, much as you try, nor can you expect people to ignore the persona you've created here that is rich with bigotry and ignorance.  Here, at least, and on your own blog, you are undeterred in your efforts to spread ugliness, lies and misinformation.  And you laugh about it, take pleasure in it, are proud of it.

    So, your alleged service may give you a check mark that others don't have, but it doesn't make you a better person.  Doesn't make you a role model, doesn't elevate your importance. I'd venture to guess that most people here, when considering the totality of who you present yourself to be, find the fact of your service to be the least important part of your equation.

    At this point, your I-served-you-didn't whip has the consistency of a very limp noodle that for sure isn't leaving any marks, much less cutting anyone down.

    I guess this is the point where I'm supposed to add..."lol."

    Parent

    It is funny how I bring up the concept of UMS (none / 0) (#186)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 04:52:20 PM EST
    and all the Lefties start attacking, making excuses, etc.

    Why is that??

    Because they don't want to serve. It would interrupt their "life plan."

    In all, about 1 percent of U.S. representatives and senators have a child in uniform. And the Capitol building is no different from other places where the leadership class in this country gathers -- no different from the boardrooms, newsrooms, ivory towers and penthouses of our nation.

    Less than 1 percent of today's graduates from Ivy League schools go on to serve in the military.

    Why does it matter? Because, quite simply, we cannot remain both a world power and a robust democracy without a broad sense of ownership -- particularly of the leadership class -- in the military. Our military is too consequential, and the implications of our disconnect from it too far-reaching. We are on the wrong path today.

    Those who opine, argue, publish, fund and decide courses of action for our country rarely see members of their families doing the deeds our leaders would send the nation's young adults to do, deeds that have such moment in the world.

    Link

    And I never claimed to be good or bad. But whatever it was more than Jondee and Donald.

    Parent

    Whatever, jim, you lay claim to being (5.00 / 2) (#189)
    by Anne on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 05:23:58 PM EST
    better than anyone who never served every time you throw your service in someone else's face; it's why you do it.

    Maybe one of the reasons people don't volunteer to serve has something to do with not trusting the powers that be to not send them to war on lies.  Maybe they don't serve because they see how the government treats its veterans.  Maybe they don't serve because they're already contributing in the communities in which they live.  Maybe they are teachers, or doctors/nurses, firefighters, police.  

    And little news flash for you: not everyone who goes to an Ivy League school is a "leftie," jim; and the Ivy League represents a very small proportion of college graduates.  Say, why don't you tell us how many of the graduates of Liberty University or Regent University or Bob Jones University or BYU or Oral Roberts University enlist in the military.

    The reality is that you don't know diddly-squat about what people think; you've proved that time and again.

    Parent

    Leftie (5.00 / 1) (#193)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 07:35:05 PM EST
    Kerry was born in Aurora, Colorado and attended boarding school in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He graduated from Yale University class of 1966 with a political science major. Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1966, and during 1968-1969 served an abbreviated four-month tour of duty in South Vietnam as officer-in-charge (OIC) of a Swift Boat. For that service, he was awarded combat medals that include the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and three Purple Heart Medals.

    We all remember how much respect that got him from asshats like ppj

    Parent

    There's no comparison (5.00 / 1) (#200)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:41:53 PM EST
    between Kerry's service and Jim's..."service."

    Parent
    Howdy, the real asshat is someone who is (none / 0) (#205)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:18:19 PM EST
    so uninformed that he makes wild claims about which he knows nothing.

    Rather typical of him,

    During the election cycle of 2004 I wrote in this blog that I honored his service in Vietnam and condemned, in the strongest possible terms, what he did when he returned home.

    I have referred to those comments several times including the time frame you've been here educating us on TV shows and cartoons.

    So Howdy, you just display your ignorance again and again.

    Parent

    no anne (none / 0) (#191)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 07:04:52 PM EST
    I have never claimed to be "better."

    I have merely noted that I served and that whatever I did it was more than those who did not serve did.

    But you, probably unwittingly, make a solid point for UMS.

    Maybe one of the reasons people don't volunteer to serve has something to do with not trusting the powers that be to not send them to war on lies.

    If everyone has some skin in the game the powers that be have a lot more people looking at them. Which, of course, has been a claim of the Left for years. And it is true.

    And I never opined that all Ivy League schools graduate only Lefties.

    But what they do is graduate the next generation of the "elite." '

    It would be helpful if they had a first hand knowledge of such mind expanding tasks as compartment cleaning.

    So,as usual, all the posturing by the Left that everyone should serve boils down to pure BS.

    Here's an example.

    Parent

    Dinesh D'Souza.. (5.00 / 1) (#192)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 07:27:15 PM EST
    another Ivy League "elite" who "never served" and who's had his insatiable maw clamped onto the wealthy think tank-foundation teet for most of his adult life..

    A man who really knows what it's like to risk everything and put himself on the line for others..lol

    Thats the person you choose to speak for you.

    Once again, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

    Parent

    Gee jondee (none / 0) (#196)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:35:38 PM EST
    You sure do duck and dodge well....

    Did you miss the "student" bragging on himself because he had done some tutoring??

    Get it?? He's all proud of himself and uses that as an excuse to take other people's money to do what he wants to do.

    Perfect.

    Parent

    Whatever jondee does (none / 0) (#198)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:38:09 PM EST
    it's more than you.

    Parent
    That fact remains.. (none / 0) (#175)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:15:43 PM EST
    continuing to live out it's lonely existence in that narrow, musty space between your ears.

    Braggerts are cowards at heart.

    The Greeks talked about that 3,000 years ago.

    I don't know how you missed the memo..

    Parent

    There are no facts in that statement (none / 0) (#199)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:40:01 PM EST
    Only your claim.

    What's the reason you are so embarrassed to say "whatever it is" you did?

    Parent

    Comment meant for Jim, (none / 0) (#204)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:03:40 PM EST
    not you, jondee (obviously).

    Parent
    One of the funniest things you've ever written: (5.00 / 1) (#203)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:02:45 PM EST
    That's how people learn about others and become tolerant

    said by the least tolerant person on this site.

    Parent

    I'm starting to think he was (none / 0) (#173)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:08:25 PM EST
    one of those Air America guys who flew the heroin and hookers back from SE Asia..

    It would explain the secretiveness and defensiveness..

    Parent

    Or (none / 0) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:29:17 PM EST
    He's just full of sh!t.  Which seems more likely?

    Parent
    Now that you mention it.. (none / 0) (#177)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:33:33 PM EST


    Parent
    There should never ever be universal (none / 0) (#194)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 09:44:47 PM EST
    Military service. Professional military don't want anyone involved who doesn't come along willingly, they'll tell you that right to your face. Want to get even more people killed in a combat situation? Conscript those who have no desire or aptitude to be a soldier.

    Parent
    Brace for incoming rant (none / 0) (#113)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:25:32 PM EST
    Featuring all caps, bold and italics in any combination.

    Parent
    Oh, good lord (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:50:08 AM EST
    A full blown holy war has broken out in the GOP now after that meeting where the establishment said they would take the nomination away from Donald if he won the primaries. Now Carson is backing him up and frankly I really can't blame him. I mean if Donald is who the voters want then he should be the nominee. The GOP establishment seems to want to have it both ways. They created a monster and now they're trying to quash the monster at the convention. The GOP's real problem is something they are unwilling to deal with it seems.

    It's almost funny (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:09:58 PM EST
    Almost.  How the republicans seem to so often forget there is this part of elections called "voters"

    They may be about to be introduced to them

    Parent

    I wonder (5.00 / 2) (#46)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:24:04 PM EST
    if they are really that out of touch with who their voters actually are or if they've been sitting back laughing at them using cultural resentment to fleece them with voodoo economics for decades.

    Parent
    Yes (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:38:48 PM EST


    Parent
    That "What to do about Trump," (none / 0) (#75)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:36:51 PM EST
    dinner meeting at Washington's fancy Asian fusion restaurant, The Source, must have been quite the affair.  Attended by Republican establishment hoi polloi, such as, reportedly, Mitch McConnell, a representatives of Mittens, Jeb! and the checked-out senator from Florida, Marco Rubio.

    RNC Chairman, Reince Priebus, kept asking what they should do, only to get the response, repeatedly, ...depends. It was only after the restaurant no longer had the fragrance of Wonton Soup that Reince realized, and passed out (left over from David Vitter)--Depends.

    Parent

    Here's (none / 0) (#81)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:49:18 PM EST
    Frank Luntz focusing on a merry bunch of Trumpeteers.

    "I've been talking about negatives, and you're up on him!" said an astounded Luntz. "That's the story of Trump's poll numbers."


    Parent
    And these people (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:44:50 PM EST
    Vote.  :-(

    Parent
    You know (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:13:22 PM EST
    that's scary. Facts do not change those people. The GOP has created a cult that will believe anything as long as it comes from approved sources.

    Parent
    What (5.00 / 3) (#93)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:21:09 PM EST
    kills me, Is Luntz is "astounded" by the monster he played no small part in creating. That's the Republicans problem in a nutshell I suppose.

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#94)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:31:47 PM EST
    that's what I was thinking. He's been a big part of their problem. He helped create Frankenstein's monster and now that monster won't do what he wants it to do.

    A while back even Luntz admitted what he does no longer works. He's the one that gave Romney all the phrases to use. That didn't work out well. I'm surprised the GOP is dumb enough to even use him for anything.

    Parent

    I can't (none / 0) (#114)
    by lentinel on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:26:40 PM EST
    see that the Republican party "created" Trump.

    The way I see it is that Trump is self-created.

    And he is using the republican party machinery to promote his candidacy. And there ain't nothin" they can do about it.

    He is making chumps out of them, and it is pleasurable to behold.

    Parent

    They did not precisely create him (5.00 / 4) (#117)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:35:33 PM EST
    Though its undeniable that their shameless toadying and pilgrimages to kiss his ring and ass have stoked his rise.

    What they did absolutely create is his followers.   They created them by feeding them a non stop diet of hate fear and misinformation for decades.  By creating a right wing info bubble that excludes facts and information and replaces them with propaganda and talking points.  By degrading the public school system to keep them stupid a easily manipulated.  And tossing up every possible obstacle to voting for demographic groups who are his natural enemy hasn't helped either.

    Parent

    Now I know the Repubs are evileeeee (none / 0) (#187)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 04:57:31 PM EST
    But how did they degrade the public school system?

    The suburbs, notorious for voting Repub, in every case I know, have much better schools than the urban center core schools.

    Parent

    Vote Republican in every case you know.. (none / 0) (#188)
    by jondee on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 05:11:47 PM EST
    And how many cases is that exactly?

    Evileee areas in which there is a higher concentration of people with degrees from our evileee universities, tend to vote Democrat.

    As you well know.

    Parent

    "evileee" - lordy. (5.00 / 2) (#190)
    by Anne on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 05:26:18 PM EST
    Guess jim went to a city school.

    Parent
    anne and jondee (none / 0) (#195)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:31:31 PM EST
    Experts at avoiding facts.

    Come on. Tell me how they did it???

    Parent

    Been completely out of all loops (none / 0) (#178)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:39:55 PM EST
    Taking a break from the insanity. It's so tempting to google, but no....just take Ga6th's word for it Tracy :)

    I am dipping completely into the holiday this year. If I don't read about it here when I check in I plan to not know about it until the New Year.

    Parent

    Healthcare.gov (5.00 / 2) (#131)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:47:29 PM EST
    Definitely got their stuff together.  Just enrolled for 2016.   Took less than a half hour.  Got the same coverage I've had this year which I've been quite happy with.  My premium increased 14 bucks.

    And the number of plans (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:57:05 PM EST
    And companies offering coverage sort of exploded.   There was three times as many companies.

    Parent
    I'm looking into it (none / 0) (#139)
    by McBain on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:52:50 PM EST
    My premium almost doubles in 2016 because of my age bracket status and other things.

    There are a few glitches on the California site but the phone support was really easy.  Anyone have any thoughts about Anthem/Blue Cross or Kaiser Permanente? I might choose one their plans.  I've been with Blue Shield for a while.  

    Parent

    Canada & Justin Trudeau & Syrian refugees (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by christinep on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:16:11 PM EST
    In recent days, Canada's new prime minister (and scion of a previous one) Justin Trudeau has been quietly inspirational.  By warmly welcoming the early contingent of resettled Syrian refugees, he showed us a caring, astute, decisive leader.  Not only did Trudeau not shy away, but also he spontaneously wrapped a coat around a young migrant in a human sign of genuine greeting as he told a young Syrian family that "you are home now."  Justin Trudeau has more than the mark of a young & energetic political star; he may have the instincts, resolve, and promise of a real leader.

    Paris Climate Talks: Deal! (5.00 / 2) (#148)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:24:04 PM EST
    The BBC is reporting tonight that negotiators have completed the final draft of an international agreement to combat climate change, some 16 hours after the two-week summit had been originally scheduled to close, and that its text will be presented to ministers for their approval at 10:30 a.m. GMT (5:30 a.m. EST) tomorrow morning.

    Speaking of (5.00 / 2) (#149)
    by Repack Rider on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 12:38:42 AM EST
    ... unarmed Black men shot by police, my friend had 16 rounds fired at him, most ending up "harmlessly" somewhere in the neighborhood (Wheee!) but one in him.

    The offense was driving on a suspended license.

    Today the county settled for $585,000, but his arm won't be the same again.

    The deputy had claimed the vehicle was driven at him and he was in fear of his life.  I saw and photographed the vehicle.  All the bullet holes were on the side, five in the driver's door and both front windows shot out.  Hard to do that from in front of the car.

    I didn't see how a claim of self defense could stand against the physical evidence.  Apparently the Sheriff's Department lawyer agreed.  As a taxpayer, I am on the hook, of course.

    TV In the background (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:16:39 AM EST
    Just overheard from a "republican strategist"

    "We have to decide if we want to be the party of stated intolerance"

    Interesting way of putting it I think.

    Ha! Yes, that is quite a dilemma (5.00 / 1) (#160)
    by ruffian on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 09:57:37 AM EST
    Whether to advance from the party of obvious but unstated intolerance to the party of declared intolerance, maybe but it in the platform! Go on GOP, let it fly! Maybe a Trump-Buchanan ticket.

    Parent
    Nah (none / 0) (#162)
    by TrevorBolder on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:23:32 AM EST
    Rubio Haley

    Christie Haley

    Parent

    But of course (none / 0) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:27:14 AM EST
    You don't really care because you are a "registered independent".

    Which supports my theory that a independent is a republican who is embarrassed to admit it.

    and btw
    Denial ain't just a river in Egypt

    Parent

    Of course I care (none / 0) (#165)
    by TrevorBolder on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:41:30 AM EST
    I vote in the general election,

    I would prefer the best possible candidates to vote for.

    I have disdain for both political parties and registered Independent. Although , in my job, registering as a Democrat would have had its benefits.

    I have certain core beliefs, and vote accordingly.

    A country needs to be fiscally responsible, the recent post by NYShooter regarding  the "entitled" generation, can also apply to the country as a whole. Except the entitled generation have a safety plan, continue to reside with Mommy and Daddy. A country does not have that option.

    Parent

    The confederate (none / 0) (#170)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:42:38 AM EST
    queen as VP? She brings nothing to the table but I wouldn't be surprised if the GOP wouldn't be stupid enough to put her on a ticket.

    Parent
    ruffian, pitchers and catchers (none / 0) (#171)
    by caseyOR on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 12:10:52 PM EST
    report in just a couple of months. The Cubs have made some excellent moves so far this off-season, especially with Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist ( who is a central Illinois boy, by the way). John Lackey will help what was a mediocre bullpen. Now, if they can get one more ace for the bullpen, we should be in pretty good shape by April, 2016.

    The Bears are so far out of contention, all I can say is . . .

    GO, CUBS!

    Parent

    Boooooo! (none / 0) (#185)
    by Zorba on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 04:27:22 PM EST
    GO CARDS!

    Parent
    We're going to (none / 0) (#154)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:33:15 AM EST
    say we're for tolerance but we don't mean it.

    Parent
    Yesterday (none / 0) (#157)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 08:47:16 AM EST
    Jeff Flake (Senator) ranting about how terrible Donald is and he was asked if he would support him if he was the nominee.
    He dodged and then when pressed he came up with the best dodge I've heard on this subject.

    He explained he would not answer that question because I've he did "it might give Trump an excuse to run as an independent"

    That's really a pretty brilliant dodge

    Parent

    et al Blaming the Repub hoodoos (2.00 / 1) (#127)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:07:37 PM EST
    for the anti Washington feelings of what you want to call the Repub base demonstrates a total lack of understanding about what these people are angry about.

    Start with Obama's "apology tour." His lies about Obamacare. His lies about ISIS and Benghazi and his failed foreign policy. His EO's re immigration. His refusal to call Ft Hood an act of terrorism. His massive importing Muslims and now wanting to bring in 10,000, or is it 100,000, more.

    The Repub leadership didn't do these things.

    The base is pi$$ed off because the leadership is viewed as not opposing Obama strongly enough.

    The leadership (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:23:20 PM EST
    has been lying to you Jim. They come around at election time and tell you BS and then you go out and vote for them and they know there is no way they can do what they are promising. But they've been getting away with fleecing you for approximately 3 decades telling you that voodoo trickle down was going to make you RICH. They were going to make minorities and women "know their place" once again. I find it hysterical that anybody ever feel for the fantasy they were selling.

    Parent
    Ok (5.00 / 2) (#130)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:23:52 PM EST
    I get it now, Republicans are hating on Republicans
    because of......, wait for it,........Obama!

    Brilliant analysis as usual, Jim.

    Parent

    Ga and Joe (none / 0) (#136)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 07:53:33 PM EST
    FlJoe - Yes, and so brilliant that you can't understand. Let me repeat s l o w l y.

    The base sees the "leadership" as RINOS because they haven't really attacked Obama.

    Ga - The "leadership" has lied?? Yes,many people feel that way.

    Parent

    and I left off (none / 0) (#128)
    by jimakaPPJ on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:14:23 PM EST
    climate change and gun control.

    Parent
    C'mon, Jim! (none / 0) (#146)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:03:40 PM EST
    Everybody here knows where exactly you've been left off, which is the same place where you were first told to get off 50 years ago.

    Parent
    50 years ago I was too busy (none / 0) (#161)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 09:58:33 AM EST
    serving to pay attention, Donald.

    Later I even bought into the claim that we had global cooling....

    Then I got smart and realized I was being lied to.

    To bad you just keep on drinking the kool aide and mouthing the same old tired phrases.

    Parent

    The only one repeating the same old (none / 0) (#201)
    by shoephone on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:47:25 PM EST
    tired phrases is you:

    1)I served ten years in naval aviation

    2)Whatever it was I did, it more more than you

    Both are utterly meaningless phrases.

    Parent

    Bill Clinton (none / 0) (#197)
    by MKS on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:38:03 PM EST
    actually apologized to the people of Guatemala for what the U.S. did to them.  I think that was the beginning of the conservative resentment over "apologies."

    Jim, did you think Bill Clinton was wrong to apologize to the people of Guatemala?

    Parent

    Former Oklahoma City cop (none / 0) (#11)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 07:41:26 AM EST
    Daniel Holzclaw, has been found guilty of 18 counts of sexual assault against 8 women and could be sentenced up to 263 years.

    The concern in this case was that the jury was made up of 8 men and 4 women - all white - and the victims were all poor black women.  Despite concerns raised by some that an all white, mostly male jury couldn't deliver a guilty verdict, it seems that the jurors took their oath very seriously.

    Curious (none / 0) (#13)
    by CoralGables on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:05:39 AM EST
    with how you wrote that last line... If he was found not guilty would you be assuming the jurors didn't take their oath very seriously?

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#15)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:24:42 AM EST
    But the stories at Vox, The Atlantic, DKos, TPM, Mother Jones, etc. over the last few weeks indicated that they did not believe an all white jury could be serious in their endeavor.

    Parent
    Maybe the best thing to say (2.00 / 1) (#20)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:39:41 AM EST
    about it is that SOME white juries are STARTING to be serious in their endevor.

    Parent
    Why would I say that? (5.00 / 3) (#21)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:46:45 AM EST
    I completely dusagtee with your premise.  I think the VAST MAJORITY of juries - in all demographic makeups - are serious in their endeavor.  I think a very TINY number are not (which may also include those whites who suffer from liberal guilt and on occasion opt for jury nullification).

    I've observed many jury voir dire processes and trials.  Have you?

    Parent

    in my opinion, most sworn (5.00 / 3) (#106)
    by oculus on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:52:30 PM EST
    jurors, irrespective of their ethnicity, take their responsibilities as jurors seriously.

    Parent
    On the whole, yes (3.50 / 2) (#133)
    by thomas rogan on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:56:35 PM EST
    But not always--remember the OJ criminal jury.


    Parent
    Hence my inclusion (none / 0) (#138)
    by oculus on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:32:27 PM EST
    of the qualifier "most."

    Parent
    Well No Offense... (none / 0) (#23)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:07:01 AM EST
    ...but unless you have the ability to read minds, you can't possibly know who takes what seriously.

    It's good to see this cop found guilty, reading through some of the cr@p he pulled, the guy clearly belongs behind bars and it had to bring some of the victims a little peace to see him crying like a baby after the verdict.

    You link doesn't have it, but I want to say he could get something like 238 years for the crimes he was convicted of.


    Parent

    I stand by my comment (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:32:15 AM EST
    As opposed to "some white juries are FINALLY getting serious...." as a credible statement.  More like someone talking out of his a$$.

    Parent
    Well, like always, (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:52:41 AM EST
    it depend on what your definition of "serious" is.

    I think a jury of 12 KKK members would be very serious counting up the 12 "Guilty" votes.

    But, to your point, I've been quite impressed, and, my sense of justice somewhat restored, by the quality, and, "seriousness" of the juries I've witnessed in the numerous trials I've been involved in. Thankfully, I've been on the winning side in most of them, but, even in the couple that went against me, they made well thought out, studious (but, wrong, imo)decisions.

    I don't know, there just seems like a transformation is made when 12 ordinary people, suddenly, become the center of attention, are sworn in by a solemn judge, and, both the plaintiff, and, defendant are fixated, magnetically on their standing.  

    Parent

    How was that talking out my as#, Ilsa? (2.00 / 1) (#32)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:48:20 AM EST
    I think you need to take a course in General Semantics --if you're not too worried it'll lead you to start "coddling criminals"..

    Parent
    heh (2.00 / 1) (#56)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:57:22 PM EST
    "unless you have the ability to read minds"

    says the guy who, in the last open thread, was browbeating another commenter because of course everybody knows that "the cops" murdered Freddie Gray

    Parent

    Ok, so maybe YOU can explain (none / 0) (#58)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:04:25 PM EST
    how adding the qualifiers "some" and "starting to" was talking out my as#..

    Take all the time you need.

    Parent

    I forgot, heh. (none / 0) (#59)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:05:08 PM EST


    Parent
    i was replying to Scott (none / 0) (#64)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:19:08 PM EST
    maybe you meant to address jb?

    i know nothing of your mouth or your @$$, happy to say

    Parent

    Maybe you should get back (none / 0) (#67)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:23:07 PM EST
    to obsessing over the fact that you're the only liberal on the planet who knows radical muslims are living in the 12th century.

    I so wanna hear more about that.

    Parent

    7th century, jondee (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:36:56 PM EST
    & there are 3 of us

    Ali Rizvi, me, & Graeme Wood

    Parent

    I've been reading (5.00 / 2) (#96)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:55:24 PM EST
    Graeme Wood's stuff over at The Atlantic for months. Really good stuff.

    He's a scholar, and he researches scholars. He set me straight about the phony meme, "ISIS members aren't "real Muslims." The circular thinking goes from, "they don't practice real Islam, they're killers using Islam in a grotesque way to gain followers for their looting, raping, etc. to they're playboy hustlers using Islam in a cult-like way to gain power, yada, yada, they're probably atheists.

    The fact is, they are the real deal, devoted to the most basic, original intent version of Islam. In fact, it's those other Muslims, the majority, who aren't "real" Muslims. (Thank Goodness.)They've moved on, pretty much as the Jews & Christians have. Christians have their most Fundamentalist Evangelicals, there's the Hassidic Jews, kind of analogous to ISIS.... without the genocide. Analogous in the sense of their religiosity.

    Anyway, Wood's article, "ISIS, What Do They Really Want," (I think that's the title) is the best analysis I've heard so far in explaining who/what ISIS is, and, where they're intent on going.

    Parent

    On the other hand..the Dervishes (5.00 / 2) (#107)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:52:54 PM EST
    were, and hopefully still are, on a totally different trip ( as the young people used to say)..

    Similarly religious in a mostly benign way the way the Hasids are, and more involved in an esoteric, mystical form of spiritual practice..

    Rumi, the founder of the Dervishes said something to the effect of (paraphrasing from memory) "the Koran is a mirror, if an ape looks in, no man looks out."

    Implying that there are levels of interpretation of scripture less available to the all-too-rampant, narrow, fundamentalist mentality..

    And yes, the Derishes are unfortunately a tiny minority within the worldwide muslim community, but still I think many of them would object when non-muslims make too many sweeping pronouncments about who the "true muslims" are.

    Parent

    The Dervishes (5.00 / 2) (#119)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:39:13 PM EST
    are practitioners of a mystically-oriented form of Islam, Sufism.
    Wiki has a long explanation of Sufism.

    Parent
    However, in this case (none / 0) (#125)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:59:58 PM EST
    we're not looking at Islam through a political lens. Much as scientist study amoeba in a detached, evidence-based manner, why can't Islamic scholars do it similarly with a religion, Islam? There were o judgements made, no preferences offered, just reporting Data.

    And, BTW Abu_Bakr_al-Baghdadi, the Leader of ISIS would be thrilled at Graeme Wood's findings.......The brand of Islam practiced by ISIS is the most pure, apocalyptic version going.

    Parent

    What (none / 0) (#98)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:01:59 PM EST
    they are is fundamentalists. And a lot of fundamentalists work backwards. They decide what they want to do and then find a verse in the religious text to back them up. Well, that's generally what the leaders do anyway. The followers believe that they are doing the work of God. You see it here with the attitude about women with fundamentalist Christians. You can find many verses in the bible that back up what they say about women. Heck, you can find a bible verse to justify anything you want to do.

    Parent
    yes (none / 0) (#102)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:28:42 PM EST
    "what ISIS really wants" = "to kill you"

    Parent
    Actually, (none / 0) (#103)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:41:31 PM EST
    that's correct. But, doesn't it gladden your heart to know that, as they're hacking away at your neck, they're not faking it just to steal your money? At a time when we heap praise & votes onto lying, worthless, narcissistic, grubs for " telling it like it is,"  isn't it good to know you're being killed because god really, really, really wants you dead?

    Parent
    and Green Lantern, thank God. (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:16:46 PM EST


    Parent
    You observe through a glass darkly (none / 0) (#33)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:49:44 AM EST
    just like everyone else.

    Parent
    no (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:02:12 PM EST
    not "just like everyone else"

    not even "just like everyone else" who has opposable  thumbs & the ability to Google LegalZoom

    Parent

    I wanna see a picture of your thumbs (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:15:30 PM EST
    extract and ante up.

    Parent
    Thanks (none / 0) (#18)
    by CoralGables on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:28:34 AM EST
    Figured it was just a misinterpretation on my part.

    Parent
    you know (none / 0) (#104)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:42:28 PM EST
    what they're talking about?

    Parent
    Maybe it would be more accurate to say (none / 0) (#65)
    by Anne on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:21:25 PM EST
    that the concerns expressed in various blogs and media outlets were more like assumptions, and the outcome in this case again proves what happens when people assume things.

    I'm still not sure what someone's race or gender has to do with the seriousness with which he or she takes the responsibilities that come with being a juror deciding someone's guilt or innocence.  I think it's possible for people to be serious about the oath, and still bring some level of bias to their judgment, but bias and seriousness aren't the same thing.

    And for what it's worth, we all have bias of some kind - the hard part about serving on a jury is recognizing that, and trying to compartmentalize it so it plays as little role as possible.  But that has nothing to do with whether one takes an oath seriously.

    Parent

    Watching the sentencing of this guy (none / 0) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:35:18 AM EST
    I was thinking,  wait, on top of everything else you are going to let the world watch you cry like a little b!tch?  Then I thought, if I was a white cop going to prison for what will likely be the rest of a short and almost certainly very miserable like I might do the same.


    Parent
    I can see where it was a concern (none / 0) (#179)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 01:42:24 PM EST
    But I'm willing to chalk it up to evolution, it's happenin

    Thank you white guys! Hugs and kisses!

    Parent

    I'll be around (none / 0) (#12)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 07:58:02 AM EST


    Oh, good. (5.00 / 2) (#27)
    by NYShooter on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:53:57 AM EST
    So, will you get me a coffee, and, maybe a bagel?

    Parent
    "I'll be around" (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Mr Natural on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:52:45 AM EST
    spin it.

    Parent
    Okay (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by sj on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:14:37 PM EST
    that made me laugh.

    Parent
    ScottW714 (none / 0) (#19)
    by CoralGables on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 08:32:55 AM EST
    From another thread you mentioned...

    That small home in Houston simple does not exist.  I doubt there is one habitable building from the 18th century in the entire city.

    This one while serious made me laugh because Houston didn't even exist until the 19th century.

    Well Believe it or Not... (none / 0) (#43)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:57:53 AM EST
    ...there were homes here before the city was incorporated.

    There is actually a park with about 10 of them kept for display.  So they exist, but I am just not sure if any exist in which people occupy.

    Parent

    dp deterrence studies (none / 0) (#25)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:40:11 AM EST
    Supposedly there have been a number of studies done with some semblance of statistical validity which finds that the dp has a deterent effect of between 3 and 20 persons per execution.

    Supposedly in fact one of the studies was done by someone who does not morally support the dp but those are his results anyway . . .

    "Science does really draw a conclusion. It did. There is no question about it," said Naci Mocan, an economics professor at the University of Colorado at Denver. "The conclusion is there is a deterrent effect."

    A 2003 study he co-authored, and a 2006 study that re-examined the data, found that each execution results in five fewer homicides, and commuting a death sentence means five more homicides. "The results are robust, they don't really go away," he said. "I oppose the death penalty. But my results show that the death penalty (deters) _ what am I going to do, hide them?"

    There obviously is a problem with corrupt police and prosecutors and "bad" eyewitness testimony at times . . .

    Luis Lorenzo Vargas breaks down in court on Nov. 23, 2015, as he is exonerated for three sexual assaults that he was convicted of and spent 16 years in jail for.

    "Bad eyewitness identifications are one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions," said project director and Professor Justin Brooks.

    and it sometimes happens that a series of eyewitnesses wrongly identifies the same wrong man as the guilty party  . . . though I tend to believe that police and prosecutors have been helping them along in their wrongful ids in many cases.

    Anyway, apart from the problems #1 bad eyewitness ID and #2 corrupt prosecutors and police who suborn false testimony . . . I tend to believe that "we" would be better off with more executions of guilty parties of various sorts of murder. . .  though I think we should also have measures to go after prosecutors and/or police who game the system to frame a man and there should be a change in court procedure in the matter of eyewitness ID.

    Whats the best course to deter (none / 0) (#44)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:58:28 AM EST
    someone from walking around with their ...in a slingshot and mirrors on their shoes?

    Parent
    Trump / Cruz Ticket, Doubt It (none / 0) (#28)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 09:56:33 AM EST
    Private fund-raiser recording:
    Who am I comfortable having their finger on the button? Now that's a question of strength, but it's also a question of judgment. And I think that is a question that is a challenging question for both of them.

    On the audio, after he described the "challenging question" facing Mr. Trump and Mr. Carson, Mr. Cruz went on to explain: "So my approach, much to the frustration of the media, has been to bear hug both of them, and smother them with love."

    He added: "People run as who they are. I believe gravity will bring both of those campaigns down" and "the lion's share of their supporters come to us."

    Mr. Cruz, questioned about the remarks on Thursday after a speech at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, said he was "not going to comment on what I may or may not have said at a private fund-raiser."

    Not much, but considering how thin skinned Trump is...

    Two words (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:05:19 AM EST
    Voodoo economics

    Parent
    Clarification (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:16:23 AM EST
    In a news release today, Cruz's campaign dismissed a report from the New York Times that claimed Cruz had questioned Trump's judgment in a private fundraiser in New York City.

    "Both of them I like and respect," Cruz said to attendees of Trump and fellow candidate Ben Carson, according to the Times. "I don't believe either one of them is going to be our president."

    Cruz's campaign called the report "misleading." Here's Cruz's full statement:

    "In the course of a Presidential election, the voters are going to make a decision about every candidate. And ultimately the decision is, who has the right judgment and the right experience to serve as Commander in Chief? Every one of us who is running is being assessed by the voters under that metric, and that is exactly why we have a democratic election to make that determination



    Parent
    Trump Tweets (none / 0) (#48)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:30:36 PM EST
    Trump:
    Looks like @tedcruz is getting ready to attack. I am leading by so much he must. I hope so, he will fall like all others. Will be easy!

    @tedcruz should not make statements behind closed doors to his bosses, he should bring them out into the open - more fun that way!

    LINK

    Parent

    These (none / 0) (#50)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:35:19 PM EST
    idiots should learn to keep their mouth shut when it comes to Trump.

    Parent
    Why do I suspect that all Cruz's (none / 0) (#53)
    by jondee on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:43:33 PM EST
    all-encompassing-christian-love and turn-the-other-cheek go out the window faster than sh*t through a goose when he's backed into a corner?

    And he's probably fairly formidible once the Lord gives him permission to take the gloves off (in Jesus's name)

    Parent

    He's (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:49:28 PM EST
    not the only one. And when called on their behavior they will say Jesus forgives them for being a jerk and all will be well in the world.

    That might be the only thing that is admirable about Trump. When he says something and gets slammed for it he doesn't play the Jesus card.

    Parent

    Hence (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 12:39:18 PM EST
    The clarification

    Parent
    What ? (none / 0) (#68)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:27:38 PM EST
    ...voodoo economics, clarification, hence the clarification ??  

    I would like some clarification on the clarification of WTF any of those posts means.

    Parent

    Really? (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:30:13 PM EST
    Ok

    Cruz clarified because Trump tweeted about him.

    GWBush once referred to Reagans ideas as Voodoo Economics and then became his VP.

    Parent

    Thank You (none / 0) (#74)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:35:09 PM EST
    I did not know that about Bush, I was 8.

    Parent
    You've never seen (none / 0) (#78)
    by CST on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:42:29 PM EST
    Ferris Bueller's Day off?

    Even I knew that one!

    Link

    Parent

    What is Way More Impressive... (none / 0) (#83)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 01:55:03 PM EST
    ...is that you knew that is that movie.

    Parent
    Hey Scott... (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by kdog on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:01:42 PM EST
    I hope you work at Hilcorp bro!

    Parent
    heck yea (none / 0) (#85)
    by CST on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:04:35 PM EST
    It's a classic.

    Also, I am the youngest member of my generation in my family (siblings, cousins, etc...) A lot of my pop-culture references are from them.

    Parent

    Those were the days (none / 0) (#108)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:00:19 PM EST
    before Ben Stein was an obnoxious right wing tool.

    At least publicly .

    Parent

    Vice presidential choices, in the past, (none / 0) (#86)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:27:31 PM EST
    and surely, this time around, will be pragmatic. Animosities did not prevent John Kennedy from picking Lyndon Johnson as a running mate--for among reasons, the electoral votes of Texas.

      And, Reagan, in his unsuccessful bid to displace Ford in 1976, picked the very liberal Republican, Senator Richard Schweiker of Pennsylvania, early in the primary process, to provide more of an A to Z in his base.

     And, in 1980, Reagan's first choice for vice president was his former foe, President Ford. After Ford backed out, Reagan went for Daddy Bush, his opponent in the primary.

    Trump is poll driven, if not poll obsessed. So, my guess is the pragmatism of the polls at the time will be primal. And, polls reflecting the general electorate, not, as now, just the Republican primary voters, where the range, these days, runs the gamut from A to A minus.  Or, from Z plus to Z.

    Parent

    You make an (none / 0) (#121)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:49:53 PM EST
    Interesting point about pragmatism.   I was thinking that if, God forbid, Trump grabs the nomination it would be just like him to pivot 180 and go back to the pro life pro universal health care friend if Bill and Hillary he once was like the last 12 months never happened and pick a liberal VP.
    Who knows.  But one thing I think we do know is he doesn't give a damn about the crazy right wingers now worshiping him beyond their primary vote.
    What's that, he could never do that?  The thing is he's done it to be who he is currently.

    If he did that it would be both funny because of the heads that would explode and terrifying because then he would be much more of a threat.

    Parent

    Yes, Trump (none / 0) (#169)
    by KeysDan on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:39:51 AM EST
    is, predictably,  unpredictable.  Should Trump be the Republican nominee, I would expect him to go outside of the Volkswagen clown car for a running mate. Depending on what the national circumstances are, for example, terrorism hysteria--a right wing Dr. Strangelove General would be "terrific."

      Or, an establishmentarian Republican who condemns him but has pledged to support him no matter what.   Speaker Paul Ryan fits that bill and has experience in running for vice president, although the "loser" part may rule him out.  

    Parent

    Are wiki and Pew Res bigoted sources? (none / 0) (#30)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:08:17 AM EST
    I see that it has been alleged that I previously posted a "bigoted rant."

    bigot:
    Full Definition of BIGOT

    :  a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially :  one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance  A slightly diff bit of the dictionary page speaks of a racial or religious group.

    I try to form my views based on reasoning and evidence . . . and one interesting thing about dialoguing with people who disagree with "you" is that you are perhaps exposed to evidence and reasoning you had not considered.  On the matter of the Heller decision, I could be wrong, but it appears that I am the only poster to have quoted and cited the crucial paragraph. . . . a paragraph that the dozens of persons who have claimed here the decision is wrong decline to interact with.

    Re race and religion . . . Is someone suggesting that the policy proposal of not taking in certain immigrants or refugees is bigoted?  Or, is there a problem with referring to factual information that results from surveys?  such as this information . . .

    In some countries, considerable portions of the population [will] not [out loud or in writing to a pollster] offer an opinion about ISIS, including a majority (62%) of Pakistanis.

    More than half of Pakistanis have no view or will not express a view to a pollster on ISIS . . .

    In a Pew Research study from 2006, at least 1 in 4 respondents in the Muslim nations surveyed, except Turkey, had at least some confidence in Bin Laden.

     Also, 36%[34] of 16- to 24-year-olds British Muslims believed that those converting to another religion should be executed.

    OK, well, rather than to say that that view is bad--could be bigotry--I would say that it seems that that view is seriously "not compatible" with American values.

    Hey Dummy... (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:30:59 AM EST
    ...you already been found guilty, you are just wasting one of your 4 posts digging a hole.

    Defending bigotry with more bigotry probably isn't the best course of action.

    Parent

    Oh, well (5.00 / 3) (#87)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 02:39:00 PM EST
    His comments are so lengthy, each one should count as at least two comments, if not three.    

    Parent
    2 movies to see (none / 0) (#42)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 11:55:19 AM EST
    Well,

    since I have seen and enjoyed and recommended viewing

    The Kingdom of Heaven and The Siege

    does that make me pro-Muslim?

    In the Kingdom of Heaven, Saladin and the Muslims are portrayed as wise and honorable . . . and perhaps they were . . . and the Europeans with one main exception are portrayed as power-hungry, fools and murderers who endangered the lives of their subjects and perhaps some of them in history were.  

    Though in the kingdom of heaven, a man of no particular royal position is eventually recognized and followed for his wisdom and he saves lives . . . and it is a nice suggestion in favor of some kind of democracy or meritocracy rather than mere royal or autocratic rule . . .

    In "the mal-functioning European system," a man with a bright idea rose to the top, with his bright idea.  It just took a long time in the Kingdom of Heaven movie  . . .  It took nearly to the end. Of course, it had already happened in Greece dozens of times, and most particularly with Themistocles whose idea of increasing the Navy probably saved Greece from the Persians.

    He continued to advocate a strong Athenian navy, and in 483 BC he persuaded the Athenians to build a fleet of 200 triremes; these would prove crucial in the forthcoming conflict with Persia.

    Themistocles was a man with some ideas who could present them in a public assembly and argue for them . . .

    *

    After the abduction by the US military of an Islamic religious leader, New York City becomes the target of escalating terrorist attacks. Anthony Hubbard, the head of the FBI's Counter-Terrorism Task Force in New York, teams up with CIA operative Elise Kraft to hunt down the terrorist cells responsible for the attacks. As the bombings continue, the US government responds by declaring martial law, sending US troops, led by Gen. Devereaux, into the streets of New York City.

    It has been years since I saw that movie, the Siege, but as I recall the US gen engages in unethical and/or illegal and/or immoral conduct . . .  I forget how the Arabs are portrayed . . . other than the fact that they engage in some terror . . .

    I saw the Siege when it first came out.  I could be wrong, but if I recall correctly, one of the nice and intriguing things about the movie is that the Bruce-Willis-general character, who engages in or encourages torture and other wrong, reaps grief and wrong himself or for his cause.  I guess I will have to see it again . . .

    Muslims are not all bad and Christians or Europeans are not all good or all wise . . .

    Not sure what I wrote a week ago that someone considered bigotry!

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    the man in high castle (none / 0) (#120)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 05:49:40 PM EST
    you may recall that I seem to be one of the only ones here to have been viewing, reviewing and recommending the Man in the High Castle, a series which I regard as fantastic at this point.

    I know that some of you enjoy posts or threads on the topic of various football games or teams . . .

    The man in the high castle has several white persons who are Nazis and so far, nearly all morally bad . . . one white morally bad Hitler though he is at least more peaceful than his likely successor . . . one somewhat good Japanese man the Trade Minister who follows his conscience and the I ching to help the resistance . . .  One woman heroine-to-be who studies and uses Aikido . . .  One Jew without God who might become a hero later . . .  One Jew with God who tries to encourage the Jew without God to believe in something . . .  One black Muslim semi-hero who turns out to be part of the Resistance . . . One Jewish bookstore owner who is killed by a bounty hunter.

    I live in Seattle.  I've encouraged the lgbtq community subject to hate crimes to consider pepper spray or arms . . .

    Yeah, zaitz the bigot or zaitz who reads the news . . .

    Parent

    Ohhhh Man.... (none / 0) (#92)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 03:15:21 PM EST
    ...if you need a reason to obey traffic signs, especially on a bike, HERE it is.

    The whole story is HERE, but it's ad intensive.

    The guy lived.

    Watch out for this guy (none / 0) (#105)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 04:48:08 PM EST
    this obnoxious kid has a future in the performing arts

    His name is Thomas Barbusca.   He has a small recurring role in the current season of American Horror Story.   He is a scene stealer.

    Marshals indicted in Chris Few killing (none / 0) (#132)
    by McBain on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 06:51:13 PM EST
    Link

    The judge also lifted the gag order.  Maybe we'll finally be able to see the body cam video.  

    NCAA Women's Volleyball: Unseeded, my a$$! (none / 0) (#143)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 11, 2015 at 10:24:37 PM EST
    The two-time defending NCAA champion Nittany Lions of Penn State are now history (for this year, anyway), swept from the NCAA Tournament by Hawaii tonight in three straight sets, 25-22, 27-25, and 25-16.

    The Rainbow Wahine, who have now won a nation's best 24 straight matches, are apparently on a mission to make the tournament selection committee members look very foolish for having once again left them unseeded in the tourney despite having lost only one match all season, which was back on Labor Day weekend to UCLA.

    To put what they've done thus far in even better perspective, Hawaii has not played a home match since Oct. 28, and are now 14-0 outside the UH Stan Sherriff Center in Manoa. Next up tomorrow night for the 'Bows in the Des Moines Regional final: the Big Ten champion (and the tourney's No. 2 seed) Minnesota Gophers.

    In other notable action, my alma mater Washington got extended to five sets before edging past Ohio State, 23-25, 25-20, 25-18, 12-25, and 15-8. Next up for the Huskies in the Lexington, KY Regional final: Big Ten runners-up Nebraska.

    And perhaps of some interest to CG and BTD, in the Austin, TX Regional final, we have Texas v. Florida. Home court advantage would nominally favor the Longhorns. But for what it's worth, one of Texas' two losses this season was to the Gators in four sets, on this very same home court back on September 5.

    Here are the Sweet 16 results so far tonight, with the final match of the San Diego Regional semifinals (USC v. Creighton) only just now underway:

    At San Diego, CA:
    USC v. Creighton
    Kansas 25-25-21-25, Loyola Marymount 19-11-25-13 (Jayhawks win, 3-1)
    Finals: Kansas (29-2) v. USC-Creighton winner

    At Lexington, KY:
    Washington 23-25-25-12-15, Ohio State 25-20-18-25-8 (Huskies win, 3-2)
    Nebraska 26-25-25, Brigham Young 24-17-23 (Cornhuskers win, 3-0)
    Finals: Washington (31-2) v. Nebraska (29-4)

    At Austin, TX:
    Texas 23-25-25-25, UCLA 25-22-10-20 (Longhorns win, 3-1)
    Florida 25-25-19-22-15, Wisconsin 17-23-25-25-12 (Gators win, 3-2)
    Finals: Florida (25-6) v. Texas (28-2)

    At Des Moines, IA:
    Hawaii 25-27-25, Penn State 22-25-16 (Rainbows win, 3-0)
    Minnesota 25-25-25, Illinois 22-23-17 (Gophers win, 3-0)
    Finals: Hawaii (29-1) v. Minnesota (29-4)

    This year's NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four is to be held at the Century Link Center in Omaha, NE on Friday,  December 17 and Sunday, December 19.

    Aloha.

    FYI: data about LE in Chicago (none / 0) (#150)
    by Palli on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 07:54:09 AM EST
    See  http://cpdb.co/findings/
    The Citizens Police Data project summarize their findings:

          "28,567 allegations of misconduct were filed against
          Chicago Police Department officers between March 2011
          and September 2015.

          Less than 2% of those complaints resulted in any discipline.

          Black Chicagoans filed 61% of all complaints in the
          database, but make up only 25% of sustained complaints.

          White Chicagoans--who filed 21% of total complaints--
          account for 58% of sustained complaints."

    BTW, this is an amazing effort & the clarity of the data mapping truly beautiful. Check out the section that charts individual police officers.

    Jason Van Dyke (who killed LaQuan McDonald) is posted as having 20 citizen complaints & zero discipline measures. But there are cops with 3 times that number.

    Watching ANTMAN on PPV (none / 0) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:37:49 AM EST
    It's really really good.   Way better than I expected.

    I recommend.

    Michael Dougkas, Evangline Lilly, Corey Stoll and others worth watching.

    Amazing effects of course.  And some interesting if silly "science".

    Almost worth watching just for this (5.00 / 1) (#181)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 03:12:46 PM EST
    How Exactly Did Ant-Man Make Michael Douglas Look So Young?

    In Ant-Man's opening scene, Michael Douglas's Hank Pym strides into S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters to tender his resignation. Well, that's not 100 percent right -- it's definitely Hank Pym, and it's definitely S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, but it's not quite Michael Douglas, at least as we know him in 2015. The scene takes place in 1989, and the Douglas that walks into the room is the spitting image of the actor during his Wall Street and Fatal Attraction days. How did the film undo 25 years of time's cruel work? We were lucky enough to talk to Trent Claus of Lola VFX, the company that de-aged Douglas for Marvel, to learn the scene's secrets.



    Parent
    I went back (none / 0) (#182)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 03:13:31 PM EST
    And frame-walked through this.  It's flawless.

    Parent
    police brutality death in King county (none / 0) (#166)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 10:45:14 AM EST
    a man who was slammed into a concrete wall in 2009 by a King county deputy has died in the last few days.

    The man was falsely identified by a "witness" as being a part of a fight in a bar.  2 kc deputies began to chase the soon-to-be victim.  The about-to-be victim apparently did not know why 2 assailants were chasing him and he ran.  Whether or not they announced they were deputies is not clear; they were not in regular police dress; they were in "tactical dress," of nearly all black.

    They yelled stop supposedly, allegedly; the man ran.  They pursued him and when the man got tired and decided to stop, 1 of the kc deputies then "tackled" him in such a way as to smash his head into a concrete wall.

    It is the kind of thing that would lead to BLM protests, but alas, the man was white.  The man was left permanently brain damaged and paralyzed.  His wife continued to care for him and the family sued the county.  Now, after about 5 years of living in bed, he has died of complications.

    Part-way through the trial, with things going against them, the county made a $10 mil settlement offer which the family took.  Afterwards, journalists interviewed the jurors who said that they were ready and inclined to find in favor of the family.

    Tackling a man with any force "into" a concrete wall should be some form idiocy.  KC claims that they investigated . . . they claim that the force used was appropriate with a freakishly bad result--brain damage, paralysis and death.  KC still regards what the deputy did as proper and justifiable.

    KC however does agree that tasing people for jaywalking is beyond their policy . . .

    KC then sent the deputy back for "more training" at the Wash that CJ training center and the fellow is stil a "deputy."

    The deputy was Matthew Paul; the family sued him for negligence and excessive force.  With a man was brain damaged and paralyzed for life, King County fought them in court until they decided that it was not good for the jury to hear any more.

    Oh, boy, there's more (none / 0) (#167)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Sat Dec 12, 2015 at 11:07:06 AM EST
    So I decided to read more about this situation . . .

    and it turns out that the judge in the trial sanctioned and reprimanded the county and the sheriff's office for withholding relevant information about Deputy Matthew Paul's previous instances of unreasonable and excessive force.

    Pierce County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Arend ruled Friday that the county acted in bad faith when it failed to turn over to Harris' family information about two other incidents in which the involved deputy reportedly used excessive force. Finding the county guilty of intentional misconduct and acting reprehensibly, the judge ordered the county pay the family $300,000 -- a mere fraction of the $3.3 million sought by the family. . . .

    Meanwhile, the sheriff's office denies it withheld the information intentionally.

    King County Sheriff Steve Strachan, in response to the judge's ruling, said he does not believe the department intentionally withheld information.

    Surveillance video from the Cinerama movie theater in downtown Seattle showed Harris racing toward Paul, who appeared to have stopped with his arms outspread, and of giving him a shove that knocked the smaller man eight feet and through the air into the base of a wall.

    Two witnesses said Harris seemed to be stopping and said, "I don't have anything, I didn't steal anything," just before he was hit by Paul, who weighed about 270 pounds, about 100 pounds more than Harris.

    One deputy acknowledged on the witness stand that the deputies did not identify themselves to Harris before they started chasing him. . .

    I can't imagine why that would be a problem . . .  Usually someone chasing you in parts of Seattle means that they want to assault and rob you . . .

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    Thursday Open Thread | 203 comments (203 topical)