Senate_in_sessionThis thread is for anyone watching the current debate who would like to discuss it.

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bito
Member

Thought best to move over here. HC BILL. McCain up now (AGAIN) and asking once again to send the bill back to committee. He wannts nothing less than to kill this bill. He didn’t even show up half the time in the committee meetings to work on the bill!

kesmarn
Admin

It’s almost 2:30 a.m. where I am. I’m finally getting a chance to see what transpired in the “real world” (if DC can be called that) while I was at work, thanks to all of you here. Reading through the hundreds of play-by-play comments made it really come alive. Things are looking better these days. Hope Reid et al can pull it off!

But before I hit my new memory foam pillow, I have to say once more that AdLib is that rare combination of a very capable tech person and an amazing “people person”–namely a very calm, fair, even-handed and even-tempered administrator. You have no idea how much that is appreciated.

Are there ever nights when you go to bed with a giant headache?

Kalima
Admin

Hello kesmarn.

I can’t and won’t speak for him but have a funny feeling that tonight could be one of those nights.

KQµårk 死神
Member

Goodnight. I hope you can get to sleep and feel better in the morning.

AdLib
Admin

kesmarn, your very kind comments are soothing indeed, very appreciated!

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

I’m off too, night all…

Kalima
Admin

Good night BDM, take care and hope to see you later. *wave*

bito
Member

Good night all meds an beds time for me.
Kalima, have a nice Tea Time

Kalima
Admin

Good night bitohistory, I wish you well and thank you.

KevenSeven
Member

Hang on, hang on, hang on!

What? This is not the LAST cloture motion?

This business is killing me.

sharonh
Member
sharonh

I cannot believe not one republican female voted to proceed against a brazenly sexist insurance industry. Shameful.

KevenSeven
Member

They are Republicans. That trumps having a uterus, apparently.

Or having had one. Most of them are rather mature.

javaz
Member

This was fun while it lasted,
Keven is going to be ban me,, so c’est la vie,

Bye

Am banned, so tyvm, and it was a good run

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

Nite javaz, take care.

AdLib
Admin

javaz, Keven can’t ban you, I am the Admin and we don’t ban here. This exchange is very unfortunate but I guarantee all here that I will be working with everyone involved to resolve this, put it behind us and move forward positively.

As I mentioned below, conflicts happen between husbands and wives, parents and kids, best friends and the constructive response is to recognize such moments are inevitable between independently minded people but if they share most of the same sensibilities, it’s just the task of ironing out what happened and putting it behind them.

That’s what will happen in this case.

KevenSeven
Member

Yes, it is unfortunate when people call others assholes.

HITO
Member
HITO

You are not banned. Wish I could show you the thread 3 days after signing in here. K7 told me I was on probation for my conflicts at HP. Adlib set him and I straight.

Javaz, please don’t go anywhere. One thing I’ve learned over the last 3 weeks, that to disappear is not solution. I aborted 4 socks at HP, and I now regret it.

We must keep the fight for the correct going. And you clearly are an important member in that.

Good night sweetness.

See you tomorrow. Promise.

KevenSeven
Member

You might want to drop the violin.

I am not going to ban you.

I am not certain that I could.

But you have no business calling me an asshole.

AdLib
Admin

Only Admin can ban here, meaning me and only for outrageous conduct, none of which has occurred to date.

Name calling is against the rules of conduct here for everyone who blogs here without exception or prejudice.

That includes me too.

KevenSeven
Member

Doo doo head!

Kalima
Admin

K7 can’t ban you javaz.

bito
Member

Good Night, dear one. We will all find our civility on the morn. Sweet dreams.

KQµårk 死神
Member

javaz you are not getting banned. What the hell happened? I go away for a few minutes and all hell breaks out.

KevenSeven
Member

She called me an asshole. Strangely enough, she though that that might have consequences.

bito
Member

I have been here since early this morning. I have gone most of the day having many civil and thoughtful conversations concerning the HC vote. Nary a word about about HP or their posts and comments. It has been enjoyable. In the words of Bret: “Scarlet, I don’t give a shit about HuffPo”

May I suggest, with AdLib’s permission, that every one wanting to discuss the late HuffPo, that they open their own post. Speaker corner?

IMHO
bito

escribacat
Member

Censorship?

AdLib
Admin

Nope, Speakers Corner is for non-news/issue-related articles. It’s open and public like every other category here except the articles posted under it just don’t appear as front page articles, like our Morning Blog which is there right now. It’s an editorial choice to feature POVs on issues of substance on the front page.

I appreciate bitohistory’s suggestion, we do strive to have important issue-based articles on our front page but Authors will always remain free to write articles as they choose.

KevenSeven
Member

Anyway, where were we? Oh, yeah.

The Dem party’s primary initiative just passed the last hurdle, and we will have a bill to defend in 2010.

Me, I think it will go well. With a little luck, KSM will have been convicted by then. That would be cool.

(I passed on that straight line.)

choicelady
Member

Hi all – been out of touch much this week working the DC line to get this to this point. BUT, even though I’ve been talking to some Hill staffers, I’m not so sure this is a done deal. I fear the NEXT cloture vote to move it TO a vote – that’s where Lieberman et al. can screw us if this bill is actually good for people. For some reason, even some Dems don’t seem to think things that benefit people, that reflect our common humanity and responsibility for one another, are nearly so neat as things that make corporations rich. So – someone talk me down! I’ve been working on this daily for MONTHS, and I think I left many of my brain cells on a flight from east to west. Help!

escribacat
Member

Well, choicelady, I’d like to congratulate you and thank you….so far so good anyway! The bill has “died” a thousand deaths already, and it still chugs along. I must be an eternal optimist. I think it would never have made it this far if it wasn’t going to pass. I think some of those slimebags are holding out for some more “candy” in exchange for their votes. I think we’re going to get it passed.

bito
Member

escriba, that is how most legislation is done.
However in my life, I don’t recall congress being so idiotically divided. Maybe close to it on passage of the first civil rights bills

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

This is what the Dems need, some forward positive momentum to give them some confidence in standing up to those dweebs.

HITO
Member
HITO

I don’t need undeserved shit from a poster who clearly has it out for me.

See you later kids.

KevenSeven
Member

It is not permitted to refer to another poster here as an asshole.

KevenSeven
Member

Now that is just naughty.

HITO
Member
HITO

Smoooooch.

And BTW, “Babe” is one of my favorite words.

Hey, I have a brother too…didn’t see him for 17 years, and he’s resurfaced recently. He looks amazingly like the Stockbrocker dude at Huffy.

Javaz, thank you very much for your compassion and understanding. Wasn’t trying to do anything but post relevant concerns relating to my state, which is very much in the shitter compared to bygone days. NY used to be a top contributor to the feds.

🙂

javaz
Member

Let me ask Kevenseven, a question?
Or multiple questions?

Is it really necessary to correct people’s spelling?

Is it really necessary to correct people when you do your weekly seminar to tell them, in not so friendly terms, that they are off topic?

Are you one of the founders of this site?

Lighten up.
Or you are going to lose members.

Lighten up, or you are going to lose valuable people.

KevenSeven
Member

Happy to answer your questions:

Is it “necessary” to correct spelling? No. Let me ask you a question: What sort of adult is wounded by simple corrections of spelling? I don’t write “what, were you home schooled”.

Is it “necessary” to tell people that they are off topic in a discussion that I am leading? (And I was perfectly civil about it) Yes. That is the whole point. To move toward an answer to a question. Answers to other questions do not advance the goal.

Yes, I am one of the charter members of this site.

I don’t know what you mean by “lighten up”. I was asking HITO if she could explain why it matters where I live? But if I hurt your feelings, I am sorry.

I don’t want anyone to leave. But I also don’t want people to challenge the validity of other’s opinions on frivolous and insulting grounds.

You are free to have a differing opinion. This is a political debate site. It is not a universal group hug. We need to be civil to each other, but if you need ointment on your bunions, I may not be the guy to ask.

And calling me an asshole is against the rules. You should not do that.

Kalima
Admin

Kev have you ever considered that the person who you chose to correct, could be dyslexic?

KevenSeven
Member

Well, I suppose that is possible. And seeing as I am not throwing around insults with the occasional correction, I don’t know why it would cause so much pain.

Kalima
Admin

Correcting someone’s spelling on a public blog is demeaning to that person, just my opinion. Sorry.

KevenSeven
Member

My opinion is that one needs to have a very thin skin indeed to be wounded, as an anonymous person, by such a correction from another anonymous person.

But what do I know?

Kalima
Admin

Anonymous or not, there are people like myself who find it unnecessary or even rude. Nothing at all to do with the thickness of one’s skin.

I’m sorry, I was brought up in Europe, maybe we view things differently there.

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

I was worried about ol’fishlips Lieberman, but when I was over at HP, forgive me, the planet seemed to be stuck, then I saw this:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/11/21/806735/-20,000-pledgers-and-$1MM-pledged-if-Lieberman-filibusters-health-care

Gee, now I feel so much better…..

KevenSeven
Member

I love Jon Stewart’s impersonations of him and his whinny mumbling.

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

I love it, he really sounds like that at times…God, he’s my senator….you just can’t imagine how embarrassed I am to admit that.

KevenSeven
Member

I have DiFi, so I think I can relate….

Corgi Lover
Guest

Was amused in my visit to Never Never Land where the junior Rethugs were doing their standard lines. “Well, this is as far as it gets.” Etc. Somehow they need to learn to deal with their disappoints better. Will they all be in front of their altars to Sarah Palin praying for that miracle tonight?

They weren’t even worth commenting to. Of course, neither was much of anyone else there either.

AdLib
Admin

There are still a number of clever and thoughtful folks over there, wish we could convince more to liberate themselves from the unnecessary abuse and repression over there.

I know some think they’re fighting the good fight but I think many here believe that war’s already been lost.

Corgi Lover
Guest

I just observe the patterns and don’t see many of them changing. It’s Huffington’s Desease, highly addicting and difficult to defeat. I think that some of our friends over there really do like the fast paced banter and questionable social behavior they cannot exercise elsewhere. I understand we’re working slowly towards a critical mass, but we aren’t providing some of the “juice” that it seems others crave. Personally, I can do without it here and am much happier. But I admit I go over to roll some heads on occasion.

escribacat
Member

I confess I’m just as addicted as ever. My obsessive personality. But at least it’s better than some other addictions I’ve had in the past! Honestly, I’m more concerned at this point about the amount of time I waste. It’s interfering with other things.

HITO
Member
HITO

Is it me? Can’t refresh fast enough. I’m waiting though…it’s worth it.

KevenSeven
Member

Is this thread only open to comment from residents of NY, or can anyone join in?

AdLib
Admin

Knock it off, wise guy!

Corgi Lover
Guest

Adlib, make them play nice. 🙂

KevenSeven
Member

Who? Me? I am just wondering if my opinions count, seeing as I do not live in NY. I for one think that they do.

AdLib
Admin

I think we’re only counting opinions from Manhattan, upstate New York is outta luck!

HITO
Member
HITO

Ha!

I am only mid-Hudson Valley Adlib, so I’m still in this discourse!

You are a good moderator, btw.

Corgi Lover
Guest

Hudson Valley???? Is that where all the DeSotos are parked?

AdLib
Admin

Cheers! All good folk here, just like in any relationship, conflicts come up, they need to be dissolved, reconciled and forgotten.

KevenSeven
Member

Now that is not nice.

Just cut and paste this:

Keven: It was wrong of me to question the validity of your opinion based on your residence.

AdLib
Admin

Kev, you’re right, the rules apply in both directions.

Let’s get back to issues and not criticisms of other members.

KevenSeven
Member

Fine. Just as long as we don’t get any of this “some of the animals are more equal than the others”.

I had enough of that elsewhere.

Kalima
Admin

Excuse me, I thought that we were here to set an example and not be part of the fray.
Maybe I read the wrong memo before we started this site or was it my piss poor eyes?

KevenSeven
Member

Kalima, I am just explaining that it is not cricket to dismiss people’s comments based on where they live.

Really a small detail.

Kalima
Admin

Yes I know that kev, but we all have a choice on how we chose to word our replies, right?

HITO
Member
HITO

Haha. You are so funny Keven.

Is it my imagination, or do you just hate me?

AdLib
Admin

K7 and I have gotten into it on issues as well, please don’t take it personally.

Still, we do require that people respect each other while disagreeing on opinions, that applies to everyone including all of the founders. We’re all peers here.

KevenSeven
Member

No, I don’t hate you, don’t be an infant.

You said that my opinion on the utility of trying KSM was not of value because I am not from NY.

So I am just asking if the rule applies here?

HITO
Member
HITO

I never said that. That would be projection on your part.

I continue to question the possibility that NY will absorb some of the costs of trying KSM. It is a valid concern regardless of your stance.

Chas. Schumer said he will request the feds pick up the bill for this.

Why did Schumer have to ask to begin with?

javaz
Member

YIKES

Keven scares the hell out of me.

When he writes them things whereby we’re supposed to converse, well, I wonder if Keven is my brother that lives in California and he disowned me.

Lighten up.

KevenSeven
Member

Wow. You should not scare that easy. There are actual reactionaries out there to battle.

KevenSeven
Member

It is not a question of whether or not NY will absorb some fraction of the cost.

You asked me “Do you live in NY?”

What difference does it make where I live? That is my question to you. Which you seem to have a problem answering.

HITO
Member
HITO

OK, perhaps if you did live in NY you might share some of my angst, given NY is $13Bil in the hole, and our NYSED system is as well.

Was just looking for a some shared sentiment, not trying to attack you as you have clearly posted.

I’ll go away now K7. Hope you are happy.

javaz
Member

What is your problem?

KevenSeven
Member

Well, that is a fine response.

Like I could not have empathy with NY and it’s finances? My state is bankrupt as well. Do you want to have a cry-fest, or shall we just discuss the issues of the day without personalizing them?

KevenSeven
Member

Javez, I thought I was clear:

I object to having my comments dismissed because I am not a resident of the state the action is happening in.

bito
Member

Schumer did the correct thing, he brought the subject up at a hearing in commie with the A.G., Eric Holder. There is a process to move the funds to cover all of the expenses that NYC may incur.

KevenSeven
Member

Seriously. As if the Feds are not going to cover the bill.

AdLib
Admin

Kev, the rules don’t allow you to name call. Please don’t do that.

AdLib
Admin

Please Kev, feel free to discuss the issues you have a problem with but don’t personalize it.

That’s the HuffPo way, not The Planet way.

KevenSeven
Member

Fine. I object to having my comments dismissed with “Do you live in NY”.

There. Clear enough?

Kalima
Admin

I think that everyone needs to read the rules again and remember why we started this site in the first place.

bito
Member

X4!!!

KevenSeven
Member

Absolutely.

And I want to hear your opinion even if you don’t live in NY.

javaz
Member

He reminds me of one of my brothers, and he sounds so much like him, I’m wondering.

Lighten up.

Kalima
Admin

What, Tokyo is banned?

Corgi Lover
Guest

Never, Kalima, adlib doesn’t want Godzilla swimming over here and coming after LA. 🙂

Kalima
Admin

😆 I see that I DO serve a purpose here after all.

Corgi Lover
Guest

I thought you were the keeper of the flame during our darkness and your daylight! What could be more valuable than that?

Kalima
Admin

I am and will always be on the side of justice for all and not only in a court of law.

I am humbled. *blushesintoherhankie*

KevenSeven
Member

I only want the opinions of people who own lots and lots of cats.

Kalima
Admin

😆 You called?

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

No dogs?

Corgi Lover
Guest

Well, if no dogs is the case, I’m just going to pick up my doggies and go home! Cats, indeed. @%#%^#^#^!!

BigDogMom
Member
BigDogMom

I think there is a cat bias here, I would pick up my doggies if I could, but one at 100lbs and the other at 80lbs, I’d break my back.

So, I’ll just get my red wagon and haul them away with me, so there!

Kalima
Admin

😆 I love dogs too, just not well enough to take them for walkies.

Kalima
Admin

We are running a bit slow when comments reach a certain number on each thread. AdLib is on it but it might take a little time. Thank you for your patience.

HITO
Member
HITO

Kalima, no worries. Was just whining. Sorry, long day.

You guys do a great job. Adlib knows I have much respect for his work.

AdLib
Admin

I do indeed and it’s very appreciated, my friend!

Kalima
Admin

I know all about long days, hope that you feel more rested soon.

AdLib
Admin

Nope, it’s me. Just adjusted how many comments appear per page (click “Older Comments” below to see more).

When we get a few hundred comments and they’re not paged, it takes a long time to load them all each time there’s a refresh!

Sorry about that!

HITO
Member
HITO

Do NOT be sorry. see above.

Adlib, you are the one. You keep us floating.

Thanks.

bito
Member

I have no problem AdLib. Beats having comments dissipate.