Vox Populi – 4-25-2014

AdLib : My daughter’s in that general ballpark, I know what you mean. Sleep well, pal! Feel better, looking forward to your update when you’re up to it!

SmotPoker : OK Adlib, you were ready to bounce until I piped up. I’m gonna let you go and do your thing, as I try to sleep with all I got going on. I’ll talk to you tomorrow my friend.

SmotPoker : My kid is something like 5’2″ and 105lbs soaking wet.

SmotPoker : She claims that she doesn’t, since I can “hear” her walking while being deaf I beg to differ.

AdLib : Like spilling and breaking things by accident.

AdLib : Nope, they love stomping, natural thing for kids to do.

SmotPoker : Kids never seem to learn not to do that shit.

AdLib : Heh! The Hand of The Sleeping Dad! Saw that horor film when I was a kid.

SmotPoker : Good night PPO, you take care as well.

SmotPoker : Last night my kid came up to me while I was sleeping on the couch, and I felt her feet stomping on the floor, and it freaked me out. I turned over fairly quickly, and reached out to confront my attacker, and just about made her piss herself. I laughed for about 15 minutes over that.

AdLib : ppo – That’s a new one, “You slipped your bowl!”

pinkpantheroz : Ha ha, Smot! good to go to bed with a smile. Take care.

SmotPoker : PPO- Yeah, don’t mistake me for a person happy to be with a troll whom happens to be a genius. I still have some shallowness to me. I just can’t do dumb any longer.

pinkpantheroz : Errr, Smot, I think your bowl has slipped!

AdLib : Miley wouldn’t marry anyone except herself.

SmotPoker : I think….I think I just sold myself out as a whore. I did din’t I?

pinkpantheroz : Not at all, weird, Smot. My first marriage lasted 3 years to a TV Airhead. My current one is still going after 31 years to my university-grad Darling ( who is still hot as well!)

SmotPoker : Shit I wish I was married to Mily Cyrus, I could use the cash.

AdLib : True. But we shouldn’t be too tough on Miley Cyrus.

SmotPoker : Actually my brain requires stimulation for the sex to be good. I did the beauty queen with little upstairs other than hair, and it was the wrong move for me. I need the intellectual side of things as well. I’m weird, I know.

AdLib : One man’s astray is another man’s Scientology.

SmotPoker : I told my dad that if I woke up with a certain entrenched religious belief system that clearly something has gone horribly astray.

AdLib : ppo – A brain is involved with sex?

AdLib : Night Murph! Feel good and have a great weekend!

pinkpantheroz : Smot, as long as you can still have sex, you’ll be OK. Oops, that’s the other brain, isn’t it? silly me! take care.

MurphTheSurf3 : Well….I must go…it has been fun.

AdLib : Smot – Then you couldn’t have lost much brain matter. Now if you started howling that Obama was gay married, I’d know you were missing a pound or so.

SmotPoker : Murph – No argument for me on that.

SmotPoker : Drugs, and brain damage are no excuse for ignoring the law, you’re right Adlib.

MurphTheSurf3 : Smot….brain death is required to make the trip from Liberal to Conservative.

AdLib : Sorry Smot, gonna have to assess you a pretty expensive fee anyway, rules be rules!

SmotPoker : I will try Murhp, thanks.

SmotPoker : Luckily even though I surely lost some brain matter in the ordeal, I’m happy to report that I’m still solidly liberal. So I got that going for me…

MurphTheSurf3 : Smot…be well

MurphTheSurf3 : Ah…..got it.

SmotPoker : Yeah, Adlib, me and patience go way back…

SmotPoker : Cut me some slack I’m mere hours removed from brain surgery…

SmotPoker : Sorry I forgot to add that the last comment was for Murph.

AdLib : Smot – I’m sure you’re more familiar than you want to be with “patience” but it is definitely worth it in this situation.

SmotPoker : The Cochlear Implant to restore my hearing somewhat requires brain surgery.

SmotPoker : I’m told the shallow bowl edges keep pressure on the brain around the wound, to keep it from bleeding all over or something. Not something to take lightly no matter how the wound was gotten.

MurphTheSurf3 : Smot Brain surgery! What happened? Still very glad to see you.

SmotPoker : PPO- I’ll try. I’m keeping the stupid thing on until the morning. I may be bored with life, but I’m in no hurry to die, especially in a stupid manner of my own making.

pinkpantheroz : A Speedy recovery, Smot. You take care of that great head of yours.

SmotPoker : I will, and I will touch base in Off Topic on how I am doing tomorrow.

AdLib : Well be careful!

SmotPoker : I get to take it off in the morning. It’s now 12:30 but I’m going to follow the spirit of the law rather than the letter on this one.

AdLib : Ouch! I would hope that as the healing process continues and swelling goes down, that pressure will subside?

SmotPoker : I feel like someone hammered a nail in my skull, and it’s still sticking there though. They have me wearing a 6 inch shallow bowl that makes me look like a weird HS wrestler that forgot half his head piece, and it puts pressure on it so that just adds to the pain, giving me a bit of a headache. Not migraine quality, but close.

AdLib : Wow! Had no idea how that happened! Are you feeling alright?

SmotPoker : Hard to tell at the moment. I won’t know how the implant works for about 3 weeks when we activate it after my brain heals.

AdLib : Really? Did it go well?

SmotPoker : It’s OK I’m not really at my best at the moment. Brain surgery is hard on the patient. Who knew?

AdLib : ppo – Saw that comment of yours, like it!

AdLib : Hey Smot! Sorry about that! You know how parties are, sometimes everyone leaves at the same time!

SmotPoker : Hell I just showed up…

pinkpantheroz : Awwww, just as I was warming up! I’ll leave you with this line I stole from a newspaper: It’s funny that the Republicans seem to think that the recipe for success is to make whine out of sour grapes! ‘Night all!

AdLib : Well…looks like it’s about that time, to close up the Vox bar for the night! Thanks to all for another great evening! Hope to see you over the weekend for the Music Thread and The Sunday Funnies!

escribacat : Goodnight!

escribacat : Thanks, Adlib. I do think I have moved to paradise.

AdLib : Night Escrib, great seeing you here and very pleased to hear how much you’re enjoying your new home!

escribacat : Time to drink my Sleepytime tea and find a snack!

AdLib : Good seeing you Funk, hope all is going well and look forward to seeing more of you!

pinkpantheroz : good night, funk. take care.

AdLib : Murph mentioned this below but if you didn’t see LaPierre’s speech at the NRA convention, you missed the most ridiculous and blatant fear mongering ever seen!

pinkpantheroz : Thanks, Ad, gottit. ‘Night, KT

escribacat : Night funk

funksands : Night all!

funksands : Ad, I’ve got to go too. Sorry I couldn’t hang out longer. Hopefully I’ll get a breather soon and be able to be around more.

AdLib : Sleep well, KT – see you on the Music Thread!

escribacat : Have a lovely night, KT

escribacat : Good link –however you get there!

KillgoreTrout : Well peeps, time to hit the hay. Have a great weekend and hope to see you on the music thread.

AdLib : works!

AdLib : ppo – The “link” link appears automatically, just don’t add the “v” after the “http” and it

pinkpantheroz : Thanks, Ad. How does one her just the ‘link’ bit?

AdLib : «link»

AdLib : ppo – Here’s your link: «link» xHash5takWU

pinkpantheroz : I know I’ve posted this before, but it encapsulates the GOP’s attitude to President Obama: https://www.yout ube.com/watch?v= xHash5takWU

funksands : not bad, but crazy busy. Thanks for asking. BRB

AdLib : Pretty good Funk, thanks for asking. How have things been going your way with the transition?

KillgoreTrout : What’s up funk?

KillgoreTrout : Sweet dreams Sabreen.

pinkpantheroz : G’night Sabreen. sleep well.

escribacat : Goodnight Sabreen

funksands : Ad, how have you been?

funksands : Night Sabreen!

funksands : This is what I was looking for «link»

AdLib : Night Sabreen!

AdLib : Oh wait…did that already happen?

Sabreen60 : Well folks, I gotta go. Have a great week.

AdLib : You know what would be very funny? To hire a bunch of actors to stage a Cliven Bundy type “Fightin’ For Freedom” armed protest then after Fox has embraced it, exposing it for all being a hoax.

funksands : This conversation is getting steered in the wrong direction

funksands : Yeah, E-cat, that’s it!

Sabreen60 : oops! Yeah, e’cat most of the stuff has been racist. The GOP has been against everything PBO wants to do. Even those issues they agreed with in the past. Why?

funksands : Oops, not that though that is really funny

escribacat : «link»

funksands : Like this: >> «link»

AdLib : Escrib – Now let’s not have a beef over this. Let’s just chew the fat…

pinkpantheroz : E’cat, udderly ridiculous!

Sabreen60 : e

escribacat : Funk … LOL

funksands : Sabreen, if the GOP wins the House and Senate, I propose that he grow a goatee and spend his last two terms channeling Shaft.

Sabreen60 : funk – you fit right in with Bundy

escribacat : Sabreen, it was some racist stuff. Plain and simple.

funksands : I’ll moove on then

Sabreen60 : I can’t wait to read PBO’s memoirs. He asked during a speech if people remember the birth certificate issue. He said “that was some crazy stuff”. I know he wanted to say ‘shit’.

escribacat : Ad, you’re getting cowpunchie.

AdLib : Funk, that’s bull.

funksands : Hey E-cat, nice to see you. Sorry for the drive-by tonight…

funksands : Some of my best cows are black!

escribacat : I’m pretty sure I am alive, funk

AdLib : I’m right here, Funk, grazing my cattle.

funksands : (crickets)

funksands : Anyone still alive here?

AdLib : Night Kes, you kept me chuckling all night! Sleep well!

Sabreen60 : Good night kes. Take care!

AdLib : “And the Anti-Christ looked upon the destruction that was the world’s economy and claimed it was ll the fault of the Anti-Christ before him…”

KillgoreTrout : Have a great weekend Homie!

escribacat : Sleep well, kes

kesmarn : Well, kids, it’s been great fun, but the midnight hour approaches. Time to call it a day. Have a wonderful weekend, all!

escribacat : True, Sabreen. There’s hope!

Sabreen60 : Yeah, but 25% of 300million is 75 million. Right? That’s a lot of people. (I know children are included in that number) – but still.

AdLib : escribacat – You just broke down the demographics for self-professed Republicans. They truly are the party for the clinically insane.

kesmarn : “Forsooth, he forged a great friendship with the mighty Emperor Pootiepoot. And laid waste to the lands of the Middle East.”

KillgoreTrout : Yikes e!

KillgoreTrout : Maybe Bush could do a blank canvass and call it WMD!

AdLib : Kes – I remember this passage too, “And lo, did the AntiChrist pretend to clear brush at his false ranch when the people were in need. And he did hide behind a pet goat all the while his nation was threatened.”

escribacat : KT — Society = @ 4% sociopaths and psychopaths. Plus 20 to 25% nut jobs. At least 30% oblivious. That leaves only about 30% of us to save the planet and the human race.

kesmarn :

KillgoreTrout : Too funny kes!

pinkpantheroz : BRB, Coffee break!

KillgoreTrout : That is scary PPO, but the real nutjobs are only about 20 to 25 % of the American people.

kesmarn : Yes, AdLib, and the next verse is: “Verily, he shall paint his image in the bathtub of despair…”

pinkpantheroz : KT, ….. and these people vote! God help us all.

KillgoreTrout : Yeah Murph, the traditional repubs are shying away from old Rand.

MurphTheSurf3 : kes…are you a prophetess of the Neo Cult of Cowboy Bush?

AdLib : Kes – Hey…I think you’re onto something. And didn’t Revelations say that the AntiChrist would chuckle evilly like this, “Heh-heh-heh!” ?

KillgoreTrout : PPO, just when I think they can’t get any crazier, they do. It’s amazing to see.

MurphTheSurf3 : kT- he does and he is managing to upset a lot of people on his side of the fence.

kesmarn : The real Anti-Christ would lie us into a phony war and then cause a total economic collapse, right after he failed to help a hurricane-strike n major city. Wait a minute….

pinkpantheroz : Ad, yes you’re right. There’s just about nothing more we could dream up that they havent already trotted out. Sad, isn’t it that the loons are in charge of the GOP Asylum.

AdLib : Murph – Of course, that’s SOP for Repubs. Anything that is proven to be bad that Repubs are connected to is phony and anything that is proven to be good that Obama has done is actually just the first step of something evil. That’s all they’ve got.

KillgoreTrout : Exactly Murph, and that twit thinks he could actually be president?

MurphTheSurf3 : KT- Paul’s belief system will lay traps like this for him time and time again.

kesmarn : Bundy is political and commmercial kryptonite at this point.

AdLib : ppo – Well, they already think Obama is the antichrist, how can you get any more extreme than that? President Obama is in league with The Devil? Yep, that’s the RW braintrust at work, gobbling up whatever is shoveled into their trough.

kesmarn : Whew…it’s a relief to hear that, Sabreen.

KillgoreTrout : Boy, Rand Paul sure ran for political cover after first defending Bundy. OOPS!

Sabreen60 : I saw the Rep for Bundy’s county. He’s African American. He said the people want all the stupid (my word) militia to leave their county. The residents do not stand with the welfare cowboy or his militia buddies.

MurphTheSurf3 : PPO- Bundy argues that there is NO federal government and since the land in question is not state land it is free for anyone to use.

kesmarn : Heh…I hit the wrong key on that one, Homie. Well, “L” is next to “J”… But my excuse is “Obama made me do it.”

escribacat : PPO — the right wing is still Desperately Seeking Something to use against the Dems.

AdLib : escrib – Actually, Craven Cliven first tried to deny he had said that racist crap…then the reporter told him they had him on tape. So…this traitorous, racist, welfare rancher…is also a total coward and liar. What a surprise!

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad Lib…Alex Jones on Info Wars today claimed that the videos of Bundy are fakes.

kesmarn : Planet Bundy, I think, Sabreen. Population: 1

KillgoreTrout : Bwaaaaa! MJK? Bundy is such a dumbass.

pinkpantheroz : Why is everyone going nutzo about Bundy? If I had a paddock and rented it out to someone who thaen wouldn’t pay for the forage, I’d be utterly within my rights to run the bum off my land.

Sabreen60 : Bundy is clearly a loon. I don’t know what planet he’s been on for the last 50 years.

kesmarn : AdLib,yes! I don’t doubt that they’d come up with something like that. “It was lip-synced!!”

kesmarn : I saw that, KT. He said something like: “If those people can’t take hearing that without getting offended, then MJK’s work is not done yet.” WTF??

AdLib : Kes – Just for fun, send them the link to the Bundy tape of him saying that AND the closeup interview with him when he doubled down on his racism. Would be funny to hear what conspiracy theory they came up with to ignore facing that reality, “They got a perfect double and used that Hollywood Magic to make it look like Cliven was saying that!”

kesmarn : Good point, e’cat. Bundy didn’t deny saying that stuff.

KillgoreTrout : kes, not only that, but Bundy doubled down on his racist shit.

pinkpantheroz : Let’s all think about something that the GOP/TP would jump onto in a flash. How about a rumor that Obama has joined Tom Cruise and the Scientologists and is awaiting the return of Hubbards Space ship!

escribacat : Kes — even Bundy didn’t say they were fakes. But these idiots will believe they’re fakes

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- yep…and to combat the helplessness they attack.

kesmarn : For instance, one of them said the Bundy “negro” tapes were faked, but I saw the actual video. It WAS Bundy talking and he did say that.

KillgoreTrout : Like Ron White famously said, “You can’t fix stupid.”

AdLib : Murph – Exactly, beneath the surface of most propaganda addicts is fear and feelings of helplessness. It must be massive evil forces out there conspiring against them, it gives them something to at least hold onto.

kesmarn : I know, right? And no amount of logic can break through, e’cat.

escribacat : Kes–yes, it’s like a form of mental illness. Hysteria.

Sabreen60 : Hey PPO! I just got back.

kesmarn : I have relatives just like that, e’cat. Some of them think I should have 666 tattooed on my forehead.

KillgoreTrout : kes, it was hilarious.

AdLib : escrib – You can’t argue with non-logic like that which has proven Bigfoot really exists!

escribacat : Kes–it is very frustrating. I love them but we really cannot talk politics. It’s like a warp into the twilight zone.

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad…you are wrong- the death camps (which will be acting on the orders of the death panels) will be eliminating 200 million- get our numbers straight, lib!

kesmarn : I saw a clip of that, KT! It was hilarious.

KillgoreTrout : Have you guys read about Hannity attacking Jon Stewart? The next night, Stewart devastated Hannity and stole his lunch money too.

kesmarn : YES!! Americans who are dead or haven’t even been born yet! They’re all going to lose everything!

AdLib : Kes – I heard Obamacare is going to make 500 million Americans lose health insurance and another 400 million pay more.

kesmarn : e’cat…{eye roll}…”They” keep talking about Benghazi too, and a lot of other lies. Poor you — having to listed to that.

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad and Cat..we have all read the same things in this…Propagand a is ALL about the underlying emotion and the hidden agenda of fear, anger, hate and anxiety that is so prevalent…..we believe what supports and feeds those feelings…

pinkpantheroz : I’m getting the impression that the GOP are, as usual, in their alternate universe and can’t tell truth from farcical fiction.

KillgoreTrout : Hey PPO.

kesmarn : Hey, PPO! G’day!

escribacat : Adlib — a quote from my GOPer sister in law about the birther stuff: “There must be something to it since they keep talking about it.”

AdLib : Hey ppo! A good afternoon to you!

kesmarn : One RW extremist told me that Obamacare was going to cause 300 million Americans to lose health insurance. Does he know what the population of this country is?

pinkpantheroz : m running a little late.

KillgoreTrout : I truly believe the Bush administration playbook was taken directly from Geobbels’ writings.

pinkpantheroz : Good afternoon all! What’s up? I

AdLib : Murph – That’s been proven to be true. Death panels, Obama not having a birth certificat, being gay and gay married, a Muslim extremist…the bigger the lies the more RW loons believe them.

kesmarn : I’ve read that as well, Murph. Apparently Goebbels said that most people are afraid to tell a small lie, so the idea that someone could tell a real whopper seems incomprehensible to them. But of course, they do. All the time.

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes- no reach is too far in propaganda. I fact the Bigger the Lie the Better (see the work of Goebbles)

kesmarn : That would be so “hippie,” Homie. It would drive ’em nuts.

MurphTheSurf3 : Cat…..I have a similar rule with some friends who in spite of their politics I enjoy. I have told them point blank that I, a former Republican, have come to believe that that the GOP Is a curse on the land and that I will tear to shreds any attempt to defend them or to represent them. They know me so they honor the bargain BUT last week I was STUNNED to see a sign at their front gate “Expand Medicaid Now!” I called them. Apparently they have discovered friends in our little town who need it badly and they are not takers. Reality.

KillgoreTrout : Hey Homie, make Green Tea. That would really piss of the screw heads.

kesmarn : Oh brother, Murph… that is really reaching. So, what if God is telling me to build a restaurant next to Old Faithful to serve hot geyser tea? After all that land belongs to everyone and no one is using it….

AdLib : escrib – No getting through to people who need to think that way. They aren’t influenced by facts or reality, they have emotional needs to believe that garbage.

escribacat : Murph, I had to make a rule that we don’t talk politics. They broke it last time I saw them!

escribacat : Ad — I wouldn’t want to see him become a martyr. It seems to me that this part of society can twist anything into a left wing conspiracy so in a way, it doesn’t matter what happens — except the last few weeks of a given election when the “independents” make up their minds based on the latest commercial they saw (call me cynical).

MurphTheSurf3 : Cat- I presume that following supper with them you eat antacid tabs by the handful.

kesmarn : I hear that Glenn Beck has dropped Bundy like the proverbial hot potato too. Nothing like winding these loonies up and then standing back to watch the flames. While denying any responsibility.

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes- Please….HIS LAND WAS CONFISCATED YEARS AGO…AND HE WAS JUST USING THE LAND GOD PUT THERE FOR HIM…AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS A FICTION…AND THE STATE NEVER CAME AFTER HIM…..AND THEY ARE GOING AFTER GRAZERS IN TEXAS NEXT…AND…..A ll nonsense of course.

AdLib : escrib – Don’t you think the best possible thing would be for Hannity not to be punished and continue to be the face of Fox News? The racist-loving fraud as Fox News’ “best” representative?

escribacat : Murph — my bro and his wife are avid fox watchers. Dinner conversation with them is illuminating. Last time I saw them I was treated to a lecture on how climate change is just a plot by left wing lawyers and al gore to get rich.

MurphTheSurf3 : Cat- Know they enemy and know their language. My awareness of fox gives me the edge in more than a few interactions.

Sabreen60 : BBL

Beatlex : But we ain’t fooled Murph.Just the numbskulls on the right.They are preaching to the choir

kesmarn : How was he a victim of Federal storm troopers? Not a shot was fired. No one was tear gassed. Or tazed. They’re pathetic.

KillgoreTrout : e, I lived in Vancouver Wash, for about a year. I miss the mountains.

escribacat : Murph UGH. You’re braver than I. I can’t stand to watch 5 secs of Fox

Sabreen60 : Kt, I know. Allergic to Cod and a gazillion other things. My immune system is wack. I have given up most foods.

MurphTheSurf3 : kT Great.

MurphTheSurf3 : I watched six Fox programs over the last two days and here is how they are handling Bundy- WAS THE MAN A VICTIM OF FEDERAL STORM TROOPERS OR NOT??????!!!!! THAT’S THE STORY -+– it’s working. It is all I hear here.

escribacat : K–truly magnificent here. I’m in awe.

KillgoreTrout : e, I bet it’s beautiful there. Some great trees!

KillgoreTrout : Sabreen, that’s not good.

kesmarn : I think Cliven might enjoy a little vacation at a Federal prison. Maybe they have some cotton picking details he could be involved with.

Beatlex : As the joke goes AdLib,Hannity fell out of a stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down! It is comical really.Did Sayrah weigh in?

escribacat : K — yes, just moved to Olympic Peninsula.

KillgoreTrout : e, you’re in Washington?

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- the problem is that many of those young people are not using the modern tech to be informed (even if falsely so). So…counting on those media to shift them is not a good bet.

Sabreen60 : KT, Cape Cod. Just found out today I’m allergic to Cod

escribacat : Ad — I’d like to see some consequences for Hannity’s latest love affair

KillgoreTrout : Hey Beatlex. Yeah, they are some dumb mofos. Too quick to try to get the nutbag vote.

escribacat : Heh, Kilgore, you’re on the opposite tip of the country from me.

AdLib : Beatlex – And how does Fox not lose legitimacy from the start, the next time they champion some RW lunacy? Their brand is seriously damaged now, you could see this kind of thing coming for some time.

KillgoreTrout : Hey Murph, I’ll check it out.

Beatlex : KTrout,what’s shaking? Many heads over Fox’s latest f-up.Hannity truly is a twit.And many R pols got sucked into the vortex of stupidity

KillgoreTrout : Cape Cod, e.

AdLib : Escrib – You beat me to it! Agree completely!

MurphTheSurf3 : Hey there KT….I posted a story near the start of the thread about a meeting I attended last week where guns were a feature item…worth a read if you are interested. I would be interested in your thoughts.

escribacat : Kilgore what cape?

KillgoreTrout : What’s up Ad?

AdLib : Hey KT!

kesmarn : I would hate to have had posse comitatus be the law in these parts. The local sheriff here was indicted by the Feds for covering up a jail house murder!

KillgoreTrout : Hey folks. Life on the Cape is going pretty well.

AdLib : Murph – But culture and affluence have a lot to do with that. Repubs are an older demo, they listen to the radio. Dems have a younger demo and they get their info from the internet. SO just because Repub radio shows are more “popular” with Repubs, the more accurate comparison would be to Dem and Progressives on the internet, blogs, Twitter, etc., where they get their news and opinions. In that sense, Repubs are outnumbered.

Sabreen60 : kes, I’m retired, but Hubby still works. But we could use the cable money.

MurphTheSurf3 : kes/sab- OH! I just spelled it like I always do….bottom line of course is that it can be taken to mean that only local policing has any real authority…crea ted to end federal power in the post Civil War South….

kesmarn : Hey, Homie! How is life on the Cape?

escribacat : Hi Kilgore!

Sabreen60 : KT, In the House!

escribacat : Murph, those numbers are scary. But I’d be willing to bet that those 20 million right wing listeners are older white Americans. Younger people are getting their news from Jon Stewart or the internet. Maybe we’ll get lucky and that strata of society won’t regenerate.

kesmarn : I really don’t miss cable, Sabreen. And after I retired I had to go on a budget so that was one of the first things to go.

KillgoreTrout : Hey gang, what’s shakin?

Sabreen60 : kes, Murph notice how I didn’t even attempt. I was going to look it up, but I knew one of you smart people would know how to spell it.

kesmarn : (Thanks for the correct spelling on posse comitatus, Murph, I knew something was off there!)

Sabreen60 : kes, I think it will be just a matter of time for us to rid ourselves of cable. Hubby keeps holding on for the sports and a couple of series he likes. I could care less.

AdLib : Sabreen – I think that Maddow segment you’re describing was the one I embedded in my post. She really did lay out that racism is inextricably tied to the militia groups and Fox News knew that but didn’t care. As for the Repub politicians who embraced a racist, I can already hear the tv campaign ads against them and they’re music to my ears. What this incident affirms is that the GOP is a party for racists. Hard to avoid that conclusion (not that all Repubs are racists but racists flock to the GOP).

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad and Kes…there are 600 conservative talk radio hosts and 50 liberal ones….for the cons were are talking about 20 million listeners a day…for the libs 1.5 million. And Fox….while it does not have the largest single shows (that’s still with the major networks) its daily cumulatives beat all comers.

kesmarn : Sabreen, I don’t have cable any more but when I did I had the same feeling about Maddow. She’s so smart, but sometimes she would just seem to go over the top (with melodrama) to make a point. I wanted to say “I get it already!”

AdLib : Murph – Of course, denial and hatred is at the heart of that Repub mentality. They can never accept anything bad was ever done by someone in their party. They cheer good things and blame all bad things on Obama. It makes them look like pathetic ostriches.

kesmarn : I agree, AdLib. “A racist bridge too far” sounds right. They aren’t going to lose all their viewership, but I think some folks are waking up. And I wonder if advertizers are starting to think about bailing. Look what happened to Limbaugh after the Fluke comments.

Sabreen60 : Kes, Yes she did. When Rachel is good, she is very good. When she’s bad, she’s awful.

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes and Sab..Rachel is one of the best leaders of an explaining team out there right now and the report on the Posse Comitatus is a fine example of this at work.

AdLib : Kes – I do think that Fox has really wounded itself with any indies that watch it. The blind RW followers won’t be dissuaded from swallowing anything Fox pushes even if Jesus came back and said on worldwide tv, “Fox News is evil.” But Fox News needs to influence more than the Repub faithful or the GOP is a minority party. This was a racist bridge too far.

MurphTheSurf3 : Es Cat…..Fox and Talk Radio…those are their oracles.

kesmarn : Sabreen, I didn’t see the Rachel show but I heard she went into the whole history of “posse commetatis” and Oath Keepers and all. Good for her.

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes- so many of my neighbors rely on talk radio and Fox for the truth they have lost the capacity to distinguish fact and fiction.

escribacat : Murph–how aggravating. These people are DD&B. Do they come up with these conspiracy theories themselves or do they get it from Limbo?

kesmarn : e’cat, I wonder the same thing. Any other “journalist” (of course, he’s not one) would have to apologize — might even be fired. But I’m not holding my breath waiting for Hannity to admit he was wrong. Still — even a dim audience should be able to figure out that they went from lauding this guy to **crickets** overnight.

Sabreen60 : Kes, Rand Paul, the other elected guy (Heller?) embraced Bundy. Although, one of Bundy’s first statements was he didn’t recognize the Federal Government – that the Fed doesn’t exist. Rachel did a good segment on this belief that only the local sheriff has the power. She gave the history of when this belief first started.

MurphTheSurf3 : As Lib…how stupid? It is hard to believe how stupid. I was told this morning by three of my “neighbors” that the Bundy tape in which he talks about “Negroes, slaves, cotton” is a fake created by…..wait for it….the Obama administration to smear him.

escribacat : Kes, I never watch Hannity but I gather he was gushing over this latest idiot all week. I was wondering if he might have to pay the price — the way people on 60 minutes pay when they screw up a story.

kesmarn : “Skulk” totally fits, Murph. And are you sure those FOX watchers don’t want to change that to “Redneckland”?

AdLib : Murph – I did see some of LaPierre and he was so transparent in the way he wailed about “BE SCARED! BE SCARED OF EVERYTHING!!! IT’S ALL COMING TO GET YOU AND TAKE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE IF YOU DON’T HAVE A GUN!” He is so plainly a cynical salesman for the gun manufacturers… how stupid are these RWs to believe that Benghazi is a reason you need a gun? Huh?

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- that article seems to “shoot holes” in a number of the critiques of the gun culture….I have not analyzed it well enough to deal with that.

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes- I who live in Redland can assure that faith in the Fox Lair remains high among the GOTPers. P.S. Did you know that a pack of foxes is called a Skulk? Fox- the Skulker Network.

kesmarn : I’m referring to Hannity’s crush on Cliven Bundy, of course.

AdLib : Interesting article, Murph, many good points!

kesmarn : Do you all think that FOX’s (always dubious) credibility also took quite a hit this week when their darling turned out to be a racist sociopath? I think their ability to influence this upcoming election is diminishing fast.

Sabreen60 : Oops! Actually that link is about another subject, but still worth the read.

AdLib : Sabreen – That map is powerful.

AdLib : Beatlex – True but I do think this year will be very different from 2010, Dems now know what it means to sit out an election and many indies are seeing the stakes as much higher than before. GOTV is critical but I continue to believe that by November, the momentum will be strongly in the Dem’s corner…but we need to keep up the drumbeat!

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes…and yet our rates of gun violence are actually DOWN….good Lord.

kesmarn : Murph, sad to read in that article that over 300,000 Americans died in gun violence in just 10 years — 2000 to 2010. I’m sure that’s more than any other country by far.

Sabreen60 : Escrib, Speaking of climate change this is worth the read, IMO. I don’t know if you and others are familiar with site Stonekettle Station, but Jim is a heck of a writer – long winded but I think it worth it, if you have the time. He’s witty and really pulls the scabs of RW idiots. «link»

AdLib : escrib – And there is a change in some Repubs on Climate Change, not the politicians but the corporate ones who are recognizing the growing costs of Climate Change. Repub positions are indefensible as time passes and reality trumps their BS, eventually, all their lies will fall.

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad Lib- did you see or read about La Pierre’s speech today at the NRA convention? Threats under every rock. Batshit crazy.

AdLib : Murph – That’s American history, when guns proliferate, they lead to such madness that the public steps in to insist on laws to control guns. Now however, we have a government that doesn’t listen to the public, just the NRA. So things have to get so horrible that citizens are legitimately fearing for their lives when they’re at bars and even church, until there’s enough energy to override the insaNeRA?

MurphTheSurf3 : ALL…Read this and it is really interesting and I think authoritative. Ten Surprising Findings From a New Report on Gun Violence «link»

kesmarn : Right, AdLib! After this Georgia law, I wouldn’t be surprised to see episodes like that Toledo one in any number of bars down there.

kesmarn : Sabreen, that article on mass shooters is very good. Nothing like facts to make a solid case.

AdLib : Kes – That’s exactly the kind of thing that I worry about, didn’t know it had already happened! And it’s surprising it hasn’t happened more often, guns at bars? How insane is that?! You can’t drive drunk because a car could kill someone but you can carry guns while drunk???

Beatlex : AdLib,I have seen that,and it is good news.But it is up to the voters to turn out and get rid of them in the house too

escribacat : Ad — seems like the same phenomenon at work with climate change. Just because dems try to get the issue on the table (eg, Al Gore), then it must be a socialist/commie plot to destroy the American Dream.

MurphTheSurf3 : Sab..the new sanctions do not seem to have a lot of teeth in them….tough ones will really hurt the economies of W. Europe….

Sabreen60 : If you get a moment look at this article and map of mass shootings in the year 2013. I guess we still haven’t had enough. It’s very sad. And very scary. «link»

Beatlex : It is one thing to oppose everything the President does domestically.But is a whole different kettle of fish with this situation in Ukraine,Their behavior is dangerous.

AdLib : Escrib – It’s going to happen, the only question is if it is happening now, this year. I think it is starting to be there, only the most extreme elements are rabid about repealing Obamacare. All those indies that may still oppose Obamacare are doing so just because the term itself has been made toxic to them…but they support the ACA!

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- when that story posted, gun lovers jumped all over the guy saying that fantasies like the one he suggested are complete nonsense- it did not happen yet so it is not going to happen. Another poster chimed in that there was a time when the presence of so many guns in the open let to very strict rules- the Old West and again in the Roaring 20’s when gangsterism took over many neighborhoods.

escribacat : That’s good news, Ad.

Sabreen60 : Murph, I forgot that. Yes, it does speak to people being intimated to stand up for their beliefs.

AdLib : Beatlex – The MSM meme this week, led by an NYT projection that Dems now have a 51% chance of retainging the Senate, is that Dems may indeed hold onto the Senate and win bigger than the moronic pundits could predict.

kesmarn : If anyone wants a glimpse of what happens when everyone is armed, here’s a little example from Toledo: «link»

escribacat : Murph, I personally know a good number of gun fanatics. Lots of booze involved in their lives as well.

Sabreen60 : Murph, Yes I included Russia, as the G7 has now agreed to increase sanctions.

MurphTheSurf3 : Escribat-+-you mean like the fellow at the Bundy ranch who said his group planned to put their women and children in the front lines so the nation could see federal agents shoot them down? Yeah….a “bit” unstable….I agree

AdLib : Murph – That sounds like a headline from the future. It seems inevitable that a mass gunfight is just one bad circumstance away from happening. And then the NRA will claim that if only more good guys had guns, they could have killed more bad guys…even though all gun owners are good guys, right?

escribacat : I hope you’re right about that, Adlib (ACA being a political plus now). I think it makes sense — Social Security went through the same process, from what I’ve read.

Beatlex : Exactly AdLib! They have to retain at least the Senate.And who knows,they might even get the house in play,it’ll be tough,But they HAVE to fight goddamit!

MurphTheSurf3 : Sab- yes I was pleased with the outcome- one side note, the vote was a secret ballot…..no one wanted to vote in the open….says something.

kesmarn : Beatlex, it’s hard to imagine that any of those GOP governors are going to be able to make a credible case for why they “had” to refuse the Medicaid expansion. What can they say: “You all have to die so that we can have our “freedoms” from the Fed Guv’mint”?

escribacat : Murph, my sense is that those folks yelling loudest about their gun rights are those who are least stable.

Sabreen60 : Murph, I read the story. I’m glad it was peaceful. Maybe it’s a sign that most people are not comfortable with guns in a public forum. I say kudos to the group and those who were willing to stand up to the gun carriers. Also kudos for those who agreed to turn their guns over. At least those who didn’t want to lock up their guns had enough sense to leave.

AdLib : Beatlex – I think we’re just about at that turning point where the ACA will be mostly negative for its opponents, the Repubs, and a positive for Dems. I mean, running on stealing away health insurance from 10 million and counting Americans? That’s a winner?

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- Tick, tick, tick….one poster at HP, someone who I have invited to join us several times, wrote a fictional piece about a gun fight that breaks out in Atlanta. It was stunning as it felt very real. It begins with a “misunderstandi ng at a bus stop” and ends up with 12 people firing their guns.

Beatlex : I can understand some Dems being cautious when it comes to the ACA,But the rest should be out there EVERY DAY talking it up! Especially go after the R Governors that have denied people health care.I’s a winner

AdLib : Sabreen – Obama is very bright and strategic, he sees the long game on Ukraine and Russia and planting the seeds now of economic decline will prove to be the strongest move that could be made.

kesmarn : Right, AdLib. He’s more of a reluctant pragmatist than a Profile in Courage. (Boehner that is)

MurphTheSurf3 : Sabreen- my impression of the Korean Speech is like yours BUT I think he was talking to the Russians too and to the threatened Eastern European states.

AdLib : Kes – Yet Boehner has been too spineless to stop the 50 votes too repeal the ACA.

kesmarn : Right, Murph. Truthfully, if I saw someone with a gun in church, my first thought would be: “Is he here to shoot the place up?” It wouldn’t make me feel more secure.

AdLib : Murph – It sure seems like a ticking time bomb, only a matter of time before a free-for-all shootout takes place because a bunch of ignorant people are in the same place and “standing their ground” against others.

Sabreen60 : Hey AdLib, I don’t remember a specific comment to quote. He thanked the troops and their families and talked about the history of the US and NK. He did say that we’ll kick NK’s ass is they mess with SK. I think that was also a nod to Russia. I just heard that the G7 has agreed to increase sanctions on Russia.

MurphTheSurf3 : Hey there Escribacat and Sabreen…I posted a story from a town meeting where guns were a featured element earlier in the threat. I’d welcome your impressions.

kesmarn : Hey, e’cat! Good to see you.

kesmarn : Even Boehner recently said that the ACA “is now the law,” and the GOP just needs to deal with it. The day that he is the voice of reason — well, “who’d a thunk?”

MurphTheSurf3 : Kes- I think people are starting to look at the folks who carry guns in the open and they worry them.

AdLib : Hey Escribacat!

AdLib : Kes – I’m hoping glenn will be here too. Left her a link to install Firefox, I think Internet Explorer has messed up her getting on Vox.

kesmarn : AdLib, you predicted long ago that when Obamacare started working it would be a game-changer. I think we’re starting to see that.

MurphTheSurf3 : Hi Sabreen, watching the Prez now.

MurphTheSurf3 : Ad- Yes. Here in Mo. you have to go through a number of hoops to have concealed carry so more and more are pushing open carry. The vote really intrigued me. People are scared. P.S. it was a secret ballot (done by voting slips).

kesmarn : “Gun fever” is a good way to describe it, Murph. The more people who have guns, the more it tends to seem almost “the norm.” Not a good dynamic.

AdLib : Hey Sabreen! Any quotes to share from Obama?

escribacat : Hi folks

AdLib : Kes – It’s a very slow process because the hatred and ignorance which has blinded those poor white Repub voters is very stubborn to be pushed aside. Ironically, I think it is the thing at the top of the Repub enemy list that may finally turn the tide against them for the long run, the ACA. As all these poor white people get health insurance and the Repubs try to steal it away from them, they just may start voting in their own interests.

MurphTheSurf3 : kes…gun fever explains the number of guns at the meeting and gun fear explains the vote. PS. The meeting was actually on Wednesday night (at HP I fog details for obvious reasons)

kesmarn : Hey, Sabreen! The Prez really has a packed agenda on this Asia tour.

kesmarn : A shout-out to glenn if she’s able to see Vox tonight. Hope you can get connected soon. And enjoy that Paul McCartney concert!

Sabreen60 : Hi everyone. I just finished watching and listening to PBO give a speech to troops in Korea.

AdLib : Murph – Very interesting indeed and echoes what the “Guns Everywhere” law exempts in GA. Only the state capitol is permitted to restrict carrying guns. Consider what they are really saying, “We’re afraid that people carrying guns around us could be dangerous to us…but in bars, churches and airports, they’d be perfectly safe.” Don’t you think it’s an admission that they know a proliferation of guns is dangerous and they just want to protect themselves? “Screw the public, no one’s walking into my office with a gun!”

kesmarn : See you in a bit, Beatlex.

Beatlex : BRB

kesmarn : Murph, I have to say that in a meeting of 100 people, the fact that 25 of them were carrying guns is truly creepy!

kesmarn : AdLib, I have the sense that even the low-info voters who supported the GOP earlier are starting to figure out that they’re getting virtually no bang for their vote.

AdLib : Kes – Well put! They are indeed already slaves of the wealthy and powerful but dumber than most slaves who at least recognize they’re slaves.

MurphTheSurf3 : Howdy…..Here’ s a story for y’all. Here’s a story for you: I was at a town event a few weeks ago. Missouri does allow open carry of firearms for those age 18 or older. However, city, county, and municipalities are allowed to pass laws and ordinances restricting this. Concealed Carry requires a license issued by local police (background check criminal and mental health, approval of the sheriff, a training course with classroom, demonstration and range elements and testing). Several people showed up “packing”. Everyone of them was someone I would never trust. They are big time drinkers, angry at the world, and, frankly, lousy shots. The event was a meeting to discuss town planning with a buffet dinner to follow (brings out lots of people). The mayor gaveled the meeting to order and then one of our council members made a motion to amend the rules of the meeting to include no guns. Since it was an open town meeting motions made (that are “in order”) require the action of the body. The motion was seconded. There was a 10 minute discussion (which the mayor handled well) and then the question was called. I thought the vote would be close. It was not. Overwhelmingly in support of no guns at the meeting. The sheriff volunteered to take custody of all weapons and lock them away under guard (in the same building). About 10 people left the meeting, another 15 turned their guns over. There were about 100 of us all together.

AdLib : Kes – Whether it’s the ACA, Ukraine, Minimum Wage increases, whatever, all the Repubs have is howling against things and never any alternatives. They are cementing themselves as a minority party unfit to lead.

kesmarn : Little do they know that they already are slaves — to the Koch brothers.

AdLib : Beatlex – It tells the world that they better keep supporting Democrat Presidents.

AdLib : Maybe the poor, rural militia types will spout this BS so much they convince themselves to become slaves?

kesmarn : McCain was on the Charlie Rose show the other night. Criticizing the Prez as always. But when Rose pressed him to suggest alternatives in Ukraine, he had — as always — nada.

Beatlex : True AdLib,but what message does it send to the world?

AdLib : Kes – The Slavery Express only sells one way tickets.

kesmarn : Great. I think he’s getting some of his militia buddies to act as overseers — er– tour guides. I seem to be having trouble booking the return trip back home though.

AdLib : Beatlex – All of it is serious but thank goodness they have zero power over foreign affairs. Their war mongering and saber rattling won’t change Obama’s policies though.

AdLib : Hey Kes! Sign me up, slavery at the Bundy Ranch sounds like a great Summer Vacation getaway! Cancel Aruba, I’m going to Slaveryville!

Beatlex : AdLib,much more important is what the R’s are doing and saying about the Ukraine,what irresponsible idiots they have been.This is serious,and yet they play politics!

kesmarn : Good Friday evening, friends! Anyone else want to join me in signing up for Plantation Summer Camp at Bundy’s ranch? His brochure says that there’s plenty of nice fresh air, cotton-pickin’ and porch-settin’.. . He makes it sound like so much fun.

AdLib : Repubs need to hide their racism but keep it bubbling, they don’t want to be called on their game.

AdLib : And it sure seems obvious that they’re not upset because what Cliven said was racist but because he didn’t use their code words for expressing racism.

AdLib : At this point, what’s left that they could say or do that could surprise anyone?

Beatlex : Yeah AdLib,I think they don’t know what embarrassment is.

AdLib : Embarrassed or exposed?

Beatlex : Hi Adlib,yes the republicans have embarrassed themselves again.It never gets old.

AdLib : Slavery is the new Freedom!

AdLib : I don’t know about you but Bundy sure made slavery sound so inviting, who knows, maybe lots of white people will jump in to become slaves!

AdLib : Evening Beatlex! Indeed, I couldn’t wait to see him seal the deal on Hannity after that loon went full metal racist but Stewart showed mercy.

Beatlex : Hope you are having fun in your travels CL!

Beatlex : Sean Hannity is a blithering idiot,and that is his best quality.Jon Stewart made mincemeat out of him this week

AdLib : We’ll miss you Choicelady! Rest well!

choicelady : Enjoy!

choicelady : Hi everyone – I am traveling, cannot stay up that late, but want to say hello to each and every friend.

AdLib : Vox Populi, our live chat about the week’s events begins tonight at 7 pm PST. Don’t forget to bring your chickens and tend your gardens!