Vox Populi – 10-29-2021

Vox Populi, our weekly live chat about the week’s events begins tonight at 7:00pm PDT. Hope to see you then! AdLib 3 hours ago

Hey PPO! AdLib 2 hours ago

Hi, Ad. Looking good for SFO, eh? pinkpantheroz 2 hours ago

Absolutely! AdLib 2 hours ago

Really looking forward to it! AdLib 2 hours ago

Hey Khirad! AdLib 2 hours ago

Me too, just wish it wasn’t due to current circs. But I know fergie would want us to enjoy the day. pinkpantheroz 2 hours ago

Hi khirad, TW pinkpantheroz 2 hours ago

Hello everyone twilson117 2 hours ago

Hey TW! AdLib 2 hours ago

PPO – I know but Fergie is bringing us together. AdLib 2 hours ago

PPO Khirad twilson117 2 hours ago

Khirad 2 hours ago

Those are great fun, Khirad! pinkpantheroz 2 hours ago

Khirad – Very funny! AdLib 2 hours ago

The “Fuck You” policy is very popular among conservatives around the world. Just ask DeSantis and Abbott. AdLib 2 hours ago

Talk amongst yourselves. I’m having a cancer stick. Khirad 2 hours ago

Of course, now that the latest Covid surge in the US is declining, out come the editorials praising DeSantis for ignoring how many people he killed. AdLib 2 hours ago

Khirad I don’t know where you get this stuff but keep it coming.

twilson117 2 hours ago

Our State is out of total lockdown at last, just a few common sense rules still in place. I was able to go for a drive yesterday. pinkpantheroz 2 hours ago

So, are Manchin and Sinema going to try to squeeze more out of the BBB or block it now after looking like they might let it pass? AdLib 2 hours ago

Ad from my point of view that’s to be expected take the credit even though you let thousands of people die in your state because you want to kiss Trump’s** fat ass. twilson117 2 hours ago

That’s a relief PPO! How did it feel for the lockdown to finally be over? AdLib 2 hours ago

PPO it’s been a long slog for you glad to hear things are moving forward around Covid twilson117 an hour ago

CL good evening twilson117 an hour ago

Hello!!! Hey, PPO – lovely to see you. Hi Ad and TW! choicelady an hour ago

Oh, PPO – I’m so glad you are moving back to “normal” in daily life activities. Going for a drive is so wonderful. choicelady an hour ago

Skimming headlines today looks like Biden had to give up some things to get his plan through but it seems it could still be touch and go. twilson117 an hour ago

TW – What is annoying to me is how the RW and the RW media just outright lies about everything, now trying to build DeSantis back up even though more have died in FL per capita than nearly any other state. He is a murderer, he is intentionally killing people in FL to help his campaign for president. AdLib an hour ago

Hey CL! AdLib an hour ago

I haven’t kept up much recently for obvious reasons, but a big relief that I don’t have to wear masks outdoors any more, can go to a restaurant for dinner and can visit friends. Still getting ready for my trip. Huge paperwork due to all countries having different rules about quarantine and COVID Certs, etc.. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

Ad agree. twilson117 an hour ago

Hi, CL! pinkpantheroz an hour ago

TW – Yep, Biden and Dems have given up very big things to those terrorists, Manchin and Sinema. With everything at stake in our democracy, those two sellouts and narcissists put themselves above the lives of Americans and our democracy. I don’t know if I despise McConnell more or less than them. AdLib an hour ago

Ad was reading how some news organziations are upset with WSJ for running the Trump** lies on their opinion pages. twilson117 an hour ago

PPO – What are the rules like to enter the U.S. from Australia? AdLib an hour ago

Has anyone in Insurrectionland been arrested yet? I do wish to see Bannon or Flynn do a perp walk, not to mention the unmentionable one. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

TW – Yes, and I saw that as could be predicted, Maggie Haberman at NYT is defending Trump’s being given this big platform to spread lies and sedition. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – I think we all should wait to see who did what. I read today Sinema is OK with price control on drugs in Medicare. There is so much disinformation, we need to be circumspect about what is actually happening. choicelady an hour ago

PPO – No arrests yet of those in higher positions who planned and funded 1/6. But the judges are getting very pissed off at Garland and the DoJ choosing not to prosecute tougher charges that are available. AdLib an hour ago

PPO – the leaders, no. But there was an excellent thread today on Twitter about tracking cell phones and how that tightens the noose. Also one on extremist Oath Keepers prepared to roll on Stone etc. This is building like a RICO case – roll the foot soldiers, build the case on the top leaders. choicelady an hour ago

1.75 trillion is still a lot of money and there is still some good stuff in the bill. I have to believe if we’re being realistic about it we all knew it was going to get trimmed down. twilson117 an hour ago

Ad, clean covid test 72 hours before arrival, Government issued Vaccination Certificate that you had 2 jabs, pinkpantheroz an hour ago

Tw – I like what we’re getting and hope for more AFTER midterms that i hope in turn will bring more Dems. choicelady an hour ago

TW – I bet the Offence…er…Defence Budget won’t see much trimming. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

PPO – I hope it all goes well on the test. I know you’ve had the jabs. I’m thrice jabbed so am pretty good company! choicelady an hour ago

CL – We know however that Sinema was dead set against price controls on prescriptions up until now and that helped cut that out of the BBB. Now, under enormous duress as AZ polls show any Dem would beat her by a big margin in a primary, she’s backpedaling. Fine but it doesn’t change what an awful, selfish jerk she has been. AdLib an hour ago

cl, I’m doing belt and braces approach. I’ve taken out Travel and cancellation insurance. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

PPO agree with you and how we love to fund our military twilson117 an hour ago

CL I think if this passes more could follow. twilson117 an hour ago

Ad – that’s always the case. That’s why democracy is never a spectator sport. If you are a constituent and don’t ride herd on your elected officials, they do stupid things. choicelady an hour ago

Tw – agreed. That’s how it ALWAYS works. choicelady an hour ago

Khirad!!! choicelady an hour ago

Khirad you’re back twilson117 an hour ago

I got my eye exam, going for Warby ,,, something. Khirad an hour ago

TW and PPO – I don’t get how we’re out of Afghanistan and don’t cut at least THAT budget. choicelady an hour ago

CL legislation is always difficult regardless of the politicial party. twilson117 an hour ago

CL – You know the problem I have with waiting too long to charge any high profile person with involvement in 1/6, if Dems can’t pass voter protections and Trump or a Repub like DeSantis becomes president, they will just order the DoJ to end prosecutions or pardon everyone as Trump did with Bannon and Flynn. AdLib an hour ago

TW – it is a lot easier now for the GOP. Their whole routine is “sign on or die”. The autocrats always have an easier time of it. choicelady an hour ago

It’s just funny how I can’t keep up here but hope everyone would at least short post. Khirad an hour ago

Ad – I think Schumer et al.have ways around the filibuster on voting issues. choicelady an hour ago

CL the repugs will always be for tax cuts and as many guns in the hands of the people. twilson117 an hour ago

Our Fat Controller is in Glasgow to MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS on Climate Change. Just that. He won’t actually DO anything. But the rest of the World doesn’t believe him. He’s a clone of Boris the Bollocks and Don the Con pinkpantheroz an hour ago

This was accurate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3_-cnSZsSc

Khirad an hour ago

TW – Agreed, $1.75T is a lot of money but huge things have been killed by those two sellout egotists. And Progressives were promised if they went along with the infrastructure bill, the $3.8T reconciliation bill would be passed by mod and conservative Dems. Manchin and Sinema stabbed Progressives in the back. Poor Biden has been squeezed because of that and attacked. Manchin and Sinema have done lasting damage that could hand Repubs Congress in 2022. AdLib an hour ago

Sorry, Khirad, that video is embargoed in Australia, so I ccn’t see it. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

PPO in a perverse way it’s sort of nice to know polticians are pretty much the same all over the world.

twilson117 an hour ago

PPO – Good, hope everything goes smoothly on your travel here in the US and elsewhere! AdLib an hour ago

Ad – I think you vastly underestimate the absolute dislike voters have for almost ANY GOP now. Only Romney and Bush are even remotely likely. I’ve been watching the polls internally – the extremists are out of favor. I also think we’re so used to pessimism we can’t see that overall people LIKE Biden and the lack of drama. Jan. 6 was a watershed. Whatever happened before is no longer the game plan now. choicelady an hour ago

CL – Well, some pols are dependable and don’t need their voters dragging them back from arbitrary egotism and selling out. Sinema is the worst Dem in The Senate. AdLib an hour ago

PPO – I am very sorry Australia, always a hub of sanity like Canada, has its own Trumpian leader. Canada had Harper, You have these bozos. I am so sorry. choicelady an hour ago

Oh, dammit! I have to go. A huge storm Wed has dumped a few tons of leaves, branches and twigs and now my gutters and drains are blocked up. Got to clear thm pronto. So cheers for now. pinkpantheroz an hour ago

I finally got my second vaccine. I actually had to prove I had insurance for it… Khirad an hour ago

Ad – let’s see what she does. I don’t think she’s a well person. But I think public pressure is making her toe the line more. choicelady an hour ago

PPO – see you soon! Good luck! choicelady an hour ago

Khirad – Yes, I would encourage everyone here to participate more in the Short Posts thread during the week. Lots to chat about all week long and it’s a great place to do it, leading up to Vox on Friday nights. AdLib an hour ago

Ad yes Manchin and Sinema were the flys in the ointement which means dems need to do what Repugs do and find replacements for them and work night and day to get candidates to run for office instead of playing fair politics. twilson117 an hour ago

Khirad – AZ sucks. NO ONE in CA, including the homeless without Medicaid yet, have had to pay. You should NOT have had to prove that. choicelady an hour ago

I would always hope people check out my flag quizzes, but my next post might be about Vanvouver Khirad an hour ago

Take carePPO twilson117 an hour ago

I’m in AZ I’m on Medicaid. We took the money under Jan and she claimed credit. Khirad an hour ago

CL – I would see that as the biggest victory Dems could accomplish, bigger than these two funding bills, if they could pass a voting rights bill. Sure hope you’re right. It’s a matter of survival for our democracy. AdLib an hour ago

Love you all! Khirad an hour ago

Tw – we can find replacements for Sienma no problem. Manchin? I say the only Dem who could outdo him would be a Mine Worker who is fine with guns and goes to church regularly (Methodism is fine – don’t have to be an asshole.) choicelady an hour ago

CL we need Dems in the Senate who’s running against Grassley twilson117 an hour ago

No argument, Ad. The voting rights bill is critical. That said, Garland has deployed a flock of new US attorneys to sue the shit out of state laws. That will help, too. choicelady an hour ago

CL – I wish I was underestimating that but look in VA where an obvious Trump surrogate in moderate’s clothing is tied with McAuliffe. That doesn’t bode well for the dissipation of Repub support. AdLib an hour ago

TW- we need a LOT of Dems in the Senate, but Grassley will probably drop dead first. choicelady an hour ago

Ad – the problems w VA (McAuliffe is actually ahead in ALL polls but FOX) lies in things no legislation can fix. choicelady an hour ago

CL my point exactly what being done for those Repugs who are up for reelection next year any viable candidates? twilson117 an hour ago

CL – I agree, I think Sinema, proving what a messed up person she is, is only now recognizing how despised she is by Dems in AZ and the country and backing off her madness. AdLib an hour ago

TW – Manchin can’t be replaced, he’s the only Dem who could hold a Senate seat in WV but Sinema needs to go in 2024 and Dems need to widen their margin in 2022 so Sineman and Manchin are irrelevant. AdLib an hour ago

Look – the move away from autocracy, from racism, from extremism is not fixable through laws. It will require US, the backbone of the Dem party, actually trying to build bridges. I know it can be done. I’ve done it. But it’s freaking slow, and we haven’t even started. choicelady an hour ago

CL – I thought the free vaccines were a national policy? How could AZ require insurance? I know that when I make my appointments for vaccines, they want insurance info but it can’t be mandatory in any state, can it? AdLib an hour ago

TW – I really am not a good person to ask about electoral politics. I do policy but not that. So I can’t answer you very important question. choicelady an hour ago

Ad I understand about Manchin’s seat, it’s a miracle he still has his seat in that lilly red state. twilson117 an hour ago

Ad – that was my point. I’m not sure they can demand insurance in AZ. I know if you got to a pharmacy they LIKE to get it because it is cost deferment for everyone, but they cannot DENY the vaccine for lack of insurance. choicelady an hour ago

CL – Glad Garland is doing that but so many laws keep being passed to end democracy, it’s whack-a-mole for the DoJ. A national voter protection law needs to be passed. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – actually the key issues in each state are basically pretty limited. They will target certain issues such as legislatures overturning outcomes that are really serious. No, they won’t target laws such as “no one can bring food or water” – we can get around that. They will go for the key stuff. choicelady an hour ago

The numbers of laws are not beyond our capacity to fight them. choicelady an hour ago

BRB! choicelady an hour ago

CL – McAuliffe is no longer ahead by a real margin in any recent polls, maybe a point or two but that’s nothing to hang your hat on. Here too, I hope the polls are wrong and he wins big but the fear-mongering BS by Youngkin has worked with white male voters. AdLib an hour ago

Ad have not been watching the VA race but what I have scanned I think McAuliffe is in trouble. twilson117 an hour ago

TW – Yes, Dems have good candidates against most Repub Senate seats tht could be winnable. Dems should pick up a couple of seats in 2022 and the Manchin/Sinema oppression could be ended but look how many seats Dems should’ve won in 2020 and didn’t. So not a done deal in any way. Tim Ryan in OH, Val Demmings in FL, some solid candidates. AdLib an hour ago

Latest poll among registered voters – a key one – he’s 4 points ahead. choicelady an hour ago

Ad agree. twilson117 an hour ago

Ad – I have roots in Youngstown OH, and NO ONE thinks Ryan is a shoo in. Depends on the GOP candidate. choicelady an hour ago

CL – Yes but that VA poll only has McAuliffe ahead by 1% with Likely Voters. AdLib an hour ago

CL – That’s good to know. I would think Ryan would be a competitive candidate though, do you agree? AdLib an hour ago

No – today he was ahead 2″ in general, 4% with registered likely voters. That’s the one I just read this afternoon. Some of the videos of what’s his name championing Trump are paying off. choicelady an hour ago

I think Ryan will work his butt off to win the senate seat. twilson117 an hour ago

And Chuck Grassley should be beaten. Ron Johnson hasn’t even said if he’s running but as a Russian pawn, he’s destroyed his rep. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – My opinion of Ryan whom I have known for a time? He’s a lightweight. choicelady an hour ago

TW – that is very true. Ryan is nothing if not ambitious. He also has “Ohio cred” which matters. choicelady an hour ago

CL – Okay, I saw another poll this morning with him ahead several on RV and 1% likely voters. Either way, that is way too close if VA voters are really turned away from Trumpism. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – I agree, but it polls were not reliable in 2020 when quite a few said Trump would win or would be close and he wasn’t. I no longer trust the polls, but I know the Dems are actually doing a far better GOTV than the GOP in VA. choicelady an hour ago

Grassley is the poster child for term limits in the Sen and Cong. twilson117 an hour ago

CL – To be clear, I have never been a big fan of Ryan. But as a more moderate Dem with a higher profile, he seems like a viable candidate. AdLib an hour ago

TW – I am death on term limits. He’s the poster child for incompetence, that I’ll give you. choicelady an hour ago

Ad – he has strong WWC roots. He’s a child of the state, and he’s pretty down to earth. Bright? Not so much. But he might just pull it off. choicelady an hour ago

CL – What encourages me about VA is that they’ve had very big mail in ballot response. That usually favors Dems. But polls show more intensity in Repub voters in VA than Dems. AdLib an hour ago

But GOP voters are fewer in number. That intensity doesn’t add up to wins. choicelady an hour ago

HI…I AM OK…….just tied up in a health issue with a friend…mine has resolved at least a bit. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Never count out the Black women. Nobody has paid much attention in VA, but they are the secret force that makes a difference. choicelady an hour ago

TW – Grassley exemplifies the stupidity of voters who vote for the familiar name and not the actual person. Grassley is nearly 90, he makes little sense and blathers on, he would be an embarassment to invite to Thanksgiving dinner, let alone be in The Senate. AdLib an hour ago

Oh Murph – that is so good to hear!!! I’m glad you’re better. choicelady an hour ago

Thanks cl. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Hey Murph! Glad to hear you’re doing better! Sorry your friend is dealing with health issues though. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – I am enormously respectful of Feinstein. I do NOT want her to run. choicelady an hour ago

I was never for term limits before but with the way Repugs are running things and Dems waffling, I’m now in favor of term limits 5 terms for congress and 3 for senate, gives those in Congress 10 years and in the Senate 18 years that’s long enough.te twilson117 an hour ago

Murphy Hello twilson117 an hour ago

Now I have friend who had a post hospital meltdown….needed someone to help him weigh through a lot of info…much of it confusing..and some just distressing. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

I have discovered that several of us are at an age when life is intruding on our delusions of eternal existence. I am sorry it turns out that growing older is NOT optional. choicelady an hour ago

Hello to Ad and to TW…… MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

Murph – I’m really sorry to hear that. choicelady an hour ago

CL – Hoping he does win VA by at least 3% and helps shut down the MSM-whipped-up BS that Trumpism is gaining momentum. AdLib an hour ago

Ad – I see zero evidence Trumpism is on the move. Zero. choicelady an hour ago

Murph if anyone can help them out it’s your Murph twilson117 an hour ago

CL – No question, black women voters have a huge impact on Dems winning in many states including VA and GA of course. AdLib an hour ago

In all the polling, there has been very little attention paid to Black women. I think pollsters STILL think White Males are the key. They aren’t. choicelady an hour ago

CL….yes – aging is not an option…it is destiny. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

TW….thanks for the vote of confidence. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

I hate to say this, but I’ve reinjured my shoulder AGAIN, and it’s really hard to type, and it’s equally hard to concentrate. I’m going to have to bug off and ice it down. Good to see everyone. Next Friday? Be well! choicelady an hour ago

Just read through the thread…I am encouraged by your insights….in this red land things feel very bad for our democracy. MurphTheSurf3 an hour ago

CL – Agreed but the MSM is so hungry to get Trump back in play because the facts are clear, readership and viewership and ad revenue boomed when Trump was running and in the WH. And journalists had so much to write about on topics that the public was upset about. Now? They still interview Trump voters and never Biden voters, keep pronouncing Biden a failure and rags like the WSJ are dooing their best to bring Trump back. AdLib 44 minutes ago

Hey friends have taken a sabbatical from watching MSBC for two months debating if I should go another month any thoughts? twilson117 44 minutes ago

Hello PPO……thinking of you and your lady quite often…..how are things for you. MurphTheSurf3 43 minutes ago

Ad….good insights re. the media’s need to encourage feeding frenzies on all sides. MurphTheSurf3 43 minutes ago

TW….I am glad that someone else I trust is taking a rest from watching the news…and commentary…..I have gone back to reading through it and am watching programs that elevate my spirit. MurphTheSurf3 42 minutes ago

TW – With a couple of exceptions, I have not watched MSNBC and have absolutely not watched CNN since you and I stopped watching them. I have watched 2 Maddow episodes only since then but I don’t feel I have missed much. It seems to me that most of the cable news is bringing on people to worry about bad things happening or voice support for good things happening. But none of that is news. Not investigative work or anything. Do we need to watch them? I don’t think so. AdLib 42 minutes ago

Murph – Thanks. I think it’s never been clearer that we are very poorly served by corporate, greedy media. They have on central objective, keep people watching. It’s nmot delivering news, serving the public or being the 4th branch of government as the Founders intended. It’s keeping people addicted and selling ads at the highest possible rate. AdLib 40 minutes ago

Ad…..a very accurate summary….News as soap opera….nothing much really happens but it is wrapped up in hype. MurphTheSurf3 39 minutes ago

Ad get what you’re saying. The MSBC line up – which is good – but they seem to have the same thread and I can get that from Madow Hayes and ODonnel but like you said I don’t think I need to watch every day. Besides I do read my NYT, and WaPo and other news feeds. so I can get the drift. twilson117 39 minutes ago

Murph – Yes, I think in this post-Trump period, where the MSM is hurting from reduced viewership and revenue, it is a pretty bad time to be depending on them to inform as opposed to incite or addict. AdLib 38 minutes ago

I have also walked away from several of the blogging sites where I used to spend a lot of time…same dynamic at work there… MurphTheSurf3 38 minutes ago

Murph I agree many of the posts I read are things I’ve already read from the news. twilson117 37 minutes ago

Murph – The experiment TW and I have been pursuing is that…I have not missed a single important story by not watching the news channels. I read on news feeds, at news sites, Twitter, elsewhere (always taking news from social media with a grain of salt until I can corroborate it. AdLib 36 minutes ago

TW….yes….with a lot hyped emotionalism to fuel the fires. MurphTheSurf3 36 minutes ago

Ad….a good approach……. MurphTheSurf3 35 minutes ago

TW – I don’t think it’s a mistake to watch Hayes, Maddow or ODonnell but after all the viewing I’ve done, only Maddow seems to work up stories you don’t hear on all the other shows but even then, it’s sometimes just repetitive of what the others feature. AdLib 34 minutes ago

I do not see that binge watching or posting is moving the ball legislatively or electorally. MurphTheSurf3 34 minutes ago

I’m finding that with reading the news feeds I’m getting a decent picture of what is going on. But have to admit of all the ones on MSNBC Maddow is my favorite. twilson117 33 minutes ago

Ad I agree Hayes does a good job also. twilson117 32 minutes ago

Murph – One thing that has me off of commenting much elsewhere is the way things are now, as they weren’t years ago. Now, so many trolls try to manipulate, you can’t have debates because even many Dems are as much in denial on facts that contradict the belief they feel they need to have and basically, hard to find goodwill a lot. Also, you can’t really have conversations elsewhere as you can here. Guess I’m a bit spoiled too. AdLib 32 minutes ago

I too find Rachel appealing….I think she is dedicated to investigative, insightful journalism…which is why she has set her departure date from the world of talking heads. MurphTheSurf3 31 minutes ago

Murph – Great point, that’s another thing I agree with you on, I haven’t seen all the whipped up outrage on MSNBC/CNN/wherever result in much of anything. Just a forum for futile outrage and praise that doesn’t do much of anything. AdLib 30 minutes ago

Ad….your commentary on the environment in social media is (as usual) spot on. The moment you post a comment someone is going to try to reshape it in service to their perspective. MurphTheSurf3 30 minutes ago

For some reason I never could get into CNN twilson117 30 minutes ago

Ad……futile outrage and empty praise in service to ratings. MurphTheSurf3 29 minutes ago

TW – There’s just too much incentive for tv news to pander, focus on the same 5-6 stories all day that they already have video packages for or guests lined up and print still has more legit journalists who investigate stories. Most tv news is about personalities that people like, not investigative, insightful and meaningful journalism. AdLib 28 minutes ago

Well guys I’m leaning toward anothe month of non-watching MSNBC. twilson117 27 minutes ago

Ad agree with you on that. twilson117 27 minutes ago

Murph – Yesterday, I did a rare post on Twitter because someone who is a good-hearted Dem but clearly has an unjustified resentment of Progressives, was trying to demonize Jayapal as the main enemy in getting the BBB passed. She was intentionally in denial over Manchin and Sinema being the true opponents of the BBB just so she could validate her resentment of Progressives. No facts could penetrate her need to resent Progressives. Dems like that are pointless to me in having conversations, they’re as much in denial to keep clutching onto their resentments, as Trumpers. AdLib 25 minutes ago

TW – I am on permanent hiatus right now from regularly watching any cable news, rarely may watch Maddow when big stories are happening but otherwise, it’s a real waste of time I think and not very productive. As I said, I haven’t missed details on any story by not watching them. AdLib 23 minutes ago

Ad….I have faced the same challenge….from a variety of stolidly, and illogically held positions that are fortresses for partisanship protecting occupants from authentic dialogue. MurphTheSurf3 23 minutes ago

Murph – It’s just so pointless to me to have discussions with people who are closed-minded, in denial and have an emotional need to constantly validate resentments. Yes, there are those Dems who love Biden and resent Progressives, no matter the situation. Who urge others to trust in the political figures they really like who aren’t getting the job done and they are beyond reasoning with like Trumpsters. No difference, closed minds and selective about facts. AdLib 21 minutes ago

Ad….the closing of the American Mind…..an ongoing saga. MurphTheSurf3 20 minutes ago

Ad, you’re point is well taken. As I said I’m going another month with no MSNBC, but like you if something breaks will follow Maddow to see how she reports it out. As to Twitter, don’t use it even though I have an account. For some reason never took to it. twilson117 20 minutes ago

I am glad I got a chance to stop by……authentic interaction is refreshing. MurphTheSurf3 19 minutes ago

I’ve always held politicians as a whole to the same principles. Those who work hard to accomplish goals I support and not just talk about it or take credit for it and I dislike those who are liars, hypocrites and just there for their own egos and to take credit they don’t deserve. I’ve criticized Pres. Obama, Pres. Biden, Speaker Pelosi and very often, Leader Schumer. Principles aren’t contingent, they either remain solid or they aren’t really principles. AdLib 18 minutes ago

I read and interesting piece by Jamelle Bouie: The Constitution Was Made For Us, Not The Other Way Around in the NYT today. A thoughtful take on the constitution and what people are trying to do to change it. twilson117 18 minutes ago

Murph – Well, is this really a new thing? Even going back many years to Huffington Post in the days of George W. Bush, plenty of Dems and most Repubs were like this. It’s a human trait, who wants to admit they’re wrong? Especially in a public debate? Especially when one has made a belief a core issue for them? AdLib 17 minutes ago

Ad…political jungles and the creatures that inhabit them no matter what their stripes are much the same. MurphTheSurf3 17 minutes ago

TW – Sounds like a very good read, I’ll check it out! AdLib 16 minutes ago

Ad…what is different for me is that the entire structure seems to have been shaped to accomplish ends that I think are going to be calamitous. MurphTheSurf3 15 minutes ago

You know Murph, you’re right about political jungles and the creatures that inhabit them. twilson117 14 minutes ago

TW…read Boule….well done…but what is largely missing is the critique of the founding document that is well deserved….our problems today are the result of institutionalized elitism ratified in 1789 MurphTheSurf3 14 minutes ago

Murph – Yep, pols are not so unique in their behavior and motivations. But to prevent corruption, it’s important that we don’t go into denial when those in our party are doing the wrong thing. Like Manin and Sinema right now, Dems need to hammer them now to finally get the BBB through and never forget how they sabotaged the party, Pres. Biden and the lives of millions of Americans. Sinema needs to be removed in 2024 and Manchin needs to be minimized in power since no Dem could take his place. AdLib 14 minutes ago

Murph you know that was running in the back of my mind as well. twilson117 13 minutes ago

Murph – The entire structure of the media? AdLib 13 minutes ago

Ad….I believe both Sinema and Manchin are active members in an insidious conspiracy…… MurphTheSurf3 12 minutes ago

Murph – Yes, we’ve discussed that here and it is very important. The Constitution is the product of elitism, racism, sexism and giving the wealthy power over citizens who aren’t. A very imperfect document. AdLib 11 minutes ago

Ad..the media, the political establishment, the plutocracy…..all….a structure to bring about common ends…..and increasingly I wonder if those who appear to be absolutely opposed are not, in fact, rowing together. MurphTheSurf3 11 minutes ago

Ad….and unfortunately, a document that is very, very, very hard to alter. MurphTheSurf3 10 minutes ago

Murph – I am very open to that possibility with Sinema and Manchin and wouldn’t discount that they are in cahoots, playing the game of “I’ll say yes but you say no.” AdLib 10 minutes ago

Simena and Manchin are what’s wrong with dark money in politics. twilson117 9 minutes ago

Ad……Sinema will likely be forced out in a primary but then she will find her reward in other arenas. Manchin likely has the power base to retain his position as a cancer on the Democratic Party…..his ties to corruption are clearer every day. MurphTheSurf3 9 minutes ago

Well….time to pull up stakes….good to have spend some time with you all. MurphTheSurf3 7 minutes ago

Ad Manchin is having his 15 min of fame because of the current senate situation. Which is why dems need to pick up more seats. twilson117 7 minutes ago

Murph – I definitely think there are indeed those pols who are playing that game, like Sinema, of pretending to be all about standing up for “the little people” against “the wealthy” but are just using that as a deception to manipulate. Hate to say it but generally, it is the “moderate” Dems who end up being like that, like the ones who killed prescription drug pricing control in The House, clearly bought out by contributions from Pharma. Most Repubs are like that but Progressives seem to be more legit in standing for the people than any other political types. AdLib 7 minutes ago

PPO…if you are still here….I finally watched the entire memorial service….so simple, so powerful. MurphTheSurf3 7 minutes ago

Hey I need to hit the road as well see you all next week. twilson117 6 minutes ago

Ad…..agreed re. legitimacy MurphTheSurf3 6 minutes ago

TW – So true, Sinema and Manchin have made it pretty clear, by not listening or talking to their voters and meeting only with big money corporations, that they are bought and owned. Dark money has bought the Senate. AdLib 5 minutes ago

TW – That’s the really offensive thing about Manchin and Sinema. We just barely dodged the destruction of our democracy, we are still at war against seditionists who control the entire GOP and at a time when real Americans need to come together, these two corrupt people are sacrificing everything to feather their own nests. AdLib 4 minutes ago

Seeya TW! AdLib 3 minutes ago