Vox Populi – 4-15-2016

Good Friday evening, fellow Planeteers! Welcome to Vox. Our Fearless Leader had a few family obligations tonight. (The nerve of him — wanting to spend time with his wife and child.) But we can still make fun of The Donald, even when the boss is away. Maybe ESPECIALLY when the boss is away. And I do believe I found the keys to the liquor cabinet in the top desk drawer here, so… Welcome to the weekend!

kesmarn

glenn! Do I see you up there? How’s everything in GA tonight?

kesmarn

Hey Kes, I was just reading your post before I “checked in”. Can’t wait to make fun of the Donald; he’s such easy pickins’ dontcha think?

glenn

He is a gift to comedians everywhere!

kesmarn

Mostly this week he seems to be in whining mode. It’s tough to be that rich and still not be able to get your way all the time.

kesmarn

A tragic life he has. Forget those people in Syria. The Donald is suffering.

kesmarn

Oops, forgot to answer your question. It’s way too cold in Ga for the middle of April! The temp is 61, which sounds good, but the wind is blowing at about 15-20 mph, so IMO, the “wind chill factor makes it about 50. Way too cold!

glenn

That really IS cold for GA this time of year!

kesmarn

What’s up peeps?

KillgoreTrout

Last Friday night it was snowing like crazy. Today it was 73 and sunny. Ohio.

kesmarn

Kes, I know, poor baby. I “believed” him when he told us he had such great management skills; too bad he can’t back up his bragging!

glenn

Hey, Homie! How’s your Friday?

kesmarn

Today was gorgeous, Homie!

KillgoreTrout

Hey KT–how are you?

glenn

I know! I took a walk around a little lake that’s about 4 miles from here. Beautiful.

kesmarn

i’ve had a great day today. A real Spring day! Fantastic!

KillgoreTrout

KT–define “gorgeous”.

glenn

Het glenn!

KillgoreTrout

Do you do anything outdoors?

kesmarn

glenn, did you get a chance to watch any of the Dem debate last night?

kesmarn

Blue skies, sunny, wispy white clouds slowly drifting along, warm, a nice, slight breeze, flowers in bloom, birds chirping….shall I go on?

KillgoreTrout

i took a walk, and did a few errands. Very slowly.

KillgoreTrout

Same here! Last week when I took a walk in the park, there was a woman there walking her pet PIG! She was really cute — but LARGE. Her name was “Iggypay.” The things you encounter after a long winter….

kesmarn

that’s not an every day occurance. Pot bellied pig?

KillgoreTrout

Did we lose ya for a minute there, glenn?

kesmarn

I think it may have been a pot-bellied pig, but aren’t they supposed to stay small? LOL! This one didn’t follow the instruction manual.

kesmarn

LOL! Yeah, they don’t usually get real big. Must have been your average pig!

KillgoreTrout

That’s what I’m thinking. But she was on a leash and very well-behaved. For a pig.

kesmarn

They say pigs are actually pretty smart.

KillgoreTrout

I’ve heard that too. I petted her and her “fur” was really bristley. (Don’t know why that would be surprising. I guess they do make hair brushes out of their “fur.” ) The woman who owned her said she gives the bristles to an artist who makes brushes out of them.

kesmarn

Okay, I’m back. Yes, you lost me for a moment. I sometimes hit the wrong keys on my laptop and it takes me out of the Planet. Then, for some reason, it takes me forever to get “checked back in”. Anyway, I’m back. No, I didn’t watch the debate last night; I rarely watch them live; I just catch up on the clips and articles the next day. Seems like this one wasn’t so cordial, hey?

glenn

Ha! Crazy world, hey?

KillgoreTrout

Kes–Can you imagine being cooped up with a pig all winter? Oh well, to each his own, I guess!

glenn

Yeah, it got a little heated, off and on. One thing is pretty clear though. We certainly know who stands for what. It’s the old guard vs the new guard!

KillgoreTrout

This was probably the least cordial one so far, glenn. But compared to the GOP mud-wrestling it was positively civil. There were no mentions of the size of anyone’s….hands.

kesmarn

Well to be clear, a dick waving contest wouldn’t have been fair!

KillgoreTrout

Did you see that Bernie released his 2014 taxes today. Compared to HRC’s his income was $205,000 to her $28,000,000. Yikes!

kesmarn

That makes me sick!

KillgoreTrout

Not a dangly bit in sight!

pinkpantheroz

KT–That is what I do love about Bernie. The way he “thinks big”. Not sure he can reach all of his goals; but you have to set them high to reach them sometimes.

glenn

LOL! Homie, we might be surprised at what Hillary has that we didn’t know about!

kesmarn

H O M I E! LOL!

KillgoreTrout

Hey, PPO! And Harleigh!

kesmarn

Hey PPO–no dangling chads at last night’s debate, hey?

glenn

You there, Harleigh?

glenn

hi guys

Harleigh

Just thinking in terms of “hidden assets” Homie.

kesmarn

still spitting chips that I wasn’t able toi see or hear it Down Under

pinkpantheroz

i will say, she does have balls!

KillgoreTrout

How’s everything in Ft. Lauderdale, Harl?

kesmarn

You missed a wild one, PPO!

kesmarn

Hey P!

KillgoreTrout

que pasa Harleigh!

KillgoreTrout

Same as ever but we had some rain this evening. work and sleep. lol

Harleigh

Rain in FL? That’s not right!

kesmarn

Hey Harleigh–still working hard? I have a question for you. I don’t know all the details, so if you can’t answer it, it’s fine. My sister needs supplemental insurance; can she enroll in Obamacare at this time of year, or does she have to wait for the enrollment period? She lives in FL.

glenn

I never watch the debates exept the first gop klown show.

Harleigh

I know kes… in the subtropics too!

Harleigh

Did she just move to FL, glenn?

kesmarn

They way they’re moderated, one really can’t call them debates.

KillgoreTrout

I thought CNN did their usual terrible job of moderation last night.

kesmarn

if she just moved she can enroll in ACA…. healthcare.gov

Harleigh

Me too Homie. More than once, they tried to start fights. That’s just low class.

KillgoreTrout

Any predictions on how things might go for the NY primary on Tuesday?

kesmarn

Kes–no, she’s lived there about 15 years now. She’s not very good with money; plus she doesn’t have any; because she’s not very good with the little she had. She turned 70 in October of last year; she has to work still to make ends meet because her social security is so low. That’s why she doesn’t have supplemental insurance; she says she can’t afford it. So, if she has lived in FL for a while, she has to wait for the next enrollment period?

glenn

I think Hillary will probably win it, but then again, who knows. Bernie certainly has the momentum.

KillgoreTrout

glenn, I can’t recall. Did FL turn down the Medicaid expansion? I’m pretty sure Scott did. That puts her in a tough spot…

kesmarn

A lot of New Yorkers liked Hillary when she was their senator.

KillgoreTrout

KT, I agree, but whoever wins, will hillary still get the delgates?

pinkpantheroz

KT–I truly am disappointed in both Bernie and Hillary. They seem to be detoriating in the “civil” mode. I think you’re right; though, Hillary will probaby win the nom.

glenn

Homie, I did see a Reuters poll today that showed — fort the 1st time — Bernie pulling ahead of Clinton nationally among registered Dems.

kesmarn

glenn she can gaet a medicare advantage plan for $zero, covers the 20% and drug plan is included. Humana Gold plus. she’ll have to wit for open enrollment.

Harleigh

It’s getting close, no doubt.

KillgoreTrout

Kes–yes, Scott turned down Medicare expansion–he’s a republican isn’t he?

glenn

One of the worst, glenn.

kesmarn

Skelator!

KillgoreTrout

to me, he reminds me of an SS officer. If he wore the uniform, it would match him, perfectly.

KillgoreTrout

There’s video of Scott really getting ripped by a woman in a Starbucks. It went viral. And then he and his people actually put out an attack video against her! Just an ordinary citizen. Not a political opponent.

kesmarn

Skeletor sscott is runnung an ad campaign against an unemployed woman that called him an asshole at starbucks!!

Harleigh

Jinx, Harleigh!

kesmarn

lol

Harleigh

But, she didn’t lie!

KillgoreTrout

It was awesome! I’ll try to find it.

kesmarn

BRB

KillgoreTrout

Harleigh–when is the open enrollment period? And does she call Humana Gold directly or does she have to go to the ACA website?

glenn

Nov 1 and she can call them.

Harleigh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doWYYjhk2xA

kesmarn

LOL kes

Harleigh

Brilliant, Kes!

pinkpantheroz

She was on fire!!

kesmarn

Harleigh and Kes–seems the skeletor has taken a page out of the donald’s playbook–insult the people who disagree with you. Her rant was priceless and to watch the skeletor skitter out of Starbucks was priceless!

glenn

I love this woman.

kesmarn

They’re all cowards.

KillgoreTrout

Harleigh–thanks for the info; I appreciate it.

glenn

I know, right? With that s**t-eating smile on his face!

kesmarn

If it was paul or trump she would have gotten manhandled or stomped.

Harleigh

Yeah, like wild dogs, they travel in packs!

KillgoreTrout

no problem glenn

Harleigh

Truth! I loved it when the Scott “handler” tried to deal with her and she whirled on her and said: “I’m not talking to you!”

kesmarn

kesmarn

Oops–watching the skeletor skittle out of Starbucks was worth HIS weight in gold!

glenn

I watched that about 4 times!

kesmarn

Kes–me too! The best part was when she called him an asshole!

glenn

he was smart enough to ru

Harleigh

And at the very end, the guy who recorded it said: “Sweeeeet.” LOL!

kesmarn

Harleigh–run, skeletor, run!

glenn

lol he really needs to run into a zimmermann

Harleigh

Politicians haven’t yet caught on that there are cameras and microphones EVERYWHERE today.

pinkpantheroz

Speaking of protests, has anyone been following this “Democracy Spring” event in DC?

kesmarn

nope

Harleigh

he had to R U N O F T! My homage to Where Art Thou Brother!

KillgoreTrout

I’m hearing they’ve arrested about 650 people and the MSM is totally silent on it.

kesmarn

Kes–not much, but it does seem promising. Are they are a little more organized this time?

glenn

Kes–really? 650 people? Wow, that’s a lot!

glenn

media is like worthless anymore

Harleigh

Kes–why isn’t foxsocallednews following it? They love it when progressives get arrested!

glenn

They seem to be peaceful and there are folks of all age groups. Cenk Uigar (sp?) is one of the leaders of it. (The Young Turks.) But there’s a real blackout on coverage.

kesmarn

wtf?

Harleigh

It does seem harder and harder to find facts these days.

KillgoreTrout

I know, glenn! You’d think FOX would be working it. But — nada.

kesmarn

I like the young turk; now there’s a man who “tells it like it is.” And, he uses facts to do so!

glenn

And now Al Jazeera is gone too.

kesmarn

I hear you, glenn. Cenk is really gutsy

kesmarn

Not a peep about it here, and it seems celebs are being arrested as well.

pinkpantheroz

Ugar. I agree with him some times, and sometimes I don’t. His show, The Young Turks, gets a little bombastic, at times.

KillgoreTrout

I think this is the way the corporate MSM neutralize demonstrations. If they don’t cover them, they never happened!

kesmarn

Exactly, Homie. They learned their lessons well after the 60s.

KillgoreTrout

Homie, he is edgy, no doubt about it. Amy Goodman is somewhat similar.

kesmarn

well i have to get to bed and work tomorrow. night guys

Harleigh

kes, right. You would think that handcuffing yourself to the scaffolding around the Capitol Building would raise an eyebrow or two, at least a selfie’s worth!

pinkpantheroz

PPO, right. There were some notable people arrested.

kesmarn

i like the fact that he basically told MSNBC to shove it, when they tried to control his programming.

KillgoreTrout

G’night, Harleigh! Rest well and don’t work too hard!

kesmarn

Later gator!

KillgoreTrout

‘night H

pinkpantheroz

Kes–I hope they keep it peaceful. That seems to get much better results because then the repubs can’t say they’re “thugs”. The thugs are the repub/trump supporters who push, shove, and hit peaceful protestors.

glenn

Oh dear. I was typing and missed Harleigh’s exit!

glenn

I think there’s going to be some shit going down at the republican convention!

KillgoreTrout

Right, glenn. Let them get the “credit” for the sucker punches and such. So far this one has been peaceful.

kesmarn

I think you’re right, Homie! I’m torn between wanting to drive over to Cleveland and being too chicken to actually do it.

kesmarn

I mean — when Trump is already “predicting” riots, you know that there are going to be some crazy people there.

kesmarn

I think I’ll stay right where I am. Some of those people are dangerous. I heard that there will be a bunch of open carry idiots, outside the convention center. They’re not allowed inside, but still.

KillgoreTrout

KT–oh yeah! I think there’s going to be some back room deals going on, too. Don’t you find it ironic that the person who touts himself as such a deal maker can’t make the deals to get delegates? He and his henchman resort giving out delegates’ room numbers! If they know the room numbers, why aren’t they going to to in there to make the deals?

glenn

I so can’t wait until TRump finally loses. LOSER! He can’t handle losing.

KillgoreTrout

Oh Lord… gun toters outside the convention center, What could go wrong? I know the Cleveland police have their issues, but I don’t envy them on this one.

kesmarn

KT–I know they haven’t given out the room numbers; it just amuses me that that is their “strategy”. IOW, let the “little people” do it!

glenn

I wonder how he’s going to react??

kesmarn

I certainly wouldn’t want to have to wrok around those lunatics.

KillgoreTrout

great and deadly point glenn! Mr Big Deal Maker obviously doesn’t read the fine print too often. No wonder his companies go bust with monotonous regularity.

pinkpantheroz

People are saying that The Donald was totally clueless about how the whole process actually worked until very late in the game. Wouldn’t you think his “people” would have filled him in on how delegates work?

kesmarn

Who needs rules, I’m Donald Trump, and I’m very, very rich!

KillgoreTrout

Kes–even though trump has threatened to run “independently” of the repub party; his management skills have failed him on that one, too. From what I have read, if he’s going to run independently; he has to get himself on the ballots in all of the states; and he doesn’t seem to have the “ground game” or the organization skills/people to do it in time.

glenn

And this isn’t even his first run at the presidency, is it? Didn’t he try once before?

kesmarn

Yep, and got trounced.

KillgoreTrout

KT, yes! And I’m SO RICH I don’t have to use my own money for anything. All I have to do is yell and I get swuillions of free advertizing

pinkpantheroz

Kes–I don’t think his people had any more idea about the rules than trump did. One more thing he bragged about but can’t seem to actually do–“hire the best people”.

glenn

glenn, good point. I think his best hope is as a write-in. And historically, that hardly ever works.

kesmarn

that’s about it P.

KillgoreTrout

trump hires sycophants.

KillgoreTrout

He hires people who flatter him, I think. That’s their only “qualification.” What a narcissist.

kesmarn

Jinx, Homie!

kesmarn

coke!

KillgoreTrout

LOL!

KillgoreTrout

kesmarn

PPO–well, at least that part worked–the swillions of free advertising! Although, it seems to be a little less now!

glenn

HA! Not all advertising is good!

KillgoreTrout

Any guesses on who the GOP nom is eventually gonna be?

kesmarn

not a clue, Homie.

KillgoreTrout

For some reason, I’m thinking Cruz and that scares me silly…

kesmarn

Kes–nope, I’m with KT, not a clue. How about you?

glenn

Kes, I really don’t give a monkey’s who gets the nom. Dems will win the WH

pinkpantheroz

cruz is a scary SOB! He’ll never win a general election, though. Too many people just can’t stand the guy!

KillgoreTrout

I think Nate Silver agrees with you, PPO.

kesmarn

He’s a talking cold sore on the lip of humanity!

KillgoreTrout

(The statistician with the incredible track record on predictions. Silver, that is.)

kesmarn

PPO–Not sure the race won’t be closer than we think. You know there are people who will just pull that “R” lever. Plus, if Hillary is the Dem nom, the repubs will come out in droves to vote against her, I think.

glenn

I’ve heard that the Kochs have completely given up on winning the White House now, and are focusing on the House and Senate.

kesmarn

And, how about good ole Gowdy, who’s going to drop his Benghazi report around September? What a putz!

glenn

glenn, the GOP really does hate her. Have for decades!

kesmarn

Argh!! Gowdy! I cannot stand that guy!

kesmarn

gowdy, man, straight out of Deliverance. I hear a banjo in the distance.

KillgoreTrout

He looks/acts like something out of the Spanish Inquisition.

kesmarn

Torqemada? Give him some long black robes!

KillgoreTrout

Kes–the Dems need to get their ground game going. See, that’s what I think President Obama would be best at once he leaves the WH. He should give Wasserman-Schultz advice on how to “organize” the Dems in the down races. Look at what he did in 2008 to defeat Hillary. The community organizer does know how to organize!

glenn

Absolutely, Homie! Or maybe some Puritan witch-burning judge.

kesmarn

His 2008 campaign will be studied for decades!

kesmarn

(Obama’s. Not Gowdy’s!!)

kesmarn

BRB Coffee break. one good thing about my recent leg Op. Gave up smokes for good!

pinkpantheroz

when Cruz was in college, he acted in the play, “The Crucible.” How fitting!

KillgoreTrout

CONGRATULATIONS, PPO!!!

kesmarn

congrats, P! tough thing to do!

KillgoreTrout

Kes and KT–Yup, that gowdy is one scary looking individual. He looks malnourished, IMO> That’s probably why he’s so damn nasty; he’s not getting the proper nutrition!

glenn

LOL! Homie, I’ve seen that little clip of Cruz howling in that play!

kesmarn

PPO–good on ya!

glenn

Give that man a cheeseburger and a cupcake!!

kesmarn

Kes–

glenn

(Gowdy, that is. And PPO too, if he wants them.)

kesmarn

it’s hilarious, isn’t it Homie? WHY DOESN’T ANYBODY RESPECT ME?

KillgoreTrout

That was it! Too funny!

kesmarn

Did you see what his old roommate said about him? Cruz?

kesmarn

KT–assume you’re talking about Cruz with the lack of respect. We don’t respect you because you don’t deserve respect!

glenn

Samantha Bee cuts to that clip every so often. It’s a running joke. I just love her. She’s gutsy, and very funny!

KillgoreTrout

Kes–that he likes to play with dildos?

glenn

That if he now thinks masturbation is a sin, that is a total turnaround from his opinion when he was in college?

kesmarn

LOL!

kesmarn

KT–love Samantha Bee, too!

glenn

She’s so funny!

kesmarn

rEmember Christine O’Donnell? The Christian witch that campaigned against masturbation?

KillgoreTrout

Kes–I don’t think it’s that masturbation is a sin; it’s using dildos to pleasure yourself that’s a sin!

glenn

ted Cruz IS a dildo!

KillgoreTrout

LOL! It’s SO hard to keep all his “Christian” opinions straight!

kesmarn

KT–did O’Donnell campaign against masturbation? That’s funny!

glenn

oh yeah glenn.

KillgoreTrout

KT–you’re right; cruz is a dildo. Maybe that’s why he wants them banned; he doesn’t want anyone to steal his spotlight!

glenn

I remember Christine O’Donnell, yes! She was campaigning around the same time Sharron Angle was too. Two loonies.

kesmarn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qxf6BOzNNY

KillgoreTrout

Speaking of loonies, how’s the Bachmann doing nowadays?

glenn

Bachmann is a riot! I kinda miss her. sometimes.

KillgoreTrout

That video is hilarious! They never think of what Wall Street did as sinful. Funny how that gets past them every time.

kesmarn

Isn’t that pure bat quano?

KillgoreTrout

OMG that clip is scary. They look like the Duggar kids! The 60’s hairdos and the makeup troweled on!

glenn

The only sin is sexual sin. Cutting off SNAP benefits? Not a problem to them.

kesmarn

suffer the little children, Homie!

KillgoreTrout

Exactly, Kes.

glenn

Good one, KT!

glenn

And the states where they push the Christine O’Donnell version of sex education have the highest rates of teen pregnancies. Go figure.

kesmarn

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

KillgoreTrout

God forbid there’s a Cruz in the WH. We will be awash in that nonsense.

kesmarn

Yeah, Kes. Just read an article about some Louisiana Senator who preaches abstinence has a 17-year-old daughter who is pregnant! Shades of Bristol!

glenn

The bible has them convinced that humans are above animals. What they fail to realize is, we ARE animals, mammals to be more specific.

KillgoreTrout

And LA has the 5th highest rate of teen pregnancy! As you say, go figure!

glenn

glenn, it’s SO consistent!! And you look at the Obama daughters and Chelsea Clinton… “Librul” parents seemed to do okay there!

kesmarn

Shhhhh Homie. We’re not supposed to notice.

KillgoreTrout

Homie, that seems to be their “take” on everything. Everything is a hierarchy. We’re dominant over the animals. Men dominate women. White folks dominate… well… everybody… and at the top is a mean, punitive “god.” Crazy theology.

kesmarn

Kes–yet, no one mentions that! The Clintons may be many things; but they are good parents and the Obamas are such role models for all parents! I just love watching the Obamas interact with children. You can see their genuine love and caring for kids shining through. I watched the Easter Egg Roll tapes about five times. Love the way they read “Where the Wild Things Are”.

glenn

Christopher Hitchens refered to god as a “celestial dictator!”

KillgoreTrout

It was hilarious the one time when Obama was reading “Wild Things” and some bees appeared. The kids started screaming, and Barack said: “You’re not afraid of bees. You’re Wild Things!” Loved it.

kesmarn

Kes–by no means do I want to get into theology, but I can’t understand how god is so loving and so punitive at the same time. I take that back–the xtians want to “love” everyone by punishing them!

glenn

Well, the Fundamentalist assholes in NC are seeing money slip away. Cirque De Soliel is the latest to cancel. Good for them

pinkpantheroz

Kes–Love my President!

glenn

christopher Walken does a reading of “Wild Things.” It’s great!

KillgoreTrout

KT–I’ll have to look that up. Christopher Walken is such a “wild thing” himself.

glenn

I hear you, glenn. I’ll just settle for that one verse: “God is love.” And leave all the “judginess” to the Cruz types!

kesmarn

good news P. Bruce Springsteen cancled too.

KillgoreTrout

So did Ringo Starr.

glenn

It’s really good, glenn. He also does Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.”

KillgoreTrout

I saw that! And Ringo Starr! And the Cirque du Soleil..

kesmarn

KT–I will definitely look them up. Thanks for the tip!

glenn

Christopher Walken was on that PBS cooking show “Cooking with Lidia.” I guess they’re good friends. They grew up together. Talk about two totally different people!

kesmarn

He’s really a pretty versatile guy. Acts, sings, dances, and has a great, slightly warped sense of humor.

KillgoreTrout

Okay folks, time to call it a night. Enjoyed our chat tonight; great job Kes! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the spring weather!

glenn

Take it easy glenn.

KillgoreTrout

KT–not just slightly warped–definitely warped!

glenn

LOL!

KillgoreTrout

Cheers, glenn.

pinkpantheroz

G’night, glenn! It was so good to “see” you again. Have a wonderful weekend!

kesmarn

I think I’m out too folks. See ya all later!

KillgoreTrout

I may have to call it a day fairly soon too.

kesmarn

Oo Roo, KT Have a good one.

pinkpantheroz

Oh! I guess I’m not the only one!

kesmarn

OK, I’ll allso say good afternoon!

pinkpantheroz

Well, PPO, one more drink for the road?

kesmarn

Good night, all! See you next week! Have a great weekend!

kesmarn

A bit early for me, but I’ll sip my Scotch tonite in your honor, kes!

pinkpantheroz

Byeeee, Kes!

pinkpantheroz

Cheers!

kesmarn