Vox Populi – 5-19-2017

Hey everyone – check in, get a drink, settle comfortably, and we’re on our way!

choicelady

Hey Choice Lady! How are you?

glenn

Hi glenn – how are you doing? Hope things are good down there?

choicelady

Yup–things are good here. How about you?

glenn

Hey FD. How’s it going?

glenn

Say glenn and Ad, what be shakin?

Fuzzy Dunlop

Going OK. The world is nuts, but Sacramento is normal.

choicelady

Heyyyy FD – how are you?

choicelady

So, how long do you think it will take for trump to embarrass the US on his overseas trip.

glenn

Say dasvidaniya commrade Trump! You are fucking toast!

Fuzzy Dunlop

Hey CL.

Fuzzy Dunlop

CL–well, as normal as Sacramento can be, right?

glenn

Ad is off tonight, FD. He’s elsewhere. I give Trump five minutes to be quasi normal before he trashes 100 years of foreign relations.

choicelady

As normal as possible, glenn. Maybe I’m just used to it!

choicelady

Is this a WEEK or what? Rumors are that the ‘person of interest in the WH’ is none other than JARED. Hoo boy.

choicelady

I find it interesting that he’s beginning his trip in Saudi Arabia. Of course, that’s because we’ve just sold them another shit load of planes and military “stuff”. So trump wants to brag about what a good deal he’s made, even though I read somewhere that this deal may be illegal.

glenn

Ha, his overseas trip is set up to handle trump like a child. Once again the bar gets lowered for that traitorous hairball.

Fuzzy Dunlop

Hey Murph!

Fuzzy Dunlop

glenn – Trump ALSO just signd 8 deals with SA to build private things in that country. This isn’t about the USA. This is about DJT.

choicelady

Hey Murph!

choicelady

CL–I know, just had to get in a Georgia “dig” at CA. You know, us “rednecks” dont’ think too much of those damn CA liberals!

glenn

it always is CL.

Fuzzy Dunlop

Choice….in charge…..all power to the Women!

MurphTheSurf3

We damned CA liberals pretty much are used to that.

choicelady

Hey Murph! Hows the planting going?

glenn

Murph – LOL!!

choicelady

Well, not all…there are several in the WH I want no where near power…

MurphTheSurf3

i’m a nomadic liberal. I’ve learned to duck!

Fuzzy Dunlop

Murph – you mean like ALL of them?

choicelady

FD = it’s easier to pass if you keep moving. Good tactic.

choicelady

i bet there are a lot of white house staffers rewriting their resumes.

Fuzzy Dunlop

And it’s actually the American Bar Association that says it may be illegal!

glenn

Like a rolling stone!

Fuzzy Dunlop

FD – that’s what I hear – lots of job hunters suddenly.

choicelady

Hi Glenn…..the planting is going well. 5 AM out in the gardens and ending around noon….nice soft rains and good plants for tranplanting..

MurphTheSurf3

Gee, I wonder why that is. HAHAHA!

Fuzzy Dunlop

Murph – glad things are going OK.

choicelady

sounds kinda nice Murph!

Fuzzy Dunlop

CL–well of course it’s about DJT. Why else would he go to a Muslim country?

glenn

glenn why does the ABA think the arms deal is illegal?

choicelady

Trump is traveling to the heart of Islamic fundamentalism and jihadism to make a deal with the overlords there who fear those very forces.

MurphTheSurf3

Did you read that the radical anti-Islam goon Donnie loves, architect of the ban, is writing the “love and friendship with SA and Muslims” speech for him?

choicelady

F.D. The best part of many days…..getting something that is actually, truly productive done.

MurphTheSurf3

Have you guys heard? Mexico called trump, and agreed to pay for his impeachment!

Fuzzy Dunlop

FD – let’s take Mexico up on that offer!

choicelady

FD….I heard that they promised to sponsor the Fiesta that would surround it.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – that’s lovely of them!

choicelady

Murph–glad to hear your planting is going well. That 5 a.m. is a little early for me. However, if you get a nap in after noon, then that would work!

glenn

go Mexico, Go!

Fuzzy Dunlop

Maybe they can use Sessions and Pence and Ryan as pinatas? Sounds good to me.

Fuzzy Dunlop

FD – LOL!

choicelady

Glenn….one does all one can to avoid the heat….and yes, to get in a good long snooze….the evenings are increasingly filled with political work.

MurphTheSurf3

I hate to think what might come out, though. Whewee, what’s that smell?

Fuzzy Dunlop

FD….oh the image of those pinatas that comes to mind.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – I read something about Claire today but can’t remember what she did – can you refresh me?

choicelady

LOL!

Fuzzy Dunlop

CL– “…American Bar Association has sent the Senate a legal analysis saying that President Donald Trump’s plan for an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth more than $100 billion would be illegal because of the Saudis’ role in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Citing “multiple credible reports of recurring and highly questionable [air]strikes’’ by the Saudi military that have killed civilians, the U.S. “cannot continue to rely on Saudi assurances that it will comply with international law and agreements concerning the use of U.S.-origin equipment,” Michael Newton, a prominent Vanderbilt University law professor and former military judge advocate general, said. Newton, in his 23-page opinion, said the strikes have continued “even after Saudi units received training and equipment to reduce civilian casualties.” “Continued sale of arms to Saudi Arabia ― and specifically of arms used in airstrikes ― should not be presumed to be permissible” under the two statutes covering most sales of military equipment by the U.S government to foreign nations, he said.

glenn

glenn – HOLY COW – this doofus can’t do ANYTHING legal.

choicelady

CL…Claire…hmmmm…she has been very active…..but nothing jumps out.

MurphTheSurf3

This is from an article in the HP. I know, I know, it’s the HP, but sometimes they actually have good articles.

glenn

Oh well – it may come crawling back into my brain. Whatever it was, it was good.

choicelady

I think it’s delicious irony that trump’s massive ego is the thing that’s bringing him down.

Fuzzy Dunlop

Glenn…saw that today…..the Trump administration never does due diligence.

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – they do. It’s the wheat/chaff thing.

choicelady

CL..HP is still one of my news sources.

MurphTheSurf3

Problem w Trump is that he’s used to being an autocrat. He has ZERO appreciation for accountability, due diligence, or anything legal.

choicelady

CL…good summary of Trump’s baseline weakness.

MurphTheSurf3

CL–yeah trump’s speech is going to tell the Muslims how they can be more like Christians, from what I’ve read. You know, kinda like “mansplainin'”, except it’s “religionsplainin”

glenn

Murph – STUPIDITY is his baseline weakness.

choicelady

glenn – LOL!!! Oh, that is rich!!!

choicelady

Glenn, “religionsplainin”! Hah!

MurphTheSurf3

TRump actually thought being president would be the same as being a CEO in the private sector. What a total dumbass.

Fuzzy Dunlop

CL….that too.

MurphTheSurf3

I’d make it “cultsplaining” since they don’t remotely know Christianity either.

choicelady

FD – that is very clear. He cannot wrap his tiny mind around accountability or the fact he works for US, the people.

choicelady

Murph–well, to be fair, the article does say that the deal was begun by the Obama administration.

glenn

CL–I like “cultsplainin”. Good one!

glenn

Glenn….but at that time Saudi Arabia was not in violation of the treaties pointed out in the article.

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – I’m quite sure it was on VERY different footing. DT thinks anything PBO did, he has to do YUGER.

choicelady

Murph – great point.

choicelady

I don’t see how anybody could call themselves a Christian, after CELEBRATING taking away millions of people’s healthcare.

Fuzzy Dunlop

Murph–that’s just a minor detail for the trump administration. You can bet that when/if the MSM brings up the suit, that’s the first thing trump will say. “Obama started it.”

glenn

What scumbags!

Fuzzy Dunlop

FD – they have tried to usurp the word Christian, but there’s not a SHRED of Christian theology in their makeup. Take a look at “The Family” by Jeff Sharlet to see how, after the 1930s, a whole new fucking religion was born to push back against progressive politics.

choicelady

FD When the numbers come in the House is going to have to redo their bill and then the popular shit hits the fan.

MurphTheSurf3

is that what they call “muscular christianity?” Or “prosperity gospel?”

Fuzzy Dunlop

Murph – that’s why they’re racing against the CBO report due May 24.

choicelady

Glenn….predictive of Trump, yep.

MurphTheSurf3

FD–I agree completely. I just don’t get how anyone can even believe they’re Christian with that mindset.

glenn

FD – it is certainly an extension of those ideas but INFINITLY worse. You can Google “Seven Mountains Mandate” to see the summary of their intent.

choicelady

CL…..the problem is that the CBO review is likely to point out where the bill cannot be offered to the Senate as a matter of budgetary reconciliation as it now stands.

MurphTheSurf3

FD – you may remember I’m being stalked by them? These are the people who make the term “theocracy” look weak and wussy. They are hideously dangerous.

choicelady

Murph – isn’t that GOOD?

choicelady

CL–Do you think the CBO report will make any difference? After all, in trumpdon’tcare 1.0, the CBO estimated 24 million people would lose health care, yet trump and ryan thought it was great. And with trumpdon’tcare 2.0, even more will lost insurance, I’ll bet. But….states will have rights, by god!

glenn

CL…..it is because it shines a spotlight on how deeply their replacement cuts at the nation’s heart.

MurphTheSurf3

Still, CL?

Fuzzy Dunlop

even more will “lose” insurance

glenn

FD – no . We have four homeless guys living in the backyard. Our secruity team! They stopped it!

choicelady

Murph – but that’s POWERFUL to learn, and we need to spread the CBO info far and wide!

choicelady

glenn – let’s get that word OUT THERE!!!

choicelady

CL…I agree…which is why the CBO finding will create another wave of anger.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – ask me if I care. The more they are exposed, the happier my Happy Dance!

choicelady

CL…..I am overjoyed…every slap in the face, every jug of ice water, wakes up a few more people….in my area that is happening bit by bit.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – you may have problems, but a whole lot of people are realizing you know what the hell you’re talking about. That matters! It’s people like you, backbone of your communities, who will make real change. I can’t thank you enough for your endurance.

choicelady

CL…..my dear, I am an amateur in the field of endurance when compared with folks like yourself, a real and constant champion for humanity.

MurphTheSurf3

Oh poo – you are the fount of change. If we are going to help the “worried center” understand things, it will be via good NEIGHBORS. I do my thang, but you LIVE it.

choicelady

CL…well, we each have our Great Opinion of the other, and that is where it is likely to stand.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – indeed! It’s links like ours that provide strength to endure.

choicelady

CL–I agree–we need to get that word out there! I’m sick of hearing about trump’s scandals, while ryan and mcconnell are trying to pass these hideous laws. The “media” is still distracted by trump’s shiny objects. I want multiple reporters talking to everyday Americans about what the ACA has done for them. Granted there have been a few stories, but not enough. And, some reporter needs to show those some people exactly how trumpcare is going to change their health care. The media should be telling people that under the ACA, here’s what this person pays, and under trumpcare, here’s what this person will pay, if s/he even has insurance. The media should be doing this for all age groups and income levels. Get the facts out there. Also every Dem congressperson should be asking their constituents to come forward and tell them how the ACA has helped them, and the Congress critter could then show how trumpcare will hurt them. Facts, figures, no hyperbole, just the facts, ma’am. I’m in the process of composing a letter that actually spells this out so I can send it to my Congress critters (who are all republican), and to some media outlets.

glenn

May I say, as a ‘survivor’ of Watergate politics, that I have NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS WEEK!!! It took us YEARS to get rid of Nixon. DT is self destructing in WEEKS.

choicelady

glenn – excellent points. And I am holding the single payer people’s feet to the fire on the SAME issue. ACA has price hikes because the GOP has WITHHELD reimbursements. That can be fixed by killing off their power. So now, CA is back w the single payer plan – and I damned well insist we have the SAME rigorour examination. In VT it was NINE times more expensive than ACA – why? We deserve REAL facts and REAL info never mind the plan.

choicelady

Where did Murph go?

choicelady

Yea – you’re back, Murph! Hope all is well with your internet?

choicelady

brb

Fuzzy Dunlop

Anyone know where PPO is? I have not seen him in some time.

choicelady

Sorry, my server decided to crash on me…..took a moment to rerun the startup.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – all part of the nefarious plot no doubt.

choicelady

PPO has joined us near the end of the hour several times of late…..home concerns I gather.

MurphTheSurf3

CL–I have to disagree with you a little. I agree you and I think trump is self-destructing, but I still don’t see his supporters and even most of the congress critters saying he’s self-destructing. Ryan had a radio interview the other day, had to this to say in response to this question: The mainstream media is out there blocking and tackling for ranking Minority Leader Pelosi suggesting a wave election is coming your way, that your majority is at risk,” Hewitt pointed out to Ryan. “What do you make of that?” Ryan’s answer: “Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah is what I say about that stuff. Look, this is what I call the white noise of Washington-Beltway media. We’re busy doing our work.”

glenn

CL…my neighbors…could one them be a secret computer geek?

MurphTheSurf3

Murph–uh-oh. The “force” strikes again?

glenn

glenn – oh, they SAY it’s all a plot and everything, but the indications are that people are getting hip to the GOP perfidy. I know the hard core racists will never give up, but I have hope for the ‘worried middle’ who got punked.

choicelady

Murph – your neighbors would be FOOLS to mess with you!

choicelady

CL…they outgun me.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – maybe, but they know, deep in their hearts, you are a source of real help.

choicelady

Murph – you still have the gate up across the driveway? I hope so. I know you know that there are always assholes out there.

choicelady

CL–I’m really trying to have hope as you and Ad do, but when I read/things like Ryan’s answer, I get discouraged all over again.

glenn

Regarding the awakening of Trumpistas that both CL and Glenn have addressed…..it is going to take a lot to awaken many of them but I am certain that their own pain is the alarm clock (physical pain, economic pain, emotional pain) and that alarm is going to have sound again and again with incremental awakenings.

MurphTheSurf3

Ryan is on the ‘person of interest’ inquiry for his role in Russiagate. He is desperate. He talks a great game, but he’s running scared. So is our ever-popular Kevin Mccarthy who has the unfortunate habit of blurting the truth. He was an asshole in CA state senate and an asshole in Washington, but he does wind up underminging EVERYRTHING with his mouth.

choicelady

CL….some certainly know I am helpful…and my return to the co-op is a sign of that…but yes, I still have the gate and the cameras and lights.

MurphTheSurf3

CL–and I read today about trump’s supporters who say actually say they don’t keep up with the news because they don’t want to hear negative things about trump; or that they think trump is doing a good job, etc, etc. They still “believe” in him. It’s hard to determine if they are many or few; but I don’t see many articles about people who are disillusioned with trump; only articles that blame trump’s troubles on anyone but trump!

glenn

Murph – that’s what happened in ’73-’74. Problem is they regrouped with Reagan, and still are deluded. NOW they are at the bottom of the barrell, and Trump is showing he is totally unreliable. The True Believers will never relent, but it’s YOUR neighbors who will be hurt and will see that they were lied to.

choicelady

glenn – there are new indications today that there is a lot of “buyer’s remorse” among Trump voters.

choicelady

I regard both your, CL and Glenn’s observations to be spot on.

MurphTheSurf3

CL–the problem, as I see it, is even if people like my and Murph’s neighbors are hurt, they won’t put the blame on trump; it will always be someone else’s fault–mainly liberals, HRC, and PBO–so republicans will continue to get elected.

glenn

As far as the future – I want a Left Centrist for 2020. I want someone from the middle part of the country or at least from a middle to working class background. I think we can pull people from the ‘worried middle’ that way. NO extremists.

choicelady

I will say this….if my neighbors start having their young adult kids dropped from insurance plans and uncovered the shit will hit the fan.

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – i think that tactic of blaming Dems is just not on anymore. Trump is SO BIG and SO WRONG that they can’t delude themselves any longer.

choicelady

CL–Are there any left centrists? Who would you say are left centrists? Who would you say are extremists?

glenn

hi all!

pinkpantheroz

Murph–hope you’re not in the way when the shit hits the fan, and that you can explain to your neighbors exactly how they were shat upon!

glenn

glenn – I want Bernie’s faction OUT. I have no use for him. He’s done nothing in 26 years, and he is harming many issues with his rhetoric. He needs to BE and independent. I’m fine with that.

choicelady

PPO! Were your ears burning! You were the subject of inquiry before….where’s PPO? And here you are.

MurphTheSurf3

Hey PPO–how are you?

glenn

Hey PPO – how’s life these days?

choicelady

Glenn…that concern about being in the way is real.

MurphTheSurf3

Not bad, all! Still looking at flowers from the right side. Good medical news this week.

pinkpantheroz

Murph – keep a low profile but be willing to help when you can. Kindness matters.

choicelady

CL…I am with you on the Bernie Business…Bernie is nearly as great an egotist as Trumplestilkskin.

MurphTheSurf3

PPO – I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had medical issues. Are you OK?

choicelady

PPO…what news?

MurphTheSurf3

CL–so even though HRC and the Dems adopted many of Bernie’s ideas into the DNC platform, you think that he’s harming the party?

glenn

thanks Murph. What with Oz on winter time and US on Summer time the timing is awkward

pinkpantheroz

CL….sage counsel.

MurphTheSurf3

PPO–it’s always nice to be on this side of the flowers, isn’t it?

glenn

Don’t want to bore you but had a bad stomach pain and after scans and a gastroscopy no cancer found and the soreness has gone. No one quuite knows why.

pinkpantheroz

hi glenn, cl. Nice to be remembered and thught of

pinkpantheroz

Mystery illness…but in this case that is ok.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph and CL–whom would you all consider centrists?

glenn

glenn – they did NOT adopt Bern’s issues. They were DEM issues that got tweaked. That’s the LIE. and then Bern rolld over to work w Trump because he jettisoned women, POC, and all issues other than courting the WWC. He called the Trump people ‘economically worried’ when they were NOT. SHE got the majority of working class under $50K. Bern is an elite racist and has three issues,a nd I’m DONE with him. He did not win CA for a reason – he’s a phony. And we have THE most open and accessible voting system in America – no freaking fraud. He just LOST.

choicelady

Murph–that’s good advice from CL–keep your head down, and be kind! Love it!

glenn

Actually Glenn Obama is one of the best examples of a centrist, joined by Biden, Clinton et all. Obama is center left, Biden center center and Clinton center right.

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – not sure, and I want to really think about it. I am actually OK with white males if they’re seriously great, but I don’t know who’s out there. One thing for sure – it ain’t Kamala Harris who sucked here as Attorney General!

choicelady

Murph – I think Clinton is Center Left. She wasn’t always. She is now.

choicelady

CL–I get POC, but what is WWC?

glenn

PPO – just so you’re above ground as you note! Hope whatever it is, it goes away!

choicelady

CL…not her foreign policy…..but I get your point…she was pushed to move.

MurphTheSurf3

Is Adlib MIA tooday?

pinkpantheroz

glenn – White Working Class. HRC got the vast majority of that vote. Trump voters were MORE well off, more like stockbroker traineees and country club people along with massive RACISTS, and Bern won’t deal with that latter part.

choicelady

Murph – no, she’d already gotten to where she is on social issues, and she was MORE left than Bern on women, POC, basic justice. He is a vulgar Marxist and has done NOTHING in his 26 years to move a single piece of legislation.

choicelady

PPO – AdLib is…traveling. I’m aware of where he is and deeply envious, but I’m not at liberty to disclose only that we’d ALL want to be there.

choicelady

CL…I can go along with all of that….most importantly for me…he has just not gotten anything done…he does not make allies or form coalitions.

MurphTheSurf3

cl, sort-of agree with you. I’m going off Bernie. Wish he’d start criticizing GOP and not this constant anti-Dem diatribe

pinkpantheroz

Murph – I’m a lobbyists and policy analyst, and looking at his rotten record makes me want to hurl. He is a phony.

choicelady

PPO…and there you have it….who you critique tells you a lot about who you support.

MurphTheSurf3

Lucky Ad, CL!

pinkpantheroz

PPO – he’d cuddling up with Trump hoping to get that white working class vote that doesn’t exist and for whom he’s done jack in all his life.

choicelady

If you all did not see Maher tonight….one of the best in a very long time.

MurphTheSurf3

CL–I think the DNC should really be working on bringing some young people, male or female, POC or WWC (just figured out what it means), or whatever. Just good ole Americans who have ideas for moving us forward. I don’t want to see extremists like the tea party cretins, but the DNC does need some “new blood”, IMO. Maybe not “new”, but at least not old, like Bernie, or even Hillary. People like Al Franken, maybe.

glenn

BRB

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – that IS Tom’s strategy. He and Keith are a great team.

choicelady

glenn, I just wish the Dems would quit squabbling and unite against the GOP. If they don’t, despite all the scandals, they won’t win the midterms

pinkpantheroz

glenn – I think Franken would be great. MANY of the Dem senators and maybe Adam Schiff who turns out to be funny and personable. He’s one of ours, always thought he had a stick up his butt, but in an interview he totally ROCKED Obama style. I’d love to see a lot of these folks in the running – though NOT Kamala Harris about whom I know FAR too much bad stuff.

choicelady

CL–Hope that strategy bears fruit sometime soon.

glenn

PPO – the squabbling is not internal but v Bern who is destructive. We have to define the party which means pushing back against that kind of substanceless phoniness.

choicelady

CL and Murph–your observations about Bernie and even Hillary are quite interesting. I like what I’m reading about Schiff, too. It’s going to be an interesting mid term election, I think.

glenn

glenn – I am happy Tom and Keith believe in the ’50 state strategy’ that bore fruit in 2006. We NEVER should have given it up!

choicelady

has Liartrump managed to declare war on Saudi arabia yet?

pinkpantheroz

PPO – I think he just landed so watch the east for eruptions! His speechwriter is the Islamophobe who created the Muslim ban who is supposed to write DT warm and fuzzy things about Muslim-American solidarity. As if.

choicelady

PPO–I agree about the squabbling. That’s one of the reasons we lost the presidential election, IMO. I watch republicans unite around their candidates, no matter how flawed, no matter how damaged, they are, and think, “why can’t the Dems do that?” I mean, even now, look at all of trump’s baggage, yet the congress critters are still not talking against him.

glenn

Remember – Dems WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. What we lost was via seriously dangerous Russian and Cambridge Analytica corruption. She owon 3 M in the pop vote, and the 77K loss was seriously due to massive corruption. So let’s not pretend she and the Dems did a lot WRONG. We and they did NOT.

choicelady

Okay, folks, once again, I’ve learned a few things; and had my assumptions challenged, which is always a good thing, so I’m a happy camper. I’m also out of here, so good night to all of you. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Tell Murph and FD I said see them next week. ‘Night CL and PPO.

glenn

Back…read through the heavy discussion while I was away….boy, you guys pulled out the heavy artillery in the last round

MurphTheSurf3

glenn – the fact some of the GOP remain solidary w Trump is because they are ALSO part of the investigation. Ryan and McConnell are SERIOUOSLY in trouble.

choicelady

CL…I have read many mixed reviews of Harris. You see to concur.

MurphTheSurf3

‘night, glenn. I’m also away, Fergie calls! See you all next week

pinkpantheroz

glenn – good night, dear friend – sweet dreams. Good as alwys to see you!

choicelady

Glenn…with regarding the need for the dems to join ranks.

MurphTheSurf3

Murph – I have PERSONAL issues on two MAJOR things about her.

choicelady

Night PPO – be well!

choicelady

And with that I must say good night…..5 AM is 7 hours away. Not so much…..let’s continue this discussion same time same place…At the Planet!

MurphTheSurf3

Here we are, Murph, the two of us. You need to go, so I;ll say adieu. Be well. GREAT to see you!

choicelady

CL…..I’d be interested in your insights about her. Maybe by e mail.

MurphTheSurf3

Will do, dear friend. I will burn your ears!

choicelady

Good discussion tonight. You did a fine job.

MurphTheSurf3

E mail would be great…..

MurphTheSurf3

Thanks – its’ fun to be back! Sweet dreams, good planting. See you soon.

choicelady