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Friday Morning Open Thread.

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 10:37:40 AM EST
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Open Thread.

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    Friday Morning Open Thread. | 207 comments (207 topical)
    The state of the economy (5.00 / 2) (#11)
    by CST on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:12:39 PM EST
    I really feel like young people are at a breaking point.  And I don't know what that means or what the results will be.  But I look around and I see just about everyone struggling.

    Anyway, then sometimes there are articles that confirm just what you're seeing, and just how you feel.  Like this one.  I don't think it's gonna be a pretty future.  I know a number of 30 year olds who already assume they are just going to be broke forever.  And I can't even realistically see a way out.  Educated people.

    It's a perfect storm of large debt, depressed wages, and a diminishing safety net.

    This is (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:36:45 PM EST
    not just a young person's problem. We have declined 1/3 in income over the last 10 years due to job loss and each job paying less than the last. So people over 50 are getting hammered too but they are being discriminated against because of age.

    Parent
    I think what's so depressing about (5.00 / 4) (#15)
    by Anne on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:39:43 PM EST
    this for young people is that all their lives, they've been told the keys to a successful, financially rewarding life are to do well in school, get a college degree and then walk through one of the many, many doors of opportunity that will be open to them.

    So, they work like dogs, fill up their school days with advanced courses and the right extracurriculars, sacrifice just being able to be in order to get into just the right college.

    Then, if they weren't lucky enough to be born into wealth, they start taking out loans for school, loans that go well into six figures.  They carry that mountain of debt with them as they look for work - and find their opportunities aren't what they were promised.  Many take on more debt to get more education, deferring for another year or two or three or five so they can be lawyers or engineers or CPAs.

    Meanwhile, they're living at home or still living with roommates, blowing out more and more candles on the birthday cakes that say they're adults, but they still feel like kids.

    Marriage, children, a home of their own?  How does that happen when they can't even support themselves?

    I feel like my girls just got in under the wire - both married, both in their own homes, both with children.  What they didn't have, don't have, is the mountain of college debt.  Not because we paid for it, but because they didn't go.  One got an online degree, and has advanced because of the job experience she's got, one got specialized training her employer paid for.  Neither of their husbands went to college, either - but both have good, better-than-average jobs with potential for advancement and growth.

    I realize it doesn't work out like that for everyone.  Too many kids with no college are working for minimum wage, so I know they got lucky.

    But it's no walk in the park.  Both will either need to add on to their homes, or move into something bigger, and they're just not sure they want to extend themselves that far in terms of debt - it puts too much strain on a marriage.

    So, I see it, what you're talking about, because a lot of their friends are going through what you describe.  

    I don't know what the answer is, other than that I think it's time employers started treating skills and experience and potential as being as valuable as a college education, and stopped closing talented people out of a job because they lack a college degree.  

    In the meantime, I think this so-called booming economy is more fragile than we're being led to believe.

    Parent

    something has got to give (none / 0) (#16)
    by CST on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:52:27 PM EST
    on the wages/debt problem.

    I'm extremely fortunate too in that I've always been employed in a decent field and my parents helped with my degree so I'm 10s not 100s of thousands in debt.

    I still can't own my own home, and while I'm getting closer, it's only because I'm one of the fortunate ones - and I don't have kids.

    And I don't mean this to seem like a competition with other age groups, just pointing out some of the particularly rough and unique challenges faced by people of this age group.  Neither of my parents ever had student loans of any kind, and both of them went to college.  Now it's just assumed that you will start out in life with a hugely negative net worth.  Nevermind building wealth, most people spend the first 10-20 in the workforce just trying desperately to break even.

    Parent

    The large increase (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by Reconstructionist on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:12:25 AM EST
     in the cost of attendance has other ramifications. One, people graduating with large debts feel far more pressure to choose the best-paying job available, Not the job they would find most personally rewarding or that might contribute the most "to society" in the long run.

      Second, young people feel pressure, often at an absurdly young age, to choose and focus on a path for purely economic reasons. Colleges are beginning to encourage this. Mine received literature from some colleges that highlighted the way they were fulfilling students' needs by reducing requirements to graduate thus  allowing students to graduate more quickly and without wasting time learning things that are not directly applicable to what employers in their field want. In other words, they'll give you a narrower education and not waste your time exposing you to history, arts, humanities, etc.  Oh, plus you can achieve  a substantial number of credits without even going to class and interacting with professors and fellow students and being exposed to and thinking about other points of view. They state it in more high sounding language but, basically they are saying, " We'll give you the training you need to get a job without all that fluff that  doesn't make one a good worker bee.

       The ideas that university should be a time to explore and learn and contemplate and simply that learning, knowledge and critical thinking are good just for their own sake are being deemphasized. And, not just at schools historically catering to mediocre wealthy kids wanting a credential before using daddy's connections to start a career in business.

      In essence, some are beginning to tout themselves as vocational schools for the corporate world and suggesting the idea of liberal education is a quaint anachronism.

      When you consider that today's student age population has heard  throughout their  entire adolescence how hard and scary the real world is and how opportunities are shrinking and that a misdirected step can doom one to an eternal existence of financial insecurity it would seem likely that we are steering young people away from pursuing any dreams beyond making as much money as possible.

    Parent

    I understand (none / 0) (#19)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:27:28 PM EST
    it takes usually until they are 35 to pay off the college loans.

    And I'm sure you being in an expensive housing market makes it even harder for people in your area to buy a home.

    Parent

    About 70% of college students will attend ... (none / 0) (#22)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:59:45 PM EST
    ... a public institution of higher learning in their own home state, where they pay resident tuition. On average, those who earn undergraduate degrees in-state will enter the work force with about $30,000 in student loan debt.

    In Hawaii, which has a considerably higher cost of living than most other locales save for Alaska, the Bay Area, and the L.A. and New York metro areas, the average undergraduate loan debt that's accumulated by a UH student is a little over $41,000.

    And for those students who attend private colleges, that amount of debt is understandably much higher, regardless of where they choose to go to school. Further, all these debts can easily run well into six figures if students then choose to pursue law school or medical school afterward.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    One of my nieces bailed on her (none / 0) (#46)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 08:48:56 PM EST
    Full ride scholarship to Vermont.  Her dad is a wingnut and stationed in Germany, and he's paying her way to study economics in Austria. I spit my wine hearing that.  Where in the hell is that girl going to get a paying job :)?

    Parent
    Austrian economics? (none / 0) (#59)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:41:45 AM EST
    There's always Koch Industries.

    The Austrian School earned a spot at RationalWiki.  Isn't that special?

    Parent

    You gotta wonder.. It's tough for everyone.. (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by desertswine on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 09:22:32 PM EST
    Phil Gramm, a former three-term Republican senator from Texas who once ran the Senate Banking Committee, told the House Financial Services Committee yesterday that "it was an outrage" that his friend Edward Whitacre, the CEO of AT&T, only got "$75 million" when he retired in 2007.

    "If there's ever been an exploited worker" it was Whitacre, said Gramm, testifying on the fifth anniversary of passage of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill. Gramm appeared genuinely aggrieved by Whitacre's shabby treatment and literally pounded the table while speaking.



    Parent
    a link (none / 0) (#69)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:41:12 PM EST
    one of many blog posts on the subject.

    Parent
    oh and a rising cost of living (none / 0) (#12)
    by CST on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:15:43 PM EST
    Which is why so many people are still living at home.

    Honestly - it makes very little financial sense not too.  And it's the new normal.

    Parent

    We all bought these giant houses that (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 09:28:44 PM EST
    Our kids spent their teenage yrs in, not thinking you guys wanted a life of your own soon.  If you don't live with us, what do we do with the McMansions :)?

    Parent
    Two women could make history soon (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by jbindc on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 01:36:06 PM EST
    one step away from graduating from Ranger school

    Only the swamps of Florida stand between two female soldiers becoming the first women to ever graduate from the Army's famously difficult Ranger School.

    The women have completed the school's Mountain Phase, and will move on to the third and final phase of training, Army officials said Friday. It begins Sunday when they and 125 men who also completed the Mountain Phase parachute into the Florida Panhandle and start training at Eglin Air Force Base's Camp James E. Rudder.

    A third woman who advanced to the Mountain Phase was "recycled" along with 60 men. That means they did not advance, but will be allowed to try the course again and can still graduate later. All three women began the Mountain Phase on July 11 alongside 156 male students who also were attempting it for the first time, and 42 men who already were training in the mountains, but failed to pass there the first time. The phase includes 20 days of climbing, hiking, rappelling and patrolling in the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest, mostly with minimal sleep and little food.
    Also... (none / 0) (#25)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:19:53 PM EST
    ...NFL's 1st Female Coach, Dr. Jen Welter.

    On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals hired Dr. Jen Welter as a training camp/preseason intern, coaching inside linebackers, making her what is believed to be the first woman to hold a coaching position of any kind in the NFL.

    A 14-year women's pro player and two-time Team USA gold medalist, Welter previously attracted the national spotlight as the first woman in a non-kicking position (running back) in a men's professional football league. She went on to become the first woman to coach men's professional football, for the Texas Revolution.

     LINK

    She's a doctor doing an internship, and with her resume, she is extremely over-qualified, but it's a start and the Cards will be a contender if Palmer is 100%.

    Parent

    Just saw (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 04:29:05 PM EST
    the cops charged with murder is saying he killed the guy because he was afraid he would be sucked under the car and killed.   That's a quote from his lawyer.

    The really amazing thing is this is what they expect to work from decades of getting away with it on the flimsy and ridiculous excuses.

    Sucked under the car.  Seriously?  Was the guy in a hovercraft?

    CNN (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 04:35:28 PM EST
    Tensing's attorney believes the officer feared for his life.

    "The guy jams the keys in the ignition," Stew Mathews told CNN.

    "Turns the car on, jams it (into) drive and mashes the accelerator. He wasn't slowly pulling away. (Tensing) feared for his life. He thought he was going to be sucked under the car that was pulling away from him. He thought he was going to get sucked under and killed."



    Parent
    That's some sorry-as-hell-excuse making (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by glanton on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 04:46:52 PM EST
    But I suppose it's about all we can expect.  What's he gonna do, say something like "I'm tired of these people not doing what I tell them.  When he pulled the door closed I was like, to hell with this piece of crap for not doing what I said."

    No, he can't quite say that, can he.

    We are at a point where whenever a cop says "I feared for my life," it's a laugh line with more and more of the population with each passing incident.  Cops have turned what should be a deadly serious matter into a "yeah right."  The only question is, will they still keep getting away with the behavior?

    Parent

    Slightly encouraging (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:20:13 PM EST
    that this guy is charged.  And that some of the ones who backed up his silly story are in the sights also.

    Someone involved in pushing for that made the point that unless we stop the cover ups too we will never stop the acts.  And that the people who lie for him are guilty too.

    Parent

    Oops. Scratch that (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 06:17:41 PM EST
    CINCINNATI (AP) -- Two University of Cincinnati police officers who were at the scene just after a fellow officer fatally shot a driver are not being charged, a prosecutor said Friday.

    The Hamilton County grand jury did not return indictments against Phillip Kidd and David Lindenschmidt. The announcement that they wouldn't be charged came a day after former Officer Ray Tensing pleaded not guilty to murder and voluntary manslaughter in the July 19 shooting of Samuel DuBose.

    Kidd and Lindenschmidt were put on administrative leave this week during a university investigation. The officers haven't responded to messages left at the school's police department and at a possible home number for Lindenschmidt. No home number could be found for Kidd.

    One said he saw him being dragged.  

    Parent

    Plus it doesn't even make sense (none / 0) (#33)
    by mike in dc on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:14:22 PM EST
    If the guy starts the car and is actually pulling away(no evidence in the video record of this), then shooting him dead will tend to lead to the car accelerating, which would make things worse for the officer.  As it is, he shot him dead before Dubose began to pull away, which led to the car lurching down the street and into a pole(potentially endangering the public in the process).  He fell over from the gun's recoil and because he was at an awkward posture, not because the car was pulling him along.  

    Parent
    The Cop has watched Titanic (none / 0) (#45)
    by Mr Natural on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 07:14:53 PM EST
    one too many times.

    Parent
    He should be sentenced to ... (none / 0) (#47)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 09:20:44 PM EST
    ... 1,000 straight hours of listening to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" playing on endless loop.

    Parent
    Clarification from the NYTImes (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 08:53:43 AM EST
    For those wondering how to categorize people drawn to the candidacy of Bernie Sanders, the Times is most helpful today.

    Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who is challenging Mrs. Clinton for the Democratic nomination ... has generated a loyal following among white liberals...

    By golly that's good to know.

    How does this newspaper (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:00:03 AM EST
     continue to be taken so seriously?

    Seriously.  The "white liberal" meme on Bernie Sanders is the most tired uninformed lazy conventional wisdom BS that is circling the toilet bowl right now.     But it's everywhere.   Now in the "newspaper of record"

    pffffftt

    Parent

    Like (none / 0) (#56)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:04:03 AM EST
    everything else it comes from polling since the media has no contact with regular people but somehow purports to know how "regular" people think and what they want in a candidate.

    Parent
    I agree with (none / 0) (#66)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:06:20 PM EST
    what you wrote - but I think it is even a little too generous.

    I think that they, the media, are making up little stories - making a tale up to sell the soap opera of election season.

    They are telling us how we are supposed to feel about their candidates of choice.

    If they do any polling, I suspect that they poll people who they have good reason to believe will give them the answers they want - so that they can support their tale with b.s. statistics.

    This whole spectacle is shaping up to be one sickening fiasco.


    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#76)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    that too with their tales. It's nonsense. People are going to look at candidates and vote.

    Parent
    Why is that "uninformed"? (none / 0) (#77)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 01:08:15 PM EST
    From the polls I've read thus far, Bernie Sanders has drawn very low support from people of color, and in the videos I've seen of his campaign appearances, the crowds he's been drawing, while admittedly very impressive, are also overwhelmingly white.

    If he can maintain his momentum or at least not backslide in support, Sanders will probably perform quite well in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, two states where 90-95% of the residents are white. But in those states with greater racial and ethnic diversity, he's likely going to get clobbered unless he starts generating considerable appeal from across the board, or somehow manages to garner 70-80% of the white Democratic vote.

    Democrats of color are Hillary Clinton's firewall.

    Parent

    I agree mostly (none / 0) (#79)
    by Reconstructionist on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 01:38:42 PM EST
      and would surmise it is at least in part because many people of all backgrounds know very little about him at this point. Not everyone is a political junkie and flows the career of politicians from tiny (and very white) Vermont. At this point, his support is almost exclusively among people who are more engaged than the typical and either more liberal than Clinton or Democrats who don't trust her and for whom he is the only alternative in the race and showing a pulse.

      I don't think the Times was implying he is anti-black or blacks are anti-Sanders; it was just an observation that, as we speak, his supporters are overwhelmingly white liberals.

       I currently support him, because I don't trust Clinton and I think she is a woman with no guiding principle beyond doing what furthers her career at a given moment in time and that she believes (not without reason) that it's in her interest to defer to the powerful corporate interests and lobbyists.

      But, I don't think Sanders can win and my support is in the vein of a protest against the co-opting of the Party by those whose interests are aligned with the "haves" and our seeming willingness to ignore issues of character and integrity.

      If Biden enters the race, despite concerns that he might well implode, I would support him because I think he could win a general election without a stunning and unprecedented sudden shift in the electorate.

     

    Parent

    George W. Bush (5.00 / 4) (#75)
    by Repack Rider on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:59:39 PM EST
    ...and I could not be any further apart politically.  But we are both mountain bikers, and when I was asked to sign a copy of my book on that subject for Mr. Bush, I was honored to do so.

    Today I received a very nice hand written thank you note from Mr. Bush.  It reads:

    Dear Charlie,

    Thank you for signing Fat Tire Flyer.  It is a very interesting history of the sport I love.  I'm rollin' as much as my 69 year old legs will allow -- Ride on!

    George W. Bush
    That's pretty cool, repack. (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:39:32 PM EST
    Crazy world, isn't it?

    Parent
    BTW, I'll send you a thank you note too, (5.00 / 2) (#122)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 01:03:54 PM EST
    if you autograph my copy.  

    Parent
    Happy to sign n/t (none / 0) (#143)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 11:14:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Cool. Here's an email address (none / 0) (#164)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:35:52 PM EST
    where you can send your snailmail address.  I'll include a return shipping package, postpaid USPS.  If you prefer I can do fedex.  (But USPS is cheaper, like me.)

    numbersix@charter.net

    Thanks!

    Parent

    Would You Have Signed... (none / 0) (#174)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:26:46 PM EST
    ...W's book ?

    I like GHB because I was in the military and he was in office and Saddam invaded Kuwait.

    Not a good feeling to see the President on the TV talking about invasion when you are in the military.  But I got mad props for a guy who, according to the stats, actually saved lives with the invasion.  Apparently that 'war' was safer to members of the military than if they had stayed home and did the stupid S they normally do.

    Anyways, that is pretty cool, it's also pretty cool that the old cat is is checking out your book.

    Parent

    So sayeth (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by FlJoe on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 06:36:32 PM EST
    the joker to the the thieves
    I wish good luck to all of the Republican candidates that traveled to California to beg for money etc. from the Koch Brothers. Puppets?
    (h/t Digby)

    Well played, Donald, well played indeed.

    And there goes another earworm, (none / 0) (#140)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 09:49:54 PM EST
    Hendrix's cover...

    Parent
    Played that song tonight (5.00 / 2) (#145)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:20:01 AM EST
    My latest ensemble, called The Quorum, went public for the first time tonight after six months in the studio working up the act.

    Parent
    Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 11:04:44 AM EST
    indicted on three-counts, including first-degree felony charges alleging securities fraud.  The tea-party Republican is the top law enforcement officer of the state, having assumed office Jan 1, 2015.  The indictment may impede Paxton's pledge to fight abortion, same sex marriage, and ACA.  

    That's putting it mildly, KeysDan (none / 0) (#153)
    by christinep on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:19:19 PM EST


    Parent
    @ JimakaPPJ. (5.00 / 2) (#202)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 09:55:13 PM EST
    RE: "Your blase dismissal of his death defines who you are. And since I see no evidence that you have ever been engaged in an occupation that could have sudden and deadly consequences I don't think you have the experience to talk about fear during job related activities."

    Whereas you do, right?

    I wasn't speaking about any particular case. (But you already knew that, didn't you, o builder of strawmen.)

    Rather, I was simply speaking directly to your nonsensically hyperbolic reference to fear, by which you apparently excuse most all excesses on the part of law enforcement, as though the majority of officer were about to launch a frontal assault on an entrenched enemy at Verdun, rather than write citations for traffic infractions.

    Any officer who is so blinded by fear that his or her first instinct is to use lethal force in a given situation has no business being a cop.

    Nobody forces people to become police officers. While I respect and appreciate those who choose that line of work as their profession, I'm certainly not going to kiss their a$$ on account of it, as you apparently love to do with most anyone in authority -- unless, of course, he or she happens to be a Democrat and / or someone of color.

    Aloha.

    True Detective season explained (5.00 / 1) (#203)
    by ruffian on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 10:04:49 PM EST
    The photographs help.  Now I might just understand the finale.

    Donald writes: (2.00 / 2) (#206)
    by jimakaPPJ on Tue Aug 04, 2015 at 10:22:39 AM EST
    I wasn't speaking about any particular case. (But you already knew that, didn't you, o builder of strawmen.)

    No, I didn't. My comment was about a specific incident. If you want to generalize say so.

    Rather, I was simply speaking directly to your nonsensically hyperbolic reference to fear,

    Again, Memphis has had three officers killed in 3 years. So it appears that those "traffic stops" you so casually refer to are not their only activity.

    by which you apparently excuse most all excesses on the part of law enforcement,

    Nope, not even close and you provide nothing except claims. But, if you had been paying attention during the Garner incident you would remember me agreeing with NYC's mayor calling for more training of the police.

    Why? Because everyone engaged in hazardous occupations know fear. And when things happen that increases the hazard the fear increases. It is the training that the individual has that allows them to overcome that fear and respond properly.

    Listen to some of the comments of airline pilots who are involved in a pre crash situation.

    as though the majority of officer were about to launch a frontal assault on an entrenched enemy at Verdun, rather than write citations for traffic infractions.

    Thank you for making my point. Officers are killed during traffic stops gone bad. The Memphis killing started when the officer investigated a car that was illegally parked.

    Any officer who is so blinded by fear that his or her first instinct is to use lethal force in a given situation has no business being a cop.

    That is, of course, the equivalent of "I am sure that you will agree...."

    It is a truism but it doesn't address the problem. The problem being that as the number of officers shot/attacked increases the more the "fight or flight syndrome" is initiated during every contact between the police and the citizen. That calls for more training and less hyperbole by the use to be civil rights groups.

    Should be watching (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 10:46:27 AM EST
    Hillary talk about Cuba.

    Will do! I have today off! (none / 0) (#2)
    by ruffian on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:39:52 AM EST
    Hey, how far are you in The Wire?

    Parent
    Apparenlty (none / 0) (#4)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:44:28 AM EST
    she skewered Jeb at the Urban League today. His campaign was tweeting a squeal.

    Parent
    I like her speechwriters (none / 0) (#6)
    by ruffian on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:51:40 AM EST
    Crisp and clear, very midwestern sounding:

    "If we go backward, no one will benefit more than the hardliners in Havana," said Clinton, adding that, as president, she would work with Congress to lift the embargo, use her executive authority to allow more Americans to be able to visit the country, and use America's new presence to support human and civil rights there.

    She also criticized 2016 Republican presidential candidates, saying "They have it backward. Engagement is not a gift to the Castros. It's a threat to the Castros."

    Parent

    and this (none / 0) (#7)
    by ruffian on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:52:29 AM EST
    "By large majorities, they want a closer relationship with America. They want to buy our goods, read our books, surf our web, and learn from our people. They want to bring their country into the 21st century. That is the road toward democracy and dignity. And we should walk it together."


    Parent
    I thought she (none / 0) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 04:24:58 PM EST
    was pretty good

    Parent
    Me, too. (none / 0) (#34)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:17:49 PM EST
    Hillary and Bernie are both providing serious and thoughtful ideas, analysis, proposals and problem solving.

     The Republican contenders are providing nothing, unless we count the Jeb! proposal to get rid of Social Security and Medicare.  Or Cruz's Iran deal assessment as terrorism.  Or, the misanthropic Huckabee's off to the ovens analysis.For the rest of them, it is hard to come up with even a bad idea proffered of late.  

    Their focus, of course, is to trump Trump.  To convince the electorate, as Trump did his focus group, that they are just like them--that they hate the same people and same programs they do. And, love the same as people and same dismantlement of programs they do.

     And, Trump is still being Trump. Something outrageous a day keeps the dummies at bay.  I do like, however, Trump's idea of putting Sarah Palin in the cabinet of a....a hard to write...Trump administration. I think she would make a great Secretary of the Treasury, very trustworthy.  Surely, most Americans would be eager to have her in charge of the US Treasury.  A perfect fit.  


    Parent

    The (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by FlJoe on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:27:04 PM EST
    Donald will never be president, but on this arc he will definitely be the biggest troll of all time.

    Parent
    What Donald Trump is doing for Republicans, ... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 07:10:29 PM EST
    ... Pete Wilson already did for the California GOP 20 years ago -- that is, poison the party's name brand with Latino voters for generations to come.

    While polls clearly show that immigration reform is not necessarily an overriding issue for Latino voters this election cycle, it's certainly become THE threshold issue with them, particularly as far as Republicans are concerned.

    If a candidate is opposed to a pathway to legal status for immigrants -- as most all GOP presidential aspirants are presently falling over themselves to make clear to the GOP's wingbat base -- then Latinos are likely not inclined to further bother with that candidate's position on the economy, jobs, defense or anything else.

    Rather, that candidate has simply disqualified himself or herself from any further serious consideration.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    "Biggest Troll of all time" (5.00 / 2) (#165)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:39:35 PM EST
    Finally, an explanation for the hair!

    Parent
    So far he has mentioned (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:23:36 PM EST
    Palin and Oprah as possible cabinet members.

    I have no idea where to go with that......

    Parent

    I don't think (none / 0) (#38)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:34:05 PM EST
    most people would know where to go with it.

    Parent
    The only thing she did not mention (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:39:15 PM EST
    was Cubas fondness for Game Of Thrnes.

    Havana Times

    HAVANA TIMES -- I have been meaning to write some comments on Haroldo Dilla's post The Cavalcade of Cuba's Alfredo Guevara for a long while. With a kind of guileless candor, Dilla expressed his disconcert over the megalomaniacal pillars of this man's personality, traits he managed to conceal quite well with affected mannerisms and an altogether affable personality.

    I am a fan of dramatic TV series and I am quite hooked by the series Game of Thrones. I have discovered that one can draw analogies between certain works of fiction and our society.

    The mythical characters we see in the series have so many things in common with our government officials that one should not be taken aback by the public declarations made by a communist functionary at death's door, let alone someone who belonged to the inner circle of the Castro government since the very beginning.

    Apparently it's big there.  These people are OUR people.

    Parent

    ok, something useful here (none / 0) (#20)
    by zaitztheunconvicted on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:33:02 PM EST
    Go Hilary on Cuba!

    Parent
    VRBO and a Bunch of Idiots (none / 0) (#3)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:41:30 AM EST
    The idiots in question are yours truly and his two amigos.

    So our flight left for Costa Rica at 10:30pm, we get to the airport like 8, short lines, and are in the terminal area by 9.  We are hungry so we ask a guy in chef's uniform where to eat as the Chili's in our area does not sound appealing.  The guy is like Terminal D has the good stuff, we were in A.  Unknown to us there is now a rail system past security, so we go.

    Long story short, we missed out flight for some nasty sweet potato fries and a couple margaritas at Ruby Tuesday.  Terminal D did not have 'the good stuff'.  Idiots.

    This is Thursday, next flight available, Saturday, same time.  So for some cr@ppy airport food we cut out vacation short by two days.  And no way in hell was I going into work Friday and declaring I missed my flight, so wasted vacation as well and the clincher, because of all the last minute BS, it cost more.

    Anyways, we ended up cancelling the day of our reservation with VBRO.  Amazingly, yesterday I received a full refund.  I still can't believe it.

    We drove by the place we were to stay, and it looked so nice compared to where we actually stayed.  Because of the change of plans we didn't know until we got to CR which city we were going to because we got in at 2:30.  We actually found a cab to drive us the 4.5 hours, which I might add he did in 3:20 in the dark.  I say 4.5 because that is how long the other cab took drive us back.  We were thinking the car rental place doesn't open until 5:30, then we would drive the hour to Jaco.

    I am so mad at myself for not saying, 'Never leave the terminal especially for a international flight.'  This is 3 guys who have traveled together a lot.  They had called our name 3 times, but that only broadcasts in one terminal.

    Lesson here, don't be fooled by a clown that looks like a chef when you are hungry at the airport.  There are no chefs at the airport.

    FYI, Coco de Playa is awesome, well worth the 4 hour drive to get away from the typical tourism hubs.

    Oh no, I am so sorry! Even worse to have it (none / 0) (#5)
    by ruffian on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 11:50:24 AM EST
    be your own fault.  I think I would have been tempted to keep my original VRBO reservations and just eat the the wasted days of cost, if the original place was significantly better.  But I am glad you got the refund. Good to know! More and more of my friends are planning group trips using VRBO - I have one next weekend as a matter of fact.

    Thanks for the tips - Costa Rica is on my vacation bucket list, and I like the out of the way places too.

    Parent

    Jaco, CR is rapidly becoming (none / 0) (#8)
    by fishcamp on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 12:08:22 PM EST
    A big, semi dangerous, surfer city now that they have completed the new highway from San Jose.  Many undersirable people from SJ make the easy drive to Jaco to prey on people.  It's not all bad at all, but you must know where and when not to go places.  Never go to the Beetle Bar for example.  I much prefer Quepos, which is about 45 minutes farther down the road.  They have Manuel Antonio National Park which is beautiful and adjacent to a fantastic beach.  Both Jaco and Quepos have many charter boats available if fishing is your thing.  I just prefer Quepos since its smaller and much more fun.

    Parent
    Forgot to mention (none / 0) (#9)
    by fishcamp on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 12:11:47 PM EST
    You can fly directly from San Jose to Quepos, and then cab around, thus avoiding the costly and strange driving problems that seem to crop up in foreign countries.

    Parent
    Costa Rica is becoming a very popular ... (none / 0) (#21)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:35:55 PM EST
    ... vacation destination for Americans. Alaska Airlines recently announced new nonstop service from LAX to both the resort city of Liberia and the capital of San Jose, starting November 1.

    I learned that when I was recently on the company website, booking my travel for a conference in Anchorage, AK this September, because Alaska's the only airline that flies nonstop between ANC and here. On all the other carriers, I have to go through either LAX, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma or Salt Lake City, which turns what's otherwise a six-hour one-way trip into a 13-to-16 hour sojourn.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Costa Rica would a very long (none / 0) (#23)
    by fishcamp on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:01:33 PM EST
    Trip for you.   And if I want visit friends in Hawaii I have a monster long day too.  It's got to be very important for me to leave the jungle.  

    Parent
    I feel that way, too. (none / 0) (#50)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 09:34:40 PM EST
    Interisland flights are relative short, with the longest being the 45 minute jaunt between Honolulu and Hilo. But now, since we're living in Hilo, trips are going to be even longer if we're going out of state.

    United Airlines flies nonstop between Hilo and Los Angeles, but other than that, going anywhere else will likely require us to first fly to HNL and change planes.

    Of course, we can drive over to Kona on the west side of the island and fly out from there, since there are a lot more flights to the U.S. mainland from that airport. But it's a minimum 90 min. drive each way, and that's only if there's no real traffic on the Saddle Road. Hilo Airport is only about 10 minutes from our house, and way more convenient.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    I Don't Really Sweat It... (none / 0) (#24)
    by ScottW714 on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:10:02 PM EST
    ...it's not like anyone could get me better than I got myself this time.  I generally like the underbelly, even here in Houston.

    It wasn't our first choice, but time and distance was the key, so more of a back-up plan.

    FYI, we could have flown, it was $85 dollars and 40 mins, but the first flight was 8am.  

    Southwest is going have direct flights to Liberia airport very soon. That is like 30 mins from Coco.

    Parent

    Some folks around here will like this (none / 0) (#10)
    by jbindc on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 12:31:24 PM EST
    Congress' summer fling with marijuana

    But then again, this IS Politico, Tiger Beat on the Potomac.

    On a ten-year cycle, (none / 0) (#17)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:11:25 PM EST
    Yishal Shilissel, an ultra-orthodox Jewish man, was arrested by Israeli plainclothes police, after stabbing six people in a Jerusalem gay pride parade. Of the six victims, one woman is in serious condition, one woman and two men are in moderate condition, and two men were lightly wounded.

    Shilissel was released from prison three-weeks ago after serving 10-years for stabbing marchers at a gay parade.  Shilissel was acting for God, he professes.  After his release, he circulated threats on twitter and distributed hand-written notes.  He was not tracked by police.

    Maybe, this time,  counseling could be added to his jail sentence.  Although, it is likely difficult therapy for religious fanaticism.

    "acting for gGod". Maybe NGI. (none / 0) (#18)
    by oculus on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 02:23:20 PM EST


    Parent
    Fanatics and Charlatans acting for God, (none / 0) (#26)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:27:21 PM EST
    here, we have Republican presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee. While leaving knifes in his kitchen drawer, Mike cuts the Supreme Court and the Constitution while on the campaign trail.

     Huckabee said that he would not rule out the use of federal troops or the FBI to stop abortions, no matter what the Supreme Court might say.  The Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary drop out and former Southern Baptist preacher, has also noted his opposition to the Pentagon's end of the ban on service by transgendered people.

    It not only affects morale, he asserts, but also,  it would be unfair to provide breast enlargements for the transgendered and not for all the female military who might say "I would feel better about myself if I was 38D rather than 34A.  

    Huckabee, in another display of ignorance stated that "he wished someone told him in high school he "could have felt like a woman so that he could shower with the girls"  

    Parent

    He just talks--so far. Not NGI. (none / 0) (#27)
    by oculus on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:29:17 PM EST


    Parent
    Ya think? (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 03:48:26 PM EST
    you should take a bit to look into his record as governor of AR if you think he only talks so far.

    Parent
    A teenaged girl, (none / 0) (#130)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 03:12:50 PM EST
    stabbed by an antigay ultra orthodox extremist, died.  Sixteen-year old Shira Banki was among the six wounded during the attack at the Jerusalem gay pride parade.  

    Parent
    More HUMANS! WooHoo (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 05:52:17 PM EST

    July 31st, 2015  

    This just in via press release: Humans (heard of 'em), a co-production of AMC and Britain's Channel 4, will return for a second eight-episode season!
    Friday document dump (none / 0) (#42)
    by Uncle Chip on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 07:00:47 PM EST
    picked up by the Daily Mail:

    Newly released emails from Hillary Clinton's private server include 41 messages now marked CLASSIFIED by State Department inspectors

    One message summarized a meeting with top State Department deputies and assistant secretaries that included talk about embassy security

    Others dealt with Russia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Georgia, Honduras and other diplomatic flare-up locations

    Clinton has claimed she never sent classified materials in her private email that was housed on her own personal home-brew upstate New York server

    Document-dump included more than 1,300 Clinton emails

    DailyMail.com found 41 that were partially or wholly classified before their release
    NOW (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 07:12:10 PM EST
    marked classified. Yes, meetings with officials should be marked classified---not.

    It should probably be released but this undercuts the GOP's first argument that she didn't release everything doesn't it?

    The next argument will go down the tubes in a few months too.

    Parent

    Now marked classified (none / 0) (#68)
    by Uncle Chip on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:25:52 PM EST
    Now marked classified

    Kind of like a New York Strip Steak, right?

    Did it only become a "New York Strip Steak" at the time the USDA classified it a "New York Strip Steak"?

    Or was it always and already a "New York Strip Steak" before the time that the USDA got around to classifying it as such, and they were just recognizing what it already was and always had been?

    Ohh the dilemma --

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:52:39 PM EST
    it depends on who you talk to as to what is classified. Apparently they are mad because state released an email under a FOIA request and are now screaming how it was classified. Under state requirements they aren't classified. Under other agencies they seem to want them to be classified. I love how people are screaming that not enough stuff is released and then are turning around and screaming that too much is being released. It's become a comedy to watch how fast conservatives do a 180 on everything once Hillary is involved in it.

    Parent
    And of course you have read that journalists (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 06:56:54 PM EST
    Will send FOIA requests for the same document to many different agencies because they all don't agree on what is classified, and you increase your chances of obtaining a copy of something by understanding that.

    Parent
    Nope (none / 0) (#74)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:58:53 PM EST
    you have one meat inspector saying it's choice meat and the other inspector saying it's prime and then you have a third meat inspector saying no, no, no, all of you are wrong and it's actually select. You're trying to dumb it down but then that is what conservatives do. Everything is played down to the lowest common denominator. It's the only way they seem to be able to process information.

    Parent
    choice (none / 0) (#78)
    by Uncle Chip on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 01:15:41 PM EST
    you have one meat inspector saying it's choice meat and the other inspector saying it's prime

    That's "choice" --

    Atleast the meatman had the sense to obey the law and submit it to the inspectors in the first place for their classification instead of bypassing them all together, putting one's own classification on it, and then lying about it.

    Parent

    Writing fiction again, Chip? (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 04:10:56 PM EST
    Watched too many spy movies?

    So, it is now your contention that Clinton bypassed the classification process, substituted her own judgment regarding classification, and is now just flat-out lying about it?

    And where are you getting those facts?  Oh, right...same place you get all the others you post here.

    You must go through a lot of toilet paper.

    Parent

    Anne (none / 0) (#95)
    by Uncle Chip on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 06:21:35 PM EST
    You must go through a lot of toilet paper.

    Not really -- but your and Yman's posts suffice.

    Parent

    I'm having a barbeque (none / 0) (#85)
    by Yman on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 04:43:31 PM EST
    Can you save a little tinfoil for me, Chip?

    Parent
    Blue Moon (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Jul 31, 2015 at 09:43:11 PM EST
    just look outside

    I would, but ... (none / 0) (#52)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 02:33:57 AM EST
    ... it's very cloudy tonight. It'll get even cloudier in a few days, as Hurricane Guillermo heads our way. It's unlikely to still be a hurricane by the time it reaches our vicinity on Wednesday, but we're probably in for an awful lot of rain.

    Parent
    UPDATE: Guillermo has since weakened to ... (5.00 / 1) (#166)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:40:52 PM EST
    ... tropical storm status, but it now sits only 630 miles ESE of us in Hilo. Assuming that it maintains its present trajectory, it's expected to sweep over all the main Hawaiian islands. It will reach us on Wednesday morning, while Honolulu can expect the same on Thursday, and Kauai on Friday, with winds expected in the range of 45-60 mph, along with up to 12 inches of rain.

    Parent
    Good luck in your new home. (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by fishcamp on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:07:06 PM EST


    Parent
    From the (none / 0) (#53)
    by Uncle Chip on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 08:21:44 AM EST
    "just when you thought you'd never get your questions answered" file:

    Kidnap victim Hannah Anderson to be questioned in court over her six-day ordeal as captor's family sues FBI for gunning him down

    Very little in this case ever made sense --

    Well (none / 0) (#58)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:17:23 AM EST
    all the news this morning seems to be about how Hillary took down Jeb at the Urban League.

    The quote, in context (none / 0) (#60)
    by NYShooter on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:43:03 AM EST
    "The conference Friday had offered a chance for Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who is challenging Mrs. Clinton for the Democratic nomination and has generated a loyal following among white liberals, to appeal more directly to black voters. But his speech highlighted just how much work he still has to do.

    At one point, Mr. Sanders begged for the crowd's indulgence to discuss his campaign platform before focusing on the "save our cities" subject of the gathering. But he called that "your theme" -- an off-key remark, and one that echoed a speech he made on Thursday, in which he twice referred to Latinos as "your people" before the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce."

    Last poll I saw (none / 0) (#61)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 10:29:07 AM EST
    had Hillary getting 90% of the black Dem vote. But she also has a majority of the white liberal vote and every other category anyone wants to narrowly define. So technically Bernie isn't even strong with white liberals. Bernie doesn't lead in anything or anywhere other than Vermont.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#64)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 11:41:59 AM EST
    if you read liberal blogs you would think Sanders is the most awesome person ever and once people see Bernie they are going to fall in love with him.

    Parent
    What's not to like (5.00 / 2) (#71)
    by Repack Rider on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:49:37 PM EST
    ...about Mr. Sanders?  

    Paraphrasing Robert Zimmerman, when ya ain't got nothin', you ain't got nothin' to lose by being honest.

    I find his honesty refreshing.  Is there someone here who does not appreciate honesty?

    Parent

    It's the whole (none / 0) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:56:16 PM EST
    Bernie is Jesus thing that gets tiring to me. He's not perfect, certainly has shortcomings and baggage like every other candidate out there.

    Parent
    You are doing that thing again (none / 0) (#82)
    by sj on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 02:42:02 PM EST
    It's the whole (none / 0) (#73)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 11:56:16 AM MDT

    Bernie is Jesus thing that gets tiring to me.

    That thing where you create a blatant mischaracterization so that you can be against it. It's that type of dishonesty that gets tiring to me.

    Parent
    Bernie supporters are neither all white (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:40:31 PM EST
    nor all liberal.

    Wev.

    Parent

    Nor are they all Kossacks. (none / 0) (#102)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 11:59:11 PM EST
    ;-D

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:26:37 PM EST
    go over to Kos and you'll get lecture after lecture about how Bernie and holy and pure. It's the same Obama is Jesus movement and Hillary is that evil woman. We've been around this before and here we go again.

    Parent
    It's not Bernies fault (5.00 / 3) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:42:07 PM EST
    that idiots hang out at Kos or that you read what they say.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#96)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 06:47:01 PM EST
    I totally don't blame him. But they are not helping him one iota

    Parent
    Then go to Kos (none / 0) (#157)
    by sj on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:57:48 PM EST
    to vent your feelings about Kos and stop bringing it here.
    No (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 04:26:37 PM MDT

    go over to Kos and you'll get lecture after lecture about how Bernie and holy and pure.



    Parent
    Well, I like Bernie Sanders. (none / 0) (#80)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 02:12:00 PM EST
    I'm not supporting his Democratic primary candidacy, but I still very much appreciate what he has to say.

    I really don't get why some liberal Democrats feel this compelling need to just utterly trash other Democrats the way they so often do. They only end up alienating others with their unbridled vehemence, and from an electoral standpoint, such scorched earth tactics are almost entirely counterproductive.

    (And in particular, I'm looking at one left-leaning blogger whom many of you undoubtedly know, and whom many of us admittedly no longer bother to read, as a direct consequence of the wretchedly horrible things he said about Hillary Clinton in 2008.)

    I know that the Obamabots really don't like to admit this, but their candidate would have likely faced a pretty steep uphill battle in the 2008 general election campaign, had Bill and Hillary Clinton not risen above the divisiveness and bitterness of the primary season to rally their own very considerable following of supporters behind his candidacy. Obama at least appreciated that fact, and that's why he subsequently named Mrs. Clinton as his Secretary of State.

    Take away the obvious policy differences, and the far left is not all that far removed from the Tea Partiers whom they so regularly scorn. Both groups are too often self-absorbed to be bothered with building bridges to other political communities. Rather, they make it pretty clear that it's up to those other communities to build those bridges themselves, which can then always be burned at the momentary pleasure of the former.

    Now, that can work out fine over the short-term, if there's a close race where every vote counts. But in those elections where the outcome is not much in doubt, that's also a great way to quickly self-marginalize. If you can't play nice with the other children, you're not going to get invited to many gatherings unless it's absolutely deemed necessary. And in politics, those gatherings are where the decisions are made.

    That's why bridge-burners are very seldom successful in politics over the long-term, and even if they somehow do occasionally win an executive-level office, they find it very difficult if not impossible to subsequently govern. (See "Ventura, Jesse" and "Palin, Sarah.")

    Bernie Sanders knows this, and that's why he's taking great pains to not burn his bridges to Hillary Clinton's camp. It's too bad that a good number of his supporters won't take their cue from him.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Very well said (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 02:50:46 PM EST
    Long but still well said :)

    Parent
    I know (none / 0) (#89)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:29:10 PM EST
    and I don't understand it either.

    Awesome post Donald. That's exactly how I feel.

    Parent

    I subcribe to the philosophy of Reinhold Niebuhr. (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 07:02:45 PM EST
    Because we do not live in a world of absolutes, we must therefore cope with reality as it is, and not pine for the fantasy we might otherwise wish that reality to be.

    Although it's highly unlikely that we will ever eliminate evil in this world, we should still strive always to mitigate its effects to the extent possible, and never use its very existence as an excuse for cynicism and inaction.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Wheaton College, an (none / 0) (#62)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 10:59:51 AM EST
    Evangelical Christian College in suburban Chicago, that formerly boasted about one of its alums, Denny Hastert (they removed Hastert's name from one of its Centers),  has notified its student body that it will not renew health coverage for its students.  

    The rule of HHS that works around the specific exemptions for birth control, are a violation of their firmly held beliefs.  The rule that if a religious institution objects to paying for a health insurance plan that covers contraception, they don't have to pay for a health insurance plan that covers contraceptives, is just too much of a burden.
     The act of notifying the government of their position is seen as making it complicit in sin.   A federal appeals court rejected Wheaton's argument, so their reaction is to stop all health care coverage for all students.   Health insurance will continue to be provided for Wheaton College faculty and staff.

    Fortunately for the students, Obamacare may come to the rescue of some--coverage can be included on their parent's policies until they are 26 years old.  Perhaps, the College counselors will be bringing the benefits of ACA to their attention.

    Gawd knows a parent wouldn't want a (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:13:38 PM EST
    17-22 yr.-old daughter to have access to birth control pills, morning after pills, or-gawd forbid--a legal safe abortion.

    Parent
    A good coed going to such a place (none / 0) (#90)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:30:06 PM EST
    would never be in need of such services.<s>

    Parent
    Oh, absolutely! (none / 0) (#103)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 12:23:26 AM EST
    I'm sure I speak on behalf of all parents whose pregnant daughters are getting married three weeks hence.

    That some people still apparently believe young adults can somehow be compelled into accepting a blissful state of sexual abstinence until marriage, simply boggles the mind.

    :-)

    Parent

    P.S.: We just learned today that ... (5.00 / 2) (#104)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 12:29:15 AM EST
    ... her baby, which is due just before Christmas, is a boy.

    Parent
    Congrats, Donald! (none / 0) (#109)
    by Anne on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 09:25:07 AM EST
    My daughter, who is due on the 28th of December, is also having a boy!

    As the mother of two girls, I knew nothing about baby boys, or toddler boys - but with older daughter's son approaching three, and younger daugter's son coming up to a year in October, I can say that it's been just wonderful.  It would be wonderful either way, I know, but it's been fun exploring uncharted territory with these two little ones.

    So, knowing that our older daughter is giving her son a little brother is pretty special.  

    Do your daughter and her fiance have names picked out, or is that discussion ongoing?  I think my daughter and her husband have settled on a name, which we really like a lot.

    Again, great news, Donald, not least of which is that in addition to knowing the sex of the baby, I'm sure they also got the best news: a healthy, normal baby on the way!

    Parent

    Thank you, Anne. (none / 0) (#133)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 04:47:29 PM EST
    They haven't decided on a name yet. As long as the baby's healthy, that's all I care about. She wanted to name him after his father, but from what she said, Daddy's been very down on that idea. He's partial to Aiden, but she said no, because every third baby boy born in America lately is named Aiden, or something like that.

    I was named after my father, and that was only because he was still overseas in the Congo with 1st Marine Recon at the time of my birth. I was born six weeks early, while my mother was on the west coast visiting her parents in Pasadena, CA. My father had been really insistent that I was to be named after his own father, which absolutely horrified my mother because my paternal grandfather's name ist zehr Deutsch -- Rudolf Lorenz.

    Mom's always joked that I was probably frightened by that prospect, too, so that's why I came early, so she would have exclusive naming rights by default. She was adamant that I would not be called Rudolf, and so it was my maternal grandfather who came up with the idea that I should be therefore named after my father. As he reasoned and told my mother, my father couldn't possibly be angry with her if I were his own namesake.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Help me out here . . . (none / 0) (#63)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 11:20:09 AM EST
    why does faculty and staff get covered, but not students?

    Parent
    Colleges are not required (none / 0) (#65)
    by KeysDan on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 11:43:34 AM EST
    to provide health insurance to students.  ACA requires businesses with over 50 employers to provide insurance.  Wheaton College is still fighting the issue in the Courts and may not want to jeopardize its legal and political position in demonstrating, in fact and practice, that the HHS rule is fair and unburdened.  The students are pawns, in my view.  

    Parent
    It just seems to me that they (none / 0) (#87)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:14:15 PM EST
    Should withhold it from everyone if they have such a big issue with it :)  using  the students as pawns against health insurance that they still use seems rather hypocritical to me.

    I wonder how many students will be visiting PP in the fall :p

    Parent

    It should not be a burden to (none / 0) (#128)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 02:29:14 PM EST
    the students (undergraduate or graduate) or their parents.  Just go on the free market and buy some insurance.   The students are probably flush, anyway.  http://wheatoncollege.edu/sfs/costs-payments/fee-schedule-2013-14/ are only about $60,000 per year, for undergraduates. About 26 percent more expensive than the national average for private four-year schools.  

     And, they will probably get a break on their insurance payment to help with the cost, should they decide to get some. And, there are some really good emergency rooms at nearby hospitals.  The best bet for their foreign students.    And, they should know what school they are attending.

    Parent

    Bad link above. (none / 0) (#129)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 02:36:41 PM EST
    Try this one.

    Parent
    Well, I'm sure some of them are "flush" (none / 0) (#146)
    by Reconstructionist on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 09:27:30 AM EST
      but, for reasons I've never really understood, some people  choose to take on very large debt relative to wealth to attend super-expensive private schools that don't carry the cachet of the famous elite schools or, in my opinion, actually provide a better education than can be obtained much more cheaply. A degree from Harvard or Stanford and a relatively few others is something recognized (and maybe even overrated in some cases)  world-wide and does in fact open doors. Wheaton and 100s of others like it not so much.

     Also, I don't know if this is true across the board, but at my daughter's school, the school sponsored plan is  no cheaper than keeping her on our private plan even though we get no subsidy. I'd assume the school-sponsored plan is predominantly used by students who are older and independent  or whose parents don't have insurance.

    Parent

    OTOH (none / 0) (#105)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 08:23:03 AM EST
    "Fortunately for the students, Obamacare may come to the rescue of some--coverage can be included on their parent's policies until they are 26 years old.  Perhaps, the College counselors will be bringing the benefits of ACA to their attention. "

    And the students can purchase Obamacare on their own...or the parents can purchase insurance for them.


    Parent

    Obama isn't the (none / 0) (#107)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 08:30:59 AM EST
    brown-skinned anti-war socialist giving away free health care.

    You're thinking of Jesus.

    Parent

    I thought Jesus was blond and blue-eyed, ... (none / 0) (#134)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 04:53:52 PM EST
    ... like Jeffrey Hunter in "King of Kings," Max Von Sydow in "The Greatest Story Ever Told," and Willem Dafoe in "The Last Temptation of Christ."

    Parent
    Hmmm, Donald (none / 0) (#142)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 11:04:52 PM EST
    If you say so.

    Parent
    Hillary Clinton (none / 0) (#67)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:18:48 PM EST
    was asked about her position on the Keystone Pipeline.

    She gave a real evasive runaround non-answer.

    Here is a link to a video of her doing her thing.

    I honestly think that this kind of politician-speak might well be her undoing.

    On the bright side, it might be Jeb's undoing as well.

    Who's worse is the larger question. (none / 0) (#70)
    by Mr Natural on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 12:44:45 PM EST
    The pipeline is basically already built, btw.  What they're arguing over now are a few new shortcuts.  Unfortunately, those shortcuts traverse sensitive regions.  

    There's also related legislation in process that will legalize export of the resulting products.  That will drive up our prices.  Gotta love politicians.  They really don't give a damn about us.

    Parent

    This wasn't a complaint about Clinton, BTW (none / 0) (#106)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 08:28:04 AM EST
    Here's an article about the process, in progress, of lifting the ban on oil exports.

    Who exports their natural resources?  Third world nations.

    Parent

    Third world countires? (none / 0) (#110)
    by CoralGables on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 09:56:27 AM EST
    Like Russia, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom?

    Parent
    The more important thing though (none / 0) (#112)
    by Reconstructionist on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:29:16 AM EST
      Is that those countries are net oil exporters. The USA despite now being the top producer is still a net importer. (The UK is a net importer of crude but net exporter of refined products).

      Big Oil wants to be able to sell more abroad which will tend to both increase price (new markets = increased demand) and incentivize further development (and attendant environmental impact of production). There will likely be additional adverse environmental impact because nations buying our production often lack the more stringent emission standards we impose.

      One could theorize that the oil industry wants to sell as much as possible in the short-term before further regulation and technological advances in alternative sources of energy make it less profitable.

      In assessing our national interest it is difficult for me to see the argument that short-term profits outweigh the costs of making our oil available on the open market abroad.

    Parent

    Flaperon (none / 0) (#81)
    by Uncle Chip on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 02:15:38 PM EST
    Rockstar Flaperon arrives in France to very little fanfare

    Had it been picked up in the ocean instead on the French island, it might have been sent back to Malaysia and a less that favorable welcome.

    One of the most unexpectedly important visitors to France in recent days is headed for Toulouse where it will be invited to give up its secrets and tell all it knows -- how appropriate.

    Toulouse could not be a more perfect place for this inquisition to take place. The inquisitors there will make it talk.

    Inquisitors will not settle for just name, rank and serial number -- but will want to know where its been, how and when it broke away, what it knows, when it knew it, and where the others are.

    It will be subject to an unrelenting examination -- prodding, poking, scraping, twisting, drilling, testing -- and that will also include the Barnacle family that became so attached to it along the way.

    Millions of dollars in payouts, one way or the other, are riding on what Flaperon has to say -- as well as a lot of crow.

    So let the Inquisition begin with earnest and may the birddoo fall where it may.

    And now (none / 0) (#92)
    by lentinel on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:40:43 PM EST
    Huffpo - among others -- including Dowd of the NYTimes - are floating the prospect of a Biden candidacy.

    Do it for Beau - is their push.

    Yes.

    It would be selfless of Biden to enter the race;
    Do it for Beau.

    Just what we need.
    Biden.

    If read carefully (none / 0) (#94)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 05:52:03 PM EST
    it's an article crafted on the word of a draft Biden group. Means little and won't matter. Quite a bit like the articles written on Elizabeth running based on the Draft Warren group.

    Parent
    Good god. Please, no. (none / 0) (#98)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 08:26:02 PM EST


    Parent
    The Wire (none / 0) (#99)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:28:11 PM EST
    just finished season one.   Some suggest skipping to season 3.

    Opinion?

    Also when does it, if ever, switch to HD widescreen format?
    Feels like watching VHS.  

    Parent

    Watch it all, would be my suggestion. (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 01, 2015 at 09:53:59 PM EST
    I have it all recorded - may watch it all again.

    Parent
    Do not skip season 2. (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by caseyOR on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:54:09 AM EST
    Season 2 of The Wire is one of my favorite seasons. If you watch it I think you will be glad you did not skip it.

    Also, even though each season has a different theme, they all tie together. You lose things by skipping seasons.

    Parent

    Do not skip - there is plenty in there (none / 0) (#163)
    by ruffian on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:31:30 PM EST
    that comes in later, even if you ff through the union politics stuff if it is not your bag. I thought it was good.

    Yes, it does not have the present day visual quality....too bad -  they should remaster it.

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#173)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:25:22 PM EST
    i think they did remaster it.   But I don't  think that is on these DVDs.

    Parent
    Oligarchy with Unlimited Political Bribery (none / 0) (#108)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 09:17:38 AM EST
    - Jimmy Carter on the Thom Hartman show.

    Former president Jimmy Carter said Tuesday on the nationally syndicated radio show the Thom Hartmann Program that the United States is now an "oligarchy" in which "unlimited political bribery" has created "a complete subversion of our political system as a payoff to major contributors." Both Democrats and Republicans, Carter said, "look upon this unlimited money as a great benefit to themselves."

    For examplars, check out the pix of Senators Murkowski and Cantwell, here seen selling American oil consumers down the drain.

    He (none / 0) (#111)
    by FlJoe on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:19:18 AM EST
    is 100% correct the Oligarchy has already won the war. Historians will probably point to 2010 when the to big to fail banks morphed into to big to jail(all while getting bigger) and the Supremes drove the Citizens United stake into the heart of Democracy.

    Parent
    You're right that (none / 0) (#117)
    by NYShooter on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 11:06:12 AM EST
    those two things were factors in moving this country into an oligarchy. But, unfortunately, the very concept, the "business plan," of America guaranteed this outcome from its inception. Those two items, simply, moved it along a little faster.

    America was supposed to be a Democracy, operating on a capitalist financial system. It was set up with a system of checks and balances, supposedly, self-correcting problems as we matured.                                          

    But, humans being human, have proven to be so very easily corruptible that this outcome was guaranteed from the get-go.

    And, no, I don't have any ideas on how to fix it, nor, do I know of any better system.

    Parent

    When we think of cops (none / 0) (#113)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:42:05 AM EST
    and why they shoot, sometimes too quickly, perhaps there are reasons besides them just hating.

    Maybe they are scared.

    A manhunt is under way Sunday after a police officer was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Tennessee.

    Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong told reporters that police received a call at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday about an officer being shot in Memphis.

    The officer, who was conducting a traffic stop when he was shot multiple times, died at a hospital, Armstrong said. Memphis Police Department named him as Sean Bolton, 33.

    snip

    Bolton is the third Memphis officer to be fatally shot in slightly more than four years. Officer Tim Warren was killed while responding to a shooting at a downtown Memphis hotel in July 2011. In December 2012, Officer Martoiya Lang was killed while serving a warrant.
    I think people expect too much from police (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by McBain on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 12:13:34 PM EST
    They expect them to always make the correct decision even under extreme stress.  How many of the recent police shootings would have been prevented if people just did what the cop asked them to?  

    When you factor in the benefits and pensions, police officers make decent money but not the kind of money that attracts the best and brightest.  I don't think we're going to see significantly better cops any time soon.  Better do what they say.

    Parent

    Good question (5.00 / 3) (#120)
    by CoralGables on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 12:30:12 PM EST
    How many of the recent police shootings would have been prevented if people just did what the cop asked them to?

    Maybe most of them would have been prevented

    Alternative question:

    How many of the recent police shootings would have been prevented if the police didn't shoot them?

    All of them would have been prevented.

    Parent

    This is Your New Angle ? (5.00 / 3) (#158)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 01:43:34 PM EST
    I expect every person whose job relates to people lives to make the correct decision 100% of the time.

    Are we going to give pilots a pass because they hit the wrong button and crashed a plane, how about doctors who accidentally cut they wrong artery and end someone's life.

    And let's not forget, these were traffic stops, the victims were unarmed.  They were not chasing suspects who were firing at them, they were pulled over for traffic violations.

    The idea that someone taking off in a car is 'extremely stressful' is so GD laughable I don't even know how someone can actually present that as a valid defense.  I doubt any person here hasn't experienced someone taking off in a car while they are at the window.  Real stressful, more like they were mad as hell that they didn't get the GD respect they thought they deserved from a black man.

    They all knew the career before they signed up.  Pay, hours, danger, etc.  This is republican BS.  Pharmacists don't have to give out prescriptions, county clerks don't have to give out marriage licenses, and now cops don't have to be held accountable when they kill an unarmed person.

    For a group that constantly beats the drum of self-sufficiency and hard work, they sure do have a lot of exceptions in regards to employment.

    I don't think it's too much to expect the police to not kill unarmed black people during routine traffic stops.

    What I don't get is the videos are out there, it's clear they were not stressful situations and yet you come here and proclaim they are, like you hadn't seen them.

    Parent

    It would be nice if cops were perfect in every way (none / 0) (#168)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:55:57 PM EST
    but they're not and never will be.  They're not going to make correct decisions 100% of the time. The smart strategy is to avoid agitating them.  

    Some of the recent videos make it look like the cop was at fault, but not all.  Don't lump them all together.

    Parent

    It would be nice if citizens were perfect in every (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by CST on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:57:28 PM EST
    way.  But they're not and never will be.  They're not going to make correct decisions 100% of the time. The smart strategy is to avoid agitating them.  
    Some of the recent videos make it look like the citizen was at fault, but not all.  Don't lump them all together.

    Parent
    It Would Be Nice... (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:29:58 PM EST
    ...if you actually acted like black lives matter.

    What you are suggesting is that cops make mistakes, which seems reasonable until you realize that nearly all of their lethal mistakes are made with unarmed black men.

    I think a statistician would say that is improbable.

    You keep saying perfect, which is BS.  All people want is them to not kill unarmed black people, only you are suggesting perfection.  

    The idea that cops are allowed to kill unarmed black men and call it a mistake is your conservatism kicking in.  In the real world, when you 'accidentally' kill someone you go to jail.

    Parent

    You and others here keep trying to make this (none / 0) (#182)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:03:14 PM EST
    about race and politics.  I want nothing to do with that nonsense.  Don't let the media brainwash you like that.

    Parent
    Idle thought: (none / 0) (#186)
    by sj on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:28:24 PM EST
    I wonder if this level of stupid is genetic, and, if so, if it is a dominant or recessive gene.

    Parent
    if it was black cops shooting white (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:51:00 PM EST
    unarmed civilians, you bet your sweet a** people would notice and say it was about race.

    Parent
    Not if they watch CNN (1.00 / 1) (#200)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 09:06:36 PM EST
    they would never know about it

    Parent
    McBain (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by FlJoe on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:10:47 PM EST
    I think you should flip this around  
    How many of the recent police shootings would have been prevented if people just did what the cop asked them to?
    It seems like the police are expecting too much from the citizens
    They expect them to always make the correct decision even under extreme stress.

    The job description of LEOs includes dealing with citizens who are under stress, they are the ones who must be in control. There are a million reasons for a random citizen not to "do what the cops told them to", even a reasonable law abiding person could disobey under certain circumstances.

    Human behavior is chaotic, the police are supposed to be a bulwark against that chaos not a contributor.

    Parent

    I expect police to know the law and abide by it. (none / 0) (#127)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 02:23:26 PM EST
    My experience is that they do everything they can to stretch their authority past the legal limits.

    How many of the recent police shootings would have been prevented if people just did what the cop asked them to?  

    Even if the officer is asking you do do something he is not entitled by law to make you do? At what point do you consider it appropriate to stand up for your rights?  After the violation, it's too late to get your rights back.

    If there is no remedy for a police officer's overreach or unlawful search, do you patiently accept unlawful behavior directed at you by police?

    What is the remedy for having your vehicle searched unlawfully?  How do you get "un-searched?"

    I have on a number of occasions refused to comply with a police order that he was not authorized to give.  I have dared them to arrest me for requiring them to act within constitutional limits.

    So far I haven't been arrested.  Have YOU ever been arrested?

    Parent

    You have to balance the risk vs. reward (none / 0) (#131)
    by McBain on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 03:48:00 PM EST
    It might be worth the risk of being arrested or even worse to you.... not me.  My strategy for dealing with someone of authority on a power trip is not to show any displeasure or frustration whatsoever.  Keeps me out of trouble and prevents them from getting what they want.  

    I did some stupid things when I was younger but I've never been arrested.  

    Parent

    Clarification please (5.00 / 2) (#156)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:40:11 PM EST
    My strategy for dealing with someone of authority on a power trip is not to show any displeasure or frustration whatsoever.  Keeps me out of trouble and prevents them from getting what they want.

    If "what they want" is to violate your rights wholesale, how do you respond?

    My previous question still stands unanswered, so I'll add emphasis: What would it take for you to stand up for your rights in the face of an obvious violation by a public servant?

    I have already answered that question out on the streets, so this is more of an academic exercise.

    Parent

    Can you give me some examples? (none / 0) (#170)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:00:47 PM EST


    Parent
    So what you are saying is... (5.00 / 2) (#175)
    by sj on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:45:00 PM EST
    Can you give me some examples? (none / 0) (#170)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:00:47 PM MDT
    ...you, on your own, can think of nothing that would make you stand up for Your. Own. Rights. in the face of an obvious violation by a public servant.

    So... how do you feel about actually representing the stereotype of conservatives as being spineless, whiney and cowardly?

    Parent

    Are we talking about traffic stops? (none / 0) (#178)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:18:45 PM EST
    I'm not quite sure what Repack is getting at.   If my rights were violated, I would probably seek a legal remedy. Hopefully, I wouldn't do something stupid like mouth off or run away.  

    Parent
    Examples? (none / 0) (#179)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:18:52 PM EST
    ...Of my refusal to comply with an unlawful directive?

    I once made the mistake of allowing a violation and filing a complaint later.  After the response I got, I realized that there is no cure and no one is interested in finding one, so prevention beats the fact that there is no remedy.

    There was the time I dropped my pants rather than allow a deputy to frisk me.  The multiple times I have refused to show ID when asked, if the request did not have the force of law.  It seems like they always ask if they can search your car, do the math.

    I have been a member of DailyKos since the day it opened for business.  My most popular diary ever on that site was called, "Then he asked me for I.D."

    Parent

    I'm not an expert on the law (none / 0) (#181)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:33:33 PM EST
    When can you legally refuse to show ID to a cop when asked?  You seem to have a more exciting life than mine.

    Parent
    For someone who ... (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by sj on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:23:45 PM EST
    I'm not an expert on the law (none / 0) (#181)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:33:33 PM MDT

    When can you legally refuse to show ID to a cop when asked?  

    ... who is not an expert on the law you sure have a whole lot to say about how others are supposed to act, and be subservient to it.

    Parent
    I looked it up (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 07:22:50 PM EST
    When can you legally refuse to show ID to a cop when asked?

    Most of the time, unless you are driving a vehicle pulled over for a vehicle code violation.  

    The loophole they exploit is that they can ASK you anything.  But it's a yes or no question.  If you decide to comply VOLUNTARILY, well goody for them.  You just surrendered your Fourth Amendment rights.

    You seem to have a more exciting life than mine.

    Depends on how high you set the bar for excitement, but I'm definitely ahead of average when it comes to adventure.

    Parent

    Jeebus (5.00 / 1) (#167)
    by sj on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:51:52 PM EST
    My strategy for dealing with someone of authority on a power trip is not to show any displeasure or frustration whatsoever.  Keeps me out of trouble and prevents them from getting what they want.  
    By "not showing any displeasure or frustration" you are giving them exactly what they want. A nice compliant little mouse that will let them do whatever they want with no repercussions whatsoever.

    Parent
    I expect police officers to ... (none / 0) (#141)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:40:31 PM EST
    ... (1) obey the laws they've sworn an oath to uphold, and (2) stop whining about how hard they have it. Nobody's forced them to take the job. If they can't cope, then they should find another line of work.

    Parent
    Yes, the police have a difficult job. (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 07:22:42 PM EST
    JimakaPPJ: "When we think of cops and why they shoot, sometimes too quickly, perhaps there are reasons  besides them just hating. Maybe they are scared."

    But while prudence dictates that officers of the law take all necessary precautions to protect themselves in the course of their duties, I would also note that not all such fears are reasonable.

    Therefore, I would caution anyone against using "fear" as an catch-all excuse for police behavior -- or as the same for anyone's behavior, for that matter.

    Sometimes, our concerns and fears are justified, while other times, they are clearly not. Those persons who can't clearly distinguish between the two on a regular basis have no business carrying a badge and gun.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    Donald, so you don't think (none / 0) (#172)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 03:12:59 PM EST
    the Memphis policeman getting killed during a traffic stop makes a reasonable policeman more fearful?

    Your blase dismissal of his death defines who you are. And since I see no evidence that you have ever been engaged in an occupation that could have sudden and deadly consequences I don't think you have the experience to talk about fear during job related activities.  

    Parent

    Good God... (5.00 / 4) (#176)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 04:04:00 PM EST
    ...are you suggesting it's OK for cops to shoot unarmed black people because they are scared to do their jobs ?

    This business where the right is making excuses for cops that have none.  In the last shooting, the cop lied in his report about what happened.  He filed a false police report.  He claimed was scared for his life even though the video evidence clearly shows the only danger he was in was the manufactured danger he put in the report.  If he was genuinely scared for his life, he should seek serious counseling right after he resigns.

    The idea that somehow a cop's life is worth more than a black man's only shows just how jacked up you are.  Every life is valuable and a nervous cop does not excuse shooting unarmed black men, never, ever.  If they can't handle the job, they should not be a cop.

    FYI, this was over a 'drug deal' of $25 of weed.  Much like when black men end up dead over a license plate.  Both equally despicable, the difference, only one murderer will see the inside of a cell, and that is a GD shame.

    Parent

    If black men could just quit being scary (5.00 / 1) (#197)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:11:34 PM EST
    then the cops wouldn't be shooting them, amirite?

    Parent
    The obvious solution then (none / 0) (#115)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 10:56:32 AM EST
    ...is to recruit people who are not cowards.

    I know that every year tens of thousands of non-police citizens in the United States are killed by fellow citizens, either armed with a Second Amendment protected firearm or drunk behind the wheel.  Hundreds more are killed by police while unarmed.

    Yet somehow every day, I get up and venture out among these dangerous people, unafraid.  Unfortunately, even though I have never been arrested, my current age, my dislike of firearms and my history of dope smoking preclude service as a police officer.

    Parent

    That their lives are at risk (none / 0) (#116)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 11:04:41 AM EST
    because of the nature of their job is why they get paid so much, get better pensions and benefits compared to other public employees.

    That risk doesn't mean we have to accept them as bullies with guns and just hope that we live thru any encounter with a cop who views their firearm as a enforcement tool rather than a weapon to be used in appropriate circumstances.  

    YMMV.

    Parent

    There are a lot of jobs (none / 0) (#118)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 11:45:01 AM EST
    ...more dangerous than police work, and most of them pay less.

    Logging and commercial fishing are the most dangerous jobs in the United States.  Logging kills eight times as many people per capita as police work, commercial fishing kills seven times as many.  These jobs typically come with far fewer benefits than police work does to offset the degree of risk assumed.

    I was a truck driver for 40+ years, a job that was 50% more likely to kill me than police work.

    Parent

    For a man who once wrote (none / 0) (#121)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 12:40:38 PM EST
    Anything you would not want me to do to you is torture.

    this follows

    The obvious solution then...is to recruit people who are not cowards.

    So being shot multiple times is torture in your view but the cops just need to man up and take it.

    Okoe Dokie. Should we tell the Memphis policeman's family?

    Parent

    Apples and oranges (none / 0) (#126)
    by Repack Rider on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 02:12:26 PM EST
    So being shot multiple times is torture in your view

    Depends on the purpose of the shooter.  Was he inflicting non-fatal wounds in an effort to get the cop to tell him something the cop didn't want revealed?  If so, then it was torture.

    If he was trying to kill him, it wasn't.

    but the cops just need to man up and take it.

    If you don't have the guts for the job, don't take it.  Maybe they could test these guys for their responses to stressful situations BEFORE they give them a badge and a gun and immunity from prosecution for killing unarmed people.

    I don't expect any more courage from a police officer than I do from a logger, whose job is eight times more likely to kill him.

    Do you believe that police officers should be as brave as loggers or commercial fishermen, who take far greater risks for less money?  If not, why not?

    Okoe Dokie. Should we tell the Memphis policeman's family?

    That's he's dead?  Certainly.  Why would you want to withhold the type of information from the police officer's family that the dead logger's family gets?

    Parent

    Your response is so (none / 0) (#132)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 03:53:09 PM EST
    nonsensical that I can't think of an answer.

    You might as well compare the police to a commercial airline pilot who makes a whole lot more in a much safer job.

    But you disdain of the police shines through here as it does in your other comments.

    Parent

    I'm glad you understand me (none / 0) (#144)
    by Repack Rider on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:15:02 AM EST
    You might as well compare the police to a commercial airline pilot who makes a whole lot more in a much safer job.

    If "danger" is the only criterion for police salary, loggers should be paid eight times as much.  Apparently police are being paid for more than braving the relatively slight danger, your call as to what that is.

    But your disdain of the police shines through here as it does in your other comments.

    You picked right up on that, did you?  It comes from nearly fifty years of experience being hassled by cops, even though I am not a criminal and still haven't had that first arrest.  

    First they hassled me, starting in the 'sixties because I was a hippie.  I traveled all over the US in the course of my job, sometimes to places (#cough#Utah#cough#) where hippies weren't welcome.  Later it was because I started hanging around in the local Black community and got a small taste of what the locals get for dinner every night.

    I have a friend who survived being shot by a deputy.  The deputy emptied his weapon in a residential neighborhood because my friend was trying to run out on a ticket for driving on a suspended license.

    If you think being a cop is dangerous, you haven't seen what happens to a Black man on a daily basis.  How many unarmed Black men have died this year at the hands of the police?  

    It's not the fact of YouTube video that makes police beat the crap out of so many people.  The video now provides the evidence of what has been going on forever.  Until very recently police got away with a lot of lies that video contradicts.  If anything we should be more cynical about police, now that so many liars among them have been exposed.

    My disdain is the product of long experience, no different from the experience shared by other people who don't wear suits to work, or even own one.  I have had my face rubbed in the police double standard.

    I have a longtime friend, known him since he was about twelve, PhD in police work, detective on the local force.  Sad to say he's become one of them.

    Parent

    Hatred begets tragedy, again... (none / 0) (#123)
    by desertswine on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 01:34:24 PM EST
    The girl who was wounded in a gay pride parade attack has died.

    Charles Koch urges the oligarchs to (none / 0) (#124)
    by oculus on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 01:38:38 PM EST
    sacrifice for the greater good of all:

    Dana Point confab

    Corruption is Purity... (none / 0) (#125)
    by Mr Natural on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 01:45:16 PM EST
    War is Peace...  Ignorance is Strength...  

    Parent
    Yeah, 450 unimaginally rich guys... (none / 0) (#138)
    by desertswine on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 08:28:37 PM EST
    deciding the fate of the world for their benefit.  And, incidentaly, who's going to be the next president.

    Parent
    Right... (none / 0) (#159)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 01:46:22 PM EST
    ...end corporate welfare so they can get Koch Bros welfare.  I guess screwing over the poor and middle classes just doesn't get their juices flowing anymore, time to screw over rich folks.

    Parent
    True Detective paid off tonight (none / 0) (#139)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Aug 02, 2015 at 09:08:36 PM EST
    But...bummer

    Although Ray was (5.00 / 1) (#155)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:35:20 PM EST
    brought back to life, I don't think that we can expect that for the late Paul.  Too bad, Paul was an underdeveloped character, who seemed to become increasingly interesting. His complexities were of a different dimension than Ani and Ray.  Or, Frank and Jordan.  Or, Mr. Caspere, who we know a lot about, but never got to know.  The series has gotten darker and lighter.  Who will be the true detective?  

    Parent
    I was really into it (none / 0) (#191)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 07:43:27 PM EST
    All this loosely defined story was coming together.  And then Boom "the kid" is dead. When it cut to his fiancée beginning to cry over a baby on television I almost cried. A lot of women get very sappy when they are pregnant, the hormones.  I used to cry watching AT&T commercials about reaching out and touching someone.  That whole scene was a little too realistic for me. I was really bummed for the rest of the night.

    Parent
    It was a good episode for a change (none / 0) (#184)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:05:07 PM EST
    but I'm still not sure what or who I'm rooting for

    Parent
    Yeah, better, but I have long since (none / 0) (#193)
    by ruffian on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:01:47 PM EST
    lost track of/interest in all the bad guys and what they want. I love this piece on previously.tv.  Best part at the end:

    That motel room.

    Only in visual fiction do you still have motels like that. Maybe boutique properties that rebranded an old roadside dump as The Lodge At Lodi and charge $289 a night, but a legit dump? No. I half-expected the stag man from Hannibal to bring the room service.




    Parent
    Speaking of room service, I just can't (5.00 / 2) (#194)
    by ruffian on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:04:38 PM EST
    forgive lazy horrible dialog like this:

    Woodrugh's Mom: What are we going to do here?
    Woodrugh: Get room service. Don't answer the door unless it's me.

    WTF?

    Parent

    What keeps me coming back is True Detective (none / 0) (#198)
    by McBain on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:44:51 PM EST
    feels a little like a David Lynch/Michael Mann collaboration.

    Parent
    Monmouth drops a GOP Poll today (Monday) (none / 0) (#147)
    by CoralGables on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 10:57:03 AM EST
    which is sure to be one of the five chosen for the GOP debate. Here are your top 10 (with no decimals):

    Trump 26
    Bush 12
    Walker 11
    Cruz 5
    Huckabee 5
    Carson 4
    Christie 4
    Paul 4
    Rubio 4
    Kasich 3

    Next batch:

    Fiorina 1
    Perry 1
    Jindal 1
    Santorum 1
    Graham <1
    Pataki <1
    Gilmore <1

    Trumps (none / 0) (#149)
    by FlJoe on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 11:13:38 AM EST
    favorability  appears to be surging.

                   FAV   UNFAV
    --AUG      52%  35%  
    --July       40     41  
    --June      20     55
    --Apri       28     56

    Interesting.

    Parent

    Preemptive response from Bush campaign (none / 0) (#150)
    by CoralGables on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 11:34:29 AM EST
    They say they are happy Trump is in the race because it freezes the field with everyone in. Two months ago their claim was that the Bush money and name would clear the field.

    Parent
    The Jeb! search for (none / 0) (#152)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:17:25 PM EST
    the silver lining, winds up at a lemonade stand.  

    Parent
    Guess there's also been an (none / 0) (#151)
    by Anne on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:16:38 PM EST
    outbreak of stupid.

    Someone call the CDC.

    But, seriously, read the following and tell me if there's anything there other than POWER TO THE COPS.  I've highlighted a few sections where he's saying absolutely nothing, in my opinion, and I've added my comments in brackets (I've paraphrased/shortened Todd's questions):

    CHUCK TODD: But I want to ask you about Black Lives Matter. The latest shooting of a white police officer shooting an unarmed black man. Do you see this as a crisis in America?

    DONALD TRUMP: It's a massive crisis. It's a double crisis. What's happening and people. You know, I look at things. And I see it on television. [what? he looks at things?]  And some horrible mistakes are made. At the same time, we have to give power back to the police because crime is rampant. And I'm a big person that believes in very big-- you know, we need police. [he's a big person?  and he believes in very big what, exactly?]

    And we need protection. Look, I look at some of the cities. You look at Baltimore. You look at so many different places in this country. Chicago. Certain areas of Chicago. They need strong police protection. And those police can do the job. But their jobs are being taken away from them. [really? who's doing that?] At the same time, you've got these other problems. And there's no question about it. They are problems. [what are these other problems?] There is turmoil in our country.

    CHUCK TODD: Do you understand why African Americans don't trust the police right now?

    DONALD TRUMP: Well, I can certainly see it when I see what's going on. [huh?] But at the same time, we have to give power back to the police because we have to have law and order. Hundreds of killings are in Baltimore. Hundreds of killings are in Chicago. And New York is not doing so great in terms of that front. And so many other cities.

    We have to give strength and power back to the police. [give it "back?" isn't the problem that they have too much of it already?] And you're always going to have mistakes made. [oops?  Oh, well? cost of doing business?] And you're always going to have bad apples. [why is this a given?] But you can't let that stop the fact that police have to regain some control of this tremendous crime wave and killing wave that's happening in this country.

    Lordy.  

    And Chuck Todd?  I didn't see the segment, but assume he was just nodding along, not really following up, not really holding Trump's feet to the fire and getting him to speak in something other than generalities.

    Parent

    Of course, Chuck Todd was nodding along! (none / 0) (#162)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:27:31 PM EST
    Isn't that what official McNews bobbleheads are supposed to do? After all, he was nodding along last week, during discussions on the manufactured Planned Parenthood Hillary Clinton email controversies. No reason to believe he'd act any differently here.

    Parent
    I think the most important (none / 0) (#154)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 12:23:22 PM EST
    poll for the debates is who Roger Ailes wants on stage.  The remaining polls will be fitted around that poll.

    Parent
    For poll watchers (none / 0) (#187)
    by CoralGables on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:58:22 PM EST
    tonight and tomorrow will be fun. For the bottom 7 in the GOP field right now maybe not so fun.

    Bloomberg, CBS/New York Times, and Fox News are all expected to release GOP Primary Polls late tonight/tomorrow morning.

    Parent

    Perry Better Step Up... (none / 0) (#160)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 01:51:32 PM EST
    ...his game or he is going to end up paying his own legal bills.

    Perry's report shows that he brought in only $685 in contributions, but he spent $1.48 million. That means that his legal defense costs represent 69 percent of his spending. Perry only had $1.28 million left in his campaign account as of June 30, which means that if his legal costs continue accumulating at the same pace, he will run out of money unless contributions increase.
     LINK

    For charges he claims are BS, he's already spent $2M fighting them.


    Parent

    Fox News Poll is out (none / 0) (#189)
    by CoralGables on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 07:28:18 PM EST
    Looks like an instant replay of the Monmouth poll. Trump leading with 26%. Same top ten.

    Parent
    Looks (none / 0) (#190)
    by FlJoe on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 07:41:37 PM EST
    like Perry is toast.

    Parent
    I have to wonder (none / 0) (#192)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 07:44:56 PM EST
    how much longer a few of these are going to last like Perry. What's the point?

    Parent
    And, there are no women candidates (none / 0) (#195)
    by christinep on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:06:06 PM EST
    What an interesting image that will make, won't it?  At least, there is Dr. Carson ... but, does everyone else look fairly much alike in age & physique (except the fairly slim R. Paul?)  Sorry, it was hard to avoid the semi-snark.

    As your comments really show, Ga6th, you understand more than some the significance after much more than 200 years of having a woman candidate who stands an excellent chance of becoming President.  And--as you & I know--a woman who is brilliant, more than credentialed, with the best experience of the lot, and continuously dedicated (by her actions) to the growth of so many liberal realities in health care, education, civil rights, expanding the role of women in government and all areas of endeavor, etc. What a contrast with the line-up for the Repub "debate" foray, huh!!

    Parent

    They (none / 0) (#196)
    by FlJoe on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 08:10:09 PM EST
    will last as long as their sugar daddy billionaires keep writing checks. Whats the point for the billionaires you ask. My guess it's all a game to them, spend some pocket change, back a long-shot candidate, have a few laughs. Them it's back to grinding out the billions.

    Meanwhile the longer the candidates hang on the more their value on the wingnut welfare circuit rises.

    Parent

    "Two decades too late." (none / 0) (#161)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 02:21:34 PM EST
    The late British Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath is being posthumously investigated regarding his alleged involvement in child sexual abuse, a still-burgeoning scandal which continues to rock the Conservative Party establishment:

    "The astonishing revelations came as it was announced that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was investigating claims that the police had quietly dropped a criminal trial in the 1990s after the defendant threatened to expose Sir Edward as a paedophile. Last summer a retired police officer, who had been with the force in the 1990s, came forward claiming that senior officers had ordered a prosecution be stopped because it would have led to the former Prime Minister's name being dragged through the mud."

    While it's obviously too late to hold the late Sir Edward accountable for his alleged offenses, it's certainly not too late to do the same to those persons who may have aided and abetted in any cover-up of these activities.

    Some of these people apparently served at the highest levels of power in Whitehall, according to Anthony Gilberthorpe, a former Tory stalwart-turned-whistleblower, who claims to have given former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher an extensive dossier on suspected miscreants back in 1989.

    Aloha.

    Texas Attorney General indicted (none / 0) (#183)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 06:04:26 PM EST
    on Securities fraud charges in Collin County, Texas.

    Noting that Collin County is known for placing a white towel around all suspects' necks, to minimize any possible biases in their appearance, local TV Fox 4 News says that this morning, the Texas attorney general "was allowed to take a mugshot without the white towel around his neck."

    ??? I'm guessing that chokeholds are the local sport.

    Are you saying CNN is biased (none / 0) (#201)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Mon Aug 03, 2015 at 09:32:25 PM EST
    against white people?

    Your views on race are retrograde, at best.

    ruffian, I read this too (none / 0) (#204)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Aug 04, 2015 at 07:43:11 AM EST
    That motel room.
    Only in visual fiction do you still have motels like that. Maybe boutique properties that rebranded an old roadside dump as The Lodge At Lodi and charge $289 a night, but a legit dump? No. I half-expected the stag man from Hannibal to bring the room service.

    Funny but wrong.  Hotel rooms like that absolutely do exist especially in central California.   Having made many road trips out west I have seen them up close.

    Seriously ? (none / 0) (#205)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Aug 04, 2015 at 10:03:03 AM EST
    You and others here keep trying to make this about race and politics.  I want nothing to do with that nonsense.  Don't let the media brainwash you like that.

    Yeah, only in the conservative world would an extraordinary number of white cops shooting and killing black unarmed men, be referred to as having no racial aspect.  The fact that the victims were black is merely a coincidence.

    FYI, could you stop touting the greatness of CNN while simultaneously bashing the 'media'.  CNN is the media.  CNN has basically become the lite version of Fox News.  Have you not noticed how conservatives have all of sudden stop hating CNN ?  See mirror.

    Anyone who claims bias in the media that seems stuck on one media source probably has no clue what they are talking about, especially if they infer that their source, without acknowledging that it is indeed media, is above all others.

    Did it never occur to you that maybe your source is biased, I mean seriously, get out a bit and see what is out there.

    Who cares what a blow hard like you thinks? (none / 0) (#207)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Wed Aug 05, 2015 at 08:15:58 AM EST


    Friday Morning Open Thread. | 207 comments (207 topical)