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Thursday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 08:47:42 AM EST
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Looks like we need a new open thread. I've had a busy week at work, I'll try to catch up over the weekend.

All topics welcome.

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    Thursday Open Thread | 200 comments (200 topical)
    Fasion designer Mary Quant passes away... (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by desertswine on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 12:18:28 PM EST
    as the Sixties fade into ancient history.

    Telling The Guardian in 1967 that "good taste is death, vulgarity is life", Quant raised the hemline well above the knee, creating short dresses and skirts with simple shapes and strong colors that she described as "arrogant, aggressive and sexy".
    I always think of (5.00 / 3) (#24)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:16:41 PM EST
    Twiggy when I think of Mary Quant. Twiggy modeled her clothes and today both Twiggy and Patti Boyd (once married to George Harrison --Quant made their wedding coats) posted statements.

    From one article:

    Born 11 February, 1930 in Blackheath, south east London, Mary was so driven by her wanting to advance feminism through fashion she came up with her so-called "Chelsea look" defined by then-controversially high hemlines, trousers for women and popularising the bob haircut pioneered by her hair stylist icon friend Vidal Sassoon.

    Mary's partnership with Twiggy also propelled her looks to worldwide fame and her boutiques were filled with loud music and free drinks.

    I also remember that Twiggy's favor eye concealer was Yardly, which Target used to carry. I wore it for years and years until they stopped making it.

    What fun times those were. Mini-skirts, suede and leather shorts and turtlenecks, long straight hair with bangs, black eyeliner, heavy mascara, and cigarettes and drinks like seven and seven, ginger and rye, everywhere.

    Parent

    I'm making pastrami (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 12:26:30 PM EST
    My house smells great.

    I've done this a few times (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 01:24:03 PM EST
    it takes 2 days but it's not complicated

    Love the result.

    Parent

    Republicans Link Debt Ceiling To Food Benefit Cut (5.00 / 4) (#61)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 12:50:40 PM EST
    The pro-life party. Except, if you, like, need food.

    Spring Covid Booster (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by KeysDan on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 12:57:18 PM EST
    has been approved for older adults, 65 and older as well as for those immunocompromised. The vaccine is mRNA bivalent.  

    For those 65 and older, four months should have lapsed since the most recent booster.  For those immunocompromised, the interval is two months at the discretion of their health care provider in recognition of conditions that trigger an immunocompromised state.

    The booster should be available for administration at pharmacies.

    The final (none / 0) (#96)
    by KeysDan on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 04:18:17 PM EST
    administrative step:  The CDC has endorsed the FDA action regarding the Spring booster, making the booster vaccine available at this time.  

    Parent
    A Trump appointed judge (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 04:32:17 PM EST
    Just said Mark Pomerantz must testify to Gym Jordon.

    Tomorrow.

    Not sure what the plan here is.  Their point seems to be Bragg is out of control.  Pomerantz quit because Bragg was not moving aggressively enough.
    I think Jim is going to self own again.

    Could be good tv.

    Plan? (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by FlJoe on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 06:54:28 PM EST
    Republicans don't need no stinkin plan.

    Apparently they never think these things out, from the cheap seats it looks like Gymbo is getting a witness who is going to cotradict his main narrative

    Parent

    Probably hard (none / 0) (#98)
    by KeysDan on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 04:40:50 PM EST
    to square not testifying when he wrote a book about it.  Yes, Gym may have caught the car.  Pomerantz was much more bullish than Bragg.  Agree, too, should be good TV.

    Parent
    The judge's opinion is unnecessarily (none / 0) (#99)
    by Peter G on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 05:09:47 PM EST
    snarky, but bottom line she is right: Under governing Supreme Court precedent and other applicable law, the federal court in SDNY cannot quash the congressional subpoena to Pomerantz.

    Parent
    Valid Legislative Purpose? (none / 0) (#101)
    by RickyJim on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 09:00:33 PM EST
    "The Court does not endorse either side's agenda. The sole question before the Court at this time is whether Bragg has a legal basis to quash a congressional subpoena that was issued with a valid legislative purpose. He does not," she wrote in her 25-page ruling.

    My understanding is that Jordan claimed that the committee is considering legislation to prevent local prosecution of ex presidents.  I don't agree with the judge that is a valid purpose.  

    Parent

    You may not agree, but under (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by Peter G on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 09:15:54 PM EST
    the governing Supreme Court precedents, it is a valid legislative purpose. Whatever we may think of the politics of it, Bragg's suit is legally frivolous, as far as I can see. The way to block an improper Congressional subpoena is for the witness to move to quash the subpoena in US District Court in D.C.

    Parent
    Bragg has settled the case (5.00 / 1) (#134)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 06:02:17 PM EST
    IOW agreed to drop the appeal of his initial loss, in exchange for some procedural concessions that Jordan would probably have agreed to in any event.

    Parent
    Did any Republican on the House Jud. Comm. ... (none / 0) (#102)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 05:28:14 PM EST
    ... bother to read Mark Pomerantz's book, The People v. Donald Trump? It's not like he was offering an exculpatory defense for the guy. The book might have just as well been titled "This Guy's Guilty as F*ck."

    I think you're right. Subpoenaing Pomerantz holds extraordinary potential for a face-planting self-own. Be careful what you wish for, etc.

    In any event, DA Alvin Bragg has since appealed the ruling and U.S. Judge Beth Robinson has temporarily stayed the House subpoena for Pomerantz, pending a hearing before a three-judge panel.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    The Supreme Court (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 05:56:30 PM EST
    Is scheduled to rule on the Mifepristone case.  This should be one of the easiest decisions the Supreme Court could make, even without touching the merits.   The ruling should be aborted. The ruling of District Judge Matt Kacsmaryk at Amarillo was off the rails and the Fifth Circuit gussied it up with an attempted legal analysis but was not much better, if at all.

    The Court needed more time which is curious.  The District Judge's notion of "standing" is absurd. The need go no further to jettison this case.  Now, here we are wondering what rights will be taken away next.  Not optimistic, can't see Alito et al passing up an opportunity to block an abortifacient.   Hope to be so wrong.

    Nobody (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 06:47:57 PM EST
    has any faith in the supreme court these days. It was teetering but now it seems to have fallen off the edge.

    If they uphold the ban then there is going to cases against shots etc. etc.

    Parent

    I think one or two Justices are writing a dissent (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by Peter G on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 09:25:48 PM EST
    from a strong majority granting a full stay of Kacsmaryk's goof-ball, prejudiced, unsupportable decision, pending appeal. It takes a day or two to get a four-page dissent printed and proofread, possibly along with a concurring opinion to respond to the dissent. They did not give the extra two days because the majority was pondering how to rule. I certainly hope I am not wrong about this. They might even grant cert before judgment and issue a summary reversal of Kacsmaryk on the merits, thus killing the case entirely, although that, I think, would take a little more than an additional two days.

    Parent
    IMO If they have even A grain (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by MO Blue on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 04:11:04 PM EST
    of integrity left, they will throw this out for lack of standing.

    Parent
    Is the Suprem Court (none / 0) (#111)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 04:42:42 PM EST
    so insensible that they believe a late Friday night "news dump" will go unnoticed or or will be a clever way to sneak it into town?  

    Parent
    At this point (5.00 / 2) (#112)
    by MO Blue on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 05:13:06 PM EST
    I'm not sure the conservative members even care

    Parent
    Bush once said (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by MO Blue on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 05:15:27 PM EST
    The Constitution is only a piece of paper and the SCOTUS is proving that statement is true.

    Parent
    Peter (none / 0) (#114)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 06:09:11 PM EST
    you were right on the money. Alito and Thomas were writing dissents it seems.

    Parent
    A cautious welcome, for now. (none / 0) (#116)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 06:24:19 PM EST
    Alito, joined by Clarence in dissent,  saw no problem that two Circuits had different rulings. .  It would not cause chaos and even if it did it should not be given any weight.

    We are not out of the woods on this.  A new panel on the Fifth Circuit will hear this, but if they adhere to the thinking of the earlier ruling, it will not be good.

    Parent

    Actually, Thomas dissented but (5.00 / 3) (#117)
    by Peter G on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 06:35:57 PM EST
    did not join Alito's petulant dissenting opinion. That this stay is to remain in place regardless of how the Fifth rules sends a strong signal that the Supreme Court majority has already concluded there is nothing the Court of Appeals could say that might even possibly change their leaning on the merits. I consider that to be a very good sign.

    Parent
    Yes, (none / 0) (#118)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 07:43:09 PM EST
    Not worded well, I meant joined Alito in dissent, but in his dissenting opinion.  

    Parent
    but not (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 09:51:59 PM EST
    In his dissenting opinion.

    Parent
    From a political point of view (none / 0) (#119)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 07:46:26 PM EST
    it seems like the timing could be a lot worse for democrats.  

    This will keep this on the front burner from now until summer of 24 when the Supremes finally decide it after being kicked down to the circuit court.

    Then probably do the right thing.  But even if they do the voters will have been already whipped up to vote for reproductive rights.

    Parent

    Maybe (none / 0) (#104)
    by FlJoe on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 06:09:37 PM EST
    Roberts is trying to split the baby between the forced birthers and big pharma. Maybe we should ask how much pharma stock good old Harlan is holding.

    Parent
    Nobody (none / 0) (#106)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 20, 2023 at 06:47:57 PM EST
    has any faith in the supreme court these days. It was teetering but now it seems to have fallen off the edge.

    If they uphold the ban then there is going to cases against shots etc. etc.

    Parent

    Do the right thing (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 03:42:22 PM EST

    Liberal Groups Ask for Dianne Feinstein to Step Down
    April 21, 2023 at 3:53 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 63 Comments

    "A coalition of more than 60 progressive grassroots groups claiming to represent more than 100,000 Californians sent a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) asking her to resign," The Hill reports.
    I called it! 7-2 stay (5.00 / 3) (#115)
    by Peter G on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 06:12:49 PM EST
    pending appeal to Fifth Circuit, and continuing thereafter no matter how the Fifth rules, until the case is final at the Supreme Court level. Alito's hypocritical dissent does not contain one word in defense of Kacsmaryk. Thomas also dissents, but without any opinion of his own or joining Alito's.

    Got my COVID booster today (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 08:16:04 PM EST
    Also the new shingles vaccine

    FYI
    this was 200.00 last year.  With insurance.   I asked a couple of times. since the first of the year insurance companies are paying now.  Both were free.

    I learned from the helpful Walmart lady when I came in for COVID.

    Yes, got my first shingle shot (none / 0) (#121)
    by MO Blue on Fri Apr 21, 2023 at 08:28:43 PM EST
    In January as Medicare covered it 100% as of the first of the year. Need to get my second one this month. Sometimes procrastinating saves you money and luckily I didn't get it while I was fussing around.

    Going to get another Covid booster in July. Going on a two week tour in August so I'm scheduling it around it.

    Parent

    This latest booster (none / 0) (#123)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 11:30:49 AM EST
    seems to have side effects I had not had with any of the previous ones.

    Feel kind of crappy.  Got up.  Went back to bed.  Got up again.  Considering going back to bed.

    Parent

    All good today (5.00 / 4) (#135)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Apr 23, 2023 at 08:50:35 AM EST
    Feeling more or less normal.  

    Parent
    Glad to hear that. (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 01:48:45 PM EST
    I'm getting my COVID booster on Thursday.

    Parent
    But I also got shingrix (none / 0) (#124)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 11:51:48 AM EST
    so maybe it was that

    Parent
    Keep us posted. As I had a second bout (none / 0) (#125)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 11:57:55 AM EST
    of COVID in late January (again, lasted only a couple of days, knocked back with Paxlovid), which of course my wife then caught from me, we are waiting another month or two until we get our next boosters.

    Parent
    Protocol (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by BGinCA on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 12:52:48 PM EST
    After having Covid, wait 3 mos. before getting another vax. 4 mos. min between vaccines

    Parent
    I never had COVID (none / 0) (#128)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 01:12:03 PM EST
    And it has been 4 months since my last booster.

    Parent
    Don't Be So Sure (none / 0) (#132)
    by RickyJim on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 05:12:12 PM EST
    I used to get an RNA (lab) Covid19 test at the beginning of each month.  3 times it came back positive, even though no symptoms and negative home tests.  This month I decided I would only take the lab test if I my weekly home test was positive or I had symptoms. Maybe I had super mild cases but so what?  I try to social distance from all but close family members and they have never gotten Covid19 from me.

    Parent
    True (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 05:51:21 PM EST
    That I know of.  Never had symptoms.  My home tests are all still in the wrappers.

    Parent
    No (none / 0) (#126)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 12:03:35 PM EST
    I'm pretty sure this is just a reaction.  I had no reaction to previous Covid shots but yesterday I perhaps stupidly got Covid shingles AND a tetanus shot.  

    Yeah.  Won't do that again.

    I took a 30 mg gummy and some Tylenol and Im feeling better. A bit.

    Parent

    Happy Earth Day... (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by desertswine on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 03:49:46 PM EST
    Bosque del Apache

    RIP (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by BGinCA on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 04:19:19 PM EST
    Barry Humphries. Age 89. Gave the world Dame Edna Everidge.
    Breaking (5.00 / 2) (#136)
    by FlJoe on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 10:34:33 AM EST
    Per CNN, Fox parting ways with Tucker Carlson.

    "Parting ways" (5.00 / 3) (#137)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 11:11:23 AM EST
    does not sound like Tucker initiated.the hasty departure(effective last Friday night).  Maybe a part of the Dominion settlement?

    Hannity's decision to spend more time with his fascists may be the next announcement.  

    Tucker is now freed up to run in the Republican presidential primary.  He is a viable contender to TFG  now that DeSantis seems to be imploding before our eyes.  Tucker is just the type Republicans see as their ideal president.  Or, a professional wrestler.

    Parent

    Couldn't have happened to (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by desertswine on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 11:16:05 PM EST
    a creepier guy.

    Parent
    Well, except maybe Bongino. (none / 0) (#147)
    by desertswine on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 11:31:37 PM EST


    Parent
    I wonder if (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 08:41:09 AM EST
    he gets to keep the Capitol security videos

    Parent
    Chickens are coming home to roost (none / 0) (#138)
    by MO Blue on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 11:38:29 AM EST
    Gotta love it.

    Parent
    Maybe, Tucker (none / 0) (#144)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 06:26:20 PM EST
    will go to HBO--His Buddy Orban.

    Parent
    So many lies (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 08:34:47 PM EST
    so little time

    Parent
    Clarence (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 06:56:09 AM EST
    caught in another whopper
    Justice Clarence Thomas didn't recuse himself from a 2004 appeals case, even though the company being sued was part of the real estate empire run by Harlan Crow, the GOP mega-donor who has showered Thomas with lavish trips starting in 1997 and more recently bought Thomas' childhood home, according to Bloomberg.

    Thomas previously told Bloomberg that it was OK for him to accept gifts from Harlan Crow because the GOP mega-donor did not have "business before the court."



    Parent
    What Clarence meant (5.00 / 3) (#152)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 10:12:56 AM EST
    to say, " did not have business before the Court all that often", and "he infrequently considered all those amicus briefs filed by Harlan Crow-funded right-wing think tanks."    " no quid pro Crow".

    Parent
    and (none / 0) (#139)
    by leap2 on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 11:55:00 AM EST
    Don Lemon, too.

    Parent
    Interesting (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 01:25:48 PM EST
    that they didn't even let him do a sign off.

    Parent
    Yes, (none / 0) (#141)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 01:40:21 PM EST
    at the end of Friday's show, he ended with .... that's all for this week, see you Monday.  Got canned over the weekend, apparently.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#143)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 24, 2023 at 05:59:35 PM EST
    the supposed reason is because of the lawsuit his former producer is bringing.

    Parent
    My neighbor got swept off (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 02:05:20 PM EST
    To hospital a few days ago and I've been feeding his animals. 2 dogs 4 cats. He feeds all kinds of wild animals.  Birds beer squirrel raccoon etc.  He told me recently he's been feeding a fox.  That he was surprised how friendly and approachable it was.

    Today I saw it.  To far and fast to photo but I saw it.  Then I get this on FB about how

    foxes are domesticating themselves.

    I definitely want one.

    They are very (none / 0) (#154)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 03:52:38 PM EST
    pretty. Sighting are rare, but one hangs around our house appearing from time to time.

    Parent
    There's an increase (none / 0) (#156)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 04:38:21 PM EST
    in cute fox/dog cat or child vids on FB

    Parent
    Justice Gorsuch (5.00 / 2) (#157)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 05:10:29 PM EST
    did not disclose the name of the buyer of a real estate sale of which he held a 20 percent share (a home in Colorado that sold for $l.825 million) on federal disclosure forms. That box was left blank, giving the appearance that Gorsuch was hiding the buyer's name.

    The buyer is the CEO and director of litigation  for one of the nation's largest law firms and has business before the Supreme Court (since Gorsuch's appointment, the firm has had 22 cases before or presented to the Court).

    The property was for sale for two years; nine days after Gorsuch's confirmation to the Court, the property was sold.

    Chief Justice Roberts (none / 0) (#159)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 07:37:57 PM EST
    has declined the invitation of Senator Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to meet with the Committee to discuss possible judicial ethics reformation.

    The Chief Justice stated that such meetings are rare and expressed concern for separation of powers.

    Parent

    Ethics? What's that? (none / 0) (#167)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 02:44:08 PM EST
    Oh, but I repeat myself.

    Parent
    Chief Justice Roberts' (none / 0) (#184)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 12:36:30 PM EST
    polite refusal to join, as Senator Durbin requested in his letter of invitation, "in a public conversation on ways to restore confidence in the Court's ethical standards", boiled down to "No".  And, you can't make me!

    The Chief Justice claims, essentially, that the Court checks, but cannot be checked. His letter to Durbin claims "separation of powers", and the Court's need to be "independent". However, the independence of the Court is a means by which the Court may be impartial. It is the impartiality that is key, not independence, per se.

    And, impartiality is the worry in light of those Harlan Globetrotters, Clarence and Ginni, the real estate deal of Gorsuch, Jane Robert's attorney recruitment job, and Alito's chasing donors by hosting dinner parties at he and his wife's home and leaking  juicy tidbits of future rulings.

    Roberts' is saying, as an independent branch of government,  we have no obligation to speak to Congress, subpoena if you can, impeach if you dare.  Otherwise, go fly a kite (or words to that effect).  The Congress needs to take up  the challenge.

    Parent

    They have gone past (5.00 / 2) (#185)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 12:54:12 PM EST
    inviting outside intervention to basically daring anyone to try to force them to abide by the same rules every other single person in public life has to observe.

    And I think they are going to get it.  When you have people like Angus King saying something has to be done you might be close to some serious discussion of what can be done.

    Parent

    Pretty good idea of who the leaker is, (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by KeysDan on Sat Apr 29, 2023 at 12:47:14 PM EST
    said Alito  in a WSJ interview.  Not enough evidence to prove it, however, he moaned.. And, when he hears that the leaker of his Dobbs draft was by a conservative so as to lock the five justices in, it is "infuriating".  After all, why would a conservative do  that, it  made him a target for assassination? And, the others who joined the opinion.

    So, the leaker had to be a liberal.  It apparently has not occurred to him that the leak did not trigger threats of assassination, but rather, the ruling.

    Alito doth protest too much, me thinks.  

    Parent

    Agreed, Roberts is Unintelligible (5.00 / 1) (#195)
    by RickyJim on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 09:59:53 PM EST
    Appointments to the Federal Judiciary are made by the combined efforts of the Executive and Legislative branches and impeachments are done by the Legislative branch of government so I don't understand what he is talking about.  It might make some sense that checks and balances don't apply to the Supreme Court if the Judiciary itself filled vacancies and ran impeachments.

    Parent
    That's right. Separation of powers. (none / 0) (#172)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 03:00:02 PM EST
    After all, our country's founders must have had a very good reason for endowing our Supreme Court justices with the exclusive right to act with impunity and without personal consequence for the balance of their natural lifetimes.

    What that reason is, I haven't the foggiest idea.

    :-(

    Parent

    I (5.00 / 3) (#158)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 06:12:57 PM EST
    see Meatball's Dr Mengele got caught engineering a lie
    Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo personally altered a state-driven study about Covid-19 vaccines last year to suggest that some doses pose a significantly higher health risk for young men than had been established by the broader medical community, according to a newly obtained document.

    Ladapo's changes, released as part of a public records request, presented the risks of cardiac death to be more severe than previous versions of the study. He later used the final document in October to bolster disputed claims that Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were dangerous to young men.

     
    I am sure Meatball will deal with this surely and swiftly as soon as he gets back from "I'm Even Worse in Person" world tour.

    This is unconscionable, how many deaths are (5.00 / 2) (#166)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 02:40:51 PM EST
    these goons responsible for?  Surely this is a criminal act.  What kind of place has this become?

    Parent
    Most people regret picking a fight (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 12:23:23 PM EST
    with Disney lawyers

    Disney sues Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, alleges political effort to hurt its business

    LOL (none / 0) (#165)
    by MO Blue on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 01:09:45 PM EST
    Go, Mickey, go!

    Parent
    Giant art on icebergs (5.00 / 1) (#168)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 04:35:18 PM EST
    very cool.  Cold even.

    You find really interesting things (5.00 / 2) (#169)
    by MO Blue on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 07:57:51 PM EST
    to share with us. Thanks that was great.

    Parent
    Pushback (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 29, 2023 at 10:34:16 AM EST

    Central Arkansas Library System looking to file lawsuit against new law in Arkansas

    The CNN coverage (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 11:59:59 AM EST
    Of the DiFi thing is making me want to kill my tv.

    It's ageism!  It's sexism!  OMG.  She has not been able to form a coherent sentence in months. Years.

    But lets stir sh!t up.  

    I hate CNN.

    She has been one of the most active and (none / 0) (#3)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 01:02:30 PM EST
    powerful congressional supporters of water improvement in CA for years now. Unless her potential replacement would have the same commitment, I hope she stays as long as she wants.

    Parent
    Don't know what water improvement involves (none / 0) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 01:57:30 PM EST
    Why would another progressives view be different?

    Parent
    Different politicians have different interests. (none / 0) (#5)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 02:19:34 PM EST
    One of DiFi's main interests has been CA water, in a very beneficial way.

    Parent
    Well she's not doing that now (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 02:37:32 PM EST
    or much of anything. I've had a very minor case of shingles.  

    Parent
    My dad had it when I was a kid (none / 0) (#7)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 02:55:43 PM EST
    it was horrible.

    I got the vax a couple weeks ago.

    Parent

    Senator Feinstein (none / 0) (#8)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 03:26:26 PM EST
    was hospitalized for shingles which is uncommon.  Her age, but of more concern, is complications that may have arisen from the disease.

    Parent
    It can be bad (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 04:03:28 PM EST
    And the location is important.  I only had a half dozen tiny bumps.  They felt like nails driven into my head but visually they were nothing.  Can't imagine what some pics I've seen feel like.

    Also in my case is was bad it was on my head.  Front side. It's bad around the eyes.

    Parent

    MSNBC folks are saying the same thing. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 07:21:55 PM EST
    And to be honest, they have a point. Sen. Mitch McConnell fell at a fundraising event six weeks ago, the same time DiFi came down with shingles, and he suffered a serious concussion and a broken rib, and he has likewise been absent from the Senate for the same period of time. Well, nobody's been calling for McConnell to resign. Sure looks like a double standard to me.

    I've further noticed that most of the catcalls being directed at Sen. Feinstein are coming from California Democrats. They want to favorably position either themselves or their preferred candidates to replace DiFi (who already announced her retirement). I think it's more about that than it is about D.C. and the federal judges.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    The (none / 0) (#30)
    by FlJoe on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 06:15:51 AM EST
    main difference is the Democrats actually want to do something, Republicans don't, they don't need Mitch's vote to obstruct.

    Parent
    No, that is not the main difference (5.00 / 4) (#43)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 01:08:58 PM EST
    The main difference is that McConnell (like Fetterman) was temporarily disabled by a medical condition from which he is/was likely to recover fully within a matter of weeks. Feinstein is not going to recover from the mental effects of extreme aging that she has been displaying.

    Parent
    As predicted, (5.00 / 3) (#66)
    by MO Blue on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 09:50:23 PM EST
    Republicans are scheduled to block Schumer from replacing Feinstein. I'm very much on board with protecting women's rights but Feinstein not retiring now and not filling open Judiciary seats is beyond stupid. Those championing Feinstein staying just as long as she likes no matter the consequences are actually jeopardizing all women's rights. As we all know, letting the Republicans put more of their judges on the bench will take away what rights women have now.

    Parent
    Digging in (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 01:37:37 PM EST

    Dianne Feinstein Digs In
    April 15, 2023 at 11:56 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 137 Comments

    Politico: "Confidants and top allies to the 89-year-old Democratic senator are rebuffing calls for her to not just temporarily remove herself from the Senate Judiciary Committee but step down from her job entirely before her term is up in 2024. They argue her request this week to be replaced on the committee while recuperating from shingles should satisfy critics -- at least for now. They view the calls for her to quit as laced with ageism, sexism, ideological disputes and unchecked political opportunism."

    Sadly it's not wrong about political opportunism. Its bad that is complicating this.  That said, it's not hard to see why any candidate would prefer to not run against an incumbent.  

    I've wondered, if she could be persuaded, or something, the governor could appoint someone who pledges to not run for the office.  

    At least remove the political angel.

    Parent

    But Gov. Newsom's problem ... (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 02:17:23 AM EST
    ... rests in the fact that after then-Sen. Kamala Harris became vice president-elect in 2020 and resigned her seat, he appointed California Atty. Gen. Alex Padilla to replace her, and then made a foolish public promise to appoint a Black woman to Diane Feinstein's seat should a vacancy occur, after Black Democrats objected to Padilla's appointment. (Harris was the only Black woman in the Senate.)

    Rep. Barbara Lee (D-East Bay) is the most logical choice in that regard, but she's also now a declared candidate for DiFi's seat in 2024. I suppose Newsom could get around it and still keep his promise by appointing Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), but I don't think he'd finagle a promise from her to stand down in 2024 because I don't see any indication that she's ready to retire.

    And in the meantime, Newsom himself is doing his own media rounds and nationwide visits, no doubt positioning himself as a potential presidential candidate on the off chance that Joe Biden decides to stand down next year.

    California Democrats are complicated politics.

    Parent

    Mitch fell and bumped his head (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:56:26 AM EST
    He's coming back next week I think.

    He's has never been mentally incompetent.

    Parent

    Ol' Turtleneck is back already. (none / 0) (#92)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 01:55:22 AM EST
    Despite the best efforts of physicians, there's still not an ethical bone in his body, and his moral fiber remains at dangerously low levels for the health of the country.

    Personally, I think DiFi should retire. But that's her decision to make, and not anybody else's. California voters knew she was an 85-year-old woman in 2018 and yet, they still re-elected her to her sixth full term in the Senate over her pseudo-liberal poseur-rival, Kevin De León. (Now, there's someone who should quit.) Even with her laid up, it remains the right choice. A Senator De León would've been the west coast's equivalent of Bob Menendez.

    Aloha.

    Parent

    In 2014, Hitler Enthusiast (none / 0) (#10)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 05:39:03 PM EST
    and dearest friend of Clarence and Ginni, Harlan Crow,  purchased an old home and two lots in Savannah. Ga  for $133. 313 from Clarence, his elderly mother, and family of his deceased brother.  

    Crow became the landlord of Mother Thomas. Crow, upon obtaining ownership, proceeded to renovate the home. The deal was not disclosed and kept secret.

    Overreach (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 06:01:54 PM EST

    Florida Lawmakers Approve 6-Week Abortion Ban
    April 13, 2023 at 4:45 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 269 Comments

    "Rejecting Democratic efforts to change it, the Republican-controlled Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a near-total ban on abortion after six weeks, sending the bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis who has said he would sign it," the Orlando Sentinel reports.

    "The 70-40 vote in the House came during a daylong hearing where dozens of amendments proposed by Democrats were shot down one by one. The Senate approved the bill earlier this month."
    Equality Florida (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 06:46:51 PM EST
    Issued a travel advisory, prompted by passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws, foment  racial prejudice, and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum.

    Parent
    I was thinking (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 06:58:30 PM EST
    about the gun thing.  And education.  They are not troubled by the gauntlet of life public schools have become because they don't really want public schools at all.

    They would be totally fine with a decision to close public schools.  Because they have become to dangerous.   Homeschooling for everybody.

    Parent

    Bingo (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by FlJoe on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:09:49 PM EST
    they want to destroy public education. Only the rich, their toadies and the religiously insane deserve to have their children educated.

    Throw the rest into indoctrination centers until they are strong enough to work the fields and factories.

    Once the (white) females reach puberty, ship them off to the birthing centers.

    I wish I was kidding, but they are actively pursuing all of this to grater or lesser degree.

    Parent

    But to the original point (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:21:19 PM EST
    they are overreaching everyday.  More and harder every day.  I think they have realized demographics is death for them and have decided to go for it.  Seize control while they can or they never will again.

    It won't work.  The abortion pill thing is a perfect example.  Its totally off the rails insane to consider giving a judge the right to decide what drug is safe.  What do you think would happen to vaccines because of supposed possible outcomes?

    Which is the core of their complaint.

    It won't work.  People are lazy and stupid but they will act in their own interest.

    Well, women will.  Enough women.

    Parent

    This (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by FlJoe on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:30:42 PM EST
    is what scares me
    and have decided to go for it.  Seize control while they can or they never will again.
    They have a huge amount of power right now, they will not give it up without a fight, elections be damned.

    IMO they will burn the place down before they willing concede defeat.

    Parent

    I believe they will (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:35:01 PM EST
    win in some areas.  Not nationally. Life will get worse for red state blues.

    Parent
    This also (none / 0) (#21)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 09:43:04 AM EST
    makes life worse for red state reds for the most part but it would seem they do not care.

    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#18)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:32:17 PM EST
    I expect they will try.

    Parent
    I saw polling (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 09:45:45 AM EST
    on mifepristone that said 55% of REPUBLICANS were against that decision.

    Parent
    In FL (none / 0) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 13, 2023 at 07:19:16 PM EST
    I believe the right to privacy is in their constituion and 1 ban has already been overturned. However this is incredibly stupid for someone who wants to run for president to do. Almost makes me want DeSantis to be the GOP nominee so we can rout him. He certainly would be writing off all those swing states.

    Parent
    Judicial (none / 0) (#20)
    by FlJoe on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:52:30 AM EST
    Cat fight!
    Judge Thomas Rice issues a new order compelling the FDA to preserve access to mifepristone in 17 states and D.C.--without any of the old obstacles--"irrespective of" the 5th Circuit's decision.  


    Pretty funny ad (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 01:44:40 PM EST

    Pudding Fingers

    CNN (none / 0) (#31)
    by FlJoe on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 06:19:32 AM EST
    gleefully screened that ad, for the moment they have seriously turned on meatball.

    Parent
    the site was down for (none / 0) (#25)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:22:37 PM EST
    a few hours today. It's now fixed (obviously, if you are reading this, it's now up)

    It's the Christian thing to do. (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:23:01 PM EST

    Pence Calls for Quick Executions of Mass Shooters
    April 14, 2023 at 5:30 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 103 Comments

    Mike Pence called for the quick execution of mass shooters as a solution to gun violence at the NRA's annual leadership summit, Politico reports.
    These (5.00 / 1) (#32)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 09:18:06 AM EST
    conservatives sound like they would really really like to live in Iran.

    Parent
    Not exactly a deterrent (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 09:51:39 AM EST
    since the majority of mass shooters plan to commit suicide either self inflicted or by cop.  

    Of course facts do not matter to the GOP, only the sound bite.

    Right to life GOP is such a false label. They are some of the most blood thirsty people in the country.

    Parent

    Is Pence just shamelessly pandering (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 10:10:46 AM EST
    or is he actually, genuinely, completely ignorant of basic Constitutional rights and the real-world consequences of short-cutting hard-won procedural protections?

    Parent
    He's pandering (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:13:58 AM EST
    he just got booted at an NRA meeting in his home state

    Parent
    Booed (none / 0) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:16:32 AM EST


    Parent
    Perhaps (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:20:05 AM EST
    that will discourage him from running for president. Not that I care one way or the other but him going back to a private life with mother would definitely be a bonus.

    Parent
    Honestly, from that clip it seems (none / 0) (#39)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:25:25 AM EST
    that a couple of people booed, and then someone yelled "We love you, Mike." The clip does not show him being roundly booed by the crowd as a whole, at least not to me.

    Parent
    It was the only clip without an ad (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 11:58:38 AM EST

    There's longer ones.  I think the point is he was booed at an NRA event in his home state.  

    Parent
    Understandable mixup, (none / 0) (#46)
    by KeysDan on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 02:14:27 PM EST
    Boo's are Pence, Boots are DeSantis.   Rhonda's speech at a fund-raiser in New Hampshire was interrupted by a couple of women protesters storming the stage and shouting, " Jews Against DeSantis".   Apparently, the women represent a group that has called out Rhonda for anti-semitism and white nationalism.

    The inevitable fight by the indicted, twice impeached former guy against DeSantis is underway---there is that "pudding fingers" ad and, now, Trump is taunting DeSantis as having been out-smarted by Mickey Mouse and galavanting around the country pushing his "shadow campaign" while Ft Lauderdale is flooded. Maybe, Trump should take a pause from his depositions and go to south Florida and throw  rolls of paper towels at the stranded motorists--- show Rhonda up

    Parent

    This, if DeSantis really runs, is going to be (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 02:29:17 PM EST
    hilariously ugly.  I'm still not convinced Rhonda will make a suicide run but IF he does ... I can't think for a more nasty junk yard dog to dance with Donald

    It should be quite a show

    Parent

    To be fair (none / 0) (#48)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 02:32:58 PM EST
    Republicans pundits, smart ones, are saying Ron can win the primary.

    Maybe he will run

    It would be the ultimate pyrrhic victory.  Trump would constantly undermine him.

    Parent

    The (none / 0) (#49)
    by FlJoe on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 02:51:45 PM EST
    money boys seem to be cooling on Meatball
    A billionaire who contributes to Republican campaigns is reportedly halting contributions to Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis in response to the governor's positions on book bans and abortion.


    Parent
    My money (none / 0) (#50)
    by KeysDan on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 02:58:08 PM EST
    is still on Trump.   The high rollers would like someone other than this loser, but there is the deplorable base and a primary to deal with.  

    Parent
    There are rumors (none / 0) (#53)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 03:21:01 PM EST
    They think DeSantis can beat him in the first up Iowa Caucuses. Evangelicals are fleeing from Trump.  

    I can see how he could win.  I'm just not sure why he would want to he's young.   Trump won't be a thing in 4 years.   Plus if you believe pollsters 24 is shaping up as a bad year for Republicans

    Parent

    Is there (none / 0) (#55)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Apr 16, 2023 at 02:21:43 PM EST
    polling to suggest evangelicals are fleeing Trump? At least publicly evangelical leaders are Trump apologists.

    Parent
    This has (none / 0) (#52)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 03:07:28 PM EST
    been going on for a while. About a month ago his donors were leaking to the press that Rhonda wasn't ready for primetime.

    Parent
    It's going around (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 06:22:55 PM EST

    Republican donor retreat suggests Donald Trump is far from a coronation



    Parent

    I honestly (none / 0) (#51)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 03:04:52 PM EST
    don't see him able to win the primary but it all depends I guess. Seems to me Haley would be a better bet since Trump and DeSantis could get into a death spiral.

    Parent
    also (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:24:46 PM EST

    Florida to Set Lower Death Penalty Threshold
    April 14, 2023 at 2:30 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 95 Comments

    "Florida House lawmakers have approved a bill that would lower the state's threshold for the death penalty and make it one of the few states to allow the death penalty without a unanimous jury recommendation," the Washington Post reports.

    "The bill, which passed the state House on Thursday in an 80-30 vote and passed the Senate last month, allows capital punishment if eight of 12 jurors approve, instead of requiring a unanimous jury."

    "It now awaits Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis's signature."



    Parent
    One of the mitigating circumstances (none / 0) (#34)
    by Peter G on Sat Apr 15, 2023 at 10:04:01 AM EST
    that can lead a capital case juror to vote against death is "residual doubt." As a result, experience teaches that a requirement of unanimity for penalty-phase juries plays a role in preventing the execution of innocent persons and saving the lives of the wrongly convicted.

    Parent
    Wonder if he means a quick trial (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 14, 2023 at 05:27:28 PM EST
    or just take the out behind the barn?

    Parent
    Philadelphia (and beyond, I hope) celebrating (none / 0) (#56)
    by Peter G on Sun Apr 16, 2023 at 03:33:35 PM EST
    the 125th anniversary this weekend of the birth of Paul Robeson, one of the greatest world citizens of the 20th Century. Wife and I attended the gala celebratory concert last night, with a talk by Gina Belafonte, daughter of Harry Belafonte, and a powerful performance by Sweet Honey in the Rock.

    But wait (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 07:21:27 AM EST

    Fox News Trial Delayed for Settlement Talks

    April 16, 2023 at 11:31 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 176 Comments

    "The beginning of the much-anticipated defamation case between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News has been delayed by one day, until Tuesday, to allow both parties to hold conversations about the possibility of a settlement," the Washington Post reports
    If they (none / 0) (#58)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 08:10:06 AM EST
    settle I hope part of it is running a banner across all Fox Shows stated they lied about the election. Even after this they have another case from Smartech and then who knows else. It would seem they are now fair game for a lot of people.

    Parent
    The judge (none / 0) (#59)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 08:15:31 AM EST
    just announced he delayed the trial and there has been no mention of settlement talks.

    Parent
    Fox ran a full page ad in the NYT today (none / 0) (#63)
    by Peter G on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 01:37:32 PM EST
    touting what a trusted source for news they are. (Not on Fox News, but in the Times, ha ha.) It that isn't attempted jury tampering I don't know what it is. Are they actually trying to piss off the judge?

    Parent
    Rape trial in one week (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 12:24:01 PM EST

    Judge Rejects Trump's Attempt to Delay Rape Trial
    April 17, 2023 at 1:15 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 14 Comments

    "A federal judge on Monday denied a bid by Donald Trump to delay a civil trial involving a rape allegation by author E. Jean Carroll against the former president, rejecting a contention that a `cooling off' period is needed after Trump's arraignment this month in a criminal case related to hush money payments to an adult-film star," the Washington Post reports.

    "In an order, U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said the trial will begin in Manhattan on April 25 as planned."

    Interesting idea.  A "cooling off period" between indictments.😆

    Pretty sure there is not a single judge (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by Peter G on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 01:26:18 PM EST
    in America who would grant a "cooling off" delay at the request of and to benefit or protect a defendant who personally engages in stirring up and heating up public sentiments as much as or more than any other participant in the process.

    Parent
    After being pansed by (none / 0) (#64)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 05:22:37 PM EST
    Disney and mocked about it by thew indicted, twice impeached loser, Rhonda plans upon sending state inspectors to inspect Disney's rides (Disney inspects its own rides), and threatened to build a state prison next to Disney's theme park.

    Can anyone from FL explain (none / 0) (#67)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 10:55:28 AM EST
    Rhonda's war on Mickey? I don't get it. What's the end game taking on the number one economic generator in the state?

    This would be like Gretchen Whitmer going after Ford or the governor of WI going after Harley Davidson. Or hell, even the my governor Shapiro going after Harley Davidson (assembly plant in York).

    If I were Iger, I'd just shut it all down right now, before summer and leave it closed for at least six months. No jobs, no full hotels, no full restaurants, nada. Let em drown.


    Parent

    Money (none / 0) (#68)
    by BGinCA on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 12:36:42 PM EST
    Disney revenue across all theme parks in 2022 was $28.7 Billion. I don't know what % is attributable to DisneyWorld, but thats a lot of cash for Iger to risk in a game of chicken.

    Parent
    Disney (none / 0) (#69)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 12:42:19 PM EST
    has been here for 50+ years, DeSantis will be gone in 3, they can easily wait him out.

    Parent
    I think a Disney prison (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 02:56:48 PM EST
    is a great idea.  

    Watching this is as much fun for me as watching Ron and Donalds slap fight.

    Parent

    Also good (none / 0) (#77)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:12:32 PM EST

    Disney promotes first-ever `Pride Nite' on Twitter after DeSantis warning



    Parent

    The Disney (none / 0) (#87)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:27:29 PM EST
    prison thing has people like Laura Loomer calling DeSantis dark and disturbed. He really should have let it all go after Disney bested him. Now he's only really making it worse for himself & Disney is literally rubbing his nose in it.

    Parent
    He (none / 0) (#70)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 12:45:07 PM EST
    is a petty tyrant who thinks that being the biggest anti-woke warrior is his ticket to the WH.

    Parent
    The high rollers (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 01:18:55 PM EST
    looking for a saner alternative to Trump and a return to the good old days of Republicanism (low or no taxes, no regulations, business-friendly courts), were fooled by Rhonda Santis.  It was quite OK to promulgate those conspiracy theories and hate campaigns so as to manipulate the rubes against their own interests, but DeSantis proved to be a creepy and genuine  fanatic when all they wanted was a charlatan.  They got scared.

    Parent
    They did (none / 0) (#74)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:01:15 PM EST

    Said one: "If we wanted a fvcking MAGA candidate, we would donate to Donald Trump."

    Rolling Stone

    Parent

    I think Asa Hutchinson (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:21:47 PM EST
    Might have picked a good time.  

    Parent
    I (none / 0) (#83)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 04:26:46 PM EST
    can see the wheels turning in the moneymen heads.
     
    Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis: "If I'm Bob Iger, I'm working around the clock to try to figure out how to make amends with Ron DeSantis. Just light Bud Light should be working around the clock to go kiss Kid Rock's ass.
    "First they came for Bud Light and we said nothing, then thy came for Disney....."

    Parent
    That BudLite thing (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 04:54:24 PM EST
    has a lot of people laughing on FB.  I think that's probably good.

    Parent
    A (none / 0) (#85)
    by FlJoe on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:04:33 PM EST
    lot of people recognize performative assholery when they see it, Kid Rock indeed.

    Parent
    The December 2022 reporting (none / 0) (#86)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:17:09 PM EST
    of DeSantis supporter and financial backer, Kent Stermon's suicide, is being widely re-circulated as if someone was looking into DeSantis' past associations to fluster the governor.

    Stermon (age 50) was an early supporter of DeSantis' bid for the Republican nomination for governor and is credited by some Florida politicians as being key to DeSantis' rapid rise in Florida politics.

    DeSantis stayed in a condo owned by Stermon while he served in Congress and named Stermon to his governor-transtion team. He also appointed Stermon to the Florida State Universities Board of Governor, where he served until his death.

    Stermon was alleged to have an inappropriate sexual relationship with a teenage girl---offering Taylor Swift concert tickets in exchange for nude photos. The enraged father of the teen turned down a "five-figure" hush money offer and called the police.  Shortly afterward, Stermon died by his own hand.

    Parent

    He has (none / 0) (#88)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:30:17 PM EST
    some like Lev Parnas and Matt Gaetz too. Lev probably wants to talk and Matt was on his transition team. I guess that team must have been sex trafficking & children's nude photos.

    Parent
    Marjorie Taylor Green (none / 0) (#65)
    by KeysDan on Mon Apr 17, 2023 at 05:29:03 PM EST
    is fighting with Lindseybelle. On Steve Bannon's show, commenting on his playing golf with TFG, she praised Trump  saying " He is a lot smarter than people give him credit."  "So sometimes you keep your biggest enemies, or should I say America's biggest traitors, close by."

    Lindsey did not "warm" to Marge's defense of the 2l-year old Air National Guardsman's classified documents/information dissemination, apparently.

    I think FOX JUST SETTLED (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 02:53:47 PM EST
    Breaking

    Yep (none / 0) (#75)
    by MO Blue on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:07:34 PM EST
    Major news outlets are reporting that Dominion settled suit. Hopefully, part of the settlement involves Fox acknowledging that they lied to viewers.

    Parent
    The one statement (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:11:30 PM EST
    I've heard was beyond weak tea.  There has to be more.  Pretty sure they will be.

    Dominion is about to speak I think.

    Parent

    787.5 (none / 0) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:19:57 PM EST
    Million

    People are asking what else

    We will see you at the next one.

    Was the last line.

    Next one?

    Smartmatic?  Are they going again?

    Parent

    She means Smartmatic (none / 0) (#80)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:28:22 PM EST
    So say MSNBC

    2.7 billion.  I think.

    Parent

    This is it so far (none / 0) (#81)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 03:37:44 PM EST

    We acknowledge the court's rulings finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.

    Weak tea.  Expensive tea, apparently.  

    Parent

    Maria Bartiromo (none / 0) (#82)
    by jondee on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 04:00:13 PM EST
    will probably come on and parse the statement to mean the court's rulings are false.

    Parent
    I guess (none / 0) (#89)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:31:42 PM EST
    it was too much to hope that Fox would get steamrolled.

    Parent
    787.5 million (none / 0) (#90)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:41:47 PM EST
    is a lot.  Sure they will pay it.  Then SmartMatic. A billion here 2 billion there, it adds up.

    Also, I was wondering what if any kind of legal problems this kind of admission might have for FOX in the wider world of the deceived.

    Can others sue them now?  For example some major supplier of Dominion.   Or a class action for pain and suffering?

    Parent

    I would (none / 0) (#91)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Apr 18, 2023 at 05:49:14 PM EST
    be happy if Fox was forced to run a ribbon underneath all their programs stating they lied about the 2020 election and Dominion voting machines.

    The irony is that we have Dominion here in GA and they are far superior to the ones we had before that had no paper trail. They were hackable. Before that we had the ones where you fill in the circle.

    Reading about this on NPR their reporting is this really damaged Fox--all the emails, all the intended propaganda, all the rube fleecing came to light and Fox just looks horrible to any sane person. They also reiterated things like the hacking scandal in the UK where Murdoch had phones tapped. These people don't even attempt to tell the truth.

    i hope everybody sues them who can. Yeah, Smartech is next. Maybe they would rather have a trial than settled. If I were a business owner I would want those Dominion lawyers on my side.

    Parent

    Snowfall. FX and HULU (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 19, 2023 at 09:24:32 AM EST
    This great 6 season show is wrapping up with the series finale tonight

    It's very good.  It's the almost unbelievable story of how the CIA introduced rock cocaine to LA to secretly fund the Contras.

    It goes about as well as you would expect it to.  This is not about the political side.  But about what it did to LA.

    series finale trailer

    Today in Politico: (none / 0) (#131)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Apr 22, 2023 at 05:07:14 PM EST
    "Look, we don't care how confident President Biden and his administration are. It's 'Democrats in Disarray' or bust, baby! We've invested way too much in development costs for that storyline to simply give up on it now."

    The D.C. press corps makes my head hurt.

    Not bad (none / 0) (#149)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 07:53:12 AM EST
    Joe jumps in

    It's (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by KeysDan on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 10:01:00 AM EST
    pretty good.     Go Joe!

    Parent
    Won't link (none / 0) (#155)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Apr 25, 2023 at 04:32:26 PM EST
    But this is something.  This is going to be fun to watch.  

    Truth Details
    Avatar
    Donald J. Trump

    @realDonaldTrump

    ·
    4h
    I see that everybody is talking about the Republican Debates, but nobody got my approval, or the approval of the Trump Campaign, before announcing them. When you're leading by seemingly insurmountable numbers, and you have hostile Networks with angry, TRUMP & MAGA hating anchors asking the "questions," why subject yourself to being libeled and abused? Also, the Second Debate is being held at the Reagan Library, the Chairman of which is, amazingly, Fred Ryan, Publisher of The Washington Post. NO!

    4.88k

    ReTruths

    16k

    Likes
    Apr 25, 2023, 11:54 AM
    It would (none / 0) (#160)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 09:09:22 AM EST
    be interesting to have everybody but Trump show up for a debate. The debate would probably still be all about Trump though.

    Parent
    What else (none / 0) (#161)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 09:36:36 AM EST
    do they have to talk about  

    Parent
    2 things (none / 0) (#162)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 09:41:12 AM EST

    A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds that nearly two-thirds of Republicans would still vote for Donald Trump even if he is found guilty of a crime.

    Ron Brownstein: "This neatly sums up GOP situation heading into 2024: 63% of Republicans say they want a second Trump term even if he's found guilty of a crime. Just 21% of indies, 24% non-whites, 27% under age 45, 17% (!) col+ whites agree.

    ----------------

    David Frum: "Despite lavish anti-Trump donations by big-money Republicans, Trump is cruising to easy renomination. Rather than capitalize on existing economic troubles, Republicans have started a debt-ceiling fight that will cast them as the cause of America's economic troubles. Worse for them, the troubles are fast receding. Inflation is vexing, but the recession that Republicans hoped for did not materialize: Instead, Joe Biden has presided over the fastest and steepest unemployment reduction in U.S. economic history."

    "The big new Republican idea to halt the flow of drugs is to bomb or invade Mexico. Instead of reassuring women, Republican state legislators and Republican judges are signaling that they will support a national abortion ban if their party wins in 2024--and are already building the apparatus of surveillance and control necessary to make such a ban effective. Republican state-level voter-suppression schemes have been noisy and alarming when the GOP plan called for them to be subtle and technical."

    "It's early in the election cycle, of course, but not too early to wonder: Are we watching a Republican electoral disaster in the making?"



    Parent
    I believe (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 26, 2023 at 09:44:56 AM EST
    we are.

    I just wonder if it will finally break the fever or just make them more desperate and dangerous. Not sure about that at all.

    Parent

    IMO (none / 0) (#171)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 01:51:52 PM EST
    more desperate and dangerous.

    Parent
    Jerry Springer... (none / 0) (#170)
    by desertswine on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 12:37:44 PM EST
    Jerry Springer, the onetime mayor and news anchor whose namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional families willing to bare all on weekday afternoons including brawls, obscenities and blurred images of nudity, died Thursday at 79.

    "The Jerry Springer Show" ran for nearly three decades, reaching its peak viewership in the 1990s. No matter what sort of drama had taken place in front of a studio audience and viewers tuning in from home, Mr. Springer ended each segment with a signature sign-off: "Take care of yourself, and each other."

    Heading to L.A. today. (none / 0) (#173)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 03:07:59 PM EST
    My younger sister died in her sleep last night. She had not been healthy in quite some time and had a heart attack five years ago. I can only surmise that's what happened.

    I'll catch up with you all later.

    So sorry to hear, Donald (5.00 / 4) (#174)
    by Peter G on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 03:17:34 PM EST
    Sending hugs

    Parent
    I am (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 07:42:49 PM EST
    so sorry for your loss.

    Parent
    Sorry (5.00 / 1) (#181)
    by MO Blue on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 10:12:54 PM EST
    For your loss.

    Parent
    I'm so sorry. (5.00 / 1) (#188)
    by desertswine on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 01:42:48 PM EST


    Parent
    It must be really hard (5.00 / 1) (#192)
    by leap2 on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 03:51:59 PM EST
    to lose a sibling. I feel for you.

    Parent
    So very sorry, Donald (5.00 / 2) (#193)
    by Zorba on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 04:23:33 PM EST
    Sympathy and love to you and your family.

    Parent
    Pence Testifies (none / 0) (#175)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 04:30:13 PM EST

    Mike Pence testifies before special counsel grand jury
    Pence has critical insight into Trump following his loss in the 2020 election.

    That's pretty close to the top. Mr Smith might beat out Ms Willis

    Funny and ominous sign for Don Juan (none / 0) (#176)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 04:56:15 PM EST

    Hawley says he's not interested in being vice president even if Trump asks in 2024

    Even that guy is not willing.  He's always got Large Marjorie

    Trump may (5.00 / 1) (#177)
    by KeysDan on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 06:05:09 PM EST
    stick with a male. And, look to youth.  Kyle Rittenhouse may be a strong contender.

    Parent
    if something happened to Trump (none / 0) (#182)
    by leap2 on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 12:49:12 AM EST
    (please!), Killer Kyle would be too young to be president.

    Parent
    Good point. (none / 0) (#183)
    by KeysDan on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 08:41:03 AM EST
    Trump and the Republicans have a deep bench of wackos to chose from instead.  

    Parent
    Missourians should congregate (5.00 / 1) (#178)
    by MO Blue on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 07:35:57 PM EST
    Outside his office chanting Run, Hawley, Run as they project the video of his dash to escape on the side of the building. Cowardly AH. Other descriptors come to mind but Jeralyn  would ban me for using them.

    Parent
    I would not (none / 0) (#180)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Apr 27, 2023 at 07:44:02 PM EST
    be surprised for Trump to pick Marge. She's from GA an important swing state but most of all she's willing to go to the mat and defend every crime. Defending his crimes is teh most important asset I would think.

    Parent
    It's hard to believe really (none / 0) (#187)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 01:29:58 PM EST
    that the election gods would be so good to us as to give us a Trump/Green ticket.

    But it's definitely possible.

    Parent

    Frank Luntz is very VERY concerned (none / 0) (#186)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 12:56:43 PM EST
    about intolerant young people    

    This is pretty good stuff.

    An angry and intolerant younger generation is destroying American democracy

    I wonder how concerned he would be if they were not hating republicans?

    PFFT (5.00 / 2) (#189)
    by jmacWA on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 03:16:03 PM EST
    This couldn't possibly have anything to do with how the GOP has been acting and messaging for the last 25 or so years could it?

    Parent
    The f'ing Godfather (5.00 / 1) (#190)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 03:19:45 PM EST
    of Gaslighting

    Parent
    I (5.00 / 5) (#191)
    by FlJoe on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 03:20:48 PM EST
    seem to rember plenty of shouting and "intolerance" from my generation in the late sixties, even some violene and no democracies were harmed in the process.

    These pearl clutchers never ever consider that maybe the kids have a point,  history indicates we had a very valid one back in the day.

    Sing it kids- "if you want civility for people with minds that hate
    All I can tell you is brother you have to wait"

    Parent

    Who's against democracy? (none / 0) (#197)
    by jondee on Sat Apr 29, 2023 at 12:05:43 PM EST
    Not long ago, right-wing sugar daddy Peter Thiel said he doubted whether "freedom" (his) and democracy can coexist.

    He also speculated that it might have been a mistake giving women the right to vote.

    Parent

    And now (none / 0) (#198)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Apr 29, 2023 at 12:45:21 PM EST
    he's completely dropped out and says he will not be funding any candidates in 2024.

    Parent
    Wow (none / 0) (#200)
    by jondee on Sat Apr 29, 2023 at 01:57:56 PM EST
    that's quite an about-face.

    It seemed like he was writing checks to every winger with a pulse before. Along with funding 'science' journals and conferences that questioned climate change and promoted Intelligent Design.

    Parent

    Destruction of (5.00 / 1) (#194)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Apr 28, 2023 at 08:59:37 PM EST
    democracy is being done in state houses across the nation.

    These snowflake crybabies need to get a life. These are the same people that had a rotten Rush Limbaugh blaring across the country for decades.

    Parent

    Thursday Open Thread | 200 comments (200 topical)