718 Comments
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James F Davis's avatar

Republicans posing a threat to national security? Is anyone surprised? Paul, Tuberville and several other members of Congress are at least “useful idiots” for Russia, China and who knows what other entities.

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Michael Bales's avatar

Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders should be raising hell every day. They’re not making a strong public case.

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yeildo14's avatar

Agreed. Waaaayyy too much playing nice and not making anybody mad. Truck that.

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MisTBlu's avatar

The Senate is pretty hide bound when it comes to their rules. At this point the only thing Schumer et al can do is subject all of the nominees to the arduous floor vote procedure. That Tuberville refuses to relent shows not only his disdain for the military but that he's grossly unqualified to be a US senator. Can't believe the people of Alabama chose him over Doug Jones.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

@MisTBlu, Your thoughtful comment notwithstanding, Schumer could have suspended the August recess until the Senate had completed its work.

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Rose (WNY via OH/OR/MA/FL/CO)'s avatar

That should be mandatory: nobody should leave on vacation until they’ve completed the work they were elected to do!

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Rose, While I’m not aware of any procedure for imposing such a mandate, I do regret not having contacted Senate leadership to express my dismay over their adjourning, despite not having confirmed critically important high-level presidential nominations. Additionally, as I expect you know, the Republican-controlled House also adjourned, leaving eleven of the twelve must-pass 2024 budget measures unresolved.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Postscript for Rose: When I wrote this morning, I neglected to underscore that we could, and we should, prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

Thank you. And the House will return from its "vacation" with only 12 days to pass bills preventing a government shutdown.

So there you have it. Republicans in both chambers are attempting to destroy the government's ability to function. And that should be front page headlines every day. God forbid that Republicans would sit down with Democrats to get positive things done for the American public. Like healthcare for their constituents, clean energy independence, enhanced disaster relief programs, sheltering the homeless - in the richest nation to have ever existed! The list of opportunities to improve...to SAVE lives is very long.

Instead they obstruct and do damage to our readiness and to the families of military personnel. They create financial chaos that damages our global credit rating. They fight culture wars they can never win. Let's try to name one positive thing the GQP has proposed.

It's as if they have been infected with an alien mind worm that has taken control of their brains. Or Putin has poisoned their tap water. It's like the "Manchurian Candidate" on steroids or "Secret Invasion" where shape shifting Skrulls penetrate the highest level of power.

I think we have the makings of an unbelievably terrible movie. I don't want to watch it but apparently we can't leave the theater.

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K Barnes's avatar

Tuberville, as all Repugs since Hastert and Gingrich, play politics like a football game. Win at any cost. Make up the rules as they go: i.e. McConnell and SCOTUS. Propriety and the good of the nation are barely afterthoughts. Anti abortion has been the underlying driver for incessant obstructionist maneuvers despite the will of the majority. Sanctimonious authoritarians.

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yeildo14's avatar

Sadly your whole post is correct. Going to take a loooong time to overturn the fact that we Dems have been asleep at the wheel.

Trying to find consensus with a group only interested in imposing christian sharia law.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

Yes. They are the American Taliban. And I really think "Christ" would be saying "WTF?"

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yeildo14's avatar

Yup. Here is a group that cannot answer WWJD?

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Bill, First, an apology for my delayed response. As for my thoughts, while every one of your allegations against Republicans is spot-on, my mind, at present, mostly is wrapped around both chambers having adjourned for their August recess—critically important unfinished work be damned! While there is little we can do about the GOP-controlled House, regarding the Senate, we can, and, in my mind, we should, prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to confirm, one-by-one, the nominees for the critically important vacated Pentagon and State high-level posts. I say this because the country, in my view, needs to witness Dems standing up to Tuberville, let alone to the entire Senate Republican caucus that’s gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees for positions vital to our national security.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

Agreed! No apology needed. :)

Both chambers should be in session. It is a dereliction of duty that they be on vacation when the funding of the US government expires next month. And it is an act of undermining our military readiness that we don't confirm these leaders. There is no question of their qualifications. And their family lives are in flux if not chaos.

Tuberville is using blackmail to impose HIS religious views on America. Views not shared by the vast majority. You are absolutely right. The Senate should start voting on them one by one. Now.

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mark cramer's avatar

BILL , The ALIEN Mind WORM, is Actually a DRAGON ! & That DRAGONS name ! ,, is LuciFER !! EVIL ! POWER !, AND MAMMONITE- isim is Trying !, to Take OVER ! ( in " THAT DAY ! , IT ! , Will LOSE ! )

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MisTBlu's avatar

I agree. But the Senate in general and Schumer in particular doesn't much like altering its rules. McConnell, however, had no problem deciding to never actually recess the Senate so as to prevent Obama from making recess appointments to the court. Thus we have the theatrics of a pro-forma session in which one senator opens and closes it.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

@MisTBlu, First, my apologies for the delayed reply. As for my thoughts, while I appreciate the comparison, I would note that Senate Leader Schumer is authorized to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to fill, one-by-one, the vacated Pentagon and State posts. I see this not only as necessary but also as a show of resistance both to Tuberville and to the entire Senate Republican caucus that has gone silent on Tuberville’s deleterious hold on numerous presidential nominees, whose service is vital to our national security.

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MisTBlu's avatar

You're correct about Schumer's options. I only hope he knows what he's doing by not using them. As Paul released his hold on the State appts the only issue is getting Tommy Turkey to stop being a putz and putting our national security at rusk. Saw a clip of him tonight. He's di full of himself. It's that advisor of his, who's an even bigger putz.

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Frankom's avatar

Schumer needs to go.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Frankom, First, an apology for my delayed reply. As for my thoughts, because I don’t expect Schumer, anytime soon, to vacate his post, I say, due to Tuberville’s deleterious hold on Senate confirmations for posts vital to our national security, we must prevail upon Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month to get the job done, either one confirmation at a time, or by acclamation if Tuberville buckles.

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Frankom's avatar

Absolutely!

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Linda Bailey's avatar

MisTBlu it also shows just how much the Republicans have the upper hand. We are ruled by the minority, not majority. This reinforces the weakness of the Democrats.

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Michele's avatar

Oh I can believe that Alabama chose him over Doug Jones. After all he was Alabama's football coach and what is more important there. The Senate is full of Rs who shouldn't even be voted in as dog catchers. Maybe OK to pick up horse dung from a parade.

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Maggie's avatar

Actually, Michele - dont think hes qualified for THAT either! Might take some common sense ("horsesense"?) He has none.

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Michele's avatar

I do love horses and I am sorry that I may have insulted them. Heard a story this am at the Saturday Market where 32 were rescued because of a fire south of us. And people also offered places for them to stay. A nice story to start the day. My person who does my CBD belongs to some group who does this. Good things do happen.

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Maggie's avatar

Same love here - people who do these rescues are saints! As are the ones who show up & record the roundups the BLM are are currently running - more than 30 horses dead so far - run in 80-90 degree heat, pregnant mares, newborn foals & being chased by helicopters & roped & dragged into trailers. More awareness of this roundup because of the deaths - about dam time. Sorry - ranting!!!

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Michele's avatar

What you describe is totally disgusting. I object to my tax money being used for this kind of atrocity.

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Maggie's avatar

We all should object to that BUT its been going on for decades! Google it - dont take my word for it. The more people who are aware the better.

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MissingInArizona's avatar

I imagine the horses would feel quite insulted 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Bruce Sellers (Georgia, USA)'s avatar

Tubbs was actually Auburn's football coach. Nick Saban is Alabama's coach. Since football is a religion down here, I know these things . . .

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Bridget Collins's avatar

That would be my vote.

Schedule the Senate for a 24 hour session and keep them on the floor voting on nominee after nominee until they begin to drop.

McConnell and Feinstein aren't going to be able go the distance but my guess is Tubby isn't either.

Make it painful.

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Rebel408's avatar

Actually, I disagree. Rules such as the filibuster, blue slips and stunts like Tuberville's are NOT laws...they are courtesies extended in good faith in the past. They are no longer relevant as there is no "good faith" left in the US Senate. The Republicans plow ahead ignoring the Dems and Schumer does nothing to stop them. In my opinion, he is the weakest Dem leader the Senate has had in decades. I was sorry he was re-elected as Senate Leader again as I felt he was so entrenched in "old way" of doing things he would let the R's walk all over him. Sadly, I now watch my fears played out in real time.

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Ned L's avatar

So Schumer should start the floor vote process. Get on it. What else is more important?

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Sara Toye's avatar

Wasn’t Tuberville the one who couldn’t name the 3 branches of government? I wonder if he’s learned anything yet.

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T L Mills's avatar

He's not the only Repubbie unable to recite the three branches of government correctly-there are a good many Repub Representatives and Senators who haven't a clue about how government functions.

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Virginia Witmer's avatar

Then you don’t know Alabama football and racism. The two trump (excuse me, please) all other considerations in the state where public schools for years have been 50th of 50 and “paddling” of students by teachers was “discipline.”

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Virginia Witmer's avatar

To MisTBlu that was.

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Planet 99's avatar

So Schumer should do it. All of it. Do whatever the hell it takes.

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Shaf's avatar

People of Alabama … no surprise there.

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Steve Abbott's avatar

Consider it trucked.

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Aug 5, 2023Edited
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Jon Margolis's avatar

Sorry to disagree (that’s a lie; I have no qualms about being disagreeable), but there has been a good deal of coverage about Sen. Potato Head’s idiocy.

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George Baum's avatar

Too much coverage, it is all free publicity. There is an old saying that I don't care what you write about me a long as you spell my name correctly.

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T L Mills's avatar

No doubt Tuberville, the Senate Idiot--make that ONE of the Senate Idiots--is actually enjoying the notoriety and power his ploy (and the media) is giving him. Tubby is about as dumb a person as I have ever seen elected to the position of Senator.

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Anne Dempsey's avatar

Agreed. At the risk of sounding condescending, I’m not sure football coaching has any aspects to it that prepare any American to be a member of the House or the Senate.

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kdsherpa's avatar

Condescending? Not a bit!

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Joshua Gillelan's avatar

Tommy T's rank in the pantheon of Senate simpletons was under serious threat in the GA U.S. Senate election in 2022, but happily a small majority of the voters of that state -- by 100K votes out of 3.5M, or 51+% to 49-% -- declined to send Sen Herschel Walker to Washington. Manifestly PLAYING football produces even more encephalopathy than COACHING it. (Was Marcia, no, Marsha Blackburn a linebacker?)

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Forrest Laws's avatar

And he was a terrible coach.

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Michele's avatar

I also saw a story yesterday about death star's all caps threat and Jack Smith's response. It was the Palmer Report.

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Judith Smith 1111's avatar

Michele -- I'd never heard of the Palmer Report. This is what Googling led me to:

"The Palmer Report is an American liberal fake news website, founded in 2016 by Bill Palmer. It is known for making unsubstantiated or false claims, producing hyperpartisan content, and publishing conspiracy theories, especially on matters relating to Donald Trump and Russia. Wikipedia"

Trump's threat on his social media was well publicized at many many reputable sources.

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Michele's avatar

That description is BS. I have seen it before. I find it quite good on current events. Sometimes the headlines are a little over the top, but the analysis is good. Wiki is wrong on this one. It is liberal, but not full of fake claims or any other part of this description. I ignore this nonsense from Wiki. There are several writers who are here, but a one or two in England even though American. I suggest you go to the site and read the latest articles. I just found one this am on Jack Smith responding to death star's threat and it described what he had done. It tries often to counteract what one reads in the mainstream media.

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Judith Smith 1111's avatar

Thank you, Michele, for setting me straight. Not just about your post, but about Wiki in general. Being a stickler for vetting things myself, I will be even more diligent.

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Michele's avatar

I understand. Wiki is OK for some things and I sometimes use it to look up a person or event. I do not know why this has stood, because it is certainly inaccurate. I find Palmer very sensible when everybody else is hyperventilating about some news story. It is also encourages people to work together against the current edition of the party of death. It has a list of House members who could use some donation help in districts where it would do the most good. I have found it excellent in explaining how the justice system works and what smart prosecutors like Jack Smith do, counteracting the doom sayers.

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Judith Smith 1111's avatar

Michele -- I've found Wikipedia to be pretty reliable overall. Each Wiki (meaning an individual entry, and not shorthand for Wikipedia) has to pass the Smell Test for accuracy and truthfulness. As for Palmer -- he/it just does not appeal to me at all, so I won't be going there as a resource.

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Beth Barnaks's avatar

Yes, Wiki has the potential to be a great resource, with subject matter expert input on subjects from the Carolina wren to cataracts to Congress critters. But as an open source it can be incredibly unreliable (anyone can write anything.)

It’s a place to START, not a sole source of data or information.

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Judith Smith 1111's avatar

Absolutely!!

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Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/palmer-report/ MBFC rates this site a Far Left. "Factual Reporting: Mixed" "Credibility Rating: Medium Credibility."

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Michele's avatar

Are we still going on about this. I like it and i find it to be reliable. It's not far left as far as I am concerned. To me far left is KBOO radio (slit your wrist radio as one person calls it) in Portland and Palmer doesn't even come close to that. But even with what you have posted here....this does't come close to what Wikipedia said. A lot of the coverage have been about death star's legal woes and I haven't found a thing that I consider far out. In fact, Palmer does an excellent job of explaining how the prosecutors go at these cases and admits that there is much we don't know because Garland doesn't leak and Jack Smith is a first rate prosecutor. I have never seen anything close to a conspiracy theory. I would appreciate it if you would stop trying to change my mind because it isn't going to happen. You've made your point and I disagree that there is something deeply flawed about this site.

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Marycat2021's avatar

I used to read it years ago. It's a rubbish site. You can do better by reading blogs like Emptywheel. Don't subject your mind to junk like Palmer, please.

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Judith Smith 1111's avatar

Marycat2021 and Michele -- I went to the site, and will not be returning. They sure love Trump! Every article, regardless of subject, had Trump's photo attached. Huh???

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Marycat2021's avatar

It's all hyperbolic clickbait. And they tout themselves as being the "leading source" for political news. This is actually rather insidious and similar to right wing websites in that it's meant to influence the opinions of readers instead of providing facts to help them decide for themselves. Daily Kos is like that too.

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T L Mills's avatar

Possibly Mr. BK meant more of a Dem outcry about the potential threats to our national security and hanging the blame around the necks of those who are causing it...?

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James F Davis's avatar

Coverage is one thing, action is another matter entirely.

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Valerie Curtis's avatar

Not enough and not loud enough. Definitely not enough coverage defining what the delays are doing to us, to the military and to the Democracy around the world.

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Mark Saleski's avatar

Yeah, I think the problem is that the people who might benefit from the coverage have their heads shoved up fox news, newsmax, etc. Either that or they just don't care. Neither would surprise me at this point.

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Jack Lippman (FL-NY-NJ)'s avatar

Media should pay as much attention to Republican efforts to hamstring government, as described today by HCR, as they do to the mouthing off of the indicted former president, a violation of the terms of his indictment that will eventually put him under stricter conditions of custody. The Republican Party does more harm to the nation than the out-of-office defeated former president can now do, preferring to cater to the anti-democratic forces of darkness rather than to the 'better angels of our nature,' as Abraham Lincoln remnded us in his first Inaugural Address.

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Paula Dufour's avatar

We must be careful not to become what we despise. There is a right way and a wrong way. The right way almost always takes more time and the wrong way is usually motivated by the desire for instantaneous gratification like when you punch someone in the nose.

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mark cramer's avatar

Paula, Your Point , is True ! With Joe, DOING Such a Great Job, in the Process, of Righting, SO MANY WRONGS, & Still Being BASHED by the Rs ( AND,.. some Ds !) The Method, of WAKING UP ! THESE People, may be having, to PULL OFF the GLOVES ! & DELIVER Piping HOT ! , KNUCKLE SANDWICHES !! ( LORD! ,have MERCY !)

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GMB's avatar

BK I agree with the fact that the media isn't covering the Tuberville and Rand bully tactics enough. The group here knows about and hears about it, but we represent a small portion of the population. Those that listen to Fox probably haven't heard anything. And most of the population is too busy with their lives to keep up on the relentless assault by republicans on our democracy. Anything involving sex (or Hunter Biden) and the media is all over it.

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Paula Dufour's avatar

As for downgrading the US credit rating, they've done it before and they'll do it again. Unfortunately, the apparent change of this administration's economic policy isn't echoed by the independent Fed who seems to insist that controlling inflation must be done through a target of 5% unemployment.The prevailing school of economic thought doesn't seem to reflect reality. There are plenty of indicators that economists need to go back to reading and evaluating all the available data. Perhaps they've chosen the wrong economic philosophy and the wrong datasets to watch in a world that may not longer be defined by national borders.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Michael, While I agree, I also would note that too many of us are sitting and waiting and watching to see what our political leaders will do. I say we flood them with phone calls, letters, and emails amplifying the stakes if they’re perceived as powerless to counter the increasing encroachment by the minority over the will of the majority.

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Roxanna Springer's avatar

Not just them -- our media needs to hear from us, the people who they ostensibly care about if only because we constitute their ratings and provide them income. We used to have citizens who protested the inaction of any part of society that was doing damage to the country.

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Barbara Jo Krieger's avatar

Rozanna, Thank you for writing. I fully agree, and tomorrow (Sunday) I will set aside time to start doing my part, wherein I particularly will prevail upon Leader Schumer to recall the Senate to Washington for the rest of the month. Additionally, per your comment, I also will incorporate media into my pleas.

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Roxanna Springer's avatar

Thanks, Barbara Jo.

The media sector could be doing something worthy of note, living up to the expectations (even, the needs) of those who were trying to give the citizens of this country a foundation for their governance of themselves as well as their society -- similar to the expectations of the educational sector. Then, we all could profit.

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Kathy's avatar

💙💙💙📞✍️

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MC Glass's avatar

That was my reaction Barbara Jo and I'm a Canadian.

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Susan Troy's avatar

I just emailed my senator. It’s not much, but at least it’s something.

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Susan Troy's avatar

Excellent idea. Let’s do it now.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Michael, I agree! Let’s turn up the heat. Kamala Harris certainly blasted DeSatan for “inviting” her to discuss his odious, anti-Black curriculum. The insurrection continues with these blockers and haters. Tumorville is just beyond belief. Paul we know about and he finally caved, but he is an idiot and traitor also, imho.

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John T Phillips's avatar

I may add one more thing to what Tuberville is, he is dumb as a rock and has the IQ of a rock. These looney Fascist Rethugs are what i have been calling them for a year or so, they are a Domestic Terrorist Organization.

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JennSH from NC's avatar

Someone had to have put this onerous idea to block military leadership nominees into Tuberville's head. He is not smart enough to have had that idea by himself. Rand Paul is the odious contrarian he has always been who thinks he's the smartest guy in the room. But it's a sure thing our enemies are watching this stupid sh*t going on and making plans. There are consequences to these ridiculous actions.

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T L Mills's avatar

I can't believe someone hasn't made good Dem political hay out of Tuberville's "No one is more military than me.." remark contrasted with his LACK of military service and his intransigence over allowing military promotions and appointments to go through. Opportunity staring us in the face...

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Maggie's avatar

They do appear to let so many of these opportunities just slip by! The Repubs do such stupid s**t & make so many dimwitted statements - Is there anyone in the Dem party listening & watching? For crying out loud! DO SOMETHING!!

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Gigi's avatar

And stop letting the bullies win. “If you go after me, I’m coming after you” should mean Jailtime for Bozo. Maybe he could share his summer reading list like President Obama has done for years. I would certainly like to see it!

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Maggie's avatar

Seriously! Do you really believe he has one?

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Gigi's avatar

Absolutely not. I think he never read a book to his children when they were little neither.

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Maggie's avatar

I really dont think he ever got near enough to those kids to read to them or anything else!

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MisTBlu's avatar

That someone is Morgan Murphy. While Tuberville wanted to get the military to alter their policy he hadn't the slightest idea how to do it. Enter the retired Navy captain, writer for Vanity Fair and seller of bacon products on QVC. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2023/05/26/meet-ex-food-writer-advising-tommy-tuberville-national-security/

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Anne Dempsey's avatar

Love your comment. Paul thinking he’s the smartest person in the room….

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Randy Watson's avatar

Tumorville, love it, Elisabeth!

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Jen Andrews's avatar

I’m fond of Tommy (what grown man is “Tommy?) Gooberville myself.

I’m sure the low level of intelligence in the state that sent him had nothing to do with the decision to keep Space Command in Colorado. Who would agree to live there?

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Ally House (Oregon)'s avatar

Very good question, Jen. I suspect its a southern thing.

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Mary Hardt's avatar

Michael, I’ve heard Church Schumer on ABC,NBC,and CBS as well as MSNBC decrying the obstructionism of TT and Rand Paul at least once per week. Unfortunately, unlike their competitors, the “Big 3” are unwilling to feature him or Hakeem Jeffries when they can feature footage of TFG’s motorcade and plane landing.

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Patricia Davis's avatar

I do love the cynical, Mary...being ever so clever.🫶

Just lost (due to a sloppy finger ) my first comment , still internet woes on top. 😬

I do hope someone is keeping a tally when we get both houses back what lack of protection needs cemented new laws. A felon can not run for President #1 or something to that whole despicable nature.

No coverage isn’t adequate of the GOOD being done ,doesn’t sell well 🤦‍♀️..isn’t dramatic enough , the minority knows how to pitch and bitch/bad actors in their own Game of Throw(n)s ie the baby out with the bath water because that’s exactly what it is.

The precedent is being s l o w l y tallied , it’s a lesson like so many others -each time a little more consequential . Losing ground has a frenzied finale as any cliff hanger/car chase/or who done it ALWAYS provides as the curtain goes down.

The list WILL be long, the names add up daily as bottom to the top progress puts players ...

IN JAIL.

It’s daily I hear ‘oh, he’ll never see a prison cell’ and for the lack of accountability handed down that’s been well documented over my lifetime...and it’s US who pay the harshest price...so".........

GET OUT THERE AND VOTE

💙💙VOTE THEM OUT💙💙 and hold the chosen, the elected ‘s -feet to the fire.

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Mary Hardt's avatar

Patricia, yes—news manager question “Does it bleed, show horrific damage or feature TFG? Go with it. “

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Mary Hardt's avatar

Patricia, sorry about your continuing internet woes.

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Patricia Davis's avatar

Thank you. Within any element there is at least one lesson. Time is wasted too often by those seeking thrill, missing the lesson.

This culmination is many missed lessons.

🙏😔😶

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Susan Troy's avatar

That is really creepy and smacks of nothing but dark money and evil men.

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Anne-Louise Luccarini's avatar

You mean, dashcam footage of the filthy, broken, graffiti'd streets of Washington DC?

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Joan leslie's avatar

Completely agree

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

Precarious silence, allowing the subversion of our Government by Republicans like tt and the optomatrist (or eye doctor) pr ... Rediculous! Polls show our citizens are not paying attention to the antics... Focusing more on personal struggles allow the rats to play.

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Victoria Wilson's avatar

Yes,I agree.Our mainstream news media is not talking about these unfilled vacancies but maybe they should be.Our national security is greatly affected.The American people need to be made aware of this.

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K Barnes's avatar

The question I have is: WHY? Why is MSM (seemingly) disinterested in a deep dive on these congressional maneuvers that can completely stop traffic? Color me "flummoxed". The press are "the eyes and ears" of the population(?). And yet, it seems they are more interested in reporting exactly what color suit and tie the golf cheater is wearing to court. I swear, we will will soon hear where he stops for burgers and chips on his way to proceedings. Forgive my rant. IMO, Tubby and the eye "doctor" require deeper investigative dives than they are getting, as well as this particular congressional rule allowing such procedural tyranny. For instance, has this rule ever produced a positive outcome for the country? If so, write about the five journalistic W's with respect to the issues. Readers WANT to KNOW, because, otherwise, it just sounds ridiculous from the bleachers. And, of course, IMHO, Chubby deserves a total news blackout both FROM him and about him.

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Victoria Wilson's avatar

I, like you, am also"flummoxed" by the press's indifference to matters that are of great importance to the American people and our national security. The msm is owned by billionaires but certainly they have children and grandchildren who would be greatly affected, as we all would, if this country is turned into a fascist dictatorship which is where TFG wants to take us. I have always given the press a lot of the credit for giving us Trump as POTUS in the first place. It was all Trump, Trump, Trump 24/7 , done mostly for ratings and it is continuing to this day. Biden's age and again all things Trump are our daily news offerings. Too bad HCRs letters can't be front page news daily.

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Carol C's avatar

Biden’s age = Trump’s age + 3. Which man can and frequently does ride a bicycle, as opposed to a golf cart? At either age, future health is more likely with healthy eating and exercise. When someone says B is too old, ask how old is T.

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Carol C's avatar

Trump’s fans think he is strong leader because he makes Big Threats. Meanwhile, Biden gets on with the actual work of a president of all the people.

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Anne Dempsey's avatar

Correct. THey mocked JB for tripping on the way up the stairs to get onto AirForce 1 but this week we see him riding a bike, looking like a 50 yo. AND equipped for safety.

And while I wish Mitch McConnell (or any of these folks) no physical harm, his current physical symptoms are quite alarming. I don’t see crazy memes on FB about that.

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mark cramer's avatar

Carol , " t , .. is a PLASTIC KIM JONG Unn !! " LORD , Have MERCY ! ...

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Roxanna Springer's avatar

I'm wondering if the media was better in the Walter Cronkite days? If so, why?

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Victoria Wilson's avatar

Money probably.Seems it IS the root of all evil.

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mark cramer's avatar

The ONSLAUGHT ! , of The MAMMONITES !! Money ! ( it IS !) Victoria !

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Roxanna Springer's avatar

So, it was better? I felt more comfortable that what I was hearing from Walter Cronkite was, at least, not sensational. I felt that he was giving us information that we needed to know. Now, it seems that information isn't what they're giving us but viewpoints.

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Roxanna Springer's avatar

How do we get the media to be better at what they're supposed to be doing for the citizens of this country?

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Dave Smucker's avatar

It is hard to believe how dumb Tuberville is - how did he ever coach football? Really good assistant coaches?

As to news on trump I think it is important because I really think they got him. I still think he will flee to the UAE, maybe right after a trial, even with out a passport if that is lifted by the court.

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K Barnes's avatar

Handcuffs are the only way out of that courtroom, as problematic as that might be. I can dream....

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Anne-Louise Luccarini's avatar

Fee? He'll bribe them? or just by a one-way ticket as fast as possible? (Mental vision of Trump Force One (!!!!) being buzzed by fighter jets).

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Dave Smucker's avatar

Typo, fixed it.

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Jack A. Roe's avatar

That’s right, these obstructionists are waging war, hoping to discredit the Biden administration, and if lucky win a majority in the election after which they can fill all those vacancies with MAGA loyalists. There are plenty out there. Why are the Democrats so timid?

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Michael Bales's avatar

This is all too typical. The Democrats need to be louder and have sharper elbows, so to speak.

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mark cramer's avatar

AMEN ! , Michael !

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Bill Flarsheim's avatar

I don’t see why Leader Schumer does bring the Senate back in mid-August to debate the backlogged nominations. Schedule 16 hours per day, 7 days a week. Any day Sen Tuberville doesn’t show up, ram through the rest of them on unanimous consent.

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Jen Andrews's avatar

Would the media cover it if they were? They’re way too breathless over the latest drumpf threat.

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Michael Bales's avatar

It's being covered but not nearly aggressive or prominent enough.

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E Sonoma's avatar

Schumer is USELESS...

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KELTIK_WARRIOR (VINCE T 🦁 )'s avatar

Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 The penultimate gas bag. Schumer is there for self-glorification, glasses halfway down his nose posing as some wizened professor. Schumer could give a good damn about our Military. It's all theater for Schumer, and he is a bad actor; always has been.

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KELTIK_WARRIOR (VINCE T 🦁 )'s avatar

Chuck Schumer? 🤣🤣🤣 He has the spine of a wet noodle. He loves to hear himself speaking on the floor of the Senate. Glasses at half-staff down the nose, Schumer appears to imagine himself as some type of wise and learned professor. He is a huge gas bag and always has been.

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Fusspot's avatar

so true - and the more people complain. the more the spineless republican members of congress will continue to block needed legislation and confirmations. The only way to "win" is to get them voted out of office. For Tumorville - not likely to happen - too many rightwing nitwits in Alabama.

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Anne Dempsey's avatar

That must be difficult. I live in western MA, and luckily our wider area is represented by two good Senators and reasonable reps. One is Jim McGovern who was in the hallway JUST beyond the door where one of the insurrectionists was killed. I had met him on an advocacy trip to DC when he was a new rep, talked to him with a few other advocates and literally felt sick as I watched in real time.

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Jon Margolis's avatar

Just to note that Chuck Schumer could call the Senate back from the recess, line up the military promotions one after the other, and keep the body in session continuously until they are all voted up or down. Let the Senators squall.

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Runfastandwin's avatar

Yeah I don't understand why he refuses.

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Ted's avatar

Senator Rand Benidict Arnold Paul.

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KR (OH)'s avatar

I envision that one day that epithet might morph into Senator Rand Donald Trump Paul.

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Grace Kennedy's avatar

Yep. Arnold was a patriot who sacrificed greatly for his country but turned after being treated badly. Neither of those dudes gave more than lip service.

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Ted's avatar

‘Merica s wake up call. Lock him the f up.

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Ray Greenfield's avatar

Is a wonder Rand's neighbor kicked the crap out of him. And what of "Coach [dog]" Tommy's neighbors? Paul is as twisted as they come and Tuberville is corrupt and dumb as mud.

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Fred WI's avatar

Some states try to send their best and most talented to represent us in Congress. Just not the way of reconstructionist Southern states.

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Carol C's avatar

Unreconstructed rebels and still proud to defend white supremacy.

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Robin O.'s avatar

You realize your giving mud a bad name

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Bluchek Mark's avatar

Regrettably, they are useless idiots for us.

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Will Moon's avatar

Your characterization of Paul,Tuberville and others puts much too kind a face on them.

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Hope Lindsay's avatar

It's worth mentioning a reason for these micro-treasons which was posted on another Substack: Just as McConnell held back the nominees for Supreme Court Justices, until the court was packed by sycophants— with terribly ignorant judicial outcomes, this same ploy is being used to control the military and Department of State. The intentions are not as the saboteurs say, but to insert into our government a completely authoritarian right wing nation.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff are reasonable people. As much as leading our military, they are charged with avoiding a rush to peril, let's say by an irrational president. Without their savior faire, the United States would be at risk for a domineering military capable of a coup, a la Michael Flynn. There are plenty of Trumpers among the lesser ranks who would gladly do his dirty work.

We know Trump is only a pawn in the desired fascist outcome which some on the right desire. A Christian Nationalist state is an authoritarian government which has no respect for democracy or minorities. Sabotaging democratic institutions by installing obedient puppets, is one way to move toward their desired goals.

In this case, the might of our military and the presence of our diplomats abroad are the symbols of our democracy and the intention to protect it. However, they need to be bent into a future fascist government.

Until the wealthy, dark right wing has its way by installing departments filled with puppets— whose intentions are to avoid taxation, decimate social supports, as well as installing a national theocracy—they will continue their disgusting erosion of our institutions.

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Margaret's avatar

Hope--this is brilliant. Thank you.

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samani's avatar

Margaret, I second you on that.

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Eric O'Donnell's avatar

Tuberville may or or may not be at least a “useful idiot” for important unfriendly nations. I believe that term implies contact with the country(ies) involved. I don’t think we *know* that contact has taken place. So, without diminishing the point of your comment, I think that we should at most assume he wants to gain his own foothold on the slippery rung and this is his way. The Republicans are doing nothing useful - they have lots of time to make mischief (which is, I realize, far too light a description for their behavior.

Today’s column brought two thoughts to mind:

1.

America is in an epic crisis right now and everything points to an eventual smash-up. When compared to Trump, Tuberville is acting in an angry and silly way. But he is having an effect on military morale and on America’s reputation. We can never ever hope for the Republicans to come to their senses, disengage completely with Trump and all that is MAGA. It is now in their souls and Tuberville reflects that. There is no point really in hoping for an evolution of that Party away from the cursed direction they have taken. At some point there will be revolution.

2.

I think therefore that it should be started (legally) on the Democrats’ terms. In the second part of her essay Professor Cox Richardson wrote about Trump’s vile tweet with its naked threat. This must not be tolerated. I don’t give a flying fuck if he was at one time President if the United States. He has flouted the norms of courteous conduct and extra respect for former holders of the Office.

At this point there must be a campaign directed towards those who control his legal fate. There needs to be extreme pressure, aided by a bold, in your face public messaging program, to have Trump be summarily punished for not upholding the conditions of his parole. Otherwise he will grow more emboldened by the day and we will continue to utter our painfully weak “tsk, tsks”.

Suppose in a perfect world Judge Tanya Chutkan we’re to slap an immediate two week jail sentence on him. Revoke his bail and have him arrested and confined for a short period of time.

This will surely wrongfoot his lawyers, supporters and the great man /s himself. I presume there’d be an appeal, but I don’t know the law. Whether or not the two weeks were served it would be a fierce shot across the bow, sign that Americans who believe in democratic norms are fed up.

Perhaps it would incite violence amongst Trump‘s slavish adherents. I do not wish for that. However it’s going to come anyway. Let it come now when they are unprepared and at their weakest because so many are jailed. In other words, let the confrontation be righteously sparked by those who have opposed him all along.

If it doesn’t come, then Trump will have been blessed with a teachable moment. He may realize that the importance of those supporting more feverishly because of his indictments is not as unconditional as it sounds.

I am beyond fed up. Somebody always finds a reason to do nothing.

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Carol C's avatar

I agree, Eric O’Donnell, about painfully weak tsk tsks. What would happen to any other defendant who flouted the terms of his bond? I like your plan that he and his supporters have a learning experience they are not expecting.

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Chris Eugin's avatar

Treason?

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MaryLee G's avatar

Paul and Tuberville are not doing their job. I say “Impeach them.”

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sandy daly's avatar

Shame on Tuberville, Paul and the members of the (so-called) Freedom Caucus for putting our country at risk!

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Timmy Taes's avatar

James F Davis: Define "National Security". I have yet to find anyone in government or elsewhere who gives a satisfactory answer.

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Laura G's avatar

The security of our nation.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Laura G: That is a circular argument. Be specific. What is the "security of our nation"? And is it our nation? Have you traveled the USA? Different places and folks are very different from other places and folks.

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yeildo14's avatar

Gee, timmy, not trolly at all.....

Do you really need a definition of "security of our nation?" If you do, head for some dumb ass site. Adults use this one.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Thank you, Bret. I was smh....who IS that guy.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Bret Yeilding: Define "Security of our nation". Define "our nation". Making insults at me doesn't obscure the fact that you can't answer the question.

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yeildo14's avatar

Ooooooh.... good one, timmy. I'll give your post all the attention it deserves. See below.

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Dan in Maine's avatar

Troll alert!

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

I know. But I bit and responded. Felt good. Arghh.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Thank you, Red. Not to mention the 400 MILLION guns owned by a minority of violent and angry Americans, leaving out decent gun owners (the majority, probably) who are trained in the use of guns and know the proper way to hunt and keep people safe.

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J. Nol's avatar

I'm not sure that you can divide gun owners like this. After all, human beings are all subject to being impulsive, angry, reckless, careless, tired, misinformed, frustrated, etc. Throw a gun into this mix and anyone can do something they might regret later. That we accept that guns are so widely distributed among the population is just weird to me.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Red Thread: That is a very good answer to the question of what is national security and what is a nation.

For me, my biggest insecurity is the government in Washington DC, Sacramento, and the local county and city. They are the ones I'm afraid of.

Personally, I don't see how the USA can last much longer. It will go broke and split up like the Soviet Union did in 1991.

The globalists wants one central government but the small government movement is growing. Centralization is failing. Local communities are banding together.

Decentralization is the future.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

I beg to differ. The real dysfunction is that we DON'T have a global government that has universal standards. To include freedom of speech, freedom FROM religion, freedom from Oligarchal control, true one vote/one person democracy, true protections of national boundaries, complete female rights and bodily autonomy, universal healthcare and education...

The REAL problem is that the UN has no teeth to stop a Vicious Madman like Putin from committing genocide. A sensible human species would have removed him from power in 2014.

No, decentralization gives us tribal local yahoos like Tuberville and DeSantis who live in a frightened white male antique bigoted mindset from the 19th century.

The real enemies of mankind are the whackos who find "pornography" in truthful books. The real perverts are the book banners who intimidate local school boards. The enemies we should be afraid of are the MAGA maniacs who threaten election workers when they lose elections.

Washington DC is filled with thousands of under-appreciated quiet hard working people who don't want to get caught in political crossfires. They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes, follow sensible environmental rules, help write bills to fund good infrastructure projects. And so much more stuff that a civilized country needs done.

Demonizing DC is like condemning your own family. But we do need to elect people who have an interest in helping people - not fighting stupid primitive culture wars.

Vote Blue - No Matter WHO.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Bill, Bravo for everything you wrote! I was a civil servant in NYC throughout my 40 years career. To serve was an honor and joy! Let’s ignore the troll who has snuck in to malign everyone. I am not sure what his takeaway is from being here. No more oxygen for trolls.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Bill Alstrom: You lost me with "They just want to do their jobs of getting people to pay their taxes". Taxes are theft. They are extortion payments to the Government Gang.

Don't think so? See what happens if you don't pay your protection money to DC or your county gang.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Do you receive social security benefits? Medicare? Just curious.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Elisabeth Iler: Asking personal financial questions is a big NO-NO where I come from.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

People like you, Mr. Taes, are a big NO-NO where I come from. I will no longer interchange with you. I feel sorry for everyone who knows you.

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Michael Bales's avatar

You know very well what the issue is. Tuberville is undermining the military, which protects the nation in a dangerous world.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Michael Bales: LOL! When has the military protected you or me in a dangerous world? Give an example please.

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MLMinET's avatar

WWII in which my father gave up his future after he was drafted.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

MLMinET: Your father had his future taken from him when he was drafted.

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Steve Abbott's avatar

There are strip malls everywhere, fast food everywhere, social security checks, medicare, and medicaid everywhere. From Maine to Guam, our military would defend our territory if threatened. Our diplomats work for all of us, from Florida to Alaska. Who's security should we be less concerned about?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Steve Abbott: So we as Americans are united by strip malls, fast food, social security checks, medicare and medicaid. What does that say about Americans?

The diplomats work for their pensions. So does the military or the southern border would be closed and secure.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

Would your version of a better society be like "Lord of the Flies"?

Our military has indeed been used for really bad stuff, but without it, we could be living under Putin or the offspring of Hitler...

BTW, pensions are a sign of good social planning. We all work to have a decent retirement, don't we? Without diplomats we would have a lot more conflict, a lot more war and death. That's one of their functions.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Bill Alstrom: I hated that book "Lord of the Flies". It was pure government gang propaganda.

How do you figure Hitler or Putin could conquer the USA? Hitler couldn't even get to England. Putin has no transports and neither does China.

Well, gee. I sure wish those diplomats would wake up from their martini hangovers and go to work soon because the USA has been at war almost my whole life.

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Steve Abbott's avatar

Like it or not, things like strip malls are a ubiquitous part of American culture. So are the social safety nets that allow so many to live with a modicum of dignity into old age. That you assume members of the diplomatic corps and military work solely for their pensions (pensions are also part of most work cultures) says more about you than those who serve. Our southern boarder is a mess because we, as a people, can't agree on how to clean it up. Mexico is our largest trading partner, with legal trade dwarfing even the elicit drug trade. It is unrealistic to close that boarder. Plus, you are ignoring the ~70% drop in illegal crossings since Biden's new rules went into effect. If we ignore what works, what chance do we have?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Steve Abbott: What 70% drop in illegal crossings? Over four million illegals have crossed the border since Biden became President.

The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.

I figured out that if I'd been able to keep all the taxes I paid into Social Security and Medicare all my working life. And if I'd invested that money every paycheck in an S & P 500 Index Fund, I would have had over $1 million dollars when I retired.

SS is a Ponzi scheme.

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Anne Dempsey's avatar

“The only people who get pensions anymore are government employees.” Please give us data, that prove that no one gets a pension unless they were government employees. You might want to re-word your statement.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Anne Dempsey: I know of no one in private industry who gets a pension. I do know of people in private industry who lost their pensions back in the 1980s when their company was bought out or went bankrupt.

If you want data, look it up yourself.

The government employees in Police and Fire retire at 50 with full pensions and benefits if they have worked 30 years. A few years ago their pensions were increased 50% here in California. It's one of the major reasons that the state, counties, and cities are going broke.

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Steve Abbott's avatar

Or you may have had some terrible accident, become disabled, and still have social security and Medicare benefits long after your nest egg would have run out. I was able to (almost) do both on a middle class income. If I had to foot the bill for all my parent's medical and living expenses at the end of their lives, I would have no savings to speak of. That was largely paid for by their Social Security benefits and Medicare. So, according to you, I (and millions of others) will have a reasonably secure retirement thanks to a Ponzi scheme.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Steve Abbott: Our generation is the last one that will have that "reasonably secure retirement". There aren't enough workers putting money into Social Security and Medicare to keep the Ponzi Scheme going much longer.

SS and Medicare taxes will go up and benefits will go down.

You can't change the numbers.

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James F Davis's avatar

Health, safety & wellbeing of the people in the broadest sense. Of course with that definition Congress does a pretty poor job overall.

How do you define national security?

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

No, Timmy, you are incorrect. Many ancestors were fleeing their countries from tyrannical leaders. They sought security and some found it here. Others were forcibly brought here not of their own volition. Are you certain you are on the right substack page?

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Dave Dalton's avatar

Trolls like to eat

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Timmy Taes's avatar

James F Davis: That's a pretty good definition. I don't believe in national security. There is only individual security. Isn't that why our ancestors emigrated to the USA?

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Integral Doc's avatar

That's an interesting thought. Has anyone done any research on how much Russia and China donate to GOP campaigns?

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Anna Vinson's avatar

Is Tuberville still mad about secure US facility returned to CO from AL?

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Sky 777's avatar

It has been a long time since my one semester Civics course I. High school and my required semester at university.

I have a basic understanding of how government works. Or make that how it is supposed to work.

Sadly, with the advent of the era of Trump and RFP (Republican Fascist Party), I am learning so much.

I had no idea that one Senator, be he the majority leader or just some poor soul with an axe to grind, could hold up nominations such as military, state, or judiciary. How/Why is this possible?

Why is there not a huge outcry?

One guy in the Senate that I can’t vote against because he is from some god forsaken place lime Kentucky or Alabama, can have a huge effect on my life.

How is this right?!!!!!

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Clifford Story's avatar

In 18th century Poland, a single parliamentarian could block any measure; this was called, I believe, the "Liberum veto". This weakened the state to the point that Poland was partitioned and absorbed by its neighbors..

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Sky 777's avatar

Oh dear.

Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it……

Though at this point I wouldn’t mind being part of Canada.

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Seth's avatar

Change senate rules

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K Barnes's avatar

I'm afraid that Canada might not risk having us!

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Sheri Smith's avatar

I heard Senator Sherrie Brown speak last night and he said they’ll try to do so in September when they’re back in session.

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Virginia Witmer's avatar

Members of the Seym sold out the country. Hadn’t realized how similar the Republicans are. Thank you. We need to get our Poles on this one.

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Emily Pfaff's avatar

The Republican Party has allowed itself to become a "host" for the growth of Facism. Over recent years, they have revealed their acceptance of "racism"....those who are fearful that people of color will gain control over them. (even though they have convinced some people of color to "side" with them......)

Observe the treatment of women with the abortion issue. It is manly to impregnate a woman....but some men choose NOT to take responsibility for their offspring.....not even allowing a woman to choose having an abortion if necessary for her wellbeing. Having an abortion is NOT going to a spa for a woman....it is self-care...in a most difficult way.....it can even be a life-saving issue. She should have the right to choose.

Also, I cannot count the number of phone calls I receive asking for support for law enforcement agencies. In the past , it has been maybe once or twice a year. I now receive multiple calls daily.

We are all aware of the rise in gun violence. We have real mental health issues.

Also, I appreciate that we have private schools, charter schools, as well as public schools. It is great to have choices. Are our children being taught well? Is prejudice being encouraged? Are outright lies being deciminated through textbooks chosen by those who are pushing their own personal agendas? Even if we are old...we MUST get in the way!

Our military is an important arm of protection for ALL of us not just a few who want to control their agenda ..... these choices weaken our country.

We must vote! We must respectfully share our opinions with truth, with presentable facts and with respect for our country, our fellow citizens and for freedom.

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Susan Troy's avatar

This is a crisis of ignorance. It hurts every one.

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Sky 777's avatar

Well said.

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Sue Selman, OC/CA's avatar

You are asking the question I have been wanting to be answered. Who do we make a loud voiced, concentrated appeal to to have Tubby stand down and let our country be protected? Biden? McConnell? Schumer? Every major newspaper? MSNBC, CNN, PBS, Etc.? Maybe I don’t remember enough from high school and college re: how government works, but a system that allows one person to put the entire nation in imminent harm’s way does not seem to be what our country’s founders had in mind. I realize a President can (and did) but a committee chair? What do we, the people, do NOW end this?

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Runfastandwin's avatar

Schumer has the power to unilaterally hold this antebellum rump Senate in session 24/7 until all this is resolved. Once a bunch a prostates start exploding I guarantee it'd get resolved in minutes.

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Sky 777's avatar

Sadly I think they are gone.

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mark cramer's avatar

YEP ! , So TRUE ! , Sky !

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Jack A. Roe's avatar

It is totally wrong and the Democrats are not doing enough to smear them with their outrageous tactics.

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mark cramer's avatar

ABSOLUTE TRUTH ! , Will WIN !, in the END ! , Jack ! ( Full FAITH !)

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Virginia Witmer's avatar

Such perfidy, while known in the 18th century, was rare in America except during the second half of the 19th century when we were less bound internationally. Ok, historians, let me have it. Ready to learn!

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Trudy Bond's avatar

Using "god forsaken place" as a descriptor is much too similar to Trump's "shit-hole countries." Please don't go there.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Sky 777: How does some general being promoted or not affect your life? How does some diplomat going to Niger or not affect your life?

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Sky 777's avatar

It is more that Tee Tub, Paul, and Mitch can do things unilaterally that I strongly disagree with and I have absolutely no recourse. Examples:

McConnell holding up Garland’s nomination for SCOTUS for 10 mo then and then rushing through Barrett’s. (Oh the hypocrisy!)

The generals are saying that the hold up in promotions/appointments is affecting our military readiness. Apparently Tubby Tom thinks he knows more than the Generals. (Where have we heard that before?)

The situation is similar with the state department stating that the hold up constitutes a risk.

And why is it that the Majority Leader of Senate and House can unilaterally refuse to bring a bill to the floor?

Too much power invested in people that are elected by a small percent of the country.

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Danielle (NM)'s avatar

Sky, I think it’s time to stop feeding Timmy. He sounds like a troll.

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Sky 777's avatar

Good advice. He has obviously fallen down the well and Lassie is no where to be found.

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

👏🏼👏🏼🤣🤣

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Sky 777: I have heard the lame retort about falling down the well and Lassie nowhere to be found several times already.

Come up with some new material.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Danielle, I just reported him to the admin. I hope they boot is rancid ass out.

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John T Phillips's avatar

Thank you, Elisabeth. Trolls are not welcome to this site.

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Danielle (NM)'s avatar

Thank you Elisabeth. I welcome questions from students interested in learning, but 22 years as a teacher has taught me to discriminate between an honest question and a “gotcha” attempt.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Big time. Can’t the admin block him?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Danielle (NM): And you sound like a censor from the State of Allowable Opinions.

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Mr. Taes, this is a loving and supportive group. None of us are here to fight with the likes of you. Please remove yourself or we will ask the admin to block you. We all need respite from the hatred and chaos being pushed on the vast majority of Americans by a very violent and disgusting element in our society. If you are of that element, please get out of this forum.We don’t brook bullies or fools.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Elisabeth ller: I have not bullied anyone on this site. People on this site have insulted me. I rarely respond in kind.

If this a "loving and supportive group" that only wants its own opinions heard, then I suggest that Heather Cox Richardson make that clear in her Substack description.

I paid my money to be on this site.

If you don't like it, fine.

But unless HCR kicks me off the site and refunds my money, I'm staying.

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Leonard Lubinsky's avatar

Hey, Big Spender. You want a refund?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Leonard Lubinsky: No. I don't want a refund unless I'm kicked off of the site by HCR. Do you understand?

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John T Phillips's avatar

WOW WEE,,, I am impressed. You want a peppermint stick now??

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Dave Dalton's avatar

The best way to deal with is to make him irrelevant. In some societies this is known as “shunning”

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John T Phillips: Do you enjoy making satirical comments with no reference? What are you impressed by? Why would I want a peppermint stick now?

It's called "context" Phillips.

There is a reason that Walter Sobchak kept saying, "Shut the fuck up Donny!"

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J L Graham's avatar

We are in every respect part of an interactive ecosystem, including in terms of international relations. Some bozo shoots some obscure archduke, and anything could happen, depending on the context. We never expect an accident when we take off in our car, but we buy insurance and use the seat-belt, and, if we are wise, just don't cut too many safety corners, just in case this is the one time that a moment's inattention makes the difference. The counsel of Dan Quayle, of all people, may have saved our nation a lot of heartache. We are driving with brake fluid leaking from all four wheels while relying on "Republicans" on the maintenance team.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Sky 777: Yes, Too much power invested in people that are elected by a small percent of the country.

That is Congress, the bureaucracy (which isn't elected at all) and the military.

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Rolyac's avatar

No offense Timmy but unless you have served in the State Dept. or the Pentagon, I'll take their opinion over yours. And please don't tell me they are all corrupt unless you have some definitive proof about the individuals who are expressing their concerns.

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Keith Wheelock's avatar

Rolyac I have served in the Foreign Service and, during 6 years in Congo, have captured Congolese rebels at gunpoint. I have served beside some top-flight military and CIA colleagues with whom I have entrusted my life.

I have also dealt with ass holes in government, business, and academe.

Currently I have a high opinion of top Biden officials in State, CIA, and the military. Since they are the best we have—and in sharp contrast to Trump administration senior officials—I support rather than denigrate them.

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Rolyac's avatar

Keith W...THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, and informed opinion.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Rolyac: I have met several people from the State Department and the CIA over the years. All of them were complete dicks.

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Hugh Spencer's avatar

Maybe this is all indicating how thoroughly polarised US politics have become - and, it's not only in this group - as an outsider, I can only marvel and/or weep.

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Happy Valley No More's avatar

Define “Dick’s” put some context around your reasoning. Perhaps you might make a point that someone will listen to...

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Christine: A dick is an asshole who thinks he's better than you me or anyone. A dick has no empathy. Dick's Drive-in is also a popular fast food chain in the Seattle area.

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Bongo-1, VT's avatar

You like Trump are projecting your traits on others.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Hale Irwin-VT: What traits? What projections are you talking about.

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TCinLA's avatar

Has anyone mentioned you need a brain?

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mark cramer's avatar

TCnLA , SOMEHOW !,, ALL, off Us, That have HEART, NEED to keep Mr TIMMY, ON OUR PRAYER LIST ! ( Yes, I know , its DIFICULT ! )

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Timmy Taes's avatar

TCinLA: If you can't make a witty insult or at least something original, go away. You are boring.

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John T Phillips's avatar

You go away, TROLL. little Timmy. You are an insult.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John T Phillips: But you just threw the insult saying I'm a troll.

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Miselle's avatar

You know the saying about a duck.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Miselle: And.... your point about the duck saying is...?

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Lisa Winfeld's avatar

Please stop commenting if you aren’t going to read Heather’s Substack first. She answered your questions.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Lisa Winfeld: I always read HCR's substack first. She doesn't answer answer questions. She spreads government propaganda IMO. I think she is on the CIA payroll as part of Operation Mockingbird.

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

This, exactly.

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Bongo-1, VT's avatar

It affects all of us because it weakens the (once)United States. Think Timmy think!

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Hale Irwin-VT: What is "It"? Please, start with a noun in your comments so we know what you are talking about.

What is so great about the United States? The States were independent before the Constitution was ratified. They still beat the British Empire.

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Runfastandwin's avatar

Just tha fact that you don't know the answer to that I swear to christ...

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mark cramer's avatar

LORD/GOD ! , , , Have MERCY !! For US ! ALL !

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Runfastandwin: As usual I don't know what you are talking about. What is the "that" I don't know the answer to? And BTW, Christ should be capitalized.

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Susan Troy's avatar

I’ve been asking exactly those same questions myself. What can we do?

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Runfastandwin's avatar

It's not.

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J L Graham's avatar

It is clearly a bug in our system.

"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty." - John Adams

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MLRGRMI's avatar

And this “bug in our system” is being exploited chaotically, but effectively. Death-by-a-thousand-cuts. Dissolve it, weaken it from all sides at once. trump is their standard-bearer because he identified long ago ( and takes great pleasure in) showing the government’s weakness for bending to strong-men-tactics. trump violated his court order immediately after getting it. He wins no matter what. He’ “owned the libs” by flouting the norm of contrition after being indicted, he threatens ominously because he gets a two-fold bump from that: headlines everywhere, and more support-money flooding in, and the courts actions to quiet him, he can appeal and cause trial delays, which is to his benefit. I say “Follow-The-Money”. He knew running for president in 2016 was a perfect grift. It surprised him to actually become president. Then he figured out how to defy norms and exploit money-making off the presidency --and after- by absconding with top-secret intelligence documents worth billions to foreign and domestic enemies. Now, it’s even a better situation for him. He has less reason to believe he will be elected this time around, AND the money flow is bigger than ever. AND all you get from MSM and all republican-interviewed “guests” is talk about Hunter Biden. And they downplay any worth of actually imprisoning trump for his crimes, ala Gerald Ford. trump knows he won’t go to jail. Losing money is not a deterrent. Grifters rarely are deterred by losing money. trump’s the perfect culmination of anarchists’ dreams.

He has morphed into the perfect Bull in the world-democracy-china-shop. No Justice, No Peace.

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J L Graham's avatar

All true, AND "we the people" still have some arrows in our quiver. Democrats have been on the back foot since Ronald Reagan and we've let the plutocratic conspiracy (and yes, it really is a conspiracy) get away with outrage after outrage until the abuses of Watergate, for years the biggest scandal in my lifetime, look almost quaint. Reagan and his handlers went full Goebbels, and the press fell into line, escaping the opprobrium of lying and cheating by just brazening it out. The more that Republicans and other opportunists have got away with, the worse they have become; and they have never been worse, at least in my lifetime, than now; and that's at a level that now literally threatens the foundations of the republic.

A couple of years ago, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said “I don’t think you can be overly concerned about this. The American psyche has not recognized we were one vice-president away from a coup.” We could question whether Pence playing along would, in and of itself, made the coup successful, but the results would have been ugly. The professionally-conducted and empirically January 6th Committee has damaged The Empire's shields, and ongoing due process of law is the first concerted and adequately sustained battle with the four-decade-long erosion of "government of the people, by the people, for the people" I am aware of.

But the law alone is not enough, as the plutocrats (and Al-Qaeda) have proved the even plowshares can be wielded as weapons. Lincoln said, and I think history supports that “In this age, in this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; against it, nothing can succeed. Whoever molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions.” Indeed, that is the ultimate root of a republic. We are in times that try our souls. We are distracted with confidence games and road-ragers while our society skids toward multiple hazards; and "we the people" desperately need to respond and take the wheel.

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Virginia Witmer's avatar

Thank you.

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Susan Troy's avatar

John Adams nailed it. This right wing, fundamentalist bs will get us all killed. And for what?

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J L Graham's avatar

I can see the appeal of corruption to those who would be kings, but but other than feeding narcissistic mind games, what's in it for the rank and file? In his first presidential bid, Reagan got mileage out of asking "Are you better off ?" OK, who has gained and who has suffered at the hands of practitioners of "Reaganomics"? It's not "rocket science".

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K Barnes's avatar

Red Thread: Where have these curriculum goals been tested out and incorporated? Please send a link to Florida Board of Education, governor and Ed Commissioner. No, forget the governor, who, (I believe I read) was a Yale history major before Harvard law school?? From the sound of his rhetoric, clearly, he prefers fairy tales.

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Mike Pollard's avatar

This topic should be a regular feature of MSM.

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Aug 5, 2023
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Mike Pollard's avatar

The later

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Aug 5, 2023Edited
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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Dear Red, I worked for forty years in the public high schools of New York City to improve science education and boost admissions to colleges for black, brown and immigrant students. I loved my work, I loved the people I worked with and encouraged and think it is one of the most important professions on the planet. Thank you.

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Susan Troy's avatar

Than you for this. I just signed up for the Circle newsletter. Civic engagement is vital to a healthy democracy.

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Michael Bales's avatar

A first-term senator representing a state with only 5 million people is undermining the military and national security. How? An arcane, undemocratic Senate rule. Tuberville is holding the nation hostage in a grotesque abuse of power. This is insanity.

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Sky 777's avatar

Yes! Why are the other 99 Senators not pressuring him to stop the hold?

Better yet, CHANGE THE STUPID RULE!

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

Tim Kaine on the Floor of the Senate pushing back on Tuberville:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVQW_VabOmo (15 minutes)

I've lost the thread where there is supposed to be a vote on the floor to override Tuberville's hold on confirmations

Here's a one-minute speech from Kaine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpYIIT8rJMk&t=2s

Then there's the Tuberville himself speaking to Austin in a hearing. At approximately six minutes in, Austin responds:

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

I've lost the thread where there is supposed to be a vote on the floor to override Tuberville's hold on confirmations

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Sky 777's avatar

Thank you!

I can not find that there was ever a vote. Anyone else know?

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Sky 777's avatar

PS. I watch Kaine. He would have been a good VP. Sigh.

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Danielle (NM)'s avatar

VoteVets asked for messages to be forwarded to Tuberville. I submitted: “Your mama obviously didn’t raise you right. Temper tantrums are supposed to stop by age 3.”

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Cassandra Here's avatar

I just sent him a message, and I’ve posted the link on my FB. I think it’s time to bother him a lot. Also our own Senators need messages from us.

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Danielle (NM)'s avatar

Thanks, Mark. I looked at the site and was struck by the large print, bold “Coach Tommy Tuberville”, with United States Senator in small print underneath. That speaks volumes!

It is likely that comments from non-Alabama zip codes will either filtered automatically or ignored. The better way would be to call. With portable phone numbers these days, area codes on caller ID are not as linked to location and you have a chance of leaving a message. Even if ignored or not passed on, flooding the phone line makes an impression.

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K Barnes's avatar

"Letters to the Editor" submissions should flood their mail.

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Ralph Allen's avatar

lets see...compromising national security and our role (whether one fully agrees with it or not) in supporting our allies on the international front for political gamesmanship here at home is beyond reprehensible and should be viewed as treasonous. I doubt the BS is going to stop until they are held to account...in the courtroom, or at the ballot box. I will stop there with the available methods, though treason usually carries a pretty stiff penalty.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Ralph Allen: The US Constitution set the stage this way. Congress is supposed to oversee the military and Executive Branch nominees.

If you don't like it. Change the Constitution.

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Charlene Lowrie's avatar

Isn’t the hold by Tuberville only allowed by a senate rule? Saying the constitution needs to be changed seems unnecessary when the senate could change its rule.

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Dave Conant - MO's avatar

The other 98 Senators are just as responsible as Tuberville and Rand. They could change the rule and, by a vast majority vote, confirm all of the people who are waiting at the same time but none of them, and especially Schumer and McConnell, want to give up any of their prerogatives just because it would be in the country's best interest.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Charlene Lowrie: I don't know how the Senate works. I do know that the House and Senate do not work in my best interests.

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Rolyac's avatar

So your solution is to shut it down? What's your alternative?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Rolyac: I assume by "it" you mean the Federal Government.

The alternative would be state governments that are completely independent as they were under the Articles of Confederation.

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Lynell(VA by way of MD&DC)'s avatar

You may like what the Articles of Confederation proposed, but apparently it was not enough of a success back then. It was in effect for a mere 10 years before a reworking which got us the U.S. Constitution https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-reasons-why-americas-first-constitution-failed

Shay's Rebellion - the straw!

https://www.thoughtco.com/shays-rebellion-causes-effects-4158282

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Lynell: The Articles of Confederation were a success but power mad people are always with us. The Confederacy was named after the Articles of Confederation and modeled its Constitution on those Articles of Confederation.

Lynell, I hate links. Say succinctly what Shays Rebellion was about. I believe it was the whiskey tax revolt in western Pennsylvania that Gen. Washington put down. The last time a President led an Army into the field.

But really, don't use links. You are smart. Give us a quick synopsis.

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Bill Alstrom (MAtoMainetoMA)'s avatar

Links can lead us to facts. Which are helpful in gaining a better understanding of any subject. Or...we can just wallow in the tiny mindset that we have created which is supported by a few anecdotal incidents. "I met someone who worked for the government that I thought was a dick, therefore the government is filled with dicks."

As to letting the states run all their own affairs...I guess that would have worked for some in the South. They could still have slaves and lynching would be OK if they misbehaved, right?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Bill Alstrom: Have you met sane people working in government? Oh, perhaps you work in government. Millions do.

This fecking slavery thing in the South again. The British Navy ended slavery, at some cost, by stopping the slave trade at the source, Africa, in the 1800s. If Abe Lincoln wanted to, he could have done the same. Or Lincoln could have just bought the slaves and set them free with the Federal treasury money. But he didn't.

Farm machinery like the cotton gin would have ended slavery in the South soon enough.

Lynching happens everywhere. The last lynching in California was in 1919 and it was in Santa Rosa. No Africans were involved as victims or perpetrators.

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Rolyac's avatar

Tuberville's nonsense has nothing to do with oversight. It's a personal play for power and his playing to a very small constituency who despise the thought of women having autonomy of their bodies.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Rolyac: I don't even know who Tuberville is. But his name is hilarious. Do they grow nothing but tubers in Tuberville? Is it the carrot, potato, and parsnip capital of the world?

Hilarious.

I know nothing about Tuberville and "women having autonomy over their bodies." But if he's against anyone having autonomy over their bodies, Tuberville is a dick.

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VermontGirl57's avatar

“ But if he's against anyone having autonomy over their bodies, Tuberville is a dick.”

Well that’s the best thing you’ve EVER posted

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

“...Blinken wrote to each senator to express “serious concern” about the delays. He told reporters that he respects and values the Senate’s “critical oversight role…[b]ut that’s not what is happening here. No one has questioned the qualifications of these career diplomats. They are being blocked for leverage on other unrelated issues.” ReADiNg CoMpRehEnSiOn?

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Tamera Willigham Craige's avatar

The thing is Timmy, your "counter thoughts" are what many here have been trying to educate and fight against for decades.

You have every right to your thoughts. We also have the right to disagree with them . I doubt you'll change anyone's thoughts here.

Best you find a different forest to bark in or better yet let the thoughts here stimulate your mind.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John Rochat-NorCal: I live in Northern Cali as well. I really don't care about bureaucrats or military officers or Congress. None of them have helped me in my life at all. Quite the contrary. They have tried to kidnap me (military draft), impoverish me (wars and the attending inflation of the currency), and regulate my life to the point that I need a license to grow tomatoes in my yard.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John Rochat: Another comment that means nothing understandable.

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

I’m not sure why you’re even here. You’re clearly not here to learn, or contribute. You’re just angry at everyone and everyone did you wrong, you’re willfully uneducated and self-centered, and trolling for a fight. Grow up.

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Dave Dalton's avatar

“Clean up in aisle 9. Troll food”

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Derek Smith's avatar

More like troll scat.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John Rochat: Why are you here? Obviously you are clairvoyant as you can read my mind and find me willfully uneducated and self-centered and trolling for a fight. Then you say "Grow up."

Amazing!

Of course you have no concrete debate points. You just attack the person who points out flaws in your arguments.

I do contribute to this site. I don't just mirror image the group think here on HCR's substack. I write comments that hopefully stimulate some counter thoughts in the minds of people here on the site.

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

I know I’m going to be sorry I did this, but here goes. (My apologies to most everyone else.)

“Substack does not take me back in the thread to what you are commenting in reply to.” Timmy, Substack comments are difficult to follow on my phone, but on the desktop computer, it is quite easy to follow threads. But, “F” for effort.

Why am I here? To learn, to hear others’ constructive viewpoints, and to contribute *constructively* whenever possible. Sadly, I am not clairvoyant, but I can read your replies, and yes, I find you willfully uneducated and self-centered and trolling for a fight.

I see you did not take issue with my assessment that “You’re just angry at everyone and everyone did you wrong.” So at least we agree on those points.

Yes, yes I do indeed have concrete debate points. My first two points to you were that you clearly did not read Dr. Richardson’s post, or at least did not comprehend it, because you posted questions/complaints that she had indeed already answered, and well. Or, you were trolling for a fight? I did not initially assume that, but now it’s more obvious.

To save you further effort, I’ve cut and pasted many of your other comments below to demonstrate there is no need for clairvoyance:

“Define ‘National Security’” – willfully uneducated

“Taxes are theft. They are extortion payments to the Government Gang” – hyperbole

“When has the military protected you or me in a dangerous world? Give an example please.” – willfully uneducated and self-centered

“WWII in which my father gave up his future after he was drafted.” “Your father had his future taken from him when he was drafted. – trolling for a fight

“What 70% drop in illegal crossings?” – willfully undeducated

“If you want data, look it up yourself.” – trolling for a fight

“I don't believe in national security. There is only individual security. Isn't that why our ancestors emigrated to the USA?” – self-centered

“I have met several people from the State Department and the CIA over the years. All of them were complete dicks.” – anecdotal, not evidence

“I always read HCR's substack first. She doesn't answer answer questions. She spreads government propaganda IMO. I think she is on the CIA payroll as part of Operation Mockingbird.” – paranoid schizophrenia?

“I don't know how the Senate works. I do know that the House and Senate do not work in my best interests.” – willfully uneducated, self-centered

“I hate links” – willfully uneducated

“Or Lincoln could have just bought the slaves and set them free with the Federal treasury money.” – duplicitous. Aren’t taxes theft? Trolling for a fight.

“I don't even know who Tuberville is.” – willfully uneducated

“I really don't care about bureaucrats or military officers or Congress. None of them have helped me in my life at all. Quite the contrary. They have tried to kidnap me (military draft), impoverish me (wars and the attending inflation of the currency),…” – self-centered, hyperbole, paranoia

“…and regulate my life to the point that I need a license to grow tomatoes in my yard.” OMG the hyperbole. This one was a killer! No, no one has ever required a license to grow tomatoes in their yard.

“Another comment that means nothing understandable” – willfully uneducated.

“Oversee, decimate... I don't give a shit. If Washington DC was removed from the Earth tomorrow the human race would be better off.” Completely self-centered. There are over 700,000 people in Washington D.C. who probably think their lives are worth others’ “giving a shit” about.

“I don't care if it is false. The whole Congress is false to the wishes and best interests of the American working man and woman” – willfully uneducated, self-centered, trolling for a fight.

christ on a cracker

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Timmy Taes's avatar

John Rochat: Go on ahead and support DC and the Federal Central Government. I don't.

I look out for my own interests. All humans do.

The Federal Government is an oppressor and it lives in Washington, DC.

"The best slave is the one who thinks he is free." Johann Goethe.

Enjoy the slave ride, John.

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

Seriously, that's your take-away?

"I look out for my own interests..." - So you admit you are completely self-centered, and you did not contest any of the other points I made. Interesting.

"...All humans do." No Timmy, not all humans. Decent humans also look out for others.

I'm concerned you are experiencing some serious psychological difficulties Timmy. Please get some help.

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Ron Boyd (Denver)'s avatar

Timmy Taes Writes Timmy’s Substack - "𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘊𝘙'𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘐 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦."

I agree. And, frankly, I am a little disappointed that the responses to your opinions have been so antagonistic. I may not agree with them, but they are legitimate, and you explain them well.

I am, also, impressed with your staying on track by (apparently) not taking the criticisms (attacks) personally.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Ron Boyd (Denver): Thank you for the compliments. I've been at this social media game a long time. I no longer take the insults and personal attacks seriously.

I don't expect people to agree with me. I just want a debate of honest opinions and ideas. This is how we find the truth and the best way forward for us all.

Much as I support individual rights and liberty, the fact is that people have this innate ability to find the truth in very large groups. This is how betting bookies operate in Las Vegas and elsewhere.

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

The issue is preserving unbirn babies. Like it or not.

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

Not even straw babies, straw fetuses. And no, you know very well that's NOT the issue here. You want to debate unbirn babies, do it properly, not by holding the nation hostage at every turn. That's just bullying, to put it nicely.

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Ralph Allen's avatar

oversee...not decimate. prefer to remove the incompetent pretenders from that role...'

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Ralph Allen: Oversee, decimate... I don't give a shit. If Washington DC was removed from the Earth tomorrow the human race would be better off.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

BSM: I don't care if it is false. The whole Congress is false to the wishes and best interests of the American working man and woman.

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Bryan Sean McKown's avatar

Que lastima pobrecito.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

BSM: If you want to speak Latin, go back to mock trials in law school.

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Julia Marie Sheehan: Again, as I've told many commenters. Substack does not take me back in the thread to what you are commenting in reply to. I assume it is one of my comments but I don't know which one. I am not going to spend time scrolling through all the comments to find out why you wrote, "Spanish, Timmy."

Though it is an odd enigmatic comment with many possibilities.

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Notes On Useful Beauty's avatar

Are you being disingenuous or do you really not understand?

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Meredith Russell: Again, I don't know what you are referring to in your comment. Substack does not let me go back to the thread right to where you make your comment. I have to scroll through ALL the comments to find yours.

This is one of my pet peeves with Substack and commenters. Everyone thinks the recipient of a comment (who gets it in his email) knows what comment they are replying to.

It isn't so.

I really haven't a clue as to what you are referring with:

"Are you being disingenuous or do you really not understand?"

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Happy Valley No More's avatar

Or change the Congress!

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Timmy Taes's avatar

Christine: Or get rid of Congress.

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Christian Byrnes Sr's avatar

Compromise our national security for political gains? Traitors. No question.

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

Actually, treason is specifically defined in the Constitution.

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Joan leslie's avatar

This is a total disgrace….the blockage of the most needed confirmations in the military and Administration, the violent and abusive threat by the totally despicable thrice indicted ex President and most critically the ignorance or even worse, the compliance by various parts of the electorate….

We are a banana republic right now.

Thank God Heather is so painfully explicit and it’s definitely time for every piece of today’s ‘article’ to be front page news….nationwide.

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Joan leslie's avatar

And …HOW does Smith deal with Trump who has already …24 hours AFTER Trump was cautioned at his third arraignment not to commit any more crimes….violently threatened the whole political system that has brought him to accountability and particular the key players…..like Smith

Should Trump be in jail today based on those threats alone until his trial….AND there are 18 months more of Trump and his ugly mouth?

I have great respect and sympathy for Smith….and us!

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

He is violating his parole!

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

Speaking of nationwide front-page news, why isn't it better known that Joe "penis finger" Biden chased down Tara Reade in a parking garage and forced his finger into her vagina?

https://www.vox.com/2020/5/7/21248713/tara-reade-joe-biden-sexual-assault-accusation

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Daniel Streeter, Jr's avatar

Have you reverted back to pre evolutionary idiocy?!? Are you not aware that Ms. Reade is a very troubled person lacking credibility?! Is there any evidence un Biden's entire life to suggest such behavior? Like assaulting women in dressing rooms, grabbing them by the genitals, paying off porn stars to zip lips after lips were used otherwise?! ALL of that behavior sound familiar?!?

So John, kindly shut the fuck up a d stop wasting our time with this bs

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

"Reports of “creepy” behavior by Biden, like standing too close to women for photo opportunities, have circulated for years, treated by some as little more than a joke. But those reports received more serious attention after Lucy Flores, a former candidate for lieutenant governor of Nevada, wrote in a March 2019 essay at The Cut that Biden had kissed her on the back of the head at a campaign event in 2014.

“I couldn’t move and I couldn’t say anything,” Flores wrote. “I wanted nothing more than to get Biden away from me.”

After that, other women spoke out to report similar experiences. ..."

https://www.vox.com/2020/3/27/21195935/joe-biden-sexual-assault-allegation

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

Perhaps crooked lawyers prefer to forget that Joe "Creepy Snuggles" has a problem?

https://www.vox.com/2020/5/6/21246667/believe-women-joe-biden-tara-reade-sexual-assault-allegation

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Daniel Streeter, Jr's avatar

Look asshole, I've warned you previously not to defame me or others. And did you even read the Vox article you linked? It doesn't prove Biden did what was alleged or even came close.

Finally,as you clearly lack the ability to support the outrageous positions you take and can only hurl ad hominems in return, I say again, Shut the fuck up!

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John T Phillips's avatar

He is just a lying projectionist. and a nagging hard core TROLL.. Trying to defend the corrupt. lying, arrogant career crook Donald TUMP.

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

"Reports of “creepy” behavior by Biden, like standing too close to women for photo opportunities, have circulated for years, treated by some as little more than a joke. But those reports received more serious attention after Lucy Flores, a former candidate for lieutenant governor of Nevada, wrote in a March 2019 essay at The Cut that Biden had kissed her on the back of the head at a campaign event in 2014.

“I couldn’t move and I couldn’t say anything,” Flores wrote. “I wanted nothing more than to get Biden away from me.”

After that, other women spoke out to report similar experiences. ..."

https://www.vox.com/2020/3/27/21195935/joe-biden-sexual-assault-allegation

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

Perhaps the thuggish tactics of crooked lawyers and Biden Bullies are backfiring:

https://www.vox.com/2020/3/27/21195935/joe-biden-sexual-assault-allegation

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Bill Katz's avatar

Now boys, calm down or both of you will get banned.

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

You would actually put what I posted on the same level as Daniel Streeter's cyber-fascist bullying?

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Bill Katz's avatar

I happen to agree with you but this is no place for such antics — I think?

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John Schmeeckle's avatar

I'm inclined to see what you just said as akin to what Lyndon Johnson said to Martin Luther King, but I'm willing to talk it through. My basic position is that well-meaning progressives have been blinkered and intimidated, with a form of thuggish informal censorship infesting the environment, and Daniel Streeter has seen fit to prove my point.

I brought up my primary example in response to HCR's letter commemorating MLK's birthday:

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/january-15-2023/comment/11967315

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Chris Hierholzer's avatar

Keep your personal fantasy to yourself, John.

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

"afraid of powerful men" dah?

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Aug 6, 2023
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John Schmeeckle's avatar

I hope you're not also a guilty "penis finger" person.

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FERN MCBRIDE (NYC)'s avatar

'I'm coming after you:' Donald Trump threatens rivals; prosecutor seeks protective order' (USAToday)

‘As Donald Trump made more threats against opponents in the wake of a third indictment, special counsel Jack Smith asked a judge late Friday for a protective order against the ex-president, seeking to prevent him from publicizing evidence from witnesses.’

"All the proposed order seeks to prevent is the improper dissemination or use of discovery materials, including to the public," ‘Smith said in a late-night court motion, essentially arguing that Trump's rantings could have a chilling effect on witnesses in the case.’

‘The prosecutor cited an all-caps threat that Trump posted earlier in the day on Truth Social:’ "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU."

‘Smith's motion capped a day in which an unrepentant Trump went to the southern regions of the nation with an adjusted strategy designed to turn his three indictments into political weapons, including frequent threats to his opponents.’

"I will totally obliterate the deep state," Trump said at the Alabama Republican Party dinner on Friday evening in Montgomery, Ala., a day after he pleaded innocent to charges of trying to steal the 2020 election.’

‘Legal analysts had said Trump's threats - including personal attacks on Smith, who is in charge of two of Trump's cases - could be used against him in court.’ (USAToday) See link below.

'The government and Trump’s lawyers are still working out proposed rules that the former president and his legal team must abide by when they review classified materials during the discovery process, when the defense team reviews all the evidence that the government has collected in the case. It is a standard part of the legal process and a judge must sign off on the agreement. Evidence that is handed over in the discovery process includes grand jury interviews, recordings and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.'

'The government’s proposed agreement — called a protective order — dictates that Trump and his lawyers should not disclose any of the materials they receive during the discovery process to people who are not authorized by the court to view the materials.'

'The filing includes an image of a post that Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform earlier on Friday that appears to be in reference to the D.C. case that reads: “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!”

“If the defendant were to begin issuing public posts using details — or, for example, grand jury transcripts — obtained in discovery here, it could have a harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case,” read the filing, signed by special counsel Jack Smith.

'The filing also states that Trump and his attorneys should be barred from writing down any identifying information about people involved in the case.' (WAPO) See gifted link below.

‘Prosecutors said they are ready to hand over a “substantial” amount of evidence — “much of which includes sensitive and confidential information” — to Trump’s legal team.’

‘They told the judge that if Trump were to begin posting about grand jury transcripts or other evidence provided by the Justice Department, it could have a “harmful chilling effect on witnesses or adversely affect the fair administration of justice in this case.”

‘Prosecutors’ proposed protective order seeks to prevent Trump and his lawyers from disclosing materials provided by the government to anyone other than people on his legal team, possible witnesses, the witnesses’ lawyers or others approved by the court. It would put stricter limits on “sensitive materials,” which would include grand jury witness testimony and materials obtained through sealed search warrants.’

‘A Trump spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the former president’s post’ “is the definition of political speech,” and was made in response to “dishonest special interest groups and Super PACs.” (AP) See link below.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/08/04/im-coming-after-you-trump-issues-new-threats-after-new-indictment/70529404007/

https://wapo.st/3rW6GpI

https://apnews.com/article/trump-election-capitol-riot-indictment-protective-order-71cd642e876c47fff4e1283c15f8ca01

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Julia Marie Sheehan's avatar

Why isn't the Trump solution to throw his A$$ in jail for the duration of this case (and probably all others involving Trump)?

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Elisabeth Iler's avatar

Julia, I couldn’t agree more. As I read the post by Fern, I kept thinking, LOCK HIM UP! Problem solved!

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FERN MCBRIDE (NYC)'s avatar

Sentencing is based on the nature of the crime and a conviction.

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Carla Childress's avatar

Also based on following the orders of the Court as regards to one’s release on recognizance. He pushed that envelope, notably on a Friday night, when he doesn’t expect the court to respond until Monday. Leaving the threat hanging in the public for the weekend. This should limit his exposure to the evidence (witness lists, etc) or maybe the judge will see fit to sequester him until trial. Which seems likely to then speed up the proceedings. This IS his call for a civil war. While the military is beleaguered. I would think soon it will be time to consider an executive order to remedy the appointments of vital military positions. Trump’s threat, meantime, hangs over witnesses and pollutes the jury pool. The entire performance is despicable.

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MLRGRMI's avatar

I think instead of speeding up a trial it is calculated to delay his trial, which it probably will do. I think it would be great to have MSM show an “average-criminal using trump’s tactics and getting away with it”. How “Law and Order” are republicans really?

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Carla Childress's avatar

I propose should the judge choose to sequester him until trial, it would speed up the case. Even if the judge doesn’t... SP Jack Smith is unlikely to agree to unreasonable delays and the judge, though once a defense attorney, didn’t set a tone for delays.

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JDinTX's avatar

His post was a threat in the vein of screaming fire in a theater. Begging for MAGAts to start the civil war in his behalf. What could make him more important??

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MLRGRMI's avatar

I think he’s calculating a trial delay. They won’t put him in jail and he knows it. But in the meantime, he can dazzle with a lot of dancing dogs in that circus ring. “Own the Libs”, “Signal the Base”, “Raise sh*tloads more $$$$$”. Rinse. Repeat.

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Notes On Useful Beauty's avatar

What is the usual penalty for threatening prosecutors after a judge told him specifically not to commit any other crimes?

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

I wouldn’t put it pass Fake 45’s attys to use invisible ink to write things down.

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Elizabeth Walters's avatar

Meanwhile, Republicans are accusing Democrats of "weaponizing government" when that is exactly what many of them are doing. As the ultra-perceptive Jonathan Capehart said, Republicans are "kings of projection". They should be called out for it every time they do it.

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

Parasites they are. Living off our dime! Reprehensible that they get paid for "playing" politics with sham unproductive "hearings.

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JDinTX's avatar

Have been since God was a baby

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Molly Ciliberti's avatar

This ridiculous undemocratic “rule” that allows one person to throw a wrench into the gears of government should be rescinded. I bet it is unconstitutional. Then get rid of the jerk who claims to be all military despite never serving. He just wanted military funds spent in Alabama.

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Derek Smith's avatar

Biden stopped the T💩p-planned move of the USAF Space Force from Colorado to Alabama.

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Keith Wheelock's avatar

As former Foreign Service Officer who experienced our failure of skilled military leadership during our ‘no light at the end of the tunnel’ Vietnam years, I am appalled that former football coach Tuberville can indefinitely block the promotions of hundreds of senior officers because of his personal hissy fit over a common sense army policy about abortions.

The United States requires its incoming military leaders to engage in a massive review and revision of our strategic military priorities.

The situation in Ukraine highlights that we were ill-prepared for Putin’s brutal ‘Greater Russia grab.’

We are building various ships, planes, and armored vehicles that often do not seem appropriate for 21st century military actions.

When the Navy finds that an expensive new class of ship does not meet its functional needs and then seeks to obtain Congress’s support to scuttle the ship series (and Congress refuses), something is frightfully wrong.

The Air Force seems to be building highly expensive planes that are often way over budget with operational problems that diminish their mission value. Also, a decade from now, might pilot operated aircraft become far less common than today?

The Army is having a dreadful time recruiting soldiers for its volunteer army. Despite significantly lowering recruitment standards, there is an increasing shortfall. Moreover, the number of military families who encourage their children to ‘go military’ has dropped sharply. Recruiting low-tech soldiers for an increasingly hi-tech army poses serious problems.

That Tuberville has blocked military promotions for 8 months is a calumny, as the United States desperately requires its military leadership to shape strategies and implementation for the manifold military issues that it is likely to confront.

If Tuberville’s Republican Senate colleagues can not kick ass with their renegade sidekick, then the Republicans are complicate in sabotaging our military.

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John Bruner's avatar

The DoD policy applies to ALL medical treatment not available for whatever reason in a specific locale. It simply included reproductive health care. Tommy's tantrum is only directed at limiting adequate health care to women.

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MLRGRMI's avatar

Mission Accomplished

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Janet Carter's avatar

And damn McConnell does nothing!

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Johnny Rochat - NorCal's avatar

Exactly. Tuberville and Paul are not lone wolves - they have the backing of the entire GQP Senate. The MSM would do better to make this clear to every voter with a GQP Senator. Alas, the media by in large has no interest in preserving much less educating our nation. They would appear to prefer a schoolyard brawl while Rome burns.

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Victoria E Graham's avatar

He knows how to pipline appropriations money for his State and political longevity...

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Aug 5, 2023
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Sky 777's avatar

Good one.

His public TIA is only the surface of his health problems.

Soon he will meet his maker. He will no doubt get the best suite, the hottest of the hot.

And there goes another chunk of whatever good karma I have managed to accumulate in this life time. Sigh.

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Aug 5, 2023
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Sky 777's avatar

Thanks for that boost of happy. I need it today.

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JustRaven's avatar

Frustrating, exhausting and predictable, tfg just cannot stop himself with the lies, threats, and defiance. Feeling deja vu from the E Jean Carroll lawsuit, when she won her case and the very next day not even 24 hrs later, he was at it again and so she filed a second lawsuit.

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Ed Nuhfer's avatar

Welcome to governance by gangsters.

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Karen RN's avatar

How is it that one complete idiot that was somehow elected Senator, because he was a football coach, hold our military hostage resulting in grave threats to our national security. Mr Tuber does appear to be a useful idiot for Russia. It seems Mr Rand must have trained him.

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Jen Schaefer's avatar

They learned it all from McConnell, a true obstructionist. If we refused to do our jobs, we would be fired. It’s time to remove every last one of these idiots (or worse) who refuse to do theirs.

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MLMinET's avatar

Oh you have no idea how football coaches and players are held in God-like esteem in the SEC.

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Derek Smith's avatar

Players are esteemed so long as they can run, catch, block, etc. When they can no longer do that they are discarded.

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Karen RN's avatar

Thanks for the link Mark. I just sent him my thoughts.

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Chris Hierholzer's avatar

He was a red state gift.

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TCinLA's avatar

Where are all those FEMA camps when we need to start jailing Republicans for treason?

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Marlene Lerner-Bigley (CA)'s avatar

TC, you think they have enough for all of them?

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Danielle (NM)'s avatar

For our ex-president jail presents issues with his mandated Secret Service protection. We’ve never had to consider whether that can be revoked if he’s convicted of a felony. Meanwhile, pretrial restrictions are difficult, given his “necessary” freedom to campaign. Even sequestered to Mar a Lago, we can’t remove his access to the internet.

The vision I keep returning to is of Philip Nolan in “The Man Without a Country” by Edward Everett Hale. He was convicted of treason, renounced his country, and was sentenced to life on a ship sailing up and down off the East Coast , incommunicado. (Although I pity the crew assigned to this duty.)

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Eric Weis (ME, NJ, PA, World)'s avatar

Tuberville is a threat to America’s national security. McConnell and other GOP leaders refuse to reign him in. They are complicit. Why? Because they place party interest over duty to country. Geo Washington warned us about this. He saw the future. We are living in it. The world sees this weakness, and our credit rating has been lowered. America and democracy are on trial. If I were a juror, I would vote guilty.

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