Ace of Spades HQ

March 05, 2014

Tom Friedman Has a Great Answer to the Question of How to Stop Putin
— Ace

Of course, this is Tom Friedman's great answer to everything.

How do we revitalize the American economy? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

How do we renew America's sense of patriotism? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

How do we lower gas and energy prices? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

So no one should be surprised that the key to driving Putin out of the Ukraine with his tail tucked between his legs is to raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme. (Link to NRO.)

IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard Â— all of which would also help lower the global oil price (and make us stronger, with cleaner air, less oil dependence and more innovation). You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps.

Gasbaggery.

I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it.

Posted by: Ace at 02:17 PM | Comments (246)
Post contains 188 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Well, I've had the flu, so all I was feeling was sickly.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at March 05, 2014 02:19 PM (IXrOn)

2 o/t but Putin was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize bwahaha

Posted by: The Dude at March 05, 2014 02:19 PM (bStrg)

3 He must own a shit ton of stocks in green energy companies.

Posted by: Seems legit at March 05, 2014 02:19 PM (A98Xu)

4 The answer to everything for this twit is either to be more like China or to fight global warming through crippling the economy.
I'm not sure how that's supposed to matter to Putin, since we get none of our oil from Russia or any Eastern European country. I guess it would intimidate him by its beautiful enlightenment or something.
It doesn't bother me that vapid fools like this exist, it bothers me they pull down six figures a year at a leading news organization to record their empty stupidity.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:19 PM (zfY+H)

Yeah. That'll show Putin who's boss alright.

Posted by: wheatie at March 05, 2014 02:19 PM (+HGCx)

6 "Some horrible dream about...smothering?"

Posted by: Null at March 05, 2014 02:20 PM (xjpRj)

7 You've had worse weeks.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (hn70M)

8 You want to talk about cleaner air Tom go talk to your fucking buddies the Chinese. Jeebus how much cleaner does the air have to fucking get? Until they squeeze the actual air out of the air?

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (oFCZn)

9 China?

Posted by: Hate Miser at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (UIxS+)

10 Bronco Bama you're my hero.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (Aif/5)

11 Friedman lives in a house that is bigger than many schools. What does he care if gas is $3.50, $4.50 or $5.00 a gallon?

Posted by: Evi. L. Bloggerlady at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (4kTo2)

12 What's funny is that Friedman's two fixations: China and "Green" tech are at violent odds. China burns coal like Margaret Cho with a bowl of bon-bons and has the worst pollution on the planet.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (zfY+H)

13 And if a new gas tax doesn't drive Putin off of the Crimean peninsula, we could always just raise the minimum wage and grant amnesty to illegal immigrants. Pretty standard stuff.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 05, 2014 02:21 PM (+lsX1)

14 It must be nice to be born with a silver spoon. But still Tom F. Has never enjoyed the sweet taste of Kaboom.

Posted by: redenzo at March 05, 2014 02:22 PM (WCnJW)

15 Leftist solution to all problems is more taxes and less productivity.

Posted by: Airandee at March 05, 2014 02:22 PM (96/TO)

16 Celebrating Chavez dirt nap anniversary. Paranoid Leftist Maduro went retard against Panama. Unclear why. DRUDGE REPORT ‏@DRUDGE_REPORT Venezuela breaks ties with Panama over 'conspiracy'... http://drudge.tw/1jSDMsV Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday he was breaking diplomatic and commercial relations with the Panamanian government due to a "conspiracy" against him. "We're not going to let anyone get away with interfering with our fatherland, you despicable lackey, president of Panama," Maduro said in a speech to commemorate the anniversary of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez's death.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 05, 2014 02:22 PM (ZPrif)

17 The average Russian lives to age 35, due to alcoholism and car crashes, so this problem will work itself out.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 05, 2014 02:22 PM (hn70M)

18 It's a tax!

Posted by: John Roberts at March 05, 2014 02:22 PM (Q1BWs)

19 someone had it the other night tap every oil and natural gas reserve we have and flood the market with our cheaply priced stuff bye bye Russia's cash flow

Posted by: navycopjoe at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (At8tV)

20 He must own a shit ton of stocks in green energy companies. Posted by: Seems legit at March 05, 2014 06:19 PM .........I'm guessing yes.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (gLjvy)

21 I bet the Chinese government sends him all the fried rice Tom Friedman can eat whenever he wants it. And Chinese hookers. And snake whiskey.

Posted by: Evi. L. Bloggerlady at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (4kTo2)

22 Man, I got Willowed....

'Won a Cronkite' needs to be moron euphemism for something... discuss.

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (vHRtU)

23 And CHINA!

Wow, Friedman really is delving into Krugman territory.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (QFxY5)

24 IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard Â— all of which would also help lower the global oil price (and make us stronger, with cleaner air, less oil dependence and more innovation). You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps.

And Putin keeps his price just below the US price (that includes with Friedman's gas tax, of course) and he rakes in the dough.

He failed Econ 101, didn't he. But then he probably took it from the German school instead of the Austrian school and got an "A".

Posted by: John P. Squibob at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (DQZLr)

25 Who the f is Tom Friedman?

Posted by: Country Singer at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (r/e1Q)

26 mr ace you're always a good read

Posted by: newrouter at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (dsgCY)

27 Fifth!

Posted by: lois lerner at March 05, 2014 02:23 PM (hn5v5)

28 Taxes. There is simply nothing they can not do.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 05, 2014 02:24 PM (DjxpQ)

29 >>>>I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it.<<<<<<<<

What you need is more gas taxes and a carbon scheme. Really, it'll help.

Posted by: tommy friedman at March 05, 2014 02:24 PM (gorVZ)

30 The air would be allot cleaner if he would simply shut his whore mouth.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:24 PM (gLjvy)

31 ACE - your light/superficial blogs are your best. They completely strangle your tendency to bloviate

Posted by: ButtenutProdigy at March 05, 2014 02:24 PM (FpBe1)

32 bye bye Russia's cash flow

Posted by: navycopjoe at March 05, 2014 06:23 PM (At8tV)

And frack everywhere, and drill offshore everywhere.

We would return to $50/barrel oil and destroy the Russians and the Iranians.

Oh, and our economy would grow at about 6%.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:25 PM (QFxY5)

33 How to stop Putin? Easy, keep it Inpants.

Posted by: flounder at March 05, 2014 02:25 PM (Kkt/i)

34 Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Maybe Friedman was trained as a horse veterinarian.

http://tinyurl.com/mty45n8

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 05, 2014 02:25 PM (8ZskC)

35 This is the cock sucker who got used and abused by the Saudi's over their "peace" plan. He got used and abused. He is a Jino. As a matter of fact if you look Jino up in the dictionary, there is picture of Friedman

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:25 PM (nzKvP)

36 You know what else would decrease oil demand and clean the air? Ban automobiles. Pace Friedman, we should emulate the Chinese and build lots of rickshaws.

Posted by: wooga at March 05, 2014 02:25 PM (Q1BWs)

37 Who the f is Tom Friedman?

Posted by: Country Singer at March 05, 2014 06:23 PM (r/e1Q)

Your intellectual superior.

He's been to China you know, and has seen the future!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (QFxY5)

38 As of eighteen hundred hours, I have ordered our generals to begin driving Prius' and continue to do so until Russia retreats.

We didn't ask for this fight, but, with the grace of mumble we *will* see it to the green end. Good night and mumble bless.

Posted by: Pres. TFG [/i] [/b] at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (Y/M/K)

39 Let's really show Putin whose boss, let's invest a whole shit load of money into windmills and solar panels. Like 10 times more then what we're spending now, we'll have him on the ropes then.

Posted by: lowandslow at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (IV4od)

40 He must ~~own a shit ton of~~ losing a ton on stocks in green energy companies.

Posted by: Seems legit at March 05, 2014 06:19 PM

Posted by: phreshone at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (Q6pxP)

41 Want to put Putin in a bind? Allow fracking on public lands. Build the LNG export terminals. Build the Keystone XL pipeline. Sell Kentucky coal to Germany because their greenies renewable energy scheme has made their energy 65% more expensive and now they're burning brown coal (less energy intensive) and the price of their exports is going up making them less competitive

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy-Eared Vulcan at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (l2max)

42 High speed rail and Midnight Basketball...

Posted by: tu3031 at March 05, 2014 02:26 PM (yv+63)

43 >>>IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard Â— all of which would also help lower the global oil price (and make us stronger, with cleaner air, less oil dependence and more innovation). You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps.<<<

Soo... lot's more nuke plants then, Tom?

Posted by: Hate Miser at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (UIxS+)

44 Speaking of China, Mooch is headed there for va-ca. Gonna teach them that their 90% vegetable diet is unhealthy...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (vHRtU)

45
My carbon scheme includes eating burritos. YMMV.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (gorVZ)

46 I have an idea. Let's take a struggling economy with high unemployment. Add a gas tax and a carbon tax and raise the price of shit so we can scare Putin. Fucking brilliant Tommy.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (gLjvy)

47 And high speed rail. The death blow to Vlad. Why not more cowbell?

Posted by: Chavez the Hugo at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (Q8vlx)

48 Nicaragua Leftist Prez, Daniel Ortega is not dead. He'd been missing for almost two weeks, but reappeared. Good bet is he had some medical procedure.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (ZPrif)

49 WASHINGTON Â– The U.S. military is boosting its NATO presence in a bid to support the defenses of U.S. allies in Europe in response to Russia's takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. After Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel first alluded to the effort during testimony on Capitol Hill earlier Wednesday morning, a Defense official confirmed that the U.S. will send six additional F-15s and one KC-135 to "augment the mission" in Baltic countries. The U.S. currently provides four F-15s to what's known as the Baltic Air Policing rotation. The additional aircraft will be sent from a base in Britain to Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania, the official said. Would have been more impressive to send F-22s. Oh wait we shit canned them and have only a precious few.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:27 PM (nzKvP)

50 "I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it."

Well there has been an oddness about the interlink ever since Putin's Coup de Main last week end.

Trolls, spam bots, and general insanity.

Insult the French navy and poof, your blog is beyond reach.

Mock Obama and see what happens next. Could be fun.

Posted by: T.Zed Pearless at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (VMypf)

51 Early to go off-topic, but I have been waiting awhile: I need a recommendation for a small can of pepper spray, small enough to fit into the top of a boot. My little sister has picked up a stalker at work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small pocket - she can't carry a purse around with her while working at the clothing store. She has a boxcutter which she carries as part of the job, but needs something with a bit more range... I was looking at the Sabre Red lipstick spray on amazon, but don't know if it is actually effective.

Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (NeX8Z)

52 ace.... call me.....

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (jucos)

53 Needs more Trillion Dollar Coin.

Posted by: garrett at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (XUatG)

54 I wonder if Tommy would support a ban on caviar?

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (hn70M)

55 Step 1 gas tax, (and steal underpants) Step 2 Step 3 PROFIT!!

Posted by: traye at March 05, 2014 02:28 PM (fqOja)

56 Maduro said in a speech to commemorate the anniversary of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez's death.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 05, 2014 06:22 PM (ZPrif)

With all the problems that country has, how much of a dumbfuck is Tommy Boy to have a jerkoff commenoration for the fat turd who drove the place into the shitter?

And to stay on topic: Fuck Flathead.

Posted by: Captain Hate at March 05, 2014 02:29 PM (xowO9)

57 Nicaragua Leftist Prez, Daniel Ortega is not dead. He'd been missing for almost two weeks, but reappeared. Good bet is he had some medical procedure. Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 05, 2014 06:27 PM (ZPrif) Sure hope for his sake he went to the US

Posted by: Castro at March 05, 2014 02:29 PM (nzKvP)

58
Raise Taxes on Americans! That'll Scare Putin!

Posted by: tommy friedman at March 05, 2014 02:29 PM (gorVZ)

59 "Some horrible dream about...smothering?" It wasn't a chicken. It was a BABY!

Posted by: Hawkeye Pierce at March 05, 2014 02:29 PM (XUatG)

60 Sabre Red is an excellent product. I have sprayed quite a few mutts and a few dogs with it.

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 05, 2014 02:29 PM (vHRtU)

61 Business news is suggesting we change the law to allow the exporting of natural gas. We have an abundance of it that we can market to Europe, undercutting Russia.

Posted by: Liberty Lover at March 05, 2014 02:30 PM (u1Ip3)

62 SO

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:30 PM (nzKvP)

63 Immediate construction of a monorail from San Francisco to Death Valley! That'll show those ruskies we've got money to burn baby!

Posted by: Yip at March 05, 2014 02:30 PM (/jHWN)

64 "I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it." I could tweet you some dick pics if that will help?

Posted by: Carlos Danger at March 05, 2014 02:30 PM (XUatG)

65 Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:28 PM (NeX8Z)

Check Midway....they seem to have a good selection, and their products are usually reliable.

Or.....

http://tinyurl.com/kb2rd4f

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:31 PM (QFxY5)

66 It wasn't a chicken. It was a BABY! Posted by: Hawkeye Pierce at March 05, 2014 06:29 PM ......MASH had jumped the shark a year or two before that but geez.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:31 PM (gLjvy)

67 We could all go on a hunger strike. Take that Putin you cocksucker!

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at March 05, 2014 02:31 PM (+lsX1)

68 Every writer, let alone blogger goes through phases when they just don't feel it. None of the news gives any passion, none of the events matter. It happens, sometimes those slumps can last months, but if you keep plugging, you get through the other side.
The best, only way to deal with it is to keep writing, which you're still doing Ace.
Oh, and ignore the TL;DR choads. Write what you have to say and don't pay any heed to how long it takes.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:31 PM (zfY+H)

69 Tom Friedman and former Enron adviser Paul Krugman. Have you ever seen them in a room together? I heard the Tom's house is hot, flat and crowded. Or was that one of his books? Go to guy for philosophical and political non sequitirs? Tom Friedman Go to guy for stupid "Nobel Prize" approved economic and political advice? Paul Krugman They are both symptoms of a much greater intellectual sickness in this here United States.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at March 05, 2014 02:31 PM (RFeQD)

70 IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard Â— all of which would also help lower the global oil price (and make us stronger, with cleaner air, less oil dependence and more innovation). You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps. I wonder how much that stupid cost?

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (DjxpQ)

71 This will all make for some great stories to share in 20 years... heh Good times, good times..

Posted by: Yip at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (/jHWN)

72 Posted by: Liberty Lover at March 05, 2014 06:30 PM (u1Ip3) ----------- The gov't has been slow walking applications to build LNG terminals. Same as they've been slow walking new drilling permits in the Gulf.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy-Eared Vulcan at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (CGjum)

73 And POSs like him get paid six or seven figures for this shit? I'm in the wrong profession.

Posted by: Soona at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (9TU0o)

74 I have a better idea - it's time for the NYT to trade Friedman to RT. Let him bore Putin to death from a closer locale.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (HsTG8)

75 Yeah Tom "dumber than Krugaton" and "Milton just rose from the dead and demanded I chanege my surname" Friedman thinks the way to frighten Putin is announce e're not in the competition Business.... Hey Tom you dumb fuck open up the offshore and fucking shale boom asshole and foorce the price down that way dumbfuck.

Posted by: sven10077 at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (TE35l)

76 Lets try blackmail. Sneak Ronan into Pooty's bed and take pics. A KGB favorite!

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 05, 2014 02:32 PM (vHRtU)

77 Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:28 PM (NeX8Z)

Midway: http://tinyurl.com/kncet6k

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:33 PM (QFxY5)

"You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps."

It's modeled after the tactic used by Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles. Take yourself hostage at gun point and threaten to shoot this ****** if the hostile crowd doesn't back off.

Posted by: Mel Brooks at March 05, 2014 02:33 PM (w41GQ)

79 Mr. Friedman, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Posted by: traye at March 05, 2014 02:33 PM (fqOja)

80 I'd be all for raising the gas tax if it were accompanied by lowering the income tax.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 05, 2014 02:33 PM (0LHZx)

81 LONG BEACH, California - Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has likened Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions on the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine to those of Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. Ah yeah , NO. When people resort to comparing anyone to Hitler or the Holocaust, ya kinda know they have no argument and are ignorant of History. The newspaper "Also" quoted Clinton as saying that Putin is a man "who believes his mission is to restore Russian greatness." (AP) Ah then that would put him in the same boat as obama?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:33 PM (nzKvP)

82 Good bet is he she had some medical procedure.
[cough; cough]

Posted by: daniella ortega at March 05, 2014 02:34 PM (hn5v5)

83 What is desperately needed is a tax on gas bags.

Posted by: Buffalobob at March 05, 2014 02:34 PM (RZBmV)

84 Tommy Friedman? I blame MN.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:34 PM (jucos)

85 I'll never forget when we raised the gas tax and Emperor Hirohito was all like no way! And pulled his troops out of the pacific.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:34 PM (gLjvy)

86 I need a recommendation for a small can of pepper spray, small enough to fit into the top of a boot. My little sister has picked up a stalker at work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small pocket - she can't carry a purse around with her while working at the clothing store. She has a boxcutter which she carries as part of the job, but needs something with a bit more range...

Sig Sauer P238
http://preview.tinyurl.com/lmy3tzu

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:34 PM (P7Wsr)

87 Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 06:31 PM (QFxY5) Alas, a gun is not an option - she was in a psychiatric hospital a couple years ago after an attempted suicide. She is much better now, but in NC she is now unable to legally own a gun. Stupid, but there you have it...

Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (NeX8Z)

88 Ah then that would put him in the same boat as obama? Posted by: Nevergiveup That's a close one there, comparing Putin to Hitler. At least she didn't compare him to Booooosh! That would have been.....bad.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (RFeQD)

89 The newspaper "Also" quoted Clinton as saying that Putin is a man "who believes his mission is to restore Russian greatness." Someone must have sent her the video of Putin smashing her "Reset" button to smithereens with a sledge hammer.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (HsTG8)

90 The solution to male pattern baldness.....raise the gas tax, impose a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (BPb6r)

91 No space alien defense system? Tommy, you're slipping.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (0HooB)

92 Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Despite ordering the invasion of Ukraine, RussiaÂ’s strongman received the nomination for helping defuse last yearÂ’s crisis in Syria. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced Oct. 10. Yeah so? They gave one to obama for??????? Time to do away with the Nobel Peace Prize and the Academy Awards.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (nzKvP)

93 Oh good, a new post, and comments are working again! I was having withdrawals!

Posted by: Insomniac at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (UAMVq)

94 What we should do is burn all our crops and stores of food, that will show Putin.

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 05, 2014 02:35 PM (hn70M)

95 High speed basketball and midnight rail.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at March 05, 2014 02:36 PM (HFap2)

96 Tommy needs to Win a Cronkite...

Posted by: OG Celtic-American at March 05, 2014 02:36 PM (vHRtU)

97 My little sister has picked up a stalker at work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small pocket - She needs to practice urinating on herself.

Posted by: Colorado Democrat at March 05, 2014 02:36 PM (XUatG)

98 Cure for Impotence? Raise The Gasoline Tax

Posted by: Tom Friedman - Problem Solver at March 05, 2014 02:37 PM (XUatG)

99 It'll take more than a shitload of dimes to pay that, after burrito night.

Posted by: Mr. Taggart at March 05, 2014 02:37 PM (J6JcG)

100 I'm still laughing.
Obama is sending six F16s and a tanker.

Man that guy knows how to wield power.
Next thing you'll read, he is sending one MRAP rescue vehicle from Surplus Sam's Surplus Barn.

Posted by: T.Zed Pearless at March 05, 2014 02:37 PM (VMypf)

101 Moar money for the kids!

Posted by: Teh Teachers! at March 05, 2014 02:37 PM (/jHWN)

102 If Barky imposes a carbon tax, Tommy-Boy, you will suffer the consequences of using all those remaindered copies of your books as firewood. Just sayin'Â…

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:38 PM (HsTG8)

103 What we need is to make shit more expensive, that will show those bastards!

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:38 PM (gLjvy)

104 >>>High speed basketball and midnight rail.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at March 05, 2014 06:36 PM (HFap2)<<<

What does our date night have to do with this?

Posted by: Barry and Reggie at March 05, 2014 02:38 PM (UIxS+)

105 "My little sister has picked up a stalker at work "
Maybe you should accompany her around a while with a baseball bat.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:38 PM (zfY+H)

106

High speed basketball and midnight rail.

Ah, Midnight rail... reminds me of this chick I knew in college.

Posted by: BunkerinTheBurbs at March 05, 2014 02:38 PM (X3xYu)

107 The cure for insomnia.....raise the gas tax, impose a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (BPb6r)

108 Putin? Flatten him!

Posted by: whoever at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (kGSN0)

109 "Moar money for the kids! "
...and by kids, we mean "union bosses and administration at school."

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (zfY+H)

110 I'd be cured already if someone would just raise the gas tax!

Posted by: Cancer at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (UIxS+)

111 Midnight rail = PIV

Posted by: Yip at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (/jHWN)

112 The good news is that they got 3 of those Corvettes out of the sinkhole in Ky.

Posted by: navybrat at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (AW7Gr)

113 Clinton in CA. Saw some video of her at UCLA. Someone applied the spackle very liberally. She looked like a animated corpse.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (jucos)

114 >>My little sister has picked up a stalker at
work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small
pocket -

Most workplaces forbid stalking so she should be fine.

Posted by: Democrats at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (hn70M)

115 It's always people who live in NYC and never buy gas that think raising the gas tax is a cure for every problem in the world.

Fuck you Tommy.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 05, 2014 02:39 PM (0LHZx)

116 Just throw in a cigarette tax, and you have TFG's new budget in a nutshell.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at March 05, 2014 02:40 PM (xq1UY)

117

My little sister has picked up a stalker at
work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small
pocket -

_______________

Ronan Farrows Penis

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (jucos)

118 Man that guy knows how to wield power. Next thing you'll read, he is sending one MRAP rescue vehicle from Surplus Sam's Surplus Barn. Posted by: T.Zed Pearless at March 05, 2014 06:37 PM (VMypf) hey stop laughing, with the defense budget cuts coming, that may be more than we can afford!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (nzKvP)

119 So those old guys from the Who say they are gonna record an album. Won't get diapered again?

Posted by: Pikn Folyd at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (hqVUe)

120 My little sister has picked up a stalker at

work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small

pocket - As long as she stays in no-gun zones she'll be fine! Promise!

Posted by: Peirs Morgan at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (/jHWN)

121 Would could eradicate the scourge of hangovers forever if we raised the gas tax and implemented a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (BPb6r)

122 "he key to driving Putin out of the Ukraine with his tail tucked between his legs is to raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme."

Posted by: Bad Foreign Policy Advice at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (Kkt/i)

123 Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:35 PM (NeX8Z)

I was sort of joking about the gun. I assumed that you knew what you were asking.

The Midway link upthread is a good one. You should be able to find something that will work.

Good luck.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (QFxY5)

124 I was just on Zimtok-5 talking with my cab driver Hszheitshispxhtht and he told me that if we raise the gas tax, that Zimtok-5ians would be able to afford soccer balls for their children and that's a good thing. So let's raise the gas tax and help Hszheitshispxhtht buy soccer balls for his kids.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:41 PM (kL+Z/)

125 She has a boxcutter which she carries as part of the job, but needs something with a bit more range Barrett 338 Lapua.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 05, 2014 02:42 PM (UAMVq)

126 14 It must be nice to be born with a silver spoon. And void of the ability to be rational, logical, possess a few molecules of common sense plus awareness of the history of Russia for the last 5 centuries.

Posted by: Angel with a sword at March 05, 2014 02:42 PM (hpgw1)

127 Got the clap? Raise the gas tax and introduce a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: Soona at March 05, 2014 02:42 PM (9TU0o)

128 I can't figure out the right talking points on this, so within 100 posts of each other I'm going to endorse raising the gas tax and foully curse at someone for suggesting that happen.

Posted by: Mr Mieux Mieux at March 05, 2014 02:42 PM (zfY+H)

129 As long as there's no more raising of the tanning tax!!!

That's a hill to die on and my top priority.

Then amnesty.

Posted by: John "Orange Ya Glad I'm Speaker" Boehner at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (UIxS+)

130 87 Grey Fox, Pepper Spray comes in pen looking containers. Go to a police shop and ask, that way she can kep it deployable. Good luck.

Posted by: sven10077 at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (TE35l)

131 Doesn't Tommy realize that gas tax is one of the most regressive taxes out there? It hurts the very poor the most. I thought Tommy and the left cared about the poor?

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (0LHZx)

132

I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it. Posted by: Ace at 06:17 PM

And the reason AoS is only the #2 best conservative blog becomes clear! Kidding, Ace, kidding! I'd rather you light blog and recharge than burn out and go dark for a week. Your blogging on your worst sick days is ten times better than Ronan hosting on his absolute best, so no worries.

Ugh, Utah legislature just voted to do a weird hybrid caucus/signature collection for ppl to get on the ballot. I predict doom, DOOM, for tea party/true conservative candidates, which of course is the whole goal of the GOP establishment and the libs. Le sigh.

Posted by: LizLem at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (BF+2f)

133 Hate those unsightly Skin-Tags? Apply a liberal Gasoline Tax.

Posted by: Tom Friedman - Problem Solver at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (XUatG)

134 Half the Who is dead. They aren't the Who any more, they are Townshend and Daltrey. Townshend can't play like he used to and Daltrey can't sing like he used to. I love their stuff, I love both of those guys but...
Give it a rest. Please.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (zfY+H)

135 Maybe you should accompany her around a while with a baseball bat. Yeah, after she started asking me if I knew of any decent knife-fighting tricks suitable for a box-cutter I kind of feel like going and hanging around the store with her.

Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 02:43 PM (NeX8Z)

136 If you don't laugh/giggle at this ( http://tinyurl.com/kg96g8h ) you're worse than Hitler :

Posted by: Dr Spank at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (hn70M)

137 Just throw in a cigarette tax, and you have TFG's new budget in a nutshell.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at March 05, 2014 06:40 PM (xq1UY)

____________________

No.... The Cigarette Tax is for Childrens health care. So they stay healthy enough to reach the age where they can buy cigarettes.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (jucos)

138 I really never thought someone could be so stupid. Then I red Tommy's screeds.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (gLjvy)

139

We could finally defeat death if we just raised the gas tax and implemented a carbon tax scheme

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (BPb6r)

140 Painful rectal itch? Raise the gas tax and introduce a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (0HooB)

141 Yeah, I'm not "feelin' it" either as a reader but totally would not mind a few more silly or "superficial" posts. I mean, yeah, yeah...geopolitics etc... I just finished up a season of a Scandi crime drama that Hulu found for me that I think is pretty great. It's called, "The Bridge" or "Bron | Broen" in two of the dirty scandi "languages" the characters from Denmark & Sweden speak. Yeah, there are subtitles but as my Dad pointed out, it's no worse than having to put on the Closed Captioning for "Justified" so he doesn't miss some of the important details and just funny as hell asides. It is Scandi-Noir (is that a genre?) but it's not as irritating as watching Kenneth Brannagh in "Wallender" and can't possibly be as dark as I've heard the two theatrical treatments of "The Girl Who..." books. Haven't seen the movies because I'd already read the books. So...

Posted by: Deety at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (D8ONs)

142 I'm felling it but it ain't good...

Posted by: hello, it's me also a creep-assed cracka.. at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (9+ccr)

143 Ace, you crack me up with how you keep bringin' it day after day and then apologize for running dry now and then. Please don't worry about it.

Also don't trouble yourself over the tremors, panic attacks, and nightmares I get when my obsessive refreshing the screen doesn't produce a new post. I'm just a pitiable addict.

Posted by: Mindy at March 05, 2014 02:44 PM (RMfGb)

144 You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps.

Actually comrade, I pissed my pants laughing. Pozdravlyayu!

Posted by: Vlad Pootey Poot at March 05, 2014 02:45 PM (Dwehj)

145 Hahahahaha nominated for a Nobel Prize. Man I am rolling with laughter as the pantsing of Obama continues apace.

Posted by: ParanoidGirlinSeattle at March 05, 2014 02:46 PM (RZ8pf)

146 Grey Fox, howzabout a BLACKHAWK! Garra II knife? It's got the intimidation factor too.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:46 PM (P7Wsr)

147 Chronic Masterbation? Raise the Gas Tax and institute a Carbon Tax Scheme

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:46 PM (jucos)

148 Who's on stage?

Posted by: Slappy Squirrel at March 05, 2014 02:47 PM (RDoaO)

149 I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it. Gas Tax and a Carbon Credit Scheme will fix that right up!

Posted by: Tom Friedman - Problem Solver at March 05, 2014 02:47 PM (XUatG)

150 135 Maybe you should accompany her around a while with a baseball bat. Yeah, after she started asking me if I knew of any decent knife-fighting tricks suitable for a box-cutter I kind of feel like going and hanging around the store with her. Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:43 PM (NeX8Z) If it's that bad why hasn't the employer done anything about it?

Posted by: Insomniac at March 05, 2014 02:47 PM (UAMVq)

151 Hey....did anyone actually click on the link?

Because this borders on too stupid even for a NY Times columnist.

Maybe Ace is just screwing with us?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 05, 2014 02:47 PM (QFxY5)

152 IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard Â— all of which would also help lower the global oil price (and make us stronger, with cleaner air, less oil dependence and more innovation). You want to frighten Putin? Just announce those steps. Well, sheeeeeeit, that beats giving Vlad an atomic wedgie nine ways from Sunday!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:47 PM (HsTG8)

153 Want to seduce that hot ginger? Raise the gas tax and impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Soona at March 05, 2014 02:48 PM (9TU0o)

154 Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:43 PM (NeX8Z) Get her a K-Bar. Tell her to sink it hilt deep into the crotch area.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 05, 2014 02:48 PM (UAMVq)

155 Damn...if only we had a plane to take out tanks and APCs.

Posted by: Chuck Hagel at March 05, 2014 02:48 PM (Dj5/i)

156 129 As long as there's no more raising of the tanning tax!!!That's a hill to die on and my top priority. Then amnesty.Posted by: John "Orange Ya Glad I'm Speaker" Boehner at March 05, 2014 06:43 PM (UIxS+)
Annoying orange.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at March 05, 2014 02:48 PM (HFap2)

157 I had lost my show and didn't know where to turn. I called Tom. After some coaching I called the boss and asked for a chance to talk. Tom's advice was so on target! I walked out of the office with my new job as a "journalist-at-large" for fluff-commentary pieces. heh.

What'd Tom tell me? Well... he said go in there and tell 'em your going to advocate higher gas taxes and ruinous carbon credits and you'd rather do it on CNN than for anyone else...

Posted by: Peirs Morgan at March 05, 2014 02:49 PM (/jHWN)

158 Ace, no worries on the light blogging. On your worst day. ANYTHING you write is a thousand times more better than ANYTHING Tommy Porn Moustache Friedman has ever written.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 02:49 PM (gLjvy)

159 Maybe a Kali knife-fighting class?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:49 PM (P7Wsr)

160

My god, the stupid is exploding in overwhelming abundance today, everywhere you look.

Hugh Hewitt was having one of his jaw-dropping interviews with a cretinous "elite" media figure - this time Nick Kristof/NYT - about Crimea. Moron was making one silly counter-factual or preposterous comment after another. You see, Putin will regret this. Ukraine will be a success, but now even more anti-Russian. The Russian economy is frail. The Tatars (passive and complaisan) will become like the Chechens (toughest mofos on planet Earth, probably) with some sort of armed resistance (WTF???). My god what an idiot.

Then I see this post, with what I presume is the standard, non-stop idiocy of Friedman (haven't read a word of his in 10 years or more). Jeebus, what happened to America? It is so dumbed down by "elite education" and NPR and the ridiculous "press" that these babblings by Friedman, which are literally no less crazy than what a delusional street person might be mumbling in the parking lot, are considered opinion of any interest?

And then I turn Hewitt back on here at the desk and now he's asking stupid questions of Anne Applebaum/WaPo, who at least is politely deflecting them without humiliating Hewitt.

OK, so you could assemble the entire statutory National Security Council, the "top" columnists of the major newspapers, and probably the "top" think tank people in the Beltway, and you wouldn't have 3 people worth talking to (about anything at all). Completely vapid, clueless, sub-mediocre miniature people.

I find it hard to believe there has ever been a time when there is such a low intellectual level pervading the top levels of the ruling establishment and its various ranks of horse-holders.

Posted by: non-purist at March 05, 2014 02:49 PM (afQnV)

161 Hey....did anyone actually click on the link? I only read the previous 5 comments. What do you think I am - a literary Tyrannosaurus Rex?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:49 PM (0HooB)

162 Hacking cough???

Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Doctorb Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:50 PM (Q6pxP)

163 Constipated? A Gasoline Tax will really get those bowels moving.

Posted by: Tom Friedman - Problem Solver at March 05, 2014 02:50 PM (XUatG)

164 Stalker at work? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Insomniac at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (UAMVq)

165 Got a stalker? Nothing a carbon-tax scheme and raising the gas tax won't fix right up.

Posted by: Bad Dating Advice at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (Kkt/i)

166 Yeah Deety... I haven't been feeling it either. I come here for Teh Funneh, which ace and crew could constantly bring, but lately the news has been so depressing. We are living in backwards/bizarre world where every fucking thing is upside down. It is enough to drive the sane insane.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (jucos)

167 I'm stealing nevergiveup's , So.

and adding one of my own . So.

Posted by: willow at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (nqBYe)

168 You son, have a case of the crabs. Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Doctorb Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (Q6pxP)

169 Knife Fighting tips? No stabby. Dig and tear.

Posted by: garrett at March 05, 2014 02:51 PM (XUatG)

170 No one clicks on links hereÂ… have you not learned from "curious" linking to ghey pron?

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:52 PM (HsTG8)

171 That's two threads in a row that I have been sniped. I think I need a carbon-tax scheme and higher gas taxes.

Posted by: Bad Dating Advice at March 05, 2014 02:52 PM (Kkt/i)

172 >>>135 Maybe you should accompany her around a while with a baseball bat.

Yeah, after she started asking me if I knew of any decent knife-fighting tricks suitable for a box-cutter I kind of feel like going and hanging around the store with her.
Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:43 PM (NeX8Z)<<<

Get her a Gurkha. Too expensive?

How 'bout just one of their khukuris?

Posted by: Hate Miser at March 05, 2014 02:52 PM (UIxS+)

173 The perfect al dente pasta? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:53 PM (Q6pxP)

174 Button comes loose right before a big meeting! Oh No! No problem now, simply raise the gas tax and impose a carbon tax. And you're on the way to the meeting on time, whew! Plus, if you do that right now, not only will we double your tax, but send you my new book "How to screw America and Israel in 10 easy steps!"

Posted by: Tom Friedman, fixer of things at March 05, 2014 02:53 PM (gLjvy)

175 Erectile dysfunction? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:53 PM (UAMVq)

176 166 Yeah Deety... I haven't been feeling it either. I come here for Teh Funneh, which ace and crew could constantly bring, but lately the news has been so depressing. We are living in backwards/bizarre world where every fucking thing is upside down. It is enough to drive the sane insane.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 06:51 PM (jucos)

Noted, thanks.

Posted by: NSA/NHS/ATF at March 05, 2014 02:53 PM (Kkt/i)

177 Low T? Raise the gas tax and introduce a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 05, 2014 02:54 PM (0HooB)

178 I need a break. Might head to the Balken Penisula.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at March 05, 2014 02:54 PM (jucos)

179 Well Thomas is in a rage stroke because someone burst his-- "Obama is The Bestest And the Waters Will Rise Bubble" and so he's just giving his knee jerk response-- "TAXES!!!" [what part of warm water port don't you understand little fella--and then what about the wheat--gotta tax for that?] Just do not show Friedman the people waiting overnight and then some for health care in China he might land on his fainting couch for days.

Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 02:54 PM (RJMhd)

180 aren't we commanded to pee on stalkers now?
how about just say. No.
or perhaps we'll try , leave me alone you booger face.

or UDAP pepper spray. i believe one can get it at cabelas
one for bra one for boot.

Posted by: willow at March 05, 2014 02:54 PM (nqBYe)

181 Embarrassing anal leakage? You'd be surprised what some higher gas tax and carbon credits can do. Tighten you right up my friend!

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:55 PM (/jHWN)

182 You Halliburton teabagging oil loving racist patriarchal thugs! This is all Bush fault for invading Poland and lying to our glorious leader Barak Obama.

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein, from Brattleboro VT at March 05, 2014 02:56 PM (Aif/5)

183 181 Embarrassing anal leakage? You'd be surprised what some higher gas tax and carbon credits can do. Tighten you right up my friend!

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 06:55 PM (/jHWN)

Thanks!

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 05, 2014 02:56 PM (Kkt/i)

184 Gay marriage and single payer health care. That's our only chance.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:56 PM (S0eIZ)

185 Thread running out of steam? Raise the gas tax and introduce a carbon tax scheme.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:56 PM (HsTG8)

186 I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it. Do you think you caught something in the ball pit at the Burger King Playground? Maybe your cardboard crown is on too tight?

Posted by: garrett at March 05, 2014 02:57 PM (XUatG)

187 You know, this blog wouldn't have been spammed all day and not worked if you had raised the gas tax, I tried to warn you.

Posted by: Tom Friedman, fixer of things at March 05, 2014 02:57 PM (gLjvy)

188 Love this part from Friedman The Soviet Union died because Communism could not provide rising standards of living, Then here's his little tantrum part--it's special: So spare me the Putin-body-slammed-Obama prattle. This isnÂ’t All-Star Wrestling. The fact that Putin has seized Crimea, a Russian-speaking zone of Ukraine, once part of Russia, where many of the citizens prefer to be part of Russia and where Russia has a major naval base, is not like taking Poland. I think Friedman just invited Vlad to Poland.

Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 02:57 PM (RJMhd)

189

And sorry, no, vastly increasing US fossil fuel production will not have any effect on the Ukraine/Crimea situation, or any similar situation in the future. And yes, vastly increasing US fossil fuel production is obviously the correct thing to do (which itself greatly distorts the issue: it's not a "decision" to be made, because economic freedom based on rational exploitation of resources is always the only path to abundance and prosperity).

One despairs at the illiteracy, irrationality, bigotry, and bizarre sensibilities of "educated" American libs, NPR listeners, et al. Then one finds new lower levels of despair when even "conservative" types who get most things STILL refuse to think rigorously or seriously on economic matters.

If energy exports made up 0% of the Russian economy, Putin's interests, inclinations, and tactics would be exactly the same here.

Posted by: non-purist at March 05, 2014 02:57 PM (afQnV)

190

Yes, portfolio!

Yes, yes. Portfolio. We need more of those.

A portfolio would be nice right about now, to do those things.

Posted by: Rev Dr E Buzz Christies at March 05, 2014 02:57 PM (xggaJ)

191 I apologize for the light/superficial blogging this week. I'm just not feelin' it. understandable ace, you need a break, especially with the primaries coming up i'll tell you what, take a few day off, give me the keys to the joint and i'll take good care of it for you while you refresh your batteries *****oh pls God, let this work*****

Posted by: navycopjoe at March 05, 2014 02:58 PM (At8tV)

192 You could also eliminate any threat of Alquieda if you raised the gas tax.

Posted by: Tom Friedman, fixer of things at March 05, 2014 02:58 PM (gLjvy)

193 So spare me the Putin-body-slammed-Obama prattle. This isnÂ’t All-Star Wrestling. The fact that Putin has seized Crimea, a Russian-speaking zone of Ukraine, once part of Russia, where many of the citizens prefer to be part of Russia and where Russia has a major naval base, is not like taking Poland. I think Friedman just invited Vlad to Poland. Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 06:57 PM (RJMhd) Was that a "triple dare" or a "triple dog dare"? Diplomatic nuances are so confusingÂ…

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/b] [/s] [/u] at March 05, 2014 02:58 PM (HsTG8)

194 Take Poland, leave the knishes.

Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 02:59 PM (RJMhd)

195 IÂ’d also raise our gasoline tax, put in place a carbon tax and a national renewable energy portfolio standard That was our second option.

Posted by: The Manhattan Project at March 05, 2014 02:59 PM (S0eIZ)

196 Ace's blogging is light and superficial? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 02:59 PM (UAMVq)

197 Look, it's a complex situation. One that calls for higher taxes and moustache rides from me for President Obama.

Posted by: Tom Friedman, fixer of things at March 05, 2014 02:59 PM (gLjvy)

198 nood up

Posted by: navycopjoe at March 05, 2014 03:00 PM (At8tV)

199 "OK, you can have Poland.
But THAT'S IT!!!"

Posted by: navybrat at March 05, 2014 03:00 PM (AW7Gr)

200 In a sane and just world, Tom Friedman would be shining shoes at Dulles Airport.

Posted by: OregonMuse at March 05, 2014 03:00 PM (I8YZX)

201 Is a boxcutter with its breakable blades any good for self defense? A paring knife would probably be more effective.

Posted by: Vladimir Putin at March 05, 2014 03:00 PM (GSIDW)

202 the heartache of psoriasis? Raise the gas tax, impose a carbon-tax scheme.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (Q6pxP)

203 I came, I saw, I imposed a gas tax.

Posted by: Stuff Julius Caesar Said at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (S0eIZ)

204 Get well soon, Ace.

Posted by: BarneyOffal at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (ul4Lc)

205 If you have time to waste and carefully move liquids away from the screen and keyboard, then read the entire Friedman column. It's truly a study in self-contradiction and evasion.

What Ace quoted above is actually formulaic pablum to excuse Friedman's real proposal, which is:

"That is by investing in the facilities to liquefy and export our natural gas bounty (provided it is extracted at the highest environmental standards) and making Europe, which gets 30 percent of its gas from Russia, more dependent on us instead."

The gas tax flummery immediately follows the quote above. Brother, NYT libs tie themselves in knots when they find themselves forced to recommend a market-based solution for a political problem.

Posted by: mrp at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (JBggj)

206 193 So spare me the Putin-body-slammed-Obama prattle. This isnÂ’t All-Star Wrestling. The fact that Putin has seized Crimea, a Russian-speaking zone of Ukraine, once part of Russia, where many of the citizens prefer to be part of Russia and where Russia has a major naval base, is not like taking Poland. I think Friedman just invited Vlad to Poland. Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 06:57 PM (RJMhd) Was that a "triple dare" or a "triple dog dare"? Diplomatic nuances are so confusingÂ… Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling StarsÂ™ at March 05, 2014 06:58 PM (HsTG

*********** He's had his-- Obama is The Answer to All Things Bubble Popped--he'll get back to his-- China is The Bestest!-- programming next week.

Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (RJMhd)

207
*****oh pls God, let this work*****

Posted by: navycopjoe at March 05, 2014 06:58 PM (At8tV)

supergluing navycops fingers to his bootlaces.

Posted by: willow at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (nqBYe)

208 If it's that bad why hasn't the employer done anything about it? I don't think that he has actually done anything yet. As a matter of fact, he may not really be doing much of anything, but she is pretty spooked. Kind of a long story, but they met in the store, exchanged phone numbers when she found out that they both write fiction, she read some of his fiction and discovered that it was pretty disturbing stuff, had him start calling her at weird times, told him to bug off and blocked his number, but he still shows up at her work place and is apparently acting a bit off. Druggie and likes to write about disturbing things + won't go away completely + evening shift in a place where people can hide in the restrooms = nervous 21 year-old girl. She has kind of a tendency to attract crazy people and I am starting to suspect that her survival instincts may be a bit awry.

Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 03:01 PM (NeX8Z)

209 I'm not feeling it either. This frustrating drivle drains you. Imposing a tax that will create lower demand will decrease energy prices? Top people there at nyt

Posted by: Zach John Galt at March 05, 2014 03:02 PM (r9IFY)

210 Isabella and Ferdinand raised the gas tax, which enabled me to sail to America.

Posted by: Chris Columbus at March 05, 2014 03:02 PM (kL+Z/)

211 My little sister has picked up a stalker at work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small pocket - she can't carry a purse around with her while working at the clothing store. Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:28 PM (NeX8Z)

Your poor sis, hope she'll be okay. If she goes the pepper spray route, make sure she practices using it first, and yes, knows what it is like to have it sprayed in her eyes. If you spray it wrong or the wind suddenly changes you are as screwed as the assailant. And supposedly some ethnicities are more immune to it, like latinos (racist!) so she needs a backup plan in case it doesn't work, even if her stalker is a pasty white guy. A large key held between two fingers also works as a temporary weapon, so if she has work keys on her she can use them in a pinch.

If she can, I'd suggest enrolling in a RAD course. It gave me a lot more awareness of my surroundings and made me feel more confident of my safety after I took it. They teach basic rules of defense and security, and basic martial arts type moves she could use if she gets in a tight spot.

http://www.rad-systems.com/

Posted by: LizLem at March 05, 2014 03:03 PM (BF+2f)

212

So spare me the Putin-body-slammed-Obama prattle. This isnÂ’t All-Star Wrestling. The fact that Putin has seized Crimea, a Russian-speaking zone of Ukraine, once part of Russia, where many of the citizens prefer to be part of Russia and where Russia has a major naval base, is not like taking Poland.

I think Friedman just invited Vlad to Poland.
Posted by: tasker at March 05, 2014 06:57 PM (RJMhd)

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

With the US a non-entity now on the world stage, there's more despots other than Putin that are salivating over the endless opportunities.

The world is being set up for war.

Posted by: Soona at March 05, 2014 03:04 PM (9TU0o)

213 Grey Fox, she ever take a self defense class? Helps with the trust your gut stay away from freaks thing.

Posted by: Vladimir Putin at March 05, 2014 03:04 PM (GSIDW)

214 160 I find it hard to believe there has ever been a time when there is such a low intellectual level pervading the top levels of the ruling establishment and its various ranks of horse-holders. Posted by: non-purist at March 05, 2014 06:49 PM (afQnV) I've racked my brain, and I think you're right. Even during periods where the ruling class was foolish, decadent, and out of touch (such as the late Roman Empire, or the period before the French Revolution), at least those people were not blindingly stupid and delusional. And these people command nuclear weapons.

Posted by: rickl at March 05, 2014 03:05 PM (sdi6R)

215 You like that? Wait until you hear me play the National Anthem on a kazoo.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at March 05, 2014 03:05 PM (PnMCP)

216 Midnight High Speed Rail Basketball

Posted by: tu3031 at March 05, 2014 03:07 PM (yv+63)

217

Pay off Ukrainian debt ($15 billion). Open all public lands in the U.S. to fraking and pay for several companies to start doing gas exploration in Ukraine.We pay for the exploration, they sell whatever they find at market prices. Promise to indefinately undercut the cost of Russian gas by 10% in the European market. Ship several plane loads of advanced anti-tank and anti aircraft missles to the Ukrainians for "self defense". Get moving on that missle shield in Poland and Hungary. Cut off all water, power, etc. from Ukraine to Crimea.

Make Crimea very, very expensive to own.

Posted by: Kirk's Gorn at March 05, 2014 03:11 PM (/EkKm)

218 Tom Friedman: You Want To Frighten Putin? Destroy U.S. Middle Class And Cripple U.S. Economic Growth.

Posted by: Soothsayer at March 05, 2014 03:11 PM (r/HMZ)

219 Thomas Friedman: You Want To Frighten Putin? Allow Radical Homosexuals To Ruin St. Patrick's Day Parades.

Posted by: Soothsayer at March 05, 2014 03:13 PM (r/HMZ)

220

Posted by: Kirk's Gorn at March 05, 2014 07:11 PM (/EkKm)

Brilliant! Thus Our Betters in the govt will never do it.

Posted by: LizLem at March 05, 2014 03:13 PM (BF+2f)

221 Yeah Deety... I haven't been feeling it either. I come here for Teh Funneh, which ace and crew could constantly bring, but lately the news has been so depressing. Have I got the cure for you! Seriously, go check out a Swedish TV drama about a psychopathic serial/mass murderer with a "social responsibility" quirk and the incredibly flawed and f*cked up (even by Scandi standards)cops that pursue them. In subtitles. I mean, it's not Teh Funneh but it's also not boring either. That'll chirk you up! I hate to say it but I'm not nearly as depressed or outraged about the news lately as I guess I *should* be. I'm frankly, quite bored by it all. Not to say I am numbed to it or callous (yet) nor do I wish to be. Maybe that's why I retreat sometimes into "superficial" things like TV shows or Novels.

Posted by: Deety at March 05, 2014 03:13 PM (D8ONs)

222 Seriously, go check out a Swedish TV drama about a psychopathic serial/mass murderer with a "social responsibility" quirk and the incredibly flawed and f*cked up (even by Scandi standards)cops that pursue them. In subtitles.

The title?

Posted by: OregonMuse at March 05, 2014 03:17 PM (I8YZX)

223 ace, No one has said it, but I think this weeks blog has been fine. You don't need to write 10 page essays for the horde to be happy. Just saying, lighten up on yourself.

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 05, 2014 03:19 PM (0FSuD)

224

My little sister has picked up a stalker at work and needs something small enough to tuck into a boot top or small pocket - she can't carry a purse around with her while working at the clothing store. Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 06:28 PM (NeX8Z)

They have very small stun guns now - no bigger than a lipstick container. She can carry it in her hand whenever she is alone. Knock anyone flat.

Posted by: Kirk's Gorn at March 05, 2014 03:19 PM (/EkKm)

225 Thanks guys. I think I'll give the local handgun range/gun store a call tomorrow to see if they have anything suitable, if not I'll be ordering something online.

Posted by: Grey Fox at March 05, 2014 03:20 PM (NeX8Z)

226 @224 Look at this, buy it from Ace's link, he gets a cut. http://tinyurl.com/nxvms5f

Posted by: Nip Sip at March 05, 2014 03:21 PM (0FSuD)

227 "Pay off Ukrainian debt ($15 billion).Open all public lands in the U.S. to fraking and pay for several companies to start doing gas explorationin Ukraine.We pay for the exploration, they sell whatever they find at market prices.Promise to indefinately undercut the cost of Russian gas by 10% in the European market. Ship several plane loads of advanced anti-tank and anti aircraft missles to the Ukrainians for "self defense".Get moving on that missle shield in Poland and Hungary. Cut off all water, power, etc. from Ukraine to Crimea.
Make Crimea very, very expensive to own."

Filed under "things that will never happen while Barack Obama is President".

Posted by: navybrat at March 05, 2014 03:22 PM (AW7Gr)

228 National renewable energy portfolio standard, or as I call it "porkified cronyism that would make Robert Byrd blush through all the embalming fluid."

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 05, 2014 03:25 PM (5ZRXN)

229 ace, you're not phoning it in half as bad as Friedman

so you got that going for you

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at March 05, 2014 03:27 PM (30eLQ)

230 So Putin threatens us with raising our energy prices by throttling our supply to make it scarcer and some imbecile at the NY Times thinks the way to cure this is by throttling our energy supply with a renewable energy standard and a carbon tax to make our energy more expensive.

You just can't attain that level of stupid without an Ivy League degree.

Nature and genetics are not able to produce anything that moronic which can still live. You have to train it into a person.

Posted by: Thatch at March 05, 2014 03:27 PM (qYvEa)

231 Raising the gas tax in the name of economic and environmental justice is key toward building a better future. The money must be used for mass transit and to penalize racist redneck RethugliKKKans who drive oversized pickup trucks or overpowered muscle cars to compensate for their inadequate genitals.

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vermont at March 05, 2014 03:46 PM (SK5U6)

232 > 87 www.copsplus.com/pepper-spray.php

Posted by: ^;^ at March 05, 2014 03:46 PM (gVjmH)

233 I broke the comments?! Wow.

Posted by: ^?! at March 05, 2014 03:55 PM (gVjmH)

234 still broken?

Posted by: 0O at March 05, 2014 03:57 PM (gVjmH)

235 oops.

Posted by: 0O at March 05, 2014 03:57 PM (gVjmH)

236 There shall be only one!

Posted by: :-/ at March 05, 2014 03:59 PM (gVjmH)

237 tap tap. This thing on?

Posted by: :-/ at March 05, 2014 04:04 PM (gVjmH)

238 She has kind of a tendency to attract crazy people and I am starting to suspect that her survival instincts may be a bit awry. From something you mentioned earlier, she may indeed be putting of a "more vulnerable" vibe than many because she is so. Predators, (the good ones, at least) can always catch the faintest signs of weakness. The fact that she knows enough to be concerned and has come to you for advice, tells me that her "survival instincts" are kicking in and she's not so awry as to ignore them, which is no small feat for many a 21 yr. old young woman. I would encourage her to either be prepared to inform management about the situation immediately or walk away from the job. "Tattling" to management is way uncool and may make her feel foolish but there it goes... Either she feels sufficiently threatened that she wants to pick up knife-fighting skillz from an uncle or a can of pepper spray or she doesn't think the threat rises to the level of walking away from the workplace where the stalker can easily find her. Her choice. I can guaran-god-dam-tee her that, NO-ONE, not her, her stalker, nor you, nor I or her employer want to see a box-cutting / pepper-spraying on the stock-room floor! I would implore her to consider this very carefully before she tries to convince herself that it is not really all that serious or that maybe she "misinterpreted" or "invited" this unwelcome contact. Chances are, her employers prefer her happy and healthy and showing up to work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed rather than plotting potential ambush scenarios. If not? That's when she quits and gets a different job somewhere else, with better employers.

Posted by: Deety at March 05, 2014 04:07 PM (D8ONs)

239 Evi. L. Bloggerlady @ 11-
And you know what's funny? When the zombie times come, and they break in to Friedman's schoolhouse-sized house, he will be screaming 'But I'm Tom Fiedman! That's effing Doctor Tom Firedman. I'm a famous economist!' Silly evil forker.

Posted by: Erowmero at March 05, 2014 04:17 PM (1gcFZ)

240 Europe is already following Friedman's proposal to the letter. And they're Puntin's biggest customers.

Posted by: Florida State alum at March 05, 2014 04:36 PM (Rk8LS)

241 Not QUITE OT.......Here's a squib about Al Gore's limo getting stuck in snow in Chicago as he's trying to attend (you guessed it) a Global Warming lecture(!!) You just CAN'T make this shit up!! http://bit.ly/19TfiMQ

Posted by: alwyr at March 05, 2014 04:43 PM (V0j3u)

242 Seriously, go check out a Swedish TV drama about a psychopathic serial/mass murderer with a "social responsibility" quirk and the incredibly flawed and f*cked up (even by Scandi standards)cops that pursue them. In subtitles.
The title?
How Swede It Is.

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at March 05, 2014 05:10 PM (hn5v5)

243 Sure make light of it. A carbon tax cured my insomnia.

Posted by: Chicago Vota at March 05, 2014 06:02 PM (KFqy9)

244 It wasn't a chicken. It was a BABY!

Posted by: Hawkeye Pierce at March 05, 2014 06:29 PM
......MASH had jumped the shark a year or two before that but geez.

Posted by: Minnfidel at March 05, 2014 06:31 PM (gLjvy)

Little known factoid - cut from the final episode -

- Hawkeye choked the 'chicken' himself

- the enemy soldiers were actually just two stray dogs

- Hawkeye tossed the 'chicken' to the dogs to distract them

Producers thought it was too edgy so it got cut.

Posted by: Burnt Toast at March 05, 2014 06:18 PM (80R0X)

245 It doesn't bother me that vapid fools like this exist, it bothers me they pull down six figures a year at a leading news organization to record their empty stupidity. As long as he doesn't have any say or heavy influence on governmental policy, where he works or how much he's paid matters very little. At the very least, by not buying the shitty product his employer peddles, I'm not helping to paying for any of it.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at March 05, 2014 07:30 PM (AQTz3)

246 Friedman hit upon the ultimate formula. He puts out sophistry masquerading as sophistication. His audience, middle brow liberals get to read him with their coffee in the morning nodding along and feeling like they "get it." They read his pap, his current conventional wisdom restated artfully, and they belong. They are in the heady world of the intelligentsia which we all now is inhabited solely by the left, ignorant snowbillies and Nascar types need not apply.

Posted by: Mac at March 06, 2014 04:31 AM (0J18b)

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