1 Isn't Obama giving the Hezzies money as well?

2 They could make more money by smuggling mineral spirits into California.

3 Drugs are only illegal in America. They are an integral part of Eastern culture. Laundering, no way, they do it openly.

4 Put a post up about CPAC - Mitch Daniels gave a, in my opinion, fantastic speech. 

I watched the whole thing and was extremely impressed with his intelligence, thoughtfulness, and seriousness in regards to reducing the size and scope of government.  It was nice to here concrete ideas from a guy who has actually reduced the size of government, instead of a bunch of folky homilies from the Huckster, or phony applause lines from Mittens. 

Side note:  the comments on Hot Air are absolutely unreadable.  There are literally dozens of comments arguing about Daniels height and the fact that he is bald. 

5 O/T.. Figured out what's up with Obama and his administration.. They all suffer from this: The Dunning-Kruger effect. http://tinyurl.com/lf8nuk The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people make poor decisions and reach erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the metacognitive ability to appreciate their mistakes.[1] The unskilled therefore suffer from illusory superiority, rating their ability as above average, much higher than it actually is, while the highly skilled underrate their own abilities, suffering from illusory inferiority. This leads to the situation in which less competent people rate their own ability higher than more competent people.

6 Side note:  the comments on Hot Air are absolutely unreadable.

Yeah.  It's sad. 


I do wish he cut a more impressive figure.  I don't know if the typical shallow voter will go for a guy who looks more like Eisenhower than like Reagan. 

7 One of the barbarian eastern countries just executed a Dutch person for drug trafficking.

8 I do wish he cut a more impressive figure.  I don't know if the typical shallow voter will go for a guy who looks more like Eisenhower than like Reagan. 

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 09:17 AM (pW2o

Doesn't matter...typical shallow voters always vote dem.

9 Posted by: sTevo at February 12, 2011 09:12 AM (VMcEw)

Eastern Culture? What country is that? Indonesia? Good luck. Pakistan? Saudi Arabia? They will separate your head from your body for dealing drugs. That doesn't seem like it's a part of the culture.

10 Doesn't matter...typical shallow voters always vote dem.

I don't think so.  Obviously, it's impossible to really know, but it seems to me Bush (W) got re-elected in part by drawing votes from sentimental and "scared" voters.  Those same folks were not really committed to doing what it took to win the war on terror, but they voted for Bush anyway because of 9/11, imho. 

11  Put a post up about CPAC - Mitch Daniels gave a, in my opinion, fantastic speech. 

Posted by: stickety at February 12, 2011 09:14 AM (FUDwf)

Did Mitchy happen to mention that he is all crazy ga-ga for a VAT??

12 Iran is an eastern country. In the Pacific eastern islamofascist dictatorships dada is death as they say.

13 O/T

Big game for the Ohio State Buckeyes today!  Go Bucks!

14 Ross Perot was a dorky little guy who showed flashes of insanity and that dude would have won if he wouldn't have imploded and started accusing the GOP of trying to sabotage his daughter's wedding. 

Daniels - from what I've seen - comes off as very smart, decent, thoughtful, and serious.  Plus, he seems like the type of candidate who would throw the left off of their game:  he's not easy fodder for their two-minute orgies of hate. 

15 Note to self: Have Beer Summit with Hezbollah

16 Doubt we'll have a post about Daniels at CPAC.  gabe seems to be the only one covering it and talking about Daniels won't give him  the chance to talk about goproud or those "hateful social con groups" that no one but him as ever heard of.

17 I don't think so.  Obviously, it's impossible to really know, but it seems to me Bush (W) got re-elected in part by drawing votes from sentimental and "scared" voters.  Those same folks were not really committed to doing what it took to win the war on terror, but they voted for Bush anyway because of 9/11, imho. 

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 09:21 AM (pW2o

Not sure I agree with any of that.  If by sentimental and scared you mean they saw Bush as someone who was strong on 9/11 and would protect us from terrorist, I'm not so sure I would categorize that as 'shallow'.  There was some level of thought process going on besides the 'how much money can I get from the government' and 'ooooh....he's black, let's vote for him' mentalities.  To me that's shallow a shallow voter...imho.

18 15 Ross Perot was a dorky little guy who showed flashes of insanity and that dude would have won if he wouldn't have imploded and started accusing the GOP of trying to sabotage his daughter's wedding.

Yeah, but 1992 was a very different time.  And he basically ran as a liberal if you think about it - pro-choice, pro-EPA, anti-business (anti-outsourcing). 

I'm not saying Daniels can't win, but I think people are looking for reassurance and a candidate who projects that physically has an edge. 

19 If by sentimental and scared you mean they saw Bush as someone who was strong on 9/11 and would protect us from terrorist, I'm not so sure I would categorize that as 'shallow'.

Well, when push came to shove those voters abandoned Bush and Cheney.  Their resolve to defeat terrorism was shallow. 


Anyway, I hope Daniels is a viable candidate in the primaries.  He was a good governor (although I wasn't ga-ga over him when I lived in Indiana... nevertheless, he was lots better than the previous gov).  Even the VAT thing is not a killer, imo, because as I understand it his version of using the VAT is accompanied by other changes to the tax code.  I still don't think it's a good idea because of what the Dems would do with it, but there is a logic to his support of it. 

20 VAT is a deal-breaker for me. Recant and repent, Mitch. It's not too late.

21 Could Daniels get VAT through Congress? 

22 They could make more money by smuggling mineral spirits  incandescent lightbulbs into California.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 12, 2011 09:10 AM (fjoLg)

FIFM

23 Why isn't the Lebanese Bank required to forfeit its assets to DOJ under the Asset Forfeiture Program. From the DOJ website: The Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program encompasses the seizure and forfeiture of assets that represent the proceeds of, or were used to facilitate federal crimes. The primary mission of the Program is to employ asset forfeiture powers in a manner that enhances public safety and security. This is accomplished by removing the proceeds of crime and other assets relied upon by criminals and their associates to perpetuate their criminal activity against our society. Asset forfeiture has the power to disrupt or dismantle criminal organizations that would continue to function if we only convicted and incarcerated specific individuals.

24 NRO piece from last year on Daniels and the VAT

25 23 They could make more money by smuggling mineral spirits  incandescent lightbulbs into California The US.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 12, 2011 09:10 AM (fjoLg)

FIFM

Posted by: RushBabe at February 12, 2011 09:37 AM (urYpw)

FIFY.  Too many busy-body useful idiots in Cali that would report you.

26 Some journalist or blogger could simply ask Mitch Daniels if he still supports a VAT tax. VAT is a nightmare. We are already made serfs by the tax code as it is now, and some possible candidate wants to tack on another tax? Yeah, right. Great idea.

27

Posted by: stickety

Spot on, stickety. Sadly, I've read that several times here as well.

 

28

Put a post up about CPAC - Mitch Daniels gave a, in my opinion, fantastic speech. 

Don't know much about him. Liking the speech so far.

I was going to ask "what's wrong with him?" but now I'll ask, besides the VAT, what's wrong with him?

29

Even the VAT thing is not a killer, imo, because as I understand it his version of using the VAT is accompanied by other changes to the tax code.

Y.....

A VAT is an economy crippler. It adds additional taxes to every stage of production, which the consumer ultimately pays. It is the primary reason why western Europe will stay at around double digit unemployment rates.

It had better be a deal killer for any conservative.

30 RushBabe, those too. You know, I've been stockpiling incandescents for a year, and now I've begun to stockpile mineral spirits.

It's really all about control with the libschmucks.

31 I was going to ask "what's wrong with him?" but now I'll ask, besides the VAT, what's wrong with him?

It looks like late last year he was also reported as being open to more taxes on oil.

I'm guessing he's also an ethanol guy. 


But no candidate is perfect.  I guess the question is whether or not he can generate some momentum for his candidacy. 

32 VAT will be sold as a needed change that will go along with other changes to the tax code. Don't worry, you'll feel just a tiny pinch. Right. The governments want more money. It's a trick. Do not fall for it.

33 O/T -- The good guys win one!

34

NRO piece from last year on Daniels and the VAT

From the comments:

It's sad to see so many knee-jerk types disqualify someone who is perhaps the best governor in the US because of a trial balloon floated in a speech.

That behavior is far more reckless than any such speech. They should know that they are "disqualifying" a governor who repealed public unionism by executive order on his first day in office.

Srsly?

35

A VAT is an economy crippler. It adds additional taxes to every stage of production, which the consumer ultimately pays. It is the primary reason why western Europe will stay at around double digit unemployment rates.

And having a VAT alongside an income tax (not to mention all the taxes the states and local governments impose on us), will not only cripple our economy, it will draw and quarter it and then incinerate the pieces. 

36 I'm guessing he's also an ethanol guy. 

Speaking of ethanol, I just heard on the local news that our corn stocks are at a 15-year low because of ethanol demand.  You know what that means for food prices...

37

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 12, 2011 09:43 AM (fjoLg)

I hadn't even heard of the mineral-spirits banning.  I'm guessing furniture restorers are hardest hit.  (I stockpiled Edisons, too.  Cavuto showed a pix of Ben Stein's closet one Saturday morning.  He's got them floor to ceiling.)

38 A VAT is an economy crippler.

That's what I thought.

I guess the question is whether or not he's set on having it or if it was more of an "everything is on the table" sort of guy. 

Mitch strikes me as a guy who is so roll up his sleeves and fix the economy oriented - and sort of wonky - that he makes some statements that are not in his best interests politically, including the thing about the social issues truce (with which I basically agree, but I wouldn't have said it that way) and being open to considering the VAT, oil taxes, etc.  I'm not sure he would be a great campaigner. 

39

My take on his comments, purely speculative of course, I think what he was getting at was that the VAT could completely replace the current code if implemented with a flat tax.

That's a dead in the water thought. He can't get that passed. He knows that. His best trait is that he's a sober pragmatist.

It was a clumsy comment and he'd def. need to walk it back if he considered a run.

But I watched that speech last night and I most certainly got the impression he was running.

 

40 So it wasn't Wells Fargo or Wachovia this time?

41 I'm not saying Daniels can't win, but I think people are looking for reassurance and a candidate who projects that physically has an edge. 

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 09:31 AM (pW2o

Remember Truman?

42 The Federal Government does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Any and every candidate that suggests otherwise is a fool or a sneaky fuck, or both. Reject them immediately and completely until they get it through their thick skulls that their ain't no more money left and to stop robbing us.

43 @40
Yeah, I think that's right. 


Truman or Eisenhower or any of those dudes were from a different era in which television was much less important. 

Mitch seems to have more to address in terms of what he says - as lacey says, he makes clumsy comments - than anything else.  Which is a little troubling as you'd think he'd have learned that by now. 

44

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta)

 

I rarely do the grocery shopping, but I often stop in at the local Harris Teeter for beer, chips, whatever, because it's closer than any decent convenience store. Anyway, even my oblivious self has recognized that food prices are going way up. The "cheap" versions of things seem to cost what the premium things used to, and some of the prices (candy, nuts, even bread) are so wildly out of whack with their food value that it's jarring.

45 Speaking of ethanol, I just heard on the local news that our corn stocks are at a 15-year low because of ethanol demand.  You know what that means for food prices...

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 12, 2011 09:47 AM (JMd0I)

Get a big freezer and stockpile meat.  It's never going to be this cheap for a long time.  A local grocery store had canned corn on sale for .33/limit 12.  Why do they do that if you can go in and out of the store 10 times with one case? 

This will make the Greenies happy.  They're trying to do away with steaks since moo cows have that nasty methane/carbon foot print.  I wouldn't be surprised to find out they're behind the "corn shortage" even though the idiotic use of ethanol 'splains it.

46 I eat a lot of deer. The price is right and seems pretty stable.

47

Honestly, Zero has probably six inches on him. You'd think side-by-side that could be a detriment in a debate. Two years ago I would have said it would have worked against him.

But think about where we'll be with food and gas prices in 18 months. I don't see how B+ overcomes that.

You put the serious looking white guy next to the guy that's only been good at gracing the cover of Rolling Stone and appearing on ESPN like it was his second job and I think it would be a no-brainer.

Maybe I'm putting too much faith in the electorate but I think people will be craving competence over everything else.

48 Link to Notice of Finding.

Really? Not.

49 Wild hog ain't bad either. Used to eat a lot of squirrel, but since I've had one as a pet for the last 5 years, I don't seem to be able to pull the trigger on the little bastards any more....

50 Hey, is today the deadline for the Pakis?  can't wait to see what President Toughguy does next. 

51 At least when Democrats want to assrape my wallet, they're charming about it, and I get some nifty technology bubble sometimes to lube it up. Daniels is bald and pasty, and I can't see why he's considered conservative. VAT tax and compromise? "In February, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat dubbed Daniels 'America’s best governor,' and fellow conservatives like Reihan Salam and Yuval Levin—writers who have long insisted that Republicans should avoid the pitfalls of Palin populism as they recalibrate for the 21st century—are equally enthusiastic." No no and no.

52  NRO piece from last year on Daniels and the VAT

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 09:39 AM (pW2o

Y..

Did you actually read the NRO piece?? It is not an endorsement. It's just a statement of Daniels' position. If you follow the link, Daniels' is following Herman Kahn's logic that we should discriminate against consumption. ...which means we should have our buying power reduced by raising prices...ie....making us poorer.

Herman Kahn wrote his piece back in 1982 to address the increasing bubble in the economy. (..and he wasn't taken seriously even back then).We are in the diametrically opposite situation today.

Consumer spending is 70% of our economy. It is IMPOSSIBLE to stimulate the economy without us having increased buying power. You do not do this by raising taxes.

 

53

“I’m disappointed that the Congress did not begin the transition out of subsidies,” Daniels wrote. “I support the use of ethanol for both economic and national-security reasons, because it enables us to pay Americans for energy we’d otherwise import, much of it from hostile nations. By stabilizing grain prices, biofuels use can also enable us to phase out the broader agricultural price support programs, but the current triple subsidy can no longer be justified, and I regret seeing it extended.”

Link

54 I eat a lot of deer. The price is right and seems pretty stable.

Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 09:56 AM (OlN4e)

My 84-yr-old dad is an avid hunter, but at that age, you never know.  I told my (58 yr-old) brother he'd have to learn how to shoot (even though I've never seen him touch a gun) and got a shock to find out that he indeed knew how to handle a rifle.  When he was at Penn State (or the state pen, as he referred to it), he had to take marksmanship courses since it was war time.

55 Wasn't Daniels open to both a VAT and a Flat Tax?

Mitch Daniels open to VAT, oil tax hike:

....

Daniels, once the Hudson Institute’s chief executive, described himself as an acolyte of Kahn’s and marveled at the creative thinking evident in his 1982 book, “The Coming Boom.”

Daniels recited from Kahn’s book: “It would be most useful to redesign the tax system to discourage consumption and encourage savings and investment. One obvious possibility is a value added tax and flat income tax, with the only exception being a lower standard deduction.”

“That might suit our current situation pretty well,” said Daniels, who served as George W. Bush’s Office of Management and Budget director and was a senior adviser in Ronald Reagan’s White House. “It also might fit Bill Simon’s line in the late ‘70s that the nation should have a tax system that looks like someone designed it on purpose.”

56

My take on his comments, purely speculative of course, I think what he was getting at was that the VAT could completely replace the current code if implemented with a flat tax.

VAT + flat = economic disater

57 Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 09:59 AM (OlN4e)

Wild pig is great stuff. Just be careful of trichinosis.

I live in the PRNJ, so hunting is considered just below child molestation as a leisure activity.

58 You'd think side-by-side that could be a detriment in a debate.

90% of the time, the taller candidate wins. Our best-looking candidates are Thune, Cuda (not a fan, but she's gorgeous) and Huntsman.

59 51 Hey, is today the deadline for the Pakis?  can't wait to see what President Toughguy does next.

Raymond Davis will be detained for at least another two weeks, pending a formal murder charge.

Pakistan court extends detention of US official despite growing pressure from US

A Pakistani judge has ordered the American embassy worker accused of shooting two locals in Lahore to another two weeks in prison while the court prepares murder charges to be brought against him.

60 Did you actually read the NRO piece?? It is not an endorsement. It's just a statement of Daniels' position.

Yes, I did.  I linked to it as background and explanation that Daniels' openness to the VAT (which I'm not saying I support, btw) is a different variety than the typical liberal Democrat version.  It's part of total tax reform. 

I just think it is not enough to disqualify him.  First, because I think he's a guy who considers all options so I'm not sure he's intent on selling the VAT as the be all and end all solution to our problems.  And, second, because I don't think he'd go for it if it wasn't accompanied by the other changes... and those won't happen. 

Daniels is not someone I'm ga-ga over, but I do think he'd be someone I'd look at closely based on the current pool of re-treads and do-nothings we're facing. 

61 Daniels is bald and pasty, and I can't see why he's considered conservative

You may want to take a look at what the 'bald and pasty' guy has done for the state of Indiana.

62 Using food for fuel is insane. The hydrocarbon resources in the USA will last us for centuries. We just have a political situation that pushes us to ignore excellent sources of energy and promote awful alternatives. If we are lucky, reality will force us to change course before we go too far.

63 By stabilizing grain prices, biofuels use can also enable us to phase out the broader agricultural price support programs, but the current triple subsidy can no longer be justified, and I regret seeing it extended.”

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 12, 2011 10:00 AM (XdlcF)

Wait??? He also wanted price controls on grain??? I did not know that.

You cannot basically "appropriate" a commodity, which you essentially do by mandating ethanol be used, and expect prices not to react. One thing has to give...the cost of fuel or the cost of food.

64 @54

That's helpful, MamaAJ.

65 O/T:  "CPAC Brackets: Sweet 16 for GOP Presidential Candidates"

it's 2 polls, side by side but the way they break it down is stupid and skews the results

66

Posted by: beedubya

Again, I'm not disagreeing. He would have to be smarter about his word choice. Starting today would be preferable as it's pretty obvious he's running.

67 You may want to take a look at what the 'bald and pasty' guy has done for the state of Indiana.

He did so much that they voted for Obama in 2008.

68 45 Food prices are increasing not only because of ethanol, but also because of the devaluation of the dollar. After years of living on fast food and TV dinners, I've recently begun to learn to cook from scratch. It's partly for health reasons and partly to save money. Tonight I'll make my first attempt to make red beans and rice. The beans are pre-soaking now. Not long ago I bought an All-Clad dutch oven. It's ironic that I'm using expensive, high-end cookware to make what are essentially Depression-style meals. While I can still currently afford more expensive meals, if I end up having to live on rice & beans, at least I'll do it in style.

69 The cost of fuel directly impacts the cost of food production and transportation, on every level. Forcing people to use ethanol is just plain stupid, because it gains us nothing.

70 Wait??? He also wanted price controls on grain??? I did not know that.

No, I don't think that's what he meant there.  I think he meant that the demand on corn from the fuels market would lead to price stabilization. 

I don't follow ag prices, but aren't they somewhat seasonal?  Wouldn't a steady demand tend to stabilize prices/ 

71 Think grits.

72 Posted by: beedubya at February 12, 2011 10:06 AM (AnTyA)

I'm not sure that he is advocating price controls. I think he is making the point that a consistent demand for corn for ethanol would smooth the demand out, allowing better planning by farmers and producers. I think it's bullshit that the government, even a well-intentioned man Like Daniels, would have the arrogance to think that they can plan the economy better than the "Invisible Hand."

But eman also pointed out the sheer, rank, mind-numbing stupidity of using food for fuel, when we have thousands of years of coal available, and who-knows how much oil -- all domestic production.

73  #24 Why isn't the Lebanese Bank required to forfeit its assets to DOJ under the Asset Forfeiture Program. From the DOJ website:--USA

from the thread topic link:

Mr. Levey said that the bank also helped Mr. Joumaa wire money to collaborators in Asia [CHINA], who would buy consumer goods that were shipped for sale to countries in Latin America.

It is unclear, treasury officials said, how much [in court proceedings, without hard evidence, "how much" if any?] of the profits from those sales was used to support Hezbollah, which the United States formally designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.

The observers said that the American DEA complaint against Lebanese Canadian Bank was likely to be viewed as one more attempt by the United States to cast a harsh light on Hezbollah, which the Obama administration considers to be a militant group propped up by Iran. Political observers were not sure what impact the complaint would have on relations between the United States and Lebanon. It comes one month after LebanonÂ’s government collapsed when Hezbollah and its allies withdrew 11 ministers from the cabinet. The move was part of a protest against an investigation by an international tribunal, which is expected to indict several members of the movement in connection with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The walkout toppled Mr. HaririÂ’s son, Saad Hariri, from the prime ministerÂ’s office. His successor, Najib Mikati, who was hastily installed with HezbollahÂ’s support, has yet to appoint a new cabinet. The observers said that the American complaint against Lebanese Canadian Bank was likely to be viewed as one more attempt by the United States to cast a harsh light on Hezbollah, which the Obama administration considers to be a militant group propped up by Iran.

Does Obama, really? Rather, the US Government pre-Obama considered Hezbollah to be a militant group, “which the United States formally designated as a terrorist organization in 1997.” And at this point, our federal officials are in conflict with each other on “what” the Obama administration considers to be terrorist.

The legitimate Lebanese bank financed clunker auto sales in Africa and S.America would pose a conflict of interest in this Obama administration that invested US tax funds to bail-out GM and Chrysler. Poor nations' "middle class" populations can't afford new US autos, and Obama would play their spoiler, restricting old autos for sale abroad.

74 Doubt we'll have a post about Daniels at CPAC. gabe seems to be the only one covering it and talking about Daniels won't give him the chance to talk about goproud or those "hateful social con groups" that no one but him as ever heard of. Posted by: buzzion at February 12, 2011 09:31 AM (oVQFe) Am I the only person that thinks that CPAC is a monumental waste of time second only to the Iowa caucuses in the ability to assfuck conservatives? You've got the Ronulans and GOProuds making asses out of themselves with Gabe carrying water for one of them. And speeches by attention whore wanks like Trump that ultimately mean nothing. And the Mitt and Mitch show which is about as stimulating as waiting for water to boil. If the purpose is to demoralize conservatives I can't think of a more successful means of doing so.

75

He did so much that they voted for Obama in 2008

And you don't think they're not regretting that? Regardless, you can blame the idiotic suburban soccer Moms for that switch. They're the bizarro breed of voters that put a Hope sticker on one side of their SUV and a 'My Man Mitch' on the other.

76 I'm liking Daniels less and less as this thread progresses.

77 what kind of beans in the rice and beans

78 And yeah she's running too.

79 After years of living on fast food and TV dinners, I've recently begun to learn to cook from scratch.

Cheap cuts of pork are your friend.  Get a whacking big blade roast on sale, braise it up on a Sunday, and make three more meals during the week with the leftovers. 

I love my Le Creuset dutch oven.  I also had a terrific terracotta one (Emile Henry) that hubby got for "free" using credit card points, but I messed up and it cracked while cleaning it.  It did great things with braised dishes, though. 

80 Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 10:13 AM (p302b)

Had some leftover lentils and leftover rice. That is not a bad combination! I'm not sure whether it supplies all of the amino acids, but it sure tasted good.

81 The beans are pre-soaking now.

In general, it's better not to pre-soak beans. It makes the skins tough.

82

Am I the only person that thinks that CPAC is a monumental waste of time second only to the Iowa caucuses in the ability to assfuck conservatives?

Posted by: Captain Hate at February 12, 2011 10:12 AM (eh+ki)

No you're not. My next comment was going to say essentially the same thing, but you beat me to it.

83
speaking of Joe 'the fucking buffoon' Biden...

Notice how John Kerry has been quite outspoken lately on foreign affairs? I think he's soon to be the next Sec State.

And Jim Webb will go on the ticket with Obama in '12.

That leaves Joe Biden to retire and maybe, I dunno, move to another cabinet position to keep him happy.

84 Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 10:14 AM (pW2o

If you can find a whole pork butt, that can feed you for a week. I put a dry rub on and then slow-roast it at about 275° for several hours, until it's falling off the bone. Pull it apart (leave some fat), split it into small zip-locs and freeze it in meal sized portions.

85
Why not Evan Bayh on the ticket with Obama?

Obama needs IN to win again.

86 Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 10:17 AM (uFokq)

I hope that you are completely deluded and have no sense of reality, because that shit is scary.

87

Bayh just took a job with McGuire Woods.

I think Bayh, although he'd never say it, thinks Zero is toxic.

He's actually one of the idiots that does believe in the 'no labels' BS.

I at least giving him partial credit for saying that he doesn't recognize his own party.

 

88

That leaves Joe Biden to retire and maybe, I dunno, move to another cabinet position to keep him happy.

Secretary of Stupidity would suit him perfectly.

89
Bush's budget director.

hmmm, not exactly a ringing endorsement.

90 77 I'm liking Daniels less and less as this thread progresses.

Me too.  No politician is perfect, but I'm very hesitant to support someone who wants both a VAT and a Flat Tax.  Its not that I wouldn't help Mitch out or not vote for him in the election if became our 2012 Presidential Candidate, but I wouldn't be doing those things with overweening joy.

Our bench isn't looking so good.  Maybe I ought to find the highest mountain in all of Greece and cast myself from it - Santa Monica Studios might be able to use the footage for God of War XX or something. 

91 I grew up eating lentils but they would cook them with garlic and simmer them until they were very tender.   They were delicious.  I haven't tried to make them cause the prep is a lot of work.

92 Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 10:20 AM (OlN4e)

He's already the Emperor of Stupidity. Why would he take a demotion?

93 82 In general, it's better not to pre-soak beans. It makes the skins tough. Well, that what the instructions said. I'm helpless without instructions. But thanks for the tip.

94 Why not Evan Bayh on the ticket with Obama? Obama needs IN to win again. Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 10:18 AM (uFokq) That makes strategic sense for BOzo but I don't think that's why Bayh has dropped out. I think he's biding his time in anticipation of a bloodbath in 12 forcing the donk pendulum to the right for the first time in forever.

95
Scary? Perhaps.

But how do you explain why Kerry has been making a lotta statements lately? He's always been a lazy gigolo senator. Now all of a sudden he's a foreign policy wonk.

And I don't Jim Webb is done with politics.

96 This time lacey beat me.

97

Maybe I'm putting too much faith in the electorate but I think people will be craving competence over everything else.Posted by: laceyunderalls

   We can only hope so. At least there seems to be a ground swell of common sense returning to the standard diet of the educated peoples of the free world. As evidenced by the Euro leaders with their comments on the failure of the welcome Islam non assimilation factor. Beck noted this as well.

  Imagine that common sense, like a long lost craft or rediscovered knowledge covered in dust brought back to life and shown to be a useful and good thing that enhances competency.

I think it is time to introduce competency testing on those who chose to run and hold public office. Some of the fools in charge are doing serious damage to our country and are putting us in danger. What else is new?     

98

I heartily agree with all those comments about pork, etc. and what I assume are the equivalent of the stainless crockpot thing my wife sets in the AM and lets simmer for hours. Delicious, and it must be cost-efficient because I can eat it for at least 4 meals before I'm sick of it.

99 Any word on who the new ambassador to China will be?

100 We have an Indonesian communist imbecile as POTUS. Now what could be scary after that?

101

If you can find a whole pork butt, that can feed you for a week

HEH!! I have a 13lb. shoulder in the smoker grill as we speak. I use mustard and this hot, hot, hot habanero rub to give it an amzing tasting crust.

It's definitely worth the 20 hours of tending to the fire.

102 Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 12, 2011 10:21 AM (VED//)

A VAT to tax consumption and a small flat tax as baseline funding might make sense. The obvious problem is that it is regressive, and a small flat tax can easily morph into a large flat tax.

Has anyone seen the number crunching on this?

103
How about Webb on the ticket?

I predicted that Obama will dump Biden for a fake-but-perceived Republican military man. But Webb could also fit the bill and help him win VA.

104 But how do you explain why Kerry has been making a lotta statements lately? He's always been a lazy gigolo senator. Now all of a sudden he's a foreign policy wonk.

Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 10:23 AM (uFokq)

Kerry was always too stupid to keep his mouth shut.  He called Bush an idiot until both of their transcripts came out and, as pathetic as Bush's was, Kerry's was even worse.  Kerry is a walking violation of the 5th amendment.

105

Any word on who the new ambassador to China will be?

Let's just hope it's not a born-wealthy Obama campaign bundler from the Seattle area

106
Kerry is my senior senator and senior gigolo. Pity me.

107 I haven't checked these out yet, but Cooking Light posted these this morning. 

I don't have a crock pot... maybe I'll break down and get one if I get back into the workforce, but for now I just braise.  The whole house smells great when I do. 

108 Weren't there rumors that timothy wanted to step down.  That would be the next logical step for him, US Ambassador to China.

109 Posted by: beedubya at February 12, 2011 10:24 AM (AnTyA)

My smoker has a two-foot crown of snow. I won't be using it for a few weeks.

That's a good sized chunk of pork. I can't find whole shoulders very often.

By the way, a good rule of thumb is to re-stoke the fire with a few briquettes after every beer.

110 I think Webb wants out of politics. He's already a good author (NAMBLA spank material aside) and my guess is that he has a treasure trove of experiences for upcoming plots of novels. Hopefully he has a barely disguised Chuckie Sleaze Schumer as a pederast who likes to videotape himself raping infants so he can watch himself on television 24/7.

111
Unbelievable. You see the sidebar about Chris Mattews? He did a 180. Last week he was blaming Bush; this week he's crediting Obama.

The media. "Just run with it!"

112 Any word on who the new ambassador to China will be?

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 10:24 AM (pW2o

What does it matter?  The ambassador has no power and can do nothing more than carry out the America-hating Indonesian Imbecile's "policies".  This is one of the reasons why Huntsman is politically dead in conservative circles as he well should be.  I laugh at the idea that he thinks he can ally with the Indonesian and then run on the right.  What an idiot.

113

I really don't know why everyone is getting so hung up on the VAT.

We barely got last year's tax bill passed with a Democratic controlled Congress and pinko-red little shit sitting in the West Wing.

You think a major overhaul to the tax code will ever happen again?

Not a chance in hell.

114

By the way, a good rule of thumb is to re-stoke the fire with a few briquettes after every beer

You re-stoke it every five minutes??? Is that really necessary??

115 for you guys, the secret code for pro flowers by monday is "hurry" and you click the microphone.  It's not a bad deal, flowers and chocolates.

116 I do quite a bit of my own cooking. My wife is mostly talented at turning good food into shit the dog won't eat.

117 95 Yeah, better follow the instructions. Otherwise maybe the beans wouldn't be done when the rice is. Mine was just a general observation about beans that I learned in my bachelor days. Ate a lot of pinto beans then.

118
We had a lotta fun here at AoS with Webb's "turn him upside down and put his penis in his mouth" line, back in 2006.

119 I am going to address some of the objections I have seen so far on this thread.  I am a life-long Hoosier,  so I know what I am talking about:

1. "They liked him so much they voted for Obama in 2008."
     
       Yes,  they did,  by about 5000 votes (mobilized campus voters at Notre Dame and Indiana University,  plus a record number of black voters in Marion and Lake counties.  Meanwhile,  Daniels won by a large per cent,  which means a lot of Obama voters also voted for Daniels.

2.   "He's pasty looking."  Yes he is,  but he also drives a Harley and makes a habit of stopping by truck stops and talking to bikers and truck drivers,  who know him and chat with him on a regular basis.

3.  THE VAT thing is a non-starter,  and I think you guys need to realize that as governor he is in the habit of thinking out loud.  Sometimes it is stuff that won't fly.  On the other hand,  he sold off the Indiana toll road and got a big bunch of money which he invested and that is what is keeping our roads and bridges going and employing construction people.

4.   "He's short."  Yes.  No doubt about it.  So was James Madison.  Someone will have to figure out a way to make height a liability if he runs.  Gore was taller than Bush,  too,  and Bush wound up making him look like a bully (which,  it turns out,  he is).

Daniels campaigned in the state by driving an RV and staying overnight with regular people all over the state.  His large majority in the first term took the democrats by surprise,  because they campaigned only in the major metropolitan areas and Daniels hit small towns all over the state.  Those people turned out for him in droves.  Many old-timers had NEVER seen a gubernatorial candidate.

He DID end state unions.  He is instituting vouchers in this session.   He told the schools they were going to have to make do with less.  He started an health savings account system for state employees which is quite popular and has held down cost.  He got property taxes capped.  He balanced the budget.  He did this without raising taces,  except for a one-year surtax which ended as he promised.  

We are making it through the recession, although there is still a lot of unemployment.  I would guess he has made at least 30 trips overseas to drum up business for Indiana.  

I know he isn't exciting as a candidate,  but hinestly,  if you want someone who could look at the budget and cut things,  as well as thinking up ways to increase revenue without tax increases,  he's the guy.

120 Posted by: beedubya at February 12, 2011 10:30 AM (AnTyA)

Pints, not bottles. ;-)

121
In fact, "turn him upside down and put his penis in his mouth" was "first, you will blow me" before there was a "first, you will blow me."

true story.

122 The DEA officials said it shed light on the ways that terrorist organizations increasingly relied on the illegal drug trade to help finance their activities.


Terrorist organizations certainly don't hold the monopoly on illegal drug trade; neither do organized crime outside of governmental agencies. I'd argue that the drug trade has since the British Empire and French Colonies financed Western governments' vested interests, financing party agenda as well as financing politicians' vested interests in amassing power (to abuse).

That the DEA posts "news" of an  "increasing" drug trade empowers the DEA in the public eye, propaganda simply to be noted, not necessarily discredited.

And for the record, I remain ambivalent holding that the jury's still out on how to solve the drug problem destroying civilization. Yet, the effectivity from declaring a "war on drugs" and financing the DEA needs critical exposition. That our corrupt governing officials would hold themselves as if innocent of participation within the drug trade is a premise I would not waste effort defending. Money talks. And every man (agency) has its price. Personally, I abstain from drug use, and would protect the right of our civilization to function without being handicapped by the drug addicts (whether Rx or not, legal or illicit) currently representative of our American population. My perspective on this is publicly represented by Michael Savage's premises.

123 Really he thinks death panels are just groovy, doesn't mind ethanol subsidies apparently, trust Sibelius to write the proper health care regulation, one is a subset
of the first part, and calls us 'suicide bombers' for complaining about any of this,

124

Proflowers are *pretty* good if you go that route.

But make sure you get your vase. One year I sent my Mom a bouqet for Mother's Day and they forgot the damn vase.

125

I predicted that Obama will dump Biden for a fake-but-perceived Republican military man. But Webb could also fit the bill and help him win VA.

If Obama dumped Biden it would be seen as an admission  that things haven't worked out so well. That message would be toxic to his campaign, so he will never dump Biden.

126 So remember thosde commercials. About how if you are doing drugs you were helping finance terrorism and all the Dims and libertarians and non-social-cons were like yeah, right! Remember?

127  We have an Indonesian communist imbecile as POTUS. Now what could be scary after that?

Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 10:24 AM

President Joe "F'in" Biden! 

128 Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 10:28 AM (pW2o

I don't think that a crock-pot is necessary (and good ones are expensive). Braising or slow-roasting works well, and is much more fun. You can simply cover the roasting pan with foil if the meat is drying a bit. And pour a bit of your beer into the bottom for some extra moisture!

129
If we've learned anything since January 2009 it's that the Obama admin and their partners in the media can spin anything their way.

130 Oh, and re beans, don't salt them until they're soft. That makes the skins tough too.

131 This is one of the reasons why Huntsman is politically dead in conservative circles as he well should be. 

So I've been asking some of my neighbors (recall I'm in Utah now) about Huntsman and the hit I'm getting is he's conservative enough for the GOP, but not conservative enough for tea partiers... but mostly the knock on him seems to be that he's too politically opportunistic.  One friend's husband worked on his gubernatorial campaign and was really disappointed that he flipped or waffled on key campaign issues (I don't know which, although I suspect the vouchers thing may be one of them).  I know Romney is accused of being a flip-flopper, but it sounds like Huntsman is that in spades. 

Hubby (who travels in a lot of business and political circles now for his job) says it looks like Utah (the GOP, but that's the overwhelming majority here) is split three ways at the moment: tea partiers for Palin, "moderates" (or "no labels") for Huntsman, and the rest for Mitt.  Mitt is truly loved here based on how he rescued the Olympics. 

I don't think Huntsman is going to make a serious run.  I think he's setting himself up as a VP candidate.  And, I think that he could be a useful running mate to a really conservative POTUS candidate in teh general. 

132 We have an Indonesian communist imbecile as POTUS. Now what could be scary after that?

Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 10:24 AM

President Joe "F'in" Biden! 

Posted by: Truck Monkey at February 12, 2011 10:35 AM (yQWNf)

That's the point.  Biden would be an improvement over Barky.  Seriously.  Pretty much anyone would.

But, it doesn't really matter.  Too much permanent damage has been done to this nation.  Too many laws have been tossed aside.  You don't just recover from the sort of abuse America has taken over the past two years.

133 I should add that although there are not a lot of electoral votes to be had from Utah, there is a shitload of money and power to be had here.  It'll be interesting to see which prevails: Palin or Romney.  Whoever does gets a big piece of pie. 

134
Now that Mubarak is gone, notice how ABC, NBC, and CBS are referring to him as the long-time 'dictator?'

Funny how they're now using the "D" word; it's almost as if the State Dept issued them orders to do so.

It's also funny that State Dept and our media never refer to Castro as 'dictator.'

135 laceyunderalls,

How much of the bipartisan Republican agenda will Michael Glassner affect Palin's organization from the top?

136 I don't think Huntsman is going to make a serious run.  I think he's setting himself up as a VP candidate.  And, I think that he could be a useful running mate to a really conservative POTUS candidate in teh general. 

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 10:37 AM (pW2o

Anyone who taints himself or herself with Huntsman will be beyond consideration for anything.  Huntsman is a toxic asset.  And an idiot.

137 I don't think that a crock-pot is necessary (and good ones are expensive). Braising or slow-roasting works well, and is much more fun.

Yeah, but I'd be afraid to leave the oven on during teh day if I was working.  Not an issue now, but maybe later this year. 

138

Proflowers are *pretty* good if you go that route.

Vermont Teddy Bears.  Or buy her a star.

 

Oh, and Lurch Kerry was taller than Bush as well.  It's a pretty good rule of thumb, but if the candidate is a creeper like Gore/Kerry the tall factor goes out the window.

139

But, it doesn't really matter.  Too much permanent damage has been done to this nation.  Too many laws have been tossed aside.  You don't just recover from the sort of abuse America has taken over the past two years.

Posted by: iknowtheleft at February 12, 2011 10:38 AM

I agree.  If we are no longer a nation of laws and valid contracts we are doomed indeed. 

140 I was surprised that Palin would hire anyone from the McCain campaign, the lot of them seemed like sleeze buckets, every one.

141 Meanwhile,  Daniels won by a large per cent,  which means a lot of Obama voters also voted for Daniels.

Great post, MM.

And you're right. I have a few lib friends  (the few I have left) back home that still call themselves 'proud Dems' (whatever the hell that is) and they even love Mitch.

Once you get past the height and "pastiness" as someone above said, there's a lot there. 

In a weird way I think he could excite a lot of [unemployed] indies.

142 Now that Mubarak is gone, notice how ABC, NBC, and CBS are referring to him as the long-time 'dictator?'

Funny how they're now using the "D" word; it's almost as if the State Dept issued them orders to do so.

Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 10:39 AM (uFokq)

And I'm still waiting for someone ... ANYONE, to ask them what they thought Sadat was (whom they all worship as a near-saint).

143
How does Mitch feel about Harry Baals?

144 Anyone who taints himself or herself with Huntsman will be beyond consideration for anything.  Huntsman is a toxic asset.  And an idiot.

Not in the general.

145
That's ancient history, iknow.

Heh.

146 Are these guy financing the Huff Po?

147 I saw that one interview on the MSM with daniels and immediately decided that he would never have my vote for president, ever.  I'm sure I'm not alone.  There is just something creepy about the guy that I couldn't put my finger on.  I'd vote for donald trump though.

148

Or buy her a star.

Now there's a novel approach!

For a beta. Or a newbie in the love department. Heh!

149 Any candidate who hires the likes of Steve Schmidt Nicole Wallace etc won't get my support.

150 Not in the general.

Posted by: Y-not at February 12, 2011 10:42 AM (pW2o

We will have to strongly disagree on this.  Huntsman is dead (as he deserves to be - he CHOSE to be a Barky puppet) and will drag down anyone who comes near him, general election (G-d, I hope it doesn't come to that) or not.

151

I'd vote for donald trump though.

Sure nothing creepy about Trump. Yikes.

How much of the bipartisan Republican agenda will Michael Glassner affect Palin's organization from the top?

Um, this choice has me scratching my head. A Dole/McCain guy. Bizarre.

152
I say this in all seriousness: a GOP candidate can find far better campaign organizers and consultants on AoS than all the jerkoffs who worked on the last 5 presidential campaigns.

153 looking at the CPAC sweer 16 was just downright depressing.  The republicans really don't have a charismatic leader who would appeal to the entire country and to many old white guys singing "Its my turn".

Romney has always given me the creeps so i'm thinking he is scheduled to be the candidate and I won't be voting that line.

154 She hires those who proved loyal like Schueneneman, her chief foreign policy strategists, and Recher, who is her scheduler, I never heard of Glassner before, but he didn't seem to come up in the slimings like Wallace, Schmidt, and apparently
Salter, from his Obama memoir.

155 #143  lacey,  his comments last night showed some serious thought about our predicament,  both economically and politically.

For example,  calling it "Medicare 2.0"  is a phrase than most pepople understand due to the computer age,  and defuses the notioin that people are going to be without healthcare.

I also liked the idea that we need to be LIKED,  not just correct politically.  This is very,  very true.  A lot of Reagan voters in 1980 dumped Carter because he was not only a disaster as a president but a sanctimonious jerk (I was one who did so,  and voted for a Republican for the first time that year.  I have never voted for a democrat since,   and I grew up as a democrat.)

Not only do you have to be liked,  but you have to LIKE AMERICANS.  He also made that point.   We are not going to get elected if our candidate keeps calling Americans stupid,  as I see so often on conservative blogs.   They aren't stupid,  they are misled and lied to and do not have the correct information,  thanks to the media. 

Anyway,  I liked his speech a lot.  I will grant that the delivery is low-key,  but perhaps people are ready to be talked to rather than yelled at.

156 Mitch Daniels looks a bit like Goldmember from the Austin Powers series.

157 Huntsman is not viable.  He jumped on the hope n change bandwagon when he thought it would benefit him.  Too bad dude.

158 Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 12, 2011 10:46 AM (gzXSA)

What is creepy about Trump.  He's very successful.  He's raised three great kids.  A lot of dems would vote for him.

Daniels is someone I'd never heard of until this blog. 

159 I'm kind of with Ft. Wayne on the 'Baals' thing. I mean, if you're a visitor and you're told to go to the Harry Baals Convention Center, you're thinking to yurself, 'someone's got a pretty sick sense of humor'.

160
He looks like Robert Loggia if Robert Loggia had the hivs.

161 144 And I'm still waiting for someone ... ANYONE, to ask them what they thought Sadat was (whom they all worship as a near-saint). Assassination does wonders for political sainthood.

162 A VAT is actually a more neutral tax than the income tax.  If we could get the income tax repealed or flat taxed, I'd go for a VAT.

REMEMBER, EVERYONE pays a VAT.  Right now over half the population is paying NO income tax.  Naturally they want it to go up, they  are not paying it.

Income earners want a VAT.  It also encourages savings and taxes consumption.

163 So one objection I had to Daniels from when I lived in Indiana (about 7 years, 2000-2007) is that that state stopped meeting its obligations to the state universities while he was governor.  Purdue at the time was in a wildly successful capital campaign (finished at $1.7 billion or something like that) and a big part of that campaign was building facilities.  With that came a lot of jobs for construction as well as R&D jobs from Purdue's huge research park.  Anyway, while this is happening, the state stops meeting its obligations on maintenance for existing buildings.  The result were injuries (and even a death) on campus, as well as loss of productivity due to destroyed equipment and data from burst pipes across campus.  It also hurt the campaign because it's hard to get a donor to plonk down a multi-million dollar gift for a building when the state won't take care of it afterwards. So I think that was short-sighted of him.  A lot of the economic recovery of Indiana is attributable to Martin Jischke's efforts at Purdue. 

I also think he did a crap job on the daylight savings time issue - in terms of making the case for it.  And, it was foolish for Indiana to go Eastern instead of Central.  Draw a line down from Chicago and ask yourself why Indiana is in NYC's time zone. 

And, his lack of coat tails for Bush bothered me.  Plus, he did nothign about the voter fraud issues in northern Indiana. 


Still, he would be someone I'd consider voting for.  I just don't think he's all that impressive. 

164

Huntsman has the Paul Krugman position that the stimulus wasn't big enough and is a crap-and- taxer

165

What is creepy about Trump.  He's very successful.  He's raised three great kids.  A lot of dems would vote for him.

Who cares how he raises his kids? That's as relevant as Obama being black.

I'm more interested in the number of times he's had to file for bankruptcy.

His a reality tv star and a parody of himself at this point. Very few people  would take him seriously.

166 Posted by: Kemp at February 12, 2011 10:49 AM (oKlHO)

someone i know in finance explained to me why a VAT is not a good idea.  He said a VAT is great but a VAT and income tax is not.  He also said they have to look into various flat tax plans where everyone pays.  He was saying that Bush took almost 50% of Americans off the tax rolls.

167 Sadat was a dictator smart enough to know that getting your ass kicked by Israel was getting real old. Other than that he was Mubarak v1.0

168 curious,  you amaze me.  Trump is a non-starter as a candidate for the following reasons:

1.  Messy personal life with 3 divorces.
2.  Several bankruptcies.
3.  Voted for Obama.
4.  Bad combover.
5.  Has done nothing in business but make real estate deals,  some of which resulted in bankruptcies.  (See #2.)
6.  As big a know-it-all as Obama. 
7.  Involvement with casions. I am sure there is something shady in that relationship.
8.  Incredibly bad taste.  (See decor of Trump Towers.)
9.   Too much on TV.  I am certain there are clips of him saying something offensive.

You are going for flash and celebrity.  Good luck with that.

169

Anyway,  I liked his speech a lot.

Thought it was great as well.

EPA = Employment Prevention Act was a great line.

170 #154 - Thanks for reminding me that this is a satirical website.

171 Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 12, 2011 10:52 AM (gzXSA)

I'm not going to argue with you.  I'm an independent I look at this differently than you look at it.  You sort of need us to win.   I would never NEVER vote for daniels or gingritch or romney or huntsman. NEVER.  So, right there, if other independents think like me, you guys have a problem.

172 168 I remember seeing a WSJ article several years ago that said the Bush tax cuts actually made the tax system more progressive, not less, in addition to taking lots of people off the tax rolls. Even at the time I thought that was the wrong way to go.

173 Posted by: Miss Marple at February 12, 2011 10:53 AM (Fo83G)

What I'm trying to say is that if that CPAC poll is any indication, it this merry band of mostly men is all you've got, then BO get his second term.

174
Remember the MNF game when Donald Trump's hair was trying to start the Wave?

175 Y-not  Excuse me if I don't feel sorry for the universities and their maintenance.  They have received millions every year from the state,  and spent it lavishly without ever doing anything for themselves.

IU and Purdue have all sorts of donors and could have tapped some of that money if they were in such bad shape.  There was really no effort to do anything but BLAME a REPUBLICAN and I am not buying it.  

Daylight Savings was one of those things that even I opposed,  being one who doesn't like change.  Yes,  I would rather have been with Chicago but I think one of the reasons he wanted Eastern was the NYSE and NASDAC being on Eastern.

176   I would never NEVER vote for daniels or gingritch or romney or huntsman.

Why?

177 curious, the CPAC poll is garbage; you'd be well advised to ignore everything that comes out of that clown show, despite what all the bloggers say.

178 I don't know what to think about Trump. I will wait and see.

179
why would take a poll seriously that included votes from losers who booed Cheney and Rumsfeld?

180 Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 12, 2011 10:58 AM (ElYV9)

I can't explain exactly why.  I just don't like any of them at all.

I think all of them would just be a change in the party of the president and that's it.

181 rickl at February 12, 2011 10:09 AM

First time cooking beans? Heh, cooking the red beans and rice, you know to prepare them separately before combining with the spices.

Btw, it's adding the salt prior to the beans being fully cooked that makes them tough. Soaking them overnight and draining the gaseous water matters if you want the skins to stay attached to the bean. Otherwise, the quick boil then simmer method works. But you're stuck with the original water because to drain the heated beans and replace with cold water to cook won't make for tender beans, no matter how long you cook after the temperature shock makes them tough.

Least expensive boneless pork shoulder Carnitas brazed stove top and roasted in the dutch oven with salt/pepper, onions, garlic and water are magnifico! Serve over rice or potato alongside greens. And if you're into soft (flour) tacos, the possibilities are great with salsas and sides.

182 curious,  Why do you say "if it's all YOU'VE got" rather than "all WE'VE got?"

You seem to be rather uncommitted to winning.   Trump is as bad a candidate as Huckabee,  but for different reasons.

183 IU and Purdue have all sorts of donors and could have tapped some of that money if they were in such bad shape.

If they're like every other state university, there's at least a dozen non-academic bullshit departments they could cut, too. Dean of LBGT, Office of EcoSustainability, blah blah blah.

184

You sort of need us to win.   I would never NEVER vote for daniels or gingritch or romney or huntsman. NEVER.  So, right there, if other independents think like me, you guys have a problem.

I've never said otherwise. This is always a point I've made.

Our country is fucked because of fence-sitting independents that blow in the wind.

Your people are the reason why we have Obama.

185 btw, was told by my friend who is at CPAc that i t is very off putting that romney seems to take for granted that he will be the nominee.

186 Posted by: laceyunderalls at February 12, 2011 11:01 AM (gzXSA)

not really.  BO got out the democratic vote and a lot of independents didn't vote for either candidate for president.

187
Did you know that Black beans and Red Beans right out of the can is part of a great low-fat/high protein diet? It's true. And cheap, too.

188 I want to see Trump on the ground in Iowa or South Carolina pressing the flesh and wearing goofy hats, eating hot dogs and holding babies.

189 WWND??

What would Nickless Do?

190 Let's take a look at curious's comments:  She likes TRUMP.  She will never,  ever vote for Daniels, Gingrich,  Romney, or Huntsman.  Now she tells us some story about Romney taking the nomination for granted.

Who DO you like,  curious?  Give us a name.

191 Sardines in mustard sauce with onions and beer is good for you. But for some reason it repels women.

192
Romney will be the nominee. Like it or not, it's gonna happen.

193 Trump grew up in a regular town in queens.  You would be surprised how the queens boy can come out when he wants it to come out.

I"m not saying it has to be trump.  I'm saying it  has to be someone we don't expect who has solutions and is charismatic and loves this country so much you can see it in his/her eyes.

194
Sardines are good for you.

Beer, not so much.

195 Saw Huckleberry on Fox this morning.  Seems he is getting his 'pear' shape back.  I have seen more life and animation out of Walt Disneys animatronics that out of Mittens Romney. 

196 Romney excites, like warm milk and toast.

197

This conversation is making my head hurt. heh

Anyway, if it's the current crop I'm going with Daniels and then probably TPaw.  Daniels speech last night was excellent and his record actually governing is impressive.

198

I remember seeing a WSJ article several years ago that said the Bush tax cuts actually made the tax system more progressive, not less, in addition to taking lots of people off the tax rolls.

The Bush tax cuts allowed more people to join the higher tax brackets. Just like lowering taxes increases government revenue.

It's a good thing.

199 and a lot of independents didn't vote for either candidate for president.

Ralph Nader got 0.56%, Bob Barr got 0.4%. (Cynthia McKinney got 0.12%, which should scare the shit out of you.)  That's not "a lot."

200

Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 11:05 AM (uFokq)

Unfiltered beer, like homebrew, is loaded with vitamins, like vitamin p.

201 Beer, not so much.

You lie!

202 190 I want to see Trump on the ground in Iowa or South Carolina pressing the flesh and wearing goofy hats, eating hot dogs and holding babies.

Donald Trump made the headlines a few years ago when he said that he wouldn't shake anybody's hand at Camp Donald unless he could wash his hands or use hand sanitizer after every shake. 

203

Re rice and beans.  In our area, there's a nice middle-aged couple who are conservative but don't advertise it.  They keep their heads down and go to work, church and work in the yard.  That's it.  Finding out about their conservatism, I often speak to them on the QT.  Judging by outward appearance, I think most of the folks around them would be shocked to know that they've been stockpiling rice and beans in 25 lb. bags for the past couple years.  For our healthier morons who are doing the same, keep in mind that brown rice can go rancid after a while.  It needs to be refrigerated.

 

204 and his record actually governing is impressive.

Yep, and that's what should be the most important thing.


But can he throw hip-hop signs in his speeches, or shoot hoops with Kobe, or lower the oceans? Then the electorate isn't interested.

205 I don't know what to think about Trump. I will wait and see. Posted by: maddogg

You haven't been watching his various Apprentice shows?

Trump, as ever, is doing what's best for Trump. That's fine so far as that goes. When being POTUS is what's best for Trump, he'll run. But as POTUS, Trump will always base his final decision on what's best for Trump. If you're Trump, that's great. And I'm well aware that EVERY politician acts according to what is best for that politician so far as that politician cares about whatever. To date, what has Trump cared about besides his business? And what about his former bankruptcy rumors that he insists were never true?  And what would we learn from Trump's educational transcripts?

What irks me is that Michael Savage would endorse Trump in order to fill in the blank to suffice the "solution" promoted in Trickle Up Poverty -- that our next potus needs to be a business man.

Balance our "need" for a good businessman with Trump's largest donor status supporting Emanuel's Chicago Mayor campaign. Why would any "Republican" be Emanuel's biggest donor? Whether based upon constitutional, fiscal or social merit, why would any professing "conservative" be Emanuel's biggest donor? What was in it for Trump to invest so heavily into Emanuel? As if Emanuel will promote "conservative" programs in turn.

206 I don't know what to think about Trump. I will wait and see.

Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 10:59 AM (OlN4e)

I've always had great disdain for Trump.  He's a jerk - and not the best businessman around, either.  But, he's one of the few people who has been willing to speak - lately, at least - the obvious truth about the Indonesian Imbecile and Trump is not shy about saying that "We're America, dammit!  We don't have to bow down to any of these shitholes.  We aren't in a weak position with respect to China.  China needs us much more than we need them.  Obama is a disaster and a fool."  It's about fucking time.

Now, from what I recall, Trump was not so smart about the Indonesian during the 2008 campaign or for quite a while after, but he has finally seen what is plain (finally) and is saying what needs to be said.  Now, Trump still fails for not calling the Indonesian the absolute idiot that he obviously is, but I haven't heard anyone broach that territory.  I don't know if Rush even talks about how phenomenally stupid Barky is.

207

Oh and we finally have a still shot of tie/pic going away gift.

It would be embarrassing for both of them if they had any pride in the first place.

208

unless he could wash his hands or use hand sanitizer after every shake. 

Oh yeah.  I forgot about that.  He has a germ thing going on.  Not exactly a good hang up to have if you want to hold political office.

And I can't believe I am actually talking about Donald freakin Trump.

Who's on the Lou Dobbs bandwagon?  Or as Michael Medved likes to call him, Loon Dogs.

Pat Buchanan?  Jessie the Body? 

ALAN KEYES!

209

OK... drugs went from Columbia, to North Africa, to Europe... not breaking any US law, or entering US territory.. (up until now a European problem).

Then because its placed in a Legal Lebanese Bank, and used for business purposes, even without proof that ANY of it went to Hezbollah or any Terrorist group... WE seize it... the whole chain of legal assets.

Sorry, but just why are we involved in this?  There comes a point where one person tainted in a whole long chain of busniess, will always be tainted somehow... but with the current law the Feds can seize, and KEEP what they seize on flimsy pretexts. 

Its like you RENT your house, then someone uses it for a drug deal, and the Feds Seize, and sell, your house... and it has and does happen.

210

Sardines in mustard sauce with onions and beer is good for you. But for some reason it repels women.

Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 11:03 AM (OlN4e)

Try blind robins instead. They repel everybody.

211

Am I the only person that thinks that CPAC is a monumental waste of time?

No.  And judging by the comments and clips of Bret Baier's panel last night, they think it is too.  Steve Hayes even went out on a limb and predicted Ron Paul would win the straw poll.  There's some James-Bondian journalism right there.

212 It would be embarrassing for both of them if they had any pride in the first place.

Look for it on Ebay. Someone will drop thousands of dollars to own that.

213

You haven't been watching his various Apprentice shows?

No. But contrubuting to Emanual isn't much of a selling point. In fact, I would say that would finish him as a Republican.

214 For our healthier morons who are doing the same, keep in mind that brown rice can go rancid after a while.  It needs to be refrigerated. Posted by: RushBabe

Counter intuitive? Explain and source. Why would processed, refined white rice not require refrigeration unless in the processing the grains are chemically altered with preservatives? What's with the outer protective shell of the grain going rancid after a while? Did you store your rice air tight?

215 It's actually so sad.  Larry Kudlow and his guests are discussing how owned and out of his league Paul ryan was when Bernanke came before his committee.  If no one challenges the bullshit then it stands and makes Ryan look like a team playing jackass.

216 In fact, I would say that would finish him as a Republican. Posted by: maddogg

But he did. And yet, CPAC love him.

That illustrates the make-up of CPAC, pigs wearing lipstick.

217 #213 Its like you RENT your house, then someone uses it for a drug deal, and the Feds Seize, and sell, your house... and it has and does happen.

Dean Koontz weaves in misuse of asset forfeiture laws by corrupt government officials in his book Dark Rivers of the Heart.  I read that book when I was an early teenager, but reading how the Koontz's antagonist used those laws to completely screw over one of the main good guys has stayed with me to this very day.

218 I'm wondering when you guys are going to realize that the Egypt speech is being talked about everywhere.  People are falling back in love with the president.  The republican candidate has to be an amazing charismatic knowledgeable business person or governor.

219 My weak case for earlier statement.

Ancient European & Middle Eastern Drug Use

Afghanistan's Drug Problem

Past to Present: CIA Drug Smuggling

I admit that the statement was rather broad and that dichotomies exist is eastern drug circles. You are in a kill at will environment over there and if you violate U.S. law over there, they can use it against you as that one poor drug dealer found out.

Drugs used against the West: OK

Drugs distributed to the peasants: Bad

220 201 I remember seeing a WSJ article several years ago that said the Bush tax cuts actually made the tax system more progressive, not less, in addition to taking lots of people off the tax rolls. The Bush tax cuts allowed more people to join the higher tax brackets. Just like lowering taxes increases government revenue. It's a good thing. I don't like making the tax system more progressive (i.e., higher earners paying a higher share), and I especially don't like lower earners paying no tax at all. I would rather see a flatter tax. If poor people had to pay something, then maybe they would be more incentivized to vote for fiscal conservatives. As it stands, if they are exempt from paying income tax, then they will just vote for more government cheese.

221

Disclaimer for the benefit of anyone new here who is just passing through:

Comments here aren't to be taken seriously. It is by intent that the assortment of ditzy characters leaving comments here are caricatures of real people.

That Ace ...., he continues to bring innovations to the dwindling art of satire. 

222 That illustrates the make-up of CPAC, pigs wearing lipstick.

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 11:19 AM (H+LJc)

Pretty much.  CPAC is a nice place for some conservatives to make speeches, but it has no value other than that.  And those speeches don't even get wide coverage, unless there's a line somewhere that drives liberals crazier than usual.

I never understood why so many people tried to make CPAC out to be anything important or consequential. I never bothered paying much attention to it.

223 Trump's 'candidacy' is just another round of self-promotion, folks.

224 I still think that the nominee has to be attractive. I, personally, don't care. The nominee could be sewer scum and run against Obama and I would donate, campaign and vote. However, since women (not moronettes and other women who vote conservative even though they haven't a real clue) vote with their, um, area, the nominee needs to not be someone you'd scurry away from in a bar. As much as I like Daniels, he's not only bald, he's short. Yes, Madison was short and Madison might have lost in a televised debate with Thomas Jefferson who was not.

225 Ryan look like a team playing jackass.
Posted by: curious

So he is, despite touting young guns loaded with blanks. One thing to talk the talk, publish the talk for profit, and all together another to walk the walk.

Counter the corrupt monopolization of our economy by the Federal Reserve in league with the Bush ordered autonomous Sec./Treasury.

Hell, if we can hold our noses while having voted for McCain potus and AGAIN Az re-elected with senate seniority, then WTF. We need to unite efforts with Ron and Rand Paul on the economy, banking, taxes and spending.

2010-2012: US Constitutional Renaissance

Results matter.

226 What the Journolist, that's their job, it's like a Minitrue in embryo,  It's like one wants to remember 1979, whether the Ixtoc spill, or the Iranian unpleasantness.

227
If poor people had to pay something, then maybe they would be more incentivized to vote for fiscal conservatives. As it stands, if they are exempt from paying income tax, then they will just vote for more government cheese.

I agree with that. Everybody should pay some tax. I just wanted to point out that the Bush tax cut wasn't designed to make the federal income tax more progressive. It came about as a by-product of greater prosperity.

228

As an independent, let me weigh in:

For the love of all that is good and holy, please Rs, don't nominate Huck, Mittens, or Newt...and don't nominate Trump either, and the more I find out about Christie the less I like him too.  Just, please, no.

The verdict is still out as far as the rest of them -- I personally like Allen West, but it's probably not his time yet. 

Still, if I have to, I will vote for Huck, Mittens, or Newt against what we have now; this guy cannot be allowed back into office -- he just can't.  Please take this seriously -- the country is more important than any little group affiliation; keep fighting amongst yourselves and you know who wins again...then we are all lost.

229 We need to unite efforts with Ron and Rand Paul on the economy, banking, taxes and spending.

2010-2012: US Constitutional Renaissance

Results matter.

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 11:29 AM (H+LJc)

This is not a Paul issue.  The Tea Party is all about Constitutionalism (and has been since its nascent beginnings during the Shamnesty debates) and has precious little to do with Ron Paul.  Pushing for a hard currency is not the solution - not in any way.  Ron Paul makes some very good points about our monetary system, but don't get too excited about following him all the way.  This is a Tea Party issue, not a Ron Paul issue.

230

Dave in Texas

Can you perform an assholectomy?

231 233 I've said it before and I'll say it again: Palin/West 2012 That there is my dream ticket. If anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears.

232 177 Y-not  Excuse me if I don't feel sorry for the universities and their maintenance.  They have received millions every year from the state,  and spent it lavishly without ever doing anything for themselves.

IU and Purdue have all sorts of donors and could have tapped some of that money if they were in such bad shape.

In mid-campaign, Purdue's operating budget from the state was about 21%.  For that they had the state meddling in tuition and fees, admissions policies, and enrollment.  In return, the university brought in $1.7 billion in private money, much of it from outside the state so completely new money, over the course of 7 years.  Much of that money produced jobs, not just within the university but in the community. 

IU and Purdue, unlike some universities I've been at (such as the state system in California), are very good at raising private funds, but you have to be realistic.  When an organization plans a multi-year budget based on anticipated revenue streams and one of those streams welches, that's a problem. 

And you know nothing about campaigning if you think that donors give gifts to repair existing infrastructure.  The largest gifts are multi-year commitments and usually to start new things.  Donors want to invest in growth, not pay for needs.  They expect the organization to be operating smoothly. 

What Purdue did wind up doing is start a policy that any new building that was approved for fundraising come with an endowment fund that would support the building operations (to some extent).  To sell that idea to donors, things that were essentially maintenance were packaged as upgrades to infrastructure or support for public spaces or galleries.  But donors will not pay to keep the lights on. 

I see nothing laudable in a government failing to meet its commitments, then taking credit for the work of what is essentially a private agency (well, actually, the Purdue Foundation is a really private organization, not even just 80% private like Purdue is) leading economic development for a large part of the state.  And if you look at Daniels' speeches, you'll see he was certainly well-aware of - and appreciate of - the work Purdue did.  This is not as University of Colorado v State of Colorado situation where the university was giving the finger to the state. 

233

Posted by: Ed Anger at February 12, 2011 11:30 AM (7+pP9)

If we have to keep an income tax... then flat tax, NO exemptions for anything.  ALL income taxed at the same level (capital gains, income, everything).

Rich will still pay more, as they make more... but poor will still pay somthing.

Of course, I'd rather go to a National Sales Tax on EVERYTHING (no exemptions), and an IMPORT tax if you bring property into the country (ie, buy it in a foreign country to try to bypass the tax).  Rich also BUY more, and thus would pay more... and this way all imports would be taxed at the same level as OUR products (get rid of all business taxes).

234
Sorry. We will not allow the independents or moderates choose our nominee. Nor will we even consider their input.

If we do, we will lose. If the independents like the candidate chosen by the conservative base they are welcome to come along for the ride.

235 Side note: the comments on Hot Air are absolutely unreadable. There are literally dozens of comments arguing about Daniels height and the fact that he is bald. Posted by: stickety at February 12, 2011 09:14 AM (FUDwf) Thats the rabid Palinistas for you. There is nothing wrong with backing her for 2012, but the HA cultists go full tard against anyone else. Throw a grenade like "Palin supports gay adoption" and watch the piranhas swarm. btw Cain in '12.

236 I never understood why so many people tried to make CPAC out to be anything important or consequential.

It isn't inconsequential. Yet it is no more/less than what it is.

To date, I had associated CPAC with the moral majority of "right-of-center" (no fiscal integrity) "compassionate conservative" evangelicals (big spenders for open borders for business profits in the guise of "compassion" -- empowering the federal policy refusing to uphold constitutional duties while infringing upon civil liberties). Furthermore, they are offended that the gays would invite themselves into what had been spearheaded by social conservatives, hence "Christian". 

That would explain the line-in-the-sand in the CPAC sandbox dividing the old guard who boycott the new generational "conservative" morality based upon fiscal responsibility of governance, represented actually by Breitbart whose celebration the other night is symbolized by Coke's commercial delineation.

237 Comments here aren't to be taken seriously. It is by intent that the assortment of ditzy characters leaving comments here are caricatures of real people.

Heh.  TMI.

238 239 well, if you choose as a nominee somebody like Huck or Trump, while I will "go along for the ride" in light of any better choice, don't expect me to keep doing so -- as long as we are in  agreement on that deal

239 Counter intuitive? Explain and source. Why would processed, refined white rice not require refrigeration unless in the processing the grains are chemically altered with preservatives? What's with the outer protective shell of the grain going rancid after a while? Did you store your rice air tight?

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 11:17 AM (H+LJc)

The outer protective shell of brown rice contains oil.  Came as a surprise to me too.  IIRC I read it on a "provident living" website that detailed food storage methods/shelf life.  Rolled oats (the round container with "Bar" on the front) lasts for 30 years.  Who knew?

240 On the bright side:  Abe Vigoda - Still Alive.

241

Income earners want a VAT.  It also encourages savings and taxes consumption.

Wait!

What? Income earners want their capacity to consume reduced??????????????????????? ???????????????

242 If the independents like the candidate chosen by the conservative base they are welcome to come along for the ride. Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 11:40 AM (uFokq) You excite your base enough to get the indies interested in coming over to your side. Fuckabee would be the new McCain...

243 Consider the source: Comments here aren't to be taken seriously.

244 @241: Palin is also pro-amnesty, based on her hemming and hawing on the subject. In fact, I have no idea why the Left so fanatically hates her, while some on the Right fanatically worship her. How much do we really know about her stand on most issues, beyond "drill here, drill now"? I will bet that on social issues she's closer to Bush than Goldwater.

245 From the comments in Michelle Malkin's column on teh Donald: 

If he wants my vote, heÂ’ll have to get rid of the dead vole on his head.

Bonus: one commenter shows all of Donald's campaign contributions.  He really likes dems.

246
Huckabee isn't running so no need to worry about it.

247 238 Of course, I'd rather go to a National Sales Tax on EVERYTHING (no exemptions), and an IMPORT tax if you bring property into the country (ie, buy it in a foreign country to try to bypass the tax). Rich also BUY more, and thus would pay more... and this way all imports would be taxed at the same level as OUR products (get rid of all business taxes). Yes, I think a consumption tax is the way to go. Repeal the 16th Amendment and eliminate the income tax; then institute a consumption tax. As you say, the rich will pay more because they consume more. Nobody will be penalized for achievement and creating wealth. Even the greens should be able to get on board with this. That is, if they are true greens and not watermelons.

248 251 then anyone else of that ilk, ok?

249 Romeo13 at February 12, 2011 11:40 AM

Working from one flat percentage income tax would prevent the re-issuance of an income tax after having dropped it in favor of "only" taxing purchases, ending up eventually with exorbitant sales and income taxes combined as is the federal habit of doing given time and opportunity. 

250 #251 Good point. Actually isn't Cain the only one who has formally announced? Palin, Romney, Daniels, Gingrich have all started fundraising and gave speeches but they aren't officially in the ring yet if I am not mistaken.

251
Pawlenty is definitely in. And Romney most likely. And Daniels. The rest? Who knows.

Despite the story at Politico, whom I do not trust, I do not believe Sarah Palin is running in 2012.

252 represented actually by Breitbart whose celebration the other night is symbolized by Coke's commercial delineation.

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 11:43 AM (H+LJc)

You lost me. And that Coke commercial goes against everything that was great about Coke.  Back in the day, Coke understood what a line in the sand really meant and refused to abide by the arab boycott (Pepsi was a firm supporter of the arab boycott, which is why I have avoided as many PepsiCo products as I have been able - for decades).  And "draw a line in the sand" was orginally from the Alamo, so I don't know what genius came up with that asinine ad.

253 Haven't seen Scribbler on this thread. Something happen?

254 Pali's and Cocaine...throw a pack of Menthols in there and you've got Barky's favorite three things!

255
Ace gave Mrs Cribbler some shit the other day about his negativity. I think he took it personally.

256

Flat tax, no VAT. Don't lose sight of the simple fact that we need to keep money circulating in order to have the best effect on everyone. If you want less of anything, tax it.

Why anyone would want to tax consumption is beyond me. Our technological innovation has raised the situation of mankind to unprecedented heights in human history. Why would we want to discourage that by taxing it?

257 Haven't seen Scribbler on this thread. Something happen?

Posted by: texette at February 12, 2011 11:55 AM (beZqk)

Yeah.  Ace gave him a tongue-lashing (somewhat mild, but unpleasant, nonetheless) in one thread a few days ago and some others jumped on the bandwagon.  MrScribbler hasn't posted since then.  It's a shame.  But, I think he'll start posting again.  He's probably over at HotAir.

258

The verdict is still out as far as the rest of them -- I personally like Allen West, but it's probably not his time yet. 

He was the only worthwhile part of  this year's CPAC.  He's winding up the whole shebang today at 4:30.

259
yeah, Amish Dude piled on, too. Which is ironic because about a year ago he took some shit for being a johnny-one note.

260 Don't forget to take a good look at the new theocracy in Egypt! Y'all Gonna Laahk It!

261 yeah, Amish Dude piled on, too. Which is ironic because about a year ago he took some shit for being a johnny-one note.

Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 12:00 PM (uFokq)

How quickly they forget.

262 Thanks. Just wondered.

263 CoolCzech at February 12, 2011 11:48 AM

I agree.

Wittingly or not, she's the new face for compassionate conservatism, recruited to usurp her "Tea Party" following by the elite who've rescinded major public attack on her, content with jabs here and there dealt by Barbara Bush and Krauthammer, etc. They may well back her campaign, and she'd feel so warm and fuzzy at having "arrived", for having "reached the truce" to sabotage the American protest fighting CORRUPT elitist authoritarian"ISM". She talks the talk of fiscal conservatism, but you can't have any sound fiscal conservative agenda with an open border and empowerment of illegal aliens granted US citizenship so as to alleviate the stress on our federal officials who refuse to fulfill their constitutional professional obligations, preferring authoritarian rule as more convenient.

Duh, there's nothing "convenient" about upholding the Constitution against the massive liberally progressive onslaught. Even "Revisionism" is being recalled in favor of the "Reconstruction" face-lift.

264

Fucksnews, Fauxnews, Palin fanbois, poppin fresh.  There are a few more. Maybe this will hold you over.

265
speaking of Egypt...

isn't it funny how the news networks are referring the new authority in Egypt as simply "the military?"

The Military. As if it's some mysterious consortium of peace that magically appeared in Egypt.

No names. No one in charge. Just the generic "The military."

266 Palin/West 2012 That there is my dream ticket. If anyone has a better idea, I'm all ears. Posted by: rickl at February 12, 2011 11:36 AM (hZFhS) Yes, a good call, indeed.

267 iknowtheleft

the argument?

268
Faceless, nameless entity.

The military.

269 the argument?

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 12:05 PM (H+LJc)

Just sayin'.  I didn't get your inclusion of the Coke commercial.

270 I am beginning to think that Palin is just trying to "take one for the team" and keep providing cover for the rest of the conservatives for the time being. If we start rallying around one particular candidate now, the media will be in attack mode 100% of the time against him/her. Maybe I am reading too much into her recent actions, but she really doesn't seem to be running a political campaign so much as a marketing one.

271

Disclaimer for the benefit of anyone new here who is just passing through:

Note: Characters Maddog and Plateau portray flustered and grumpy, old geezers in a nursing home who haven't had their meds yet this morning.

If you use your imagination, you can visualize a big, fat nurse huffing, puffing and waddling down the hallway in a hurry to give them their meds before they freak out on the poor other patient who shares their room with them.

272 Brian, the liberal dog from Family Guy, weighs in.

273 Romney will be the nominee. Like it or not, it's gonna happen.

I was for Romney last time, and could still be this time, but Daniels is looking stronger to me.  First, because Romney hasn't been impressive recently, he just seems calculating.  Second, because Daniels has done the things that tell me he understands our current national problems, and will address them.    Speculation about a VAT doesn't bother me.  Everything about Daniel's performance says that he isn't looking to raise taxes or increase government.  So, if he were to do this, I'm sure it would be coupled to a hard limit on the fraction of the national economy that could be taken in taxes.  I can live with that.  It will tax consumption, and make everyone pay for government, which is an absolute essential. 

Finally, as to the height and charisma deficit; it is true that lacking those qualities can be a problem in the average year.   This won't be such a year.  The fruits of fecklessness are so manifest now, I suspect that anyone with flash will be at a disadvantage.  Besides, Daniels could show a picture of himself on a Harley, and juxtapose it with BO on his girl bike.

274

Flat tax, no VAT. Don't lose sight of the simple fact that we need to keep money circulating in order to have the best effect on everyone. If you want less of anything, tax it.

That's why we shouldn't have changed the Constitution to legalize the income tax - it punishes us for our success while letting the criminals and the lazy off the hook.

Why anyone would want to tax consumption is beyond me.

Because everyone consumes, whether or not they actually earn a dime. It's really the only way to make sure that everyone has skin in the game.

275
^
Dale Carnegie or Stephen Covey?

276 276, On a roll.

277 261 Flat tax, no VAT. Don't lose sight of the simple fact that we need to keep money circulating in order to have the best effect on everyone. If you want less of anything, tax it. Why anyone would want to tax consumption is beyond me. Our technological innovation has raised the situation of mankind to unprecedented heights in human history. Why would we want to discourage that by taxing it? I think taxing consumption is preferable to taxing production. As I said, environmentalists should be able to support it. But a consumption tax would need some kind of hard limit built in, so the government couldn't just raise it at will. I would have no problem with a flat income tax, as long as there are no exemptions and even the poorest people would have to pay something.

278 I do not believe Sarah Palin is running in 2012. Posted by: low calorie soothsayer at February 12, 2011 11:54 AM (uFokq) She will play a role as a kingmaker during the primary. Sort of like a bizarro Nelson Rockefeller. But you are right, she isn't running in 2012. The HotAir PalinOrNobodyEleventyMillion111!!! Gang will be devastated.

279 254 Romeo13 at February 12, 2011 11:40 AM

Working from one flat percentage income tax would prevent the re-issuance of an income tax after having dropped it in favor of "only" taxing purchases, ending up eventually with exorbitant sales and income taxes combined as is the federal habit of doing given time and opportunity. 

Posted by: Plateau Plato at February 12, 2011 11:51 AM (H+LJc)

sorry if I was not clear... its one or the other.

Either national flat income tax...

OR

National Flat Sales tax.

280

Rolled oats (the round container with "Bar" on the front) lasts for 30 years.

Getting rolled makes you live longer. There are studies.

281
Romney wasn't as bad in '08 as some of you make him out to be.

He had some fine moments and warned us about McCain.

282

Posted by: rickl at February 12, 2011 12:10 PM (hZFhS)

Concur... taxing production means that foreign goods end up being cheaper than American goods...

Taxing consumption taxes all goods equaly... AND those who consume more, pay more... can you imagine the influx of Investment Capital which the world would flood us with if we did a consumption tax?

283 275 I think you're right, and I also think it's probably the best strategy she could use.  I like the woman, but I don't think she's electable, and even if she did manage it, I don't know how effective she could be, the derangement syndrome would take on astronomical proportions -- pity, but that's life.

284 No government should ever know how much money you make or where it comes from. If you tax only purchases of products and services then people pay money to the governments only when they make a decision on how to use their own money. Our present system is a twisted perversion of what to do.

285 Romeo: Not to mention that the US economic crisis was caused by overconsumption/undersaving

286 I think taxing consumption is preferable to taxing production. As I said, environmentalists should be able to support it. But a consumption tax would need some kind of hard limit built in, so the government couldn't just raise it at will.

The VAT is built to be a stealth tax.  A national sales tax would pretty much go against the actual intention of the Commerce Clause.

--I would have no problem with a flat income tax, as long as there are no exemptions and even the poorest people would have to pay something.

Posted by: rickl at February 12, 2011 12:10 PM (hZFhS)

The income tax certainly should be flat, but as you point out, the most important feature is that the calculation of taxable income be equally simple and straightforward.  Your point is all-important, since, in the end, the whole wasteful tax industry is built around the notion of "taxable income", not tax rates.

287 286 True enough, but this is 2011, not '08...and he has Masscare hanging around his neck (plus he looks like a used BMW salesman...sorry, but with all the talk of image!!! this is a problem).

288 UnknownJane, I agree 100%. And Trump is a DEMOCRAT, not a Republican. I don't understand why so many Conservatives are willing to throw other conservatives under the bus while promoting someone who actively campaigns against conservatism. He supports Rahm, for God's sake!

289

I would have no problem with a flat income tax, as long as there are no exemptions and even the poorest people would have to pay something.

My main point is starving the federal beast of funds and giving us some genuine financial security. IIRC, Russia instituted a flat 13% income tax and their revenues have gone up. The rate is low enough that no one goes to great lengths to avoid it.

About the no exemptions thingy, I'd like to combine that with some way to make home loans simple interest loans. Paying $300G for a $100G house without being able to deduct the interest would destroy the housing market. That's like credit card companies charging 28% interest. compunded daily. You'd pay and pay without ever paying down the principle.

Kinda like our national debt.

290
Trump's only positive, and it's a big positive, is that he's not afraid to throw punches.

His negatives, however, far outweigh that one big positive. I like the non-pussiness, though.

291 BackwardsBoy: "Starving the beast" is an obvious failure. The only way to set us back on the right track is to attack spending directly, not to take the beta route of a theoretical stand against spending when Dems and Pubs have proven that they will spend no matter what. The beast is already starved, yet they continue to spend.

292 And Trump is a DEMOCRAT, not a Republican.

He is?  Do you have a source for that?  My google-fu says that Trump is affiliated with the Republicans. 

It does say he contributed to Rahm's campaign, but does that make him any less anti-gun control or pro-life?

/No, I don't think Trump should run, but he'd be quantum leaps better than the current Failure in Chief. 

293

Posted by: In Exile at February 12, 2011 12:23 PM (CxBSl)

Yeah, I forgot to include a necessary component of any tax overhaul, a balanced budget amendment.

294 Trump's only positive, and it's a big positive, is that he's not afraid to throw punches.

That's easy to do when you really don't care about winning the office, and I'm convinced that Trump does not. He's more interested in using this to promote himself.

295

295 There is throwing punches in defense of your country and its people, and then there is throwing punches as a show of egotism.  The former is a noble thing, and people who practice it are brave and honorable; the latter is usually done by blue falcons who do it for show and will abandon you when the going gets tough. 

296 Kratos: Go to OpenSecrets.org He gives $25k per year to the DSCC, and has given almost exclusively to Democrats over the last 20 years

297 The thing I like about a consumption tax is that individuals would have some say about how much tax they pay. A rich person who chooses to live frugally (and channel his wealth into investment and creating jobs and further wealth) would pay little tax. But if he chooses to live a life of ostentatious luxury, then he would pay through the nose. His choice.

298 Great. Nickless gets banned, and the shit eating dog gets to stay. What's wrong with this picture?

299 Yeah, I forgot to include a necessary component of any tax overhaul, a balanced budget amendment. Posted by: BackwardsBoy at February 12, 2011 12:25 PM (b6qrg) +1000

300 Trump is for whoever helps Trump, if it's an R, he'll be an R, if it's a D, he'll be a D. He's a vacuous, self absorbed twit.

301

I can't believe anyone would consider Donald Trump as a candidate.

Guy's a fucking blowhard and an attention whore with more baggage than any possible candidate that isn't incarcerated or the mayor of DC.

Besides.  If the hair makes the cadidate...I'll just leave it at that.

302   277 Brian, the liberal dog from Family Guy, weighs in.

Posted by: dagny: Free Logprof damnit! at February 12, 2011 12:09 PM (l3g1A)

 

Just ignore it. He just needs attenetion, negative or otherwise.

:

303 #305: Good point. He gave 30k to the pubs this year. Trump is clearly an opportunist, not a conservative though.

304

Don't we already have a consumption tax in the form of a sales tax?

305 Sales tax is a state tax.

306 Trunp may be a chump but he's right about da Zero.

307

And a county tax and a city tax. Near the Mouse House down here, there's a tourist tax.

It's everywhere, it's everywhere!

308 I'm sensing, with the republicans newly elected by the tea party people a sense of acceptance.  Acceptance that BO will have a second term so, "why waste a good candidate?"  Also, after the performance of Paul Ryan, who I think is looking towards getting a great job on CNBC or WS, makes you wonder about the behavior of the republicans.  As each day goes by, they lose their momentum on repealing obamacare.  Also, I've been told:  "what are you crazy, they did pass the patriot act, the day after the initial vote, how come you don't' know that?"...I don't know if what my friends are saying about the patriot act is true or not but with all the crap pete king is trying to introduce and everything else that is clearly visible to Americans with a brain, it appears the Republican s have simply "rolled over".

309

Posted by: FlaviusJulius at February 12, 2011 12:31 PM (SJ6/3)

But aren't there also Fed taxes on cigarettes, alchohol, and gasoline?

310 /No, I don't think Trump should run, but he'd be quantum leaps better than the current Failure in Chief. 

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 12, 2011 12:23 PM (9hSKh)

Kratos,  see the above linky to the Malkin column and Trump's donations.  He gave lots of small donations to Hillary, Rangel, Weiner, etc.  There's just a sleze factor about him that makes me think he'd put his coffers in first place and America's in second.  While he'd undoubtedly be head and shoulders above the Indonesian Imbecile in foreign policy/trade matters, he doesn't seem to remember we have a Constitution or laws, esp. contract law.  In '08, when he had Obama feavah, like the rest of the brain-dead libs, he refused to comment on what political party he was aligned with.

311 Acceptance that BO will have a second term so, "why waste a good candidate?" 

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 12:35 PM (p302b)

I have no idea where you would get that impression.   I don't think anyone with a brain thinks that the Indonesian will get re-elected.  If he did, that would be it.  The end.  Finis.  I think most people know this.  For those who didn't, the Congressional lame duck insanity was meant to drive that point home.

312 312

And a county tax and a city tax. Near the Mouse House down here, there's a tourist tax.

Remember what Hillary said - we tax everything that moves or doesn't move.

313

  I don't think anyone with a brain thinks that the Indonesian will get re-elected.  If he did, that would be it.  The end.  Finis.  I think most people know this.  For those who didn't, the Congressional lame duck insanity was meant to drive that point home.

He's lost the beta-males on the Left for good. 

If he wants their vote now, he's going to have to force their wives into the booth with them.

314 #301 
He gives $25k per year to the DSCC, and has given almost exclusively to Democrats over the last 20 years

I stand corrected.  Thank you for directing me there.

Just looking at his contribution patterns, its quite obvious that he's one that changes his political loyalties to match that of the prevailing winds. 

315

Trump and Palin will become twice the aggravation of Ross Perot, goaded by shrewd Democrat leaders and their shills in the MSM to get into the race to strip away the votes of ditzy loonies from serious, sensible and viable Republican candidate choices, of which there are a few and more than we've had in past primary races.

To get Trump into the race, they'll appeal to his huge ego just as they did with that egomaniacal, little weasel, Ross Perot, to get him to split the Republican votes. Palin, on the other hand, will get into the race for another opportunity to be just so darn cutesy again; daddy's cutesy little beauty pageant contestant.. Why only the other night, I heard Sarah say on Hannity, "I can't understand why people don't like me. I'm just so darn cutesy." (curtsy)

316 Zero hnd his merry band of genital ectoparasites wish to give more of our tax dollars to the UN. Because we get such a good return on our investment.....or something.

317 Now here's a lesson in gift-giving!

318

Posted by: Brian at February 12, 2011 12:43 PM (sYrWB)

Aren't you getting some lung malady from spending so much time in that damp, moldy basement?

319

Just ignore it. He just needs attenetion, negative or otherwise.

Posted by: beedubya at February 12, 2011 12:30 PM (AnTyA)

 

Yeah, right, can the moth ignore the flame? Get real. 

320
A weak GOP candidate, for instance a McCainesque candidate who doesn't want to fight Obama and who will endorse him in October, will lose.

Also, if the GOP nominee is perceived as weak, a 3rd party straw candidate could swing the election to Obama. We need a very fearless and very strong-willed candidate in 2012 if we want to defeat Obama.

The White House is the GOP's if they want it and if they don't act like pussies.

321

^{Posted by: maddogg at February 12, 2011 12:44 PM (OlN4e)}

I've said it, here, before - The UN needs to be booted off of US soil. They should never be allowed to set up shop in a First World Nation, again. 

We need to hold an Olympics style program to re-locate the UN every 4 years. 

The worst shitholes on the planet are the first in line...Finalists for the current competition would be Somalia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Yemen, 

322 I think Palin is running, because she has to. Then she takes her support and throws it to the winner in exchange for a high level position that qualifies her for a future run. Unless by some fluke she wins. But she's running.

323

Posted by: RushBabe at February 12, 2011 12:45 PM (urYpw)

I built a custom rifle for my Son's girl friend. She is now my Daughter in law.

324 Romney's a commie.

325

Posted by: garrett at February 12, 2011 12:50 PM (4/6X4)

What's wrong with Antarctica?

326 Somebody want to loosen Brian's thong? I think it's giving him/her/it a wedgie.

327

MANASSAS, Va. – A Salvadoran man who was ordered deported nearly a decade ago but never left has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in a series of shootings and a knife attack in a Virginia suburb of Washington, authorities said Friday.

328
McCain could've beaten Obama. But he went soft on the issues. Terrible campaigner. Terrible strategy.

329

What's wrong with Antarctica?

WTF did we do to you!?

330

Posted by: PoconoJoe at February 12, 2011 12:52 PM (ySSbr)

You should mention it was children he murdered.

331 “What we will be doing is ignoring the people’s business of creating jobs and frankly putting ourselves in the role of a clogged toilet,” said [(D-Enron) Rep. Sheila Jackson] Lee. “That means we are doing nothing. We are stuffed up.”

The possible metaphors available stemming from this story line are immeasurable.

332
McCain had Obama on the ropes after the "inflate your tires" remark. And then he let Obama up.

And the Gang of 14 helped torpedo McCain's presidency. What else? Oh yeah, McCain looking like a dummy during the TARP discussion with Bush and Obama.

BUSH, that prick, never should've invited McCain and Obama to that meeting unless he was gonna make it so McCain came out of it looking good.

333

Those poor, misunderstood immigrants.  My church bulletin runs weekly columns straight out of Media Matters about why we should be doing everything we can for them. 

This past week, an illegal who raped an 8-year-old girl (on Christmas Day) in Richmond was found in jail in Texas.  He had a long rap sheet, but his computerized prints didn't show up in the data base.  If the border crossers keep this up, I think they'll have trouble even keeping the libtards on their side. 

334

336 

I'd love to see her score on a GED test. 

335

 GED = good enough diploma.

336

Speculation about a VAT doesn't bother me. 

No, nor me.

I just don't think there's any chance that our tax system will change much in the near future. Any flattening or switch to a consumption tax would be a huge hit to home ownership and what politician would go there?

337 If you're on twitter, you can follow TCodVV7.

338 Who DO you like, curious? Give us a name.

Curious lives in NY, anyway. So, take her endorsements with a grain of salt. I live in NY, too, but I don't let my liberal friends influence me. I consider their opinions and debate them respectfully and on facts.

Agreed that this is a publicity stunt from Trump, and further illustrates how weak the Republican field is. Same with Gingrich and Giuliani. Palin in the race means any of these has beens can make a snarky comment about her and get their name in the papers. Santorum and Doomabee, too. Useless lot.

339

I'd love to see her score on a GED test. 

Posted by: garrett at February 12, 2011 12:56 PM (4/6X4)

Alvin Greene has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina.

340

Nancy Lyall of the immigrant advocacy group Mexicans Without Borders said it was misleading to link an isolated criminal case with the issue of illegal immigration. In Prince William County, she said, "the undocumented population is a very, very low percentage of those who are accused of violent crimes."

  "Mexicans Without Borders"  ????????????

341 Fucking VAT tax.

Highest compliance cost, most opportunities for crony tax rates, most control given to bureaucrats, most regressive, absolutely fucking horrific idea at a time of high unemployment when a lot of people are scraping by on savings or minimal income, and builds in another entry barrier for small businesses.

The people who say "no, we can make a version of it that doesn't have those features" remind me of the people who say "socialism would work if the right people were in charge." Well, the right people ARE NOT in charge, and they are NEVER in charge.

Do NOT design a government system that depends on the virtue of the bureaucrats, people.

And no, I'm not saying people who support a VAT tax are automatically socialists, just making the same category of error.

Add to that the fact that the Feds are *not* going to give up the income tax, you will get both if you try for a VAT.

342 #344 Alvin Greene has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina.

Barrack Obama has a JD from Harvard Law School.

*insert patented AmishDude lawyer joke here*

343

This past week, an illegal who raped an 8-year-old girl (on Christmas Day) in Richmond was found in jail in Texas.  He had a long rap sheet, but his computerized prints didn't show up in the data base.  If the border crossers keep this up, I think they'll have trouble even keeping the libtards on their side. 

Are you kidding, Rushbabe? Did 9-11 force them to stop sucking Muslim dick? Seems to me that once the dust settled, they amped up the vacuum a couple of feet.

344

Posted by: AmishDude at February 12, 2011 01:01 PM (BvBKY)

I thought it was a Masters in Math?

345 In Obama's weekly address, he gave a preview of his 2012 budget. He's doubling-down on "investments" (transport, tech, education) and one of his major plans to save money is to shut-down thousands of govt-run bldgs no longer in use. Glad to see our president is serious about our debt crisis. _/s

346

  "Mexicans Without Borders"  ????????????

That's funny right there.

347 And the Gang of 14 helped torpedo McCain's presidency. What else? Oh yeah, McCain looking like a dummy during the TARP discussion with Bush and Obama.

Suspending his campaign while Obama was in constant communication with Paulson and Geithner underscored how tenuous a grasp McCain had on the economy. When the economy collapsed, McCain did, as well. Curled up like a big fucking baby and cried.

348 I was just reading an article over at Reason mag and it struck me what's wrong with libertarianism these days. You ever hear football players or other athletes say that if you get enough wins all your great stats will follow so winning is what's important? Well, way back in the 80's when i first got interested in the L's they understood that getting government out of peoples lives and reducing it's power was the important thing and if you just did that everything else, like legalizing weed, would follow. But these days they've forgotten that and instead of focusing on reducing governments power they focus on everything else, like legalizing weed, in other words, they've forgotten the big picture and have become so wrapped up in the little things they've become what they say they're against.

349 Barrack Obama has a JD from Harvard Law School.

*insert patented AmishDude lawyer joke here*

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 12, 2011 01:03 PM (9hSKh)

Obama has a political science BA, too.  Just like Alvin Greene.

350 "the undocumented population is a very, very low percentage of those who are accused of violent crimes."

Wrong percentage to look at. It should be "percentage of the undocumented population who are accused of violent crimes."

351 Also, I think the MBM has had such a good run at turning Republican primaries into grenade parties that they don't even have to try anymore... it's become institutionalized habit on the part of Republicans to fight each other more than fight the Democrats.

352

Alvin Greene has a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina.

Posted by: AmishDude at February 12, 2011 01:01 PM (BvBKY)

Well, that's a relief.  I've heard he's running for pezzydint in '12.  Unlike some people, he's willing to produce a diploma.

353 Add to that the fact that the Feds are *not* going to give up the income tax, you will get both if you try for a VAT.

^{Posted by: Merovign, Bond Villain at February 12, 2011 01:03 PM (bxiXv)}

I used to do a lot of business in the Eurozone before the VAT came into being.  Now. Not so much. 

Shipping to / from England is a fucking nightmare, now.

354 The problem with Alvin Greene was his "negro dialect", that, and the fact that he has the IQ of a pineapple.

355

 one of his major plans to save money is to shut-down thousands of govt-run bldgs no longer in use. Glad to see our president is serious about our debt crisis. _/s

Because Capitalists love to Moth-Ball their revenue generating assets.

To the Future!

356 355"the undocumented population is a very, very low percentage of those who are accused of violent crimes."

Wrong percentage to look at. It should be "percentage of the undocumented population who are accused of violent crimes."

Posted by: sock puppeh at February 12, 2011 01:05 PM (VcPAo)

 I don't think I have to say what percentage it SHOULD be. Here I go getting all worked up. Next thing you know I'll be opening a beer in anger.

357

I thought it was a Masters in Math?

Posted by: garrett at February 12, 2011 01:03 PM (4/6X4)

You need to know measure theory to get one of those. I am quite sure 90% of Harvard JD graduates would find that rather...difficult.

358 Just to throw it out there, I would prefer a flat 10% tax rate on all income from all sources after deducting a standard deduction equal to the current "Poverty Line".

If its enough for God, it should be enough for government.

Coupled it with a balanced budge amendment that requires a 3 or 4/5ths vote of both houses to run a deficit.

359 I thought it was a Masters in Math?

I woulda guessed he had a Masters in Meth.

360

Nancy Lyall of the immigrant advocacy group Mexicans Without Borders said it was misleading to link an isolated criminal case with the issue of illegal immigration.

I'm sure all of their victims will now see the light, esp. in view of the fact that if those people weren't allowed in, the events that befell them wouldn't have happened.  Logic, it's teh crazy.

361 Watch it buddy , you're on thin ice .

362 I sent my $5.00, it keeps coming back "not at this address".

363 But these days they've forgotten that and instead of focusing on reducing governments power they focus on everything else, like legalizing weed, in other words, they've forgotten the big picture and have become so wrapped up in the little things they've become what they say they're against.

Posted by: booger at February 12, 2011 01:04 PM (9RFH1)

1) Dude, paragraphs.

2) Part of the reason for that is that there used to be a split between what I called "guns and butter" Libertarians and "sex and drugs" Libertarians. The former also happened to be more generally concerned with economics and governance, and they've been shrinking in relevance, especially after 2000 with the influx of S&D Libertarians who were actually liberals who left the Dems.

And the natural tendency of Libertarians to opposed the "Party in Power" seems to have broken during the Bush years, and they never got themselves fully turned around to face the other way after the Dems took Congress in 2006.

Part of the reason I walked away from them years back. Ronald Reagan would say they walked away from me, but whatevs.

364

You need to know measure theory to get one of those.

I was trying to explain that Theory to the cute Co-Ed in the Libary.  Had a ruler and everything...

That's what got me arrested!

365

Here I go getting all worked up. Next thing you know I'll be opening a beer in anger.

<GASP>

_{They should be opened respectfully and gratefully.}

366 the undocumented population is a very, very low percentage of those who are accused of violent crimes.

Low hanging fruit.

367

 one of his major plans to save money is to shut-down thousands of govt-run bldgs no longer in use.

You'd think that all those departments and boards he's creating for ObamaCare could at least move into those buildings instead of building new ones for themselves.  What about all that green space that Agenda 21 is harping on?

368 Speaking of the paradise that is Mexico:

7 dead, at least 30 injured after grenade attack and drive-by shooting at bar in Guadalajara, Mexico - Telemundo

369

If its enough for God, it should be enough for government.

Join Us-

We only take 7.5%!

370

 I don't think I have to say what percentage it SHOULD be. Here I go getting all worked up. Next thing you know I'll be opening a beer in anger.

Posted by: PoconoJoe at February 12, 2011 01:08 PM (ySSbr)

My comment was directed at Lyall, not you. And yes, my other screen name IS Captain Obvious!

371

Sadly(in this case), I do not do Twitter.

 

Curious: of course a lot of Republicans have "rolled" (if they ever really were for the Constitution above themselves in the first place)...but I don't see how you can go from that to "support Trump".

If the Republicans are going the route of "why waste a good canidate" and already conceding this to election, then they are traitors to the country just as much as their opposition.  This isn't about political party or ideology; this is about the fate of our nation: anybody who puts the first two above the third...well, I would line you up agaisnt the wall myself.

372 I was reminded that people think ron paul "threw away" his candidacy as much as McShame threw away his by endorsing BO.  Makes you wonder why the guy always challenged his opponents in court and ended up running against no one.  Makes you wonder if there is any candidate on earth willing to stand up against the chicago machine?  The republicans need someone with a brass set who won't back down and will challenge BO at every turn.  Particularly since rumor has it that he won't be debating, at all, doesn't feel he has to debate.  And if the MSM fails to cover the challenger, well folks will just vote him in again.  I sometimes can't imagine that Clinton got a second term.   My parents tell me that he was a great talker and talked himself back in.  They tell me a lot of republicans and conservatives fell for his fancy talk and voted for him again with the "really, the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know" idea and the "how bad can it be idea?"  You are thinking you need a hard core conservative but apparently, Reagan didn't look like that when he was runing for president.  You need a reagan on steroids who won't back down.  Someone who won't allow him/herself to be easily threatened and someone who is cleaner than a hounds tooth.  I don't see anyone out there in republican land like that.

373

You need to know measure theory to get one of those. I am quite sure 90% of Harvard JD graduates would find that rather...difficult.

Posted by: AmishDude at February 12, 2011 01:09 PM (BvBKY)

Oh, Harvard JDs do measure theory.  They just restrict themselves to the domain of finite sets ... small finite sets, approximating the cardinality of ones collection of fingers and toes.  And they get an automatic 70 point test bonus for "participation".  Even so, Barky failed ... but they found a clause in the post sit-in, reformed Harvard grading system that allowed some special people to have their test scores ignored and have the class vote for their grades, instead.

374 Someone up there wrote:

"

2) Part of the reason for that is that there used to be a split between what I called "guns and butter" Libertarians and "sex and drugs" Libertarians. The former also happened to be more generally concerned with economics and governance, and they've been shrinking in relevance, especially after 2000 with the influx of S&D Libertarians who were actually liberals who left the Dems. "

"And the natural tendency of Libertarians to opposed the "Party in Power" seems to have broken during the Bush years, and they never got themselves fully turned around to face the other way after the Dems took Congress in 2006."

Don't forget the whole function of the conspiracy theories about 9/11 that were being pushed from the libertarian left. Guaranteed to push away anyone who thinks the war actually needs to be fought, and to convince those who believe them that you can't deal with anyone who actually wants to fight the war because they're a nazi or a dupe of the nazis.

375 Hawaii Dems to Define Dancing.  Navycopjoe hardest hit!

376 2) Part of the reason for that is that there used to be a split between what I called "guns and butter" Libertarians and "sex and drugs" Libertarians. The former also happened to be more generally concerned with economics and governance, and they've been shrinking in relevance, especially after 2000 with the influx of S&D Libertarians who were actually liberals who left the Dems.


Which led to the "libertarians for Obama" movement that occured in '08. If the s&d l's would just realize that reducing government power will most likely lead to the things they want, like legal weed, but legal weed won't necessarily lead to reduced government, they would be a viable party again.

377

@376

Right on.

378 Heh, Bolton is giving a great speech at CPAC.  "The Muslim Brotherhood is a secular group?  That's the most foolish statement.   Does the word Muslim give you any clues?"

379 So, should I feel guilty for wondering what the driver's religion is?

380

So is ace asleep?

Seems as though we could use a new thread.

Ben, you there?

381

Just started listening to Herman Cain's CPAC speech...

382 W. on the same page as Urkel Ogabe re Mubarak (but not for the same reasons, I'm guessing)

383 You want to read something really beautiful read this, http://tinyurl.com/45za36a  19 years old, 4'11" and 300 lbs Look at the picture.. Truly a useless piece of shit. A so-called "hate crime" involved, "white boy" and read down to his rap sheet. What are the odds that he gets any meaningful punishment? They should stick an air hose up his fat ass and literally blow him up.  

384 Posted by: unknown jane at February 12, 2011 01:17 PM (5/yRG)

I'm not a trump supporter per se but really you do need someone with hard core business experience in there, somewhere, before the entire economy is totally destroyed.

What I'm saying is, you need an exciting candidate that appeals to a lot of folks who they will believe will listen to them, defend the constitution and the democratic republic and fix the jobs problem and the housing problem and all the problems with social security, medicare/medicade, welfare and obamacare.  And fix the size of government and neuter the unions which GWB could have done and didn't.   That's what your average american is thinking.

As far as the foreign policy stuff, most people are more concerned with trying to live.

385

Just started listening to Herman Cain's CPAC speech...

I just found it on the interwebz.  Wasn't it something how those white racists gave him a standing O?

386 the undocumented population is a very, very low percentage of those who are accused of violent crimes.

We have enough violent criminals without them?  Then there's no need to keep them hanging around. Buh-bye.

387 Which led to the "libertarians for Obama" movement that occured in '08. If the s&d l's would just realize that reducing government power will most likely lead to the things they want, like legal weed, but legal weed won't necessarily lead to reduced government, they would be a viable party again.

Posted by: booger at February 12, 2011 01:21 PM (9RFH1)

A large percentage of Libertarians aren't libertarians anymore.

They forgot that their usefulness was in pushing OTHERS closer to a position respecting individual liberty, and after decades of eschewing alliances accepted a lot of leftists into the fold, and now they have all kinds of crazy bullshit positions. It's one thing to resist the "war option," it's another entirely to make excuses for terrorists and downplay the threat. It's one thing to worry about crony corporate control over internet traffic, it's another entirely to back a heavy-handed crony government solution to that "problem."

Not all Libertarians do this, of course, but the "left Libertarian" movement has pretty much taken the reins.

388

"Stupid people are ruining America"

--Herman Cain

389 Btw, I heard someone on Kudlow, a consrvative republican, practically giddy over the foreigners buying the NYSE.   I think most Americans aren't giddy at that prospect.  Most americans want the border fence, they want only natural born citizens to be able to buy property or businesses, they want jobs and manufacturing brought home.  Now that they are finding out that GWB changed the debt laws in favor of businesses and against Amercians they are starting to get pretty pissed.  Now that they watched the government take over the "student loan" business and make their heirs responsible for their student loan debt like a family covenant, now they are getting upset.

390 388 You want to read something really beautiful read this, http://tinyurl.com/45za36a  19 years old, 4'11" and 300 lbs Look at the picture.. Truly a useless piece of shit. A so-called "hate crime" involved, "white boy" and read down to his rap sheet. What are the odds that he gets any meaningful punishment? They should stick an air hose up his fat ass and literally blow him up. 

He already skirted an aggravated assault/illegal weapon charge. 

The episode was not Alexis' first brush with the law.

Court records show he was arrested and booked in July with aggravated assault, illegally carrying a concealed weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. Records show that in September he took an "Alford plea," meaning he did not admit he was guilty but conceded that the strong evidence could have led to his conviction.

This sorry excuse for a human should have served hard time for that.  If he was in jail, this poor pizza deliveryman would probably still have his sight.  

391 who the hell is herman cain?

392 btw, PoconoJoe , shouldn't that be classified as a "hate crime", since the fat piece of shit yelled:

The delivery man ran back to his car. "You know you're not supposed to be back here, white boy!" Alexis allegedly yelled as the man pulled away.

/Oh wait, its not racism when a minority yells ethnic slurs at a white person.  My mistake. 

//Hope he likes the food in PIMTA prison. 

393 who the hell is herman cain?

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 01:36 PM (p302b)

Former CEO of Godfather's Pizza.  He's a strong fiscal conservative and a good guy.  He shows up on Cavuto a lot.  I don't know much about his other positions, but I've never heard him say anything I disagreed with - not that I can recall, at least.

394 396 who the hell is herman cain?

Former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, among other things. 

395

From PoconoJoes' link...

. Records show that in September he took an "Alford plea," meaning he did not admit he was guilty but conceded that the strong evidence could have led to his conviction.

WHAT???

Who condoned that kind of plea?

Are these people serious?

396 In other news, remember a few months ago when the NPR/PBS crowd was all "SHUT UP, TEABAGGERZ, WE ONLY GET 2% OF OUR MONEY FROM THE GOVERNMENT!"?

Now they say going to be shut down completely if any of that 2% gets cut.

I hate these fucking assholes, I really do.

397 384 So, should I feel guilty for wondering what the driver's religion is?   I dunno, that sounds like pretty typical drug gang incident for Mexico.

398

HermainCain.com. Radio host, among other things. CPAC speech at HotAir.

“They call me racist too just because I disagree with a President who happens to be black. Go figure."

 

399
yeah, having the Brezinski's sons working on each campaign was astonishing.

Can't believe McCain allowed that.

400 The delivery man ran back to his car. "You know you're not supposed to be back here, white boy!"

...odd that a fat kid would yell at a man bringing food. What kind of drugs was he on?

401 McCain or whoever we ran never had a chance. I believe McCain was in on it.

Posted by: sickinmass at February 12, 2011 01:38 PM (1rflU)

AMEN!  I have thought this since the beginning!

402

Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 12, 2011 01:40 PM (ElYV9)

I just received that action alert from CREDO.   Logic isn't one of their things, as you already know. 

403

"Stupid people are ruining America"

--Herman Cain

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 12, 2011 01:33 PM (XdlcF)

"It's not in America's DNA to be mediocre."

He's losing me with these calls for the Fair Tax, though.  Blech. 

404 Logic isn't one of their things, as you already know.

The best part is I know the people posting that shit to Facebook haven't given a damn dime of their own money to either PBS or NPR.

(I bought tix to Red Green's live show last spring via Milwaukee PBS, so I can claim moral authority here.)

405

So is ace asleep?

Ace can't sleep or he'll drown.

406 Has there been a change of fonts around here?  The posts have a font that is a little squarer and harsher on the eyes some how or is it just me?

407 The literary buffet has become stale. can we get an attendant to freshen us up with a new fresh and delicious thread ?

408 harsher on the eyes some how or is it just me?

Posted by: Ohio Dan at February 12, 2011 01:48 PM (EH4cc)

 Get the beer goggles on and it looks much better.

409 The NVA broke McCain. He's still broke.

410

 The posts have a font that is a little squarer and harsher on the eyes some how or is it just me?

IE? 

Try running Compatability View.  Went through this w/rdbrewer yesterday on the thread that would not be replaced.

411

 Get the beer goggles on and it looks much better.

Sans serif is the result of sans beer, eh?

412

IE? 

Funny, I was on some web-site just the other day and it stated that if I had problems to use either IE or Netscape.

Netscape?

Ummm...

413 If they tell you they have Linnux, tell'em our System's down!

414 Which led to the "libertarians for Obama" movement that occured in '08. If the s&d l's would just realize that reducing government power will most likely lead to the things they want, like legal weed, but legal weed won't necessarily lead to reduced government, they would be a viable party again.

Posted by: booger at February 12, 2011 01:21 PM (9RFH1)

Yeah... I don't even call my self a libertarian anymore, as the "brand" has been highjacked...

Now... Jeffersonian, or Constitutional Conservative... is how I self describe.

415 Is it a bigger f'n deal than Wachovia admitting in court to laundering millions in Mexican drug gang money, and its punishment being a fine that was some small percentage of their profits on the deal? Funny how nobody talks about that.

416 223 I'm wondering when you guys are going to realize that the Egypt speech is being talked about everywhere.  People are falling back in love with the president.  The republican candidate has to be an amazing charismatic knowledgeable business person or governor.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 11:20 AM (p302b)

Would these people be the same ones you usually talk to?  You know all your moronic liberal friends that were absolutely certain we'd still be talking about Speaker Pelosi and that the Dems were going to steam roll the GOP in November and had you all worried and scared that they might be right?

417 Posted by: buzzion at February 12, 2011 02:03 PM (oVQFe)

nope i went to the home depot this morning and costco, it was those people.

418

This sorry excuse for a human should have served hard time for that.  If he was in jail, this poor pizza deliveryman would probably still have his sight.  

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 12, 2011 01:35 PM (9hSKh)

WTF kind of judges do they have? I know if *I* committed aggravated assault with a firearm, I'd get five years hard time and lose very fucking thing I have in the process.

And some people wonder why their cities have such a high crime rate. The so-called "criminal justice system" is completely broken.

Seriously, what the fuck was this sack of shit doing on the fucking street? Does anyone have an answer other than "catastrophic judicial incompetence in the first degree"?

419 Some guy murdered three people and critcally injured two others, on a stranger and you think to yourself, "do they check backgrounds of the immigrants they allow into the country?"

420 nope i went to the home depot this morning and costco, it was those people.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 02:06 PM (p302b)

Well, I am sure that is a representative sample and since everyone is so abysmally stupid we might as well all fold up our tents and surrender.

Or vote for Donald Trump, noted Democrat supporter and self-promoter.

YES, WE KNOW THERE ARE NO PERFECT CANDIDATES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CONVERSATION.

Sorry, I really need to just bow out of the damned grenade party and waith the world burn, because I can't do a damned thing about it.

421 OT: Nice to see Drudge pimping Mitch Daniels...

422
What's most amazing about that MSNBC story on the sidebar is O'Donnell is beating Parker/Spitzer and Parker/Spitzer is beating Nancy Grace.

Grace's ratings are pitiful.

423 Oh I see, from drudge, that mitch daniels is literally, from the picture on drudge, supposed to the "the anointed one" and I guess I missed the little announcement today.  Excuse me then, just forget about the independents and the folks on both coasts.  You obviously don't need or want our votes anyway.

424 Excuse me then, just forget about the independents and the folks on both coasts.  You obviously don't need or want our votes anyway.

Pandering to the superficial is what got us Toonces in the first fucking place.

425 LOL @ Mitch Daniels being some kind of frontrunner.

426 ...and when is the last time anyone on either coast gave a shit about the rest of the country, other to sneer at us and how stupid we are?! 

(Rhetorical, but the answer is probably Reagan.)

427
Well, we don't really need anyone vote from the blue states.

428 And can we shut up about Donald Trump running for president?  He considered running for it under Perot's idiotic Reform Party.

429 I'm wondering when you guys are going to realize that the Egypt speech is being talked about everywhere.  People are falling back in love with the president.  The republican candidate has to be an amazing charismatic knowledgeable business person or governor.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 11:20 AM (p302b)

The Cairo leg of the World Traitor Tour?  I hope they keep talking about it.  That was where Barky apologized for ... colonialism.  LOL.  If the left doesn't bring up that World Traitor Tour, I sure hope the conservatives talk about it, constantly.  That was one of the owrst displays, ever.  I'm still embarrassed that our country let the Indonesian back in after he went around bad-mouthing us to ever set of dipshits and America-haters he could find.  Maybe the left will be running with the reset/overcharged button, too?  That was a classic ... and these idiots in the Whine House keep talking about it.  ROFLMAO.

430 Those opposed to Daniels: Good luck getting any entitlement reform from a 50.01% coalition...

431

Grace's ratings are pitiful.

Sometimes she has Remi Spencer on, though...mmm, Remi Spencer...

432
In fact, if the GOP nominee didn't receive a single vote from, say, CA, s/he could still win the election, as you know.

So it really doesn't matter what folks in blue states think. Sorry. But y'all are welcome in our big principled conservative tent.

433 Posted by: buzzion at February 12, 2011 02:20 PM (oVQFe)

Trump has a website, the support of Savage and hannity and their listeners and we could be being set up ala clinton and perot only instead of bloomie, it's trump.   He will siphon off conservatives and republicans on the coasts and a lot of independents so you all better hope he isn't serious.

434

"Stupid people are ruining America"

--Herman Cain

Coming from a man who made his fortune selling pizza, no less.

435 Herman Cain: If you don't get the presidency in 30 minutes, you get your money back!

436 He will siphon off conservatives and republicans beauty pageant and reality TV fans on the coasts and a lot of independents so you all Palin fans better hope he isn't serious.

FIFY

437

 He will siphon off conservatives and republicans on the coasts and a lot of independents so you all better hope he isn't serious.

No, he's just the Paris Hilton of CEO's.

I'd never vote for him.

438 In general, it's better not to pre-soak beans. It makes the skins tough. <<< Nope. Adding salt before they're tender will screw them up, but not presoaking.

439
Of course Obama is being regarded as a strong leader on Egypt. When you don't have any opposition or different views offered, people move with the beat of Obama.

Nature and politics abhor a vacuum. There's a desire out there for the anti-Obama, someone refreshing and strong. But the Republicans continue to sit around with their thumbs up their asses.

440 I know I don't count in your eyes.  You think of me as an idiot coming from a blue state who won't commit to an ideology and therefore that makes me stupid.  But, have you noticed, more americans are running from a party affiliation than ever before.

I know my blue state vote won't count  So why bother to vote then?  Just let middle America elect the president.  Places like Iowa with their back in the dark ages caucuses. 

441 Wait. Stewart Levey? Wouldn't he be a Jooooooooooooooooo?

442 446 I know I don't count in your eyes.  You think of me as an idiot coming from a blue state who won't commit to an ideology and therefore that makes me stupid.  But, have you noticed, more americans are running from a party affiliation than ever before.

I know my blue state vote won't count  So why bother to vote then?  Just let middle America elect the president.  Places like Iowa with their back in the dark ages caucuses. 

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 02:27 PM (p302b)

Au contraire. You make smart, thoughtful comments. I read them with interest.

 

443 446 I know I don't count in your eyes. You think of me as an idiot coming from a blue state who won't commit to an ideology and therefore that makes me stupid. But, have you noticed, more americans are running from a party affiliation than ever before.

I know my blue state vote won't count So why bother to vote then? Just let middle America elect the president. Places like Iowa with their back in the dark ages caucuses.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 02:27 PM (p302b)

The really funny thing is that a significant number of people here obviously don't think you're an idiot, because we say so and because we respond (forgive me if I'm in a bad temper today, I'm really grumpy at the whole world).

But you pretty clearly think of us as idiots, because you keep saying so and you always go back to your clearly doofy friends for your information about what people think.

You may not be a lefty, but you have the same disdain for anyone who doesn't live in the right places or say the right things, and the same apparent disdain for people who actually DO things.

As much as I agree that you have a valuable place at the table, those things can be pretty damned irritating, especially from someone who keeps whining how unfair what other people thing of them is.

444 I like curious, but that was the kiss of death from Brian.

445

Only a fool would have that perspective, iknowtheleft. Only a fool with no creds.

446
McCain or whoever we ran never had a chance. I believe McCain was in on it.

Posted by: sickinmass at February 12, 2011 01:38 PM (1rflU)

He's my good friend.

447 Posted by: Merovign, Bond Villain at February 12, 2011 02:44 PM (bxiXv)

I apologize if I'm coming off like that.  I have always said that I feel the people who are on this site are among the most intelligent I've ever encountered and do think out of the box.

But, I feel as though there is a pervasive reticence among the so called republican/conservative bloggers to tackle some of the obvious tough issues that stand before the American people.  Like in the last election, most of us saw the behavior of McCain and were horrified but it really wasn't mentioned until after the election.  No one was willing to really say anything negative, like the word went out from somewhere to just be quiet.

448

Only a fool would have that perspective, iknowtheleft. Only a fool with no creds.

Posted by: Brian at February 12, 2011 02:49 PM (sYrWB)

I had creds.  Lots of them.  But I sold near the top in '99.

449 Like in the last election, most of us saw the behavior of McCain and were horrified but it really wasn't mentioned until after the election. No one was willing to really say anything negative, like the word went out from somewhere to just be quiet.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 02:56 PM (p302b)

We complained bitterly and constantly here and throughout the dextrosphere to the point of blog wars that are still going on today, broken friendships and dead blogs.

I *seriously* don't know what you're talking about, we lost commenters over the McCain Wars during that election that have never come back.

450

I apologize if I'm coming off like that.  I have always said that I feel the people who are on this site are among the most intelligent I've ever encountered and do think out of the box.

And yet you believe your obviously stupid friends so often over us.

But, I feel as though there is a pervasive reticence among the so called republican/conservative bloggers to tackle some of the obvious tough issues that stand before the American people.  Like in the last election, most of us saw the behavior of McCain and were horrified but it really wasn't mentioned until after the election.  No one was willing to really say anything negative, like the word went out from somewhere to just be quiet.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 02:56 PM (p302b)

And I think that's pretty much a BS statement.  I wish the archives here allowed you to view more than just the post titles, because I'm willing to bet that there were quite a few posts critical of McCains action during the general.  And plenty of commenters talking about it, and being negative about his actions.

451 Posted by: Merovign, Bond Villain at February 12, 2011 03:03 PM (bxiXv)

around the time of the election i was swamped with work and worrying about being fired.  Maybe i"m not so much thinking about this place but other conservative blogs that I found during that time based on references from other people.

and I guess the MSM didn't help one iota.  I listen very carefully to my group of lib/dem friends, they are usually very much "in the know" and they are not nervous about the upcoming election at all and they knew they were gong to get their clocks cleaned in 2010 and were fine with it, saying "it is probably for the best."  I think their "utter and unabashed calmness" about the election is making me nervous and wishing that by now the republicans had a spectacular candidate capable of mounting at least some semblance of a challenge.

452 #453 - You're alright, snookums.  You have nothing to apologize for.

453 I blasted the shit out of McShame during the primary - because he was such a douche bag and idiot - but generally kept my mouth shut about him during the general.  I was commenting over at HotAir, at the time.

But, McShame didn't return the favor.  The minute he got up a couple of points (after picking Palin for his running mate) he went right over to La Raza and told them that he was going to try and shove through his shamnesty (which is what really killed the GOP) as his highest priority.  I still let that pass, as most did, since the Indonesian was such a serious threat to America.

McShame REALLY ticked me off because he never had one thing to say about Barky's illegal fundraising, after McShame had saddled us with that asinine un-Constitutional McShame-Feingold piece of shit.  McShame couldn't even raise a peep about Barky holding his biggest campaign rally in a foreign country, for foreigners.  All the idiot thought to say was "Oh ... Obama is such a celebrity.  Blah blah blah ..."  But, I still kept my mouth shut about McShame, because too much was at stake.

454 Hahahaha, those dea boys will really move if they think some funding might be in danger. War on drugs my ass.

455 around the time of the election i was swamped with work and worrying about being fired.  Maybe i"m not so much thinking about this place but other conservative blogs that I found during that time based on references from other people.

and I guess the MSM didn't help one iota.  I listen very carefully to my group of lib/dem friends, they are usually very much "in the know" and

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 03:11 PM (p302b)

I think you're just remembering things they way someone told you they happened, because everywhere I went during the 2008 election season there was a huge fight over McCain, and that he was a backstabber and naievely expected the MFM to help him like they did when he was bashing Republicans instead of running against a Democrat and he was a weak candidate and his "play nice with the bully" strategy was an utter failure.

Hell, the common refrain was people were voting for Palin and McCain was just along for the ride.

Also, IIRC your friends were downplaying the last election and playing it like the losses would not be so big, but then I'm sure I didn't read everything you wrote about that election.

The fact that you're so integrated with Lib Street is a problem because while you recognize that their philosophy is different you seem to accept their assumptions as often as not, even if they conflict with your stated ideals. It's like a good but weak-willed kid doing drugs because of peer pressure, except with policy.

You kind of strike me as someone who knows what works and what doesn't but goes along with what doesn't work because "everybody's doing it!" That may be unfair, but I think I'm not the only person who sees it that way.

456 I truly apologize if I offended anyone, that was not my intent at all   I went to the hockey game last night with a big group and I guess their political talk did exactly what it was supposed to do, it got to me.

So again, I apologize profusely and seriously and sincerely.  I think I'm going to go take a break now and then go off to church.

457 Posted by: Merovign, Bond Villain at February 12, 2011 03:21 PM (bxiXv)

You know, I think of myself as a pretty out of the box thinker and an independent person but you are really making me think about all of this now.   so thank you for caring enough to give the tough constructive criticism.  I really have to think about what I believe and what I think is important.  I've backed off from arguing with my friends, I've just let them talk because well, i'm out numbered.  But maybe i'm supposed to start questioning them.  Wow, I really have to give all of this a lot of thought.

458 Curious is a woman. You can't psychanalyze a woman. Just tell them that you love them for their minds, not their bodies ...., and, oh yeah, always let them have the last word in an argument. They like that ..., and besides,  they'll always have the last word anyway.

459 You know, I think of myself as a pretty out of the box thinker and an independent person but you are really making me think about all of this now.   so thank you for caring enough to give the tough constructive criticism.  I really have to think about what I believe and what I think is important.  I've backed off from arguing with my friends, I've just let them talk because well, i'm out numbered.  But maybe i'm supposed to start questioning them.  Wow, I really have to give all of this a lot of thought.

Posted by: curious at February 12, 2011 03:28 PM (p302b)

If there's one damned useful thing I can do in this world, it's criticize.

I'm glad it was help and not just another angry voice (because I feel like just anotehr angry voice today, I'm really sorry if I am but I'm on a higher dose of my heart meds and it always messes with my head when they change it).

Take care of yourself and enjoy church.

460 Has anyone yet responded that water is wet?

461

 they knew they were gong to get their clocks cleaned in 2010 and were fine with it,

Um curious.  These were the people telling you before the election that were so sure Nancy would still be speaker.  If they knew they were going to get their clocks cleaned then they continuously lied to you.  They weren't nervous then either as you posted multiple times.  Why should you believe them now?  I even had them pegged on their reaction to the loss afterwards, where they went and lied to you saying they only meant they would keep the senate.  Why would you bother believing them now when they did the same shit before november?

462 I don't know why I should be mad at the Lesbianese, after all, they just want what I want.

(rimshot)

463 Posted by: buzzion at February 12, 2011 04:05 PM (oVQFe)

You know, until you put it all down there like that, it didn't hit me that they did that to me last time.

They're very convincing and compelling and I realize that maybe I have to call them on some of the stuff they are saying.  I think I'm going to use their emails to show them that I realize what they've been doing but I have to do it in a nice way, I don't want to lose all my friends.

464

With her lack of character and her desperate need to be accepted, Curious will always go along to conform with a trend, always adapting herself to the mood of the group with which she associates, never showing any individuality, and never experiencing the exhilaration of knowing that she did the right thing, majority opinion be damned.

So leave that timid, little mouse alone. She is only doing what she thinks that she needs to do to survive, leaving no footprints behind,  nor any discernible mark on the world.

465 Posted by: Brian at February 13, 2011 03:48 AM (sYrWB)

"With her lack of character and her desperate need to be accepted"

That's sort of a huge mischaracterization. 

Problem is, when you "do the right thing" in this world the only time you every really need to announce it is when it is not the norm.

466

"That's sort of a huge mischaracterization." - curiously curious @ #473

Is it?  You just want to be loved. There is nothing wrong with that. Don't apologize.

 

467 I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well.Thanks for sharing this information.And IÂ’ll love to read your next post too.
Regards
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