Ace of Spades HQ

July 28, 2013

"Country Party" vs. "Court Party," and Thoughts on a Conservative Populism
— Ace

Ross Douthat has a decent piece on a nascent conservative politics.

The theory goes something like this: American politics is no longer best understood in the left-right terms that defined 20th-century debates. Rather, our landscape looks more like a much earlier phase in democracyÂ’s development, when the division that mattered was between outsiders and insiders, the Â“country partyÂ” and the Â“court party.Â”
...
Bolingbroke [who coined the court party/country party attack] is largely forgotten today, but his skepticism about the ways that money and power intertwine went on to influence the American Revolution and practically every populist movement in our nationÂ’s history. And itÂ’s his civic republican ideas, repurposed for a new era, that you hear in the rhetoric of new-guard Republican politicians like Rand Paul and Mike Lee, in right-wing critiques of our incestuous Â“ruling class,Â” and from pundits touting a Â“libertarian populismÂ” instead.
Theirs is not just the usual conservative critique of big government, though thatÂ’s obviously part of it. ItÂ’s a more thoroughgoing attack on the way Americans are ruled today, encompassing Wall Street and corporate America, the media and the national-security state.
As theories go, itÂ’s well suited to the times. The story of the last decade in American life is, indeed, a story of consolidation and self-dealing at the top. There really is a kind of Â“court partyÂ” in American politics, whose shared interests and assumptions Â— interventionist, corporatist, globalist Â— have stamped the last two presidencies and shaped just about every major piece of Obama-era legislation. There really is a disconnect between this eliteÂ’s priorities and those of the country as a whole. There really is a sense in which the ruling class Â— in Washington, especially Â— has grown fat at the expense of the nation it governs.

He blathers on a bit after that about why the country may be receptive to this message but not to conservative candidates. You can read on if you like.

Posted by: Ace at 01:33 PM | Comments (216)
Post contains 339 words, total size 2 kb.

1 first again?

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:35 PM (bJm7W)

2 just one of the many benefits of having no life...

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:36 PM (bJm7W)

3 damn. wanted to go o/t but new thread. i'll wait until 50 comments. (subliminal. think about bacon.)

Posted by: olddog in mo at July 28, 2013 01:36 PM (KaCPv)

4 Ace is really spoiling us this weekend . . .

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 01:36 PM (8lmkt)

5 This is what we need. Out with the dems, out with their rino enablers, in with the country party. Lets all leave our pet priorities at the door and work together long enough to have our country back in working order, then we can discuss tweaking it.

Posted by: sneaky little five-eyes at July 28, 2013 01:38 PM (3X3ZR)

6 I wanted to be first! I want a Constitutional Party. The republicans establishment sucks! IÂ’m sick of them caving in to SCOAMF!

Posted by: CarolT at July 28, 2013 01:39 PM (z4WKX)

7 I coulda beat Obama.

Posted by: Luap Nor at July 28, 2013 01:39 PM (Aif/5)

8 Ruled? Since when are Americans ruled? This dude's mind is infected with the same meme that infects the mind of career politicians: there are rulers and subjects

Posted by: eman at July 28, 2013 01:41 PM (CE55J)

9 Ace is really spoiling us this weekend . . . Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 05:36 PM (8lmkt) Ace must be having a good time doing a remote blog from Peruvia.

Posted by: YIKES! at July 28, 2013 01:41 PM (mETGQ)

10 anyway, here's the headline from finance dot yahoo dot com:

"Exclusive: 4 in 5 in US face near-poverty, no work"

and here's the first paragraph:

" Four out of 5 U.S. adults struggle with joblessness, near-poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives, a sign of deteriorating economic security and an elusive American dream."

"four out of 5 face" is not the same as having to deal with for "at least part of" your life -- the odd thing to me is that this is what you'd expect from the MSM when Bush was Pres. Remember "McJobs"? No more "funemployment", I guess. Maybe the journolist types have decided that Hillary! has her best chance in 2016 if the Repubs take control of both houses of Congress; anything that goes wrong after that can be blamed on those extreme Republicans.

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:43 PM (bJm7W)

11
I've had my fill of mental masturbation, thanks.

Posted by: soothsayer at July 28, 2013 01:43 PM (+oin+)

12 Codevilla, said it much better with more cogent arguments, Douthat is a day late, and a hundred dollars behind,

Posted by: armorers of magrathea, at July 28, 2013 01:43 PM (Jsiw/)

13 I donÂ’t know about that Luap Nor. A friend of mineÂ’s FIL is retired and hates TFG. He went to CO last August or September to work to get Romney elected. He wouldnÂ’t talk about it much after the election. I finally asked my friend what his FIL had to say, if anything yet. He said they were out organized to say the least. If someone said they werenÂ’t interested, they were told not to return. But the Ds would go back four or five times to same home, apartment, etc. The Ds have the ground game and Rs do not.

Posted by: CarolT at July 28, 2013 01:44 PM (z4WKX)

14 IÂ’m sure you know that NBC is doing four hour miniseries on Hillary!

Posted by: CarolT at July 28, 2013 01:45 PM (z4WKX)

15 does Peruvia have a national anthem? If not, I could write one, maybe something about "snowy lands" rhyming with "severed hands" and "rubber bands". And if Zimmerman came from there, maybe "Ku Klux Klands" in honor of fathead Sharpton.

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:46 PM (bJm7W)

16 Posted by: CarolT at July 28, 2013 05:45 PM (z4WKX)

With Diane Lane as Hillary.

Diane Lane.

One of the most beautiful women in the world.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 28, 2013 01:48 PM (gqgiP)

17 There's a reason why the Hunger Games analogy has resonance, including the incoherence of the politics of the resistance and what happens at the end of the third book.

There is no longer any such thing as public trust. I, for one, do not believe that any politician will be elected and then do what s/he says. Hell, it's to the point that if someone says, all earnestly, that there's no possible way that s/he'll do whatever, I immediately presume that's the first thing said person will do.

I'm not sure what it means that an overwhelming majority believes that Our Betters do not have the consent of the governed. What I am sure is that it means nothing good.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at July 28, 2013 01:48 PM (Gk3SS)

18 Ruling class progressive trash.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 01:49 PM (ZPrif)

19 Peruvia . . . where the gerbils are too nervous to fuck off and the blogging is easy.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 01:49 PM (8lmkt)

20 How does Mallfly get First so much? You're spoiling us this weekend, Ace.

Posted by: L, elle at July 28, 2013 01:49 PM (0PiQ4)

21 Hail, hail, Peruvia, land of the free and the brave!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCgHRhHhBAU

Posted by: rufus touré firefly at July 28, 2013 01:50 PM (BQ10H)

22 re 14: bet it shows Hillary! acting all manly about trying to save the guys in Ben Gahzi while Obama's henchmen are holding her back. Then later in private regretting that she had to go with the administration's lies when she wanted to tell the truth.

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:50 PM (bJm7W)

23 You're right, Codevilla said it first, and better. Douthat is saying it in the NYT, though. (Treason or heresy?) His analogy to Bolingbrooke vs. Walpole is interesting, historically, though the country party / court party split goes back to the Restoration. (maybe even earlier, the same forces may well have led to Cromwell .... ) More of this kind of talk, the better.

Posted by: sneaky little five-eyes at July 28, 2013 01:50 PM (3X3ZR)

24 I agree with most of that except that the US has NEVER been corporatist. Great Britain was only that way for a short period of time. What we have in the US, essentially since the war of 1861 is crony corruption. People donate to the ruling party, the ruling party then sends public funds their way, or passes legislation favorable to them and a hindrance to their competition. This is not corporatism and it is not anything associated with capitalism. In fact it is the opposite of capitalism It is pure outrite corruption.

And what got us here to this big government mess, Well it started with the onset of "progressivism" in the late 1800s beginning with the same thing we are talking about Country vs court. Yeah, the WJB speech on the cross of gold.

And it is here to stay unless we do at least one of two things. Art V convention which now is entirely possible given the number of States now passing bills to nullify federal gun control. Or an armed revolution which would be bad. And if neither one of these things are done eventually the collapse will cone.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (lZvxr)

25 ok, I lied. can't wait until 50 comments. what's the best way to cook bacon in the oven? only done stove top. Ina and MarthaS say preheat oven. Others say not. What say you?

Posted by: olddog in mo at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (KaCPv)

26
the Mod Squad is on -- it's the episode with Andy Griffith

Posted by: soothsayer at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (ZgBZU)

27 Speaking of the middle class getting screwed -- lots of empty stands in Indy today. nascar has been especially crushed by the Great Recession -- because it's fans have been crushed and can't afford to attend races anymore. Sports that skew upper-class white -- especially soccer and hockey -- have done well during The Great Recession. Truth is the upper class in America haven't been hurt much the past 5 years. The Great Recession is something they read about in the papers.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (ZPrif)

28 ( ~Sticks hand up~ ) Remember me?

Posted by: Flyover Country at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (ULH4o)

29 re 20: because mallfly spends a lot of time in front of a PC doing work. no reason to not include fun when multitasking.
And what are the odds that the Hillary! movie's Chelsea will be a lot prettier and a lot less boring?

Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 01:53 PM (bJm7W)

30 Ya can't say Derek Jeter doesn't rise to the moment!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 28, 2013 01:55 PM (jE38p)

31 Posted by: Mallfly at July 28, 2013 05:50 PM (bJm7W) I can't wait for the scene where her plane flies thru heavy flak and lands under heavy artillery, rockets and mortars...not to mention sniper fire.....wherever the hell it was......should be exciting!

Posted by: BignJames at July 28, 2013 01:55 PM (20Mmk)

32 Ross Douthat

Robin Williams played his mom in a movie, I think.

Posted by: Low Information Voter at July 28, 2013 01:56 PM (uLzrM)

33 28 ( ~Sticks hand up~ )

Remember me?
Posted by: Flyover Country at July 28, 2013 05:53 PM (ULH4o)

Shut up, You are irrelevant.

Posted by: The Two Coasts at July 28, 2013 01:56 PM (tg2kY)

34 Karl Rove keeps emailing me. Fucking asshole.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 01:57 PM (8lmkt)

35 They've managed to put a patchwork aristocracy together with the uber-wealthy (many of whom inherited their wealth), the "talented tenth" from minority groups, the well-connected and those of elite credentials. The prep school route to power and influence is no longer maligned but is considered the right and proper way to rule. Even the elite European ruling classes aren't as insulated as ours, most of whom have no more than one degree of separation from Harvard or Yale law school. But rather than rail against the New Aristocracy, the people seem to like it. Cheap salvation in the post-Christian West is effortless. Bien pensants are earned by parroting elite opinion. Intellect and morality are measured by positions on issues. In the last great conservative ascendancy, liberal elites finally became "the other". Reagan laid bare the corruption in the system, judges who refused to sentence criminals, leftist politicians skimming off the top, etc. But there was also a Soviet Union. We had an example of the ultimate goal of the Obamas of the world. Many people today have forgotten. Human beings want to be ruled. We want to know there's someone brilliant, someone better than us in charge of things. We are insecure. We are fearful. We are willing to mortgage the future for a little security in the present. It takes a lot of character and fortitude to accept the rule of the unwashed masses, the bad decisions of the mob. We know the right thing, you see. And all we need is some powerful person or people to implement it. Until we realize that not everybody has the same idea of the right thing.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 01:57 PM (xSegX)

36 Peruvia . . . where the gerbils are too nervous to fuck off and the blogging is easy. Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 05:49 PM (8lmkt) Peruvia social security everybody has the exact same number.

Posted by: YIKES! at July 28, 2013 01:57 PM (mETGQ)

37 "You can read on if you like." Thanks for your permission.

Posted by: notropis at July 28, 2013 01:57 PM (MKOdk)

38 "To overthrow a flawed ruling class, it isnÂ’t enough to know whatÂ’s gone wrong at the top. You need more self-knowledge, substance and strategic thinking than conservatives have displayed to date." Accurate ordinance on target helps too.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 01:58 PM (Xf3GY)

39 The important "message" is simpler: laws exist for a reason, and must be followed. Those who do not obey the law have no right to govern, and must be punished.

Following this simple maxim would empty Washington D.C. (taking out more than a few "Republicans" and journalists, as well as hordes of Democrats). We could then bring in a crop of new faces, with luck including far fewer traitors and corruptocrats.

Posted by: MrScribbler at July 28, 2013 01:58 PM (/RIVS)

40 Right, I read the piece essentially he is selling the idea that Jugears won b/c by golly at least he is trying to do something...

what this is is another effort to sell the notion that the most the GOP "original base" can hope for is 85% of donk policies at 90% of the price.

I am less enraged at his presentation of such than I am by Chris Christie, Paul Ryan et al, but essentially I'm not seeing why the nation must continue to exist in its current form if the citizenry understands neither the old system, nor what made the nation work.

Posted by: Miguel Ambivalence at July 28, 2013 01:59 PM (LRFds)

41 Sports that skew upper-class white -- especially soccer and hockey -- have done well during The Great Recession.

Oh, those people, with their balls, and pucks and the sweat and so forth? They aren't upper class. Polo ponies and yachts are upper class, my friend. The soccer and hockey crowd is just a step above Nascar.

Good thing they like condiments, though.

Posted by: John Kerry, SOS extraordinaire at July 28, 2013 02:00 PM (6TB1Z)

42 33 28 ( ~Sticks hand up~ ) Remember me? Posted by: Flyover Country at July 28, 2013 05:53 PM (ULH4o) Shut up, You are irrelevant. Posted by: The Two Coasts That may be- to my "betters" on TV.... ...but I am very heavily armed. I can set demolition charges, hunt, and give first aid. Can you?

Posted by: Flyover Country at July 28, 2013 02:00 PM (ULH4o)

43 "To overthrow a flawed ruling class, it isnÂ’t enough to know whatÂ’s gone wrong at the top. You need more self-knowledge, substance and strategic thinking than conservatives have displayed to date." *** First, one must know the principles on which they stand.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at July 28, 2013 02:01 PM (jjvz+)

44 11 Soothsayer,

Douhat is definitely self-indulgent if nothing else...

Posted by: Miguel Ambivalence at July 28, 2013 02:01 PM (LRFds)

45 39 The important "message" is simpler: laws exist for a reason, and must be followed. Those who do not obey the law have no right to govern, and must be punished. Posted by: MrScribbler at July 28, 2013 05:58 PM (/RIVS) bwahahahah.......sorry

Posted by: BignJames at July 28, 2013 02:01 PM (20Mmk)

46 Douthat's problem always has been that he simply won't accept the fact that the people need to do some damn things themselves. Of course, that is the people's problem also sometimes. If it all comes fiscally crashing down on them--and I hope it does--they need look only in mirror for cause.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 02:02 PM (Xf3GY)

47 27 Truth is the upper class in America haven't been hurt much the past 5 years. The Great Recession is something they read about in the papers. So? Are they supposed to be hurt as well? I say good for them if they have done well enough to inoculate themselves from the damage.

Posted by: JJ Stone at July 28, 2013 02:02 PM (AoXKG)

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD, you taunty bitch. at July 28, 2013 05:48 PM (Gk3SS)

The end result of power I suppose.

Term limits and a part time legislature would probably have helped, but it's too late for that.

(Also actually holding to federalism, you concentrate too much power in one place and this is what happens.)

Hell, DC only exists because it literally sucks taxpayer money into it to create itself. That's how I can find a Library of Congress job with a starting salary of $125k.

That's absurd, monumentally stupid. There are PhD engineers in this town not making that much. But a "Congressional Researcher" does?

Bullshit. (Job in question: https://t.co/B9Gx9ZrWIP)

Posted by: tsrblke at July 28, 2013 02:03 PM (GaqMa)

49 47 - dumbass much?

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 02:03 PM (ZPrif)

50 Unless a successful primary challenge can be mounted against one of Graham/Alexander/McConnell in 2014, elected GOP in Congress have nothing to fear. They have no problem being a permanent minority as long as they can enjoy the trappings of office.

Posted by: Jose at July 28, 2013 02:03 PM (zc/sw)

51 @35
Human beings want to be ruled. We want to know there's someone brilliant, someone better than us in charge of things. We are insecure. We are fearful. We are willing to mortgage the future for a little security in the present.

More of this. Less about the lawyers.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:04 PM (6TB1Z)

52 Good old Douchehat I reread the piece and understand after the Al-NYT Suicide Poster Commentariat started chiming in that he is selling competing welfare states nothing more nothing less.

Posted by: Miguel Ambivalence at July 28, 2013 02:04 PM (LRFds)

53 I barely lasted longer in reading that than Weiner having phone sex. I'm so ashamed. But like him, I'll stay in the race. Again.

Posted by: dfbaskwill at July 28, 2013 02:05 PM (ndlFj)

54 Liberals win elections because they promise more people more stuff. If they don't deliver, it's because the hatey old conservative extremist right wing Koch sucking repubs who are their enemies won't let them.

Posted by: huerfano at July 28, 2013 02:05 PM (bAGA/)

55 I've been trying to figure out how the tools of modernity like the internet affect the balance of power. True, it is much easier for the discontent to talk with each other and discover they aren't alone. OTOH, it's also easier for the PTB to identify the malcontents, and more importantly, to propagandize the weak minded. As long as they have a vote, that's the route to power.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:06 PM (6TB1Z)

56 Sports that skew upper-class white -- especially soccer and hockey -- have done well during The Great Recession. I think it's a Rorschach test response that he thinks that soccer skews...well...gringo.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:07 PM (xSegX)

57 I've been trying to have a kunt party, but it hasn't been working out so well

Posted by: Mayor Filner at July 28, 2013 02:08 PM (Pr6hk)

58 dumbass much?

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 06:03 PM (ZPrif)

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:09 PM (8lmkt)

59 American politics is no longer best understood in the left-right terms that defined 20th-century debates. Rather, our landscape looks more like a much earlier phase in democracyÂ’s development, when the division that mattered was between outsiders and insiders, the Â“country partyÂ” and the Â“court party.Â”

Mighty fancy talk. I say kill 'em all.

Posted by: Andrew Jackson at July 28, 2013 02:10 PM (6TB1Z)

60 More of this. Less about the lawyers. Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 06:04 PM (6TB1Z) I don't think you get that the connection is intrinsic. I think it's a strange taboo that we can talk about the ruling class but we can't talk about how they become certified as ruling class.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:10 PM (xSegX)

61 Human beings want to be ruled.

Actually, some of us wish to be governed.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:10 PM (uLzrM)

62 Human beings want to be ruled.

Actually, some of us wish to be governed.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 06:10 PM (uLzrM)

I just want to be left alone.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:11 PM (8lmkt)

63 MLS has boomed in places like Seattle and Portland. It's because being a soccer fan has become a class marker for upper-middle class whites. The fanbase for MLS in America skews upper-middle class white. It's one of those real actual facts.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 02:11 PM (ZPrif)

64 55 Identify the malcontents you say....Hmmm....

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 02:12 PM (Xf3GY)

65 Posted by: olddog in mo at July 28, 2013 05:53 PM (KaCPv)

350 degrees for as long as it takes. If you start in a cold oven the bacon probably won't curl as much.

Cooking bacon ain't rocket surgery. If it's cooked -- it's good.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 28, 2013 02:13 PM (gqgiP)

66 MLS's marketing plans even mention this. They target immigrants from soccer countries, largely hispanic. And they target upper income whites. The hispanic immigrants have been harder to reach since most prefer to watch soccer of their home country -- like Mexican league soccer.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 02:13 PM (ZPrif)

67 I just want to be left alone.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 06:11 PM (8lmkt)

Oh.

Okay.

Anyone want a case of good beer and a bottle of malt whiskey?

Peaches doesn't want any company tonight.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 28, 2013 02:14 PM (gqgiP)

68 I just want to be left alone.

Of course. I suppose by "governed" I meant that I'd settle for a modicum of order and infrastructure.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:15 PM (uLzrM)

69 I just want to be left alone.
Posted by: Peaches

Tell me about it. Even here in Peruvia.

Posted by: Garbo at July 28, 2013 02:15 PM (6TB1Z)

70 The GOP's problem is that it fucks its own constituents in the ass every chance it gets.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at July 28, 2013 02:15 PM (E3gqr)

71 I call him Ross Asshat.

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 02:16 PM (9XBK2)

72 Ross Douthat isn't nearly as skilled as some people at hinting about erections. Not even close.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 28, 2013 02:16 PM (eHIJJ)

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 28, 2013 06:14 PM (gqgiP)

Can you same day it to me. I'm out of grocery budget anyway, meaning I have to drink what's on hand (which isn't much.)

Posted by: tsrblke at July 28, 2013 02:16 PM (GaqMa)

74 Watching Cowboys versus Aliens,they just lost me,the aliens have come for gold"just as rare to them as it is to you."Doink.

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 02:16 PM (9XBK2)

75 I need to appeal to the Horde for prayers. My indoor cat sneaked out Wednesday evening when I was letting one of the dogs out, and hasn't come back. He got out once before, and was back the next morning. Now it's been four days, and the landowner told me there are coyotes out back, plus the street out front. I am seriously worried, and would much appreciate prayers for his safe return. His name is Mags, and he's a gray mackerel tabby. Thanks to all.

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 02:17 PM (sj+cU)

76 Actually, some of us wish to be governed. That's an intellectual response that requires deep thinking. The natural emotional response (which is encouraged by our Road to Mediocrity education system) is to leave the hard work of life to experts and supermen. It's because we see a chaotic world and want desperately to put order to it. And we think that there's some man intelligent enough to put order to it. The only problems are: (1) Every political system is designed to make sure that we are ruled by rhetoriticians rather than problem-solvers. We buy things from Billy Mays, not from the geek who invented the product. (2) Our politicians are not smart enough to be able to put order to the chaos of life without understanding the long term consequences. (3) Nobody with a human brain would even be close to being able to put order to the chaos of life. (4) Nobody with a god-like brain could eliminate chaos either. Even the Garden of Eden had a singularity amid its perfection.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:17 PM (xSegX)

77 74 Cowboys & Aliens ,not versus.

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 02:17 PM (9XBK2)

78 "And it's his civic republican ideas, repurposed for a new era, that you hear in the rhetoric of new-guard Republican politicians like Rand Paul and Mike Lee..."

The fact that Ted Cruz and Sarah Palin were not mentioned specifically indicates his analysis is inadequate.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 28, 2013 02:18 PM (eHIJJ)

79 Too bad next census is not until 2020. Self identify as Peruvian.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 02:19 PM (RJOKC)

80 77 I'd rathjer be watching Cowboys vs. Dolphins

Posted by: DAve at July 28, 2013 02:19 PM (albkL)

81 Man, I just finished a really respectable cigar. An Ashton Cabinet #7. Good stuff.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:19 PM (uLzrM)

82 I don't think you get that the connection is intrinsic.

I think it's a strange taboo that we can talk about the ruling class but we can't talk about how they become certified as ruling class.

I get that many in the ruling class are lawyers. I also get that there are plenty of non-evil lawyers. Is Hollywood peopled by lawyers? The media? Community organizers? No?

Broaden your horizons.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:20 PM (6TB1Z)

83 Fuck the fuck off with the "elite". Stupidest, most mis-applied, other-aggrandizing term to ever slither off the pages of Vanity Fair.

Posted by: Lincolntf at July 28, 2013 02:20 PM (ZshNr)

Until the concept of right and wrong is re-established and people start taking total responsibility for their own actions, this shit is only going to get worse. Immoral people need a shit-ton of laws and edicts to keep any sense of societal order.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 02:21 PM (NXbMw)

85 US beat Panama to win Gold Cup. Packed Soldier Field in Chicago.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at July 28, 2013 02:21 PM (ZPrif)

86 Peaches doesn't want any company tonight.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 28, 2013 06:14 PM (gqgiP)

I don't wanna be left alone by y'all, silly dildo!!! By those shitwads in DC, dang, do I have to spell it out? I know that fuckin' trudy will read this eventually. Now, pass me a beer and hold the mayo on my sammich, eh?

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:21 PM (8lmkt)

87 People wanting a King hasn't changed much such the Biblical history recounted in 1st Samuel: http://www.valuesandcapitalism.com/dialogue/faith/israel-asks-king-part-ii

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 28, 2013 02:21 PM (GTpeb)

88 Ross Douthat has nothing to say about how conservatives can win, so his article is an exercise in intellectual wanking. He's basically shown us a picture of his dick.

Here's how the "country party" can, in fact, win a country seat:
http://www.theblogmocracy.com/2013/07/26/ republican-wins-ca-state-senate-seat-in-60-hispanic-district/ [remove space]

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 02:21 PM (d7tB2)

89
I get that many in the ruling class are lawyers. I also get that there are plenty of non-evil lawyers. Is Hollywood peopled by lawyers? The media? Community organizers? No?

Broaden your horizons.
Posted by: pep

My bad. I forgot academia.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:22 PM (6TB1Z)

90 84, i dont if a shit ton of laws is the qnswer. Whats missing nowadays is a shit ton of real consequences to bad shit people do

Posted by: fastfreefall at July 28, 2013 02:22 PM (Tz35j)

91 You know what I'm seeing non-stop on twitter, facebook and youtube?

Corey Booker commercials.

You know what I don't see?

Not a single commercial for a single Republican candidate or even that dude thay Chrispi Cream installed.

The GOP just threw away a seat.

Posted by: Kreplach at July 28, 2013 02:23 PM (zOP5o)

92 OT? Well got the drains under the cowl of the GT500 cleaned out for how. But to really do it anyone got a wiper arm puller?

Now waiting for things to dry out before re-installing battery.

So CapCom Fighters - http://www.twitch.tv/capcomfighters

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 02:23 PM (RJOKC)

93 Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 06:17 PM (sj+cU)

Oh, fuck, Empire1, you got it. Prayers up for you and Mags. Poor kitteh . . .

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:23 PM (8lmkt)

94 Well, no matter what happens, I hope everybody understands why Thomas Jefferson wanted it to be a republic of farmers. Independence and practicality. Not really a solution for us, but still..Smart man. He knew the problems that could appear.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 02:24 PM (Xf3GY)

95 so his article is an exercise in intellectual wanking. He's basically shown us a picture of his dick. Well, it is the New York Times. They're traditional media. Douthat hasn't tweeted his dick yet, just put it on paper.

Posted by: George Orwell, the least interesting commenter in the world at July 28, 2013 02:24 PM (mCNwt)

96 ell, no matter what happens, I hope everybody understands why Thomas Jefferson wanted it to be a republic of farmers. Independence and practicality.

Not really a solution for us, but still..Smart man. He knew the problems that could appear.

Also a bankrupt and a really sleazy politician.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:26 PM (6TB1Z)

97 Man, I just finished a really respectable cigar. An Ashton Cabinet #7. Good stuff.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse

I hear ya friend...halfway through a fine Mexican cigar and a glass of 12 yo glen morangie. Waitin for the charcoal to get goin for the burgers.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 28, 2013 02:26 PM (4cA6A)

98 I will pray for the safe return of your tabby cat Mags, Empire1. We had a rescue cat get out and be gone for three days (She came back o.k.) but it was very stressful.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 28, 2013 02:26 PM (GTpeb)

99 Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 28, 2013 06:26 PM (4cA6A)

Rare-medium for me, sugar.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:26 PM (8lmkt)

100 Peaches -- Many thanks. I've been praying myself, of course, but with him still gone, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask the Horde for support. I miss him something fierce!

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 02:27 PM (sj+cU)

101 @97

I can't smoke cigars anymore. They give me a sore throat the next day. Bummer.

Posted by: pep at July 28, 2013 02:27 PM (6TB1Z)

102 Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 06:17 PM (sj+cU) Sorry to hear that.....I lost one in a similar fashion a few years ago....the ones I have now aren't interested in going out....they won't go near the door.

Posted by: BignJames at July 28, 2013 02:27 PM (20Mmk)

103 Man, I just finished a really respectable cigar. An Ashton Cabinet #7. Good stuff. Well, Third Horseman... I hope you brought enough for everyone.

Posted by: George Orwell, the least interesting commenter in the world at July 28, 2013 02:28 PM (mCNwt)

104 I miss him something fierce!

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 06:27 PM (sj+cU)

It's heartbreaking, buddy. I will pray for a happy outcome.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 02:28 PM (8lmkt)

105 Empire1 perhaps someone has adopted? Might want to ask around.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 02:28 PM (RJOKC)

106 Rare-medium for me, sugar.

Posted by: Peaches

Anything for you baby!

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 28, 2013 02:28 PM (4cA6A)

107 I get that many in the ruling class are lawyers. It's not just many. It's a near monopoly. And it's not just the politicians, it's the secondary layer. Lobbyists, activists, etc. Is it at all surprising that a graduate of law school went off to be a community organizer? That wasn't some altruistic move on his part, his unique access to a closed system enabled him to do much more than if he were on the outside. One more thing: One of the three branches of government -- the most tyrannical -- is entirely closed to the people. It's part of the system. If you want to seek some rent, you'd better have a sherpa. That's a lawyer. I also get that there are plenty of non-evil lawyers. Most of them are essentially accountants. Filling out forms, closing mortgages, public defenders, etc. But make no mistake that if you want to make your way into the power structure, you do it via the law. Is Hollywood peopled by lawyers? Yes. Have you seen those contracts? They make the whole place run and get a pretty penny for it. The media? Yup. They're constantly asking lawyers what they can and can't say. Settlements, releases, it's all run through lawyers. Community organizers? As I said above, that's how the community gets organized. The real community organizations, the ACORNs, etc., have fleets of lawyers at the ready (it helps to be connected to unions, of course). It's the third-rate community organizers who think they don't need an inside man in the judicial branch.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:28 PM (xSegX)

108 My bad. I forgot academia. You know who the most highly-paid professors are? Hint: They don't have a Ph.D.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:29 PM (xSegX)

109 Fenelon Spoke -- Thank you very much!

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 02:29 PM (sj+cU)

110 Vic: "And it is here to stay unless we do at least one of two things. Art V convention which now is entirely possible given the number of States now passing bills to nullify federal gun control..."

I used to think that to be crazy talk and actually a risky, bad idea. Keywords: used to. I think the time is coming. Our economic collapse might be the instigator, but who knows. A convention, while tempting bad outcomes, could also produce good ones. Given our nation's falling trajectory and the increasing corruption at the highest levels in all corners of our Federal government, I'm close to saying it would be worth the risk.

We had a good run with the Founders' original plan but we have veered Left. A reboot might be our last shot short of lots of blood.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 28, 2013 02:31 PM (eHIJJ)

111 Well, Third Horseman... I hope you brought enough for everyone.

If I could, I most certainly would. <img src="http://smilies.mee.nu/light/15_grey/icon_wink.gif" />

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:32 PM (uLzrM)

112 i dont if a shit ton of laws is the qnswer. Whats missing nowadays is a shit ton of real consequences to bad shit people do

Posted by: fastfreefall at July 28, 2013 06:22 PM (Tz35j)

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

And that's the result of "moral relativism". With no demarcations between right and wrong, people demand there be no consequences to their bad decisions or actions. It's morally and monetarily bankrupting this country.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 02:32 PM (NXbMw)

113 I've seen ads on the internet for Steve Lonegan, but not nearly as many as for Booker who is rolling in money

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 28, 2013 02:33 PM (GTpeb)

114 Well, that was an abortion of a post on my part. Semi-barrel.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:33 PM (uLzrM)

115 I've seen ads on the internet for Steve Lonegan, but not nearly as many as for Booker who is rolling in money I'd love it if Newark went bankrupt in the next month or two. Surely it's not that far away.

Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 02:34 PM (xSegX)

116 Mayhap the new Constitution shall include a quote from Henry VI, part 2, act 2 - you know the scene.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 02:35 PM (d7tB2)

117 Never used the smilies before. I just figured the blog would embed the image from the tag. FML.

Posted by: The Third Horseman Of The Apocalypse at July 28, 2013 02:35 PM (uLzrM)

118 "A new element has been discovered: Governmentium (Gv). It has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.
These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lefton-like particles called peons.
Since Governmentium has no electrons or protons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact.
A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction normally taking less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2-6 years. It does not decay but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.
When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons. All of the money is consumed in the exchange, and no other by-products are produced.

Further news of radioactive decay of Governmentium with possible explosive effects is expected momentarily.

(Got this from a friend in an email; passing it on.)

Posted by: Beverly at July 28, 2013 02:36 PM (/8vIr)

119

MEMORIES CAN'T WAIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoOvbNv-XxU

Posted by: LIVING COLOUR at July 28, 2013 02:36 PM (8/GCZ)

120 I just get the sense that Something Bad is coming... for the current course can't continue. Sigh. It was a good country for while. I think it's time to go John Galt, unfortunately.

Posted by: GuyfromNH at July 28, 2013 02:37 PM (cJD7u)

121 I have my money on several Pennsylvania cities going tango upsilon next.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 02:37 PM (d7tB2)

122 Anna Puma -- I shall, this coming week, and put a lost pet ad in the local paper. I really thought he'd be back by now, if he wasn't road kill or a coyote dinner ...

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 02:39 PM (sj+cU)

123 Mayhap the new Constitution shall include a quote from Henry VI, part 2, act 2 - you know the scene. It could be observed every year as a holiday tradition.

Posted by: t-bird at July 28, 2013 02:41 PM (FcR7P)

124 America was born of populism--no other country was, so no other country has a real, viable populist tradition. The European variant of populism veers quickly off into ultra-nationalism and Worse.

Big corporations were the first target of populism, as they centralized economic power; big government became the Other Target since the 1930s, for obvious parallel reasons.

Russell Kirk and others have articulate this concept, but often get caught up in defending traditional morality ( not a key populist concept ) or defending business from oppressive government--which is increasingly passe because of how much Big Business and Big Government like to tango.

Unless someone comes along who can announce and clarify a 21st Century American Populism, we're f*cked. Not just f*cked, but f*cked-f*cked.

Posted by: Jerry Jack in Jacksonville, maintaining a simulacrum of normality at July 28, 2013 02:41 PM (omBWL)

125
...but not if Republican populists shut down the government...

Ross Douthat
Harvard '02
New York Times "Conservative"

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at July 28, 2013 02:42 PM (kdS6q)

126 Dark energy and dark matter make up at least 2/3rds of the universe. The greatest challenge for the future will be discovering how to regulate, tax and eventually prohibit them.

Posted by: George Orwell, the least interesting commenter in the world at July 28, 2013 02:43 PM (mCNwt)

127 The republicans establishment sucks! IÂ’m sick of them caving in to SCOAMF! Yeah! Remember when the Democrats weren't quite as unhinged, back in 2008? That's us! Vote for the Democrats you miss from 2008!

Posted by: GOP 2013! at July 28, 2013 02:43 PM (FcR7P)

128 read "True and Only Heaven; Progress and its Critics" by Christopher Lasch

read anything by Christopher Lasch.

Posted by: Jerry Jack in Jacksonville, maintaining a simulacrum of normality at July 28, 2013 02:46 PM (omBWL)

129 We had a fight, long standing feud between Bushes & Perry.

Posted by: CarolT at July 28, 2013 02:48 PM (z4WKX)

130

Art V convention which now is entirely possible given the number of States now passing bills to nullify federal gun control. Or an armed revolution which would be bad. And if neither one of these things are done eventually the collapse will come.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 05:53 PM (lZvxr)

I've got bad news - guess who picks the members of an Art V convention? That's right - the federal members of the bipartisan Party-In-Government.

If you believe that anything good is going to come out of that, I've got a bridge to sell you.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 02:48 PM (o44nj)

131 I just saw this tweet from Iowahawk on Branco Bama's speech on the economy: "sky full of tomorrows" is Unicorn for "assload of IOUs" LOL.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 28, 2013 02:48 PM (GTpeb)

132 The problem I see with an Article V convention is who will be writing it... It won't be you and me, it'll be the politicians. The same feckless fucks who are the current problem....

Posted by: KG at July 28, 2013 02:49 PM (IPz9m)

133 >Most of them are essentially accountants. Filling out forms, closing mortgages, public defenders, etc. But make no mistake that if you want to make your way into the power structure, you do it via the law. "Cause the law (my boy) puts us into everything. It's the ultimate backstage pass, it's the new priesthood baby! Did you know there are more students in law school then there are lawyers on the earth?" (probably still true today). FTR, "The Devil's Advocate" is a good movie, mostly because Al Pacino is chewing as much scenery as he can. He might be Stan himself.

Posted by: John Milton at July 28, 2013 02:49 PM (KiyII)

134

"25 ok, I lied. can't wait until 50 comments. what's the best way to cook bacon in the oven? only done stove top. Ina and MarthaS say preheat oven. Others say not. What say you?"

Olddog must be a moron-in-training.

An oven is like a woman: get them hot before putting the meat in.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at July 28, 2013 02:50 PM (San0v)

135

We can have Article V conventions until the cows come home, but until the last two or three generations become educated with the original Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they'll turn into unimaginable disasters.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 02:50 PM (NXbMw)

136 Political tags - such as royalist, communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative, and so forth - are never basic criteria. The human race divides politically into those who want people to be controlled and those who have no such desire. Robert A. Heinlein

Posted by: Chicagorefugee at July 28, 2013 02:51 PM (sCsUf)

137 Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 06:48 PM (o44nj)

Exactly.

Posted by: KG at July 28, 2013 02:51 PM (IPz9m)

138

And it is here to stay unless we do at least one of two things. Art V convention which now is entirely possible given the number of States now passing bills to nullify federal gun control. Or an armed revolution which would be bad. And if neither one of these things are done eventually the collapse will cone.

Any way you go there will be blood in the streets. And Art V convention would force the left's hand: they will not be able to help themselves and will push for full state control. Either way the losing side will not accept the results. End result? Civil war.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at July 28, 2013 02:53 PM (lr3d7)

139 Problem with the scene from Henry VI is that the man who says he will kill all the lawyers wants to be worshipped as a king: Cade "I thank you, good people: there shall be no money; all shall eat and drink on my score; and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers and worship me their lord."

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at July 28, 2013 02:54 PM (GTpeb)

140 I've got bad news - guess who picks the members of an Art V convention? That's right - the federal members of the bipartisan Party-In-Government.

If you believe that anything good is going to come out of that, I've got a bridge to sell you.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 06:48 PM (o44nj)

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Delegates are picked by the State legislatures.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 02:54 PM (lZvxr)

141 I am reminded of the Constitutional Convention for the Lunar Republic in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. The Professor didn't care who came to the opening session, as long as he dominated the close. That's what I fear in a Second Constitutional Convention.

Posted by: Fox2! at July 28, 2013 02:56 PM (XFTOV)

142 Delegates are picked by the State legislatures.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 06:54 PM (lZvxr)

I don't really find that very comforting Vic.... But I guess at some point it may be all we got.

Posted by: KG at July 28, 2013 02:57 PM (IPz9m)

143 Douhat claims that Americans voted for Obama even though they understood the populist message because Obama at least appeared to be working on solving the problems rather than offering only opposition

Douhat and the other elitists ALWAYS claim that we offer only opposition and never offer solutions

We always offer solutions. Douhat and his Insider Elite Coterie just don't like our solutions and reject them because it isn't wholly beneficial to the Elite

Posted by: kbdabear at July 28, 2013 02:57 PM (/9IC1)

144 I have no desire to either control others or be controlled by them. Just leave me alone, and I will be happy.

Posted by: Empire1 at July 28, 2013 02:58 PM (sj+cU)

145

There's one last haven to renew what's been lost in the federal government. And it depends on the states. Red state governors and legislatures are the only ones right now who have any grasp of what being a republic is.

I'm betting we're going to be seeing a lot more nullification legislation in the next two or three years. And fuck the shitheal intellects that say the states can't do this. We certainly can. Again, if you live in a blue state, you're SOL.

Other than that, then the Tree of Liberty will have to be watered.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 02:59 PM (NXbMw)

146

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Delegates are picked by the State legislatures.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 06:54 PM (lZvxr)

Let's go to Article V::

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

The only role the states have, once 2/3rds of the legislatures petition Congress to call a convention, is for 3/4ths of the legislatures (or state conventions, as determined by Congress and not the states) to adopt whatever comes out of the Congressionally-called sausage machine.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:00 PM (o44nj)

147 Douhat

That's not how you spell it. It's "Douchehat", or "Dumbtwat"

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 03:00 PM (d7tB2)

148

Was talking to a friend about our situation this morning. We are both professionals that used to make a good living with families, and that we are doing about 1/2 of what we used to do in 2009. We are both basically just trying to hang on but we are not hopeful for the future like we used to be. Sad. The corner has been turned and the statists have won. This will not end well.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at July 28, 2013 03:00 PM (jucos)

149 What are you people doing worrying about the country's problems on a weekend? Get out and play a round of golf or two or a hundred and thirty three.

Posted by: Shaka Baracka at July 28, 2013 03:00 PM (Aif/5)

150 Ace, I told you I would have admitted to the hacking, and I woulda done it for less than the 45k. XD Now neither one of us gets th dough.. ><

Posted by: Weiners Hacker at July 28, 2013 03:01 PM (sc/Pf)

151 And you know that Congress will make it state conventions organized by Congress to get around the fact that Pubbies control most of the legislatures.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:01 PM (o44nj)

152 what up, Moe-rons?

Just back from the nice, cool basement cleaning shootin' irons after spending a couple of hours at the range.

COJ, I'll have mine medium rare, iffin' you have an extra one.

Posted by: TR, burned the chicken but not out of scotch at July 28, 2013 03:01 PM (4Mv1T)

153 DAMMIT PIXY - FIX THE FUCKING SPACES!

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:02 PM (o44nj)

154 @115

Not going to happen.

The state keeps plowing money into that cesspool.

The only way that Corey Booker was able to deliver any results and build cache is because the state keeps funneling tax dollars into Newark.

He's also managed to stay out of jail or be indicted which is probably his greatest accomplishment.

Posted by: Kreplach at July 28, 2013 03:02 PM (zOP5o)

155 @153

Change browsers. Pixy no likey IE. Try Mozilla, or Chrome.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at July 28, 2013 03:03 PM (4Mv1T)

156 107 One more thing: One of the three branches of government -- the most tyrannical -- is entirely closed to the people. Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 06:28 PM (xSegX) My idea is to ban lawyers from the executive and legislative branches. How could they complain? They would still have one whole branch to themselves. No other profession has that.

Posted by: rickl at July 28, 2013 03:04 PM (sdi6R)

157

Olddog must be a moron-in-training.

An oven is like a woman: get them hot before putting the meat in.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at July 28, 2013 06:50 PM (San0v)

Heh.

Posted by: olddog in mo at July 28, 2013 03:04 PM (KaCPv)

158 I'm not sure I care for the term "populism". I think "party of classic republican virtue" is better. Now here's the deal about republican virtue, and where I get cranky where guys like Douthat are concerned. Yes, it is true--republican virtue will not necessarily automatically put anything on your plate. Nothing at all. But it *will* make sure nothing is taken off of it just because someone has power and wants something, and also that you have the ability to have your fair say, as well as a your chance to prosper if you can.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 03:04 PM (Xf3GY)

159 Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 06:21 PM (d7tB2) I'd say that's worthy of a main blog post. I'm sick to death of the inherent racism in any strategy where you have to pander to race. It's just a copout for the GOP candidates (which is most of them) who are incapable of crafting an aggressive message.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at July 28, 2013 03:05 PM (bf+1U)

160 60 Minutes looks like a real hoot tonight. Nuns on Pope, Bill Gates on Mowing, Al Gore's long lost son........

Posted by: Craig Poe at July 28, 2013 03:05 PM (BVkEs)

161 Posted by: AmishDude at July 28, 2013 06:28 PM (xSegX) First thing we do...

Posted by: William Shakespeare at July 28, 2013 03:07 PM (Vk2pI)

162 This is something to think about.Why are some citizens more equal than others? http://tinyurl.com/m53mx3h

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 03:08 PM (9XBK2)

163 160 Must be the nuns that got in trouble for spouting left wing crap.To the MFM,heroes.

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 03:09 PM (9XBK2)

164 60 Minutes looks like a real hoot tonight

Have they got Dan on there to deliver the truth, honest this time, about Dubya's military service? Because that's the chicken that's really begging for it.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 03:09 PM (d7tB2)

165 It is interesting reading the comments on the NYT site for this article. The jist of most of them is that conservatives are evil for opposing Obama...and that is the end of the story. The more nuanced position is that as long as corporations exist, we need governments to protect us. Which is odd. The government of late has been using corporations, like Google for example, as just another means to control the population.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 28, 2013 03:10 PM (zPVBH)

166 Geez. From al-Reuters. More than 1,100 prisoners escape from a prison in Benghazi plus did I mention explosions? Those too.
http://tinyurl.com/nyfygxg

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:12 PM (RJOKC)

167 If, hypothetically, the states were to go their own way, it begs the question: Which state will be our Trebizond?

Posted by: The Political Hat at July 28, 2013 03:12 PM (Vk2pI)

168 There really is a sense in which the ruling class Â— in Washington, especially Â— has grown fat at the expense of the nation it governs.

Seems like he's twisting every which way to avoid actually uttering the "O"-word...

O.L.I.G.A.R.C.H.Y.

...once the characteristics of that notion is correlated to what we have now, it all starts to make a lot more sense.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at July 28, 2013 03:12 PM (S3yfV)

169 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_s-Qk07KxA

Posted by: Aaron Tippin at July 28, 2013 03:13 PM (BTguA)

170 The more nuanced position is that as long as corporations exist, we need governments to protect us. Which is odd. The government of late has been using corporations, like Google for example, as just another means to control the population.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 28, 2013 07:10 PM (zPVBH)

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

Perhaps we need a new term for this evil marriage. I'll start with "crony dictatorship".

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 03:13 PM (NXbMw)

171 Purp I think more akin to a Kleptocracy.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:13 PM (RJOKC)

172 We always offer solutions. Douhat and his Insider Elite Coterie just don't like our solutions and reject them because it isn't wholly beneficial to the Elite *** Life would be easier for the left if the right wasn't offering solutions - so the left simply claims that the right isn't. The narrative is more important then the facts, and it is a lazy narrative because liberals have grown fat (literally and figuratively) and stupid (literally of course).

Posted by: 18-1 at July 28, 2013 03:14 PM (zPVBH)

173 18-1: "The more nuanced position is that as long as corporations exist, we need governments to protect us."

Corporations are government... by proxy.

Have they ever heard of K Street? Good Lord, the way they rail about corporate influence, you'd think they'd grasp that special interests write the laws.

But then again, they read the NYT which indicts their intelligence right there.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at July 28, 2013 03:15 PM (eHIJJ)

174 Well the GT500 is all buttoned back up. Battery re-installed. And nothing freaked out. Drove it around a bit to reset the TPS. Now to wash it again.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:15 PM (RJOKC)

175 Well none of this really matters. You see, I built a nuclear cannon about 20 years ago and pointed it at the center of the Earth. It's been running since 1994. What does this mean for you? The core will become unstable shortly and the planet will explode. If you have a means to put one of your children on a space craft, i would suggest you do so soon.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at July 28, 2013 03:16 PM (V1ZIU)

176 Purp I think more akin to a Kleptocracy. Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:13 PM (RJOKC) What, no love for the kyriarchy?

Posted by: The Political Kyriarch at July 28, 2013 03:16 PM (Vk2pI)

177

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:15 PM (RJOKC)

------

Did you, ahhhhh, fill out your TPS reports? Yeahhhhhhh, That would be terrificcccc.

Posted by: Bill Lumberg at July 28, 2013 03:17 PM (jucos)

178 The US 'court party' believes itself to be cosmopolitan, but that only means sharing the weird world view of the French Left. They are as rudderless and adrift in the real world as the latter.

Posted by: bob at July 28, 2013 03:17 PM (/lYBK)

179

My idea is to ban lawyers from the executive and legislative branches. How could they complain? They would still have one whole branch to themselves. No other profession has that.

Posted by: rickl at July 28, 2013 07:04 PM (sdi6R)

Lawyers are control freaks.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:18 PM (o44nj)

180 I don't really find that very comforting Vic.... But I guess at some point it may be all we got.

Posted by: KG at July 28, 2013 06:57 PM (IPz9m)

Well they are a lot closer to the electorate than the congress. And as I said earlier, we are down to a few all bad choices.

And Stevegg

You are reading a LOT in that that is not there. Congress calls the convention, the States set how delegates are picked. And if a State desires it can even exclude existing congress critters from attending, or for that matter, anyone who has ever held office. Go back review the first convention setup and how it was called.

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 03:19 PM (lZvxr)

181 "The GOP just threw away a seat."

They did it very willfully too. This is the Christie payoff to Booker.

There is a tea party supported candidate named Eck. Anita Eck I think. She's an MD. Neither she nor Lonegan have 2 nickles to rub together, I'm sure.

Christie, as much as I liked him, has done NOTHING to build the party in NJ.

Posted by: Jocon307 at July 28, 2013 03:20 PM (nk1wP)

182 So CapCom Fighters - http://www.twitch.tv/capcomfighters
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 06:23 PM (RJOKC)

You follow fighting games?

Not my cup of tea, but I love that Phoenix Wright is in the fight. OBJECTION.

Posted by: ConservativeMonster at July 28, 2013 03:20 PM (J2GaP)

183 Well the GT500 is all buttoned back up. Battery re-installed. And nothing freaked out. Drove it around a bit to reset the TPS. Now to wash it again.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:15 PM (RJOKC)

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

I'm sure you've seen the advertisement on SyFy on the series "Heros of Cosplay". I think it begins Aug 13 or 16.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 03:20 PM (NXbMw)

184

Posted by: Vic at July 28, 2013 07:19 PM (lZvxr)

Where does Article V say that the states get to choose the delegates to the national convention? Don't make me quote the entire Article again.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:24 PM (o44nj)

185 Gaylord only thinks he is the head of a kyriarchy. He's just a figure head useful to a bunch of other grifters.

Not really Fi. Just thought I would toss it out there.

"Heroes of Cosplay"?? Ano *cocks head to one side and looks curious*

http://youtu.be/yzC4hFK5P3g Not like this I hope?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:24 PM (RJOKC)

186 After the 2008 crash, average working Americans were quite righteously pissed off with Wall Street. (They should also have been pissed off at the government, but Wall Street was the focal point of their anger.)

Obama specifically and vocally ran against Wall Street. He defined them as the villains of the piece. He said he was going to bring the hammer down on them. Obama did this while taking huge amounts of money from the likes of Goldman Sachs.

And, once elected, Obama basically not only failed to curb Wall Street's excesses, but he encouraged them with a flood of easy money from the Fed. While discreetly overlooking outright financial crime committed by allies and bundlers of his such as Jon Corzine.

By 2012, average working Americans were actually LESS well off than they had been in 2008, and they were even MORE pissed off with Wall Street.

There was a brilliant opportunity there for the Republican Party to run against Obama in 2012 with a populist economic conservatism. Re-identifying the party as that of Main Street rather than Wall Street.

Instead, the party decided to nominate a guy who had spent his entire professional life in high finance and was thus incapable of plausibly carrying such a redefinitional message.

Way to blow a golden opportunity. One thing about the contemporary GOP, it never fails to fail.

Posted by: torquewrench at July 28, 2013 03:26 PM (gqT4g)

187 @ 174

"Well, the GT 500 is all buttoned up".

Anna, I presume you corrected the water leak. What did it finally turn out to be?

My apology if this was already covered, was away for a bit.

Posted by: irongrampa at July 28, 2013 03:28 PM (SAMxH)

188 In practice, most oligarchies include kleptocracy as a built-in feature, its how they keep the politicians marching to the correct tune.

The reverse isn't necessarily true though (ex. African kleptocratic regimes so corrupt and unreliable even would be oligarchs avoid them)

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at July 28, 2013 03:29 PM (S3yfV)

189 "Heroes of Cosplay"?? Ano *cocks head to one side and looks curious*

http://youtu.be/yzC4hFK5P3g Not like this I hope?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:24 PM (RJOKC)

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

Couldn't get your video to play. But "Heroes of Cosplays" looks like a cosplay costume contest with a bit of role acting thrown in. All in front of an audience.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 03:30 PM (NXbMw)

190 Instead, the party decided to nominate a guy who had spent his entire professional life in high finance and was thus incapable of plausibly carrying such a redefinitional message. ___ Don't forget I also wrote Obamacare V1.0

Posted by: Mitt Romney at July 28, 2013 03:30 PM (zPVBH)

191 @181

Christies number one priority is Christi.

Posted by: Kreplach at July 28, 2013 03:34 PM (zOP5o)

192 The word is kakistocracy, rule by the worst. Douthat doesn't understand that,

Posted by: armorers of magrathea, at July 28, 2013 03:34 PM (Jsiw/)

193

Ace, I seem to recall you asking what this "GOP establishment" was, as if it were just a figment of the Tea Party and/or libertarian mind.

It is the court party

Posted by: Albie Damned at July 28, 2013 03:35 PM (Yhu4q)

194 Irongrampa it is temporarily fixed.

The rubber boots and the drainage area for the cowl grills was filled with debris. Since there was no wiper arm puller in kit and was not willing to 'just wobble and yank' as my friend the Chevy mechanic said went for a quick fix. Removed the boots, thank goodness I got skinny and nimble hands - one is almost right under battery and the other was to the right of the power steering unit through a maze of pipes- then washed out the boots. Followed by using my fingers wipe out debris from inside where the cowl drains. Also tried to spray water through the grill to get more junk out before I put the boots back in.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:36 PM (RJOKC)

195 Soona I just watched the two minute trailer. What I don't need is another reality show. I hope with Yaya Han on it they will not go completely insane. But at the same time some of the stuff those people are doing it will scare others from even trying.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:37 PM (RJOKC)

196 The rubber boots and the drainage area for the cowl grills was filled with debris. Since there was no wiper arm puller in kit and was not willing to 'just wobble and yank' as my friend the Chevy mechanic said went for a quick fix. Removed the boots, thank goodness I got skinny and nimble hands - one is almost right under battery and the other was to the right of the power steering unit through a maze of pipes- then washed out the boots. Followed by using my fingers wipe out debris from inside where the cowl drains. Also tried to spray water through the grill to get more junk out before I put the boots back in.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:36 PM (RJOKC)

Glad it turned out as I had predicted. I finally removed the passenger side boot on my GT to facilitate drainage. Hope it's the end of your water problem!

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at July 28, 2013 03:38 PM (tAoev)

197

As for the first convention setup, that was under the auspices of the Continental Congress (Confederation era). Indeed, the Articles of Confederation, other than requiring that first Congress, then every state, adopt any amendment, the Articles were completely silent on how any amendment (the language is actually "alteration") be adopted.

As the incredibly-weak Congress had the recent experience of having each soon-to-be-state choose its own delegates to draft the Articles, they chose that route to "alter" the Articles. We know the rest of the story - despite Rhode Island's boycot of the convention, we have the longest continuous constitutional-based government out there today.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 03:41 PM (o44nj)

198 Regarding the ObamaCare business mandate delay--the President has said he did not speak to any lawyers regarding the decision, most of the Republicans speaking out aren't lawyers, and at any rate they aren't Constitutional lawyers, and he himself is. To which I must ask--if he is such a great Constitutional scholar, why does the Supreme Court keep striking things down his administration tries to do? Sometime 9-0. And even ObamaCare did not pass on the grounds the adminstration argued.

Posted by: Baron bon Mot at July 28, 2013 03:41 PM (Xf3GY)

199 Apparently there was some game in the works called FEZ II. It just got canceled. The developer's cancellation announcement is epic.

http://polytroncorporation.com/fez-ii-cancelled

"FEZ II is cancelled.

i am done.
i take the money and i run.
this is as much as i can stomach.
this is isnÂ’t the result of any one thing, but the end of a long, bloody campaign.

you win."

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at July 28, 2013 03:42 PM (S3yfV)

200 To which I must ask--if he is such a great Constitutional scholar, why does the Supreme Court keep striking things down his administration tries to do? Sometime 9-0.

And even ObamaCare did not pass on the grounds the adminstration argued. Posted by: Baron bon Mot
------------------------------------------

He's not a real lawyer. He just plays one on TV.

Him, or Holder.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at July 28, 2013 03:43 PM (4Mv1T)

201 another Ace post . . . this time, Peruvia redux.

Posted by: Peaches at July 28, 2013 03:43 PM (8lmkt)

202 I just watched the two minute trailer. What I don't need is another reality show. I hope with Yaya Han on it they will not go completely insane. But at the same time some of the stuff those people are doing it will scare others from even trying.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 07:37 PM (RJOKC)

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

Not knowing much about cosplay, I just thought you might be interested.

As for myself, I may give it a whirl, if for nothing else, perhaps some side and/or under boobehs.

Posted by: Soona at July 28, 2013 03:43 PM (NXbMw)

203 Neither slept at a Holiday Inn Express either.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:44 PM (RJOKC)

204 #75 St. Francis, Because you are the patron of animals and all living things, we ask you to pray for the safe return of Mags, a gray tabby cat, who is lost. Beloved by his owner, he is out in a world unfamiliar to him, with many dangers.

Lord Jesus, please hear the prayers of St. Francis and all who pray for the safety of Mags. Since a sparrow cannot fall without your Father's concern, we know that you care about Mags and his owner.

Hear our prayers, O Lord.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Amen.

Posted by: Miss Marple at July 28, 2013 03:46 PM (GoIUi)

205 Soona, going to get into cosplay so you can show some under-boobeh??

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at July 28, 2013 03:46 PM (RJOKC)

206 204 Amen.

Posted by: steevy at July 28, 2013 03:47 PM (9XBK2)

207 I was at a car show yesterday when I heard the announcer say the name of an old acquaintance and someone who has always been a great help to me. The announcer said he was available for autographs. I went up there and said hello and we chatted for a while and I asked him what the autograph signing was about. Turns out he was a multyear IHRA National Chamion, 2 time Canadian Champion and once in Australia. I knew of course that he raced, but I always thought he was just a well to do, gifted amateur.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at July 28, 2013 03:47 PM (l3vZN)

208
    Wiper arm removal on a GT shouldn't be much of an issue.

     They're held on with either a nut(under a plastic cap) or by a spline inside the base of the arm.

   With no nut, all you need do is to raise the arm til it stops. At the base of the arm, you should find a small tab--pull it out as far as it will go, then release the wiper arm.

   This should result in the arm and blade remaining above the glass. NOW you can do the wobble and yank.

Posted by: irongrampa at July 28, 2013 03:52 PM (SAMxH)

209 Well , Fuck it. Killed another one.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at July 28, 2013 04:08 PM (l3vZN)

210

Now that I have the right tab open and wiped out on the half-pipe...

Moar Peruvian goodness up. If you want to see 2 amateur historians (I'm assuming Vic is also an amateur) hash out some differences, stick around here. Otherwise, go and enjoy the new thread smell.

Posted by: steveegg at July 28, 2013 04:14 PM (o44nj)

211 Regarding all of this talk of populism and the country/court classes, I would remind you that we will never overcome this UNLESS we cease to be impressed with Harvard and Yale degrees and speechifying at the expense of character and accomplishment.

1. I am STILL reminded of the biggest criticism of Harriet Meiers: "OMG she went to SMU! " Would her judgements have been worse than Roberts? I bet SHE wouldn't have said it was a tax!

2. The initial response to 9/11 was supported by 90% of Americans. They wanted to pound the crap out of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. It was only later, in Iraq (also still supported by most Americans) that we went into nation building no doubt promoted by Colin Powell and Bremmer and the rest. We should have just gotten Hussein and then left, with a promise to bomb the crap out of them if they started acting up. We also should have told Iran we would bomb the crap out of them if they invaded Iraq.

These policies which prolonged the war were pushed by the State Department, a notorious hive of Ivy League snobs who ignore what Americans want.

3. The media is full of the same Ivy League people, or wannabees, who think they are smarter than we are. They have the megaphone and will not listen to average people. Average people, unfortunately, believe them and then change their opinions. Any efforts we make should be directed towards harrassing and mocking these jerks.

Bah, I could go on but I don't want to bore everyone. I know I am smarter than Michelle Obama, but I couldn't have gotten into Princeton no matter my SAT's and GPA. I was from a white working class family in the Midwest. I still think the Obamas demonstrate how an Ivy League degree doesn't guarantee smarts. In fact, I now look askance at anyone who has one. That includes Cruz, who has that as a black mark by his chances, as far as I am concerned.

Posted by: Miss Marple at July 28, 2013 04:16 PM (GoIUi)

212 Marple: Roberts was already in office when Miers was nominated. Miers was replaced by Alito. And Alito was a reliable vote against Obama's "care".

But we are agreed that, in retrospect, Roberts should have been resisted from the Right too.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 04:54 PM (d7tB2)

213 I didn't get into Princeton either but *shrug*. Quotas gotta be met.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at July 28, 2013 04:56 PM (d7tB2)

214 I am always too late to these discussions. I missed my chance to risk banage by pushing a blood & soil populism.

Posted by: tobias danger at July 28, 2013 05:18 PM (QupBk)

215 Hockey skews upper-class white? It is expensive, granted. But in Canada it is the ultimate small town sport. And I think it has a working class ethic.

Posted by: Northernlurker at July 28, 2013 05:38 PM (BLAfs)

216 I hope Mags comes home soon. My husband had a cat disappear while we lived in Toronto. I know how awful it is to worry.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at July 28, 2013 09:02 PM (sv/s3)

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