Ace of Spades HQ

September 12, 2013

Top Headline Comments 9-12-13
— Gabriel Malor

Happy Thursday.

Where to start? The hits just keep on coming. You have to read the whole thing to get the total, horrifying sense of just how hard Putin has bitchslapped President Obama and the United States, but at the very least be sure to read that last paragraph. One gets the sense that most of the op-ed was written days ago, with the last paragraph tacked on after Obama's big "We Must Hurry Up And Wait" flop of a speech.

FLASHBACK, courtesy JohnE.

Oh, and while folks mull Putin's Potemkin reverence for international law, have a gander at the State Department's latest Country Report on Human Rights Practices for Russia (PDF).

Obama's Syria mess has eclipsed September's domestic concerns, including the CR, immigration reform, and Obamacare, but Congress is slowly getting back to business. In the Senate, Sen. McConnell is attaching individual and employer mandate delays to bipartisan energy legislation. On the House side, the GOP is busy tearing itself apart over how to lock the sequester in place in a CR and approach Obamacare defunding.

The House discord is the same old tune we've come to know over the past few years. Leadership says it wants to pick its battles. Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose.

You know where I come down on this. Not even conservatives believe Obamacare is actually going to be defunded this month. Even conservatives admit (or lament) that what's going to happen if the House provokes a shutdown is that Republican congressmen from purple districts (aka RINOs, squishes, traitors who just want to keep their seats) will peel away to side with Democrats to avert both the shutdown and, incidentally, Obamacare defunding, which makes conservative insistence that the House try it anyway utterly insane. If we're all agreed that this course of action is doomed to failure and likely to make Republicans look bad, I'd just as soon avoid that course of action. No, "principle" does not require that we publicly shoot ourselves in the face. Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year.

Meanwhile, what had been low-level mutterings from disaffected aides spilled over into the politics blogs, something else unlikely to improve the situation. These children need a time-out.

Posted by: Gabriel Malor at 02:53 AM | Comments (399)
Post contains 387 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Good Morning Morons. Today is Thursday, September 12, 2013. On this day in 1959 the first regularly scheduled TV program broad cast in color began; Bonanza. I can remember going over to Grandparents house to watch it in color.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:55 AM (zZbNF)

2 Horseface goes to Geneva to try to get the Russian dookie off his muzzle. He will get pwned again. These idiots just do not know when to shut up.

http://tinyurl.com/nq83vsy

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:55 AM (zZbNF)

3 AFL-CIO says their shit sandwich isn't what they ordered.

http://tinyurl.com/qyf6s93

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:55 AM (zZbNF)

4 Fed judge rules WI union changes are legal.

http://tinyurl.com/o4yrcum

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:55 AM (zZbNF)

5 Recovery summer; Citibank to layoff 2200 people in the mortgage unit.

http://tinyurl.com/pqoprl4

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:55 AM (zZbNF)

6 TN school tells girl she cannot write about God for her assignment. Things were much simpler when I was in school before we had idiots on the court and radical atheists telling the rest of the country what we could and could not do.

http://tinyurl.com/pg6pqz4

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:56 AM (zZbNF)

7 UN will issue a paper with circumstantial evidence that Assad did the chemical attack on his own people. OK, so what? I still don't give a shit.

http://tinyurl.com/obzvlon

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:56 AM (zZbNF)

8 Russian "carrier killer" enters the Med.

http://tinyurl.com/nmgnrbu

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:56 AM (zZbNF)

9 Detroit power infrastructure is collapsing.

http://tinyurl.com/nhy7a4q

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:56 AM (zZbNF)

10 DC businessman illegally donated massive amounts of money to Hillary 2008 campaign. So why I she not being punished as well?

http://tinyurl.com/nb665ra

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:57 AM (zZbNF)

11 Despite overwhelming evidence that globull warming is a scam the EPA plans to go forward with new rules for both coal and gas fired plants. This WaPo article says "costly" carbon capture equipment. In reality no such equipment even exists. Time for congress to defund the EPA completely. (past time)

http://tinyurl.com/qgda66b

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:57 AM (zZbNF)

12 Think you want to burn some Korans. Think again. There is a regulation for everything now and you can be charged and arrested for breathing now.

http://tinyurl.com/oywq6xv

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:57 AM (zZbNF)

13 Pro-war think tank knew about lack of PhD long before firing O'Bagby.

http://tinyurl.com/oerlfg3

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:57 AM (zZbNF)

14 Report: Two Hostages Kidnapped By Syrian Opposition Overheard Conversation That Government DidnÂ’t Do Chemical Attack, Opposition Did

http://tinyurl.com/oony259

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:58 AM (zZbNF)

15 Meanwhile CIA Begins (illegally) Delivering Weapons To Syrian RebelsÂ…

http://tinyurl.com/nh5zw6j

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:58 AM (zZbNF)

16 RCP looks at the numbers in the CO recall and discusses why it may or may not matter to Dems in general. I don't recall anyone making any point that it was a Dem issue. What I recall seeing was articles that said it spelled doom for gun control.

http://tinyurl.com/q3naz7y

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:58 AM (zZbNF)

17 Kindle Daily Deals

Today one is Robert Jordan's New Spring. It is a "prequel" for the WOT series.

That's it for today folks.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 02:58 AM (zZbNF)

18 Nah...here at home for FreeShit Army Consumption Obarka rolled Putin...

we live in a Potemkin Media culture Gabe....

it's part of why I find notions of RINOism "gaining voters" so charming...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 02:59 AM (9jfyN)

19 Recovery summer; Citibank to layoff 2200 people in the mortgage unit.
..................
Morning!

Two daughters of a good friend of ours just quit their well paying jobs to go into real estate together. D'oh!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 02:59 AM (AYOav)

20 and "sequester"?

No the GOP is not ripping itself apart...

you ever get the feeling the Kabuki is Kabuki?

Hey it's Kabuki Boner, Cantor, et al fell for the con job and it was a CON job that "Syria you guys we need eleventy trillion more debt authorization and unlimited spending for the force and domestic!"

I'm just about to the "acceptance" stage of grieving the nation.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:01 AM (9jfyN)

21 http://preview.tinyurl.com/p77fk68

Another NYTimes piece on John Kerry's arrival in Geneva is worth your time.

Â“If theyÂ’re committed to removing Bashar AssadÂ’s chemical weapons stocks, we know how to do that,Â” Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona, said in an interview. He said he Â“would loveÂ” to see a resolution of force Â“back on the floor, sooner rather than later.Â”

Keep banging the bottom of that cooking pot with the big spoon Senator.

Posted by: Bit Player who gets no credit at September 12, 2013 03:02 AM (+x6ah)

22 19 Chi-Town Jerry,

Hey we need immigration reform....

//CitiBank

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:02 AM (9jfyN)

23 Is it true that the RNC contributed no money to the Colorado recalls? Kos stated that of all the television ads the huge majority were by the donks. If this is true, why even have a party? Oh yeah, to take the Senate again under the Shrum-esque leadership of Cornyn.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 03:04 AM (dWfdt)

24 "My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust." Well isn't that just womderful?. LOL. Neither of them believes in American exceptionalism. They're playing games because as we all know Obama told Putin's emissary that he's be more "flexible" after the election.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 03:04 AM (ZtAIl)

25 The problem we have in the House (and the Senate) is that there are too damned many Democrats with an R after their name.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 03:04 AM (zZbNF)

26 25--

Amen!

Posted by: elaine at September 12, 2013 03:05 AM (4Mzrt)

27 23 Captain Hate,

We have a party to get the better parking spots on the Hill for the GOP fluffers....

You know a serious GOP might look at CO's response and say "wow maybe we ought to fight the cocksuckers".....

of course a serious GOP has been on the wane since the "rise of the RINOs" in 2006...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:06 AM (9jfyN)

28 ...and in other news, bit player who has no lines to speak, can't remember stage directions and blows the scene yet again; director threatens extreme sanctions, union rep demands contract be respected. More to this story on our Noon Hour Broadcast

Posted by: Bit Player who gets no credit at September 12, 2013 03:06 AM (+x6ah)

Goood Morning

And that is about all I got.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at September 12, 2013 03:06 AM (D5n3W)

30 I find it cute that there are people like Gabe who think playing politics still matters. You mean to tell me that doing nothing about Obamacare means theres a slight chance that we could win the Senate next year! Wow! And then after that we can get right back to doing nothing about Obamacare! Yay!

Posted by: mugiwara at September 12, 2013 03:06 AM (hpYnL)

31 29 Mallamutt,

I think you mean "morning" b/c the only good thing about it is we're breathing

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:07 AM (9jfyN)

32 30 Mugiwara,

But Syria you guys! Parking two rows CLOSER to the office...

then we'll get to uh what was it you wanted again?

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:08 AM (9jfyN)

33 I know someone whose husband has been in banking for about 30 years, He was with his current job for YEARS an he just got his pink slip last week. His wife is not working currently and he's 55. I feel so badly for them. This will be a regular story under Obama who won't care if we go into a Depression. After all, his bills will be more than paid and he'll still be going on lavish vacations..

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 03:08 AM (ZtAIl)

34 #18 Haven't the McRINO and Romney administrations convinced you that having no principles and stabbing your base in the back is the path to success.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 03:08 AM (dWfdt)

35 So, we are now citing the Daily Kos as authority to rip the RNC? When does Chris Matthews rise to the level of cob-blog?

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at September 12, 2013 03:09 AM (D5n3W)

36 Turtle visits backyard on Church Street
http://t.co/c0OhUP4tL6

Quality journalism, people. Four of the five Ws (the Why can probably never be known).

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at September 12, 2013 03:09 AM (hO8IJ)

37 If Obamacare gets funded and it's thanks to the Rs not even bothering to fight, they'll be heartily "thanked" by the electorate next year. In pink slips.

And that's if they're lucky...

Posted by: elaine at September 12, 2013 03:10 AM (4Mzrt)

38 Well it was a competent exercise, so clearly the RNC wasn't involved, much like Buckley's jibe about the CIA in the late 50s. everyone except the target were eliminated.

Posted by: Jeffrey Pelt at September 12, 2013 03:10 AM (Jsiw/)

39 This will be a regular story under Obama who won't care if we go into a Depression.[/i[

When did we get out of the last one?

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at September 12, 2013 03:10 AM (hO8IJ)

40 34 Captain Hate,

I told everyone here Boehner was in trouble back home...

I am saying it now...I think Graham is done...

If we have to hand Donk-E total power again the point will be made do something or get a real fucking job GOP.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:10 AM (9jfyN)

41 Dammit, bbcode.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at September 12, 2013 03:11 AM (hO8IJ)

42 The GOP should get out of the way and let Obamacare take effect. Let the Democrats deal with the voter backlash.

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at September 12, 2013 03:11 AM (5fSr7)

43 Nope, its good morning. I am an optimist.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at September 12, 2013 03:11 AM (D5n3W)

44 The biggest fights I have seen lately by conservatives in the House have been when they try to block the RINOs and leadership from selling us out on shit like amnesty.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 03:12 AM (zZbNF)

45 I find it cute that there are people like Gabe who think playing politics still matters. You mean to tell me that doing nothing about Obamacare means theres a slight chance that we could win the Senate next year! Wow! And then after that we can get right back to doing nothing about Obamacare! Yay!
Posted by: mugiwara
.............
You simply don't get it, do you?

"doing nothing"? There's nothing to DO!
It's law. The worst parts of the law have no funding necessary and are regs affecting million of Americans.

And even of the House were to pass a budget that has no funding for Obamacare, Harry Reid tosses it in his waste can the minute it shows up in the Senate.

What is it you think a minority who controls 1/2 of 1/3 of the government can actually "DO"?

Oh wait.. I know.. they can get all blustery and yell a lot! wooo hooo!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 03:12 AM (AYOav)

46 Very interesting Washington Post story buried in the "Local" section: D.C. executive linked to secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:13 AM (vC6Bj)

47 Yeah, you want to get kicked out of school, simple, just bow your head and pray to your Christian God.

Posted by: Case at September 12, 2013 03:13 AM (jhRZ+)

48 43 Mallamutt,

It's morning...I'm an optimist that the GOP will find a way to fuck a door knob.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:13 AM (9jfyN)

It takes a lot of chutzpah to get up in front of the whole nation and talk about the humanitarian crisis of dead children killed in a civil war when you are supplying some of the guns and bombs that are killing them.

The obvious response of Russia and Iran will be to increase military aid to Bashar al-Assad. Then even more children will die, and we will be morally culpable just as if we killed them ourselves.

Last but not least is the hypocrisy of Barack Obama arming rebels in Syria while trying to disarm American citizens here at home.

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at September 12, 2013 03:13 AM (5fSr7)

50 This post makes me sad I can't really post anymore due to my new job. Gabe posts something pretty obvious, if confrontational, aimed at the red meat base. Have fun 'rons!

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at September 12, 2013 03:13 AM (CgVEi)

51 47 Case,

I think it'd be a good thing if some school kids started praying to Bronk-o Bama in a total mirror image to Christianity...watch the fun begin

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:14 AM (9jfyN)

52 46 Very interesting Washington Post story buried in the "Local" section:
D.C. executive linked to secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 07:13 AM (vC6Bj)

Also covered at #10 w/o going to WaPo.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 03:14 AM (zZbNF)

53 That Op-Ed by Putin is brutal. He basically just asked Barry how his ass tastes.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 03:14 AM (g1DWB)

54 D.C. executive linked to secret 2008 aid to Hillary Clinton

Â“IÂ’m absolutely certain he had nothing to do with any of us,Â” said Garry Mauro, chairman of ClintonÂ’s Texas campaign. Â“I was at the headquarters almost every day, I traveled the state, and I never heard of this guy.Â”

Pssst... Hey, buddy: That's why it's called a "secret."

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (vC6Bj)

55 Oh wait.. I know.. they can get all blustery and yell a lot! wooo hooo!

They can shoot off their mouths and write checks that they can't cash. I hear that works really well.

Posted by: V. Putin at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (3e8zv)

56 One note about the Kos stats....that was published prior to the recall election as an attempt to disenfranchise Republican votes (see what I did there Debbie Wasseman Schultz). This was also consistent with the decision their pollster of choice, PPP made to not publish a "bad" poll showing the recall would work.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (D5n3W)

57 45 Chi-Town Jerry,

I must have missed the total acquiesence is the word of God shit when the mules held only the US Senate under Bush....

care to explain?

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (9jfyN)

58 Btw Kimberley Strassel had an excellent column a couple of weeks ago that a winning issue for the Repubs would be to push back against the JEF's illegal exemption of congressional staffers from FockerCare. This was a perfect issue served up to the party of stoopid and the ruling class Repukes haven't done a fucking thing with it.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (dWfdt)

59 On the bright side there is a football game tonight. Jets and Pats.

(take the Pats, give the points)

Posted by: Lucky Pierre at September 12, 2013 03:15 AM (5fSr7)

60 I am sick of the House Republicans doing the same stupid thing. Vote that they are against Obamacare, what does that accomplish? They are going to add a bill that defunds it but it is separate from the CR so the senate can ignore it. It should be part of the CR!

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 03:16 AM (z4WKX)

61 Putin writes a killer op-ed. Anyone else buzz by the comments? Lots of wide-eyed rubes getting taken in by his peace-n-love act. That guy is really a magnificent bastard.

Posted by: The Feds at September 12, 2013 03:16 AM (YNK3y)

62 Heard a plan on the radio about a month ago, not sure who it was, that I thought had merit. The house passes a budget that funds everything except o-care. Put the shutdown on the democommies and rhinocommies over o-care.

Posted by: nothinglefttolose at September 12, 2013 03:16 AM (tWrwm)

63 60 Carol T,

Which was precisely how they intended to pass AMIGO GRANDE!

You got to love how stupid they think we are.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:17 AM (9jfyN)

64 Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose.

When is Gabe going to start posting lottery picks?

Posted by: Underground Vulgarian at September 12, 2013 03:17 AM (yF8OY)

65 heads were esplodin' over at kos yesterday in regards to the recall... voter fraud! disenfranchisement! aarrrggghhh!!1!

It was wonderful. Too bad I can't post there any more.. lol

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 03:17 AM (AYOav)

66 DAY 309 1,152 to go (1,225 to Inauguration Day 2017) Muzzies, Marxists, Maoists, Mau-Maus, MFM's, Moochelle, McCain's, MIRV's, mutants, malcontents, malthusians, maniacs, malignant medical mandates, martial law, miscreants, maladjusted masochistic multiculturalists, momzers, mamalukes, mooks, mopes, mariuoli, meeskeits, maricons, marauders, malodorous militants, menstruating mons veneri and miscellaneous meshugas notwithstanding.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at September 12, 2013 03:18 AM (WjLUf)

67 sock off

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 03:18 AM (YNK3y)

68 61 The Feds,

and my response to Putin is a mockery of the left's horsefuck during my early life...

but Syria you guys remember when Ted Kennedy sucked Russia's dick in the 80s?

Or the dear Commandante letters in '84?

You want to pay loyalty to outsiders over the PotUS Democrats I am game....

Putin-smarter than Ogabe and only half as freedom hating.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:19 AM (9jfyN)

69 What the House SHOULD be doing is what they promised in the 2010 election. Writing individual funding bills for each department or unit. After all, that is what the founders intended.

For example for the next fiscal year the EPA gets zero until they learn they can not issue regulations beyond what congress has authorized.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 03:19 AM (zZbNF)

70 64 Underground Vulgarian,

He doesn't know the NUMBERS silly he just knows what day to buy the lottery ticket and where.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:20 AM (9jfyN)

71 AFL-CIO says their shit sandwich isn't what they ordered.

http://tinyurl.com/qyf6s93

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 06:55 AM (zZbNF)

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

You want fries with that?

Posted by: Barack Obama- Manager of ShitBurger at September 12, 2013 03:20 AM (lxc0s)

72 Based on homosexual behavior in this country, I am a bit more understanding of other countries' repression of the group. Sad to say but homosexuals seem to be in a perpetual state of "You must love us or else."

Yeah, let's just never play the one weapon we have to stop the ruination of the country. If by some miracle the R's win the senate, the excuse will be that we can't do anything because we'll lose the senate.

Posted by: Chris at September 12, 2013 03:20 AM (aBOfW)

73 69 What the House SHOULD be doing is what they promised in the 2010 election. Writing individual funding bills for each department or unit. After all, that is what the founders intended. For example for the next fiscal year the EPA gets zero until they learn they can not issue regulations beyond what congress has authorized. Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 07:19 AM (zZbNF) It's a Levin amendment. Every department is zeroed out at the end of 3 years and must justify its existence or it goes bye-bye. Me likey.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at September 12, 2013 03:20 AM (WjLUf)

74 69 Vic,

Precisely....but that would be you know "work" and we can't have that.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:20 AM (9jfyN)

75 Putin's Piece in the Potemkin Times

Well the NYTimes always has been sympathetic to the Soviets, and in the interest of diversity of opinion, and fairness, why would they not publish something as important to world peace as this work credited to Vlad Putin?

If for no other reason than to snap the garters of another US President who seems to be failing the party line.

Posted by: Bit Player who gets no credit at September 12, 2013 03:21 AM (+x6ah)

76 The house GOP's biggest problem is they need to jettison their leadership.

Posted by: Vote Lord Humungus 2016 at September 12, 2013 03:21 AM (HEa5q)

77 Sinus headache. And SCOAMF's antics giving Putin the opportunity to shit on the USA is just too much to bear.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at September 12, 2013 03:21 AM (WjLUf)

78 72 Chris,

Altogether now...

We *could* defund Ogabecare but what about the poor, dying etc etc we'll NEVER win the Presidency...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:21 AM (9jfyN)

If that goofy pastor had decided to burn U.S. flags, Bibles or Torahs he would been given a free pass.

But korans are off limits. Wouldn't want to get our muzzie allies al-qaeda upset.

Posted by: ExSnipe at September 12, 2013 03:21 AM (57ubW)

80 No, "principle" does not require that we publicly shoot ourselves in the face. Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year. ------------------- So pushing a liberal's principles is the logical course of action, because "elections"? There are ALWAYS elections on the horizon. You seem to think that attaining and keeping office is the goal, rather than the mechanism of attaining goals derived from your principles, and as Andy pointed out to you a couple of podcasts ago, Congress is a one-way ratchet. Nothing ever gets rolled back. Then again, I question your principles, so it's entirely possible that you're a bad actor or unwitting dupe or just so enamored of the Holy Process of Governance and Lawmaking that you forgot just what the hell it is we've sent our Goddamned representatives to Washington for. And I hate to say it, but I respect DrewM the more I hear him bat you around.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 03:22 AM (VGme4)

81 80 EoJ,

Pretty much. Drew and I got into it hard last cycle, but I respect Drew for the most part and I know that he gets you win elections to do something.

A lot of RINO fluffers think you win election s to win elections and doing something is risky...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:23 AM (9jfyN)

82 You know, it occurred to me that crabbing about Gabe's "not the hill to die on" position is blaming the smoke for the fire. The problem really is that the GOP just wants to preserve the status quo - both in the sense of the way the federal government is now and in the sense that they just want to get elected by bilking conservatives of every stripe. Okay, that might be a little glib, but there's a good case to be made for that being their primary concern. They don't have a transformative vision, or any real vision. Seems like the governing philosophy of the influential persons is compromise and move on. As Ace and others have written many times, they just want to make the government apparatus work better.

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 03:24 AM (YNK3y)

83 *crickets*

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at September 12, 2013 03:24 AM (GjPnA)

84 ...which makes conservative insistence that the House try it anyway utterly insane. If we're all agreed that this course of action is doomed to failure and likely to make Republicans look bad, I'd just as soon avoid that course of action. No, "principle" does not require that we publicly shoot ourselves in the face. Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year. It may be doomed to failure, as have the thirty plus votes to abolish ObamaCare, but some legislators from some districts know they'll be primaried if they don't keep the pressure on. If you're too close to the Beltway you can quickly lose focus about just how detested this POS legislation is around the country.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 03:25 AM (U2UQk)

85 Oh. Oh, my. Is it hot all of a sudden in here? Or is it just me?

http://tinyurl.com/pmcjxcu

I'll be in my bunk.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at September 12, 2013 03:25 AM (6T8Ay)

86 I must have missed the total acquiesence is the word of God shit when the mules held only the US Senate under Bush....

care to explain?
Posted by: sven10077
.............
Who said anything about acquiescence? I'm just saying Obamacare is a stupid hill to die on since you cannot un-do this law with non-funding - which doesn't pass anyway.

Yes, you could shut down the government for months.. and then you've got every grey-haired person in the country pissed off at you because their checks aren't arriving. But you would have to keep it shut down, because Obama and the Senate will never pass that budget.

The only strategy is to fight for more cuts, keep the sequestration and wait for our chances to win back the Senate next year and the WH in 3 years.

We're fucked. You guys just can't admit it.. elections have consequences.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 03:25 AM (AYOav)

87 Maryland's Democrats continue their pursuit to make the state the ultimate gun-grabber. Check out the article in the Baltimore Sun that headlines with a quote about a police ridealong where the cops announce, "We want your guns, not your drugs." This coming from the cops whose members marry criminal street gang leaders! Maybe the FOP will next seek to unionize the street gangs?

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:25 AM (vC6Bj)

88 82 Yoshi,

The RINOS are an echo not a choice...

basically their narcissism is "okay you want free shit I can do it better at 10% savings"

Well frankly, why vote for that shit?

Fuck 'em if that is the best the GOP can do let's hit the wall at 185 not 15...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:26 AM (9jfyN)

89 85 Sean Bannion,

Whoa sir...you stay in the officer ranks....

she's enlisted stock...

heh

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:27 AM (9jfyN)

90 Remember how I said the 2014 elections will result in epic losses for the Republicans? It might be even worse. The House decided to punt on an ethics probe on D John Tierney. And we're arming Al Qaeda in Syria...openly, to which the Republicans respond thusly:

Posted by: le soothsayier (the french version) at September 12, 2013 03:27 AM (eCDlQ)

91 83: Hillary: I've got the perfect bra for your secret campaign cash. Write me at the Maryland Women's Correctional Institution.

Posted by: Leslie Johnson at September 12, 2013 03:28 AM (vC6Bj)

92 80 -

I started with the question, when this Congress got back in session after the elections, as to whether this leadership wants to maintain a majority or not.

There are lots of people who seem to behave as if they would prefer the GOP to be a minority party. No other explanation appears to make any sense.

You can't reconcile their attitudes and approaches with the concept of trying win MORE seats, regardless of whether the process contains any nod to principles (what principles?) or not. I just don't see it, and any convoluted explanations they give as to why the stand where they stand, doesn't hold up to a simple logic test.

Do you want conservatives to vote for you? Then stop doing what you're doing. Do you want to keep doing what you are doing? Then conservatives are not going to vote for you.

You can't have one without the other.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 12, 2013 03:28 AM (BeSEI)

93 Whoa sir...you stay in the officer ranks....

she's enlisted stock...

heh

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 07:27 AM (9jfyN)

Meh. She's National Guard! That's as good as a civilian to me.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at September 12, 2013 03:28 AM (6T8Ay)

94 Sinus headache. And SCOAMF's antics giving Putin the opportunity to shit on the USA is just too much to bear.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton
............
I sympathize on the sinus headache.. I get some doozies.

Lately I've been finding drinking lots of water helps.. and I also stand in front of a boiling tea kettle and breathe in the steam.. works sometimes.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 03:29 AM (AYOav)

95 90 Soothsayer,

exactly and precisely two people have been pointing out "HOLY FUCK WE ARE ARMING AL Fucking Qaeda as POLICY?!?!"

Rand Paul and Ted Cruz....

it's like we do not have an opposition party we have an opposition lunch table...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:29 AM (9jfyN)

96 If the Republicans in the House sells us out on amnesty next week like I am fully expecting then they will cease to be a Party in a few short years.

Posted by: Vic at September 12, 2013 03:29 AM (zZbNF)

97 and as Andy pointed out to you a couple of podcasts ago, Congress is a one-way ratchet. Nothing ever gets rolled back. /// You know, the funny thing is, Obama embraced healthcare reform and the grab bag of extreme liberal wishes with the eye of BEING A ONE-TERM PRESIDENT. (and got rewarded for it by a gullible electorate, but that's beside the point.) Obama saw the "hill to die on" rhetoric and flat out REJECTED that shit.

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 03:29 AM (YNK3y)

98 @69- Vic I like that idea even better. And the last thing gabe wants is true conservatives, who want to get back to the vision the founders had for this country, running things.

Posted by: nothinglefttolose at September 12, 2013 03:31 AM (6Zy+s)

99 ok.. off to work. Have a good one, 'rons.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 03:31 AM (AYOav)

100 92 Burt TC,

This is a fight going back to 1960.

Essentially you have the Rockerfeller GOP daring the Conservative/Libertarian Wing to go elsewhere...

The Libertarians already have....

this conservative is about to.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:31 AM (9jfyN)

101 >>You seem to think that attaining and keeping office is the goal, rather than the mechanism of attaining goals derived from your principles, and as Andy pointed out to you a couple of podcasts ago, Congress is a one-way ratchet. Nothing ever gets rolled back. The military is getting rolled back.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 03:31 AM (g1DWB)

102 86 Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at September 12, 2013 07:25 AM (AYOav) Jerry, it CAN be de-funded, or at least significantly delayed, with the blame going to SCOAMF and the Dems. Boehner, McConnell and the rest of the GOP wing of the Democrat party sabotaged that weeks ago. You give SCOAMF everything he wants via the CR/debt ceiling EXCEPT any funds for O-care implementation. When he objects, it's he that gets the blame for both the government shutdown AND wanting to go ahead with a law that a clear majority of Americans across all political lines now hate. THAT was the plan, but the GOP let that cat out of the bag by saying "we" don't want to shut down the government. We have to fight it. Sorry, but from here on every hill is the hill to die on. The GOP won't stand and fight because they stand for nothing. Worse, they stand with the status quo which is our destruction.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at September 12, 2013 03:32 AM (WjLUf)

103 How many Representatives were elected on the platform of repealing Obamacare? Quite a few, I think. In fact, that was a major theme of the last election. Telling those guys to just write off that plank because, gosh, it would make others uncomfortable is what seems insane to me.

Posted by: @JohnTant at September 12, 2013 03:32 AM (hNNJ5)

104 NYT commenters are real gasbags. Nobody wants to read your 4 paragraph essays on how this is actually a "win" for Obama.

Posted by: forest at September 12, 2013 03:33 AM (stMuz)

105 sven, the ONLY reason people were voting for Republicans for the last 25 years is: they weren't Democrats. Now that reason is gone. There is now absolutely no reason to vote for Republicans. Well done, dopes.

Posted by: le soothsayier (the french version) at September 12, 2013 03:33 AM (eCDlQ)

106 Sean Bannion at September 12, 2013 07:25 AM (6T8Ay) --------- I don't believe that makeup is regulation.

Posted by: @JohnTant at September 12, 2013 03:34 AM (hNNJ5)

107 Obama saw the "hill to die on" rhetoric and flat out REJECTED that shit. Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 07:29 AM (YNK3y) ----------------- Mr. Malor - rebuttal?

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 03:34 AM (VGme4)

108 Stories behind the great hymns-"Guide Me, Thou Great Jehovah" By Williams Williams (1717-1781) sometimes described as the Welsh John Wesley, as Williams travelled over 90, 000 miles on horseback in his lifetime to preach the Gospel. He couldn't be stopped by heat, or rain or snow or beatings by mobs for his noncomformist views. He was a Calvinist Methodist and was not appreciated the Anglican Church into which he was ordained: http://www.gaffneyledger.com/news/2013-04-26/Other_News/Stories_Behind_The_Hymns.html What wonderful words about ourselves and God: ""I am weak but thou art mighty" The music: I don't know if this choir group is Welsh since the Welsh have a great gift for music. They sound like they might be. The original hymn was in Welsh, of course as Williams about 800 hymns in Welsh : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK9-bJlSt6c. God bless you.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 03:34 AM (ZtAIl)

109 103 John Tant,

It takes a special party with special ed advisors to have 7.3% UE3 only because of backflow into U6 and not take "Amigo Grande!" and stuff it up the donks' ass....

it takes a special party with special ed advisors to be handed the gift of a hated Healthcare bill and say "can't rock the boat boys..."

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:34 AM (9jfyN)

"Forest Boy" living in Siberian forest found. He's happy, he's content, he's trying to collect wood so that he can survive the Siberian winter. He's the ultimate libertarian; a natural Tea Party member. What do they do? Track him down so they sign him up for welfare: "Officials are expected to issue the man an ID, which would allow him to receive state support." (Head slap)

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:34 AM (vC6Bj)

111 I don't believe that makeup is regulation.

Posted by: @JohnTant at September 12, 2013 07:34 AM (hNNJ5)

It's not. But I don't see any Command Sergeant Majors around - so it's all good.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at September 12, 2013 03:35 AM (6T8Ay)

112 105 Soothsayer,

Imagine the narcissism of the NE Rino wing...

"well only WE can manage free shit for all effectively so we WIN!"

Anyway may as well go join the Luap Nors if all "winning" gets us is weak ass Issa q and a sessions...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:36 AM (9jfyN)

113 #104: Considering Mr. Obama's stance on fossil fuels, wouldn't they actually be "solarbags" or "windpowerbags?"

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:36 AM (vC6Bj)

114 #111: How about someone who's one step below God: a Gunnery Sergeant?

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:38 AM (vC6Bj)

115 114 Manolo,

I'm thinking they are being disciplined for thinking you are the gender you were born with the tackle for...

"go away rewriting natural law!"

//Democrats

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:39 AM (9jfyN)

116 sven10077 at September 12, 2013 07:34 AM (9jfyN) ---------- Yep, that's the real stupid. It's not dumb or insane to fight for first principles...it's dumb or insane to pass up the fight, especially when you have some really decent advantages.

Posted by: @JohnTant at September 12, 2013 03:41 AM (hNNJ5)

117 I'm ok with dissent and principled fights. I think it is worth being painted as obstructionists (GOP) and being just as tough as we can be to stop the leftoids in DC and the progressive agenda.

The GOP need only point out that 48% of the country didn't vote for this shit and they deserve their voices heard. The donks NEVER cut the GOP any slack nor do the media. When the GOP is in control it's Valerie Plame scandals and reading My Pet Goat. Conservatives will never get a fair shot, so fight back, be principled and play to win.

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 03:41 AM (/jHWN)

118 Bad situation in Boulder County, Colorado- flooding, with NWS saying some localized amounts of rain of 7 inches due today.

Posted by: Baldy at September 12, 2013 03:43 AM (tyDFN)

119 So if Assad would have simply lined those people up and shot them, Obama would be good with that? What, precisely, does the Obama Doctrine mean going forward?

Posted by: early cuyler at September 12, 2013 03:43 AM (H+rCJ)

120 @108.. Thanks.. nice way to start the day with a hymn... and a good oldie!

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 03:44 AM (/jHWN)

121 #115: Roger that.

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 03:44 AM (vC6Bj)

122 117 Yip,

Yup that's just it...

the NE Rino gang keeps pretending the media will ever put its Potemkin Powers away....

uh "no" all of this is the result of their rage at 2000 they will report Barack Obama shits Gold if that is what it takes to keep (-d) in power...

if the GOP refuses to point out the emperor has no clothes LIV and F$A will NEVER HEAR IT.....

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:45 AM (9jfyN)

123 >>When he objects, it's he that gets the blame for both the government shutdown AND wanting to go ahead with a law that a clear majority of Americans across all political lines now hate. You don't really believe that, do you? When have the Democrats ever gotten the blame for shutting down the government? I know we like to pretend its true but its just not. The Dems own the msm and they control the narrative. Republicans would take the blame. Always have and always will. I'm all for getting rid of this piece of shit law but we shouldn't kid ourselves that the public at large would be sending Republicans bouquets of roses for shutting down the government. Most aren't very politically aware and all they hear is evil Republicans want to hurt you and they believe it.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 03:46 AM (g1DWB)

124 "Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year."

What exactly are these GOP pussies going to do assuming they can convince anyone to give them the Senate, too?

"We used to only control one half of one third of the government, but now we only control just one third of the government. The Preezie will just veto anything we do. We have no power. All you proles will just have to look towards 2016 and giving us back the White House too."

If you are a wimp, it don't matter how big your stick is.

Posted by: Troll Feeder at September 12, 2013 03:47 AM (EmIFr)

125 >> The House discord is the same old tune we've come to know over the past few years. Leadership says it wants to pick its battles. Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose. And you know where I come down on this ... leadership should actually pick a battle and fight it sometime instead of continually saying: this isn't the hill to die on, but we'll fight the next one Serious You Guys.

Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 03:47 AM (li+aS)

126 Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose

I don't think that chicken wants to be fucked anymore.

Conservatives want the party leadership to stop acting like Obama's cockholster, and start standing for, well, something. Anything.

Politics is marketing. Marketing 101 says that you don't copy the competition. You differentiate, and occupy a unique niche. In politics, that's easy, because the "product" being sold to voters is almost entirely in the rhetoric and image and the Moral Vision. In a two-party system, to win against all but the most popular incumbents,all you have to do is stand for something, as long as that something is clear and emotionally meaningful, and a STARK MORAL CONTRAST from the other guy.

Pretty simple, really.

Posted by: Phinn at September 12, 2013 03:47 AM (oFH2D)

127 JackStraw at September 12, 2013 07:46 AM (g1DWB) ---------- One talking point and one observation: 1) After the last "shutdown" (and they really aren't shutdowns, given that most spending continues merrily along...), the GOP gained seats in the following election. It's pretty clear who the voters "blamed." 2) Observation: Even if you want to go the PR war route, the reality is that Clinton was a much more popular President than Obama, even if you take current polls at face value (which I don't, I think they overstate the guy's support by quite a bit). If things are still going to hell, people will naturally tend to blame the unpopular guy, who is the guy on TV with the dead eyes making an obvious mess of Syria.

Posted by: @JohnTant at September 12, 2013 03:49 AM (hNNJ5)

If we're all agreed that this course of action is doomed to failure and likely to make Republicans look bad, I'd just as soon avoid that course of action.

---------

We are all not agreed. Fight every damn battle, every single one. That's Owebama and the Dem's playbook. Time to use it on them. Make them defend and fight for every one of their asinine positions. Put them on the spot by making them live up to their own words.

RINO Squishes: They're not just in D.C., but on AoSHQ, too.

Posted by: RickZ at September 12, 2013 03:50 AM (SfKwA)

129 Yep; Romney was correct about Russia and their civil rights abuses are terrible. Anyone who thinks Putin (a former KGB agent) is a nice guy and and is truthful and completely forthcoming in what he's writes is wrong, IMO.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 03:50 AM (ZtAIl)

130 So the New York Times is saying it doesn't support Obama on this. And I am certain that every member of the Democratic Party in Congress knows this and sees the cover that is being given.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Vexations and Peevishness to Go! at September 12, 2013 03:51 AM (hLRSq)

131 130 FenlonSpoke,

Nice POV for 1984...this is not 1984 and if I have to use a stone colkd dictator like Putin to ratfuck Ogabe I am game.....

I am a Commie hater par excellence...

right now that means I hate Obama more than POutin b/c Obama is more a true believer in Marx than Putin

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 03:52 AM (9jfyN)

132 Putin has masterfully played a weak hand into a humiliating defeat for Barky. Overall Russia is in a weak position in the world and Putin knows it, so to build up more street cred, he's got to work with what he has: an incompetent, braying jackass with a college faculty for a foreign policy team leading the world's only superpower. Putin's punching up and punching hard. Yo, Bobo! This is how you bluff you ckufing imbecile.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at September 12, 2013 03:53 AM (sFQyf)

133 Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 07:50 AM (ZtAIl) No need for an "IMO" there. Absolutely no need.

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 03:54 AM (YNK3y)

134 Conservatives want the party leadership to stop acting like Obama's cockholster, and start standing for, well, something. /// Look at what happened over this Syria bullshit. Boehner didn't even dare to go head to head with Obama in public. WHAT THE FUCK!! I mean, couldn't he at least read the writing on the wall?

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 03:56 AM (YNK3y)

135 I think the problem with de-funding Obamacare right now is that no one has had to feel the full effect of it yet. Shutting down the government now to stop the funding for it now would seem anti-climactic. It's sort of like yelling "FULL REVERSE" on the Titanic 3 hours out of port. With Obamacare, we may really need to hit that iceberg before the populace fully and truly understands what a travesty it is. Until then, it's just a buzz word that oh too many have no concept of. Hell, too much of the population today thinks that Obamacare means "free" healthcare and that one day they'll just go down to the doc's office and get whatever they want no strings attached. They'll learn eventually. Once enough of that happens, then the country can move to get rid of it.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 12, 2013 03:56 AM (/PKwA)

136 And you know where I come down on this ... leadership should actually pick a battle and fight it sometime instead of continually saying: this isn't the hill to die on, but we'll fight the next one Serious You Guys. Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 07:47 AM (li+aS) -------------------- You want to rally conservatives to your flag? Stand for conservative principles. Or watch them drift away to third parties or withdraw from voting altogether.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 03:56 AM (JDIKC)

137 >>1) After the last "shutdown" (and they really aren't shutdowns, given that most spending continues merrily along...), the GOP gained seats in the following election. It's pretty clear who the voters "blamed." Correlation is not causation. You'd have a pretty tough sell trying to prove that Republicans gained seats because the public was rewarding them for shutting down the government. But that wasn't my point. My point is the public did indeed blame the Republicans. Go look at any article from those days, any polling. I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, just saying its not realistic to think Republicans gain favor for doing it. >>2) Observation: Even if you want to go the PR war route, the reality is that Clinton was a much more popular President than Obama, even if you take current polls at face value (which I don't, I think they overstate the guy's support by quite a bit). If things are still going to hell, people will naturally tend to blame the unpopular guy, who is the guy on TV with the dead eyes making an obvious mess of Syria. Absolutely agree. Been saying that Obama is not nearly as popular as his polling would suggest for a long time. And yes, Republicans did hurt Obama over Syria. So for those who say they never stand up to Obama, they are doing it right now and it is hurting him badly. People on our side have been saying for years that Obamacare is unworkable and will be a disaster once it is fully implemented. We are weeks away from seeing if we are right. And if we are, we will then have all the support we need to start tearing this thing down.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 03:57 AM (g1DWB)

138 "Leadership says it wants to pick its battles. Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose." Way to mischaracterize your opposition again Malor. Conservatives want the leadership to fight a, one, (1), uno battle. Not all of them. See, the problem is that the leadership hasn't picked any battles, so now we're down to the last ditch.

Posted by: Burn the Witch at September 12, 2013 03:58 AM (sFQyf)

139 I am not saying that I don't enjoy Obama getting a smackdown. I'm saying that the leftists derided Romney for speaking about significant problems with Russia. I should rephrase to say Russia aiding Muslims extremists in trying to get more an more weapons including nuclear ones is the problem. I don't trust Putin. I don't trust Obama and the ratched up rhetoric is not a good thing. PO'ed Obama angry at Putin is not a good think. When malignant narcissists get dissed it's taken out on someone. In this case, Obama may take it out on us.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 03:58 AM (ZtAIl)

140 In this case, Obama may take it out on us.

He's been taking his assorted issues out on us for five years already. What's one more?

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at September 12, 2013 04:00 AM (hO8IJ)

141 One would think there is a lesson in the Colorado recall elections. Fight back and win. People have had enough of this unrepresentative pseudodictatorship. It's not called the stupid party for nothing. Defunding Obamacare is a gimme.

Posted by: MarkD at September 12, 2013 04:01 AM (06gsL)

142 No need for an "IMO" there. Absolutely no need. Probably not, I just don't know if many people here agree. Some seem to really be be enjoying Putin's smackdown without considering the downside. Someone who says "America is not exceptional" is not our friend. Neither man is a friend to the US.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 04:01 AM (ZtAIl)

143 When malignant narcissists get dissed it's taken out on someone. In this case, Obama may take it out on us. ------------------- America has been paying for the daddy issues of a woman named Stanley for the last five years.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 04:01 AM (JDIKC)

144 Putin's Exceptional Sour Grapes We count our Constitution and Bill of Rights as very exceptional blessings, Mr. Putin. And to the extent that America does not conduct wars to put other nations and peoples into our bondage, to strip their natural resources from them, Americans are a very exceptional people, Mr. Putin. Yes, Americans are very generous, to a fault given the liberal progression into open borders and US citizenship for the world population. Dangerous, since the Foundation of Constitutional Governance is overloading. America is the only nation that habitually rebuilds nations it destroys in battle. And we are alert now to the dangers of exploiting war in order to pump up the "nation building" excuse for abusing and destroying life, not in defense of our Constitutional Republic, but to advance global corporatism, at the taxpayer expense to boot. Because the top percent income earners make grotesque profits while our military personnel are abused and our Middle Class tax payers are destroyed. So yes, it is very dangerous to raise an unstable and obese ego such as Obama to think that HE owns the monopoly on exceptionalism to abuse, "Because I Can." Ironic, since he professed to believe in each nation's exceptionalism, France for instance. And more dangerous yet, empowering globalist corporations to own the USA and the world is indeed very dangerous for everyone. No US Governmental Branch and no government official, not even the POTUS, holds all the keys. It is the dictator and oligarchy that would usurp all authority to abuse as authoritarians. And Americans are awakening to find those authoritarians leading our nation and the political parties. And we most vehemently find exception to their flagrant corruption and fraud. It's always good to see where things stand. Global Exceptionalism? Good fences make good neighbors. So thanks, Putin, for the thought.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:02 AM (MhA4j)

145 I'm either going to sit the next election out, or vote Libertarian or third party. Tired of these squishy repubs.

Posted by: Citation X driver at September 12, 2013 04:03 AM (RF6SD)

146 He's been taking his assorted issues out on us for five years already. What's one more? Well, yes, that's true. Heather. He has, but dealing with another country with nuclear capability and shooting off his mouth ups the ante.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 04:03 AM (ZtAIl)

147 How sad is it that the voice of reason on Syria isn't coming from the pretend commies in the Democrat Party, but rather from the former commies of the Soviet experiment?

Posted by: Fritz at September 12, 2013 04:03 AM (4u+Q5)

148 #128: A note on government "shutdowns": There's really no such thing. What happens is that the very few hourly wage employees in the federal government don't get to punch the clock. The salaried employees get paid when Congress passes the budget and reopens the books. Buildings get closed, but the utilities still have to be paid, etc. Law enforcement are always exempt, as are most executives and "critical staff." This happens because, by law, under a Continuing Resolution, federal agencies can operate as if they have 90 percent of their previous year's budget. Congress typically passes an Omnibus bill that gets everything going again. The greatest problem with federal budgets not getting passed is that the Senate Leader (guess who?) controls when they're put up for vote in that chamber. The Senate controls when the budget bill gets introduced for the federal government, while the House controls how the dimes are allocated (e.g. "the power of the purse"). The net effect is that the vast majority of federal employees simply get extra vacation days (on top of the 26 days of paid vacation days they get now (on top of federal holidays AND 14 days worth of sick leave). I'm not kidding. Know anyone in the private sector that gets 50+ paid days off in a work year (51 every fourth year due to the presidential inaugaration)?

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 04:04 AM (vC6Bj)

149 People on our side have been saying for years that Obamacare is unworkable and will be a disaster once it is fully implemented. We are weeks away from seeing if we are right. /// Speaking to this specific issue, I can't fucking understand why Republicans seem to think it would be a great idea to get delays for parts of Obamacare. Besides taking a giant dump on the idea that government should be understandable, any delays just enable the fiction Democrats propagate about the law. When you are in agreement with Obama in the general principle of things, that's when you need to take a serious gut check.

Posted by: Yoshi, Aggrieved Victim of the White Man at September 12, 2013 04:05 AM (YNK3y)

150 144. Empire of Jeff, it seems an eternity already. What a relief to remove this cancer before it takes all our vital organs beyond repair.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:05 AM (MhA4j)

151 Watching Putin and Obama is like watching a light saber duel between Darth Vader and Elmer Fudd.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at September 12, 2013 04:05 AM (QXlbZ)

152 "And yes, Republicans did hurt Obama over Syria. So for those who say they never stand up to Obama, they are doing it right now and it is hurting him badly."

Not the congressional leadership, McConnell came out with some weak tea after the fact but that's still better then Boehner and Cantor dropping to their knees before the fight began.

Posted by: lowandslow at September 12, 2013 04:06 AM (APJIX)

153 Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 08:02 AM (MhA4j) Please consider sending it to the NYT. It's quite good, Panzer. They probably wouldn't print it but it's good regardless. The WSJ tends to print letters from readers not in support of Obama's policies

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 04:07 AM (ZtAIl)

154 Foundation of Constitutional Governance is LOCAL.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:07 AM (MhA4j)

155 Grover Norquist is old and has been around Washington too long, and the Heritage Action people are young and pushy. Part of what's happening here is inter-generational.

Posted by: MTF at September 12, 2013 04:08 AM (qf2kI)

156 Obama has a special safe word he uses with Putin for when things get too scary.

Posted by: Mike O'the Lake at September 12, 2013 04:09 AM (ICoI8)

157 154. Thanks, FenelonSpoke. I know Breitbart loved this blog for the snarky comments. I'm not the short and sweet type, obviously. But I make my contribution to the public dialogue through complete thoughts, best I can.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:09 AM (MhA4j)

158 So, essentially what Gabe is saying is that the GOP is useless. If they are useless, or in bed with GovCo, then why should we continue to vote for them. You know what is NOT a winning strategy? Pissing off your base. And since the country inevitably marches left (history folks) and gun control will eventually come, we should just let them take our weapons - after all, it's going to happen, so why fight it? I'm curious how Gabe thinks things like abortion and gay marriage have passed. Those were immensely unpopular (and remain so), yet the supports fought tooth and nail for them. Seems they figured out EVERY hill was worth dying on.

Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 04:10 AM (x7g7t)

159 utin writes a killer op-ed. Anyone else buzz by the comments? Lots of wide-eyed rubes getting taken in by his peace-n-love act. That guy is really a magnificent bastard. Posted by: The Feds at September 12, 2013 07:16 AM (YNK3y) ________ Thinking the same thing. These NY Times readers are imbeciles.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:10 AM (CKYju)

160 Citibank to layoff 2200 people in the mortgage unit.

http://tinyurl.com/pqoprl4

Yeah, fuck them.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at September 12, 2013 04:11 AM (QXlbZ)

161 140 Fenlon Spoke,

I'm resigned to destiny at this point...

F$A and LIV think Ogabe is doing a bang up job...

it's gonna take us losing a city to show otherwise...

be prepared.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:11 AM (9jfyN)

162 If I told you that Obama, instead of Putin, wrote today's Op -Ed in the NYT back in 2004, would you belive me?

Posted by: le soothsayier (the french version) at September 12, 2013 04:11 AM (eCDlQ)

163 Mary Claire Mulligan @MCMcLaugh
Â“@dailycamera : The firefighter in the tree is yelling over scanner: "I'm in a tree and the tree is washing away." #BoulderFlood Â”

Boulder County Sheriff & Fire scanner: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/ctid/247

Posted by: Baldy at September 12, 2013 04:12 AM (tyDFN)

164 >>Not the congressional leadership, McConnell came out with some weak tea after the fact but that's still better then Boehner and Cantor dropping to their knees before the fight began. True. But we see how much their leadership matters. Wacko Birds are in ascendancy.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 04:12 AM (g1DWB)

165 With Obamacare, we may really need to hit that iceberg before the populace fully and truly understands what a travesty it is. Until then, it's just a buzz word that oh too many have no concept of. Hell, too much of the population today thinks that Obamacare means "free" healthcare and that one day they'll just go down to the doc's office and get whatever they want no strings attached. They'll learn eventually. Once enough of that happens, then the country can move to get rid of it. Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 12, 2013 07:56 AM (/PKwA) ____________ This is a bad idea for 2 reasons 1. Once an entitlement is in place it is never removed. 2. O-Care will hurt people who voted for Romney. These are people who pay for the health insurance. Obama's people don't pay for shit. They get it for free now, they'll get it for free with Obamacare.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:14 AM (CKYju)

166 GM: "You know where I come down on this."

Yup, and we also know what kind of sound it makes.

*Squish*

Posted by: Jaws at September 12, 2013 04:14 AM (4I3Uo)

167 I saw the Putin letter a little different... Obama: America is exceptional, that's why we want to bomb Syria. Putin: Get over yourself, you're not so exceptional. I remember when some guy with a funny mustache thought he and his people were really exceptional and 20 million Russians died fighting him off.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 04:14 AM (U2UQk)

168 146 I'm either going to sit the next election out, or vote Libertarian or third party. Tired of these squishy repubs. Posted by: Citation X driver at September 12, 2013 08:03 AM (RF6SD) ========================== I totally get that, and its that exact impulse that I believe caused GOP turnout to be so low in 2008 and 2012. But it's that impulse that won't rid us of Democrats like King Barky O'Fuck-Up and the Senate of Hairy Reed. The best thing is to send better people to the House and Senate. Justin Amash is driving Boehner crazy, up close and personal, every damn day. We need more of those. Personally, I wish Jim DeMint was running the RNC and recruiting the candidates.

Posted by: MTF at September 12, 2013 04:14 AM (qf2kI)

169 42 The GOP should get out of the way and let Obamacare take effect. Let the Democrats deal with the voter backlash. Posted by: Lucky Pierre at September 12, 2013 07:11 AM (5fSr7) The same shit was said about medicare and that it would collapse under it's own weight. That hasn't happened yet and it's become more popular, even while it is becoming more unsustainable. OBamacare sabotages the industry. In a few years they'll come back and say 'see, the industry can't run itself, we need single-payer'. The medical and medical insurance industry is in the state it is in because of the government. That doesn't stop the government from attacking the industry. It's the same playbook they always use. Sabotage the energy industry then demonize them. In the meantime, how many of us will suffer and die from lack of care or denial of care (you voted Republican? Get to the back of the line).

Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 04:15 AM (x7g7t)

170 The lack of leadership by Republicans is simply stunning.

Perhaps that's because Boehner and McConnell have taken sides in the intra-party war.

Good leaders develop a set of broad principles around which the people they lead can rally. They further devise a proactive strategy which brings together all the participants. Participants, who by the way, should understand that nobody ever gets all they want and it's not always your way. You guys are not the leader. That doesn't mean you give up on expressing your views. It simply means that as a group, you negotiate behind closed doors, slug it out and then come to the public you represent with the best compromise possible.

The problem has been that, given the history, people conflate compromise with surrender. That's easy to understand given the proposals have been one-sided products of "leaders" who believe their job is to push a parochial view. Nothing could be further from the truth or wisdom. But compromise has, and will always remain an essential part of our republics government.

Republicans can't figure out that what I've articulated is primarily the issue. They constantly speak with different voices, not in harmony. That's not only embarrassing and foolish, but a primary reason for discontent in the GOP and with potential voters. We lack leadership in the party structure and governance who can articulate issues clearly and with one voice. We also lack people who do not understand the limits of our power or the sage wisdom of incremental advances. They've also become endeared with the sound of their own voice and a sense of false empowerment.

I've already stopped giving to the party and I am on the cusp of leaving. I'll no longer be associated with a group of malcontents who believe things like demographic manipulation, poll watching and the big donors they attract are more important than principled leadership which brings people together.

Anyway, rant over. It's way too long for this venue. Sorry.

Posted by: Marcus at September 12, 2013 04:16 AM (GGCsk)

171 Obama doesn't think we're exceptional. He's said the exact opposite. His speechwriters put that in. He's waving his dick at Putin.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 12, 2013 04:17 AM (ZtAIl)

172 I'm anxious to see how many conservatives have abandoned the GOP, so don't count your Senators before they hatch.

Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 04:18 AM (C10BR)

173 I agree with comments 126 and 139. Till that happens not-a-penny and let-it-burn.

Posted by: huggy at September 12, 2013 04:18 AM (o00SF)

174 173 DFCtomm,

Gabe thinks the Potemkin media is "giving really good advice you guys" every day in every way...

the rain is wet, a is a...they can sell the idea Ogabe's shit is fudge mousse reality is it is well shit.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:19 AM (9jfyN)

175 150. Yoshi "Speaking to this specific issue, I can't fucking understand why Republicans seem to think it would be a great idea to get delays for parts of Obamacare. " Follow.The.Money. KICKBACKS Follow.The.Political.Insider.Fast.Track. "I can't fucking understand why [Republicans] seem to think it would be a great idea to" .... Take Gen. Honore's advice: Don't Stay Stuck On Stupid. No body of politicians are elected for us mere taxpaying citizen voters to "trust" -- least of all the Washingtonians so far removed from their constituent citizenry, so abusive of federal powers that they've granted themselves "Because I Could" toppling the LOCAL Constitutional Foundation of Governance.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:19 AM (MhA4j)

176 164: Yikes!

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 04:20 AM (vC6Bj)

177 Fahrenheit 451: if I want to waste my money buying a koran and then burn it, I damn well will. This crapitola is not what my Dad and Uncles fought for in WWII. It's not what my late husband fought for in Viet Nam. It's not what my guy (boyfriend sounds stupid at my age) fought for in Viet Nam.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes C'est Magnifique at September 12, 2013 04:21 AM (YEglv)

178 Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 08:10 AM (x7g7t) You point is well taken, the progs/libs/commies know EVERY hill is worth fighting for, again and again if need be, because one of these days, the sentries will be asleep and the hill will be taken. They are also willing to use the equivalent of total warfare if necessary, protest marches, strikes, obstruction of legislative process, voter fraud, frivolous lawsuits (in multiple venues and levels). They never kcufing stop! RINOs, on the other hand, see every slight rise in the landscape as an insurmountable obstacle because it might interfere with their chance to be on the political gravy train even though as second class participants with great benefits, but no responsibility. The Constitution gave us a Representative Government, unfortunately, the Founders didn't figure out how to make sure they represented us and only us!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:21 AM (XdnQT)

179 Summary of NYT's Op-Ed piece: Putin to Obama: 'Bend over. I'll drive.'

Posted by: Manolo at September 12, 2013 04:22 AM (vC6Bj)

180 >> And yes, Republicans did hurt Obama over Syria. So for those who say they never stand up to Obama, they are doing it right now and it is hurting him badly. The rank and file did. The "leadership" (Boehner, Cantor) fell all over itself to offer words of support.

Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 04:22 AM (li+aS)

181 180 Manolo,

Putin to Ogabe:

Me Barry, you Reggie comrade...lean back and say "oooo"

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:23 AM (9jfyN)

182 "Obama would be good with that? What, precisely, does the Obama Doctrine mean going forward?" -- Black Hole Quicksand Obama The Malleable, Gumby's evil twin

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:23 AM (MhA4j)

183 Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 08:15 AM (x7g7t)

It's not enough to allow Democratic programs to hit tax payers, but you need to let Democratic taxes also hit them. The GOP needs to step back and finally allow the citizen to pay the taxes needed to fund the services.

Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 04:23 AM (C10BR)

184 181 Andy,

the party is fine where it's fine...

it may be a better idea to blow up the party for regional coalitions.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:23 AM (9jfyN)

185 @145- panzernashorn Once again, dead bang on. Except for, I think, one part. From what I perceive, the "we" could, should, be replaced by "a few of us".

Posted by: nothinglefttolose at September 12, 2013 04:24 AM (PNi9V)

186 right now that means I hate Obama more than POutin b/c Obama is more a true believer in Marx than Putin Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 07:52 AM (9jfyN) PLus a million here. And the difference between Putin and Obama, is that Putin is Russian and PROUD of it. He gives a damn about his country. Obama hates at least 48% of the country and most of the rest of it he sees as dupes to be used.

Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 04:24 AM (x7g7t)

187 In the meantime, how many of us will suffer and die from lack of care or denial of care (your medical records show that you voted Republican? Get to the back of the line behind the illegal immigrants). Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 08:15 AM (x7g7t) FIFY

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:25 AM (XdnQT)

188 >>The rank and file did. The "leadership" (Boehner, Cantor) fell all over itself to offer words of support. Yep, as I said above they are becoming less relevant by the day. New blood is rising.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 04:25 AM (g1DWB)

189 Obama doesn't think we're exceptional. He's said the exact opposite. His speechwriters put that in. He's waving his dick at Putin. No, he's said it before. About himself, of course. Quote: "It's worth noting that I first arrived on the national stage with a speech at the Democratic convention that was entirely about American exceptionalism and that my entire career has been a testimony to American exceptionalism," Obama said at a press conference alongside Mexican president Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 04:25 AM (U2UQk)

190 Pssst ... Please tell Vlad that I can be more flexible after the election.

Posted by: Barack Obama at September 12, 2013 04:26 AM (fqXPm)

191 Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 08:23 AM (C10BR) Comrade, exactly what citizens do you think will be paying those taxes? Not the F$A, that's for sure.

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:26 AM (XdnQT)

192 They are going to add a bill that defunds it but it is separate from the CR so the senate can ignore it. It should be part of the CR!

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 07:16 AM (z4WKX)

-- Not only that but the funding is in the CR

It's a done deal

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at September 12, 2013 04:26 AM (R8hU8)

193 It's not enough to allow Democratic programs to hit tax payers, but you need to let Democratic taxes also hit them. The GOP needs to step back and finally allow the citizen to pay the taxes needed to fund the services. Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 08:23 AM (C10BR) The Democratic taxes don't affect their constituents because their constituents don't actually pay taxes. This includes the wealthy ones who live off the money they have already made and have no 'income' to tax.

Posted by: blindside at September 12, 2013 04:26 AM (x7g7t)

194 So... We keep saying wait until the Republicans have a majority. Do the Republicans have any actual PLANS to get a majority? Because that doesn't happen unless they have policy positions, and nobody will believe the GOP actually has policy positions until it stands up for something.

Posted by: Boone at September 12, 2013 04:26 AM (tIyK2)

195 #178 I used to think he was a good guy but maybe he's gotten too comfy being little Johnny Boehner's consigliere because I can't stand listening to the smarmy garbage coming out of his gefilte hole.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 04:27 AM (dWfdt)

196 President Hissy-Fit throws a tantrum because Congress wonÂ’t authorize his Â“unbelievably smallÂ” war.

http://tinyurl.com/oaxqwuu

To any thinking person, this president is as embarrassing as a toddler throwing a tantrum in the toy aisle at WalMart.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at September 12, 2013 04:27 AM (QXlbZ)

197 The " let the train-wreck happen" strategy ( and then the public will see the error ) just has no track-record of working... that I can remember.

Except for repealing Prohibition.. and that was a bottom-up revolt, not top down and (just read it) the GOP wouldn't support repeal and it only gained support when it was argued that lots of good tax revenue was being ignored.. so the dems got on board and the rest is history. Always after that tax money...

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 04:27 AM (/jHWN)

198 Posted by: Boone at September 12, 2013 08:26 AM (tIyK2) I'd be a happier camper if the Republicans stood up as a united body on any matter of principle, even just one would be a start!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:29 AM (XdnQT)

199 Do the Republicans have any actual PLANS to get a majority?

1. Cave to Obama.
2. Attack the conservative base.
3. ?????
4. Majority!

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at September 12, 2013 04:29 AM (QXlbZ)

200 200 Hrothgar,

They can't even stand united on not aiding Al Qaeda for fucks' sakes...

like I said I am just about done.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:30 AM (9jfyN)

Exceptionalism is not a zero-sum proposition. They decry exceptionalism because they think that makes somebody else equally less exceptional. In my world, those who do exceptional things raise the rest of us.

I would rather be among those who strive for exceptionalism than those who bemoan their mediocrity.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (N/Sup)

202 Comments are disappearing; my last one referred to Cantor.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (dWfdt)

203 201 Gregory of Yarddale,

You forgot a party or two on Kerry's Yacht with Schumer scratching as DJ....

"Winning!"

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (9jfyN)

204 "And yes, Republicans did hurt Obama over Syria." -- Obama hurt Obama over Syria. Any spoiled brat who throws a tantrum when he's denied his "take" has himself to blame for insisting to be more wrong, belligerently attempting to get his way. Those who hold positions of responsible authority must control bratty outbursts. Coddling the brat is what hurts everyone. If Obama hurts himself, it is not the Republican's fault. Republican opposition to what is wrong does NOT hurt America. Obama hurts America. Period.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (MhA4j)

205 Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at September 12, 2013 08:29 AM (QXlbZ) 5. Profit (by keeping and expanding the special privileges granted to Congressmen by themselves)!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (XdnQT)

206 Morning all. In a shitty mood but at least this is my last day of the week

Posted by: Nevergiveup at September 12, 2013 04:31 AM (9Xc5j)

207 It's worth noting that I first arrived on the national stage with a speech at the Democratic convention that was entirely about American exceptionalism and that my entire career has been a testimony to American exceptionalism

I, I, I. Me, me, me. Mine.

Posted by: Prez'nit Melonflaps at September 12, 2013 04:32 AM (Dwehj)

208 207 Hrothgar,

6) while decrying "overreaching and pervasive big government"...

seriously we could keep this game going all day

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:33 AM (9jfyN)

209 >>>To any thinking person, this president is as embarrassing as a toddler throwing a tantrum in the toy aisle at WalMart.<<<

I blame the sequester. Defund the White House Now!

Posted by: Fritz at September 12, 2013 04:33 AM (4u+Q5)

210

; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;" class="MsoNormal">6TN school tells girl she cannot write about God for her assignment. Things were much simpler when I was in school before we had idiots on the court and radical atheists telling the rest of the country what we could and could not do.

http://tinyurl.com/pg6pqz4

Posted by: Vic

Why do we have to fight all of God''s battles? Is She running low on lightning bolts. Just kidding, we know God's a dude.

Posted by: Dirks Strewn at September 12, 2013 04:34 AM (VLifP)

211 just a rambling thought.

Putin's discourse to America was interesting even if full of b.s at certain points.
most interesting is His ability to get a whole page of direct discourse to the public.
Has a Republican Leader been afforded an offer to write on His own terms His thoughts and views of America and where we are headed at this point in NYT's?

just curious as i try not to read NYT's.

Posted by: willow at September 12, 2013 04:34 AM (nqBYe)

212 Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 08:30 AM (9jfyN) My point exactly, there is absolutely no principled core whatsoever within the Republican party. The same is true for the Democrats, but the Dems don't care because it is a feature not a bug for them!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:34 AM (XdnQT)

213 I just remain astounded how stunningly stupid & childish Duh!1 is. "Dis? Is a system?"

Posted by: backhoe at September 12, 2013 04:34 AM (ULH4o)

214 I agree that Americans are not exceptional. I'm not even an American.

Posted by: President Barack Hussein Obama at September 12, 2013 04:34 AM (zKoYE)

215 2067 panzernashorn,

Correct and the ultimate enabler of this abusive drunk parent of a President is the media.....

they have succeeded in controlling reality in the US but they cannot control the world and the world just spanked our problem child.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:35 AM (9jfyN)

216 seriously we could keep this game going all day Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 08:33 AM (9jfyN) It would be a long day!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:35 AM (XdnQT)

217 I want my Obamacare exemption. If its okay for some, it should be okay for everyone who wants it. We are all suppose to be treated equal under the law. I want my equal treatment Obamacare exemption.

Posted by: Case at September 12, 2013 04:35 AM (jhRZ+)

218 The GOP leadership says give us control and we'll fight. When in control they butter their bread and say they can't tip the scales too much... till they are out of control and then we're told, they can't fight because they won't attract the middle-squish voter.. rinse, repeat.

The N.E. RINO crowd laugh it up and go to parties with their esteemed progressive friends and donks and media and real conservatives and the country at large get played. Time is running out on their game and they know it. Interesting times.

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 04:35 AM (/jHWN)

219 It's also worth noting that the a million Muslim March, later opened up to truthers and other assorted idiots, produced 23 people. The Bikers did what they always do, and carpeted the Beltway in their thousands, helped a few old ladies across the street, cleaned up after themselves and left in an orderly fashion for home and some beer. A good days work.

Posted by: MTF at September 12, 2013 04:36 AM (qf2kI)

220 I want my equal treatment Obamacare exemption. Posted by: Case at September 12, 2013 08:35 AM (jhRZ+) ObamaCare short form: Some animals are more equal than others!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:36 AM (XdnQT)

221 Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 08:26 AM (XdnQT)

That's why it's called debt. Nobody is paying for the benies. Make the average Joe pony up his fair share of the average single mom's welfare and he'll finally start to care.

Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 04:36 AM (C10BR)

222 It's not enough to allow Democratic programs to hit tax payers, but you need to let Democratic taxes also hit them. The GOP needs to step back and finally allow the citizen to pay the taxes needed to fund the services. Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 08:23 AM (C10BR) __________ Most Democrats don't pay taxes though.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:37 AM (CKYju)

223 >>The " let the train-wreck happen" strategy ( and then the public will see the error ) just has no track-record of working... that I can remember. Just happened in Colorado. And depending on how you define rollback don't forget that there was a time in America when women couldn't vote and blacks were considered property. When enough people don't like the current laws they do get changed. Obamacare is going to affect every single person in this country and everyday it gets more and more unpopular. And the worst parts haven't even hit yet.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 04:37 AM (g1DWB)

224 Posted by: MTF at September 12, 2013 08:36 AM (qf2kI) Yes, I remember how that was prominently featured on ABC, NBC, and CBS!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:37 AM (XdnQT)

225 Do you belive in American Exemptionalism?

Posted by: Dirks Strewn at September 12, 2013 04:37 AM (VLifP)

226 I'm sure Putin agrees Russia is exceptional which is why He would like to expand his power and geographical sphere , as they had in the days of old.

it's rather a funny article if not for my heart bumping fear of the futures outlook.
Bye Georgia! Bye Taiwan!. etc.

Posted by: willow at September 12, 2013 04:38 AM (nqBYe)

227 You got to love how stupid they think we are. Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 07:17 AM (9jfyN) Sven, the idiots have to go. Leadership in House sucks. Boehner refuses independent investigation on Benghazi. I wonder if TFG has something on him?

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 04:38 AM (z4WKX)

228 228 Willow,

a LOT of our allies though Ogabe was just peachy and donated to him....

I am just about out of "world's shield and sword" for well "ever"....

you wanted SCOAMF world?

Enjoy.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:39 AM (9jfyN)

229 Make the average Joe pony up his fair share of the average single mom's welfare and he'll finally start to care. Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 08:36 AM (C10BR) In the socialist state, comrade, average Joe has no job and is himself supplicant to the state! By the time average Joe realizes the entire financial structure has been gamed against the citizens, it will be too late.

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:40 AM (XdnQT)

230 Obamacare is going to affect every single person in this country and everyday it gets more and more unpopular. And the worst parts haven't even hit yet. Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 08:37 AM (g1DWB) _____________ Here is how Obamacare will work People who get insurance for free, ie Democrats, will continue to get it for free. People who pay for health insurance, ie Republicans, will pay double. Democrats will never agree to defund it. EVER. Never, ever, never. If it is not stopped now, it will never be stopped.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:40 AM (CKYju)

231 @AP BREAKING: US unemployment benefit applications fall to 292,000, mostly because of technical glitches.

Posted by: Tami[/i][/b][/u][/s] at September 12, 2013 04:41 AM (bCEmE)

232 229 Carol T,

Maybe...I respect John Boehner...Speaker Boehner not so much...

Boehner is of an age and from a region he would have an interesting "story" for the SOCon base I am certain of course blackmail is not blackmail if you own up to what you did and use your contacts at NSA to counter battery

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:41 AM (9jfyN)

233 203. I would rather be among those who strive for exceptionalism than those who bemoan their mediocrity. Posted by: Seamus Muldoon Bravo! ...especially rather than those who revel in mediocrity or less. Marius Forte maintains the obvious: socialism always fails to fulfill its premise of the level playing field. It promises equality but always gives everything to the top 1% depriving the masses of everything. No thought allowed. No liberty. Just slaves. To date, no socialist government has endured. Even the USSR collapsed. I heard Forte speaking, guest hosting for the Jerry Doyle radio show. Forte's own website is Flashpoint Live. http://tinyurl.com/nw6t4ec

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:41 AM (MhA4j)

234 Do you believe in American Exemptionalism? Every April 15th when I load up my tax return with all the exemptions for local, state, county property taxes. Then exempt mortgage interest. Then exemptions for local, county, state income taxes.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 04:41 AM (U2UQk)

235 The tea party needs to make an example out of Boehner and about sixty or seventy more of these exasperating idiots. Don't agonize over, just do it.

Posted by: Dirks Strewn at September 12, 2013 04:41 AM (VLifP)

236 "This is a bad idea for 2 reasons 1. Once an entitlement is in place it is never removed. 2. O-Care will hurt people who voted for Romney. These are people who pay for the health insurance. Obama's people don't pay for shit. They get it for free now, they'll get it for free with Obamacare." I don't disagree with any of that. Agree. However, neither you, I, nor the posters on this blog represent the full political and voting will of this country. In our world, it would be gone yesterday. In the world as it exists, it's here for now. A lot of the general public, and a good number that Rat Socialists that think today that it's a good thing, have to be bitten and bitten hard before we can banish it to the dust bin of history resoundingly. The problem then is, well, what follows it. The same Rat Socialists who voted it into place will want "something" else for their Utopia.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 12, 2013 04:42 AM (lgfA0)

237 >> The N.E. RINO crowd laugh it up ... I have a request, mainly because I live in MA so I notice it more but also because this formulation is limiting ... can we drop the "NE" from RINO? Boehner's from Ohio. Cantor's from Virginia. McConnell is from Kentucky. McCain's from Arizona. Graham is from South Carolina. The NE is the least of our fucking problems because we can't even get Republicans elected here, much less conservatives.

Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 04:42 AM (li+aS)

238 Govt is shut down every weekend. We should stop paying the fools in DC. They donÂ’t serve us as intended. They only want to hold onto power. There are only a few that are worth the money they make.

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 04:42 AM (z4WKX)

239 Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 08:41 AM (9jfyN) Why do you respect Boehner the man?

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:42 AM (XdnQT)

240 233 TOTUS ate the figures.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:42 AM (MhA4j)

241 >> Just happened in Colorado. People got voted out, but let's see if that law gets rolled back.

Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 04:43 AM (li+aS)

242 Most Democrats don't pay taxes though. Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo

Here lies the problem of letting pain hit and then we'll win the argument... the donks always have carve-outs for their constituents and themselves. The pain NEVER reaches the LIV and even if it does reach them, the media and donks blame big corporations for not paying enough or evil rich , etc.

Democrats could never get anything done if not for patronage. It's all about patronage and carve-outs. Make the poor dumbass conservative with no connections pay... heh

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 04:44 AM (/jHWN)

243 I don't disagree with any of that. Agree. However, neither you, I, nor the posters on this blog represent the full political and voting will of this country. In our world, it would be gone yesterday. In the world as it exists, it's here for now. A lot of the general public, and a good number that Rat Socialists that think today that it's a good thing, have to be bitten and bitten hard before we can banish it to the dust bin of history resoundingly. The problem then is, well, what follows it. The same Rat Socialists who voted it into place will want "something" else for their Utopia. Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 12, 2013 08:42 AM (lgfA0) ___________ My point is that the strategy of let Obamacare get implemneted and when people realize how bad it is, they'll be screaming to get rid of it is unrealistic. The only people who will be hurt by it - at least on the surface - are people who are opposed to it now. There are very few people who like it now, and will not like it in the future.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:44 AM (CKYju)

244 241. He serves a drunk another strong drink?

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:44 AM (MhA4j)

245 Wow, that OddJob character in Austin Powers who was in prison for kidnapping, raping, and torturing some poor woman killed his cellmate in prison.

Posted by: Jesse Pinkman at September 12, 2013 04:44 AM (WdWRd)

246 Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 08:37 AM (CKYju)

You won't get the welfare queen to vote GOP by making some poor working smuck pay his fair share of her benefits, instead turning it into debt, but that's o.k. because you're trying to get the poor working smuck to vote GOP.

Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 04:45 AM (C10BR)

247 241 Hrothgar,

I'm in a position to know his individual charity, decency, and yes although it looks absent his cunning....

I would give my right nut to know why he is doing what he is doing right now...

John Boehner ~1989 would be undermining this guy.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:45 AM (9jfyN)

248 Make the poor dumbass conservative with no connections pay... heh Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 08:44 AM (/jHWN) _________ Obamacare in a nutshell

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at September 12, 2013 04:45 AM (CKYju)

249 There are only a few that are worth the money they make. Posted by: CarolT And certainly none worth the money they TAKE.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:45 AM (MhA4j)

250 Obamacare and amnesty are both widely unpopular, across party lines, so of course our brilliant politikal strategerists yell, "Don't oppose! 1/2 of 1/3! Give away the store then maybe we can win the Senate and then...!?" Because that strategy worked so well last year. What a fucking sham. Gabe and his ilk have destroyed the GOP and the nation along with it and will continue blaming those with actual principles for it the whole way.

Posted by: mugiwara at September 12, 2013 04:45 AM (W7ffl)

251 246 PanzerNashhorn,

He'd give the shirt off his back for a person in need...

like I said when I told y'all Boehner was losing Miami County....

My maternal family knows the guy.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:46 AM (9jfyN)

252 from the washington post link on drudge: "The arms shipments, which are limited to light weapons and other munitions that can be tracked, began arriving in Syria at a moment of heightened tensions over threats by President Obama to order missile strikes to punish the regime of Bashar al-Assad for his alleged use of chemical weapons in a deadly attack near Damascus last month." i have zero confidence that the weapons and other munitions can be tracked....does FAST & FURIOUS ring a bell?

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl at September 12, 2013 04:46 AM (8JJ6O)

253 John Boehner ~1989 would be undermining this guy. Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 08:45 AM (9jfyN) Long ago and far far away!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:47 AM (XdnQT)

254 The republicans didn't read the bill. I'm wondering if even one read the bill. The only person who read the bill and was totally freaked out by the bill was betsy mccoughy. Would be too funny if, once it kicks in, no matter how bad the disaster, it becomes irrevocable law or something or under the auspices of the Executive branch, untouchable by anyone, ever. Some little known clause or something. Or you'll learn the Executive branch has tweaking privileges and can add stuff to the passed bill, at will.

All the GOP is good at is taking up space and trying to hold onto that space for dear life.

Posted by: caustic at September 12, 2013 04:47 AM (JCX7d)

255 252 Mugiwara,

Syria you guys we have to hand another nation to Radical Islam to defeat Radical Islam!

//McCain Gang in the House

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:47 AM (9jfyN)

256 I do not trust The JEF, I believe he had something on John Roberts to change his mind on Obamacare last year. NSA is taking more info than they were supposed to. I didnÂ’t have time to read the WSJ article this week. ItÂ’s an abuse of authority. IÂ’m calling my dem congressman. I know it is a waste of time. He did vote against the last one.

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 04:48 AM (z4WKX)

257 >>My point is that the strategy of let Obamacare get implemneted and when people realize how bad it is, they'll be screaming to get rid of it is unrealistic. The only people who will be hurt by it - at least on the surface - are people who are opposed to it now. >>There are very few people who like it now, and will not like it in the future. Have you heard what the unions are saying lately? They helped write this piece of shit and they are now revolting against it.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 04:48 AM (g1DWB)

258 @225 Jackstraw;

RE: Colorado... THE GOP (national) stayed largely out of the recall effort, did they not? This was , again, a up from the bottom revolt with a few passionate conservatives rising up to fight back.

In fact didn't several national RINO's object to the recall effort saying it was unhelpful and sent the wrong message?

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 04:48 AM (/jHWN)

259 John Boehner ~1989 would be undermining this guy. Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 08:45 AM (9jfyN) What I see today looks mighty like an orange blackmailed drunk to me!

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 04:50 AM (XdnQT)

260 254 PhxGrl,

"Light Weapons" in this case can mean anything up to FAE....

do understand CIA is in the mindfucking business, and I say that as someone who loves and knows a few Officers.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:50 AM (9jfyN)

261 I wonder if TFG has something on him?
Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 08:38 AM

It's much simpler than that.

Boner weighs the benefits of acting like a "conservative" (as he claims to be at election time) against the benefits of being one of Teh Cool Kidz (getting pork, playing golf with Choom Boy, being treated like a Big Shot -- well, a second-level Big Shot -- and being invited to all the best D.C. cocktail paaah-tays and fundraisers) and makes the obvious choice.

After all, he can rail against the eeeeeevil Democrats for the media anytime he wants. They won't hold it against him, as long as he backs their plays.

The sad fact is that the entire D.C. System has to be destroyed, not just a few rogue "Republicans" like Hard-drinkin' John, Bitch McConnell, McCain, Cantor and Graham, if the country is to be put back on a sustainable, livable course.

It's not "dirt" that President Historic FirstÂ© uses on politicians. It's the eternal Free Lunch. Sort of a Obamafone program writ very large.

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 12, 2013 04:50 AM (kaGpp)

262 In fact didn't several national RINO's object to the recall effort saying it was unhelpful and sent the wrong message? Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 08:48 AM (/jHWN) This was definitely not a hill to die on!

Posted by: Karl Rover at September 12, 2013 04:50 AM (XdnQT)

263 261 Hrothgar,

I am not arguing this man is worthy of the love I feel for his past in people who do not share that past...

I am one of the people who used my familial contacts to undermine the guy today.

Thanks.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:51 AM (9jfyN)

264 ObamaCare short form: Some animals are more equal than others! Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 08:36 AM (XdnQT) IRS Short Form: Some people are more special. You pay my tab and reward me.

Posted by: KMA Tim Geithner at September 12, 2013 04:51 AM (MhA4j)

265 As to Obama's argument of American exceptionalism as a basis for war, I think it's as close to a 'rally around the flag' moment as the Democrats can get. Remember Obama had to get shamed into putting a flag on his suit lapel when running for office. I think I lot of countries are exceptional. But I don't want any of them flinging cruise missiles in my direction for that reason. So I'm not getting my shorts in a twist over what Putin said.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 04:51 AM (U2UQk)

266 You have to read the whole thing to get the total, horrifying sense of just how hard Putin has bitchslapped President Obama and the United States, but at the very least be sure to read that last paragraph. Damn, you're not kidding. I hate Obama as much as anyone but I'm thinking about flying to Moscow and kicking Putin's ass over that shit. What the fuck is the matter with Obama that makes him such a sniveling hypocritical little pussy that he'd allow this great nation to be embarrassed by the likes of that douchebag? Grrr ....

Posted by: Blacksheep at September 12, 2013 04:52 AM (bS6uW)

267 263 MrScribbler,

and part of why I respect his voters more than him is they said "enough" and he's leaving....

Miami county could have been Northern West Virginia....

it is not...

we didn't sell out...he did.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:52 AM (9jfyN)

Fuckitty fuck, fuck, fuck.

Happyfukkinthursday Kaboomers.

Posted by: maddogg at September 12, 2013 04:53 AM (xWW96)

Morning, all. Overslept and had an early meeting, so no story, sorry.

I'd advise Gabe to be careful with that sneer. Your face might freeze that way.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 04:54 AM (zF6Iw)

270 42 The GOP should get out of the way and let Obamacare take effect. Let the Democrats deal with the voter backlash.

In a world without our Media, that is what would happen. The Media will make sure that all problems are pinned on the GOP, however. And the LIVs will believe all of it, because that's what they've been trained to do.

Posted by: Null at September 12, 2013 04:54 AM (xjpRj)

271 Comments are sometimes not posting....again.
Had a problem yesterday that Pixy had to fix.

Looks like it's not fully fixed yet.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 12, 2013 04:54 AM (e/R50)

Good Lord.

I read through that PDF on the Human Rights Report. Try it. I bet you dont get through the first couple of paragraphs without thinking "holy crap, thats here".

Pussy Riot=Zimmerman/video guy

ELECTION FRAUD? Thank goodness we've got that under control; those Ruskies must really be rubes..errr rubles(see what I did there?).

and on and on.

Its impossible to read through that with the smugness that we, as Americans, should be able to.

And thats scary.

Posted by: MikeB at September 12, 2013 04:54 AM (IDH+x)

273 >>RE: Colorado... THE GOP (national) stayed largely out of the recall effort, did they not? This was , again, a up from the bottom revolt with a few passionate conservatives rising up to fight back. >>In fact didn't several national RINO's object to the recall effort saying it was unhelpful and sent the wrong message? I whole heartedly agree that our leadership is failing us and have said so a couple times in this thread. But we are seeing new blood in the rank and file who are gaining relevance who are doing our bidding. Guys like Cruz and Paul are the future of this party and guys like McCain and Boehner are losing relevance. It's pretty rare for a leader to rise up and attract people with a vision. It's usually someone who is part of a movement and becomes the voice of the movement.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 04:55 AM (g1DWB)

274 271 MP4,

It works for Paul Klugman...

he just types 2100 words together and sneers "but the GOP you guys!" and makes six figures....

Great work if you can get it.

I type better gibberish for free.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:55 AM (9jfyN)

275 273 Village Idiot's Apprentice,

part of the charm of the place...

try nuking your cookies or at least munching them.

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 04:56 AM (9jfyN)

276 Have you heard what the unions are saying lately? They helped write this piece of shit and they are now revolting against it. Posted by: JackStraw Exemption in the works. They have what they want and don't want it changed. But the Union Boss also said what a great law ObamaCare is because it will insure more people and that's a good thing. Shades of Martha, gag. Unions won't work to repeal it. They just want Obama to leave them what they have as is. The only people saying that ObamaCare is good are those with exemptions. Favoritism. Obama has a little dog and it won't bite you...but it will bite you.

Posted by: Bo at September 12, 2013 04:57 AM (MhA4j)

277 1. Cave to Obama.
2. Attack the conservative base.
3. ?????
4. Majority!

--

No worries. I hear the Hispanics will bring teh Majority! to R's in Congress.

Posted by: Lady in Black - Kaboom is American Exceptionalism at September 12, 2013 04:57 AM (XB5Ak)

278 Putin Bitch Slapped Teh JEF so hard that even his dead whore mother felt it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at September 12, 2013 04:57 AM (32Ze2)

279 I knew that we were going to be screwed with TFG as TroTUS, I think thatÂ’s what Ace decided to call him yesterday. But he is even worse than I expected. 1152 days left J.J.? He can do a lot of damage to us in that time. Republicans had better start becoming serious conservatives and stop kowtowing to him. There will be a revolution soon.

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 04:58 AM (z4WKX)

Putin bitchslapped Obama with this quote in more ways than one: "The law is still the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not. "

He should have added "that includes you, Mister Obamacare Waiver Man"

Posted by: Roy at September 12, 2013 04:59 AM (VndSC)

281 be careful with that sneer. Your face might freeze that way. -- a picture paints a thousand words, crossed eyes.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 04:59 AM (MhA4j)

282 Must be hard on da Zero's inflated ego to know he's Putin's casual dick sheath.

Posted by: maddogg at September 12, 2013 05:00 AM (xWW96)

283 282 Roy,

and see that's the thing the world deals in reality...Ogabe thanks to his buddies in the medias lives in a magical world where he can do whatever he wants because "Historic First Syria you guys..."

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:00 AM (9jfyN)

284 #260 Reince Priebus was more concerned with tossing Jerry Jones's salad while Fat Fuck fellated him than waste valuable RNC time on some provincial recall election over an issue the RINOs hate anyway. Priorities, son.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:00 AM (dWfdt)

285 "259 >>My point is that the strategy of let Obamacare get implemneted and when people realize how bad it is, they'll be screaming to get rid of it is unrealistic. The only people who will be hurt by it - at least on the surface - are people who are opposed to it now. >>There are very few people who like it now, and will not like it in the future. Have you heard what the unions are saying lately? They helped write this piece of shit and they are now revolting against it." Thus, my point. Obamacare as we know it will not stand. We need to be thinking a step or two ahead is what I'm saying. "Repeal Obamacare!" Great. I'm there with you. "Woo-hoo!!" Plenty of people who are not presently against it (or who are erstwhile complacent about it) will feel the pain. You bet they will. That's when the screaming and ranting on a truly national level will occur. But then, what? That's where I believe the real peril lies.

Posted by: Ricardo Kill at September 12, 2013 05:00 AM (Z+wOp)

286 American exceptionalism is rooted in freedom. Unfortunately, Obama is opposed to freedom (except when it comes to sex and abortion).

Posted by: Caliban at September 12, 2013 05:00 AM (DrC22)

287 286 Captain Hate,

It perfectly captured the McCain gang...

go hobnob with a fucker who will back Hillary! to the moon....

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:01 AM (9jfyN)

288 282. Obama made Obama the Bitch. The slap is always there. Don't stick your big head in the way and blame everyone else who warned you to look both ways before crossing through traffic.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 05:03 AM (MhA4j)

289 #289 Speaking of which, how 'bout that Jebby?

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:05 AM (dWfdt)

290 >>Exemption in the works. They have what they want and don't want it changed. But the Union Boss also said what a great law ObamaCare is because it will insure more people and that's a good thing. Shades of Martha, gag. Unions won't work to repeal it. They just want Obama to leave them what they have as is. And every time Obama does that the law gets weakened, both with revenues and support. People aren't stupid. Well, lots of them are but they can see injustice, particularly when it is targeted at them. The law is a clusterfuck of complication as it is. Does anyone think it will be any easier with whole groups of people being exempted at the whim of whomever is in favor in the White House? What happens when a Republican takes that seat and gives an exemption to everyone? Obama has already set the precedent and that is exactly what Romney said he would have done. Fighting a defunding battle would send a strong message but I don't think it will be anything other than symbolic. People need to get behind a repeal and right now Obamacare is polling at under 40%. I feel pretty confident that it is only going down from here.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 12, 2013 05:05 AM (g1DWB)

291 1152 days left J.J.? He can do a lot of damage to us in that time.
Republicans had better start becoming serious conservatives and stop kowtowing to him. There will be a revolution soon.
Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 08:58 AM

CAN do a lot of damage? Shit, bank on Choom Boy inflicting as much damage as he possibly can during the rest of his term.

There's nothing in his twisted, hate-filled little psyche that suggests he will slow down the collapse of White, Exceptional America that he longs for. Nothing.

At this point, I don't even care if Republicans become "conservative." Free Shit, like Rock 'n' Roll, is Here to Stay.

I'll settle for them becoming upholders of the law. Enforcing what's already on the books -- and was written long ago -- would be enough to start a real recovery and end the destruction.

Oh, wait. Too many Republicans would be joining their Democrat drinking buddies in jail if that happened. Never mind.

Posted by: MrScribbler at September 12, 2013 05:05 AM (kaGpp)

292 http://tinyurl.com/p4rbo8l

Nice TSA worker in Los Angeles is guy behind Jihad website...

because well "fairness you guys"...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:05 AM (9jfyN)

293 288. except sex and abortion -- There is no freedom granted the gestating life aborted. Joni Mitchell calls out "free love" the fraud it is.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 05:08 AM (MhA4j)

294 I have a request, mainly because I live in MA so I notice it more but also because this formulation is limiting ... can we drop the "NE" from RINO? -------------- Youre like Jane Goodall up there, quietly observing these... Libtards In The Mist.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 05:08 AM (tRiRC)

295 Obama to pivot to the economy....again. Because he handled Syria so well.

Posted by: BignJames at September 12, 2013 05:09 AM (HtUkt)

296 On ObamaCare, the GOP needs a simple, obviously fair proposal. Like this: the GOP, the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Longshoreman should collaborate on an exemption from ObamaCare that they like, and then the GOP should argue it should apply to all. Put it into a law and make the Senate vote on it before giving them the CR. Or this: give them a CR that requires each Senator to propose and sponsor a 5% spending reduction in each department other than Defense. If Democrats don't like GOP proposals, fine: name your own. We will wait patiently for you. There are very popular ways to go at this. But sitting in the Speakers conference room fretting about beating Justin Amash instead of Harry Reed seems like wasted effort.

Posted by: MTF at September 12, 2013 05:10 AM (qf2kI)

297 The NE is the least of our fucking problems because we can't even get Republicans elected here, much less conservatives. Posted by: Andy at September 12, 2013 08:42 AM (li+aS) Andy I live in MA and the NE should be dropped. the only republicans that run here suck, Gabe Gomez should have been in the dem primary. I refused to vote for a man that wrote that he supported TFG. If he was elected to the senate, he would have been a bigger disappointment than Scott Brown.

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 05:11 AM (z4WKX)

298
In the socialist state, comrade, average Joe has no job and is himself supplicant to the state! By the time average Joe realizes the entire financial structure has been gamed against the citizens, it will be too late.

Posted by: Hrothgar at September 12, 2013 08:40 AM (XdnQT

You're not going to get a perfect solution. It's way too late in the game for that. We are currently discussing hail Marys, not a "three yards and a cloud of dust" strategy. I personally think we are past the event horizon, but might as well finish up with another sports metaphor, and say it's not over till it's over.

Posted by: DFCtomm at September 12, 2013 05:11 AM (C10BR)

299 I'll settle for them becoming upholders of the law. Enforcing what's already on the books -- and was written long ago -- would be enough to start a real recovery and end the destruction. 293. McScribbler Exactly. Good New Blood working wonders, Cruz, etc. '14 Cull '16 Cull...

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 05:12 AM (MhA4j)

300 299 CarolT,

I'd favor jettisoning NE into space after we got all the GOPers out....

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:12 AM (9jfyN)

301 Now in this hypothetical world where the GOP aiding the donks in the passage and implementation of the least popular parts of their agenda wins us the Senate next year, will the GOP finally start to oppose them? Or will Gabe and ilk start screaming b-b-but only 1/3 of 1! Or maybe, can't without 60 votes in the Senate! Both? What's our long game plan here?

Posted by: mugiwara at September 12, 2013 05:12 AM (W7ffl)

302 @298 .. MTF... good suggestions... of course the GOP leadership will take a pass.... too upsetting.

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 05:14 AM (/jHWN)

303 300. Hail Mary and Don't give up the Holy Ghost.

Posted by: The Spartans at September 12, 2013 05:14 AM (MhA4j)

304 Cruz, Paul and Mike Lee are crusaders for us. ThatÂ’s only3 out of 100. I love Cruz. I donÂ’t have time to watch his speech from yesterday. I will tonight. I hope you all have a nice day. I have to go to work. Carol

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 05:14 AM (z4WKX)

305 This Putin guy...he brings it.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at September 12, 2013 05:14 AM (9MLX+)

306 There's no need to fear. Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with his Russian counterpart in Switzerland where he'll bring to bear copious measures of Jedi mindfuck.

They'll never know what hit them.

Posted by: Fritz at September 12, 2013 05:15 AM (4u+Q5)

307 Every battle should be fought, I would bitch slap those who are against this option.
The ACA is the Sniper of Doom ..

When a company like Trader Joe's drops their current Health Care Program because of ACA, then , then you have the Liberals attention.
Slow em down by whatever means available.

Posted by: 44-40 at September 12, 2013 05:15 AM (3GuQx)

308 My weather alert radio won't stop

flash flooding all over the place this morning- 2 dead so far, dive teams rescuing people, NG turned off up in the mts west of Denver- it's pretty fucked up

flood warning for Big Thompson River- a flood there back in the 70s killed over 170 people

fucking monsoon is just parked over the Front Range

Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 05:15 AM (8sCoq)

309 Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 09:12 AM (9jfyN)

NE would fall apart in six months if you pulled all the Republicans out.

There would be cannibalism within two weeks.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:16 AM (gqgiP)

310 Obama to pivot to the economy....again. Because he handled Syria so well. Remember when Slick Willie got caught with his pants down and every day he would say he had to 'get back to doing the work of the American people' and get his picture taken and the press would obediently publish it? It's in the playbook -- actually Chapter 2 of 'Liberalism for Dummies'.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 05:16 AM (U2UQk)

311 311 CBD,

Heh you want to clean up the mess?

It would be "historic"

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:17 AM (9jfyN)

312 #299 I saw that grinning glad handing fuckhead on FNS and immediately thought there was no way I could ever vote for such a pandering shyster.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:17 AM (dWfdt)

313 310 Jones in CO,

stay in high ground...be safe...

I don't understand why Obama doesn't lower the rivers and clear the skies....

like the oceans you guys

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 05:17 AM (9jfyN)

314 Kerry is meeting with his Russian counterpart

Kerry will lose his lunch money and get wedgie.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at September 12, 2013 05:19 AM (9MLX+)

315 Libtards In The Mist.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at September 12, 2013 09:08 AM (tRiRC)

I spent four days last week near Woodstock, NY.

I'll take chimps any day over the preening, affected, ignorant asses of the Northeast left-wing.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:19 AM (gqgiP)

316 I'll settle for them becoming upholders of the law. Enforcing what's already on the books -- and was written long ago -- would be enough to start a real recovery and end the destruction. Posted by: MrScribbler at September 12, 2013 09:05 AM (kaGpp) Mr Scribbler, that would be a good start. TFG canÂ’t drop parts of laws that he doesnÂ’t want to. ItÂ’s a dereliction of duty & grounds for impeachment!

Posted by: CarolT at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (z4WKX)

317 There's no need to fear. Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting with his Russian counterpart in Switzerland where he'll bring to bear copious measures of Jedi mindfuck.

They'll never know what hit them.

Posted by: Fritz at September 12, 2013 09:15 AM (4u+Q5)

I did not realize OD-ing on Botox gave you force-powers.

Posted by: EC at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (GQ8sn)

318 Just spitballin' but is there any similarity between Putin's message directly to the American people, and Germany running articles about neutral shipping and U-boat attacks in our newspapers prior to the war?

Serious question, and not sure of the answer.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (e/R50)

319 I'll admit it, I don't know anyone ( except the morons on here ) that live east of Indiana, much less in NE or DC. I don't know anyone on the other coast either. I depend on movies and TV shows to help shape my opinions of my coastal betters.

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (/jHWN)

320 jeebus the news is talking about a road that collapsed and dumped a bunch of cars into the flood

Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (8sCoq)

321 Good morning, y'all!

Posted by: EC at September 12, 2013 05:20 AM (GQ8sn)

>>What the fuck is the matter with Obama that makes him such a sniveling hypocritical little pussy that he'd allow this great nation to be embarrassed by the likes of that douchebag? Grrr .

.

.

.Obama's ego caused every single part of this to happen, every single part.

Posted by: Registered Voter at September 12, 2013 05:21 AM (kYfFr)

323 flash flooding all over the place this morning- 2 dead so far, dive teams rescuing people, NG turned off up in the mts west of Denver- it's pretty fucked up flood warning for Big Thompson River- a flood there back in the 70s killed over 170 people fucking monsoon is just parked over the Front Range Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 09:15 AM (8sCoq) Fox just showed a rescue of a guy in a car as it was happening. I thought the guy was a goner.

Posted by: Tami[/i][/b][/u][/s] at September 12, 2013 05:21 AM (bCEmE)

324 #312 Don't forget the pictures with Rodham coming from church, where amazingly a bolt of lightning didn't strike the altar. Also he'd have a binder of porn disguised as a Bible.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:22 AM (dWfdt)

325 I'm surprised the NYT didn't censor Putin's mention of God.

Posted by: Countrysquire at September 12, 2013 05:24 AM (LSJmV)

326 Heavy rain in Colorado is OBVIOUSLY God crying for the libtards getting recalled... or he's trying to wash the Californian-transplants out of the state. Good luck up there Jones.... Wish we had your rain down here in Texas... getting a bit parched..

and again... congrats to you and conservatives in Colorado for giving the rest of us some hope. Hang in there and good luck on a new Governor in 2014.

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 05:24 AM (/jHWN)

327 NE would fall apart in six months if you pulled all the Republicans out. There would be cannibalism within two weeks. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:16 AM (gqgiP) You say that like it's a bad thing or somethin.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:25 AM (bb5+k)

328 Don't forget the pictures with Rodham coming from church, where amazingly a bolt of lightning didn't strike the altar. lol, I forgot about that. I have a Photoshop hidden somewhere on the net of that moment. I added Hillary bringing not just Bill, but Kim Jong il and AhMomItsJihad to Jesus.

Posted by: Schrödinger's cat [/i] at September 12, 2013 05:26 AM (U2UQk)

329 Andy, for us Texans, everything north of Oklahoma or east of the Mississippi is "the northeast".

Posted by: Countrysquire at September 12, 2013 05:27 AM (LSJmV)

330 "Leadership in House sucks. Boehner refuses independent investigation on Benghazi.
I wonder if TFG has something on him?"

They all have something on each other. It creates a certain Mutually Assured Destruction environment, but with a Leftward drift because only GOPers are truly afraid of a negative reaction by their constituency.

Posted by: Jaws at September 12, 2013 05:27 AM (4I3Uo)

331 I spent four days last week near Woodstock, NY. I'll take chimps any day over the preening, affected, ignorant asses of the Northeast left-wing. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:19 AM (gqgiP) NorthEast is just the current manifestation. It is my belief that leftism is a byproduct of Wealth. Great Wealth divorces people from reality, and families brought up within it simply have no comprehension of a larger society which does not have access to such wealth. The French Revolution agitators were often the wives and children of the Wealthy Aristocrats.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:29 AM (bb5+k)

332 298. On ObamaCare, the GOP needs a simple, obviously fair proposal. -- Absolutely. ALL ALONG the Republican Leadership have FAILED to unify their membership's efforts. Every damned legislator was introducing his own bill to make himself look important back home -- too many cooks spoiled the broth. Because the Republican Leaders FAILED to organize the best and simplest means to lower the cost of medical treatment into ONE BILL. And when ObamaCare passed by the vote that wasn't a real vote, but the DeLay hammer abbreviated voting process (short cuts always end up biting you in the ass), the entire Republican congressional membership roared: We Will Never Fund This Abomination! And as soon as they came back for the new session, here we are hearing: "It is the law of the land." Read it and weep. But there's a new kid in the class with the express set skills required to cut to the chase for the best advantage, no detours, no falling for pit holes. And Cruz joins with like minds, Lee and Paul et al. So long as these "alternative leaders" to the corrupted Party Leadership get the grassroots' avid support, our federal government will lose manifested abuses of power. Patience and fortitude. We're all in the USA boat, and may as well be working in the direction WE choose to port with the cargo WE choose to carry. Much is made of time limits even as time goes on.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 05:29 AM (MhA4j)

333 331 Andy, for us Texans, everything north of Oklahoma or east of the Mississippi is "the northeast". Posted by: Countrysquire

Eleventy!

Posted by: Yip at September 12, 2013 05:30 AM (/jHWN)

334 "Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose."

Sorry Gabe, but that is an exaggeration so silly that it may be snark, and I'm just not far enough into my coffee to detect it.

Your false equivalence of a leadership that is too soft, and a conservative bloc that is too hard is designed to hide the real issue, and that is that the leadership of the GOP in congress has been, is, and probably will be so accommodative that they have lost sight of their political philosophy (if they ever had one).

I'll accept the current leadership when they fight something...anything!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:30 AM (gqgiP)

335 Of interest.... Rick Perry and the State of Texas ran a commercial on the radio in MD that I heard on my way into work. Selling TX and slamming Marty Owe'Malley and his tax tax tax approach to governing. Very effective ad. First time I've heard it.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at September 12, 2013 05:32 AM (32Ze2)

336 The French Revolution agitators were often the wives and children of the Wealthy Aristocrats.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 09:29 AM (bb5+k)

Bullshit.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:32 AM (gqgiP)

337 Your false equivalence of a leadership that is too soft, and a conservative bloc that is too hard is designed to hide the real issue, and that is that the leadership of the GOP in congress has been, is, and probably will be so accommodative that they have lost sight of their political philosophy (if they ever had one). I'll accept the current leadership when they fight something...anything! Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:30 AM (gqgiP) Vichy Republicans.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:33 AM (bb5+k)

338 "If we're all agreed that this course of action is doomed to failure and likely to make Republicans look bad, I'd just as soon avoid that course of action. No, "principle" does not require that we publicly shoot ourselves in the face. Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year." - A Pussy Look, we all can agree that this communism thing is really getting popular. If we try to fight it, we're gonna get hammered in the press. No. Let's just bide our time and wait until they start corralling us into boxcars. Then the people will see that this communism thing is really kind of bad.

Posted by: Fyscyl Clyff at September 12, 2013 05:34 AM (Z1/Hr)

339 338 The French Revolution agitators were often the wives and children of the Wealthy Aristocrats. Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 09:29 AM (bb5+k) Bullshit. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:32 AM (gqgiP) Read it yourself. Forward by William F Buckley if that gives you a clue. http://www.amazon.com/Leftism-Revisited-From-Sade-Hitler/dp/0895265370

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:35 AM (bb5+k)

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:30 AM (gqgiP)

CBD, I'd suggest that Gabe's final comment "These children need a time-out" is all the evidence you need that his post wasn't snark.

If I'm a child, then I am entitled to throw a tantrum. And if that tantrum results in every fucking RINO getting tossed out of office, so be it.

And by the way - nothing says "serious adult" to me like suing a bakery owner because he won't make you a special rainbow cake to validate your "marriage."

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 05:37 AM (zF6Iw)

The House GOP leadership's goal is to lose every battle. That way the dreaded media will leave them alone.

Posted by: gary gulrud at September 12, 2013 05:37 AM (uv0Aw)

342 331. heh, same applies to anyone who grew up west of Texas. Heck, everything east of Idaho was "north east". "Back East" referenced the entire east coast, much to the chagrin of a South Carolinian I met "back east" in Baltimore once upon a time, set me straight about the Mason Dixon history lesson. Not that east coast residents knew where any of the western states were, except for the obvious California. Live and learn.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 05:37 AM (MhA4j)

343 #338 He's right about that. I can provide specific examples if required; right now that asshole Marat is the only one who comes to mind.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:38 AM (dWfdt)

344 Won't be no Revolution, CarolT. Not anytime soon, anyway. Maybe in 20-30 years. Doubt the attempt will work, regardless.

Posted by: Bigby's Velvet Glove at September 12, 2013 05:38 AM (3ZtZW)

345 Regardless of outcome on Obamacare or any other specific issue, a government shutdown is always a win.

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at September 12, 2013 05:39 AM (epxV4)

"Neither is that a good strategy for taking back the Senate next year."

No, but it is a good strategy for corralling political donations for your reelection campaign.

Posted by: RokShox at September 12, 2013 05:40 AM (8MMMw)

347 Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 09:37 AM (zF6Iw)

Yes....I was being generous.

Gabe is so immersed in the DC culture of accomodation, cocktail parties, back room deals and selling out that he has lost sight of exactly what makes a successful political party: A ~~coherent~~consistent political philosophy.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:40 AM (gqgiP)

348 Not that east coast residents knew where any of the western states were, except for the obvious California.

Heh. When I first went to college in Indiana, Iowans referred to it as "back east."

Northwest Territory FTW.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™, BFD, ZOMG, WTF, BBQ, QED at September 12, 2013 05:41 AM (/kI1Q)

I have a request, mainly because I live in MA so I notice it more but also because this formulation is limiting ... can we drop the "NE" from RINO?

Just the kind of talk I'd expect from a classic NE RINO!

Also, can I just say that I'm absolutely fucking shocked that NYT readers would be taken in by the machinations of a former KGB agent from the Soviet regime.

One should never go full fucktard.

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at September 12, 2013 05:42 AM (BrQrN)

350 And by the way - nothing says "serious adult" to me like suing a bakery owner because he won't make you a special rainbow cake to validate your "marriage."

I don't know; whining about having to pay for your own birth control is right up there.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™, BFD, ZOMG, WTF, BBQ, QED at September 12, 2013 05:42 AM (/kI1Q)

351 Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 09:38 AM (dWfdt)

Sure, there are examples, but the vast majority of the revolutionaries came from the people of Paris, the press, the English-leaning French, and the disaffected.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:42 AM (gqgiP)

352 I keep a lead lined glove I got from a Detroit cop back in 72..for just those bitch slapping occasions,
Thank you sir may I have another?
Bammy has the same tools for Media and Sheep..
My apologies to the tasty sheep in Colorado

Posted by: 44-40 at September 12, 2013 05:43 AM (3GuQx)

353 mmm... mini dounts

Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 05:43 AM (8sCoq)

354 dounts?

do-nuts

Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 05:44 AM (8sCoq)

355 I'm absolutely fucking shocked that NYT readers would be taken in by the machinations of a former KGB agent from the Soviet regime.

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at September 12, 2013 09:42 AM (BrQrN)

Then you haven't met many NYT readers!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:44 AM (gqgiP)

356 345 #338 He's right about that. I can provide specific examples if required; right now that asshole Marat is the only one who comes to mind. Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 09:38 AM (dWfdt) Even without historical references, the evidence is all about us. Look at the wealthiest parts of the Nation, and see what their dominant politics look like. You will find they are almost universally liberal. It is not the men who created such wealth that are the advocates of Liberal politics, but those who are the subsequent beneficiaries of what these men created.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:46 AM (bb5+k)

357 #353 He specifically said "agitators" which is what made it a valid comment. Yes the numbers are on your side regarding participants in Paris but there was a lot of lesser noticed activity out in the sticks that was very extreme.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 05:48 AM (dWfdt)

Putin didn't just 'bitch slap' the US. He gave us a warning.

When the head of a foreign nation makes a direct appeal to the American people, you know that diplomacy has failed.
This is the equivalent of a 'war warning.'
He's saying, "There's no need for violence, here. Please think things over before you do this. You're leaving us no choice.'

The gratuitous insults in a 'diplomatic' letter? He's mad as hell.

Posted by: Warren Bonesteel at September 12, 2013 05:48 AM (klGLB)

359 Gabe is so immersed in the DC culture of accomodation, cocktail parties, back room deals and selling out that he has lost sight of exactly what makes a successful political party: A coherentconsistent political philosophy. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:40 AM (gqgiP) This appears to be a phenomena that affects most people who are exposed to it. The Beltway mentality has turned more than one decent conservative into a squish. I've long suggested we make congress remain in their districts and link everyone with telepresence or something. Certainly would make it harder on the lobbyists. Harder for backroom deals as well. "We have the Technology. "

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:48 AM (bb5+k)

360 Marat is the only one who comes to mind.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 09:38 AM (dWfdt)

Marat wasn't an aristocrat. I don't even think he was French.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:50 AM (gqgiP)

361 Sure, there are examples, but the vast majority of the revolutionaries came from the people of Paris, the press, the English-leaning French, and the disaffected. Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:42 AM (gqgiP) Sure, the army came from the populace, but the dominant agitators came from the Aristocracy. Years ago I read an article from American Spectator suggesting that the Marque De Sade was very nearly singlehandedly responsible for triggering the French Revolution. He was locked up in the Bastille, and every day would scream out the window overlooking the public area that there were thousands of political prisoners being held there and tortured. He did this every day for weeks, till finally people started listening to him. After they stormed the place and killed a bunch of guards, they discovered he had been lying to them. Too late at that point.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:52 AM (bb5+k)

362 who knows, Perhaps this recent 'flexibility' is what was to be expected After the elections.

Posted by: willow at September 12, 2013 05:53 AM (nqBYe)

363 Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 09:48 AM (dWfdt)

Certainly there were aristocrats who supported the revolution. But they were not an integral part of the fight, and the real agitation came from others. The Tennis Court Oath was all commoners. And that was the formal beginning of the revolution.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 05:54 AM (gqgiP)

364 "Plenty of people who are not presently against it (or who are erstwhile complacent about it) will feel the pain. You bet they will. That's when the screaming and ranting on a truly national level will occur. " It's easy for us to toss off phrases like "feel the pain", but, for a lot of people, that "pain" could take the form of a life-changing event. No job. No medicine. Family doctor gone. By standing back and letting this happen we're only allowing the government to sweep (formerly) middle-class people into to a new life of government dependence. And then, with no more actual political power than we have right now, you intend to flip these people into conservative voters. That's not a good strategy.

Posted by: Galos Gann at September 12, 2013 05:54 AM (T3KlW)

365 359 #353 He specifically said "agitators" which is what made it a valid comment. Yes the numbers are on your side regarding participants in Paris but there was a lot of lesser noticed activity out in the sticks that was very extreme. Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 09:48 AM (dWfdt) The Book I cited above is an eyeopener regarding the origins of leftist thinking in history. The Socialists who seized France were just as despicable as the Nazis later proved to be. The Author argues that they were only limited in their ability to kill, not their desire to do so. He details many of the atrocities they committed. Atrocities of which I had never before heard. They baked people in ovens too. They wanted to poison rivers to kill entire regions, they just lacked the means to do so. And yes, running most of the machinery of death were the children of privilege.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 05:57 AM (bb5+k)

I agree with the other posters thatr Putin's op-ed was both a shot across the bow and a signal that there are very rough international waters ahead. But I cannot deny the warm, fuzzy feeling it gives me to see the dog-eating crackhead get the donkey punch he's long deserved. Putin shows more balls in one article than the entire GOP leadership has shown in five years.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 05:58 AM (zF6Iw)

367 We win, and Obamacare goes away.
We lose, and the government largely shuts down.

I'm failing to see the downside.
Oh, the media will say mean things about us. Which is different... How, exactly?

Posted by: Luke at September 12, 2013 05:58 AM (sl1S5)

368 358 345 #338 Even without historical references, the evidence is all about us. Look at the wealthiest parts of the Nation, and see what their dominant politics look like. You will find they are almost universally liberal. It is not the men who created such wealth that are the advocates of Liberal politics, but those who are the subsequent beneficiaries of what these men created. Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 09:46 AM (bb5+k) Bingo. Years ago I read an excellent book called "Guilt, Blame, and Politics" by Allen Levite. He gave example after example from history. I think it's out of print but you can probably find used copies online.

Posted by: rickl at September 12, 2013 06:00 AM (zoehZ)

369 Bingo. Years ago I read an excellent book called "Guilt, Blame, and Politics" by Allen Levite. He gave example after example from history. I think it's out of print but you can probably find used copies online. Posted by: rickl at September 12, 2013 10:00 AM (zoehZ) And human nature is pretty constant. Those who grow up with wealth and privilege are often motivated by a guilt for the poorness of others. That in nature, some people are just better hunters strikes them as unfair. By the time they are done, they have created a system which is even less fair, but could only have been avoided by more astute people prior to the fact. Some people simply cannot visualize accurately the long term consequences of their "equality" ideas. They have to instantiate their ideas before they can see what was wrong with them.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at September 12, 2013 06:05 AM (bb5+k)

370 341. Hm. That Western revolutionary era which our own inaugurated would of course have been THE topic of discussion everywhere. Marie Antoinette loved playing the noble peasant milk maid in her garden retreat. And yes, royalty throughout Europe were censoring in order to protect the Old Guard, themselves. I'd expect the lively discussion amongst the aristocrats was not limited to America's heroic friend, Lafayette. But I would be surprised to find that the children of the royal class actually shot their parent's friends, armed the masses of peasants, and built the guillotines. And I disagree with those who think that AbbÃ© Lamennais discussions of how to allow the laborers to excel in their pursuit of happiness (give opportunity to education, prosperity, and purchase of private property) was the moral equivalent of Marx. Though for the record, Bastien rules the best insights towards outcomes. Likewise, later in Russia, I don't think Tolstoy (1828-1910) was an agitator out there fomenting the mobs to eventually riot and kill the Czar in a revolution. Given authoritarianism overruling the world, oppositional discussions are imperative. And though words and ideas have a life of their own, unless put into action, faith without works is dead. All things considered, aside from the first born male heir, there would be malcontents within the aristocracy who would abuse their opportunism to shed blood, especially if they win their perverted coup playing Cain to Abel. In my opinion, aristocrats and elitists are inbred corruption, and incubate their own fissures to self destruction. Authoritarians, by whatever label. For every Hitler, there's a Stalin.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:10 AM (MhA4j)

371 I will make this short and sweet - if the Republicans do not take every action available to defund/derail the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, which was one of, if not THE, main reason they were voted into office, then I am shredding my Republican party affiliation and voting "independent" or not at all. That is MY red line, and I WILL back it up.

If they will not pursue the main objective we "hired" them to do, they cannot be trusted to do anything else we request/demand. So they're dead to me. And I won't be the only one. Hope they cater to enough gays and Hispanics to make up for it.

So, how are you going to boogieman me, to get me to fall into line? "B..b..b..but the Democrats will get what they want if you don't vote Republican!!" Guess what - I voted Republican in four Presidential elections, and I'll be damned, the Democrats STILL get what they want, to everyone's detriment. Too-dles.

Posted by: Saltydonnie at September 12, 2013 06:15 AM (i6shs)

372 #362 Marat was Swiss but lived his adult life in France. He wasn't an aristocrat, like say Mirabeau, but he wasn't impoverished either. The causes of the French Revolution weren't just those affecting the rabble in Paris. There were a lot of well off people in the sticks who were tired of being capriciously taxed.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 06:15 AM (dWfdt)

373 That's right Gabe, give in. Hold onto to your Red seats, so they can continue to roll over for the rest of their political careers. I'm so sick and tired of ball less governing. Govern, ya know the first part of the word government. Squishy doesn't belong in D.C. If the effort isn't made now, when will it be? When Aquarius is aligned over youranus?

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at September 12, 2013 06:18 AM (HVff2)

374 Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 10:15 AM (dWfdt)

I criticized the statement: "The French Revolution agitators were often the wives and children of the Wealthy Aristocrats."

Nothing you say disagrees with my criticism.

OT, but I would argue that the American Revolution was the only revolution that was a net positive.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 06:21 AM (gqgiP)

375 They baked people in ovens too. They wanted to poison rivers to kill entire regions, they just lacked the means to do so. And yes, running most of the machinery of death were the children of privilege. Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp Yes, it would be that way, I see. What spoiled brat, but second/third born son, wouldn't jump at the chance to remove the obstacle in his way to play King of the Mountain? Permanently. Every thug dreams to rule the gang. "Because I Could" is the "right" of aristocracy. And the aristocracy never did value humanity, only their own personal vanity and enjoyment of authoritarian powers to use and abuse for pleasure. Philanthropy in Baroque France?! Hell, you couldn't even get an audience in court, much less with the King, unless you "mattered" with "class" and could dance very well. There was never and is never generosity of spirit from the wealthiest "class" to actually and willingly take the shirt off their own back to clothe the naked, and commit to being the Good Samaritan to those in the gutter, robbed and beaten, left to die, abandoned by their King, Priest, Doctors, Neighbors.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:23 AM (MhA4j)

376 fucking monsoon is just parked over the Front Range Posted by: Jones in CO at September 12, 2013 09:15 AM (8sCoq) I had 5" overnight in my rain gauge (east of Boulder). A friend of mine is stuck in Dodge City, Kansas because of cancelled flights.

Posted by: jwb7605 [i](L.I.B.)[/i][/u][/b] at September 12, 2013 06:23 AM (Qxe/p)

377 375 CBD,

I'd disagree...

You have Holland, the English Evil War and Republic, many Chinese examples...

shit gets stagnant and corrupt...

flush DC

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 06:23 AM (9jfyN)

378 Nothing wrong with the GOP leadership's 'pick your battles' strategy except they never seem to fight.

Posted by: troyriser at September 12, 2013 06:24 AM (V9ol4)

I wonder why Putin wants to bitchslap Obama? Actually, I know why...But is there another reason to sound reasonable and trustworthy?

Oh yeah, he's hosting the Olympics in a couple of months.

Now, the media won't be highlighting his anti-gay laws or his human rights abuses or his autocratic nature in general.

Instread, it's what a great statesman and diplomat he is.

Well played, Putin. Well played. It helped, of course, to be playing against Obama, but we won't hold that against you. You did better than the Republicans...

Posted by: MacGruber at September 12, 2013 06:25 AM (S+el1)

Gabe: If we're all agreed that this course of action is doomed to failure and likely to make Republicans look bad, I'd just as soon avoid that course of action.

So, optics over conservative principles.

Nothing wrong with the GOP leadership's 'pick your battles' strategy except they never seem to fight.

Posted by: troyriser at September 12, 2013 10:24 AM (V9ol4)

And there's the "make Republicans look bad" optics problem the GOP ought to be concerned about. Are they actually fighting? Then show us. Tell us what you have done to throw roadblocks in Barky's way. Oh, and don't think you're fooling us with your too-clever-by-half "we're defunding, but not really defunding" Cantor shit. We're not as stupid as you think we are, Tan Man.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 06:29 AM (zF6Iw)

381 353 CBD ", but the vast majority of the revolutionaries came from the people of Paris, the press, the English-leaning French, " -- Those who affiliated themselves with England were the French aristocrats who fled for their lives. The British killed their king, had their civil war, and Parliament decided the Common Wealth wasn't any good without a King to make the Lords more comfortable with "responsibility" and a figurehead to unite the people. The sick twist of fate is that in "defeating" socialism, the British immediately voted for socialism. WWII Boomer Welfare State

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:31 AM (MhA4j)

382 sorry.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at September 12, 2013 06:35 AM (zF6Iw)

383 Nothing wrong with the GOP leadership's 'pick your battles' strategy except they never seem to fight. Posted by: troyriser at September 12, 2013 10:24 AM (V9ol4) -- You forget: "Then we'll usurp the Tea Party." Dan Quayle, gopper neocon And speaking of Quayle (while ridiculing John Kerry's sense of royal ass entitlement), Steve Pieczenik told the story (tongue in cheek?) that George H.W. Bush had a standing order to shoot Quayle should Bush die in office. Who was House Speaker then?

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:35 AM (MhA4j)

Marat wasn't an aristocrat. I don't even think he was French.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at September 12, 2013 09:50 AM (gqgiP)

----------

Marat was from Canton de Neuchatel, now in Switzerland, and was a doctor. Marat = Howard Dean. YEARRRRRRGH!

Posted by: RickZ at September 12, 2013 06:37 AM (SfKwA)

Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) appeared on Glenn BeckÂ’s radio program Wednesday to reveal an Â“ideaÂ” that he says is being floated by Republican leadership to keep Â“ObamacareÂ” intact, while giving Republicans a way to tell their constituents that they voted to defund it.

Â“So Senate Republican leadership in the last 36 hours or so has been floating an idea, the House Republican leadership, to move forward with a plan that would do two things with one vote,Â” Senator Lee explained. Â“It would pass two pieces of legislation with one vote in the House. One of those pieces of legislation would defund Obamacare. The other one would pass a so‑called Â‘cleanÂ’ continuing resolution, funding everything in government and allowing Obamacare to remain funded and fully operational.Â”

Posted by: DefendUSA at September 12, 2013 06:37 AM (S0aj8)

Ok, Gabe. Is this a fair summary?

"Republican legislators can't do what their voters want, because their voters might get mad at them and not vote for them again."

Posted by: Steve in Greensboro at September 12, 2013 06:39 AM (sugnf)

387 Evil Tea Party Hobbits!!! It must be a day ending in Y.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at September 12, 2013 06:43 AM (5H6zj)

388 384, GHWB: Who was House Speaker then? OK, Jim Wright and then Tom Foley, Democrats.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:44 AM (MhA4j)

389 #384 Jim Wright? We'd have been truly fucked if so.

Posted by: Captain Hate on an iPhone at September 12, 2013 06:45 AM (dWfdt)

390 What troyriser said at 379.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at September 12, 2013 06:45 AM (5H6zj)

391 386, take care what gets inserted under wraps and vote

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:46 AM (MhA4j)

392 383. Love means never having to say you're sorry, MP4.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:48 AM (MhA4j)

393 390. It certainly illustrates what GHWB thought of his Quayle. But then, maybe Pieczenik was sharing a WH insider joke. I wasn't into politics then. But I did vote against VP Bush's ballot on principle. Bad move, giving the CIA the Oval Office. Rather, separations of power, and limited powers in my book.

Posted by: panzernashorn at September 12, 2013 06:54 AM (MhA4j)

394 >>The House discord is the same old tune we've come to know over the past few years. Leadership says it wants to pick its battles. Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose.<< Outrageous and totally BS strawman. I don't expect much from Gabe, but this misses even that low threshold.

Posted by: GM at September 12, 2013 06:54 AM (drA0Q)

395 Leadership says it wants to pick its battles? When? What? The House leadership runs and hides when an issue like this comes up. Tell us-who looked more like a leader: Boehner folding like a cheap suit on the Syria issue or Paul getting out there in front of the camera and speaking from principle?

Posted by: ejo at September 12, 2013 07:23 AM (GXvSO)

396 "Rank-and-file conservatives say we must fight every battle, even ones we'll lose." --------- You are, without a doubt, an idiot. Set up those strawmen and take the flamethrower to them, all in two sentences! Shit cracks me up. Look at how deferential you are to leadership. They want to "pick their battles." You know, like responsible people. Meanwhile, those nasty old "conservatives" want to fight every battle everywhere, even if it means looking like idiots. Let me try a different one. House leadership wants to acquiesce on anything that might take a little bit of spine to fight for, while the conservatives want to fight battles that actually matter, as opposed to the fucking on-the-fringes battles that people like McConnell get excited about. You know, ones where he can say he "won" without actually winning anything of value. See the sequester for details.

Posted by: Rich at September 12, 2013 09:15 AM (X3jCZ)

397 Your false equivalence of a leadership that is too soft, and a conservative bloc that is too hard is designed to hide the real issue, and that is that the leadership of the GOP in congress has been, is, and probably will be so accommodative that they have lost sight of their political philosophy (if they ever had one). ---------- He might actually deserve some slack if he actually did equate the "too hard conservatives" with the "too soft leadership." But he didn't. He makes it clear, he thinks leadership picks its battles. As in, they aren't just out there giving away position needlessly left and right. They are strategic. They are SMART. Meanwhile, the other side just wants to blindely fire in all directions, fighting anything and everything. You see, Gabe makes clear which side he is on. He thinks John Boehner's approach has been a good one. On basically everything.

Posted by: Rich at September 12, 2013 09:21 AM (X3jCZ)

398 http://tinyurl.com/p4rbo8l

Nice TSA worker in Los Angeles is guy behind Jihad website...

because well "fairness you guys"...

Posted by: sven10077 at September 12, 2013 09:05 AM (9jfyN)

Late to the party, but I read the link, and this guy doesn't sound like any kind of jihadi, maybe more of a Christian Millennialist? A nutbar, to be sure. Best thing to do with him would be to give him an assault rifle and a rucksack full of ammo, and parachute him into Syria.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 12, 2013 09:49 AM (8Fl6F)

399 Just spitballin' but is there any similarity between Putin's message directly to the American people, and Germany running articles about neutral shipping and U-boat attacks in our newspapers prior to the war? Serious question, and not sure of the answer. Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at September 12, 2013 09:20 AM (e/R50) My serious answer is I don't think so. Both were forms of propaganda, but the U-boat warnings were just that- a warning, where the Germans were not pulling punches. They really meant it. They later proved that intent beyond rhetoric, and would then point to the warnings and say "See what you made us do?!??" Putin's op-ed OTOH isn't propaganda of fear, but propaganda of disdain. He's using a known leftist media outlet to basically call us out, knowing full well nothing will happen. He's pressing his humiliation of Obama for all it's worth. After that show of manliness JEF tried to pull on Putin at G20, I knew Putin was waiting for the chance to bite back. He was probably a little surprised at how rapidly that chance came. I know this humiliates the entire country, but I can't help but be amused. All because Jon Cary just couldn't keep his mouth shut. Smart Power!

Posted by: Bill H at September 12, 2013 10:30 AM (3sZO1)

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