General Politics Thread III: Stimulate THIS

[loveisdead]

Holy shit hahahahaah. "But...but...why should we help insure them if they can do it themselves?"

[saysmydoctor]

Like I said, she reads Ann Coulter. And then tries to validate by saying she contributes to the political discourse.

[Mitch]

lolz

[saysmydoctor]

http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/political-pictures-barack-obama-chill-out-got-this.jpg

Sums that up, basically.

[Mitch]

You are friends with some retarded people, Sean.

[loveisdead]

Hahahaha....oh hey Mitch. party on sean's facebook

[loveisdead]

You are friends with some retarded people, Sean.
I'm sure we are too. I have some from back during the election that are insanely idiotic.

[Mitch]

I'm sure we are too. I have some from back during the election that are insanely idiotic.

Well, I deleted almost every single person who had statuses that angered me last November. Haha.

[saysmydoctor]

They are idiots.

[saysmydoctor]

godwin'd.

[saysmydoctor]

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l265/begintheending/Picture1-11.png

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

we dont care that he is black we just bring it up alot

dry and unappetizing ? is she describing her dinner or ?

[saysmydoctor]

She's a fucking idiot, dude.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

haha ya I can tell.

[saysmydoctor]

The conservative girl posted a link to some bullshit article by the of course, post-partisan Heritage Foundation. So I made a comment, and she deleted it.

Irony.

[loveisdead]

Yeah I'm done with it now. I'm not even entertained anymore.

[Mitch]

I am going to start more shit.

[loveisdead]

Hahahaha you asshole my phone will not shut the fuck up.

[saysmydoctor]

"Gays go against everything that is holy."

[Mitch]

"Gays go against everything that is holy."

But...but..."I like gays"

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

lol

[Mitch]

Sean: You don't know what you are talking about. That's not an ad hominem attack or poisoning the well. You are legitimately stupid. You can't substantiate any of your bogus fucking claims. It's quite obvious you reciprocate what you see and hear on Fox News to anyone who will listen.

Hahahaha

[saysmydoctor]

I win.

[neo506]

The conservative girl posted a link to some bullshit article by the of course, post-partisan Heritage Foundation. So I made a comment, and she deleted it.

Irony.Im sure she had no idea what your comment meant either

[Machu505]

Former congressman William Jefferson (D-LA) gets 13 years (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/13/william-jefferson-ex-cong_n_357667.html).

:celebrate:

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/14/us/14legal.html?_r=2&hp
Didn't they really publicize their Jihadist views by flying planes into buildings?

[lauren<3s music]

Friends don't let friends friend republicans on facebook.

silly boys

[loveisdead]

Giuliani, shut the fuck up.

[sjb2k1]

"Gays go against everything that is holy."
it's true, we also run from crosses and most likely will melt if you throw holy water at us.

[Mitch]

This is awesome.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/16/columbus-go-home/

[neo506]

Giuliani, shut the fuck up.http://www.dailykos.com/tv/w/002339/

[Machu505]

Holy shit I'm angry. I just found out that a couple of my friends didn't know what al-Qaeda is. I wish teenage girls didn't act so stereotypically.

[xshady121]

This is awesome.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/16/columbus-go-home/

that is hilarious.

you have to love the sheeple mentality.

[Josh Weinstein]

This is awesome.

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/16/columbus-go-home/


Since the surge in anti-immigration protests dating back to 2006, I believe anti-illegal immigrants stems from racism rather than citizen status. Near my hometown, there's alot of Mexican / South American residents, particularly Brazilian. There's been protests and marches against all of the so-called immigrants. To me, it's simply a legal status. If immigrants want to come to this country, then they should go through the necessary paperwork to acquire citizenship. If only it was easier for them. Yet, European immigrants aren't targeted because they happened to be white.
I tend to read local newspaper and TV news' websites, and whenever there is a story on the arrest of a person with a Hispanic name, the entire comments section is filled with "filthy illegal immigrant" and "send him back to Mexico" type comments. It doesn't say in the article if the arrested person is an illegal immigrant, but people are quick to judge and assume all criminals are not U.S. citizens.

[sjb2k1]

Holy shit I'm angry. I just found out that a couple of my friends didn't know what al-Qaeda is. I wish teenage girls didn't act so stereotypically.
i'd love to know how that conversation came up, and what you said to them. you don't fit the mold, along with most of the people who post in here, but most teenagers are dumbasses.

[xshady121]

Levi Johnston (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/17/earlyshow/main5682541.shtml)
I just look at her in disgust. ... It's almost funny, that she's like, 46 years old, and she's battling a 19 year old, and I'm winning. And I'm telling the truth. She's lying and losing. ... If you look at her face, she's got -- she's really -- you can tell her mind's going 100 miles an hour when Oprah asked her those Levi questions. ... I've got a lot more knowledge and credibility than she gives me credit for.

That's like being the winner of the special olympics, kid.

[saysmydoctor]

Hahahaha, seriously.

Both are idiots, so saying you are one-upping the former governor in a battle of wits....badge of honor, bro.

[MyNameIsRoss]

Holy shit I'm angry. I just found out that a couple of my friends didn't know what al-Qaeda is. I wish teenage girls didn't act so stereotypically.


I bet you fucking hate being in high school.

[saysmydoctor]

http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/11/17/scoring-obamas-foreign-policy-record/

Obama graded.

[neo506]

O’Reilly has been on a roll lately.

to Lou Dobbs: “Barack Obama — is he the devil?”

sRp2_mv5xVY&feature=player_embedded


With Glenn Beck on his radio show:

BECK: Last week, I head you say that — you were on with Dennis Miller. ... You two were talking about an insurrection coming.
O’REILLY: Tax revolt.
BECK: He used the word insurrection. And not in a comedic way.
O’REILLY: Yeah, tax revolt. I think people, when they figure out how badly they’re going to get hurt in the next few years, there’s going to be a tea party on taxes and its gonna get nasty. Nancy Pelosi’s going to be bobbing up and down in the Boston Harbor.
This statement appeared to be too much for Beck even, who replied, "Uh, I don’t think that’s necessary."


http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/16/oreilly-drown-pelosi/

[saysmydoctor]

Didn't Beck say he wanted to poison her wine?

[loveisdead]

Didn't Beck say he wanted to poison her wine?
yes (http://mediamatters.org/research/200908070020).

[Machu505]

i'd love to know how that conversation came up, and what you said to them. you don't fit the mold, along with most of the people who post in here, but most teenagers are dumbasses.
One guy in my health class didn't know what Maine (yes, the state) or al-Qaeda was, so I gave those two comments as examples of why he wasn't exactly smart. They responded, "What's al-Qaeda? Is it a country? A person?"

I was amazed.

[Machu505]

I bet you fucking hate being in high school.
Not really. I rather enjoy it, actually.

[lauren<3s music]

One guy in my health class didn't know what Maine (yes, the state) or al-Qaeda was, so I gave those two comments as examples of why he wasn't exactly smart. They responded, "What's al-Qaeda? Is it a country? A person?"

I was amazed.
seriously, if we all throw in some money can we move you from WV? I'm afraid of what the state could do to you long-term. DONT DRINK THE WATER

[MyNameIsRoss]

Not really. I rather enjoy it, actually.

I meant it as a compliment. As in you are intellectually above most 15 year olds, hell most 20 year olds.

I for one hated high school.

[Mitch]

One guy in my health class didn't know what Maine (yes, the state) or al-Qaeda was, so I gave those two comments as examples of why he wasn't exactly smart. They responded, "What's al-Qaeda? Is it a country? A person?"

I was amazed.

Wow.

[lauren<3s music]

Wow.
pretty much

[Machu505]

I still love 'em though.

[kofiadrian]

One guy in my health class didn't know what Maine (yes, the state) or al-Qaeda was, so I gave those two comments as examples of why he wasn't exactly smart. They responded, "What's al-Qaeda? Is it a country? A person?"

I was amazed.



and they wonder why the stereotype of teenagers exist. this is why.

[lauren<3s music]

I still love 'em though.
you're a better person than i am.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Looking forward to Joe Biden on Daily Show tonight. Hopefully they'll have one of those extended interviews.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29645_Page2.html
It's the second page of the article, but I really want to focus on one element of this story:


Kirk also launched www.NoTerroristsInIllinois.com — an extension of his campaign website — and referred to the Thomson Correctional Center as “Great Lakes Gitmo.”



When asked just off the House floor about how the purchase of the prison would affect the campaign, Kirk dismissed the question.


This is not a fucking joke, first of all. This is a serious matter of national security and it also is a major statement of how willing the US is to move towards fixing the serious flaws of its foreign policy. This is important.



You have admitted, some of you, McCain prominently, that Gitmo is a serious stain on the US and it needs to be closed. But you can't accept some serious humiliation that goes along with admitting the fact that you have screwed up grievously? We have to admit that after denying them key and vital rights to equal treatment, no matter what the crime, we messed up. And let's not forget whose fault Gitmo is. Your former administration and your former majority in Congress. This is not a political weapon. Do this because it's important.

[loveisdead]

Looking forward to Joe Biden on Daily Show tonight. Hopefully they'll have one of those extended interviews.
Got your wish. Surprised he didn't make one pitch for healthcare.

[loveisdead]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/17/joe-biden-car-crash-injur_n_361483.html

[J.C.]

and they wonder why the stereotype of teenagers exist. this is why.

I would've gone with the stereotype of West Virginia.

[lauren<3s music]

Senate bill and CBO score today @ 5pm

[saysmydoctor]

Like a vote or floor debate?

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

This kinda of talk is not good:

UGH GOD DAMN IT BARACK DONT BE LIKE HOOVER!!!!!

Barack Obama: “if we keep on adding to the debt… that could actually lead to a double-dip”

(http://feeds.creditwritedowns.com/~r/creditwritedowns/~3/Phhb9NjFJ30/barack-obama-if-we-keep-on-adding-to-the-debt-that-could-actually-lead-to-a-double-dip.html)

[sjb2k1]

One guy in my health class didn't know what Maine (yes, the state) or al-Qaeda was, so I gave those two comments as examples of why he wasn't exactly smart. They responded, "What's al-Qaeda? Is it a country? A person?"

I was amazed.
tell you what. i'll give the kid a pass on al-qaeda, it's tough to spell, etc etc....but maine? there are not words for that.

edit: no, maybe there are. growing up i had a world map, a US map, and a poster of all the US presidents on my wall. i am betting something like that is few and far between these days. sad.

[J.C.]

Did Palin really publicly advocate racial profiling?

[saysmydoctor]

It is cool to get the Legislative Calendar by email.

Answered my own question, Lauren. ;-)

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Got your wish. Surprised he didn't make one pitch for healthcare.
Good interview but kinda of dissapointed it wasn't longer. Joe has a good way of discussing those issues.

This kinda of talk is not good:

UGH GOD DAMN IT BARACK DONT BE LIKE HOOVER!!!!!

Barack Obama: “if we keep on adding to the debt… that could actually lead to a double-dip”

(http://feeds.creditwritedowns.com/%7Er/creditwritedowns/%7E3/Phhb9NjFJ30/barack-obama-if-we-keep-on-adding-to-the-debt-that-could-actually-lead-to-a-double-dip.html)
Wouldn't that be more of Roosevelt thing ? Anyway, I don't put too much stock in it. The Admin is aware of those dangers. Christiane Romer is pretty on top of things like that.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Good interview but kinda of dissapointed it wasn't longer. Joe has a good way of discussing those issues.


Wouldn't that be more of Roosevelt thing ? Anyway, I don't put too much stock in it. The Admin is aware of those dangers. Christiane Romer is pretty on top of things like that.

Ya true it was Roosevelt in '37 who folded to pressure to cut spending and try to balance the budget. I forgot my economic history for a sec.

I sure hope his economic advisors are on top of it. Romer is doing a good job.

[macabre]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/18/health-bill-cbo-score-849_n_362773.html

Great! Lieberman should be on board now, right?

x

[lauren<3s music]

Like a vote or floor debate?
it went to the Democratic caucus today at 5 pm. CBO score was 849 billion with an estimated 94% covered. Bill language will be available to the public tomorrow at 12 p.m. Senator Lincoln has insisted that the 72 hour rule apply meaning the earliest they could actually vote on the motion to proceed would be this weekend. Baucus went home bc his mother is dying and I can't imagine that he comes back for cloture. In addition Coburn has promised to read the bill in its entirety and has 3 opportunities to do so. I think the earliest they'll actually vote will be after thanksgiving and i'm not confident that they have all the votes yet. maybe once i see all the language i'll be convinced, but conservative Dems have said they'll vote for cloture but that doesn't mean they'll vote for the bill. Hell even the liberal Dems were saying that when I was at the DSCC two months ago. I think it's going to be a shitshow. They will pass something the 19th of december when they do omnibus and call it health care reform. In addition tomorrow is the house vote on the doc fix and the Rs started getting whipped hard which means they're going to vote not, piss off the docs, and subsquently make negotiations significantly harder.

i love my job

[lauren<3s music]

and i now have the bill. benefits of being an evil lobbyist. i'm going to be reading until i die.

edit: almost 2100 pages

[lauren<3s music]

well ladies and gents, health care reform is going to fail. or ruin our current system. i really can't believe this is happening

[saysmydoctor]

hahahahahahah

[Mitch]

Sarah Palin is SO fucking stupid. I find myself saying this way too often--especially lately DESPITE not holding any political office--but I really can't help it.

Does she not know ANYTHING about the Middle East and/or international law? Does she not know ANYTHING about the West Bank and Gaza?

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/18/palin-israel-settlements/

Ugh.

Disclaimer: I have been extremely stressed out from school lately, which makes me very easily frustrated.

[saysmydoctor]

I've never seen the media so intoxicated by a shitty memoir.

[Mitch]

I've never seen the media so intoxicated by a shitty memoir.

A "shitty memoir"?! But John Ziegler calls it "the best book and greatest literary achievement by a political figure in [his] lifetime"!

[saysmydoctor]

John Ziegler can chase a ball into traffic.

[lauren<3s music]

oh political minded friends - i'm going to need romantical advice. upside he's a democrat. i think i'd rather rewrite the senate bill by hand.

[Machu505]

Is that the Zogby man?

EDIT: To Ziegler.

[Machu505]

oh political minded friends - i'm going to need romantical advice. upside he's a democrat. i think i'd rather rewrite the senate bill by hand.
I seem to always fall for religious conservatives, so I'm of no help here.

[loveisdead]

I seem to always fall for religious conservatives, so I'm of no help here.
Telllllll me about it.

[lauren<3s music]

I seem to always fall for religious conservatives, so I'm of no help here.
i normally do which is why i'm off my game. he starts talking about social programs and my head spins. sigh. too bad he's a d-bag. oh and he does hc too. i'm so fucked.

[Machu505]

i normally do which is why i'm off my game. he starts talking about social programs and my head spins. sigh. too bad he's a d-bag. oh and he does hc too. i'm so fucked.
It seems to me like every liberal girl I've ever met was either morally depraved or smelled bad. Occasionally both.

Am I the only one who notices a rise in female conservatism?

[loveisdead]

i normally do which is why i'm off my game. he starts talking about social programs and my head spins. sigh. too bad he's a d-bag. oh and he does hc too. i'm so fucked.
Can't you just not call the kid again?
It seems to me like every liberal girl I've ever met was either morally depraved or smelled bad. Occasionally both.

Am I the only one who notices a rise in female conservatism?
Yes. But I live on Long Island and went to Quinnipiac. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

[Machu505]

Can't you just not call the kid again?

Yes. But I live on Long Island and went to Quinnipiac. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Well then it could just be a side-effect of West Virginian suburbia.

[lauren<3s music]

It seems to me like every liberal girl I've ever met was either morally depraved or smelled bad. Occasionally both.

Am I the only one who notices a rise in female conservatism?

its a fair statement i think. i feel like girls feel like to be liberal is to be not "proper" or feminine. like the really liberal girls are almost militant.

Can't you just not call the kid again?

Yes. But I live on Long Island and went to Quinnipiac. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

in theory...

[Machu505]

its a fair statement i think. i feel like girls feel like to be liberal is to be not "proper" or feminine. like the really liberal girls are almost militant.
I think abortion appears to be the most dividing issue among teenage girls. I know more pro-choice men than pro-choice women.

[loveisdead]

Well then it could just be a side-effect of West Virginian suburbia.
Thereee ya go. I had a few friends at school that were democrats or apathetic that I kinda brainwashed into being liberal.
its a fair statement i think. i feel like girls feel like to be liberal is to be not "proper" or feminine. like the really liberal girls are almost militant.



in theory...
Definitely a good point about girls being liberal.

Just do it. You admitted he's a dirtbag. Don't stroke his ego by continuing to see him.

[loveisdead]

I think abortion appears to be the most dividing issue among teenage girls. I know more pro-choice men than pro-choice women.
Knock Knock Knock...this is irony.

[saysmydoctor]

All the girls I tend to like usually could give three shits about politics but everything else they like I still find fascinating because I'm a sponge for knowledge.

But I still get bored.

/xanga

[Machu505]

Knock Knock Knock...this is irony.
They're all down with homosexuality though. Not so much for the males...

[loveisdead]

All the girls I tend to like usually could give three shits about politics but everything else they like I still find fascinating because I'm a sponge for knowledge.

But I still get bored.

/xanga
I kinda get this too. One of my ex girlfriends was gung ho over Obama and voted for him in the primaries, then went all nuts and voted for McCain. I don't get it.

[loveisdead]

They're all down with homosexuality though. Not so much for the males...
Girls in high school loving making out for attention.

Anddddd we're officially PL

[saysmydoctor]

The CA 12th Better Know a District was one of the best hahahahaha right up there with Eleanor Holmes Norton.

[loveisdead]

The CA 12th Better Know a District was one of the best hahahahaha right up there with Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Fuck you I just made a thread for them.

And yes, that was hysterical. Who was the Utah guy he did awhile ago? The one he leg wrestled.

[Nevuk]

I seem to always fall for religious conservatives, so I'm of no help here.
I'm betting that has to do with your area (I've dated a few myself. It made for good lulz).

[Machu505]

Fuck you I just made a thread for them.

And yes, that was hysterical. Who was the Utah guy he did awhile ago? The one he leg wrestled.
Jason Chafitz, though I may have spelled that wrong.

[loveisdead]

Jason Chafitz, though I may have spelled that wrong.
That's it. Thanks. I think that's been my favorite.

[Chancetobe]

So, is anyone doing any campaigning starting this Jan? I'm really hoping to get in on one or both of the Senate campaigns in Ohio (I like both candidates) in the hopes that it could open some job opportunities. Also, I've never done much campaigning and think it could be fun. And my life will be boring next semester. Not that my reasons for doing it matter, just wondering what everyone else is getting involved in.

[saysmydoctor]

So, is anyone doing any campaigning starting this Jan? I'm really hoping to get in on one or both of the Senate campaigns in Ohio (I like both candidates) in the hopes that it could open some job opportunities. Also, I've never done much campaigning and think it could be fun. And my life will be boring next semester. Not that my reasons for doing it matter, just wondering what everyone else is getting involved in.
I plan to volunteer for Gillibrand, Cuomo (when he announces), and I may head up to Syracuse/Central New York to volunteer for Valesky and Aubertine.

On top of campaign work I'll be doing for Tonko as an intern.

[Chancetobe]

I plan to volunteer for Gillibrand, Cuomo (when he announces), and I may head up to Syracuse/Central New York to volunteer for Valesky and Aubertine.

On top of campaign work I'll be doing for Tonko as an intern.


Yeah, I think I'm going to volunteer for Gillibrand if I'm in NY over the summer, or wind up going to a NY law school. I like her.

[saysmydoctor]

Yeah, I think I'm going to volunteer for Gillibrand if I'm in NY over the summer, or wind up going to a NY law school. I like her.
All of her primary opponents are perennial losers, so no worries there. The great thing about Gillibrand is that she is a great fundraiser so she'll be fine in that account as well. I don't think the general election is going to be as rough as the polls are showing.

I've grown to like her too. I was skeptical of her at first but she's come around.

[Chancetobe]

All of her primary opponents are perennial losers, so no worries there. The great thing about Gillibrand is that she is a great fundraiser so she'll be fine in that account as well. I don't think the general election is going to be as rough as the polls are showing.

I've grown to like her too. I was skeptical of her at first but she's come around.

I actually liked her from the beginning. Both she and Jennifer Brunner, the person running in Ohio have very strong stances on gay marriage - which is a really key thing for me in politicians. I think a lot of them don't have the guts to admit that they are for it, so when they do, it really boosts them in my eyes. I got an internship with Gillibrand, but I didn't take it. I'm actually kind of regretting that decision now.

[xshady121]

John Kerry's daughter, Alexandra Kerry, arrested for DUI in LA. (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/john-kerreys-daughter-arrested-for-alleged-drunk-driving.html)

I wonder how fast this will disappear.

[saysmydoctor]

Yeah, but that position was an about-face that I thought was either superficial or her coming out her shell. http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2009/01/gillibrands-gay-marriage-evolu.html

[Simulcast]

Prolonging life deemed "too expensive". Interesting (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8367614.stm).

[paper halo]

Prolonging life deemed "too expensive". Interesting (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8367614.stm).

NICE has a reputation for doing this, it's not the first drug they've deemed too expensive.

[sjb2k1]

looks like they finally closed the loophole:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/6454711/

[lauren<3s music]

I think abortion appears to be the most dividing issue among teenage girls. I know more pro-choice men than pro-choice women.
that's because most women are dumb bitches. i'm on a hostel kick today.

[eucademix]

so texas may have just banned marriage altogether.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1340136.html

[xshady121]

Blogger: Giuliani should run as Palin's VP in 2012 (http://race42008.com/2009/11/19/rudy-giuliani-three-game-plans/)

this blogger represents everything wrong with the republican party. the repubs are going to die a slow and painful death if they keep backing these polarizing figures.

[sjb2k1]

so texas may have just banned marriage altogether.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1340136.html
well that's a big nelson muntz style HA HA

[trindaddy]

I was just told by someone going to the Palin book signing in Columbus, that pretty much Sarah Palin wouldn't want to talk to me because I'm not "politically intelligent". That sounds about right....

[macabre]

The Wyden Amendment is in!

[saysmydoctor]

Was that the one Baucus pissed him off over?

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

seems like a good ammedment to me from the little I just read about it

[Machu505]

Live in Oxford, Mississippi and love the Ku Klux Klan? Well you're in luck!
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/20/ku-klux-klan-to-hold-rall_n_365332.html)

[saysmydoctor]

"Sign our books, Sarah!" and "Boo!" the tea-partyers screamed at Sarah Palin, their most revered.
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/20/palin-booed-by-book-tour_n_365883.html)

[loveisdead]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Bill O'Reilly gave a good interview with Palin.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Blogger: Giuliani should run as Palin's VP in 2012 (http://race42008.com/2009/11/19/rudy-giuliani-three-game-plans/)

this blogger represents everything wrong with the republican party. the repubs are going to die a slow and painful death if they keep backing these polarizing figures.
That is an awesome idea. I'm really really hoping she decides to run. It would be fantastic.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Bill O'Reilly is gave a good interview with Palin.
Really ? How so ?

[loveisdead]

That is an awesome idea. I'm really really hoping she decides to run. It would be fantastic.


Really ? How so ?
He really pestered her about stuff. She said nobody question Biden's experience and he said "that's cause Biden has a ton of experience." He asked her if she thinks she's honestly smart enough to run the country. Also along the lines of experience he basically said that it was hypocritical for her to say Obama was inexperienced and then put herself in the position to possibly be president.

[loveisdead]

11 people fact checking her book does seem quite absurd.

[loveisdead]

Oh God hearing her go off about Reverend Wright again. Please go the fuck away Palin.

[J.C.]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Bill O'Reilly gave a good interview with Palin.

He pressed her on some difficult hypotheticals, but he let her get away with her talkiing point recitations. He gave her a question about dealing with Putin and she managed to ignore it and segway into some stupid answer about needing to go to bat for Israel when it comes to settlements. That's just the stuff of mental retardation.

[loveisdead]

I really did enjoy O'reilly's show tonight. He was really fair with the guest he had on and he did a great job with palin's interview.

[xshady121]

That is an awesome idea. I'm really really hoping she decides to run. It would be fantastic.


Really ? How so ?

It would be an awesome idea if the repubs wanted to commit political suicide.

To be honest, there isn't a person they could run that would unify the party AND get the moderates in the same election. I don't like any of the potential nominees (you know, sans Ron Paul) and don't believe any of them would be a good choice. None of them certainly are electable. However, I feel that nominating Palin alienates a large number of the base (you know, any conservative with a brain) and would create a gap far too large to overcome any time soon.

With that being said, I do see it happening, and I do believe this will be the death of the Republican Party as we know it-- a bunch of old white guys who preach denying civil liberties to the masses all while preaching less government and more government interference with matters of "national security".

[loveisdead]

Clinton sort of butting heads (http://news.firedoglake.com/2009/11/20/president-clinton-chides-olbermann-for-making-arkansas-free-clinic-political/) with Olbermann.

[loveisdead]

Welp, we got the votes to move ahead.

[rawesome]

Welp, we got the votes to move ahead.
Really? Where'd you hear this at? I've been doing homework all day, so I haven't gotten to pay attention too much.

[loveisdead]

Really? Where'd you hear this at? I've been doing homework all day, so I haven't gotten to pay attention too much.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/21/democrats-are-united----f_n_366494.html

[J.C.]

The filibuster vote is going on. They got the 60 needed.

[lauren<3s music]

They got the 60 because they attached it to the home buyer tax extension bill. They will be peeling it apart for the vote and subbing in the health bill with the managers amendment on the floor after thanksgiving. Expect floor debate to go on for a month and millions of democratic amendments. I was told by a few Ds that a vote for cloture does not mean they'll vote for the bill which basically means they will use it as leverage to get their amendments in. Then there will be a faux conference. Basically its a nightmare and upon release of the managers amendment you will get a shit ton of groups opposing and actively working to kill the senate version. Happy fucking thanksgivng. Sigh

On a personal note I'm really really disappointed at how the Dems have handled this in the Senate. And a little overall. I can say having lived this and hearing more than just the spin I'm actually concerned about some of these things going too far and others not far enough. Just really not what I'd hoped for (again more Senate than House). BLAH. Maybe I should do transportation.

Edit: I really suck at posting on my bberry. Sorry guys.

[xshady121]

Does anyone actually like Dylan Ratigan? He's definitely my least favorite MSNBC commentator (yes, including Keith).
SkFltzR4EGE

[Machu505]

Ed Shultz fucking sucks. Ratigan is just ok.

Maddow and Matthews ftw.

[xshady121]

Ed Shultz fucking sucks. Ratigan is just ok.

Maddow and Matthews ftw.

You're right on with Maddow. That's undeniable.

[neo506]

US prosecutors to drop manslaughter case against Blackwater guard in deadly '07 Iraq shooting (http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/11/us_to_drop_shooting_case_against_bl ackwater_guard_2.php?ref=fpa)

[saysmydoctor]

I hate Matthews.

[loveisdead]

I hate Matthews.
Same here.

[loveisdead]

Wow
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/22/rep-patrick-kennedy-banne_n_366750.html

[Justin_stacy]

Ed Shultz fucking sucks. Ratigan is just ok.
.

Ratigan and Smith are the only two people left on cable news i can still stand. Ratigan should of gotten Ed's time slot, that guys a token moron.

[saysmydoctor]

I can't believe Reid did it.

[lauren<3s music]

I can't believe Reid did it.
he didn't do shit yet.

[saysmydoctor]

I'm talking about him introducing a bill with a public option.

Did not believe he had the spine to do that.

[lauren<3s music]

he was always going to introduce it that way, to some extent. it's still watered down and i'd be willing to bet that it gets stripped out during markup. we'll see a triggered option if i have my bet

[saysmydoctor]

That's optimistic. I'd bet we get some Omnibus bill that is dressed up as healthcare reform.

[saysmydoctor]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/2010_Receipts_Estimates.PNG

What is wrong with this image is self-evident.

[lauren<3s music]

no they'll do "health care reform" as a solo bill - but i highly doubt it will be what we want. that said i can't wait to kill the senate bill.

[caveBEAR]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/2010_Receipts_Estimates.PNG

What is wrong with this image is self-evident.

What's the difference in amounts between the total income for citizens and total income for corporations?

[eucademix]

when politics get especially violent: 21 journalists and politicians dead in the Phillippines. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8373770.stm)
Twenty-one politicians and journalists who were abducted in the southern Philippines have been found dead.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i159/jwaneeta/_46783547_philippines_mag_226.gif (http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i159/jwaneeta/?action=view&current=_46783547_philippines_mag_2 26.gif)

The group was seized on the island of Mindanao by armed men as they tried to file nomination papers for a candidate in local elections next year.

More members of the group are missing, feared dead.

Elections in the Philippines are often marred by violence, particularly in the south, where clashes connected to local rivalries and insurgencies erupt.

The country is to hold nationwide elections in May 2010. Registration for local and national races began earlier this month.

Jesus Dureza, adviser to President Gloria Arroyo in the volatile Mindanao region, said it was "a gruesome massacre of civilians unequalled in recent history".



He recommended that a state of emergency be imposed in the area.

In a statement, Mrs Arroyo condemned the violence and said no effort would be spared to find those responsible.

"Civilised society has no place for this kind of violence," she said

Clan leader
According to local reports, the group was abducted early on Monday while on its way to an election office in Maguindanao province to file nomination papers for a local mayor, Ismael Mangudadatu.

Mr Mangudadatu was reportedly planning to challenge local clan leader Datu Andal Ampatuan for the governor's office in the mainly Muslim province.

He was not part of the group but his wife, lawyers, aides and journalists were among those abducted when their three-vehicle convoy was attacked.

Lt Col Romeo Brawner, a spokesman for the Philippines armed forces, told the BBC the military had recovered 21 bodies, 13 female and eight male.

"Some of them have been mutilated - there are signs of mutilation. However there are also reports of beheading, but we have not yet received any confirmation about this," he said.

According to reports, the group that set off numbered between 30 and 40 people in total. It is not clear whether anyone survived the attack.

Lt Col Brawner said it was believed more bodies had been buried, and that his forces were trying to locate them.
It appeared the violence was linked to local political tensions, he said.

"This is not the first time that we are experiencing this kind of violence related to politics or related to the elections that we're going to have next year," he said. "However, this is one of the bloodiest that we have experienced so far."

Mr Mangudadatu told the Associated Press news agency that his wife and relatives were among the dead.
He said his wife, Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, had telephoned him shortly before the group was abducted.
"She said... they had been stopped by 100 uniformed armed men... then her line got cut off," he said.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said 12 of the 21 killed were reporters, and called for justice for the victims.

"This is a direct challenge to our efforts to strengthen democracy in this country," AFP news agency quoted NUJP spokesman Jaime Espina as saying.

International press freedom group Reporters Without Borders condemned what it called "an incomprehensible bloodbath".

"Never in the history of journalism have the news media suffered such a heavy loss of life in one day," the group said in a statement.

Elections can be particularly violent in Maguindano and other parts of Mindanao island.

Both communist rebels and separatist Muslim insurgents are fighting government troops there, and local politics can be dominated by strongmen backed up by private militias.

Vaudine England, former BBC reporter in the Philippines, says both clans in this case are allied to Mrs Arroyo, limiting analysts' expectations of any effective response from the central government.


ANALYSIS

Vaudine England, former BBC reporter in the Philippines

Election violence is not unusual in the Philippines but the scale of this attack is shocking. Every election period features assassinations of rivals, particularly in provincial areas where the forces of law and order are often tightly connected to local clans.

Every local politician has some form of personal security which, in some areas, balloons to private armies of scores or hundreds of well-armed, unregulated gunmen. In this case, the Mangudadatu and Ampatuan clans were not always at war - but the Mangudadatu family's bid to run for governor appears to have provoked a dramatic rise in tension.

It remains unclear who was responsible, but these killings are unusual for including women and journalists.
At this stage the violence does not appear to be related to the broader Muslim insurgencies in Mindanao geared toward securing more autonomy from the central government. Power and money - control over lucrative local interests - seem the most likely motives.
jesus.

[loveisdead]

http://alisterpaine.info/2009/11/23/obamanomics/

[rawesome]

http://alisterpaine.info/2009/11/23/obamanomics/
I realize that this guy teaches at Harvard and almost certainly has a better grasp of economics than I do, but is he trying to argue that more tax breaks and trickle down economics is what our country needs/needed? Because, that's fucking stupid.

[loveisdead]

I realize that this guy teaches at Harvard and almost certainly has a better grasp of economics than I do, but is he trying to argue that more tax breaks and trickle down economics is what our country needs/needed? Because, that's fucking stupid.
That's a lot of what I found interesting about it. He says something about history proving that tax cuts have worked better, when everything I've read proves the opposite.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

what a shitty article

[rawesome]

Well, maybe not. According to http://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/tax_cuts.asp?viewed=1 there have been examples of tax cuts helping to boost the economy. When was the recession under W. Bush that they are talking about in this article, though? Is that from two summers ago when they sent out stimulus checks to people, in which case I seem to remember that not doing the job they wanted at all, but I could be wrong there, too.

EDIT: I looked into it some more and it appears that the disagreement comes from who should get the burden of the tax cuts. What appears to not work as well is to give the rich tax cuts because it shifts the burden of taxes onto the lower class and poor and the stimulus that should come from tax cuts is only from less than 1% of Americans, which doesn't do enough to really stimulate the economy, especially considering they apparently just invest most of it.

Cutting lower class taxes and not the rich (or, as would be the case right now to increase their taxes) actually does stimulate the economy because spending and consumerism goes up and investments stay pretty much the same. It's the most even, apparently.

Capitalism gives me a headache.

[loveisdead]

what a shitty article
Why do you say that?
Well, maybe not. According to http://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/tax_cuts.asp?viewed=1 there have been examples of tax cuts helping to boost the economy. When was the recession under W. Bush that they are talking about in this article, though? Is that from two summers ago when they sent out stimulus checks to people, in which case I seem to remember that not doing the job they wanted at all, but I could be wrong there, too.

EDIT: I looked into it some more and it appears that the disagreement comes from who should get the burden of the tax cuts. What appears to not work as well is to give the rich tax cuts because it shifts the burden of taxes onto the lower class and poor and the stimulus that should come from tax cuts is only from less than 1% of Americans, which doesn't do enough to really stimulate the economy, especially considering they apparently just invest most of it.

Cutting lower class taxes and not the rich (or, as would be the case right now to increase their taxes) actually does stimulate the economy because spending and consumerism goes up and investments stay pretty much the same. It's the most even, apparently.

Capitalism gives me a headache.
That's a good summary though. Thanks.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Why do you say that?



For economist he uses exactly zero math in that article, cites no sources or proof for his claims other than conservative talking points (considering he works at the Cato Institute this is hardly a surprise). I know it is not a research paper but still for a Harvard professor that is a weak article. Does not even mention Keynes or how government spending has a higher multiplier than taxes on gdp growth.

and yes the whole motivation for ARRA, Home tax credits, and HCR was/is to re-distribute wealth.:rolleyes:

[asmolitor]

Does anyone actually like Dylan Ratigan? He's definitely my least favorite MSNBC commentator (yes, including Keith).

he was my favorite on cnbc, and thought he had a great grasp on the "big picture." but probably because of that, it seemed like he was "crowded out" for not adhering to the network's interests, so to speak. haven't seen him on msnbc, though. is it more political in nature?

I realize that this guy teaches at Harvard and almost certainly has a better grasp of economics than I do, but is he trying to argue that more tax breaks and trickle down economics is what our country needs/needed? Because, that's fucking stupid.
That's a lot of what I found interesting about it. He says something about history proving that tax cuts have worked better, when everything I've read proves the opposite.

the theory is so comical, you might call it a joke. or better yet, a laffer.

/cheapshot

[asmolitor]

also, tomorrow should be interesting. consumer confidence likely falling, as well as gdp likely being revised downward to under 3% from 3.5%.

at this point, i will only be surprised by an moderately apathetic market movement.

[Praetor]

the theory is so comical, you might call it a joke. or better yet, a laffer.

/cheapshot
hahahahaha

[saysmydoctor]

Got a look at Congressman Tonko's new mailer about the healthcare bill from the House. Very well done and it includes a survey. Unfortunately, this means the phones will be raped after Thanksgiving. Fml applies here.

[saysmydoctor]

Speaking of Laffer...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/gavin-newsom-upset-in-fir_n_367803.html
Talk about a man who is incredibly agitated and a hurt ego. And understandably so, I think. Jerry Brown is an opportunist utilizing a whole in the system to remain relevant because he is a perennial loser when it comes to national races. The reporter asked some pointed questions, understandably so, but I think it got to the point where he was really overdoing it.

With that all being said, I hope Feinstein runs. Fuck Brown. Fuck him.

[xshady121]

the theory is so comical, you might call it a joke. or better yet, a laffer.

/cheapshot

:rotfl:

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.recovery.gov/Accountability/inspectors/Pages/Home.aspx

Inspector Gadgets of the Federal Government.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29849.html

Wahhhhhhhhhh, dawg.

/hiphop roots

[loveisdead]

he was my favorite on cnbc, and thought he had a great grasp on the "big picture." but probably because of that, it seemed like he was "crowded out" for not adhering to the network's interests, so to speak. haven't seen him on msnbc, though. is it more political in nature?




the theory is so comical, you might call it a joke. or better yet, a laffer.

/cheapshot
Awesome hahahaha.

What happens in the market tomorrow will probably just offset the big day today. No biggie.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

mKKKgua7wQk
Guy in the Steelers jacket is the best.


Will The Unemployment Disaster Be Obama's Katrina? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/will-the-unemployment-dis_b_368329.html)
Really huffington, a Katrina comparison ? Has anyone bothered to tell her how bad of a writer she is ? This is as bad as the Biden article.

[loveisdead]

Yeah, as a journalism major, that is a terrible lead.

[saysmydoctor]

Arianna Huffington is the liberal blogosphere's Glenn Beck

[loveisdead]

Arianna Huffington is the liberal blogosphere's Glenn Beck
That's about right.

[rawesome]

mKKKgua7wQk
Guy in the Steelers jacket is the best.


Will The Unemployment Disaster Be Obama's Katrina? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/will-the-unemployment-dis_b_368329.html)
Really huffington, a Katrina comparison ? Has anyone bothered to tell her how bad of a writer she is ? This is as bad as the Biden article.
That is literally one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Thanks for posting it.

By the way, as a proud Steelers fan I'm glad to know that Dan Rooney and Mike Tomlin openly campaigned for Obama all around the city.

[loveisdead]

The blonde in that video is exactly like Palin. Good looking, but rambled on without having any idea what she was talking about.

[xshady121]

That video was hilarious.

I love when people don't realize that the constitution prevents all of these fears they think will happen between now and 2012.

[loveisdead]

That video was hilarious.

I love when people don't realize that the constitution prevents all of these fears they think will happen between now and 2012.
That and people being so gung ho about her without knowing a damn thing about her policies.

[xshady121]

That and people being so gung ho about her without knowing a damn thing about her policies.

Well, to be fair, there are tons of people so blindly gung ho for candidates on both sides and in every election. Let's not forget that howard stern clip from last season.

Although, when people blindly follow such a batshit insane people (like Palin, Rush, and Beck) then these people get dangerous.

[loveisdead]

Well, to be fair, there are tons of people so blindly gung ho for candidates on both sides and in every election. Let's not forget that howard stern clip from last season.

Although, when people blindly follow such a batshit insane people (like Palin, Rush, and Beck) then these people get dangerous.
Very very fair point.

[Mitch]

As retarded as those people are, I can't take those sort of videos seriously at all because of what xshady said.

[loveisdead]

Consumer confidence improved but the revised GDP growth kinda sucks.

[xshady121]

That explains why the markets tank sauce today.

[saysmydoctor]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2009/11/24/gillibrand_faces_tough_race.html?ut m_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PoliticalWire+ %28Taegan+Goddard%27s+Political+Wir e%29
She is only down because of name recognition. Let's chill the fuck out.

[Justin_stacy]

Hopefully he's successful, but with the topic being such a prized political tool for some...doubtfull.

http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Minority.Blogs &ContentRecord_id=2188feb3-802a-23ad-4de4-3fbc0a92e126&Issue_id

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

yes lets investigate the details of stolen emails from the University of East Anglia about one person on one paper who engineered the results of one graph.

I Read Through 160,000,000 Bytes of Hacked Files And All I Got Was This Lousy E-Mail

(http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/11/i-read-through-160000000-bytes-of.html)

[Justin_stacy]

There's value for both sides, in attempting to investigating the level of 'fuzzy-science' going on, particularly since this administration is jumping in head first to believe it all and wants the country to join them.

If this is a starting point for Inhofe, good enough. But he's all talk.

[Justin_stacy]

A Kentucky census worker found hanging from a tree with the word "fed" written on his chest killed himself and staged his death to look like a murder, authorities said Tuesday.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576647,00.html

...doesn't sound like they have any idea why he killed himself, other than his family would have been eligible for a $10,000 payement for the gov.

[saysmydoctor]

Sounds like a waste of precious taxpaying dollars to me. :shrug:

[Justin_stacy]

isn't that what government does best?


.....you're Sean Collins right?

[saysmydoctor]

Hence why I don't encourage an expansion of that unless necessary. This isn't necessary.

[Justin_stacy]

An inquiry now would be only a fraction of what this theory is gonna cost us down road. Seems irresponsible to not keep checking and rechecking, first.

We'll just print the money to pay for the meeting, then it won't cost the taxpayer anything...

[saysmydoctor]

It's one guy. What do you think, we're going to uncover a massive conspiracy?

[J.C.]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576647,00.html

Finally an equivalent to Pittsburgh B-face.

[saysmydoctor]

Finally an equivalent to Pittsburgh B-face.
g' 'e

[Justin_stacy]

It's one guy. What do you think, we're going to uncover a massive conspiracy?

You don't really think this is the first time some concern has presented itself?

[Justin_stacy]

Finally an equivalent to Pittsburgh B-face.

hahah...I liked to see a where are they now bit on that bitch.

[J.C.]

You don't really think this is the first time some concern has presented itself?

I saw a noticeable lack of interest in this story from the right when this looked like it could've been the result of anti-government violence. I would find their new found concern and calls for an investigation based on conspiracies to be amusing and entirely politically motivated.

[saysmydoctor]

You don't really think this is the first time some concern has presented itself?
Not what I said.

[trindaddy]

Because I think nationalism is bullshit, I'm unpatriotic and hate America more than the terrorists. Fucking ignorant people make me so mad.

[lauren<3s music]

hello all, i have emerged from health care reform and have taken the entire week off. next week will be ugly. i'm kind of excited about it to be perfectly honest.

[saysmydoctor]

How are you alive?

[lauren<3s music]

barely. next week is going to kill me; a ton of us are opposing the senate bill.

[saysmydoctor]

I'm convinced half the politicians do some serious drugs to make them able to do this shit. And definitely a lot of staff.

I want to do shit like this so bad.

[lauren<3s music]

I'm convinced half the politicians do some serious drugs to make them able to do this shit. And definitely a lot of staff.

I want to do shit like this so bad.
nah you just run on adrenaline. and passion. i mean some times its insane. the trick is you have to live close enough so you don't spend all your time commuting and need to be able to fall asleep at the drop of the hat

[saysmydoctor]

But living in the city is so expensive.

[lauren<3s music]

But living in the city is so expensive.
ding ding ding. welcome to shoebox living.

[saysmydoctor]

Like a societal Catch-22.

[lauren<3s music]

Like a societal Catch-22.
exactly, though if you're down you can live in a group house with other hill staff. it can be a lot of fun. but yeah it's kind of awesome sometimes. i look around and am sort of like wow im really doing this. it's crazy

[saysmydoctor]

I wonder who throws better parties: democrats or republicans?

[lauren<3s music]

I wonder who throws better parties: democrats or republicans?
i'll say this the democrats have better food, the republicans have a LOT of booze.

[saysmydoctor]

I knew it. I knewwwwwww it.

[lauren<3s music]

I knew it. I knewwwwwww it.
maybe its just that i need to drink more in certain people's presence. that could also be it. though there are some republicans i like.

[Zeran]

i have a feeling the end result of this entire health care debate will be a waterered-down piece of shit that accomplishes nothing, in which case, i will be extremely ashamed to be american.

[Justin_stacy]

this will probably be of interest to only wrppdarndyrfngr, but Dennis Moore, long term Dem representive of a Republican leaning district in Kansas is calling it quits. He probably would of won reelection, but it would have been one of the more harder fights of his career.

This is the only national Congressman I ever worked for back when in the late 90's.

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Dennis-Moore-Quiets-Rumors-About-Retirement/6Xna_IFNV0mudKYYuueaHw.cspx?rss=764

[saysmydoctor]

I never really liked him. :shrug:

[lauren<3s music]

same but thats prob bc i'm a crazy pro-choice liberal and he's from KS so he can't be.

and health care reform is not going to be what anyone thought it'd be to be honest. there are pieces that i hope will actually make it in, and some of the insurance reform is actually good, but i think a lot of it will be lost during conference. if there even is a conference. sigh.

[Justin_stacy]

I never really liked him. :shrug:

At the start he was a damn good representive. Worked for him twice, once for school and the second time on my own time. He lost his way when his seat got to easy to protect due to the political divide in the kasgop. I think he saw a tough fight ahead and didn't want to deal with it.

Its probably only note worthy, as he was never very vocal, because this is a normally safe blue seat that will more than likely be turning red.

[open mind]

i have a feeling the end result of this entire health care debate will be a waterered-down piece of shit that accomplishes nothing, in which case, i will be extremely ashamed to be american.

i'm thinking it'll give insurance companies a whole lot more people to fuck over and not much else.

rich special interests will be the death of this nation.

[Mitch]

Anyone watch Couric's interview with Huckabee?

VERY good interview, despite the fact that I disagree with him on pretty much every single issue.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

So I was watching Who Killed the Electric Car? last night for the first time and it brought this up :

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Hybrid/story?id=97505&page=1

and everyone bitched about Cash for Clunkers.

[saysmydoctor]

Watertown mayor Jeff Graham's blog did a basic summary of a quick chat with Ron MacDougall, husband of Dede Scozzafava.
http://mayorgraham.blogspot.com/2009/11/more-after-action-chatter-on.html

She said "Cuomo administration" like it is set in stone.

[saysmydoctor]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/1109/GOP_wrote_5_of_10_longest_bills.htm l
Republicans have been the authors of five of the ten longest bills.

Fuck you, Boehner--thanks for NCLB.

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

Your Senator Is (Probably) a Millionaire (http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/your-senator-is-probably-a-millionaire/)


so thats why they want lower taxes...... i kid i kid

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

this is so fucking brilliant, Nate Silver is amazing.

Best Idea of the Day: Climate Change Futures Markets

(http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/11/best-idea-of-day-climate-change-futures.html)The Case for Climate Futures Markets, Ctd.

(http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/11/case-for-climate-futures-markets-ctd.html)


in case you dont read the fin/econ thread

[Machu505]

Your Senator Is (Probably) a Millionaire (http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/your-senator-is-probably-a-millionaire/)


so thats why they want lower taxes...... i kid i kid
Mine is one of the richest, actually.

[Machu505]

Terrorist attack during Bush's presidency? Of course not! (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/25/perino-no-terrorist-attac_n_370393.html)

[saysmydoctor]

Terrorist attack during Bush's presidency? Of course not! (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/25/perino-no-terrorist-attac_n_370393.html)
This is the administration that by their admission made decisions based on that day in order to protect the citizens of this nation and make it so those that died didn't die in vain.

Also, didn't realize there was a pre-written script to an act of terrorism. Thank the good teacher Sensei Hannity for enlightening us. The service he provides is undeniable.

[J.C.]

Happy Thanksgiving, Politics Thread!

4j1N3G37_SQ

[loveisdead]

hahahahaha.

Happy Thanksgiving all

[saysmydoctor]

http://216.130.184.244/wordpress/2009/11/20/culvers-compassionturkeys-live/
Iowa is soft on crime!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

[Machu505]

Happy Mongolian Independence Day everybody!

[Praetor]

You know what I'm not thankful for? College applications. Someone save me =(

[Mitch]

Woo, I just subscribed to The Economist.

[saysmydoctor]

I want to get the Cook Political Report so bad.

[Praetor]

Woo, I just subscribed to The Economist.
I wanted to, but didn't have the money. =/

[Mitch]

I wanted to, but didn't have the money. =/

The student subscription rate makes it extremely affordable (well, compared to the regular price, haha). I chose to receive 21 issues (plus 4 free trial ones) for $39.

[Praetor]

The student subscription rate makes it extremely affordable (well, compared to the regular price, haha). I chose to receive 21 issues (plus 4 free trial ones) for $39.
Damn, that is pretty nice.

[loveisdead]

The student subscription rate makes it extremely affordable (well, compared to the regular price, haha). I chose to receive 21 issues (plus 4 free trial ones) for $39.
Let me know how you like it. I've heard mixed things.

[Mitch]

Let me know how you like it. I've heard mixed things.


I've read plenty of issues before and found them all to be very good and informative. I also find the layout of the magazine to be great.

[loveisdead]

I've read plenty of issues before and found them all to be very good and informative. I also find the layout of the magazine to be great.
I've just heard ( I think maybe from you) that it's tough to understand unless you're very well versed in econ.

[Mitch]

I've just heard ( I think maybe from you) that it's tough to understand unless you're very well versed in econ.

Not from me, because the issues I've read didn't even have many articles focused on economics.

I've also read that the magazine's economic articles are typically in layman terms, but that they assume the reader understands basic economic terminology.

Edit:


The Economist claims it "is not a chronicle of economics."[5] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Economist#cite_note-4) Rather, it aims "to take part in a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress."[6] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Economist#cite_note-5) It practices advocacy journalism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advocacy_journalism) in taking an editorial stance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Economist_editorial_stance) based on free trade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_trade) and globalisation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globalization), but also the expansion of government health and education spending and the government support of banks and other financial enterprises in danger of bankruptcy.

[loveisdead]

Shitty news for the market and economy.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-stock-market-futures-point-to-heavy-losses-2009-11-27

[Mitch]

You know what bothers me? When adults don't actively follow politics. I don't consider myself very intelligent nor well-educated at all, but at least I try. For some reason I have this weird belief that all adults should take politics as seriously as they do their jobs :shrug:

I also get annoyed that it seems like 9 out of 10 college students (at least at my school) seem to call themselves moderate.

/rant

[wrppdarndyrfngr]

I can understand people not wanting to follow the "politics", like the TV news drama type stuff that happens all the time and is usually wrong and reactionary and overblown, because they are just annoyed with with it. I am getting burn out on reading ThinkProgress and MediaMatters cause they seem to polarize every little thing that happens on both side and it gets tiresome to read sometimes. I don’t even go to HuffingtonPost anymore.

What bother me are people who don't follow current events/news. Just stay informed of who people are and of major policy decisions. Don’t need to watch TV "news". At least have a cursory understand of what is happening.

Also from my experience ,at least in the Midwest, people who call themselves moderate either have no idea/or grasp of things that are currently happening OR they are firmly rooted on either side and are too nice to say what they believe because they don’t want to offend you in some way. I've done the second before when I am around about of Republicans and dont want to deal with the hassle of dealing with their reactions to me saying I'm a liberal. Sometimes its just easier to move on.

[Mitch]

I can understand people not wanting to follow the "politics", like the TV news drama type stuff that happens all the time and is usually wrong and reactionary and overblown, because they are just annoyed with with it. I am getting burn out on reading ThinkProgress and MediaMatters cause they seem to polarize every little thing that happens on both side and it gets tiresome to read sometimes. I don’t even go to HuffingtonPost anymore.

What bother me are people who don't follow current events/news. Just stay informed of who people are and of major policy decisions. Don’t need to watch TV "news". At least have a cursory understand of what is happening.

Also from my experience ,at least in the Midwest, people who call themselves moderate either have no idea/or grasp of things that are currently happening OR they are firmly rooted on either side and are too nice to say what they believe because they don’t want to offend you in some way. I've done the second before when I am around about of Republicans and dont want to deal with the hassle of dealing with their reactions to me saying I'm a liberal. Sometimes its just easier to move on.

This is mainly what I meant. So many people have no idea what is going on unless it's a big, controversial news story (and then they vocalize their opinions and act like they're extremely interested in world affairs).

And yeah, I kind of figured that in many cases "moderate" is just a euphemism for not knowing very much. Haha.

[saysmydoctor]

ThinkProgress is about to leave my Reader. I'm tired of some polarization of a comment by Coburn or some senator who has a well-documented history of xenophobic remarks. We know Senator Coburn is a fucking idiot who thinks it's a constitutional right to have a gas-guzzling car. I'd prefer the breakdown of issues, please.

And a third sect of moderates are those who say they are moderates because they are and want to believe they aren't extremists even though they are.

[Mitch]

I do agree with your guys' complaints about ThinkProgress, although I still enjoy regularly checking the site.

[saysmydoctor]

Governor Paterson to NYS Constitution: fuck you, I'll do what I want:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/11/24/2009-11-24_governor_paterson_asks_for_the_p ower_to_close_32b_budget_gap_in_eme rgency_legisl.html

I'd like to think a lot of Legislators are looking for alternatives rather than your slice-and-dice approach, Governor, that lacks foresight.

[fightinirish217]

Governor Paterson to NYS Constitution: fuck you, I'll do what I want:
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/11/24/2009-11-24_governor_paterson_asks_for_the_p ower_to_close_32b_budget_gap_in_eme rgency_legisl.html

I'd like to think a lot of Legislators are looking for alternatives rather than your slice-and-dice approach, Governor, that lacks foresight.

That's supposed to be funny right? Cause it was haha.

[saysmydoctor]

Oh, fucking puns.

[Mitch]

I don't know much about U.S.-Iran economic ties, but how "crippling" could new sanctions actually be to the country?

Edit: Nevermind, I see that new sanctions would most likely not be from just the U.S.

[saysmydoctor]

Iran's got a friend in China, they ain't scared of no sanctionz.

[Mitch]

Iran's got a friend in China, they ain't scared of no sanctionz.

China sided with the U.S. to condemn Iran's nuclear program, so who knows--maybe they can be convinced to support sanctions as well.

Speaking of which, do you guys support new sanctions?

[saysmydoctor]

True. I still doubt it.

And nope, maybe if the US wants to have a ground to stand on, they should work to downsize their own nuclear stockpile.

[Mitch]

True. I still doubt it.

And nope, maybe if the US wants to have a ground to stand on, they should work to downsize their own nuclear stockpile.

So do you think Iran should be able to have nuclear weapons?

Edit: Wait, are nuclear weapons illegal under international law? Apparently they are, which does make it even more irritating that the U.S. acts as "nuclear police," haha.

[saysmydoctor]

I'd rather no one had them, but I don't see why Iran shouldn't have a deterrent for nuclear Israel.

[Mitch]

I'd rather no one had them, but I don't see why Iran shouldn't have a deterrent for nuclear Israel.

True.

Are having them as a "deterrent" typically viewed as a valid reason (as in, do you think Iran--presuming their intention--is producing them to use or more as a deterrent)?

[saysmydoctor]

I think more as a deterrent. It's also bigger than that. The international backlash any nation would receive for using them is already deterrent enough, but some nations are bold enough to ignore the international community (see: the US and Iraq), so in those scenarios--I think a nuclear deterrent is called for.

With that being said, who knows--maybe they are just using their nuclear technology for power plants. We really don't know and it really doesn't matter. One more nuclear weapon at this point really won't make a difference, when the US has enough to wipe civilization off the face of the Earth however many times over.