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Former President and Convicted Felon Trump Thread

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Jan 10, 2017#1

blotsfan

The election is over, but I get the feeling we're gonna need a separate place to catalogue the complete and utter shitshow that is going to be the next 4-8 years.

And to start: Reports that Russia has video evidence of Trump hiring Russian prostitutes to give him golden showers.

Jan 10, 2017#2

Dave

Until I see proof from a reputable source, I will not reprint or comment on stuff like that. There's just too much real stuff to hate him for without having to resort to unproven rumors.

Jan 10, 2017#3

blotsfan

We're post-truth now.

Jan 10, 2017#4

Frank

Jan 10, 2017#5

BErt

Danny Zuker must have been on the intel team because he nailed this back in march

Jan 10, 2017#6

Frank

Dave said:
Until I see proof from a reputable source, I will not reprint or comment on stuff like that. There's just too much real stuff to hate him for without having to resort to unproven rumors.

You just look out for number one.

Jan 10, 2017#7

Dei

I care less about Trump's weird sexual fetishes than I care about every thing else that hit the news today.

Jan 10, 2017#8

Frank

Dei said:
I care less about Trump's weird sexual fetishes than I care about every thing else that hit the news today.

Yeah, it's like, hey everyone, let's try not to let the Russian hooker piss distract us from the actual treason.

Jan 10, 2017#9

blotsfan

The hooker piss is the only part of this story that hasn't been obvious for months.

Jan 10, 2017#10

sixpackshaker

Does that make Trump an expert in human trafficking?

Jan 10, 2017#11

Gruebeard

I thought we were naming this thread Orange is the New Black President.

Jan 11, 2017#12

Bubble181

Frankly, I don't care if he's into golden showers. Or uses prostitutes. I don't care if he likes pegging, or is into bondage or for all I care he's gay. That might upset some "family values" voters (but why did they vote for DT anyway?), but honestly, I don't care about his personal preferences. I don't eve care all that much if he likes his steak properly or well done (that'd only go to further proof his bad decision making).
The same goes for other politicians. Personal stuff is personal. It might reflect on a president on some topics and values - trustworthiness and such - but it's still mostly his own thing.
I care far more for actual ideas, propositions, laws, etc.

Which doesn't mean we can't have fun laugh about it all.

Jan 11, 2017#13

Sara_2814

Bubble181 said:
Frankly, I don't care if he's into golden showers. Or uses prostitutes. I don't care if he likes pegging, or is into bondage or for all I care he's gay. That might upset some "family values" voters (but why did they vote for DT anyway?), but honestly, I don't care about his personal preferences. I don't eve care all that much if he likes his steak properly or well done (that'd only go to further proof his bad decision making).
The same goes for other politicians. Personal stuff is personal. It might reflect on a president on some topics and values - trustworthiness and such - but it's still mostly his own thing.
I care far more for actual ideas, propositions, laws, etc.

Which doesn't mean we can't have fun laugh about it all.

While I agree with that for most public figures, I think it's fair to criticize politicians' personal lives if they're supporting legislation to target "immoral" behavior or publicly dragging other candidates' personal lives through the mud, and then it comes out they're just as (or more) "immoral" as the people they're attacking. Yes, I'm looking at you, Newt Gingrich.

So if Trump was hiring the prostitutes while he was married, he'd be fair game for criticism considering how he was constantly bringing up Bill's infidelities. If he hired them between wives, then it's not an issue--unless he starts moralizing about the evils of sex workers.

Jan 11, 2017#14

sixpackshaker

So what is it with Trump's bathroom fixtures, golden toilets, sinks and showers?

Jan 11, 2017#15

Tress

I also have an issue with doing something that can become blackmail leverage, like hiring prostitutes. It would be the same for any action he tried to hide from the public, whether it be drug use or sexual partners or gambling debts. If he knows that another government has some kind of dirt on him, he needs to come out with it immediately.

Jan 11, 2017#16

Bubble181

Tress said:
I also have an issue with doing something that can become blackmail leverage, like hiring prostitutes. It would be the same for any action he tried to hide from the public, whether it be drug use or sexual partners or gambling debts. If he knows that another government has some kind of dirt on him, he needs to come out with it immediately.

See, most of that kind of thing can only work if you're actually asamed of it and/or could be hurt by it.

I much prefer the French approach over the American approach - "Et Alors?".

(it's a reference to Mitterand, a French president, who, when it was revealed he had an extramarital daughter, simply replied "Et Alors?", or, in English, "So what?". That was the end of the issue, really, except as joke fodder)

Jan 11, 2017#17

@Li3n

So... what else has Trump done that he needs the distraction?

Jan 11, 2017#18

ThatNickGuy

@Li3n said:
So... what else has Trump done that he needs the distraction?

Treason, from what I understand. No biggie there, though, right? Golden showers are a bigger deal.

Jan 11, 2017#19

Mathias

sixpackshaker said:
So what is it with Trump's bathroom fixtures, golden toilets, sinks and showers?

Gold is his fetish? Which I suppose is why he gets super pissed the most if anyone makes him out to look like he's worth less than what he claims.

Jan 11, 2017#20

@Li3n

Dave said:
Until I see proof from a reputable source, I will not reprint or comment on stuff like that. There's just too much real stuff to hate him for without having to resort to unproven rumors.

Yeah, remember how we didn't talk about the "rumors" that Obama was born in Kenya?

Jan 11, 2017#21

Denbrought

@Li3n said:
Yeah, remember how we didn't talk about the "rumors" that Obama was born in Kenya?

I think @Dave is intending to retain far more moral standing through this presidency than the average Birther has kept through Obama's.

Jan 11, 2017#22

Bubble181

Denbrought said:
I think @Dave is intending to retain far more moral standing through this presidency than the average Birther has kept through Obama's.

That's not exactly a high bar to set. It's like "looking younger than Dave".

Jan 11, 2017#23

Dave

Now you're just trying to get me to post the sign.

Jan 11, 2017#24

Bubble181

Dave said:
Now you're just trying to get me to post the sign.

....And I wasn't the other 15 times?

We need some new running gags in this forum, we had a few, but most were retired for one reason or another (Frosty Susan, sauna pants, etc).

Jan 11, 2017#25

@Li3n

Denbrought said:
I think @Dave is intending to retain far more moral standing through this presidency than the average Birther has kept through Obama's.

It really amuses me how over the r/the_donald they're all screaming about the evil media using anything anti-trump and not just accepting they won and getting over it... after 8 years of not their party, but their actual president-elect, peddling bullshit (that he then said he didn't start, but ended, as if he didn't harp on about it for 7 years) right in the open.

...

It's made it quite clear that it's the people that lack any self awareness are the ones that would need to go when the revolution comes... :deadpool:

Jan 11, 2017#26

Bubble181

Also, for those into this sort of thing, there's now a "Presidential Trump" parody twitter account that rephrases and rewords Trump's tweets to be more presidential. It can almost make him look good on occasion. https://twitter.com/MatureTrumpTwts

Jan 11, 2017#27

Frank

THE CURRENT PRESS CONFERENCE YOU GUYS.

Oh my God.

Jan 11, 2017#28

GasBandit

Jan 11, 2017#29

Frank

I rescind my original Entry of the Gladiators comment.

It is now this:

Jan 11, 2017#30

Frank

WHAT THE FUCK???????????????????????????????

[DOUBLEPOST=1484156442,1484156362][/DOUBLEPOST]I can't. I'm done on the internet. This is madness.

Like, this is honestly madness.

Jan 11, 2017#31

HCGLNS

I think I will buy stock in a company that manufactures anti-depressants.

Jan 11, 2017#32

Gruebeard

Frank said:
I can't. I'm done on the internet. This is madness.

Like, this is honestly madness.

Like honestly, are we not doing ~~phrasing~~ Sparta anymore?

Jan 11, 2017#33

Eriol

From the Time transcript:

I’m gonna detail some of the extraordinary steps now that the president-elect is taking. First, President-elect Trump’s investments and business assets commonly known as the — as the Trump Organization, comprising hundreds of entities which, again, if you all go and take a look at his financial disclosure statement, the pages and pages and pages of entities have all been or will be conveyed to a trust prior to January 20th. Here is just some of the paperwork that’s taking care of those actions.

Second, through the trust agreement, he has relinquished leadership and management of the Trump Organization to his sons Don and Eric and a longtime Trump executive, Allen Weisselberg. Together, Don, Eric and Allen will have the authority to manage the Trump Organization and will make decisions for the duration of the presidency without any involvement whatsoever by President-elect Trump.

The agreement to cede management of his company to his sons and manager (is that the old guy from The Apprentice?) is interesting. It's a bit different than divesting the asset, but better than staying in control. I would compare and contrast it to how Canada's former finance minister and later Prime Minister Paul Martin sold his interest in Canada Steamship Lines to his sons when he became PM. From wiki:

In November 1993, the newly re-elected Paul Martin was appointed to the cabinet and named Minister of Finance. On February 1, 1994, Martin placed his shares in CSL Group Inc. under a "Supervisory Agreement" to be managed by lawyers and financial advisors, although he would be allowed to intervene in company decision-making should events warrant.

In June 2002, Martin quit the cabinet as Minister of Finance to pursue a bid for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. On March 11, 2003, Martin bowed to public and media pressure on his interest in CSL Group Inc. and announced that he would sell his interests in the company to his three sons, saying that his ownership would "provide an unnecessary distraction during the leadership race."

On December 12, 2003, Martin became the 21st Prime Minister of Canada. On January 28, 2004, the federal government, in response to opposition party and media enquiries, revealed that CSL Group Inc. had received $162 million in federal government contracts, grants and loans since Paul Martin became Minister of Finance in 1993. Earlier figures released in 2003 had suggested CSL Group Inc. had only earned $137,000 in federal government contracts during this time period.

This is different from, but similar to what Trump is doing. Retaining ownership, but not control is what Martin did as Finance Minister for Canada. Martin was criticized at the time for it being his sons, and how much distance was that really? And it's still a legitimate complaint, Trump or Martin, but it had little traction as time went on with Martin.

And then later, as the article above says, the difference between the reported income from the federal government and what actually was spent came out, which was supposedly only $137,000, but was actually $162,000,000? So 1000x what was actually reported. How much of the business should have gone to them as a company anyways, and how much only went to them because they were the company of the sitting Finance Minister? It may be impossible to know.

Similarly, I think the finances of Trump's corporation will be very closely watched, but like CSL, according to wiki they're private, so it's a lot harder to watch that than if it was a public company.

Should be interesting to see what happens here.

Jan 11, 2017#34

Dave

"I'm not taking a question from you. You're fake news."

Yes, Trump said that to CNN. I guess his widdle feewings are hurt.

Oh, and right after that he took a question from that bastion of journalistic integrity, Breitbart.

Jan 11, 2017#35

Bubble181

Dave said:
"I'm not taking a question from you. You're fake news."

Yes, Trump said that to CNN. I guess his widdle feewings are hurt.

Oh, and right after that he took a question from that bastion of journalistic integrity, Breitbart.

Cutting off MSM / Lugenpresse and giving only information to "his" media is a smart move. Legitimate press will have to take their info from them, it'll further legitimize them and make the rest look weak. It's also straight out of Berlusconi's playbook.

Jan 11, 2017#36

Ravenpoe

God bless Chuck Tingle

Jan 11, 2017#37

Dei

Jan 12, 2017#38

Tiger Tsang

"Trump tweets like a F'ing drugged up 14 year old girl could be because he likes to spend time F'ing drugged up 14 year old Girls."

Jan 15, 2017#39

Frank

A fun article by a Russian reporter about the future.

Jan 16, 2017#40

@Li3n

Hey, look, the Twilight Zone is back!

Jan 16, 2017#41

Hailey Knight

Trump probably didn't want him because he did Obama's, entirely unaware of the other presidents he'd announced, as Trump is unaware of many, many things.

Jan 16, 2017#42

MindDetective

But firing people is the only thing he knows!

Jan 16, 2017#43

ThatNickGuy

MindDetective said:
But firing people is the only thing he knows!

And now he'll upgrade to firing missiles! Yay!

Jan 16, 2017#44

Dave

ThatNickGuy said:
And now he'll upgrade to firing missiles! Yay!

To be fair, so did Obama.

Jan 17, 2017#45

@Li3n

So apparently Trumpkin can't even tell who's his daughter on twitter! Such a good sign...

Jan 17, 2017#46

Mathias

But he knows hacking guys. He's got top people working on it. Top men!

Anyone notice how Trump is self-proclaimed great at everything? Reminds me a lot of the Kim dynasty in North Korea.

Jan 17, 2017#47

HCGLNS

@Li3n said:
So apparently Trumpkin can't even tell who's his daughter on twitter! Such a good sign...

Well if the subject is irrelevant, do details matter?

Jan 17, 2017#48

MindDetective

@Li3n said:
So apparently Trumpkin can't even tell who's his daughter on twitter! Such a good sign...

It looks like it is just a matter of a space being entered in the tag on accident, possibly due to autocorrect even. Looks like a nonissue to me.

Jan 17, 2017#49

Dave

MindDetective said:
It looks like it is just a matter of a space being entered in the tag on accident, possibly due to autocorrect even. Looks like a nonissue to me.

I agree. If we nitpick stupid shit like this it'll be an insane 4 years.

Jan 17, 2017#50

sixpackshaker

Dave said:
I agree. If we nitpick stupid shit like this it'll be an insane 4 years.

That goes without saying...

Jan 17, 2017#51

Dave

sixpackshaker said:
That goes without saying...

Yes, but insanity from one side we already expect. You get it from both sides would be horrible.

Jan 17, 2017#52

@Li3n

MindDetective said:
It looks like it is just a matter of a space being entered in the tag on accident, possibly due to autocorrect even. Looks like a nonissue to me.

Oh right, i forgot, we're past the point of asking him to actually check, even once, what he wrote. How unpresidented.

Jan 17, 2017#53

MindDetective

@Li3n said:
Oh right, i forgot, we're past the point of asking him to actually check, even once, what he wrote. How unpresidented.

Yeah...that isn't what you claimed at all. But how exciting is it to say, "Trump didn't proofread his tweet and tweeted the wrong person!" Right?

Jan 17, 2017#54

@Li3n

MindDetective said:
Yeah...that isn't what you claimed at all.

I said he messaged the wrong person... while not making any claims about why.

Jan 17, 2017#55

MindDetective

@Li3n said:
I said he messaged the wrong person... while not making any claims about why.

No, you said "can't even tell who's his daughter". That's not remotely the same thing as messaging the wrong person.

Jan 17, 2017#56

Krisken

I absolutely look forward to the real substantive shit we can get mad about that this fuckwit does. This is just more useless crap distracting from things that actually matter.

Jan 18, 2017#57

@Li3n

MindDetective said:
No, you said "can't even tell who's his daughter". That's not remotely the same thing as messaging the wrong person.

What other implication does "can't even tell who's his daughter" would have?

Not that your clarification of how it happened was unwelcome, but i didn't think dismissing it as unworthy of any attention was warranted. We're not exactly a bastion of serious news that's supposed to be above it all or anything.

Krisken said:
I absolutely look forward to the real substantive shit we can get mad about that this fuckwit does. This is just more useless crap distracting from things that actually matter.

So we're only allowing very serious stuff on this thread now?

Jan 18, 2017#58

Dei

The Cabinet confirmation hearings are such a fucking joke. I am terrified at how few fucks the Republicans have about this clown show.

Jan 18, 2017#59

Dave

We have to have guns in schools! Why? Because they might get invaded by bears.

Yes, bears are why we need guns in schools.

Ladies and gentlemen, your next Secretary of Education, Betty DeVos.

Oh, and she wants to end public education and make all schools christian charter schools to build "God's Kingdom". Oh, and she thinks child labor laws should be repealed because jobs for kids would be "very exciting" for them. Oh, and she wants to strip education for special needs kids.

I guess a billionaire with no experience is a great fit for a complex office.

Jan 18, 2017#60

chris

Dave said:
We have to have guns in schools! Why? Because they might get invaded by bears.

Yes, bears are why we need guns in schools.

Ladies and gentlemen, your next Secretary of Education, Betty DeVos.

Oh, and she wants to end public education and make all schools christian charter schools to build "God's Kingdom". Oh, and she thinks child labor laws should be repealed because jobs for kids would be "very exciting" for them. Oh, and she wants to strip education for special needs kids.

I guess a billionaire with no experience is a great fit for a complex office.

This has to be a joke, right?

Jan 18, 2017#61

sixpackshaker

chris said:
This has to be a joke, right?

Yes it is, and it ain't funny.

Jan 18, 2017#62

Ravenpoe

sixpackshaker said:
Yes it is, and it ain't funny.

And not just because it was said by @Dave

Jan 18, 2017#63

Dave

chris said:
This has to be a joke, right?

No it isn't, and it's not funny.[DOUBLEPOST=1484753280,1484753267][/DOUBLEPOST]

Ravenpoe said:
And not just because it was said by @Dave

Jan 18, 2017#64

PatrThom

chris said:
This has to be a joke, right?

You'd think so, but you'd be wrong.
I'm ashamed that I have even the slightest connection with the subject of that hearing (she's local).

--Patrick

Jan 18, 2017#65

Ravenpoe

Dave said:

Fine fine fine, let me rewrite that:

If @Dave said it, you know it's not a joke

Jan 18, 2017#66

@Li3n

So, pardons for some, half a million dollars for fighting the Others... and the sad thing is that some will view this as a fuck you to Trump, instead of just Obama doing the right thing there at the end.

Jan 18, 2017#67

GasBandit

@Li3n said:
So, pardons for some, half a million dollars for fighting the Others... and the sad thing is that some will view this as a fuck you to Trump, instead of just Obama doing the right thing there at the end.

Jan 18, 2017#68

Gruebeard

I expected to see Pedobear in the background of that picture

Jan 18, 2017#69

Dei

She also thinks it should be up to states themselves how they deal with students with disabilities.

Jan 18, 2017#70

Eriol

Dei said:
She also thinks it should be up to states themselves how they deal with students with disabilities.

OK I get the idea how that could turn out bad in some states, but that's that state's problem. That's the whole idea of not just having a federal state which mandates everything, and leaving it up to each on how to implement... well, a LOT of things. If a state does just about anything to its own citizens, it's not up to the neighboring state to impose their will upon the neighbor. That's why you don't all live in one state.

You have problems with that concept in general, or that it's applied to Education, or what?

Jan 18, 2017#71

Bubble181

Eriol said:
OK I get the idea how that could turn out bad in some states, but that's that state's problem.

Well, no, it's the problem of people with children with disabilities who live in that state. Most won't care.

Admittedly, I can look at it from a European point of view, and say "well, yeah, France doesn't get to decide how Germany takes care of its children with disabilities". Likewise, I can understand why Texans might not want Californians to butt in. Sadly, this will result in a lot of states just saying "screw 'm". As a first world country, I can see why you'd want federal minimum criteria that have to be met. But where that line is drawn is very much a political issue.

Jan 18, 2017#72

Dei

Eriol said:
OK I get the idea how that could turn out bad in some states, but that's that state's problem. That's the whole idea of not just having a federal state which mandates everything, and leaving it up to each on how to implement... well, a LOT of things. If a state does just about anything to its own citizens, it's not up to the neighboring state to impose their will upon the neighbor. That's why you don't all live in one state.

You have problems with that concept in general, or that it's applied to Education, or what?

There is literally already a federal law that mandates special education standards, because it was so inconsistent from state to state. There's currently a case at the Supreme Court about what minimum standards should actually be. There is a time and place for states rights, but people should never have to pick and choose where they live within the same country based on whether or not their child will be treated with dignity.

Jan 18, 2017#73

Dei

Jan 18, 2017#74

Eriol

Dei said:
There is a time and place for states rights,

Ya, that's the Enumerated Powers in your constitution. (psst: I didn't see Education listed there)

Dei said:
but people should never have to pick and choose where they live within the same country based on whether or not their child will be treated with dignity.

"... but people should never have to pick and choose where they live within the same country based on"... ANYTHING THEY WANT EVER that another state supports more than where I live. That point can be applied to virtually any argument when talking about this. That was the point of limiting it in your constitution in the first place!

Bubble181 said:
Admittedly, I can look at it from a European point of view, and say "well, yeah, France doesn't get to decide how Germany takes care of its children with disabilities". Likewise, I can understand why Texans might not want Californians to butt in.

And that's it. Again, STOP there. A LOT of the USA's system was set up to be exactly like this. The feds were supposed to deal with things ONLY THEY could deal with (like mutual defense/war) and to stay out of how the rest of a state was run. Then some "enterprising" politicians figured out they could play states against each other, and bribe people with their own money, and especially from other states. And then you have what they're dealing with down there right now.

That people want to go back to a more local model is not a negative by definition. Dei, if you're saying "I'm going to get screwed because the politicians where I am don't support what I want, but some politicians ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTRY do, then that seems like you have two options: 1. GET the locals to care about your issue, or 2. MOVE! In my opinion it is not a reason to start expanding federal power until you get what you want from elsewhere.

That's my opinion on how things should work. Obviously you disagree. But just dropping "local governance = bad things happen" I'm not going to go with you on without more explanation.

Jan 18, 2017#75

Dei

So you are saying that the federal law passed for disabled children is NOT a civil rights issue? That it's fine for public schools to discriminate against children based on their disabilities? Should public schools be allowed to deny children access because of said disabilities? Because lets start there. That was a thing that was happening before IDEA.

Public schools receive federal funding, and therefore should not be claiming states rights.

Jan 18, 2017#76

Tress

Is there a realistic solution that involves having your state improve it's own standards when educating students with disabilities? Gathering support, letter writing campaigns, etc.?

Jan 18, 2017#77

Eriol

Dei said:
So you are saying that the federal law passed for disabled children is NOT a civil rights issue? That it's fine for public schools to discriminate against children based on their disabilities? Should public schools be allowed to deny children access because of said disabilities? Because lets start there. That was a thing that was happening before IDEA.

That's not the problem I was pointing out per-se...

Dei said:
Public schools receive federal funding, and therefore should not be claiming states rights.

THAT is the problem. Federal governments (this is a problem in Canada too) should be constitutionally barred from providing funding of any kind to anything which is supposed to be exclusively provincial (or state in your case) jurisdiction. The money is the power. They're just doing an end-run around on what's supposed to be limitations on their powers.

Jan 18, 2017#78

Dei

You can say that's not a problem you were pointing out, but it really is a question of whether or not it's a civil rights issue. Like I said, there has been a federal law in place since 1990 guaranteeing a "Free and appropriate education" for students with disabilities, because there were so many cases of these students having no means to be educated if their parents could not afford private school, or if they were allowed at school they were shunted off into a corner somewhere and didn't learn.

The argument isn't about whether federal government should have a say in public schools in this case. It's about whether or not access to schools for disabled children is a civil rights issue, and if the decision to allow equal access should be left to the states.

Jan 18, 2017#79

Eriol

I don't know what to say Dei. While I may agree with you that such a standard should exist, I'm not sure I agree with you that it justifies going to a federal level. Your "right" to many things can be mandated federally, but how should it be enforced and/or provided without money coming from the federal government? And to what range of things should that even be able to be determined federally? And what/how should penalties happen, again, without having it about wealth transfer?

It's not an EASY question, but I would say that anything that begins with "let's let the feds determine the standards, and then pay for PART of it" is a recipe for the feds to then pay a drop, but dictate everything, which gets messy FAST. Just see Health Care in Canada for a good example of that. Well, it's better than your system, but that's not hard, and doesn't make it not a disaster.

Jan 18, 2017#80

Ravenpoe

While I agree in theory on states rights, since a collective of self-functioning states is kinda what the UNITED STATES is supposed to be, too often "Let the states decide" is code for "this state's representatives are awful and want to do shitty things."

Jan 18, 2017#81

PatrThom

Eriol said:
The money is the power. They're just doing an end-run around on what's supposed to be limitations on their powers.

Well that's actually an uncomfortable part of what they're doing these days, it seems. Whether it's FCC regulations, mineral rights, the 2nd amendment, education, or even just voting to ignore how much it will cost to repeal the ACA, it's long been a "tradition" that if you can't get the law to outright do something, then maybe you can at least get it to ignore or defund not doing it.

--Patrick

Jan 18, 2017#82

jwhouk

Eriol said:
Ya, that's the Enumerated Powers in your constitution. (psst: I didn't see Education listed there)

Oh wait...

"Promote the general Welfare" is in there.

And then there's Article 8, section 8: "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."

Yes, it's for copyrights, but tie that with section 18: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

The US Federal Government is supposed to promote science and art by using its laws to do what is "necessary and proper" to have them executed properly.

Education is considered to be part of this. Unless, of course, you're a Trump supporter...

Jan 18, 2017#83

GasBandit

jwhouk said:
Oh wait...

"Promote the general Welfare" is in there.

And then there's Article 8, section 8: "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."

Yes, it's for copyrights, but tie that with section 18: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

The US Federal Government is supposed to promote science and art by using its laws to do what is "necessary and proper" to have them executed properly.

Education is considered to be part of this. Unless, of course, you're a Trump supporter...

That's a reeeeeeeallly loose and stretched interpretation of those clauses.

Jan 18, 2017#84

Denbrought

GasBandit said:
That's a reeeeeeeallly loose and stretched interpretation of those clauses.

Meh, that's like a tenth of the abuse the Commerce Clause gets on a daily basis.

Jan 18, 2017#85

figmentPez

Education is inherently a civil rights issue. The ability for any group to become educated is make or break when it comes to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The US has a pretty shitty history of trying to keep minorities from being educated, (there are good sized towns in Texas that still had de facto segregation in their schools until just a few years ago, and for all I know some still do).

"Oh, you have a disabled child, just pick up and move to another state if you want them educated" doesn't fly with me. Would it be okay to say "Oh, you're black and your kids aren't getting a good education, just pick up and move to a state where they'll get better treatment"?

Jan 18, 2017#86

GasBandit

I think part of the theory is, state and local politicians are generally considered more representative than those on the national level because they have closer contact with their constituents and (usually) are more easily replaced. It would be inefficient and counterproductive for a federal congressional subcommittee to be directly in charge of a police department, instead of a locally elected/appointed Chief/Commissioner, for example. The same argument might be made in educational concerns.

The real reason so much federal involvement is usually part of the equation is, as in all things, the money.

Jan 19, 2017#87

jwhouk

Of course, you're forgetting about "such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings."

Jan 19, 2017#88

Bubble181

jwhouk said:
other needful Buildings."

Well, that's exceedingly vague and easily-abusable.

Jan 19, 2017#89

jwhouk

It literally means any building that the US Government buys is theirs to rule over.

Jan 19, 2017#90

Frank

Holy shit, you guys are so fucked.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/09/politics/donald-trump-national-debt-strategy/index.html

Jan 19, 2017#91

GasBandit

Frank said:
Holy shit, you guys are so fucked.

http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/09/politics/donald-trump-national-debt-strategy/index.html

Well, that's what Obama did, too...

But they called it "Quantitative Easing." So that it didn't sound like "we just added some zeroes to the end of our balance."

Jan 19, 2017#92

PatrThom

It worked so well in Zimbabwe.

--Patrick

Jan 19, 2017#93

Dei

GasBandit said:
Well, that's what Obama did, too...

But they called it "Quantitative Easing." So that it didn't sound like "we just added some zeroes to the end of our balance."

Though at the same time, I just can't wait for a federal budget from the Republicans that isn't cock blocked. :| I'm sure it will be fine since Republicans are so fiscally responsible.

(Yes, that goes for both parties)

Jan 19, 2017#94

GasBandit

Dei said:
Though at the same time, I just can't wait for a federal budget from the Republicans that isn't cock blocked. :| I'm sure it will be fine since Republicans are so fiscally responsible.

(Yes, that goes for both parties)

Yeah. I stopped checking some years ago, but last I looked, we hadn't had an actual BUDGET budget (as in not an emergency funding measure/continuing resolution or whatever) passed since 2006.

Jan 19, 2017#95

Frank

So Trump's inauguration concert brought in between 10-20000 people. Just as a comparison, Obama's was 400000.

Jan 19, 2017#96

GasBandit

Frank said:
So Trump's inauguration concert brought in between 10-20000 people. Just as a comparison, Obama's was 400000.

Even GWB's inauguration in 2001 drew 300,000.

Jan 19, 2017#97

drifter

I'm sure it was filled with only the best people. The best. *tiny hand gesture*

Jan 19, 2017#98

GasBandit

So, it just occurred to me, given that anything with a pulse that can be propped up against a podium is almost guaranteed to win against Trump in 2020... who do you think the DNC will rig their primary for? Hillary again maybe? :awesome:

Jan 19, 2017#99

Hailey Knight

I wish I had off from work tomorrow. Trump may be drawing a small number, but there's enough out-of-towners to go around.

Ear buds in = I don't want to talk to you. The only difference between this and the usual bus crazies is the red hats.

Jan 19, 2017#100

bhamv3

GasBandit said:
So, it just occurred to me, given that anything with a pulse that can be propped up against a podium is almost guaranteed to win against Trump in 2020... who do you think the DNC will rig their primary for? Hillary again maybe?

Kanye.

Duh.

Jan 19, 2017#101

GasBandit

bhamv3 said:
Kanye.

Duh.

Jan 19, 2017#102

Hailey Knight

bhamv3 said:
Kanye.

Duh.

I see your Kanye and raise you a Dwayne Johnson.

Jan 19, 2017#103

Dei

I'm thinking Bernie or Biden, but there's still a chance it could be Warren. Also a chance of a random outspoken celebrity.

Jan 19, 2017#104

Zappit

Zero Esc said:
I see your Kanye and raise you a Dwayne Johnson.

It would be nice to see Trump take a Rock Bottom during the debates.

Jan 19, 2017#105

MindDetective

Zero Esc said:
I see your Kanye and raise you a Dwayne Johnson.

Isn't he a Republican?

Jan 19, 2017#106

Gruebeard

Frank said:
So Trump's inauguration concert brought in between 10-20000 people. Just as a comparison, Obama's was 400000.

Commas, man. Or even the periods that @Bubble181 uses. I can't tell if Trump is just half the man Obama is, or a yuuuge one-20th.

Jan 19, 2017#107

Bubble181

MindDetective said:
Isn't he a Republican?

Well, they deserve someone to run against Trump too.[DOUBLEPOST=1484890561,1484890530][/DOUBLEPOST]

Gruebeard said:
Commas, man. Or even the periods that @Bubble181 uses. I can't tell if Trump is just half the man Obama is, or a yuuuge one-20th.

They're the best periods. They're yuuge. Very nice periods.

Jan 20, 2017#108

Frank

Let's see if we can't see triple digits in Trump's presidency.

Jan 20, 2017#109

Bubble181

Frank said:
Let's see if we can't see triple digits in Trump's presidency.

Of course not, it'll all be zeroes because he'll decriminalize the lot.[DOUBLEPOST=1484903321,1484903187][/DOUBLEPOST]Really, if his view on the debt is "we can just print more money", I wouldn't be surprised if his view on criminality is "we can just change the laws".

Jan 20, 2017#110

Eriol

Bubble181 said:
Of course not, it'll all be zeroes because he'll decriminalize the lot.[DOUBLEPOST=1484903321,1484903187][/DOUBLEPOST]Really, if his view on the debt is "we can just print more money", I wouldn't be surprised if his view on criminality is "we can just change the laws".

That's pretty much been the theory on gun laws for the last few decades. "We'll just make (whatever specific types) illegal! That'll keep them out of the hands of criminals!"

Jan 20, 2017#111

Dave

Man I liked George H.W. Bush.

Jan 20, 2017#112

sixpackshaker

Eriol said:
That's pretty much been the theory on gun laws for the last few decades. "We'll just make (whatever specific types) illegal! That'll keep them out of the hands of criminals!"

Law isn't so much about keeping it out of the hand of a criminal, but to make a criminal out of a person that owns those guns.[DOUBLEPOST=1484922401,1484922365][/DOUBLEPOST]

Dave said:
Man I liked George H.W. Bush.

And you still can.

Jan 20, 2017#113

Bubble181

sixpackshaker said:
Law isn't so much about keeping it out of the hand of a criminal, but to make a criminal out of a person that owns those guns

If they don't properly register them and have a permit.

Really, there's very few people calling for an all-out ban on guns*, most people on the "more control" side just want a clearer view who has what and which one, and make sure the people who own things are capable of taking care of them/using them properly. Saying "to own a rot gun, you first need to complete a basic gun maintenance course" isn't excessive, and "the government knowing who has what gun" does not break the second amendment. And considering voter ID law views of the right, having one spot per state where you can register those guns isn't a problem, either :awesome:

*for specific definitions of "guns" and "very few"

Jan 20, 2017#114

Dave

DarkAudit said:
He gave us Roger Ailes and Lee Atwater.

Best thing you can say about Atwater is he's dead.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was in the military at the time and he's the last guy I remember that talked about how much he liked the military and actually did things that matched the words. Since him people get all "Rah rah!" about the military while cutting funding to the VA or doing things that actively hurt the common soldier. Not the upper crust brass, mind you, just the soldiers.

Jan 20, 2017#115

blotsfan

I hate this country and its all I can think about today. We faced an incredibly easy test and we failed with flying colors.

If I had any sense of balls id move but I don't.

Jan 20, 2017#116

Frank

What?

Jan 20, 2017#117

PatrThom

Frank said:
What?

"Post-truth"

--Patrick

Jan 20, 2017#118

Bubble181

That's a pretty amazing amount of self-delusion really.

Jan 20, 2017#119

Frank

Jan 20, 2017#120

Shakey

Frank said:
What?

It seems the same as when Obama was first elected. So many people projected their ideas onto his message of change. Now we're seeing it swing the other way.

Jan 20, 2017#121

Frank

Shakey said:
It seems the same as when Obama was first elected. So many people projected their ideas onto his message of change. Now we're seeing it swing the other way.

Except most people weren't projecting things on Obama that were EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of what he said.

Jan 20, 2017#122

Shakey

Frank said:
Except most people weren't projecting things on Obama that were EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE of what he said.

Yeah, they were. The one that i remember most was his stance on military actions. Many thought he was going to stop the drone strikes and military operations, when many times during the campaign he said otherwise.

Jan 20, 2017#123

blotsfan

Jan 20, 2017#124

Dave

Not surprising. He's most popular with those least able to afford to take a day off from work and go to Washington DC.

Jan 20, 2017#125

Covar

Dave said:
Not surprising. He's most popular with those least able to afford to take a day off from work and go to Washington DC.

I was about to say that. It is a workday.

Jan 20, 2017#126

Bubble181

Also, and I don't like seemingly defending Trump in any way, they're shots from a different angle. Comparing shots taken from the same angle the difference is much less pronounced.

Jan 20, 2017#127

Denbrought

Dave said:
Not surprising. He's most popular with those least able to afford to take a day off from work and go to Washington DC.

Fairly sure Obama was more popular with prisoners and low-income people living outside the U.S.

Jan 20, 2017#128

blotsfan

Bubble181 said:
Also, and I don't like seemingly defending Trump in any way, they're shots from a different angle. Comparing shots taken from the same angle the difference is much less pronounced.

It's the same place just opposite sides. The mob in the first picture goes well past the end of the people in the second one.

Covar said:
I was about to say that. It is a workday.

Sounds like an excuse for someone being too low-energy. Sad!

Jan 20, 2017#129

Dave

Obama won more urban while Trump cleaned up in poor, rural areas. Rural people who are economically depressed will have a harder time getting away and going to DC. Not sure why everyone is acting like this is a big thing. You KNOW I'm not a Trump guy, but let's keep the focus on real things.

Jan 20, 2017#130

Bubble181

blotsfan said:
It's the same place just opposite sides. The mob in the first picture goes well past the end of the people in the second one.

Sounds like an excuse for someone being too low-energy. Sad!

I've been there, you know, I know where the two spots are. Still doesn't change that if you actually look at shots that are both from the Washington Monument, the difference is less pronounced. There's definitely a lot less people there.

Jan 20, 2017#131

Covar

Like how we're about to enter that couple of minute gap where the last term ended and the President Elect hasn't been sworn in.

[edit] false worry, they moved pretty quickly.

Jan 20, 2017#132

Bubble181

Also, random thought of the day that floated past my FB timeline: if anything happens at inauguration today, the Special Service will have to shout "Donald, Duck!"

Jan 20, 2017#133

Frank

Bubble181 said:
Also, and I don't like seemingly defending Trump in any way, they're shots from a different angle. Comparing shots taken from the same angle the difference is much less pronounced.

A little higher angle.

Jan 20, 2017#134

GasBandit

Dave said:
Obama won more urban while Trump cleaned up in poor, rural areas. Rural people who are economically depressed will have a harder time getting away and going to DC. Not sure why everyone is acting like this is a big thing. You KNOW I'm not a Trump guy, but let's keep the focus on real things.

You're arguing against the tide in the official Halforums Butthurt Strategic Reserve.

Jan 20, 2017#135

Eriol

Whatever you guys say about your transition, just be glad that it's peaceful. And what I mean is that in contrast to RIGHT NOW in Gambia: Gambia crisis: Jammeh misses second deadline to step down

There's troops from other countries massing on borders, etc. The peaceful transition of power is one of the marks of somewhat-functioning democracies. You guys still qualify as that at least.

Jan 20, 2017#136

Dave

While the inaugural speech had a few digs in it about the Obamas, I thought it was a much better speech than anyone expected. It absolutely screams isolationist theocracy, but it's what the people voted for (yes, I know he lost the popular vote, but he did win based on strategic voting blocks). He said he was going to write it himself and to this I seriously, SERIOUSLY have my doubts. But for once he relied on teleprompters and stuck to the script. He should have done this long ago.

Jan 20, 2017#137

Dave

And in other "No, this is not the Onion" news...

https://www.scmagazine.com/giuliani...cials-hacked-passwords-leaked/article/632676/

Trump's new head of security and a bunch of others had their logins and passwords stolen and published online.

Jan 20, 2017#138

Bubble181

Dave said:
isolationist theocracy

Yup, what I really noticed was the nation-level selfishness. On the one hand, the USA isn't just another kid on the playground, you're special, you're the teacher; on the other hand, you're only going to look out for yourself, care for yourself, and protect yourself, all the small kids be damned. If allying temporarily with the playground bully (Russia) helps make your own position even stronger, no problem.
Of course the President is the President. But over the last few decades, he's also been the Leader of the Free World. President trump has made it very clear that's not his job and he doesn't want it. All former presidents in my living memory - Bush senior and onward - have mentioned allies, working together, making the world a better place. Yes, even GWB, even if it was more "with select allies" than "in wide open alliances". Has Trump mentioned anything besides America? Nope (well, maybe - to be fair, I was watching at work and taking calls during his speech so I might've missed something). It's a valid choice, sure, and it's what people voted for. Still, being the biggest and strongest and saying "morality, realpolitik nor long-time bonds are going to make me lift a finger unless there's short-term gain in it for me" is...Something.

Jan 20, 2017#139

drifter

Frank said:
A little higher angle.

This picture does a good job showing the difference.

Jan 20, 2017#140

GasBandit

TIL they drain the reflecting pool for inaugurations?

Jan 20, 2017#141

sixpackshaker

GasBandit said:
TIL they drain the reflecting pool for inaugurations?

That is what Trump meant all along.

Jan 20, 2017#142

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
TIL they drain the reflecting pool for inaugurations?

I guess it would increase the amount of gathering space.

--Patrick

Jan 20, 2017#143

sixpackshaker

PatrThom said:
I guess it would increase the amount of gathering space.

--Patrick

I guess they did not need to this time around.

Jan 20, 2017#144

GasBandit

Apparently they do it every year, to clean it, inauguration or no.

http://www.fox5dc.com/news/70416580-story

Jan 20, 2017#145

Covar

It always had an ironic name.

Jan 20, 2017#146

GasBandit

Ok, my mistake, the reflecting pool is on the OTHER side of the Washington Monument, between the WM and the Capitol building is always just regular grass.

Jan 20, 2017#147

Dave

Not "special" grass?

Jan 20, 2017#148

Necronic

Daves not here man

Jan 20, 2017#149

Krisken

At work and the tv is tunes to Bullshit Mountain. Worst lunch ever.

Jan 20, 2017#150

Eriol

Bubble181 said:
Yup, what I really noticed was the nation-level selfishness. On the one hand, the USA isn't just another kid on the playground, you're special, you're the teacher; on the other hand, you're only going to look out for yourself, care for yourself, and protect yourself, all the small kids be damned. If allying temporarily with the playground bully (Russia) helps make your own position even stronger, no problem.
Of course the President is the President. But over the last few decades, he's also been the Leader of the Free World. President trump has made it very clear that's not his job and he doesn't want it. All former presidents in my living memory - Bush senior and onward - have mentioned allies, working together, making the world a better place. Yes, even GWB, even if it was more "with select allies" than "in wide open alliances". Has Trump mentioned anything besides America? Nope (well, maybe - to be fair, I was watching at work and taking calls during his speech so I might've missed something). It's a valid choice, sure, and it's what people voted for. Still, being the biggest and strongest and saying "morality, realpolitik nor long-time bonds are going to make me lift a finger unless there's short-term gain in it for me" is...Something.

Full speech transcript source

We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and hire American. We will seek friendship and good will with the nations of the world, but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first.
We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example. We will shine for everyone to follow. We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones and unite the civilized world against radical Islamic terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the earth.

I think that's the fragment that most directly addresses what you're asking Bubble, but you're free to read the rest of it at the link I provided.

Jan 20, 2017#151

Necronic

So stepping back from the world stage as China and Russia both start stepping up.

Seems like a good idea.

Jan 20, 2017#152

Dave

WhiteHouse.gov is already being edited. So far all LGBT rights pages have been removed, as have all references to global climate change.

The dumbing down of America is complete.

Jan 20, 2017#153

GasBandit

Dave said:
WhiteHouse.gov is already being edited. So far all LGBT rights pages have been removed, as have all references to global climate change.

The dumbing down of America is complete.

LISTEN UP PUSSIES

LGBT now stands for LIBERTY GUNS BEER AND TITTIES.

So it's time to put away the dollies and start BEING A MERKUN

Jan 20, 2017#154

Hailey Knight

Protestors got impatient; couldn't wait until tomorrow to start shit at the scheduled time.

Jan 20, 2017#155

Terrik

Surprise, surprise

Jan 20, 2017#156

Frank

Well, Trump's only been president for a couple of hours and so far, he's only been in violation of the constitution for all them.

Jan 20, 2017#157

Zappit

Sauron got the ring, guys. He got the One Ring.

Jan 20, 2017#158

Dei

The U.S., government, honestly, has a pretty long history of deciding to stay out of foreign affairs. Maybe not in recent history, but our OFFICIAL involvement in both WWI and WWII didn't come about until we got poked. It's honestly not a weird thing for Trump to talk about isolationism in my mind, because it seems like part of our historical cycle. *shrug*

Honestly, I think as a country we'd be better off if Trump does just stay home for the next four years, because it would mean he didn't incite any attacks against us.

Unless we only play defense I guess. But realistically, it's probably just pretty words, like everything that comes out of his mouth.

Jan 20, 2017#159

Bubble181

Dei said:
The U.S., government, honestly, has a pretty long history of deciding to stay out of foreign affairs. Maybe not in recent history, but our OFFICIAL involvement in both WWI and WWII didn't come about until we got poked. It's honestly not a weird thing for Trump to talk about isolationism in my mind, because it seems like part of our historical cycle. *shrug*

Oh, definitely, he didn't invent "American exceptionalism" or "Splendid Isolation" - those are all far too big words for him

It's just been a long time.

Jan 20, 2017#160

sixpackshaker

Trump just increased mortgages by $500 per year for each family, on new loans.

http://money.cnn.com/2017/01/20/real_estate/trump-suspends-fha-premium-rate-cut/index.html

Jan 20, 2017#161

Dave

He didn't increase, he just halted Obama's decrease that was imposed 11 days ago. But yeah, same thing in the long run.

Jan 20, 2017#162

sixpackshaker

Just thank God he's there looking out for the little guy.

Jan 20, 2017#163

Krisken

Like I said, if we fill the thread with nonsense, we're going to lose the crap he does which matters. I think it's time to start a spreadsheet.

Jan 20, 2017#164

Hailey Knight

I think the mortgage shit matters.

Jan 20, 2017#165

Krisken

Zero Esc said:
I think the mortgage shit matters.

I agree. It was more of a "See, this shit is what I'm talking about", not "Pfft, fuck those guys"

Jan 20, 2017#166

Hailey Knight

Krisken said:
I agree. It was more of a "See, this shit is what I'm talking about", not "Pfft, fuck those guys"

Sorry, wasn't sure what you were referring to.

At the same time, it'd be difficult to split into a real shit thread and a hyperbole thread.

Jan 20, 2017#167

Krisken

Zero Esc said:
Sorry, wasn't sure what you were referring to.

At the same time, it'd be difficult to split into a real shit thread and a hyperbole thread.

Yeah, I agree, it would be near impossible to separate the crazy shit coming up and the stuff being put out by fake news. No worries man, I wasn't as clear as I should have been.

Jan 20, 2017#168

Necronic

Ehh he reversed an 11th hour executive orderish thing. Live by the sword, die by the sword.

Jan 20, 2017#169

Dave

Repeal yes. Replace...meh.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/20/politics/trump-signs-executive-order-on-obamacare/index.html

Jan 20, 2017#170

sixpackshaker

It is TrumpCare now.

Jan 20, 2017#171

Hailey Knight

Good to see Trump is wasting no time screwing over the people who voted for him.

Jan 20, 2017#172

Dei

Well, people will get what they voted for, and still find a way to blame Obama.

Jan 20, 2017#173

Krisken

Here's some funny shit- Man boasts of Sexual Assault, Later Inaugurated 45th President of the United States. FORBES.

Jan 20, 2017#174

Tiger Tsang

Dave said:
Man I liked George H.W. Bush.

He's pretty much the only Republican President since Eisenhower that doesn't have a BIG ASS ASTERISK next to his name.

Jan 20, 2017#175

Hailey Knight

Eventually this is going to trickle down to my job, but for now it's the problem of more important people.

People protesting today, going crazy, don't seem to realize--we see this shit all the time in D.C. "For you, the day you traveled to D.C. to rally/protest/march was the most important day of your life. For us, it was Tuesday." And Wednesday. And Thursday. Etc. There's always somebody down here demonstrating something. The numbers get bigger some days, but overall it's just one of the irksome aspects of life we've come to accept in the D.C. metro area. Just living here, it's easy to see how politicians get jaded and apathetic. It's hard to be impressed by every single show of solidarity for one cause or another, right wing, left wing, which ever side of any issue, when it happens all the time. It becomes background noise, like the subway and the traffic.

Jan 20, 2017#176

Bubble181

Zero Esc said:
People protesting today, going crazy, don't seem to realize--we see this shit all the time in D.C. "For you, the day you traveled to D.C. to rally/protest/march was the most important day of your life. For us, it was Tuesday." And Wednesday. And Thursday. Etc. There's always somebody down here demonstrating something. The numbers get bigger some days, but overall it's just one of the irksome aspects of life we've come to accept in the D.C. metro area. Just living here, it's easy to see how politicians get jaded and apathetic. It's hard to be impressed by every single show of solidarity for one cause or another, right wing, left wing, which ever side of any issue, when it happens all the time. It becomes background noise, like the subway and the traffic.

Oh yes, I know that feeling very well. Same thing in Brussels. There's 960 "large" (1,000+) manifestations yearly; that's about 4 per work day. Good luck getting noticed if you're not ten thousand farmers spewing manure over the streets, or something - and even if, the eurocrats don't care.

Jan 21, 2017#177

Bubble181

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/20/opinion/what-president-trump-doesnt-get-about-america.html

A nice overview of why Trumpvision simply doesn't make sense. Not that anyone here needs it.

Jan 21, 2017#178

Frank

Remember though, as Trump told the CIA through heavy, wheezing coke sniffles while his paid clappers cheered around them and they sat stonefaced today, these are fake images.

Also, Trump now has an actual record he can boast about without lying. He's the president with the largest inaugural protest in history.

Jan 21, 2017#179

HCGLNS

Frank said:
Remember though, as Trump told the CIA through heavy, wheezing coke sniffles while his paid clappers cheered around them and they sat stonefaced today, these are fake images.

Also, Trump now has an actual record he can boast about without lying. He's the president with the largest inaugural protest in history.

You can't post that! He'll take your twitter privileges away!

Jan 21, 2017#180

PatrThom

Zero Esc said:
Protestors got impatient; couldn't wait until tomorrow to start shit at the scheduled time.

WE ALSO HAVE HATE FOR SCHEDULES!

--Patrick

Jan 21, 2017#181

Dave

The picture Trump is using to show the people at his inauguration...is a picture from Obama's.

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017...-as-president-steals-twitter-photo-from-obama

Also the design of the cake at the first celebration was ripped off from Obama's.

No, these things mean very little, but they ARE funny.

Jan 21, 2017#182

Frank

Dave said:
The picture Trump is using to show the people at his inauguration...is a picture from Obama's.

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017...-as-president-steals-twitter-photo-from-obama

Also the design of the cake at the first celebration was ripped off from Obama's.

No, these things mean very little, but they ARE funny.

It means he has a real hate boner for Obama and is getting some real revenge fantasy shit out.

Also, kind of lends credibility to the pissing on the bed thing in Russia because HOLY SHIT does it fit his MO.

He's very obsessed with Obama.

Jan 21, 2017#183

Dave

Frank said:
It means he has a real hate boner for Obama and is getting some real revenge fantasy shit out.

Also, kind of lends credibility to the pissing on the bed thing in Russia because HOLY SHIT does it fit his MO.

He's very obsessed with Obama.

He's obsessed with anyone he perceives as better than him or better liked.

Jan 21, 2017#184

HCGLNS

Obama is the outgoing president, and thus his measuring stick, but instead of measuring himself by how tall he himself stands, he is measuring himself by knocking others down.

and my twitter joke was in reference to trump actually taking away twitter accounts from people that did not promote his message yesterday...

http://gizmodo.com/national-park-se...dium=sharefromsite&utm_source=Gizmodo_twitter

Jan 21, 2017#185

@Li3n

Dave said:
The picture Trump is using to show the people at his inauguration...is a picture from Obama's.

http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2017...-as-president-steals-twitter-photo-from-obama

Also the design of the cake at the first celebration was ripped off from Obama's.

Did they let Melania plan the inauguration?

Jan 21, 2017#186

Hailey Knight

While Trump literally quotes a Batman villain, Supergirl is the hero we need:

Jan 21, 2017#187

HCGLNS

Omg it just dawned on me, trump is like Bob from minions. Just evil.

Jan 21, 2017#188

Dei

Everyone is wrong about Inauguration crowds

Jan 21, 2017#189

ScytheRexx

So anyone hear the rumors that all those papers on the desk at his press conference, the papers that supposedly removed his power over his companies, were blank? How there is no actual public record that he has resigned all interest in his companies? You would think we would get something more official then "Yeah see all these envelopes prove it, nothing to see here."

Jan 21, 2017#190

Covar

ScytheRexx said:
So anyone hear the rumors that all those papers on the desk at his press conference, the papers that supposedly removed his power over his companies, were blank? How there is no actual public record that he has resigned all interest in his companies? You would think we would get something more official then "Yeah see all these envelopes prove it, nothing to see here."

They should publically release the long form business contracts.

Jan 21, 2017#191

Dei

It's fine, the Republicans are biding their time, piling up their disastrous agenda, so that they can blame it on Trump and then impeach him. They will have no shortage of things to impeach him on.

Related:

Jan 21, 2017#192

Hailey Knight

Dei said:
Everyone is wrong about Inauguration crowds

Oh, okay.

Jan 21, 2017#193

Zappit

Herr Trumpenfuhrer at the CIA was a pathetic display. He literally told a room full of spies, "I love you." And then he complained about how the media are just the worst, and he's at war with them.

He's literally going to spend the first week of his presidency throwing a tremendous shit-fit that his inauguration crowd was the smallest one in the modern era. He's going to go completely over the edge with this massive display of Trump-hate. His ego cannot stand it.

Jan 21, 2017#194

ScytheRexx

President Trump about Iraq said:
"We should have kept the oil. Maybe we'll have another chance."

Did I got back in time? Is this like the worst parts of 2003 all over again?

Also, I hear they threw a fit because their pick for the head of the CIA hasn't been confirmed yet, and they wanted him there to get the place in shape for the speech.

Jan 22, 2017#195

@Li3n

ScytheRexx said:
So anyone hear the rumors that all those papers on the desk at his press conference, the papers that supposedly removed his power over his companies, were blank? How there is no actual public record that he has resigned all interest in his companies? You would think we would get something more official then "Yeah see all these envelopes prove it, nothing to see here."

"Rumours!"

None of the file had any titles written on them...

And he's already said there are no laws forcing the POTUS to make sure he's got no conflict of interests, that's just for the other statesmen. So in other words, he doesn't have to prove shit, he can just say stuff for his public, knowing it doesn't matter.

Dei said:
Everyone is wrong about Inauguration crowds

Especially reality:

Jan 22, 2017#196

Krisken

Zappit said:
He's literally going to spend the first week of his presidency throwing a tremendous shit-fit that his inauguration crowd was the smallest one in the modern era. He's going to go completely over the edge with this massive display of Trump-hate. His ego cannot stand it.

I think you are probably being generous with the week estimate since he's still basically campaigning for an election he has already won.

Jan 22, 2017#197

sixpackshaker

Zappit said:
Herr Trumpenfuhrer at the CIA was a pathetic display. He literally told a room full of spies, "I love you." And then he complained about how the media are just the worst, and he's at war with them.

He's literally going to spend the first week of his presidency throwing a tremendous shit-fit that his inauguration crowd was the smallest one in the modern era. He's going to go completely over the edge with this massive display of Trump-hate. His ego cannot stand it.

I was so fucking offended that Trump stood in front of the memorial to the CIA agents that died in the line of duty to give his pathetic speech.

Jan 22, 2017#198

HCGLNS

Jan 22, 2017#199

Frank

Jan 22, 2017#200

HCGLNS

Jan 22, 2017#201

Krisken

Analysts believe the reason they are making a stink about crowd sizes is to distract from the Women's March on Saturday.

And if you ask me, it's working considering the march had 3 times the number of people as were at the inauguration and all we are hearing about is his whining.

Jan 22, 2017#202

Dave

The Trump administration is not wrong. They're just alt-right.

Jan 22, 2017#203

Krisken

DarkAudit said:
On Meet the Press today re: Spicer.

Conway: They weren't lies, they were "alternative facts".
Chuck Todd: They were lies.

Calling them out on their lies, too little too late.

Jan 22, 2017#204

sixpackshaker

Krisken said:
Calling them out on their lies, too little too late.

He was called out on his lies constantly, just he called the press liars, and the ditto heads believed him.

Jan 22, 2017#205

Krisken

sixpackshaker said:
He was called out on his lies constantly, just he called the press liars, and the ditto heads believed him.

They weren't calling them lies, they would hedge and haw in the interest of keeping the race close and not appearing biased, saying things like "They say X". This has been a common tactic by places like CNN for years. They never really say they are lies though.

Jan 22, 2017#206

Zappit

Herr Trumpenfuhrer will not be releasing his tax returns, ever, according to Official State Female Aryan Kellyanne Conway.

Jan 22, 2017#207

mikerc

Zappit said:
Herr Trumpenfuhrer will not be releasing his tax returns, ever, according to Official State Female Aryan Kellyanne Conway.

And regarding the media calling out Sean Spicer on the claims regarding the size of the inauguration audience she's saying "Your job is not to call things ridiculous that are said by our press secretary and our president. That's not your job".

Actually the job of the news media is to report on the facts. Like the true size of the audience. And the reason a Free Press is considered so important to a functioning democracy is so that they are free to call out the elected officials as & when that is needed. So, yes, Mrs Conway, that is their job. That is precisely their job.

Jan 22, 2017#208

Zappit

If anything, this shit might just inspire the media to grow some balls, take a moral stand, and call out every lie these people spew. We can't allow them to get away with it anymore. That game gave us President Trump.

Jan 22, 2017#209

Hailey Knight

They didn't even attack him; CNN said they were criticized by Spicer for accurately reporting the size of the inauguration crowd. That is a fact. That is a thing that happened. And her reaction is "no, you can't do what we did." Well, they didn't. They said true things, you fucking sycophant.

Trump's stated he's anti-media, that they're going to pay, yadda yadda. Throw down a gauntlet, don't expect your target to treat it as a mitten.

Jan 22, 2017#210

ScytheRexx

I can't believe my government is using "alternative facts" without any sense of irony. What is happening to this world.

Jan 22, 2017#211

figmentPez

ScytheRexx said:
I can't believe my government is using "alternative facts" without any sense of irony. What is happening to this world.

Somehow, the generation that was born to those who fought the nazis has ended up being the major source of support for giving Nazis a voice in politics again...

Jan 22, 2017#212

Hailey Knight

figmentPez said:
Somehow, the generation that was born to those who fought the nazis has ended up being the major source of support for giving Nazis a voice in politics again...

And then criticizes millennials for simultaneously not doing enough and doing too much.

Jan 22, 2017#213

sixpackshaker

Jan 23, 2017#214

Dei

Ethics Experts File Lawsuit Saying Trump's Overseas Interests Violate Constitution

Jan 23, 2017#215

Bubble181

Trump withdraws from TTP. Let's hope he does the same with TTIP. The replacement might end up even worse, but still.

Jan 23, 2017#216

Necronic

And guess who gets hurt by a repeal of the TPP? Farmers. Apparently this is a huge blow to US agriculture.

Jan 23, 2017#217

Eriol

Necronic said:
And guess who gets hurt by a repeal of the TPP? Farmers. Apparently this is a huge blow to US agriculture.

And who benefits from leaving? Probably everybody except Hollywood and (maybe, I'm not informed) the farmers you mention. One of the key parts of that agreement was the extension of your insane death-plus-75 year copyright terms to everywhere that didn't already have that duration. It's still insane up here (death-plus-50 or so I think) but not AS insane as yours.

Every international agreement has winners and losers. To only focus on the winners when in favor is as bad as only focusing on the losers when against it.

Jan 23, 2017#218

GasBandit

Necronic said:
And guess who gets hurt by a repeal of the TPP? Farmers. Apparently this is a huge blow to US agriculture.

But it's a step in the right direction for fighting internet censorship.

http://www.alternet.org/economy/how-tpp-could-blow-free-internet-we-know-it

Jan 23, 2017#219

Ravenpoe

GasBandit said:
But it's a step in the right direction for fighting internet censorship.

http://www.alternet.org/economy/how-tpp-could-blow-free-internet-we-know-it

With the telecoms now having a firm grasp on Congress, I'm sure they'll find new ways to fuck up the internet.

Jan 23, 2017#220

Dave

Okay, sometimes the comedy writes itself.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/pol...ear-twitter-war-dippin-dots-article-1.2953270

Who hates Dippin' Dots?!?

Jan 23, 2017#221

Necronic

Eriol said:
And who benefits from leaving? Probably everybody except Hollywood and (maybe, I'm not informed) the farmers you mention. One of the key parts of that agreement was the extension of your insane death-plus-75 year copyright terms to everywhere that didn't already have that duration. It's still insane up here (death-plus-50 or so I think) but not AS insane as yours.

Every international agreement has winners and losers. To only focus on the winners when in favor is as bad as only focusing on the losers when against it.

Could you list some of the things that were so bad about the TPP. And understand I'm not throwing the gauntlet here, I was just never really that informed about it, and I'm guessing that's true for a lot of us.

Jan 23, 2017#222

Dave

The TPP gave unprecedented power to corporations over sovereign states. It gave them the ability to sue individual governments in a separate corporate court outside the normal domestic court system, instead bringing grievances to a 3 person panel. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-trans-pacific-partnership-3305581

Jan 23, 2017#223

PatrThom

Dave said:
Who hates Dippin' Dots?!?

I do! They're either too expensive or else they're always out.

--Patrick

Jan 23, 2017#224

Eriol

Dave said:
The TPP gave unprecedented power to corporations over sovereign states. It gave them the ability to sue individual governments in a separate corporate court outside the normal domestic court system, instead bringing grievances to a 3 person panel. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-trans-pacific-partnership-3305581

Also, here's the last post of a 50-part dissection of why the TPP is bad (for Canada at least) from a digital rights perspective. Most of it applies to all countries involved.

Dave's link is another good reason why it was bad.

To be fair though, since I mentioned above about being one-sided being bad, if it was inevitable, I was looking forward to TPP smashing "Supply Management" of the Dairy industry in Canada through foreign imports. Basically our milk (and everything produced from it) is usually at LEAST twice as expensive as south of the border. Sure it maintains some "small farms" and keeps them viable, but overall it's bad for consumers IMO, and supports VERY few jobs. We don't need TPP to smash that, but it would have been an actual GOOD side-effect.

Jan 23, 2017#225

Dave

I do not know how much of this is true - it is the New York Post - but it seems Trump wanted tanks, missile launchers, and troops on parade at his inauguration but was shut down by the military.

https://nypost.com/2017/01/20/milit...-to-parade-missile-launchers-at-inauguration/

No, I'm not making that up. Again, I do not know how true this is, but it's not some small blog reporting this. But again...Post.

Jan 23, 2017#226

Eriol

Dave said:
The TPP gave unprecedented power to corporations over sovereign states. It gave them the ability to sue individual governments in a separate corporate court outside the normal domestic court system, instead bringing grievances to a 3 person panel. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the-trans-pacific-partnership-3305581

Oh, more specifics about the "Investor State Dispute Settlement" (ISDS) process and how horrific it can be, using NAFTA's equivalent as an example: http://www.michaelgeist.ca/2016/03/...lly-is-what-happens-when-isds-rules-go-wrong/

Basically, a panel could potentially override your own Supreme Court. IMO foreign companies, as they set up subsidiary operations in a country should have no more (and potentially less, depends) rights than any entity inside that country and are subject to their laws. There should never be an end-run around it like this. Which is why I'm OK with countries like China banning Google/Facebook unless they conform to their laws, as screwed up as those laws are. They decided to leave instead, which again, is fine. I'm good with the idea of national sovereignty, and this is an end-run around it, which is not good.

Jan 23, 2017#227

Dave

As screwed up as I think a Trump reign is going to be, I think this is the one thing he'll do right. Everything else...not so much.

Jan 23, 2017#228

Bubble181

Now to see if he'll actually also quit the other trade deals, or use this as leverage and "I really will quit, you know" pressure to get "better" deals for the USa at the cost of the other side. Heavens know the EU is weak enough to roll over.

Jan 23, 2017#229

Eriol

Dave said:
As screwed up as I think a Trump reign is going to be, I think this is the one thing he'll do right. Everything else...not so much.

What do you mean by "one thing" there? Not challenging, just looking for clarification.

Jan 23, 2017#230

Dave

Eriol said:
What do you mean by "one thing" there? Not challenging, just looking for clarification.

Leaving the TPP. I think it's a bad idea that we were going to be in it and was fighting against it.

Jan 23, 2017#231

Necronic

Eriol said:
Also, here's the last post of a 50-part dissection of why the TPP is bad (for Canada at least) from a digital rights perspective. Most of it applies to all countries involved.

Dave's link is another good reason why it was bad.

To be fair though, since I mentioned above about being one-sided being bad, if it was inevitable, I was looking forward to TPP smashing "Supply Management" of the Dairy industry in Canada through foreign imports. Basically our milk (and everything produced from it) is usually at LEAST twice as expensive as south of the border. Sure it maintains some "small farms" and keeps them viable, but overall it's bad for consumers IMO, and supports VERY few jobs. We don't need TPP to smash that, but it would have been an actual GOOD side-effect.

While not having read it incredibly thoroughly, I have to be honest, (unsurprisingly) it looks like a lot of those issues have no major impact on the USA and actually do good for us as they bring other countries up (or down) to our standards. If I was a Canadian I would tend to agree with those being problems, but few of those raised red flags to me as an American. In fact even the ones that did (like the pharma thing) may actually be a net gain for Americans since we pay a pretty heavy premium for developing drugs that other countries get for much cheaper since they don't have to abide our patent resurrections.

The anti-net neutrality stuff is bad all around but let's be honest that horse is crazy dead at this point regardless.

Still need to read Davids piece.

Jan 23, 2017#232

Gruebeard

Dave said:
I do not know how much of this is true - it is the New York Post - but it seems Trump wanted tanks, missile launchers, and troops on parade at his inauguration but was shut down by the military.

https://nypost.com/2017/01/20/milit...-to-parade-missile-launchers-at-inauguration/

No, I'm not making that up. Again, I do not know how true this is, but it's not some small blog reporting this. But again...Post.

The article has a link to a story about an interview of Trump by the Post that took place sometime between the election and now (I didn't notice it mentioning when exactly it took place while skimming). Near the end of that story Trump is quoted saying he wants to show off the military at parades in NYC, DC, etc.

So yeah, everything except getting shut down by the military is definitely true. Whether he got to the point of requesting the military participate at the inauguration and was shot down, your quoted story isn't terribly trustworthy on that. Unnamed sources, etc.

Jan 23, 2017#233

Hailey Knight

Trump put a freeze on federal hiring today.

Riiight as my wife was being considered for a better job.

Jan 23, 2017#234

Krisken

Trump names next FCC Chairman to be.... Ajit Pai, someone who always voted against Net Neutrality.

Enjoy it while it lasts, folks!

Jan 23, 2017#235

Necronic

Lol

Jan 23, 2017#236

Dei

Trump also made Jan 20th a "National Day of Patriotic Devotion."

He really got his poor widdle feelings hurt on Friday.

But on a less humorous note, wtf?!

Jan 23, 2017#237

PatrThom

Dei said:
Trump also made Jan 20th a "National Day of Patriotic Devotion."
He really got his poor widdle feelings hurt on Friday.
But on a less humorous note, wtf?!

From the official proclamation:

Freedom is the birthright of all Americans, and to preserve that freedom we must maintain faith in our sacred values and heritage. [...] There is no freedom where the people do not believe in it; no law where the people do not follow it; and no peace where the people do not pray for it.

...it's gonna be like that.

--Patrick

Jan 23, 2017#238

Covar

Krisken said:
Trump names next FCC Chairman to be.... Ajit Pai, someone who always voted against Net Neutrality.

Enjoy it while it lasts, folks!

And Tom Wheeler was a highly successful cable and telecom lobbist

Jan 23, 2017#239

Krisken

Covar said:
And Tom Wheeler was a highly successful cable and telecom lobbist

But voted for Net Neutrality while in the FCC. I'm not sure what you are getting at here, unless you are being naive and are saying Ajit only voted that way because he knew he wouldn't get his way.

Jan 23, 2017#240

Covar

I'm saying let's actually see what happens and you may be surprised. Lest we forget policies enacted during Wheeler's tenure weren't unanimously favored by Net Neutrality advocates. It's not been a perfect system either and leaves a lot to be desired, particularly in mobile and with the rampant Zero rating being allowed. I'd be more interested in why he voted the way he did.

Jan 23, 2017#241

Krisken

Yes, we shall see.

Jan 23, 2017#242

Frank

Real assault on women's rights going on right now.

Buckle up for a nice massive uptick in maternal mortality to match any poverty ridden African nation.

Infuriating.

Jan 23, 2017#243

Ravenpoe

Covar said:
I'm saying let's actually see what happens and you may be surprised. Lest we forget policies enacted during Wheeler's tenure weren't unanimously favored by Net Neutrality advocates. It's not been a perfect system either and leaves a lot to be desired, particularly in mobile and with the rampant Zero rating being allowed. I'd be more interested in why he voted the way he did.

Sure, the bear -might- not maul us, they don't always do that.

Jan 24, 2017#244

Frank

Muzzling scientists, something Harper did here nearly a decade ago.

They also burned entire libraries of research and knowledge.

Jan 24, 2017#245

Eriol

Frank said:
Muzzling scientists, something Harper did here nearly a decade ago.

They also burned entire libraries of research and knowledge.

That last claim is somewhat... inflammatory... I didn't hear about that one.

As for the scientists, I never heard of any that weren't allowed to publish papers. Mouth off as officials on whatever they wanted, sure, that was restricted, but never any publishing that I've heard. You know, things that need to be peer-reviewed? Like actual science?

And how much mouthing off have they done against the current government once they were "allowed" to? Not a lot from what I've heard either. Maybe there's a wee bit of partisanship here too?

Jan 24, 2017#246

Dei

Best part is the date. Can't decide if photographer is bad or trolling.

Jan 24, 2017#247

Frank

Eriol said:
That last claim is somewhat... inflammatory... I didn't hear about that one.

That the Harper government burned 7 fisheries libraries?

That happened. It was done supposedly after digitizing the info, but apparently only a small amount of the job was done before the torch was lit.

https://thetyee.ca/News/2013/12/09/Dismantling-Fishery-Library/

Jan 24, 2017#248

Eriol

Frank said:
That the Harper government burned 7 fisheries libraries?

That happened. It was done supposedly after digitizing the info, but apparently only a small amount of the job was done before the torch was lit.

https://thetyee.ca/News/2013/12/09/Dismantling-Fishery-Library/

That article says nothing about burning, and explicitly mentions how they were digitized. There's quite a lot of criticism of how digital libraries are considered worse by many, but your claim doesn't seem to hold up from the article you linked. The "Evil" Harper government consolidated 7 libraries into 2, and digitized the information prior to closing those places. That's hardly book-burning.

Also, they mention The Great Library of Alexandria, and how it's the same as how Rome destroyed it, implying malice... except not exactly. Accounts differ whether it was burned by Caesar at ALL (at all, partial, or completely destroyed), and even if it was, it was an accident when he lit his ships on fire in the harbor and it spread to some buildings in the city. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destruction_of_the_Library_of_Alexandria The Romans didn't deliberately ever torch that Library, and given the years, the "roman-esque" dynasties of Egypt were HUGE supporters of it.

The REAL tragic destruction of it was during the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 642. Accounts differ because records of it come from hundreds of years later, but regardless of WHY, the library was destroyed permanently following their conquest. Further reading is in that wiki article.

And note, if anybody here ever considers Egypt safe enough to travel to, I HIGHLY recommend going to the "Spiritual Successor" to that library, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in said city. Awesome library, inside and out. Combination library and museum these days, with a fascinating "restricted" section that when @Dirona and I were there we looked into. If you're a scholar (especially religious history, but it's hardly restricted to that), they have some NICE stuff.

Jan 24, 2017#249

Frank

Jesus, I didn't mean explicitly burning. They threw all the books in bins and then probably a landfill.

The result is the same.

Jan 24, 2017#250

Eriol

Frank said:
Jesus, I didn't mean explicitly burning. They threw all the books in bins and then probably a landfill.

The result is the same.

If you digitize records, and keep such available, it's a lot different than saying "All that knowledge, just go away!" Again, the article you linked even said they kept it all.

If you're arguing the physical tomes themselves had historic value, rather than the information therein, then OK, that's a point, but that's WAY different than what's implied by book-burning in our culture. Book-burning = Nazis = against knowledge (in our culture I mean). Disposing/recycling of obsolete technology is something else. Saying it should be preserved for historic (non-knowledge value) is again something else.

Jan 24, 2017#251

Frank

https://thetyee.ca/News/2013/12/23/Canadian-Science-Libraries/

They claim that information was not being digitized. The government wouldn't and still won't reveal how much was saved.

The estimate was 1 in 20 books was digitized.

That's a HUUUUGE amount of data gone.

Jan 24, 2017#252

Eriol

So a few scientists, who aren't willing to go on the record, are contradicting the official story from DFO, and this is all coming from a publication that has a "not conservative" (to be generous) bent to it.

Frank, c'mon. At least the Star or something else that's at least a wide-circulation Liberal rag. This is a half-step away from conspiracy theory here.

Jan 24, 2017#253

Frank

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...historic-loss-scientists-say/article16237051/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fis...ary-closings-called-loss-to-science-1.2486171

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/01/12/thats_no_way_to_treat_a_library_scientists_say.html

Jan 24, 2017#254

Gruebeard

Frank said:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...historic-loss-scientists-say/article16237051/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fis...ary-closings-called-loss-to-science-1.2486171

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/01/12/thats_no_way_to_treat_a_library_scientists_say.html

The Globe ought to be acceptable to him. But you'd likely have a slam dunk if you can find the Post reporting it.

Jan 24, 2017#255

Dei

Anyways, back on track.

Trump orders EPA media blackout

Jan 24, 2017#256

Eriol

Frank said:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...historic-loss-scientists-say/article16237051/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/fis...ary-closings-called-loss-to-science-1.2486171

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/01/12/thats_no_way_to_treat_a_library_scientists_say.html

I'm not saying the closures didn't happen Frank, just that there's no disaster here. The materials were even offered multiple times to others (in the globe article), and basically nothing that wasn't already in other places was thrown out. LOTS of duplication (as is normal) was thrown out is what the main thing is here.

Basically, it's an optics-bad-only story IMO.

Gruebeard said:
The Globe ought to be acceptable to him. But you'd likely have a slam dunk if you can find the Post reporting it.

The Post is hardly different than most of these. They're fine enough.

Jan 24, 2017#257

Hailey Knight

Dei said:
Anyways, back on track.

Trump orders EPA media blackout

Eventually it'll be total blackout for the executive branch.

Jan 24, 2017#258

Celt Z

Dei said:
Best part is the date. Can't decide if photographer is bad or trolling.

Needs more pink hats.

Jan 24, 2017#259

Denbrought

Zero Esc said:
Eventually it'll be total blacks out for the executive branch.

FTFY

Jan 24, 2017#260

Dei

1984 back on the best seller list

Jan 24, 2017#261

Dave

Trump is going to order the following tomorrow:

No more muslim refugees.
No more immigrants from ANY country.
Start building the wall.

So...is he going to do ANYTHING with Congress?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...orders-iraq-iran-libya-restrict-a7544566.html

Jan 24, 2017#262

Dei

Well, he can't executive order the wall really, Congress still needs to do things like approve funding. But yes, it's gross.

Jan 24, 2017#263

blotsfan

Dave said:
So...is he going to do ANYTHING with Congress?

Don't worry Gas, I got this.

No one complained when Obama did it. The only difference is that now, ~~its a lunatic implementing insanity~~ not your guy.

Jan 24, 2017#264

Hailey Knight

When Pence takes office, he's going to seem the most reasonable person and will be far less complained about than if he or Ted Cruz or any actual Republican had taken office without Trump being the horrifying buffer between Obama and a Republican president.

Jan 24, 2017#265

Frank

People give Obama a shit time over his executive orders, but he's well below the curve of orders per modern president. He wrote fewer than Bush Jr., Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, Johnson, Eisenhower, etc. etc.

Trump has 6 in his first day.

Jan 24, 2017#266

Dei

Trump administration tells EPA to cut climate page from website

Jan 24, 2017#267

ScytheRexx

Frank said:
People give Obama a shit time over his executive orders, but he's well below the curve of orders per modern president. He wrote fewer than Bush Jr., Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, Johnson, Eisenhower, etc. etc.

Oh Frank, you know it was never about the actual orders.

Jan 25, 2017#268

GasBandit

Frank said:
People give Obama a shit time over his executive orders, but he's well below the curve of orders per modern president. He wrote fewer than Bush Jr., Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, Johnson, Eisenhower, etc. etc.

Trump has 6 in his first day.

Quantity != effect.

And like Blots said when he channeled me... expanding the power of the executive branch by rewriting passed laws without congressional action (Obamacare mandates and subsidy applications and exceptions) or granting legal status to 5 million illegal aliens.... it sort of sets a precedent toward autocracy.

Because now the abuses of power you agreed with under Obama became the springboard to normalcy for abuses of power you hate under Trump.

Jan 25, 2017#269

Bubble181

Sure, an Australian source on news from the Netherlands, this link makes sense.

The Netherlands set up an international fund for abortion to help people get what they need, opposing the reinstituted gag rule.

Jan 25, 2017#270

ScytheRexx

Trump threatened Chicago to get its act together or he is going to send in federal intervention. What that means, who knows, but if he means sending military rolling into the city I am going to be pissed.

Jan 25, 2017#271

Hailey Knight

ScytheRexx said:
Trump threatened Chicago to get its act together or he is going to send in federal intervention. What that means, who knows, but if he means sending military rolling into the city I am going to be pissed.

I'm unclear how sending "the Feds" is going to do anything about homicide rate, as if it's "reduce spending on homicide." Martial law would have that effect, but what the fuck?

Jan 25, 2017#272

ThatNickGuy

So that abortion gag order? They're taking it world wide. The WHO have to scrub all mentions of abortion from their .org or lose 14% of their funding.

This reeks of Pence. And they haven't even been in the office for a week, yet! Jesus Christ.[DOUBLEPOST=1485354550,1485354371][/DOUBLEPOST]I'm copy/pasting a post I made earlier this morning on Facebook:

This is mostly a rant about about current American politics, but it absolutely blows my mind how so many people and politicians are pro-life, but then also don't think about the support needed to raise a child. Now mind you, I don't have any children, but I have enough friends and family and have heard enough stories about the cost and stress of raising one.

Them: "We're going to defund things like Planned Parenthood. No more abortions! No more birth control freebies! No sex education! We care deeply about the life of this baby! PRO-LIFE!"
Women: "Okay, well, I have this baby now. Since you care so much about its life, how about funding for day care, child medical benefits, a good education, maybe some funding so I can afford to feed them properly, oh and there's the cost of all these diapers."
Them: "What? No free handouts! Go back to work, you slacker."
Women: "I can't go back to work. I have this baby to raise now."
Them: "Should've thought about that before having sex. Or should've thought about using protection."
Women: "When or who I have intimate relationships with is none of your business. I also didn't know how to be safe about it because all you promote is abstinence only. I used what little protection I could afford or was available to me thanks to you. Or it was forced on me or I was coerced."
Them: "Shouldn't have asked for it, then."
Women: "I didn't. No one believed me, anyway. So now I have this baby and..."
Them: "Screw you. Should've just kept your legs together."
Women: "Fine, forget about me. What about the baby? You said..."
Them: "They're your problem now!"

Jan 25, 2017#273

HCGLNS

Jesus Christ? I doubt trumps ego would share the spotlight.

Jan 25, 2017#274

Bubble181

Pulling out of TTP, pulling out of WHO, calling NATO obsolete, and so on and so forth- when they said "America First" they definitely meant it. As long as you don't want to export or don't care about international customers at all, I guess.
This will either mean Russia, China, or someone else (the EU! HAHAHAhahaha *cough*) will fill the international power vacuum that's rapidly starting to appear, effectively weakening the USA immensely, or it'll kill millions - mostly poor in other continents. I wonder if the "poor starving Africans" type of charity videos will be as impactful as they were in the '80s and '90s.

Jan 25, 2017#275

ThatNickGuy

Bubble181 said:
Pulling out of TTP, pulling out of WHO, calling NATO obsolete, and so on and so forth- when they said "America First" they definitely meant it. As long as you don't want to export or don't care about international customers at all, I guess.
This will either mean Russia, China, or someone else (the EU! HAHAHAhahaha *cough*) will fill the international power vacuum that's rapidly starting to appear, effectively weakening the USA immensely, or it'll kill millions - mostly poor in other continents. I wonder if the "poor starving Africans" type of charity videos will be as impactful as they were in the '80s and '90s.

I've seen some people say this is where China will rise to power. At this rate, I don't think they're wrong. And in some ways, that's scary, too.

Jan 25, 2017#276

Denbrought

ThatNickGuy said:
I'm copy/pasting a post I made earlier this morning on Facebook:

This is mostly a rant about about current American politics, but it absolutely blows my mind how so many people and politicians are pro-life, but then also don't think about the support needed to raise a child. Now mind you, I don't have any children, but I have enough friends and family and have heard enough stories about the cost and stress of raising one.

Them: "We're going to defund things like Planned Parenthood. No more abortions! No more birth control freebies! No sex education! We care deeply about the life of this baby! PRO-LIFE!"
Women: "Okay, well, I have this baby now. Since you care so much about its life, how about funding for day care, child medical benefits, a good education, maybe some funding so I can afford to feed them properly, oh and there's the cost of all these diapers."
Them: "What? No free handouts! Go back to work, you slacker."
Women: "I can't go back to work. I have this baby to raise now."
Them: "Should've thought about that before having sex. Or should've thought about using protection."
Women: "When or who I have intimate relationships with is none of your business. I also didn't know how to be safe about it because all you promote is abstinence only. I used what little protection I could afford or was available to me thanks to you. Or it was forced on me or I was coerced."
Them: "Shouldn't have asked for it, then."
Women: "I didn't. No one believed me, anyway. So now I have this baby and..."
Them: "Screw you. Should've just kept your legs together."
Women: "Fine, forget about me. What about the baby? You said..."
Them: "They're your problem now!"

I don't see why being charitable is a pre-requisite to oppose something one perceives as murder. By the same token, I do not believe any amount of safety nets alone can adequately justifies taking women's bodily autonomy away.

I will note that, in my experience and environs, pro-life people believe in (and donate to) churches and charities that support those in need. I work first-hand writing software for such charities in my tri-county area, and they are mostly non-secular and wholly unconcerned with the reasons why someone has children--they care about keeping the family fed, clothed, housed, and warm.

Jan 25, 2017#277

ThatNickGuy

Denbrought said:
I don't see why being charitable is a pre-requisite to oppose something one perceives as murder. By the same token, I do not believe any amount of safety nets alone can adequately justifies taking women's bodily autonomy away.

I will note that, in my experience and environs, pro-life people believe in (and donate to) churches and charities that support those in need. I work first-hand writing software for such charities in my tri-county area, and they are mostly non-secular and wholly unconcerned with the reasons why someone has children--they care about keeping the family fed, clothed, housed, and warm.

It's not just the murder, though. My point wasn't just about abortion, but women's health and sex education in general. I'd be happy if there was a massive reduction in abortions because there's better support for protection, birth control, and sex education. Hell, I don't remember which state it was, but after they introduced a great sex-ed program, teen pregnancy rates plummeted. And then rose again when the program was pulled.

But my point is the hypocrisy that they care so much about the child, but then provide no support if and when that child is born. Or to prevent the child from being conceived in the first place.

Also, donating to churches and charities is fine, but that support only goes so far. My ex who was a single mother struggled especially with the costs of day care and medicine for her child. She had little to no support.

Jan 25, 2017#278

Denbrought

ThatNickGuy said:
It's not just the murder, though. My point wasn't just about abortion, but women's health and sex education in general. I'd be happy if there was a massive reduction in abortions because there's better support for protection, birth control, and sex education. Hell, I don't remember which state it was, but after they introduced a great sex-ed program, teen pregnancy rates plummeted. And then rose again when the program was pulled.

But my point is the hypocrisy that they care so much about the child, but then provide no support if and when that child is born. Or to prevent the child from being conceived in the first place.

Also, donating to churches and charities is fine, but that support only goes so far. My ex who was a single mother struggled especially with the costs of day care and medicine for her child. She had little to no support.

We look at abortion as a symptom of a society in need of family planning methods, other people look at abortion as a symptom of a society in moral decay. Fixing a moral problem (seeking to terminate pregnancies) with another (encouraging young people to have safe sex) capitulates moral ground a lot of people do not want to give up. There's a plethora of other views as well, but I'm not super-familiar with them due to an overriding lack of interest in the excuses to police people's bodies.

I understand your point, but I don't think it constitutes hypocrisy. They may very well prefer that a child be born and bring hardship on themselves and their parent(s), rather than be killed for """"convenience."""" It sucks for the parents and the child, but (in many people's views) it sure beats not being born.

I agree that on many places support is wholly lacking. In some places it's abundant but hard to reach, or not publicized enough (part of my volunteering is in that direction).

Jan 25, 2017#279

@Li3n

ThatNickGuy said:
I've seen some people say this is where China will rise to power. At this rate, I don't think they're wrong. And in some ways, that's scary, too.

What if that was the plan all along?

Sure, Trump says good things about Putin, and wants to be friends with Russia, but what if that's a smoke screen, and actually the chinese have something on him... i mean if i had some loud mouthed idiot under my control i wouldn't have him praise me... i'd have him lambaste me while he was sabotaging his country, so no one would suspect.

Jan 25, 2017#280

Terrik

@Li3n said:
What if that was the plan all along?

Sure, Trump says good things about Putin, and wants to be friends with Russia, but what if that's a smoke screen, and actually the chinese have something on him... i mean if i had some loud mouthed idiot under my control i wouldn't have him praise me... i'd have him lambaste me while he was sabotaging his country, so no one would suspect.

Then I'm way ahead of all you jackasses.

Jan 25, 2017#281

ThatNickGuy

I'm stepping away from this because I'm getting too angry and emotional on the issue.

Jan 25, 2017#282

PatrThom

ThatNickGuy said:
I'm stepping away from this because I'm getting too angry and emotional on the issue.

We are, too, but I know your threshold of what you can stand is probably lower than average since your emotions are closer to the surface.
This whole "We're going to take our bat and ball and go home" attitude is annoying to us, too. We actually enjoyed the benefits of being part of some of these programs.

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#283

Hailey Knight

PatrThom has been assimilated.

Jan 25, 2017#284

Bubble181

It's a sad state of affairs when this study is relevant again.

In short - the gag rule increases the rate of abortions in developing countries. Not just unsafe/unhealthy ones, abortions in general - since the decrease in funding because of abortion translates into less modern birth control being available and so on.

Also of note, the "new" gag rule will be affecting far, far more organizations (and thus, people) than the older versions. All statistical data says this new gag rule will lead to literally thousands of dead young mothers, thousands more (often dangerous) abortions, and thousands more unwanted children in already starving regions. Well done! Anyone who claims any sort of moral reason for this law better understand this: this rule is immoral, wrong, and achieves the exact opposite of what you claim to have as a goal.

As one of the first decisions of a new president, it's pretty telling - though it's only telling us things most of us already know.

Jan 25, 2017#285

PatrThom

Zero Esc said:
PatrThom has been assimilated.

My job requires that I retain a cool, calm demeanor at all times.
It's like I was born to it.

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#286

Bubble181

PatrThom said:
My job requires that I retain a cool, calm demeanor at all times.
It's like I was constructed for it.

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#287

PatrThom

Oh, you guys and your headcanonry.

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#288

Terrik

PatrThom said:
Oh, you guys and your headcanonry.

--Patrick

01000100 01101111 00100000 01101110 01101111 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101001 01110011 01101101 01101001 01110011 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110011 01101111 00100000

Jan 25, 2017#289

Eriol

Terrik said:
01000100 01101111 00100000 01101110 01101111 01110100 00100000 01100100 01101001 01110011 01101101 01101001 01110011 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110100 00100000 01110011 01101111 00100000

NEEEEERRRRRRDDDDD

http://www.binaryhexconverter.com/binary-to-ascii-text-converter

Jan 25, 2017#290

Hailey Knight

I doubt Trump is actually working this much. Not his style.

This stuff was probably written up by Republicans ahead of time, ready for him to sign his name like he's good at doing. Any of it blows up, it's on Trump, and they get to look like heroes when they throw him under the bus for doing their dirty work.

Jan 25, 2017#291

ThatNickGuy

This war on abortion reeks of Pence, honestly. The more I think about it, the more I think Trump is just the clown to distract everyone. Then again, I thought that for a long time.

Jan 25, 2017#292

Bubble181

ThatNickGuy said:
This war on abortion reeks of Pence, honestly. The more I think about it, the more I think Trump is just the clown to distract everyone. Then again, I thought that for a long time.

On the other hand, the all-encompassing flavor of it, the big huge wide sweeping way things are written, sound like Trump speech made text. Big Huge Changes and Everything I Promised, Right Away, See, It Doesn't Have To Be Difficult. Then, finding out what a mess it all creates and cleaning it up 'll be harder, but that's tomorrow's problem.

But yes, I do agree most of this is coming from Pence and the extreme right pushing their agenda through. Each one of these orders he's signing could fill a news cycle. Pushing through so much so fast drowns everything. The news isn't "oh my God, there's something horrible coming, this specific law/order needs to be stopped" - it's "Trump's being Trump and doing insane shit". I think a lot of people still don't understand how fundamental and genuinely dangerous some of the things he's doing and promising to do are.

Jan 25, 2017#293

PatrThom

ThatNickGuy said:
This war on abortion reeks of Pence, honestly. The more I think about it, the more I think Trump is just the clown to distract everyone. Then again, I thought that for a long time.

It worked before, right?

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#294

Dei

So the gag order thing has a history of going into effect any time a Republican president comes into power, then being rescinded when a Democrat comes into power. So, while abhorrent, it's actually not really surprising that it happened right away.

Jan 25, 2017#295

Bubble181

All in all it's just another brick....

Jan 25, 2017#296

@Li3n

Dei said:
So, while abhorrent, it's actually not really surprising that it happened right away.

But apparently this one is more far reaching, and will affect even the WHO.

...

Also, has anyone heard how Trump can't let go the illegal voters thing, even though the Repubs are telling him to drop it?

Wouldn't it be hilarious if he orders a big investigation, and they find tons of dead people that "voted", then they purge them all, then next election, for some reason, lots of Republicans lose their seats as there are less republican votes all of a sudden ...

Jan 25, 2017#297

blotsfan

Jan 25, 2017#298

Dei

Jan 25, 2017#299

@Li3n

blotsfan said:

CIA guys says: "Well sir, when you torture someone, they tell you anything you want to hear, even if it's not true."

Trump hears: "Torture makes people say nice things about the size of your hands"

Jan 25, 2017#300

Hylian

Jan 25, 2017#301

Dave

How many days has it been?

https://www.reddit.com/r/EnoughTrum...eaking_white_house_staff_are_using_a_private/

Think the right will understand the irony?

Jan 25, 2017#302

Zappit

Dave said:
How many days has it been?

https://www.reddit.com/r/EnoughTrum...eaking_white_house_staff_are_using_a_private/

Think the right will understand the irony?

I'm sure they'll see no problem with Herr Trumpenfuhrer's regime doing it.

Jan 25, 2017#303

Ravenpoe

Dave said:
How many days has it been?

https://www.reddit.com/r/EnoughTrum...eaking_white_house_staff_are_using_a_private/

Think the right will understand the irony?

I don't believe they know what irony is at this point.

Jan 25, 2017#304

PatrThom

Ravenpoe said:
I don't believe they know what irony is at this point.

Trump’s daughter, admin members are registered to vote in multiple states*

New reports have surfaced that President Donald Trump’s daughter and some members of his administration are registered to vote in multiple states. The development [...] comes the same day Trump ordered a “major investigation” into voter fraud, “including those registered to vote in two states,” which he has claimed — without evidence — cost him the popular vote in the 2016 election.

...hmmmnope, I don't believe they do.

--Patrick
*there are other, more reputable sources for the story, if you're interested.

Jan 25, 2017#305

Dave

People can be registered in multiple states. It only becomes a crime when they VOTE in more than one.

Jan 25, 2017#306

PatrThom

Dave said:
People can be registered in multiple states. It only becomes a crime when they VOTE in more than one.

When you register in your new state, you are supposed to update your registration which nullifies your ability to vote in another state.
If, however, you "forget" to change your permanent address with the old state, well...

--Patrick

Jan 25, 2017#307

Hailey Knight

Gag order's been lifted on Department of Agriculture, allegedly because of the outcry.

So apparently we just need to bitch enough. Well, this'll be a breeze.

Jan 25, 2017#308

fade

Well... I just saw multiple people on my Facebook friends list go from actively defending trump to outrage. No one likes censorship.

Jan 25, 2017#309

Hailey Knight

White House leaks are ... enlightening.

Highlights for me come as no surprise:

- Trump doesn't care one way or the other about abortion. Just signing his name to pre-written orders.
- Moseying from meeting to meeting staring at his phone
- The White House staff is pretty demoralized at the moment over his behavior
- People being sworn in want Pence to do it so they don't have to get their photos taken with Trump
- Trump wants everyone to have healthcare, but has zero understanding of how to make that happen or the effects of ripping away Obamacare without having a plan

Jan 25, 2017#310

Frank

I can't believe the editor of fucking Breitbart has that kind of power.

Jan 25, 2017#311

Hailey Knight

Frank said:
I can't believe the editor of fucking Breitbart has that kind of power.

For real; somehow the president and Vice President can't wrestle control over DACA away from a shit weasel.

Jan 26, 2017#312

Hailey Knight

DarkAudit said:
And yet I was the one for all intents and purposes called mentally ill when I questioned his sanity. Sad.

WE. TOLD. YOU. SO.

Who?

Jan 26, 2017#313

Hailey Knight

DarkAudit said:
Not you.

I don't know who's the we, you, or so. I should go to bed.

Jan 26, 2017#314

ScytheRexx

Hey guys, remember when we were the leaders of the free world?

Man, those were the good ole days.

Jan 26, 2017#315

@Li3n

PatrThom said:
Trump’s daughter, admin members are registered to vote in multiple states*

...hmmmnope, I don't believe they do.

--Patrick
*there are other, more reputable sources for the story, if you're interested.

Ah, that makes sense... he wants his family to know that he's on to them... and they won't get away with it just because he could only check Melania's vote at the time.

Jan 26, 2017#316

Eriol

ScytheRexx said:
Hey guys, remember when we were the leaders of the free world?

Man, those were the good ole days.

You mean like never? You just called yourselves that, and the rest of us were like "ya, that guy can keep his delusion."

Jan 26, 2017#317

JCM

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/America-no-longer-full-democracy-eiu-index-10882845.php

Jan 26, 2017#318

ThatNickGuy

fade said:
Well... I just saw multiple people on my Facebook friends list go from actively defending trump to outrage. No one likes censorship.

The irony is I bet these same people (or others like them) were always going on about "censorship" by "SJWs" when a number of people ignored them, blocked them, or were banned from a forum.

Now they see what ACTUAL censorship looks like.

Jan 26, 2017#319

@Li3n

ThatNickGuy said:
The irony is I bet these same people (or others like them) were always going on about "censorship" by "SJWs" when a number of people ignored them, blocked them, or were banned from a forum.

Now they see what ACTUAL censorship looks like.

Nah... it's only censorship when someone does it to you / ppl u agree with. When you do it / your side does it, it's just preventing fake news.

Jan 26, 2017#320

ThatNickGuy

@Li3n said:
Nah... it's only censorship when someone does it to you / ppl u agree with. When you do it / your side does it, it's just providing alternative facts.

FTFY

Jan 26, 2017#321

Denbrought

@Li3n said:
Nah... it's only censorship when someone

FTFY

Jan 26, 2017#322

Hylian

Jan 26, 2017#323

@Li3n

Denbrought said:
FTFY

STOP TRYING TO SILENCE ME, YOU MONSTER!!!!!!

Also, how intentional was it that you brought it up when i was expressing the same idea as in the post that started that? And do you feel you agree with it more post-president-trump then before?

Jan 26, 2017#324

Denbrought

@Li3n said:
Also, how intentional was it that you brought it up when i was expressing the same idea as in the post that started that? And do you feel you agree with it more post-president-trump then before?

It was partly intentional. My meme-to-kneejerk algorithm is roughly "hit Disagree on any post by @Li3n containing the word 'censorship'" but the specific tenor of the post is what made me do a FTFY instead.

My level of disagreement with that idea has not changed due to The Ascendance, I remain deeply skeptical of it.

Jan 26, 2017#325

@Li3n

Denbrought said:
My level of disagreement with that idea has not changed due to The Ascendance, I remain deeply skeptical of it.

THAT'S WHY HILLARY LOST THE ELECTION!!!!

He spelt my name right... yay!!!!!!

Jan 26, 2017#326

HCGLNS

Well the celebrity president just used twitter to piss off Mexico.

Mexico used it's state department to indicate it will no longer visit Washington this month.

And all the long serving highest ranking officials in the US state department just resigned.

And now the celebrity president has fired them for resigning....

Jan 26, 2017#327

Denbrought

HCGLNS said:
And all the long serving highest ranking officials in the US state department just resigned.

And now the celebrity president has fired them for resigning....

I was under the impression that what happened is that they sent in letters of resignation (which is normal when there's a new POTUS, as they serve at 'the pleasure of the president') and the White House/POTUS accepted them.

Jan 26, 2017#328

@Li3n

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Trump is pissed because someone called Obama a weak leader (which is not even what was said)... what, he's the only one allowed to do that or something?

Jan 26, 2017#329

Covar

Denbrought said:
I was under the impression that what happened is that they sent in letters of resignation (which is normal when there's a new POTUS, as they serve at 'the pleasure of the president') and the White House/POTUS accepted them.

NO that can't be it, there's not enough hysterics and Godwining. Try again.

Jan 26, 2017#330

blotsfan

According to this article, there were people who served under Bush and Obama that resigned and these resignations were not expected.

Jan 26, 2017#331

HCGLNS

Denbrought said:
I was under the impression that what happened is that they sent in letters of resignation (which is normal when there's a new POTUS, as they serve at 'the pleasure of the president') and the White House/POTUS accepted them.

Correct but these beuracrats have served at the pleasure of the president for decades and multiple presidents. Most were expected to have key roles going forward.

Jan 26, 2017#332

Bubble181

I'm fairly sure that they'll be replaced with middle/upper management types. Civil service members always seem to think there's "nothing comparable" elsewhere (and they're often right, though not always). Trump seems to think the whole country and all its branches can be run top-down like a big family-owned company. Whether or not this will work is another matter - I doubt it - but I don't think they'll be begging or even asking Democrats or "establishment Republican" members to come back.

Jan 26, 2017#333

Dave

Well, their jobs can be replaced from within but at some point there's going to be jobs where there's nobody to fill them thanks to the hiring freeze. Which, by the way, is already predicted to have devastating effects on our national parks and already overburdened VA system.

Jan 26, 2017#334

@Li3n

Covar said:
Godwining.

Ah yes, Godwining.... the best defence against any comparison to Hitler, as it allows you to just ignore the details, while pretending to know what Godwin's Law actually says, but proving you don't.

Jan 26, 2017#335

Celt Z

Because you can't spelling "Godwinning" without "winning"! :awesome:

Except for the fact that you both did, although it probably should have two "n's" otherwise it rhymes with "whining", which it probably closer to the truth, but rules of the made-up English language and blahblahblahadfsdjfnuonergaerjdfgfdgfd...

Jan 26, 2017#336

Tiger Tsang

Dave said:
Well, their jobs can be replaced from within but at some point there's going to be jobs where there's nobody to fill them thanks to the hiring freeze. Which, by the way, is already predicted to have devastating effects on our national parks and already overburdened VA system.

Friend of mine who's in the forestry department, says Fire Season is gonna be 'no pun intended' Hell this year if this isn't lifted.

Jan 26, 2017#337

Frank

Apparently a 20% tax on all stuff imported from Mexico will pay for the wall.

I guess that means that all you people buying cars, food, gas will pay for the wall.

Do they understand that that means American consumers will pay for the wall and not Mexico? Yes, no? Who knows?

Jan 26, 2017#338

GasBandit

Also fruits, vegetables, electrical machinery, medical instruments.

Oh yeah, and OIL. We get about 7.5% of our oil from Mexico, third largest importer after Canada and Saudi Arabia.

Jan 26, 2017#339

blotsfan

But this kind of tax hurts the poor far more than the rich so nbd.

Jan 26, 2017#340

Frank

I hope you guys enjoy paying Canadian prices for food.

Jan 26, 2017#341

Dei

I will be surprised if that makes it through Congress, at least he can't really executive order new taxes.

Jan 26, 2017#342

@Li3n

Frank said:
Do they understand that that means American consumers will pay for the wall and not Mexico?

No, see, with the tax you make americans buy american made goods instead, and then you pay for the wall with all the money Mexico doesn't make any more.

It's foolproof.

Jan 26, 2017#343

Dei

Hey guys, the Mexican President canceling his visit was totally mutual, and Trump thinks Mexico is treating the US unfairly.

It would be funny if he wasn't President.

Jan 26, 2017#344

HCGLNS

Just heard that the Wharton School of Economics has changed it's name to the West Philly School if Thuganomics.

Doot doot doot doooooòt

Jan 26, 2017#345

Dei

Trump Strategist Steve Bannon Says Media Should ‘Keep Its Mouth Shut’[DOUBLEPOST=1485473726,1485473689][/DOUBLEPOST]You know, I am really glad for the existence of the internet. It's going to be a lot harder to put gags on things these days.

Jan 26, 2017#346

@Li3n

Dei said:
Trump Strategist Steve Bannon Says Media Should ‘Keep Its Mouth Shut’

Breibart 1st...

Jan 26, 2017#347

Tiger Tsang

GasBandit said:
Also fruits, vegetables, electrical machinery, medical instruments.

Oh yeah, and OIL. We get about 7.5% of our oil from Mexico, third largest importer after Canada and Saudi Arabia.

And yet somehow, US Crude Oil exports is our highest resource exports and are expecting to reach all time highs . . .

Jan 27, 2017#348

Gruebeard

So, the big GM plant near me is losing one of the cars it makes. Production of the GMC Terrain, which is essentially the identical twin of the Chevy Equinox, is moving to Mexico. That's been the plan for a couple years, but GM had been telling its union that no jobs would be lost by this change (as the Equinox is still a big seller).

Today they announced they were laying off about 1/5 of their workers (~600 out of ~3,100). I wonder if this change of plans comes because of Trump, or if GM was just lying.

Jan 27, 2017#349

PatrThom

Gruebeard said:
I wonder if this change of plans comes because of Trump, or if GM was just lying.

Probably even odds.

--Patrick

Jan 27, 2017#350

Tress

Gruebeard said:
Today they announced they were laying off about 1/5 of their workers (~600 out of ~3,100). I wonder if this change of plans comes because of Trump, or if GM was just lying.

Jan 27, 2017#351

Frank

FUCK. YOU.

Jan 27, 2017#352

Denbrought

Frank said:
FUCK. YOU.

Ohohoho *munch munch munch* you're really *munch* daring to ask *munch* whether I'm eating raw human *crunch* babies? Giddaouttahere

Jan 27, 2017#353

fade

I was re-reading V for Vendetta, and I couldn't help but notice this eerily familiar initiative from the oppressive totalitarian British government in the novel:

Jan 27, 2017#354

ScytheRexx

His recent ABC interview made my stomach hurt.

"There was terrible voter fraud. Dead people, illegals, people voting in two states. Oh, but none of that happened on my side. Nope. All my votes were 100% legitimate."
"You guys are not reporting it right, go watch FOX NEWS, they tell the truth. Watch FOX NEWS for the true story."
"The CIA gave me a standing ovation. It was a home run speech."

He even showed off that picture that was actually from the Women's March and not his inauguration, which he has STILL not caught on. My guess is because deep down he does not want it to be the truth, so he believes it's a legitimate screen grab.

I mean holy shit guys, we basically got a president that does not even listen to his own intelligence, and instead decides what's important by watching FOX NEWS. Worst yet, when he does get intelligence about things (like Voter Fraud) he believes it anyways because some german golfer told him a story about a whole lot of latin people at a voting center. Yes, Trump, legal hispanics are not mythical creatures, like the Unicorn.

It's going to be a long 4 years.

Jan 28, 2017#355

HCGLNS

I've always felt that mastering the basics is important. Like spelling the name of the leader of your staunchest military ally correctly on the invitation.

Jan 28, 2017#356

sixpackshaker

Jan 28, 2017#357

blotsfan

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but he's such a piece of trash.

Jan 28, 2017#358

ThatNickGuy

Hey look, someone who's worked for the US government for a decade is even being denied entry.

Jan 28, 2017#359

HCGLNS

Guys, I think the GOP felt the best way to deal with President Obama...was to say Beetlejuice three times.....

Jan 28, 2017#360

Frank

Also, Trump didn't ban anyone from middle east countries he owns businesses in.

Scumbag piece of shit. The 9/11 part is relevant because it was cited in the executive order 3 fucking times as the reason this was needed.

Fucker is trying to provoke a major act of domestic violence in the US. No better way to prop up a floundering president than a good old fashioned major loss of life and a war.

Jan 28, 2017#361

Frank

All this is going to do is galvanize more people towards shit like ISIS. He might as well be their official recruiter.[DOUBLEPOST=1485637095,1485637007][/DOUBLEPOST]So many stories like this:

Long as America is pretend safe right?

Jan 28, 2017#362

strawman

HCGLNS said:
Guys, I think the GOP felt the best way to deal with President Obama...was to say Beetlejuice three times.....

And it worked!

But they're still trying to find the person that said it three times nine years ago...

Jan 28, 2017#363

HCGLNS

Trump slogan "Make America Great Again" or MAGA

but at Wrestlemania, his proxy opponent was UMAGA.

Jan 28, 2017#364

phil

Jan 28, 2017#365

blotsfan

Jan 28, 2017#366

Dave

Jan 28, 2017#367

Hailey Knight

There's a test I'd fuckin fail.

Jan 28, 2017#368

Dei

But so many Christians in this country are lip service Christians who probably don't know either. :O

Jan 28, 2017#369

Hailey Knight

Dei said:
But so many Christians in this country are lip service Christians who probably don't know either. :O

They're called Trump supporters.

Jan 28, 2017#370

blotsfan

DarkAudit said:
And system gamers.

What do you mean by this?[DOUBLEPOST=1485654843,1485654711][/DOUBLEPOST]In fucking awesome news, it looks like a stay has been granted to the executive order until the lawsuit is finished.

Jan 28, 2017#371

GasBandit

Then why hide behind vague descriptions? Just say "I blame the libertarians." :rolleyes:

Jan 28, 2017#372

blotsfan

I'd blame the greens more. I'd guess that most libertarians would go to republicans if they had to.

That being said, I haven't looked at the numbers. If every green/libertarian went for hillary, would she have won?

Jan 28, 2017#373

Covar

GasBandit said:
Then why hide behind vague descriptions? Just say "I blame the libertarians."

I don't know, sounds like he also wants a public flogging of 42% of the nation.

Jan 28, 2017#374

Dei

DarkAudit said:
Fine. Steinman owns this. Happy? I'd go off more but I have to go to work.

He didn't try to game the system in the end, he voted for McMullin, which was his original intention all along. So grow the fuck up. No one likes Trump, and you are just beating a dead horse with an obsession.

Jan 28, 2017#375

GasBandit

DA, bud, you really need to chill out. You are tilting the windiest of windmills.

Jan 28, 2017#376

Dei

Or at the very least take it to PMs instead of just generally yelling at everyone every day.

Jan 28, 2017#377

Krisken

Covar said:
I don't know, sounds like he also wants a public flogging of 42% of the nation.

Lol, that's generous.

"An estimated 25.6 percent of eligible voters named Clinton while 25.5 percent voted for Trump. When you narrow the numbers down to those who did vote, Clinton had48 percent (59,580,545 votes) compared to 47 percent (59,341,558 votes) for Trump, according to the Associated Press.Nov 9, 2016"

That said, DA, chill man. The shit-show is on and there is little we can do about it. Soon we'll have a midterm and the man-child will face real opposition to his insanity.

Jan 28, 2017#378

Hailey Knight

DA supports #CountryRoadsBan

Jan 28, 2017#379

Covar

Krisken said:
Lol, that's generous.

"An estimated 25.6 percent of eligible voters named Clinton while 25.5 percent voted for Trump. When you narrow the numbers down to those who did vote, Clinton had48 percent (59,580,545 votes) compared to 47 percent (59,341,558 votes) for Trump, according to the Associated Press.Nov 9, 2016"

Yeah I only bothered with the non voters.

Jan 28, 2017#380

Krisken

Covar said:
Yeah I only bothered with the non voters.

That makes no sense.

Jan 28, 2017#381

Dei

Also, the immigration ban was a good way to try to cover this nonsense

Jan 28, 2017#382

blotsfan

Maybe I'm missing something, but what is accomplished by that? All the people are going to be Trump guys anyways so its not like its kicking out his enemies.

Jan 28, 2017#383

Hailey Knight

Doesn't surprise me. Like I said, this is too much work for Trump. Rogue POTUS Twitter says his main concerns have been voter fraud investigation because he's insistent on proving he's popular. More dire was that Pence insisted on sitting in for Trump's phone conversation with Putin, against Trump's reluctance.

One overheard gem: "Don't the know I'm the fucking president?" in regards to protesters.

Jan 28, 2017#384

Dei

DarkAudit said:
Double fuck...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just posted about that! He also kicked out the intelligence director.

Jan 28, 2017#385

Krisken

The fuck?

Jan 29, 2017#386

Krisken

Jan 29, 2017#387

Frank

Wow, crazy how bad things have gotten so quickly.

Jan 29, 2017#388

BErt

CNN stuff I'm too lazy to link:

DHS says it will comply with judicial ruling and not deport those detained. Meanwhile the States of Washington and California have declared their intention to go to court against the ban.

Today was just an incredible mess.

Jan 29, 2017#389

twitchmoss

https://www.theatlantic.com/liveblogs/2017/01/todays-news-jan-28-2017/514826/14243/

The order also said the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff would no longer be automatic principals on the committee.

Jan 29, 2017#390

Hailey Knight

There's been concern through the White House that Putin has some dirt on Trump and I'm starting to think that whatever it is, Bannon knows it too.

This begs the question--what the hell could it be that's so damning? Trump's supporters are okay that he's a racist, a rapist, they're okay with the horrible things he's said, with his undying passion for being urinated on. Did he kill someone? Because I don't know if they'd consider that a problem either, or if he'd get in trouble for it at this stage. So what could it be?

Jan 29, 2017#391

Bubble181

Zero Esc said:
There's been concern through the White House that Putin has some dirt on Trump and I'm starting to think that whatever it is, Bannon knows it too.

This begs the question--what the hell could it be that's so damning? Trump's supporters are okay that he's a racist, a rapist, they're okay with the horrible things he's said, with his undying passion for being urinated on. Did he kill someone? Because I don't know if they'd consider that a problem either, or if he'd get in trouble for it at this stage. So what could it be?

A gay fling? I'm fairly sure most of his supporters wouldn't bat an eye at murder (because the other guy really deserved it, and you can't prove anything, and besides, it was a great murder), but being gay would be horrible.

Jan 29, 2017#392

Hailey Knight

Someone else made a good point: getting #StopPresidentBannon trending is a great way to provoke Trump's ego into action against Bannon, unless my blackmail hypothesis is accurate.

Jan 29, 2017#393

Bubble181

For I was hungry and you said,
"Drug test those who would ask for food."
I was thirsty and you said,
“Oil for us is more important than water for them. Build the pipeline.”
I was a stranger and you said,
“He could be a terrorist. Don’t let him in.”
I was sick and you said, “Take away her health insurance.”
I was in prison and you said,
“Those people disgust me. We should bring back the death penalty.”
Truly I tell you, whatever you did to one of the least of these, you did to me.
Matthew 25:35-36 (Author Unknown)

Jan 29, 2017#394

Krisken

CINO's. Christian In Name Only.

Jan 29, 2017#395

GasBandit

Federal judges in VA, DC, MA follow New York in barring authorities from deporting travelers affected by U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order imposing restrictions on immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations.

Jan 29, 2017#396

blotsfan

Trumps response: The courts have made their decision, now let them enforce it. Which they won't. Because its a terrible ruling. One of the worst rulings ever. They're clearly rigged. Sad!

Jan 29, 2017#397

Denbrought

If you want a picture of the DHS, imagine a boot stamping on a human face — forever.

Jan 29, 2017#398

Krisken

Ok, raise of hands- Who is surprised Trump has no respect for the courts?

Jan 29, 2017#399

Dei

*crickets*

Jan 29, 2017#400

BErt

Krisken said:
Ok, raise of hands- Who is surprised Trump has no respect for the courts?

FAKE COURTS, loser judges have been failing for years. SAD!

Jan 29, 2017#401

Gruebeard

*raises hand*

I hear he's a big fan of Judge Judy.

Jan 29, 2017#402

Dave

Definitely Wapner. Judge Wapner is on at 3. Definitely gonna watch Wapner at 3.

Jan 29, 2017#403

PatrThom

Dave said:
Definitely Wapner. Judge Wapner is on at 3. Definitely gonna watch Wapner at 3.

I've seen this movie.

--Patrick

Jan 29, 2017#404

drifter

Krisken said:
CINO's. Christian In Name Only.

ChINO's

Jan 29, 2017#405

figmentPez

Zero Esc said:
There's been concern through the White House that Putin has some dirt on Trump and I'm starting to think that whatever it is, Bannon knows it too.

This begs the question--what the hell could it be that's so damning? Trump's supporters are okay that he's a racist, a rapist, they're okay with the horrible things he's said, with his undying passion for being urinated on. Did he kill someone? Because I don't know if they'd consider that a problem either, or if he'd get in trouble for it at this stage. So what could it be?

My bet: Not just the rape of a child that was covered up earlier, but a whole string of young girls and connections to sex trafficking.

Jan 29, 2017#406

Zappit

figmentPez said:
My bet: Not just the rape of a child that was covered up earlier, but a whole string of young girls and connections to sex trafficking.

He brought "models" into the US without them having proper paperwork, including his wife. Human trafficking seems like a no-brainer.

Jan 29, 2017#407

Gruebeard

Zappit said:
He brought "models" into the US without them having proper paperwork, including his wife. Human trafficking seems like a no-brainer.

What I remember about that story was a Canadian woman feeling ripped off because she took the agency's advice to break the labor/immigration laws, and then rented an apartment from them, in NYC.

It was most definitely not human trafficking.

(Also, she was living in NYC, of course a giant chunk of her income went to housing expenses! )

Jan 29, 2017#408

Hailey Knight

I need to unplug for a good chunk of today. Between pain meds making it hard to focus plus all this evil pouring in, I'm gonna drive myself apeshit if I read any more for right now.

Jan 29, 2017#409

blotsfan

What the fuck.

Jan 29, 2017#410

Siska

President Donald "Lame" Trump of Twitter makes obviously fake twitter accounts to praise himself. I don't drink, so I'll never be able to go through Trumps twitter history to verify this claim myself but it seems like something he would do. Because he is stupid and vain and stupid and also vain.

Jan 29, 2017#411

Denbrought

blotsfan said:
What the fuck.

Also relevant, via EFF: Fear Materialized: Border Agents Demand Social Media Data from Americans

JANUARY 25, 2017 | The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) recently filed complaints against U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for, in part, demanding social media information from Muslim American citizens returning home from traveling abroad. According to CAIR, CBP accessed public posts by demanding social media handles, and potentially accessed private posts by demanding cell phone passcodes and perusing social media apps. And border agents allegedly physically abused one man who refused to hand over his unlocked phone.

CBP recently began asking foreign visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver Countries for their social media identifiers. Last fall we filed our own comments opposing the policy, and joined two sets of coalition comments, one by the Center for Democracy & Technology and the other by the Brennan Center for Justice. Notably, CBP explained that it was only seeking publicly available social media data, “consistent with the privacy settings the applicant has set on the platforms.”

We raised concerns that the policy would be extended to cover Americans and private data. It appears our fears have come true far faster than we expected.

[DOUBLEPOST=1485738948,1485738648][/DOUBLEPOST]

Jan 29, 2017#412

blotsfan

You know, there is something to be said for the non-Jewish victims of the Holocaust being marginalized. It's something that is often glossed over, and we must remember that the other victims were other minority groups often discriminated against today.

Of course, the solution to that is to mention many groups affected by it rather than none at all.

Jan 29, 2017#413

PatrThom

Maybe now we'll finally get some attention to the whole "Constitution-free Zone" argument.
My state is one of the ones completely covered by it.

--Patrick

Jan 29, 2017#414

fade

Jan 29, 2017#415

Denbrought

Jan 29, 2017#416

phil

I appreciate this.

Jan 29, 2017#417

BErt

Yes, please use Lyft instead of Uber. In the wake of protests, NYC Taxis went on strike, which caused uber to push their higher fees. Then when people on twitter started responding against that, they doubled down on their support of Trump. Meanwhile lyft has agreed to pay $1M to the ACLU over the next few years*

*asterisk for full-disclosure, as I said elsewhere I drive for Lyft now. But prior to recently, I never used anything except Uber, and I can promise you it is tougher to become a lyft driver than an uber driver. If that means anything...

Jan 29, 2017#418

Denbrought

OTOH, note that both Peter Thiel and Carl Icahn are Lyft investors.

Jan 30, 2017#419

Denbrought

Decent Guardian article on why the State Dept. resigna-firings may qualify for the monicker of 'purge':
Trump's state department purge sparks worries of 'know-nothing approach' to foreign policy
sparks worries of 'know-nothing approach' to foreign policy

The acting state department spokesman, Mark Toner, pointed out that as political appointees they were routinely expected to submit their resignations.

Although that is true, it is also customary for such officials to stay in positions until their replacements are ready to step in, for the sake of continuity. In this case, there are no replacements on the horizon.

The second fact that distinguishes the Trump purge from previous transitions was the abrupt nature with which it was carried out, giving officials who had dedicated lives to the foreign service just a few days to clear their desks.

Jan 30, 2017#420

Frank

I have a coworker who's now not allowed to enter the US, where the majority of his family lives. HE'S LITERALLY A POLICE OFFICER. Nor can they visit him, for fear of not being allowed back into the country.

Fuck your government.[DOUBLEPOST=1485763331,1485763148][/DOUBLEPOST]

DarkAudit said:
It's far, far worse than we could have possibly imagined.

If this doesn't eventually end in his, and every senior member of his staff, hanging for treason, I dunno man.

Jan 30, 2017#421

strawman

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/

Jan 30, 2017#422

BErt

stienman said:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/

The carrier plant thing has already been shown to be bullshit, most people agreed TPP was bad, everything else is garbage. YAY, he promised garbage!

...this is still all going to end in him getting impeached and a President Pence, which is what the GOP wanted in the first place. Yay.

Jan 30, 2017#423

Frank

Mexico is still not paying for that wall.

Jan 30, 2017#424

Hailey Knight

Rogue POTUS staff mentioned Bannon encouraging Trump to encourage a CalExit as a state's rights issue.

The president should be in favor of preserving the Union. This is disturbing.[DOUBLEPOST=1485775294,1485775199][/DOUBLEPOST]

BErt said:
...this is still all going to end in him getting impeached and a President Pence, which is what the GOP wanted in the first place. Yay.

I think that's why Republican Congress has been quiet through this. I don't think they anticipated how swiftly the situation would erupt and are gathering their shit together for when the attack comes. Notable that Pence is largely absent from all of these matters. He's keeping his distance for a reason.

Jan 30, 2017#425

strawman

DarkAudit said:
...short of eating babies...

I just gotta ask - is the allusion to Clinton's active support of abortion intentional?

Usually you aren't so subtle, but "eating babies" is terminology I'd expect to hear from pro-life advocates (though I don't recall your position on abortion, so maybe you are one) so I can't quite tell if you've written that precisely or if you're just trying to conjure the worst possible imagery you can think of.

Of course, if the imagery of eating babies is supposed to be offensive and if you do support abortion, then I hate to break the news to you that the difference between abortion and eating babies is merely a short period of time.

Jan 30, 2017#426

BErt

stienman said:
the difference between abortion and eating babies is merely a short period of time.

...I've never been with anyone that needed an abortion, isn't this how it's done? The Dr just eats it - "right off the vine?" I always assumed so and that's the very only reason I've supported it.

Jan 30, 2017#427

Bubble181

stienman said:
the difference between abortion and eating babies is merely a short period of time.

Look, bacon and eggs without possibly-fertilized ova just isn't the same, ok?

Jan 30, 2017#428

fade

Wat. I had an analogy here, but never mind.

Objectively? I find the party positioning on abortion to be odd. It seems to me that somehow the parties got reversed. There's one party that's usually all gung ho about personal rights and non-interference of the state, and one that's usually about championing the unheard voice through political action. I guess it depends on whether you focus on the fetus or the mother.

Jan 30, 2017#429

blotsfan

I think it makes sense. There's one party that's generally correct on things and then there's republicans.

Jan 30, 2017#430

@Li3n

DarkAudit said:
Now really, short of eating babies on live national television, how in the fuck of shit could anything Hillary did be worse than this?

If elected she would have gotten away with hiding her e-mails... now, she's totally going to... or, right, nothing, because because now he don't care.[DOUBLEPOST=1485787516,1485787286][/DOUBLEPOST]

Denbrought said:
Also relevant, via EFF: Fear Materialized: Border Agents Demand Social Media Data from Americans
[DOUBLEPOST=1485738948,1485738648][/DOUBLEPOST]

You know, i was expecting them to hold off on the jew stuff until after teh french elections at least...

Good thing that racists are impatient idiots...

Jan 30, 2017#431

blotsfan

I don't really know what this means...

Jan 30, 2017#432

chris

blotsfan said:
I don't really know what this means...

but there is a point no regulation is left

Jan 30, 2017#433

phil

blotsfan said:
I don't really know what this means...

Ok so we'll regulate guns and revoke abortion and weed regulations. Deal. All hail god emperor trump.

Jan 30, 2017#434

blotsfan

phil said:
Ok so we'll regulate guns and revoke abortion and weed regulations. Deal. All hail god emperor trump.

I'd be down.

Jan 30, 2017#435

Denbrought

So many of the responses to the old Trump Hotel tweet these past few days have been fantastic.

And many, many others.

Jan 30, 2017#436

fade

Jan 30, 2017#437

HCGLNS

fade said:

HEY! For every post you make you have to delete 2 others!

Jan 30, 2017#438

PatrThom

BErt said:
...I've never been with anyone that needed an abortion, isn't this how it's done? The Dr just eats it - "right off the vine?" I always assumed so and that's the very only reason I've supported it.

This is both clever and disturbing.

--Patrick

Jan 30, 2017#439

Zappit

New Reugulation: The removal of any regulation will be delayed by exactly eight years to study the potential effects of removing said regulation.

Trump: The one step forward, two steps back president.

No, that's too kind.

Trump, the two steps back and keep going president.

Jan 30, 2017#440

HCGLNS

Because they are people.

Jan 30, 2017#441

phil

Jan 30, 2017#442

GasBandit

phil said:

GasBandit countless times said:
We will see the collapse of the federal government and the balkanization of the US within my lifetime.

Civil War II coming sooner than expected, eh?

Jan 30, 2017#443

Dave

HCGLNS said:
Because they are people.

I'm taking this account with a grain of salt. Until it's confirmed that it actually is a WH staffer, it's just noise.[DOUBLEPOST=1485812921,1485812877][/DOUBLEPOST]

GasBandit said:
Civil War II coming sooner than expected, eh?

I almost made a "terrifying" rating yesterday but stopped myself. Maybe I shouldn't have.

Jan 30, 2017#444

GasBandit

Dave said:
I almost made a "terrifying" rating yesterday but stopped myself. Maybe I shouldn't have.

What would you use for the icon?

Jan 30, 2017#445

Dave

A smaller version of this:

Jan 30, 2017#446

Denbrought

Dave said:
A smaller version of this:

View attachment 23187

I would vote for the Halforums derp, that's my go-to "EGADS" face.

Please add one, in any case, so I can rate your proposed icon.

Jan 30, 2017#447

Dave

Ha! So instead of "terrifying" we have "EGADS"?

And strangely enough, I don't have a copy of the durr-face on my PC. Huh.

Jan 30, 2017#448

GasBandit

Dave said:
Ha! So instead of "terrifying" we have "EGADS"?

And strangely enough, I don't have a copy of the durr-face on my PC. Huh.

It'd basically be :Leyla:

which is already in the smileys.

But let me tell you, as the designer of no less than 4 of our reaction icons, getting it even slightly more squished down to fit into the size required for a reaction icon is gonna be 8 bitches on a bitch boat.

Jan 30, 2017#449

Dave

Meh. No worries. I'm hoping someone is going to win the pool soon and we won't need it as much, although I shudder nearly as much about a Pence presidency.

Jan 30, 2017#450

HCGLNS

Dave said:
I'm taking this account with a grain of salt. Until it's confirmed that it actually is a WH staffer, it's just noise.

So was I until their LGBTQ leak was confirmed by other more traditional sources.

Jan 30, 2017#451

GasBandit

Dave said:
Meh. No worries. I'm hoping someone is going to win the pool soon and we won't need it as much, although I shudder nearly as much about a Pence presidency.

Well, if you change your mind, here's my attempt at a quick and dirty conversion.

Problem is, it's so small, the features kinda get washed out.[DOUBLEPOST=1485814152,1485813883][/DOUBLEPOST]This might work better? I dunno.

Jan 30, 2017#452

Dave

Just had a guy call me all sorts of names and then block me on Facebook because I dared to refute one of his bullshit posts. It was about how he agreed with the Muslim ban because he lived in New York City. I stated that the terrorists from 9/11 were't from any of those countries so that made no sense. If Trump had banned Saudi Arabia maybe, but not the ones that he mentioned. He called me some names and then said what about the refugees that did Orlando, California, and Boston? Well, Orlando and San Bernadino were both by citizens born in the US and Boston were brothers from Chechnya so it still makes no difference.

He called me a dickhead, deleted the post, then REposted it. So I gave it a "hilarious" tag. Now I've been blocked and unfriended.

I guess the snowflake needed his safe space where he can only hear drivel and agreement.

Ah, Robert Blanco from Illinois, you scamp.

Jan 30, 2017#453

PatrThom

Dave said:
Just had a guy call me all sorts of names and then block me on Facebook because I dared to refute one of his bullshit posts. It was about how he agreed with the Muslim ban because he lived in New York City. I stated that the terrorists from 9/11 were't from any of those countries so that made no sense. If Trump had banned Saudi Arabia maybe, but not the ones that he mentioned. He called me some names and then said what about the refugees that did Orlando, California, and Boston? Well, Orlando and San Bernadino were both by citizens born in the US and Boston were brothers from Chechnya so it still makes no difference.

He called me a dickhead, deleted the post, then REposted it. So I gave it a "hilarious" tag. Now I've been blocked and unfriended.

I guess the snowflake needed his safe space where he can only hear drivel and agreement.

Ah, Robert Blanco from Illinois, you scamp.

I'm pretty sure you would never have convinced him. Emotions trump facts almost every time. This is why panicked people make lousy decisions.

--Patrick

Jan 30, 2017#454

Dave

I'm having so much fun fucking with my brother right now. It won't be a victory until he blocks me.

Jan 30, 2017#455

HCGLNS

Dave said:
I'm having so much fun fucking with my brother right now. It won't be a victory until he blocks me.

Take joy in the education of others.

Jan 30, 2017#456

Celt Z

HCGLNS said:
Because they are people.

I stand with all Muzzies!

Jan 30, 2017#457

HCGLNS

So having calmed down a smidge about the racist nature of muzzie canuck and the cute green guy above, I did the old click google and

Viola!

http://muzzies.ca/

A Muzzie is a Crokinle board made not too far from our house.

Inspiration for Scout event forming, must let it percolate with food.

Jan 30, 2017#458

Celt Z

HCGLNS said:
So having calmed down a smidge about the racist nature of muzzie canuck and the cute green guy above, I did the old click google and

Viola!

http://muzzies.ca/

A Muzzie is a Crokinle board made not to far from our house.

Inspiration for Scout event forming, must let it percolate with food.

I honestly have never heard of Muzzy outside of the green dude (who, coincidently, helped teach me French!), so I had no idea that was or could be a slur, but assumed so because of quote source.

Jan 30, 2017#459

Dave

HCGLNS said:
Take joy in the education of others.

Yeah, like he'd ever LEARN anything.

Jan 30, 2017#460

blotsfan

In a bit of positive news, it looks like the horrible EO they were planning to restrict LGBTQ rights has been shelved for the time being.

Jan 30, 2017#461

GasBandit

"Muzzies?" I mean, really? A -y² suffix? That's such a lazy epithet. How very... Trumpy.

Jan 30, 2017#462

HCGLNS

blotsfan said:
In a bit of positive news, it looks like the horrible EO they were planning to restrict LGBTQ rights has been shelved for the time being.

Maybe some one from the Judiciary took all the pens and won't give them back until they read the eo first?

Jan 30, 2017#463

Krisken

GasBandit said:
"Muzzies?" I mean, really? A -y² suffix? That's such a lazy epithet. How very... Trumpy.

Jan 30, 2017#464

Dave

blotsfan said:
In a bit of positive news, it looks like the horrible EO they were planning to restrict LGBTQ rights has been shelved for the time being.

Haven't they said that about other things that they then pulled out of their asses?

Jan 30, 2017#465

blotsfan

Not that I remember. I think this is a case of "lets do this, oh wait we're getting a ton of backlash, lets put it off and hope no one notices later."[DOUBLEPOST=1485819435,1485818917][/DOUBLEPOST]So, on the topic of the "Rogue POTUS" account...

Jan 30, 2017#466

Denbrought

Looking like the an effective way to fight the immigration EO might be to delay Jeff Sessions' confirmation: Acting Attorney General Orders Justice Dept. Not to Defend Refugee Ban

Jan 30, 2017#467

blotsfan

Well, I already supported delaying Sessions' nomination for many reasons. But can't hurt to have one more.

Jan 30, 2017#468

Dei

Trump calls Pope a Mexican Pawn

I don't think the Pope should be able to influence US politics, but lol.

Jan 30, 2017#469

blotsfan

I mean it's shitty, but that was almost a year ago.

After this and the Abe Vigoda thing, I'm worried @Dei is trapped in a time warp.

Jan 30, 2017#470

drifter

Not so much trapped as she did it again.

Jan 30, 2017#471

Dei

The point really, is more that it's like an ongoing fight with Christianity. And American Christians just refuse to notice.

Jan 30, 2017#472

Hailey Knight

Pence wisely keeps himself away from all this shit.

Jan 30, 2017#473

blotsfan

Dei said:
The point really, is more that it's like an ongoing fight with Christianity. And American Christians just refuse to notice.

Eh, the Pope is Catholic. Not a real Christian.

Jan 30, 2017#474

Dei

blotsfan said:
Eh, the Pope is Catholic. Not a real Christian.

There's still a lot of Catholics in the US though.

Jan 30, 2017#475

Mathias

Zero Esc said:
Pence wisely keeps himself away from all this shit.

Well he is going to be president in a few months to a year...

Jan 30, 2017#476

GasBandit

Dei said:
There's still a lot of Catholics in the US though.

Well, granted, there are more Catholics than Jews or Muslims or Buddhists or Sikhs, but Protestants still make up over 50% of the population, and outnumber Catholics by around 3 to 1, hence the conventional wisdom that Catholicism is basically heresy.

Jan 30, 2017#477

Hailey Knight

Mathias said:
Well he is going to be president in a few months to a year...

Yup. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Jan 30, 2017#478

blotsfan

Mathias said:
Well he is going to be president in a few months to a year...

I really hope so. And I can't believe I'm saying this.

Jan 30, 2017#479

Hailey Knight

blotsfan said:
I really hope so. And I can't believe I'm saying this.

It's brilliantly manipulative, and it's going to work. And not only is it going to work, but even when you see the manipulation happening, it brings joyous relief because at least President Bannon and his toadie will be out of the White House.

Jan 30, 2017#480

Krisken

Zero Esc said:
It's brilliantly manipulative, and it's going to work. And not only is it going to work, but even when you see the manipulation happening, it brings joyous relief because at least President Bannon and his toadie will be out of the White House.

Bannon truly is the WORST. Just knowing he's vomiting all over the US with his insanity and we're only on day 11 is leaving me wondering how long it will take us to recover from this madness.

Jan 30, 2017#481

Tinwhistler

Jan 30, 2017#482

figmentPez

fade said:
Objectively? I find the party positioning on abortion to be odd. It seems to me that somehow the parties got reversed. There's one party that's usually all gung ho about personal rights and non-interference of the state, and one that's usually about championing the unheard voice through political action. I guess it depends on whether you focus on the fetus or the mother.

The political confusion comes from both fetuses and women being minorities. Republicans probably sided with the fetuses because some of them have the potential to become white men.

Jan 30, 2017#483

Dei

Well, I think the Pence plan is going to backfire on the Republicans, because once they act, shit will hit the fan for them. At the same time, if they keep sitting on their hands and staying out of what is currently happening, they might lose their chance to actually DO anything.

Jan 30, 2017#484

Dave

And now Sally Yates has been fired. How dare she do her Constitutional duties?

Jan 30, 2017#485

Krisken

Dave said:
And now Sally Yates has been fired. How dare she do her Constitutional duties?

Are you fucking kidding me? Jesus fucking christ, this administration is fucking pathetic.

Jan 30, 2017#486

Dei

NY Times article

Jan 30, 2017#487

Denbrought

Here's the memo. Called her 'weak' twice, the man is transparent.

Jan 30, 2017#488

Krisken

Wow. Just... wow. Witnessing the disgusting period in our history is taking its toll on me.

Jan 30, 2017#489

ScytheRexx

Krisken said:
Wow. Just... wow. Witnessing the disgusting period in our history is taking its toll on me.

You and me both.

Jan 30, 2017#490

HCGLNS

Nice. So nobody is now left in the DoJ with the authority and clearance to sign warrants for external operations.

Jan 30, 2017#491

Hailey Knight

HCGLNS said:
Nice. So nobody is now left in the DoJ with the authority and clearance to sign warrants for external operations.

Considering the juvenile wording of the above statement, I'm guessing he'll just scribble "clearance" on cocktail napkins and pass them to whoever needs them.

Jan 30, 2017#492

HCGLNS

Zero Esc said:
Considering the juvenile wording of the above statement, I'm guessing he'll just scribble "clearance" on cocktail napkins and pass them to whoever needs them.

Maybe some form of pin?

Jan 30, 2017#493

Hailey Knight

HCGLNS said:
Maybe some form of pin?

Perhaps an arm band?

Jan 30, 2017#494

Denbrought

Interesting point:

HCGLNS said:
Nice. So nobody is now left in the DoJ with the authority and clearance to sign warrants for external operations.

Jan 30, 2017#495

Hailey Knight

"Mr. President, they're suing again."
"Who cares? Like we're going to acknowledge the judicial or legislative branches."

Jan 30, 2017#496

HCGLNS

Admiral Josh Painter said:
This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we'll be lucky to live through it.

Jan 30, 2017#497

PatrThom

Schoolhouse Rock was right all along...it IS a three-ring circus!

--Patrick

Jan 30, 2017#498

fade

I'm really getting annoyed at all these triumphant "Hillary did it too" images plastered all over my Facebook, and all sadly over Trump's executive order. It's an outright lie. The 2011 case cited was not a ban, it was a rescreening specifically for iraqi visa applicants not a ban, and it was in direct response to real evidence of a threat, not fear.

http://www.factcheck.org/2017/01/trumps-faulty-refugee-policy-comparison/

Jan 30, 2017#499

BErt

Jan 31, 2017#500

Frank

Spineless. Piece. Of. Shit.

I'm done with Twitter, Facebook, etc. My blood pressure spikes every time I read them.

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