I’ll be leaving shortly for my appointment with my Ocular Oncologist, so I’m hurrying.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:21 (average 5:19). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Home Health Update:
Julie says goodbye.
Wendy says Hi::
Killer Dawg is a camera hound!!!
Short Takes:
From Daily Kos: We’ve been listening to the plots of "Never Trump" Republicans to somehow stage a floor fight at their party’s upcoming national convention to strip the nomination from the man with the most delegates and give it to, well, anyone else. We’ve had the announcement from white nationalist groups that they’ll be "defending" the convention from troublemakers, and white nationalist groups are white nationalist groups because they have very specific and detailed notions about who the "troublemakers" in society might be.
The only thing that could up the chaos ante at this point would be a quasi-organized-ish movement to make sure the pro-Trump delegates bring their guns!
"There are a whole bunch of things happening: You go to various events, receptions, whatever, outside the convention hall," says Ash Khare, a delegate from the northwest corner of [Pennsylvania] who applied for a concealed carry permit in preparation for Cleveland. "And you walk on the streets and, you know, people know that you are a delegate, and who knows what the crazy people are going to do? So you’ve got to be vigilant about what’s going on and prepare yourself."
I’d say the crazy people are going to be wandering downtown Cleveland with Donald Trump pins and loaded guns strapped to their hips—and yes, we’re all trying to "prepare ourselves" for that.
Not only should guns be allowed inside the hall at the Republican Convention, but also, their use should be mandatory. 
From The New Yorker: In a stunning rebuke to one of the nation’s oldest and most established law-enforcement agencies, House Republicans voted unanimously on Tuesday to abolish the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Unlike most House measures, which come up for a vote only after months or even years of sluggish effort, the bill to eliminate the F.B.I. was drafted in a matter of minutes on Tuesday morning, Republican staffers confirmed.
House Speaker Paul Ryan offered no specific reason for the Republicans’ sudden frenzy of activity to abolish the F.B.I., but said that the Bureau represented “big government at its worst.”
“This is an agency that, when given even the simplest task to do, can’t manage to do it right,” he said.
Andy, do you care to guess why? 
From NY Times: The F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, on Tuesday recommended no criminal charges against Hillary Clinton for her handling of classified information while she was secretary of state, lifting an enormous legal cloud from her presidential campaign less than two hours before she boarded Air Force One for her first joint campaign appearance with President Obama.
But on a day of political high drama in Washington, Mr. Comey rebuked Mrs. Clinton as being “extremely careless” in using a private email address and server. He raised questions about her judgment, contradicted statements she has made about her email practices, said it was possible that hostile foreign governments had gained access to her account, and declared that a person still employed by the government — Mrs. Clinton left the State Department in 2013 — could have faced disciplinary action for doing what she did.
To warrant a criminal charge, Mr. Comey said, there had to be evidence that Mrs. Clinton intentionally transmitted or willfully mishandled classified information. The F.B.I. found neither, and as a result, he said, “our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case.”
The Justice Department is highly likely to accept the F.B.I.’s guidance, which a law enforcement official said also cleared three top aides of Mrs. Clinton who were implicated in the case… [emphasis added]
When this first came up, I, as a Bernie supporter, suggested that this would be the end result, as Hillary had adopted State’s lax security standards that go back to the Nixon regime. While she clearly should have taken charge to correct the problem, her conduct was not criminal. However, I suspect the conspiracy theories and misrepresentations will continue, as long as Republicans and very few left wing regressives act out on what they want to be true, instead of what is true.
Cartoon:
26 Responses to “Open Thread – 7/6/2016”
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5:40 Cute little thing.
Bye, Julie 🙁 Hi, Wendy 🙂
DKos – This is definitely one of those scenarios where there will be no prediction from me. I'll just say in passing that it's telling that the Republican convention is being held in Cleveland – where Tamis Rice was shot and killed with no warning and no consequences.
New Yorker – The People's Email Network, which has been a staunch supporter of Bernie since even before he decided to run, mailed out a scathing defense of James Comey and of Hillary today – which says to me that at least some Bernie supporters are actually LISTENING to Bernie – and it is well worth reading. It can be found at http://www.opednews.com/articles/BREAKING-NEWS–TrumpTheFr-by-The-Pen-Fbi-Director-James-Comey_Federal-Bureau-Of-Investigation_Federal-Investigations_Hillary-Clinton-Emails-And-Server-160706-256.html and, yes, thet's a huge string, but it is all needed. One small excerpt:
NYTimes – When this first came up, I wondered whether she had chosen a private server exactly for security reasons. Sure, it was a small, rinky-dink thing, but sometimes that is the best way to fly under the hackers' radar. And apparantly – I say apparently because I don't think it's provable – her server was not hacked, but State's was once, during her tenure. LOL!
Cartoon – Cute – but I don't think most Repubs have raisons d'etre that are anywhere near that reasonable.
I think she went with private servers (she had more than one) to avoid endless, harassing FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests.
WRT hacking – direct from FBI Director Comey:
https://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/statement-by-fbi-director-james-b.-comey-on-the-investigation-of-secretary-hillary-clintons-use-of-a-personal-e-mail-system
Bye, Julie, Hi Wendy!
Not only should guns be allowed inside the hall at the Republican Convention, but also, their use should be mandatory. Yes, the crazies will be the ones inside the convention hall!!
Andy ought to stop giving the GOP ideas. (LOL)
The FBI found no intent, Loretta Lynch probably found her exhale, and the rabid Bernie crowd needs to chill!
Great 'toon; I always suspected that being a Republican pol. might be related to PTSD!!!! Oh, but shit, now i may have to feel empathy for them.? Just joking!?
Amen!
DK: "So it's important to stay armed and jittery." Personally, I'd recommend building a wall around the convention center. Keep them in…and the sane folks to go about their business..just mho.
NYer: LOL, Andy.
Aww…bye, Julie, and take care! Welcome, Wendy! Killer Dawg was wondering where the ribs were?! Hope that your visit goes good, take care, and Thanks, Tom.
Bye, Julie. thanks for helping to take care of TC for us. May your new life do well for you in the future. Keep an eye out on Killer Dawg as he may try to run back to TC for some yummy baby ribs. lol.
Welcome aboard, Wendy. Keep an eye on TC as he may try to break out of his apt. and get back to his prison buddies. lol.
KOS: What could go wrong?
Melee
Melee, generally refers to disorganized, confused close combat in battles fought at abnormally close range with little central control once it starts.
Read the comments in the KOS article. They're funny.
New Yorker: lol. Speaker Ryan can't do anything right either.
NY Times: This FBI decision should be the end of this "email saga" but the GOP/TP people won't let it go. The GOP/TP have been doing everything to discredit Hillary from day one (1) for 25 years ever since Bill Clinton won his first election. Enough! The GOP are sore losers. The GOP is out of date, out of reality and just plain losers with the people.
Remember 4-Star General David Petraeus…
Cartoon: I had a good laugh with this one.
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There are some very witty people posting at Daily Kos. "Klaatu barada necktie."
Lest we forget that Comey is a registered Republican who donated to U.S. Senator John McCain’s campaign in the 2008 presidential election and to Governor Mitt Romney’s campaign in the 2012 presidential election.[61] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Comey
Comey is a very rare breed. He's a Republican with integrity. You can be sure hw would loved to find charges against Hillary, if there was a basis for them
Please extend our collective "THANKS!" to Julie from all of us for a job well done!
And also a "Welcome Aboard!" to Wendy. Looks to me like she'll be an excellent replacement.
Daily Kos: If the NRA and the white extremists have their way it will be the "OK Corral" everywhere, every day. I do not understand why so many people think they need to carry a gun everywhere they go. Kentucky has an open carry policy, you can have a gun on your person as long as you don't conceal it. You have to get a permit for a concealed weapon. I am pretty sure Isis will not be in our little town, so I don't understand this need to be armed. I don't like it either. Cleveland has had its own problems with guns, they don't need any more there.
The New Yorker: Andy is saying what they would like to say. They were so sure the FBI would prosecute Clinton. At least they hoped!
NY Times: She followed the example of other Secretaries of State since there has been email. It wasnot wise, but also not criminal. Why don't they pull Powell up for an investigation, too? Oh, right, because he is a Republican and not running for President. The right wingers that I know are already claiming a conspiracy,since Bill was so foolish about talking to Lynch in private.
Cartoon: Love it!
Thanks to Julie for taking such good care of our fearless leader, and welcome Wendy.
On a personal note, Cousin Phillip is FINALLY home, after eleven months and three weeks in the hospital, rehab, and nursing homes. He is walking with the assistance of a walker. He will be having occupational therapy at home. Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for him. I told him my good friends at PP were rooting for him and he was very pleased.
Awesome! Glad that Phillip is doing much better and is now at home. HOME!
Thanks, Jim.
Great news about Phillip, Edie! I will continue to light candles at church for him. Being at home will help him heal more!
Thanks, Lynn, all prayers are welcome.
Now that is some great news! Give him my best.
Thanks, Nameless, I will. He was so gratified when I told him about my friends on here rooting for him.
Oh, thanks so much for the update – and such a glowing one at that. I send my best also.
Thanks, Joanne, I will tell him, he appreciates you all, even though he doesn't know you.
I could not be more pleased. My best to him.
Thanks, TC, I will tell him. He is a fighter, like you.
Puzzle — 3:21 Fiddlehead salad?
Daily Kos — "…white nationalist groups that they’ll be "defending" the convention from troublemakers,…" — I guess these 'defenders' (said with sarcasm!) haven't heard of freedom of speech for all, not just themselves. But then, I don't think Drumpf is acquainted with it either. If this asshat Drumpf wins the White House, the US is royally screwed!
The New Yorker — "Representative Trey Gowdy of South Carolina bemoaned the F.B.I.’s “bloated and wasteful” annual budget of eight billion dollars, which he said could easily pay for an additional eleven hundred Benghazi investigations." — "“bloated and wasteful” annual budget" — Isn't that the budget for the Republican Party?! Good one Andy!
NY Times — I remember your predictions. When she is POTUS, Republicans won't stop. They will go after her in a similar fashion to how they went after Obama. Republicans have nothing to stand on, not even their family values. So they will tear down anything that aids the average American.
Cartoon — AMEN JD!!
There is no two ways about it, Julie and Killer Dawg will be missed. But soon you and Wendy will be fast friends! Tell her she needs to get a little pup for the mangy ol' Puddy Tat to cuddle up to. Thanks Julie for all you have done for our Puddy Tat!
BTW, how did your appointment go at the ocular oncologist's?
Lynn, you are so right: the GOPigs have no "Family Values," that is a propaganda phrase devoid of any meaning, kind of like Duggar family values.
You seem to be doing well with the ladies there, TomCat. And little male dogs of course. Please let us know all about your visit with the ocular oncologist and about her assessment of the treatment results so far Here's hoping its nothing but good news.
DK: Welcome to the GOP in its death trows. For years The GOP has fed on fear, instilling it in their base for anything they didn't like such as black people, Muslims, foreign terrorists, LGBT people, the government, bad guys with guns…and by doing so Republicans have now reached the point where they need to fear the worst of all: other "crazy" Republicans. There will be no shoot-out at the convention, security will be too high and no-one will be allowed to bring anything lethal inside. But they do not need to, intimidation, bullying and fear alone will keep everyone in check and goose-stepping to the tune of Herr Drumpf's band of thugs.
TNY and NYT: Andy's so adapt at reading the GOP's mind. I'm sure the GOP has considered dismantling the FBI after another of their ploys to bring Hillary Clinton down failed. and someone needs to be blamed and punished for their failure. While the Benghazi hearing gave Hillary the opportunity to show the world she was presidential material, this FBI investigation definitely took much away from that again, but it wasn't enough to charge her and she'll continue to run for president. By November Drumpf will have alienated the last Republican voter who isn't a while male and Hillary's "extreme carelessness" will have been either forgotten or tucked away, no matter how much the GOP will reiterate on it. So what else is there left to do for them but to abolish the FBI? Saves them from some hassle in Ferguson too when one of their own is investigated.
Cartoon: So that's how they become Republican politicians. There's always someone else to blame, isn't there.
Most good luck with the doctor visit!!?
Thanks all! Hugs!!