Dec 102017
 

Wendy just left and I’m going to rush to connect with my pillow, instead of paying attention to my Broncos getting slaughtered.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:59 (average 5:51).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Politico: Democrats head into Tuesday’s Senate election in Alabama confident that they’ll come out on top no matter who wins.

And many Republicans agree with them.

If Doug Jones prevails, Democrats expect it will further excite their base, bolster candidate recruitment and fuel fundraising heading into 2018, coming off their near-sweep of last month’s elections. They will revel in picking up a Senate seat in the Deep South, especially in a state so central to President Donald Trump’s political rise and where he earlier backed the loser of the GOP primary. Practically, Republicans would have a 51-49 Senate majority, leaving them with a single vote to spare assuming Democrats stick together.

But the alternative won’t make for bad politics, either, Democrats say.

If Roy Moore wins, they’ll spend the next year yoking every Republican they can to the accused child predator and a president who welcomed him into the GOP fold. They’ll be quick to remind everyone of all the other comments Moore has made against Muslims and gays and in favor of Vladimir Putin’s view of America as evil, as well as his rosy view of slave-era America.

“He’ll be the gift that keeps on giving for Democrats. If you’re running in 2018, Roy Moore’s going to be your new best friend. As a Republican, to think that you can win without the baggage of Roy Moore is pretty naïve,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

He certainly does have a point. I want to win, but if we lose, Moore will be an ongoing source of ammunition. RESIST!!

From The New Yorker: In a unique accord, the billionaire Koch brothers and the National Rifle Association have reached a timeshare agreement over the ownership of House Speaker Paul Ryan, representatives of both parties have confirmed.

Speaking on behalf of the Kochs, Charles Koch said that he contacted the N.R.A.’s executive director, Wayne LaPierre, with the timeshare proposal “so that we could all get the maximum enjoyment out of owning Paul.”

The arrangement is intended to minimize conflicts between the Kochs and the gun group that have arisen in the past when both co-owners have wanted to use Ryan at the same time, Koch said.

“I said to Wayne, ‘This is craziness,’ ” he said. “ ‘Let’s work something out where you get Paul half the year, and we’ll take him the other half.’ ”

Under the timeshare deal, the Kochs will have the exclusive use of Ryan during the months when tax cuts and environmental deregulation are put to a vote, while the N.R.A. will have him for the months when gun legislation is to be defeated.

Dang Andy! Aren’t the KKK feeling snubbed? RESIST!!

From NY Times: Newly released body camera footage shows a police officer shooting an unarmed man in an Arizona hotel after the man sobbed and pleaded with officers not to shoot him.

The graphic video, which was released after a jury on Thursday acquitted the officer of murder and manslaughter charges, stoked outrage on social media and renewed calls for reforms in law enforcement.

WARNING! Fatal Shooting Shown!

 

The murderer could not have had a more Republican jury than what he had in Mesa.  Perhaps Republicans should not be allowed in police work.  If that isn’t murder, what is? RESIST!!

Cartoons:

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  22 Responses to “Open Thread – 12/10/2017”

  1. 5:45  Looks cold.  Of course there might be fish.

    Politico – Frankly, I find this analysis consoling.  I want to win in Alabama, and I think there’s a chance, maybe even a good chance.  But at best, it’s far from certain.  After reading this, I should be able to sleep Tuesday night no matter what.

    TNY – Speechless!  SMDH.

    NYT – I wish I could believe that this video will lead to some reform.  But I don’t.  I follow vary closely any discussion – on LIBERAL websites – of any article referencing abuse of prisoners or rights of prisoners (I’m sure that fact my husband is incarcerated is a big motivator).  Raw Story, AlterNet, Mother Jones, Care2, others (Daily Kos is better).  Every time I do, I re-learn that, for many DEMOCRATS, the mere fact of being suspected or accused of a “crime,” even if not indicted, even if not convicted, turns a person into an honorary n-word.  It takes away every single one of their rights, and whatever abuse they get becomes deserved.  I am not saying everyone feels this way, but enough do to make me think, if people on the left can feel like this, how will we ever reach anyone on the right?

    After that downer, here’s a Roy Zimmerman parody to lessen the sting.

    Happy Birthday, Jim!  I tried to send a Care2 ecard.  I hope you received it.

    Cartoon – Amen. Amen. Amen.

  2. Politico: Fingers crossed for Mr. Jones!!!

    NYer: Good Grief!!!

    NYT: WTH??!? This is happening so much nowadays, and absolutely horrifying to watch. Such a travesty of justice killing an innocent man like this. Cop got away w/murder! Frightening. This did NOT have to happen, cops shouldn’t have guns, At.ALL. imho. This cop was too hostile and reckless. For training, each police officer recruit, (or refresher courses), should be put in the SAME situation, and process what the other police officer holding a rifle over their head(s) will or will not do. I would bet the outcome would be different. This man didn’t have to DIE !! I concur with Joanne’s comment also.

    Happy, Happy, Birthday Jim, hope it’s a great day for you!

    My guys lost. A.gain! What a bummer. Hope you have a good evening, relax, take care, and Thanks, Tom.

    • Good Morning, btw….about that video……..
      Why in the sam hell is the cop YELLING throughout the whole incident??
      1. Was the cop on drugs?? very, very aggressive !2. He (cop) views the man on the ground as a threat, he spent more time issuing commands, than slowing down his rhetoric over and over….3. Why not train officers to speak in a mild, non threatening manner for the man (and others), to comply? 4. Most know here, I am totally against possession of guns or any violence. 5. It also bothers me that they found him NOT guilty. Video says otherwise. Glad I wasn’t on that jury, as I’d of reamed them too. This young man who died in cold blood, I shed tears for you today.

      OK, I’m done with my rant. thx.

      • I think he is one of those cops who went into police work, because little girls used to beat him up on the school bus and take his lunch money.  He hides behind his badge and gun, but he’s as big a coward now as he was then. 30

  3. Politico: A very funny feeling for a Democrat: looking at a win-win situation.  Who woulda thunk?
    New Yorker: What is Andy taping their phones?
    NYT: Judiciary farce! Sick bastards with guns!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM!!!

  4. Somebody needs to cram that Universal Declaration of Human Rights down the throat of every Zionist – especially those joining in the ethnic cleansing against Palestinians.

  5. Can’t bring myself to watch that video unblurred. 
    If Moore wins, we will need to whip the frenzy for him AND tRump to GO!
    Thanks for all you do, TC! Looks like my first place spot is fixin to go! Gonna lose this game, ?.
    Have a GREAT day!

  6. Happy B-Day Jim!

    Always enjoy your input!

  7. Happy Birthday, Jim.  My C2 mail is not working.

  8. Happy birthday, Jim. May many more years follow, and all of those commenting on Politics Plus.

    Politico: Moore winning on Tuesday will be the next best thing for Democrats, but also for America, because Moore will be welcomed by the RNC no matter what they’ve said before, forcing the other Republicans in Congress who don’t want him to choose between leaving or eating crow. This will mean that in Congress, as in the land, the division between left and right will only get more extreme, but it may not be enough to topple the GOP in 2018 yet. For now it seems you’re only halfway through the tunnel.
    Moore and his possible election is all over the media in the western world too. The sense I get from the extensive analyses I’ve read is that the rest of the world has given America the (waning) benefit of the doubt that Drumpf was and isn’t the choice of the majority of Americans, but if Moore wins the election in Alabama, that notion will end up in the bin of wishful thinking.

    TNY: Could you give us the full list of Republicans who are on a timeshare agreement with two or more “special interest groups”, and give us their rosters while you’re at it, please. It’ll make life so much easier for the Resistance to plan their demonstrations at the right time and addressing the right people with the correct signs.

    NYT: This cop was so obviously on a power trip and yet the jury acquitted him of murder and manslaughter?!? Words fail me.

    Cartoon: It’s already embedded in speech: people on the (top) right have rights, others have wrongs.

  9. Puzzle — 4:51 I was practically born in water! 

    Politico — I too prefer a Democrat win.  However, to be sure, the election of Roy Moore will put a target on every Republican up for election in 2018.  Add to that the sexual proclivities of President Pussy Grabber and his absolute stupidity, and Republicans should be toast providing Democrats don’t screw the pooch!

    The New Yorker — Republicans are bought and paid for! . . . not just Lyin’ Ryan!

    NY Times — Is this the law and order that Drumpf talks about?  So much for “To serve and protect”.  And the jury, well are they blind, deaf and stupid?  That is murder!  A picture of the Arizona Jury:

    Happy Birthday Jim!!!

    Cartoon — Yeah, only if you are a wealthy, conservative white male! . . . in the US!

  10. Thanks and Hugs to all! 19

  11. When I first saw my name in a “Happy Birthday”, I felt a warm flush of embarrassment. I’m one of those individuals who likes hanging around in the background. I Thank You ALL for your wonderful congrats, comments, notes, cards, colorful graphics. Yup, I never thought I would reach the ripe age of “75” years after having survived two heart attacks with two stent placement operations. As they say in marriage, 75 is a diamond anniversary. Me, I’m a rough diamond. lol.

    I spent the day quietly puttering about and did watch two DVD movies from the library, John Wick & John Wick Chapter 2. Gee, I could use a guy like John Wick to help the GOP become extinct. A simple Birthday Wish. Fanciful fantasy thoughts, eh… sigh…
    .

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