TomCat

May 222018
 

I have a hot one on tap here at the CatBox, and my plan for the day is to get my articles up early, and before it gets too hot out, and then, to go to the bank, so I have a supply of money with which to pay WWWendy.  When I return, I plan to hide from the heat for the rest of the day.  I understand that least a couple Care2 denizens have not been getting the daily messages I send to help Care2 "fiends" find our articles.  If you have not been receiving yours regularly, please let me know.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:44 (average 4:46).  To do it click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Parody Project Channel): DON’T WORRY – Parody of Don’t Worry, Be Happy

 

It would be nice, but it’s easier said than done. RESIST!!

From YouTube (Media Matters Channel): What abortion coverage looks like on Fox News

Barf Bag Alert!!

 

Pure Bullshit! A culture of death has taken root between the ears of Faux Noise Sheeple! RESIST!!

From The New Yorker: Millions of Americans are demanding an investigation into why, if F.B.I. operatives managed to infiltrate the 2016 Trump campaign, they utterly failed to prevent a nightmarish despot from being elected.

In interviews across the country, Americans expressed dismay and, in some cases, despair at the news that F.B.I. infiltrators might have had a golden opportunity to prevent the nation’s current unspeakable nightmare from unfolding but did not get the job done.

“The thought of F.B.I. infiltrators being inside the Trump campaign but not sabotaging it is, in a word, devastating,” Carol Foyler, of Akron, Ohio, said. “If it turns out to be true, I will totally lose my faith in F.B.I. infiltrators.”

Dang Andy! That’s a more realistic investigation than the one the Fuhrer wants!  RESIST!!

Cartoon:

A foot deeper, he would have voted Trump!

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May 212018
 

There can be no doubt that the current Republican Reich under Fuhrer Donald "Pay to Play" Trump is the most corrupt party in US history.  I consider it important that Democrats demonstrate and run on clean governance as part of a progressive platform for 2018.  Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) revealed Democratic plans for an anti-corruption plank.

Elections Ahead

Democrats plan to hammer the corruption allegations swirling around the Trump administration in the run up to the midterms, hoping to tap into a successful strategy that delivered them control of Congress in 2006.

Democratic leaders will roll out the latest plank of their messaging platform Monday, focusing on a package of anti-corruption bills they say would directly target "pay-to-play" accusations linked to the White House — and some of the most controversial players in President Donald Trump’s orbit — if enacted.

“The corruption, the conflicts of interest in this administration are important, not only because it’s not the right way to do things, but because of what it means,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said at a recent POLITICO Playbook event.

The anti-corruption plank will focus on three key areas, according to a Democratic official who briefed POLITICO: overhauling campaign finance rules, tightening current ethics laws and strengthening voting laws by cracking down on discrimination at the polls and gerrymandering… [emphasis added]

Inserted from <Politico>

These issues are just a small part of a broad progressive platform, but they are a necessary part of it.

RESIST THE REPUBLICAN REICH!!

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May 212018
 

We’re moving into a couple days of hot weather.  It’s cool now, but the sun just hit the wall, so I’ll have to button up and go to AC before long.  I like fresh air so much better.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 6:03 (average 7:30).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

For our secretive Canadian friends:

0521VictoriaDay

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): The greatest, growing threat to America

 

China had no trouble getting around the Republican Reich. All it took was an investment in a Trump business for Trump to switch to ‘Make China Great Again." RESIST!!

From Media Matters: Today, senators voted on a resolution to undo a 2017 move by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to end net neutrality regulations, but major television and print media outlets have devoted little more than a few mentions to the issue.

This dearth of coverage may stem in part from the distraction of President Donald Trump, as since his election, media outlets have been laser-focused on his statements and actions. Several significant Trumprelatedstories did break today, but it’s nonetheless obvious that media outlets have done little to address their Trump obsession and prioritize the many other issues that matter to Americans.

Net neutrality requires internet service providers (ISPs) like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to give their users equal access to all internet content. Upending these rules means that, for a fee, ISPs can prioritize certain websites, allowing them to load more quickly on their users’ devices, and slow down or even block other sites. As Wired’s Klint Finley explained, “Well-established services from deep-pocketed companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft will likely remain widely available. But net-neutrality advocates argue that smaller companies that don’t have the money to pay for fast lanes could suffer. In other words, protecting net neutrality isn’t about saving Netflix but about saving the next Netflix.”

The FCC, led by Trump-nominated Ajit Pai, decided last year to end net neutrality rules in a move that voters across the political spectrum largely opposed. Leading up to the FCC’s vote, though, many media outlets were shockingly silent on the repercussions of upending consumer protections on internet access.

As Democratic senators made a last-ditch effort to salvage net neutrality rules — which passed in the Senate — coverage by many media outlets is still nowhere to be found.

I did not know the bill had passed. I hope that enough Republicans will side with Democrats in the house to pass it, but I doubt it. RESIST!!

From Alternet: Before the theocratic government of today’s Iran, there was the brutal Shah. Before the Shah, the CIA overthrew a pro-Western government that had been democratically elected. Mohammad Mossadegh was the prime minister and his US-backed downfall in 1953 was the spark that set in motion the conflict with Iran today. In this interview, Medea Benjamin sheds light on this seminal incident with Iran. She also explores the nation’s history and politics.

Click through for a fascinating read. We need to remember that much of the third world opposition we face today stems directly from right-wing imperialism, RESIST!!

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Facebook Fakes

 Posted by at 1:05 pm  Politics
May 202018
 

It now appears that the Santa Fe shooter, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, was not politically motivated.  The most likely explanation to date, is that he was stalking a girl with all the zeal of Republican Judge Roy Moore after a twelve year old.  After months of refusing to date him and enduring aggressive advances from him, she confronted him him and humiliated him by rejecting him publically.  She was the first student killed.  Republicans are putting up fake Facebook profiles in his name, painting him as a Democrat.

0520Facebook

In the first hours after the Texas school shooting that left at least ten dead Friday, online hoaxers moved quickly to spread a viral lie, creating fake Facebook accounts with the suspected shooter’s name and a doctored photo showing him wearing a "Hillary 2016" hat.

Several were swiftly flagged by users and deleted by the social network. But others rose rapidly in their place: Chris Sampson, a disinformation analyst for a counter-terrorism think tank, said he could see new fakes as they were being created and filled out with false information, including images linking the suspect to the liberal group Antifa.

It has become a familiar pattern in the all-too-common aftermath of American school shootings: A barrage of online misinformation, seemingly designed to cloud the truth or win political points.

But some social-media watchers said they were still surprised at the speed with which the Santa Fe shooting descended into information warfare. Sampson said he watched the clock after the suspect was first named by police to see how long it would take for a fake Facebook account to be created in his name: less than 20 minutes… [emphasis added]

Inserted from <San Francisco Chronicle>

Republicans are desperate to create an appearance of false equivalence to marginalize the many Republican terrorists that have murdered innocents.

With Facebook, the only way to win is not to play!

RESIST THE REPUBLICAN REICH!!

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May 202018
 

I slept very poorly last night as people used 4th avenue as a drag strip, and later, other people entertained themselves by setting off car alarms.  I also had a hard tome finding material, because the wedding and rehashing evidence against the Fuhrer dominated the news.  Wendy is due in about fifteen minutes.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:43 (average 4:39).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (SNL Channel): Donald Trump Robert Mueller Cold Open

 

I still can’t believe how realistic they are! RESIST!!

Also from YouTube (SNL Channel)(It’s the end of the season): Sarah Palin Advice

 

Before Palin became Bloody Bullseye Barbie for her role in the Gaby Giffords shooting, Tina Fey did a magnificent Drill Baby Dingbat! RESIST!!

From Daily Kos: With the tragic mass shooting at Sante Fe High School in Texas unfolding over the past few hours, it’s a good time to remember what is not being done about the gun violence threatening our children. It’s also important to note that the NRA loves Texas Republicans. According to Texas Monthly, Texas Republicans have gotten the most yummy money from the NRA since 1998.

Nine members of the Texas delegation—all Republicans—received A+ ratings from the NRA. These include senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Another 18 members—all Republicans except for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Laredo—received an A grade. Seven Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke—who is hoping to unseat Cruz in the Senate this fall—received an F rating. Only two Texas Democrats—U.S. Rep. Gene Green, from Houston, and Cuellar—accepted any money from the NRA.  [emphasis added]

See? Both parties are NOT the same. Lefties who say they are allow Republican propagandists make them useful fools. RESIST!!

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Bill Maher from 5/18

 Posted by at 1:32 pm  Politics
May 192018
 

It’s that time of week again, so here are five fine video clips from Bill’s show last night.  Enjoy!

Monologue: Royally Screwed

 

I loved it,, but when Trump is removed, US will have to start a home for comedians who have nervous breakdowns over the massive material loss.

Clint Watts: Messing with the Enemy

 

I think he has a good handle on it. I like how he pointed out that the FBI and CIA are so authoritarian that they are very conservative (small c).  Therefore the notion that they are conspiring against a Republican is absurd.

Dambisa Moyo: Edge of Chaos

 

Key point: US politicians need to stop looking for short term solutions to long term problems. I think Civics should be a mandatory subject throughout K-12.

25 Things You Don’t Know About Michael Cohen

 

LOL!

New Rule: Trump Is Above the Law

 

He does raise some good points. The only way to get a conviction in the Senate is for enough Republicans to believe their jobs depend on it.  I’m not ready to stop fighting.  I hope you aren’t either.

RESIST THE REPUBLICAN REICH!!

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May 192018
 

Between tech issues and a bunch of work for my volunteer organization, I’ve been busier today that a long-tail TomCat in a rocking chair factory.  I hope you’re enjoying a peaceful, weekend.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:17 (average 5:17).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Donald Trump Toys With Abuse Of Office In Beef Against Washington Post (22 min.)

 

The comparison between Nixon’s and Trump’s abuse of power is fascinating. Trump’s use of government agencies to harm enemies financially is an impeachable offense. RESIST!!

From YouTube (Oregonian Channel): Texas lt. governor says fewer doors could prevent school shootings

 

What a vile Republican idiot! It’s the guns, Stupid! As a former volunteer firefighter, my first thought is that single entrances to and from high schools would soon lead to crispy kids. Also, such a choke point would make it harder for kids to get away from a shooter. RESIST!!

From UPI: European Union members meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, prepared a united front against U.S. decisions to exit the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and impose steel and aluminum tariffs.

The European Commission, the EU executive branch, announced Friday it "launched the formal process to activate the Blocking Statute by updating the list of U.S. sanctions on Iran falling within its scope."

The blocking statute, created in 1996 to evade the U.S. embargo of goods to Cuba, will be remodeled to reflect Iran-related sanctions that were reinstated after President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the accord on May 8. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javas Zarif met with his British, French and German counterparts in Brussels earlier this week.

"What we demand is no conditions and no limits and to go back to the situation before," French President Emmanuel Macron said at the summit meeting Thursday. "The condition for all talks is to lift all threats and tariffs, without mention of a time limit."

Even Russia is getting in on this deal, as a signer od the Iran pact. It took a Republican Reich to force the EU into siding with Iran and Russia against the US. RESIST!!

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May 182018
 

Here is the one hundred eighteenth article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is Republican gubernatorial candidate for Georgia, Michael Williams. He is so honored for the Republican way he joins immigration with hate and racism.

0518WilliamsFox host Martha MacCallum made it clear that Georgia’s “Deportation Bus Tour” candidate Michael Williams is not on the network’s roster of preferred candidates (unlike Ron DeSantis) but his racist-Republican message still got a warm welcome.

The Daily Beast has a good run-down of Williams’ gubernatorial candidacy:

Michael Williams, a Georgia state senator, is currently polling dead last in the state’s Republican primary. With the primary next week, Williams is trying to rally racists by hosting a “Deportation Bus Tour” from a converted school bus plastered with slogans like “FILL THIS BUS WITH ILLEGALS” and “DANGER! MURDERERS, RAPISTS, KIDNAPPERS, CHILD MOLESTORS [sic], AND OTHER CRIMINALS ON BOARD.”

As The Daily Beast also noted, Cracker Barrel made it clear that the chain wants nothing to do with Williams who has scheduled at least 10 stops at various restaurants around the stat…[emphasis added]

Inserted from <Crooks and Liars>

Barf Bag Alert!!

 

Look at the way he stereotypes all undocumented people, the vast majority of which are just peaceful workers trying to find a better life, as the most vile kinds of people.  That earned him a parade.  The only name he failed to call them is a name far more vile than any of the ones he used: Republican.

RESIST THE REPUBLICAN REICH!!

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