Friday Fun: Families Belong Together

Posted by SoINeedAName at 9:01 am Politics

Jul 062018

Last Saturday the theme for the day was clearly “Families Belong Together”

Activists shout during the rally to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies Saturday, June 30, 2018, in New York, New York. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

And literally hundreds of thousands joined in over 700 rallies across America to echo that theme while protesting Trump’s inhumane mishandling of immigrants. (And just a reminder: Seeking asylum is NOT illegal!)

The crowds came from Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, DC, Boston, Salt Lake City, Portland, ME – towns big, small and in-between.

I believe it would be worthwhile to enjoy a few of the tens of thousands of signs that sent a message to our representatives from the Oval Office to our City Councils. In viewing hundreds of signs it seems like there were some common themes. One of the most repeated was …

SHAME

And related to that were ones that were …

RELIGIOUS

But the ones that were the most passionate were the ones calling out Twitler …

GODWIN BE DAMNED

Which of course inspired quite a few to actually graphically demonstrate what he was doing to children …

CAGED

But to end on a lighter note, of course there were clever ones …

And my all time favorite – and I don’t think Paul Simon would mind one bit …

And of course the bottom line answer to end this travesty is …

Monthly Report for June 2018

Posted by TomCat at 11:54 am Blog News, Monthly Report, Politics

Jul 052018

Compared to May, June results were up in Uniques and Bandwidth and down in Visits, Page Views and Hits. Those are mixed, and I have no explanation for them.

Here is our latest summary:

Stats6-2018

Reported period	Month Jun 2018
First visit	01 Jun 2018 – 00:00
Last visit	30 Jun 2018 – 23:59
	Unique visitors	Number of visits	Pages	Hits	Bandwidth
Viewed traffic *	6,958	27,090 (3.89 visits/visitor)	273,520 (10.09 Pages/Visit)	459,472 (16.96 Hits/Visit)	18.49 GB (715.72 KB/Visit)
Not viewed traffic *			1,096,467	1,236,294	22.60 GB

Reported period	Month Jun 2017
First visit	01 Jun 2017 – 00:00
Last visit	30 Jun 2017 – 23:59
	Unique visitors	Number of visits	Pages	Hits	Bandwidth
Viewed traffic *	9,323	27,090 (2.9 visits/visitor)	122,678 (4.52 Pages/Visit)	246,604 (9.1 Hits/Visit)	8.04 GB (311.2 KB/Visit)
Not viewed traffic *			519,108	577,231	12.30 GB

Compared with last June, we are down in Uniques, identical in Visits, and up in every other category. That means fewer visitors are doing more.

Here is our ClustrMap for 2018 YTD. This is six months’ traffic.

ClustrMap6-2018

ClustrMap misses a lot of visits, because many visits can’t be easily traced to a location.

Here are our top five articles:

DO NOT CONGRATULATE! 3/21/2018 976
Bill Maher from 6/1 6/2/2018 854
Poll Results – 6/3/2018 6/3/2018 821
To Shame or Not to Shame? 6/24/2018 799
Republicans on Parade – 6/26/2018 6/26/2016 700

The count represents only the people who opened the page for that specific article. All were from this year. Four were from June. I wrote all five. I would have been happier to see more of our other authors’ work represented here. Lona has been preparing for the great migration, the Squatch is still hiding from green tornados, and Nameless has been busy on the home front, but JD has published some truly superior articles.

Here are our top non-blog/news referrers (100 referral minimum):

Google 10,409
Care2 3,424
Stumbleupon 421
Facebook 244
Baidu 149

Google was way up, Care2 and Stumbleupon were down. Baidu was virtually unchanged. Facebook made the list, and Reddit did not. Because I advocate unplugging from Facebook, because they keep selling clients’ personal data to enemies, I opted not to link to them.

Here are our top blog/news referrers:

http://infidel753.blogspot.com/
http://oakcreekforum.blogspot.com/
http://bildungblog.blogspot.com/
http://progressiveerupts.blogspot.com/

We had 4 sites with 2 or more referrals, down 3 from May. Putting blogs’ links here increases the ratings of their sites, so this “linkey love” is our thank you for their referral support. We still need to improve this. Since last month I cleaned up our blog roll and found most of the sites either were gone or had not published for years. Now I need to visit the few who remain.

As of midnight July 1, we had 8,302 articles and 99,504 comments.

Kudos to Squatch, who earned a Big Mouth Award in May for making the 99,000 comment.

I recommend using your own avatar. Go to Gravatar. Sign up using the email address you use to post comments here and upload the image you want to use as your avatar. Whenever you comment under that email address here or on any WordPress blog (several others too), that image will become your avatar.

Your Administrators are Lynn Squance, aka Sasquatch or Squatch, SoINeedAName, aka Nameless, and I, aka TomCat, the Founder. Your Editors are Joanne Dixon, aka JD the Erynator and Lona Goudswaard, aka Lona the Napster. I promoted them from Author in August 2017 to give them the ability to add graphics to comments and the ability to correct my innumerable typos.

This is our policy on links. We do not embed links to extreme Republican websites, like Faux Noise, Breitfart or World Nut Daily. However I leave notes in square brackets when I delete such links, (example: [faux noise delinked]) so readers, who wish to follow them can click through to the source article. I also remove topical links. Finally, I blank the target on all links, so they open in a new tab or window.

We now have four months, before we will have a major opportunity to reclaim part of our nation from the fascist Reich that possesses all three branches of government. If you haven’t started working toward that end, you are way past due. This is critically important, because it appears that Putin’s Puppet will get to appoint another goose-stepper to SCROTUS (Republican Unconstitutional VD).

Thank you for your support here, and kudos for all the good you do, everywhere you do it.

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!

AvatarTC

Open Thread – 7/5/2018

Posted by TomCat at 11:53 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jul 052018

The sun will be hitting the wall any minute now, and I’ll have to button-up the CatBox in anticipation of 90°s temps today. I was up late last night. The fireworks display is only five blocks away, and the sound echoes between the downtown buildings. This morning, I overslept.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:01 (average 6:28). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Media Matters Channel): As the movement to Abolish ICE grows, right-wing media freak out

BARF BAG ALERT!!

I have nothing against ice. At this time of year, it makes coffee quite refreshing. But let’s get rid of the fascist organization and the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda, Faux Noise. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (Robert Reich Channel): Robert Reich: The 5 Principles of True Patriots

Amen! True patriots RESIST!! True patriots VOTE BLUE!!

From Politico: A pile of pending lawsuits over Donald Trump’s personal and business conduct could put his nominee to the Supreme Court in an awkward position: deciding whether to cast potentially pivotal votes on legal matters of keen importance to the president.

Virtually all justices wind up ruling on policy issues affecting the president who appointed them. But Trump is enmeshed in more than half a dozen significant court cases involving everything from his alleged sexual behavior before taking office to claims that his businesses are profiting from his presidency and allegations that he misused funds through his charitable foundation.

In addition, the Supreme Court could be asked to rule on other legal questions critical to the president, such as whether Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election was legally authorized or whether Trump has the authority to dismiss the special prosecutor.

The legal pressure Trump faces on many fronts is likely to spill into the confirmation hearings for his nominee — whom he is expected to name next week to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, long seen as the court’s swing vote — as senators seek to use the high-profile platform to publicize the unusual legal predicaments.

This is partially why no Trump nomination is appropriate as long as he remains under investigation. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoons:

Fourth of July 2018

Posted by TomCat at 12:09 pm Holiday, Politics

Jul 042018

4th of July 2017

This article is a repeat of last year’s with minor additions.

Traditionally I have celebrated Independence Day with excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, videos of the local fireworks display, and lessons on the differences between true patriotism and nationalism. However, then the US was an independent nation. Now it is under foreign domination. I’m sorry, but as long as Donald Trump, Putin’s Puppet, and his Republican Reich stay in power and keep the US in thrall to Russia, the 4th of July will be a day of mourning.

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

Open Thread – 7/4/2018

Posted by TomCat at 12:08 pm Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jul 042018

I’m in a hurry today, because Wendy’s niece is coming an hour early. I’m tired, because Safeway.com delivered my food over four hours late yesterday. The heat wave is here. UGH!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:18 (average 6:11). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Daily Kos Channel): Prime Miniter [sic] Mark Rutte gives President Trump a lesson in being a world leader

He demonstrated that he alone understood trade. Kudos to the Netherlands. However, Donald Duck could give Resident Trump a lesson in being a world leader. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (Media Matters Channel): Right-wing media repeatedly incite violence

Barf Bag Alert!!

Criminal violence is the long term Republican way. Remember "Kill a commie for Christ"? RESIST!! THINK BLUE!!

From Crooks and Liars: Ever wonder what a real political interview sounds like? You’re not ever going to see anything this pointed, this direct on American cable news, so be prepared to get startled a little by what real journalism looks like.

Animae, may we steal that interviewer? We’ll give you Jeanine Pirro in return. Winking smile RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Open Thread – 7/3/2018

Posted by TomCat at 10:34 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jul 032018

Safeway.com is due in the next 75 minutes. I hope they don’t screw up. I’m also enjoying the last cool morning before the heat wave hits. It will last through mid-July or longer. This is my only article today, and I will not be sending links messages on Care2. I’m still waiting for Safeway to deliver. They are now over 2 1/2 hours late. AAAARRRRHHHHHHHH!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:20 (average 5:39). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Parody Project Channel): ZERO TOLERANCE Parody of "Casual Conversation"

Barf Bag Alert!!

Spot-on, but he could have done it without nekkid Trump! YUCK!! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (Robert Reich Channel): Robert Reich: Special Report: What Can We Do?

AMEN!! RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

From YouTube (Daily Kos Channel): Fox’s Judge Jeanine Pirro goes bananas

BARF BAG ALERT!!

Pirro wants an example? Trump, Congressional Republicans, Republican pundits, Faux Noise, Putin, and the entire FSB (formerly KGB) ganged up on Hillary Clinton. RESIST!! VOTE BLUE!!

Cartoon:

Pithy Progressive #10

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 8:42 am Politics

Jul 032018

Sean Patrick Maloney is a Congressman from New York’s 18th District. But he is running in November to be the Attorney General of the State. I received an email from him which caused me to drop my jaw – not that I didn’t know that certain feminine products are taxed by many states on the grounds thay they are luxuries; I was aware of that. (Sean may have had to look it up for this, but he knows now.) The whole thing is just so petty that I think it needs to be shared as necessary, up to November and likely beyond.

Bustle dot com picked up the story, as did a couple of other outlets, but I wouldn’t call it wide exposure at this point. I am furnishing the link, though I’ll mostly quote the email – which is a trifle less organized, because he is PISSED OFF.

The Republican leadership in Congress just PUNISHED my office for buying tampons for our staff and visiting constituents, Joanne.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Last week, I made the “mistake” of including feminine hygiene products in my office’s purchases — along with tissues, hand sanitizer, and first-aid supplies.

And now, the GOP is DEMANDING that I personally write a check to reimburse the $37.16 we spent on feminine hygiene products, because in their own words, “tampons are NOT office supplies”. They think they’re a luxury.

Joanne, this incident says everything you need to know about how the Republican Party views women.

I’m running to be New York’s next Democratic Attorney General because we must fight back against this type of discrimination our mothers, sisters, and daughters continue to face everyday.

In 2016, the State of New York stopped taxing women’s periods by ending its discriminatory ‘tampon tax.’

Because Joanne, women shouldn’t be punished for simply being women.

Women’s rights aren’t a matter of convenience — they’re a matter of equal justice under the law.

But the GOP is hanging on to their aging, sexist policies that are clearly discriminatory towards women.

At a time when the U.S. Supreme Court could be shaped in Donald Trump’s image for a lifetime, we need to elect leaders who won’t hesitate to take down these blatantly sexist policies.

Let’s put an end to these ludicrous, sexist policies, Joanne.

Sean Maloney for New York

-Sean Patrick Maloney
Candidate for New York Attorney General

SMDH.

I don’t put links to donation sites in these posts; though of course they are not hard to find, I want to be reportorial raather than pushy.

Bustle did point out a couple of things Sean left out, such as the roughly $5.9 BILLION that women in the US need to spend each year on sanitary supplies. (Now you know why many women do the happy dance when they reach the age of menopause. But I assure you, and our younger sisters, that we haven’t forgotten what it was like.) Oh, and the fact that the House Administration Committee claims he is lying. (I know who I would and wouldn’t believe, and I’ll bet you do too.) And the fact that Sean wrote his personal check to the committee – while making the Twitter video he posted to publicize the insanity – sorry, that’s insanitea.

I’m sure I don’t need to point out that the next Attorney General of New York will inherit any and all cases regarding Donald J. Trump, his family, and his staff, and the breach by any of them by any laws of the State of New York. Not living in New York, I can’t vote for him, but I certainly encourage anyone who can to do so.

Cross posted to Care2 HERE.

Poll Results – 7/2/2018

Posted by TomCat at 12:12 pm Blog News, Politics

Jul 022018

Here are the results of our “Bee v. Trump" poll. Politics Plus Polls are not scientific, because those who respond are not balanced according to demographic categories. Therefore, we do not accurately reflect the makeup of the US population. Nevertheless, our polls are usually factually accurate, and more often than not, they reflect thinking of the majority of those who actually do think.

0702Poll

And here are your comments:

Showing comments 1–12 of 12.

Posted by Joanne D June 24, 2018 at 9:55 am. From: CO (US

Has anyone besides me noticed that the phrase, "

less country," as in "Under Trump, we have become a

less country," is starting to catch on?

Posted by Lynn Squance June 12, 2018 at 11:04 pm. From: BC (CA)

Had Ivanka been younger, as in a minor child, this borders on child abuse. Since she is not a minor, Drumpf is just displaying his licentious behaviour and disrespect for his daughter. While I am not a fan of this c word, Sam is making a point in political comedy. Ivanka made herself a target of such comedy by propping up daddy.

Posted by Mitch D. June 11, 2018 at 2:01 pm. From: NJ (US)

Trump was talking about his very own daughter, and that was out of bounds, by far!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Yvonne White June 4, 2018 at 7:38 am. From: IL (US)

While I loathe the "c" word, if the shoe fits..;) Trump encourages sexists, racists, pedophiles (one is running in Virginia!), and horrible deplorables all across the nation & nobody seems to be up to burning him out of the White House..:(

Posted by gene June 4, 2018 at 6:09 am. From: MN (US)

I went with the majority here. I think what Donald did was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard a father say about his own daughter. I don’t care what he thinks, but to say that out loud and on air? Well, that’s just ugly as can be. Which is no surprise in regards Donnie. He’s the most crass person to ever inhabit the Oval Office in every way.

Posted by Vivian B June 4, 2018 at 5:44 am. From: OK (US)

tRump commenting about his daughter was totally disgusting! Anyone that would say anything close to what he said should be investigated for ALL the rapes, sexual assaults and just plain creepiness! But the rethuglicans will just let it slide off his back and keep going! That’s why we ALL HAVE TO VOTE! And VOTE BLUE!!!!

Posted by Lona Goudswaard June 4, 2018 at 3:43 am. From: (NL)

The incestual undertones makes everything Drumpf says about Ivanka disgusting, especially when as a father he’s rating his own daughter like a prized cow.

Posted by Katie and Bill Dresbach June 4, 2018 at 3:35 am. From: OH (US)

He said this about his own daughter? No one I know would. Dirty old man

Posted by Nita L June 3, 2018 at 3:31 pm. From: TX (US)

I voted that Trump was worse.

Posted by Animae June 3, 2018 at 12:36 pm. From: (AU)

i voted ‘trump was worse’

Posted by Pat B June 3, 2018 at 10:45 am. From: TX (US)

Who in their right mind would say something like that about their daughter? Or anyone for that matter? He’s a disgusting perv, and talks/looks at her like candy. He’s a revolting pos, and there’s no excuse. imho.

Posted by joanne D June 3, 2018 at 9:51 am. From: CO (US)

As strongly as I feel about this, I may struggle a little to explain it. Mainly I am basing it on where respect is due. A father owes respect to his daughter because she is his flesh and blood; he is responsible, both for making her, and also for taking care of her, including protecting her. Donald’s remark was the opposite of that. Now, Ivanka has some position in the White House, and with that go responsibilities, including the responsibility of being a decent human being (and yes, I know n one in the White House is up to that; therefore NONE of them has earned any respect.) Whereas a citizen has a right and duty to call out bad behavior by officials to the degree the behavior is bad. Doing so is not disrespect if the behavior deserved it. This did.

And then, of course, I also agree with Sally Field.

I voted for the obvious choice for the obvious reasons. Score one for Thunder!

The new poll is up. Vote! Then…

RESIST!!

VOTE BLUE!!

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