US Politics Thread |OT| THE DARKEST TIMELINE

[benjipwns]

WEAK:

“Trading five senior Taliban leaders from detention in Guantanamo Bay for Bergdahl’s release may have consequences for the rest of our forces and all Americans. Our terrorist adversaries now have a strong incentive to capture Americans. That incentive will put our forces in Afghanistan and around the world at even greater risk,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. McKeon (R-Calif.) and the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, James M. Inhofe (Okla.), said in a joint statement.

...

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said that the detainees transferred from Guantanamo to Qatar, where they are to stay for at least a year, “are hardened terrorists who have the blood of Americans and countless Afghans on their hands. I am eager to learn what precise steps are being taken to ensure that these vicious and violent Taliban extremists never return to the fight against the United States and our partners or engage in any activities that can threaten the prospects for peace and security in Afghanistan.”

Beyond this individual instance, some raised the larger question of whether it is sound policy for the United States to have, in the words of House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), “negotiated with terrorists.”

Rogers said the action marked a “fundamental shift in U.S. policy.”

[benjipwns]

He reiterated that he would like to “repeal all of Obamacare,” but added, “Can a state still have an exchange? You know we live in a 50-state union so some states could have exchanges. They already did before Obamacare.”

So he's not suddenly unsure.

[Phoenix Dark]

It still blows my mind  that despite the problems nationwide, Obamacare managed to work 100% correctly in fucking Kentucky. Great website, easy to access/understand, everything works. IIRC their uninsured rate has been cut by 40% which is just insane (in a great way).

Now Mitch McConnell is saying that the exchange will still exist even if Obamacare is repealed, so people don't have to worry. Well it's true the exchange might still exist after full repeal...but it'll quickly crumble without the subsidies and ban on withholding coverage for pre-existing conditions.

IIRC Paul beat his opponent by less than 200k votes. More than 400k have signed up for Obamacare. Pop shit and apologize indeed.
 

[Broseidon]

"pop shit"

I'm assuming this is another one of those black american terms I dont understand because we havent appropriated it yet.

[Phoenix Dark]

It's like when you're banging a dude and he tries to apologize for not pitching in for gas money as if that's gonna make you go softer.

[Kara]

It's like when you're banging a dude and he tries to apologize for not pitching in for gas money as if that's gonna make you go softer.

I think I saw this in Angels in America.

[Oblivion]

Finally. Someone speaks truth to power:

“They’re better than poor people. They just are,” Carolla replied. “I’ve hung around with plenty of poor people, now I’ve hung out with rich people. They work harder, generally. More focused. The folks I grew up with, the poor people I grew up with, fairly lethargic, did a lot of complaining, they smoked a little too much, drank a little too much, blamed everyone but themselves a little too much.”

Carolla dismissed the “notion” of the rich being “born with a silver spoon,” saying: “I don’t know any people that were born rich.”

“A lot of them had the advantage of growing up with a family that was intact, that would let them go off and do things that would, later on, enable them to become wealthy,” he explained.

Carolla also pointed out that the rich give “a hell of a lot more to charity.”

Turning to his own charitable contributions, Carolla admitted that he could give more but concluded, “I do the ultimate charity — I pay a shitload in taxes.”

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/05/31/comedian-adam-carolla-on-rich-people-theyre-better-than-poor-people-they-just-are/

[Great Rumbler]

“I don’t know any people that were born rich.”

[Oblivion]

That was also in the context of discussing someone like Donald Trump.

[Rufus]

Drunks and layabouts, the lot. Tsk tsk.

[Trent Dole]

That might be satire you guys.

[Phoenix Dark]

That might be satire you guys.

Dunno, he's been on quite a tear lately. I'm just going to assume he's seeing the potential to tap into dat resentment market and make bank off conservatives. I doubt he's some uber republican, this is just his next paycheck.

[Oblivion]

Guh? Hasn't Corolla been pretty right wing on most topics for several years now? I know he hates soshulism, illegals and the gays, just to name a few.

[Great Rumbler]

Just glancing quickly through the top 15 richest Americans: Bill Gates' parents were a lawyer and bank director, Buffet's dad was a congressman, the Koch brothers are the sons of an oil baron, the Walton kids...enough said, Bloomberg's dad was a real estate agent, Jeff Bezos' family owned a 25k acre ranch in Texas, Larry Page's parents were both college professors, Sergey Brin's dad is a college professor and his mother works at NASA, and Forrest Mars is the grandson of the founder of Mars Corp.

There's, like, one person of the list [Sheldon Adelson] who actually grew up poor.

[benjipwns]

Dunno, he's been on quite a tear lately. I'm just going to assume he's seeing the potential to tap into dat resentment market and make bank off conservatives. I doubt he's some uber republican, this is just his next paycheck.

He's promoting a book.

Guh? Hasn't Corolla been pretty right wing on most topics for several years now? I know he hates soshulism, illegals and the gays, just to name a few.

Yes. It's pretty hard to listen to any two episodes of his podcast without finding this out. When he ran out of good guests for like a year and a half I deleted the RSS feed since I had just been skipping to the interviews/guests anyway. (Poor Allison Rosen.)

He's like a Constitution Party/Pat Buchanan conservative/libertarian deal. Get the government out of everything but oppressing foreigners and gays.

[ZephyrFate]

I'm getting really excited about Tea Party majority after this year's midterms, I tell ya what. Can't wait to see what sort of regressive stuff they try to shit through legislature.

[ToxicAdam]

Cable news ratings collapse. Hopefully this stays a trend.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2014/05/may-cable-news-ratings-spare-no-one-189393.html?hp=r13


Average age of O'reilly viewer is 72. 

[Phoenix Dark]

I'm getting really excited about Tea Party majority after this year's midterms, I tell ya what. Can't wait to see what sort of regressive stuff they try to shit through legislature.

Dems are keeping the Senate.

Maybe maybe not. With the economy faltering and China poised to become the #1 economy in a few months, plus whatever new scandal pops up, etc etc.

[Human Snorenado]

I'm getting really excited about Tea Party majority after this year's midterms, I tell ya what. Can't wait to see what sort of regressive stuff they try to shit through legislature.

Dems are keeping the Senate.

The more I look at it, the less I think so.

[Oblivion]

Yeah, I'm pretty pessimistic about Dems keeping control as well. At best, it probably won't be a major blowout like it was thought to be, thanks to (as usual) crazy ass teabaggers, but they'll still lose by 2 or 3 seats, unfortunately.

[Human Snorenado]

Dem seats they're guaranteed to lose: South Dakota, Iowa, West Virginia

Dem incumbent, lean R: Montana, NC, Arkansas, LA

Tossup, Dem incumbent: Colorado, Alaska

They only need to lose 6. I'm just not seeing it.

[Phoenix Dark]

Dem seats they're guaranteed to lose: South Dakota, Iowa, West Virginia

Dem incumbent, lean R: Montana, NC, Arkansas, LA

Tossup, Dem incumbent: Colorado, Alaska

They only need to lose 6. I'm just not seeing it.

Add NC to that guaranteed loss list and remove Iowa. Alaska and Louisiana are pretty close, we'll see. Dems seem to be looking good in Arkansas so far, strangely; it's a state where Obamacare is having a positive impact.

[Great Rumbler]

Serious question: has America ever not negotiated with terrorists and foreign armies? Because you'd think "we don't negotiate with terrorists ever!" is some immutable law laid down in stone by God himself with all the hand-wringing going on over Obama releasing some Taliban fighters in exchange for one of our guys.

[Phoenix Dark]

remember when Reagan gave Iran 1500 missiles in exchange for US hostages?

[Great Rumbler]

remember when Reagan gave Iran 1500 missiles in exchange for US hostages?

No, and neither do you.

[Joe Molotov]

remember when Reagan gave Iran 1500 missiles in exchange for US hostages?

No, and neither do you.

And neither did Reagan by the end of his second term.

[Great Rumbler]

[Phoenix Dark]

that was too demonic, my friend.

[Human Snorenado]

Or when Reagan gave weapons to Iran to fund a bullshit war in Central America

[benjipwns]

Serious question: has America ever not negotiated with terrorists and foreign armies? Because you'd think "we don't negotiate with terrorists ever!" is some immutable law laid down in stone by God himself with all the hand-wringing going on over Obama releasing some Taliban fighters in exchange for one of our guys.

Those were times when America was weak too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War
We negotiated then and that's why it's the FIRST Barbary War.

Meanwhile after the Second one:

In early 1816, Britain undertook a diplomatic mission, backed by a small squadron of ships of the line, to Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers to convince the Deys to stop their piracy and free the Christian slaves. The Beys of Tunis and Tripoli agreed without any resistance, but the Dey of Algiers was more recalcitrant and the negotiations were stormy. The leader of the diplomatic mission, Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth, believed that he had managed to negotiate a treaty to stop the slavery of Christians and returned to England. However, due to confused orders, Algerian troops massacred 200 Corsican, Sicilian and Sardinian fishermen who were under British protection just after the treaty was signed. This caused outrage in Britain and Europe and Exmouth's negotiations were seen as a failure.

As a result, Exmouth was ordered to sea again to complete the job and punish the Algerians. He gathered a squadron of five ships of the line, reinforced by a number of frigates, later reinforced by a flotilla of six Dutch ships. On 27 August 1816, following a round of failed negotiations, the fleet delivered a punishing nine-hour bombardment of Algiers.

And nobody ever had any problems in that area of the world ever again.

[Phoenix Dark]

RNC Chair: Hillary Just 'Playing Politics' With Benghazi Book Chapter



Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on Sunday said that Hillary Clinton is playing a political game "24/7."

Clinton leaked a chapter in her book about benghazi to Politico, in which she defended her decision not to go on the Sunday shows after the Benghazi attack. Priebus criticized the chapter on Benghazi in her book as an attempt to cover herself politically.

“Hilary has been playing politics about this issue from the very beginning, and she is launching an organized political defense," Priebus said on "Fox News Sunday." "Their people are trying to preempt or stop any more criticism that she’s been receiving on Benghazi.”

“She played a part in the White House’s cover up of what this is all about in Benghazi. It was a terrorist attack. Our heroes and diplomats have died and were murdered, and she continues to play politics,” he continued. “Hillary Clinton is politics 24-7, and this is no different.”

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/priebus-hillary-politics-benghazi-book


Guess what he'd say if the sample chapter didn't mention Benghazi? "Why is Hillary Clinton ignoring Benghazi?!" 

It's clear the goal here is to drive up Hillary's negatives by any costs. The more extreme the better because ultimately a lot of people are tired of Clinton Drama. After all, that was part of Obama's argument in 2007.

Alas, once Hillary wins the nomination then what? And after she wins the presidency? They're out here saying she is unfit, questioning her patriotism, accusing her of treason, etc etc. Folks expecting things to stop being partisan/polarized once Obama leaves office are gonna be disappointed.

[benjipwns]

Politician Shocked That Other Politicians Are Engaged In Politics, Also That Gambling Is Going On In This Establishment

[Oblivion]

I'm just wondering where the hell in the constitution is the requirement for presidential candidates to appear on Sunday talk shows after an act of terror terrorist attack?

[HyperZoneWasAwesome]

what if the RNC is/keeps spending this inordinate amount of time beating up on Hilary, and she doesn't run?

I mean, they'd be left holding the bag on all their investment hatred that was now worthless if goofy ole' Biden (or anyone else) just walks to the nomination.

[Phoenix Dark]

“At the same time, there are two jobs there president has,” Woodward added. “And that is to protect the country, and to avoid unnecessary wars. And if you look at the record, you have to give Obama some credit. He’s protected the country and we have not had another war or unnecessary war.”

That's when Ingraham worked Benghazi into the conversation.

"We didn't protect the Benghazi diplomatic mission on 9/11/12. We kind of failed on that regard, don't you think, Bob?" she said. "That is the country."

"Well, you are underscoring my point that this will never go away, at least with you," Woodward said, drawing laughter from the panelists.

"I actually don't think it's funny when an ambassador is murdered," Ingraham replied.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/fox-panel-mocks-laura-ingraham-benghazi

lol

[Great Rumbler]

The murder of a US ambassador isn't funny, true, but she and her fellow mouth-breathers are trying their hardest to turn it into a joke.

[Joe Molotov]

what if the RNC is/keeps spending this inordinate amount of time beating up on Hilary, and she doesn't run?

I mean, they'd be left holding the bag on all their investment hatred that was now worthless if goofy ole' Biden (or anyone else) just walks to the nomination.

Warren/Sanders 2016, believe. itshappening_socialism.gif

[Great Rumbler]

"No, Mr. President, a soldier expressing horrid anti-American beliefs – even boldly putting them in writing and unabashedly firing off his messages (http://nypost.com/2014/05/31/the-bizarre-tale-of-americas-last-known-pow/) while in uniform, just three days before he left his unit on foot – is not 'honorable service.' Unless that is your standard," Palin wrote.

I'm totally shocked that conservatives would use this occasion to smear and degrade an American soldier who has been held by an enemy force for five years.

[Phoenix Dark]

“I am ashamed to be an American. And the title of US soldier is just the lie of fools,” he concluded. “I am sorry for everything. The horror that is America is disgusting.”

 

[Joe Molotov]

“I am ashamed to be an American. And the title of US soldier is just the lie of fools,” he concluded. “I am sorry for everything. The horror that is America is disgusting.”

 

He was a 23 y/o home-schooled, ballet guy who just saw his friend get vaporized. 

[Dickie Dee]

 

(chick at 1:15 onward )

[Great Rumbler]

Even the NRA told these guys to stop.

[Phoenix Dark]

Didn't someone die trying to find him a few years ago? Not to mention trading him for 5 mid tier terrorists...I can't cosign this. It's weird that the administration is trying to make this a big deal, like "oh man look at this great thing we did, USA USA USA." Eh.

Is he really a prisoner of war if he deserted and ran into the Taliban?

[benjipwns]

Where was Bergdahl during Benghazi? And what did he know? And did he call it a terrorist attack?

[Oblivion]

Even the NRA told these guys to stop.

The more the NRA continues to divide its members by attacking some aspects of gun rights instead of supporting all gun rights, the more support it will lose. Already, OCT members are posting pictures of themselves cutting up their life membership cards. If they do not retract their disgusting and disrespectful comments, OCT will have no choice but to withdraw its full support of the NRA and establish relationships with other gun rights organizations that fight for ALL gun rights, instead of just paying them lip service the way the NRA appears to be doing. The NRA should have instead released a statement to the effect that it applauds our groups for coming together and finding new methods to promote safe and responsible open carry.”

https://www.facebook.com/OpenCarryTexas

The NRA was working with the Obama administration the whole time!

Dat 11th dimensional chess

[Oblivion]

Is there a reason why so much effort was made to release this particular dude?

[Joe Molotov]

Is there a reason why so much effort was made to release this particular dude?

He's the only POW in Afghanistan (or Iraq either, I think).

[Great Rumbler]

And it seems like his health had deteriorated recently, too.

[Oblivion]

Is there a reason why so much effort was made to release this particular dude?

He's the only POW in Afghanistan (or Iraq either, I think).

Oh, is that why? Well that makes it a little bit more legitimate, I think.

[Joe Molotov]

https://twitter.com/baseballcrank/status/473863603422908417

I can't even

[Oblivion]

Y'all know what day it is? It's the 10th anniversary of the death of the greatest President to ever President:

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/geoffrey-dickens/2014/06/03/what-they-said-then-how-liberal-media-savaged-reagan

[Brehvolution]

http://www.levin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/levin-statement-on-bowe-bergdahl-prisoner-exchange

"Relative to the requirement that the notification be provided 30 days in advance of the transfer of detainees, the President put Congress on notice on Dec. 23, 2013, that he intended to exercise his powers as commander in chief, if necessary, ‘to act swiftly in conducting negotiations with foreign countries regarding the circumstances of detainee transfers.’

"While the President cannot change the law with a signing statement, given that notice, members of Congress should not be surprised that he acted as he did in the circumstances that existed."

Another talking point bites the dust.

[Brehvolution]

Y'all know what day it is? It's the 10th anniversary of the death of the greatest President to ever President:

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/geoffrey-dickens/2014/06/03/what-they-said-then-how-liberal-media-savaged-reagan

The comments:

OgieOgilthorpe • 28 minutes ago

Wow. This is a veritable Who's Who of NITWITS.
And the leftist maggots want to say that conservatives hate Obama? This illustrates REAL CONTEMPT.

 

[Joe Molotov]

The fact that Bedtime for Bonzo hasn't been added to the National Film Registry is clear proof of a leftist attack on Reagan's legacy.

[Joe Molotov]

The best part about that article is that you could copy-and-paste it and post it as a diary at DailyKos and probably get a million likes.

[Great Rumbler]

OBAMA DID A THING AND IT'S THE WORST THING

[Great Rumbler]

[Trent Dole]

But Reagan actually was a terrible president/complete fucking idiot. Trees cause more pollution than factories?

[Broseidon]

Excuse to post this http://www.thepaincomics.com/weekly040609a.htm

[benjipwns]

wow that dude was still salty :reaganumad