View Full Version : My observations
My observations on the political landscape this season.
I'm pretty much getting a kick out of it.
In the past few presidential election cycles the GOPe put up the "It's my turn" candidate while a large field of others more to the right squared off against him. The GOPe candidate went through the early states with 30% +/- of the vote with 70% voting "against" him.
As the process continued he slowly worked his way up to around 50% as the other dropped out. The whole time the GOPe said the lowly scum needed to suck it up and support their guy in the general election. Most did - reluctantly - while a few sat it out or went 3rd party.
This season the establishment candidate didn't even make it out of the gate and second choice has been torpedoed with a full spread below the water line.
What's the GOPe response? Screw unity - we'll work to elect Hillery.
Power is more important than party in Washington. While it looks like they are fighting on the floor they do lunch together and make the real deals.
The convention is going to be interesting. Will the GOPe blow up the convention, turn it into a floor fight and nominate one of the insiders? Could they be that stupid? Would they then call on the scum to line up behind them out of party unity? Could they be that stupid? Will they let him have the nomination but work openly against him? Could they be that stupid?
They call us the stupid party for a reason. The party leadership is showing again why that's true.
Most people are surrounded by friends with similar views. They don't mingle socially with others very deeply. So while they might hear words in a conversation they miss the feelings behind them.
Right now in the Republican Party you have the GOPe which goes all the way down to the county and precinct level. They are the ones mainly who will be going to the convention. Then there is the majority of Republicans, the every day guys and gals. The ones who faithfully trudge out to vote. Then you have the far right "bomb throwers" as the GOPe thinks.
There is great unrest in the middle section. The section with the vast majority of Republicans. This great unrest has sparked the Trump uprising.
The people with the pitch forks are about to take the castle.
It appears the GOPe is too busy doing supper to look out the window.
Just my opinion of course.
The convention is going to be interesting. Will the GOPe blow up the convention, turn it into a floor fight and nominate one of the insiders? Could they be that stupid? Would they then call on the scum to line up behind them out of party unity? Could they be that stupid? Will they let him have the nomination but work openly against him? Could they be that stupid?
Hubris and desparation of dying does amazing things to people.
Most people are surrounded by friends with similar views. They don't mingle socially with others very deeply. So while they might hear words in a conversation they miss the feelings behind them.
You might be surprised. I mix with a lot of different people, with a wide range of backgrounds, who are not my friends and a whole lot of them hate Hillary, have good things to say about Trump and are sick of the lame candidates the GOPe brings to the table.
One thing most have in common is they are male, white, over 35, are employed and have families.
My wife started off as a Rubio / Bush person and has now 100% migrated to Trump. Between now and the General election, IMO, you will get women who migrate from the Hildabeast to Trump but I can't see a situation where any voters migrate to Hillary.
My personal belief is that the GOP Establilshment will continue to oppose Trump for a while longer yet before they cave eventually and decide that it's better to survive to fight another day. An obstructionist congress can stymie a lot of the big talk that Trump is spouting, and in 4yrs (or 8) it will be back to the way it was. We will still have a two party system in this country. "The establishment" on both sides will simply wait out Trump, eventually the people will lose interest.
I've been doing some reading on the 17th amendment and now realize how badly it effed up the elegant system of government that the founders put together. I think that much of the intertia of the federal government can be traced back to this mistake. Under the guise of giving "the people" more power... the people now have less.
My $.02 Trump has clearly turned this election into a reality TV show, and the other candidates are fighting the last war. This election isn't about issues it's about anger across demographics and rejecting DC. We are all more susceptible to being deceived by those preaching the message we want to hear. If you look at Trump's actions and history he's flip flopped on just about everything and alienated just about every conservative principle at some point other than perhaps free enterprise. He is confident and keeps repeating his 'Make America Great" mantra with very little detail on the hows. Yet, to date a great many folks believe.
Count me out, to me he is at best a mean spirited trust fund brat with divisive tendencies, at worst his rhetoric comes straight out of the 20th century fascist playbook complete with tyrannical threats. The late Admiral James Stockdale a CMOH winner and Hanoi Hilton POW wrote when it came to elections party lines were less important to him than the candidate with the best character. In that light this election is a dilemma. To me that would have been Jeb Bush, but he is long gone.
California is a Blue state, though NorCal is surprisingly more conservative once you get of the Bay Area, FWIW I'm seeing the exact opposite of what has been previously posted. Out here it's anything but Trump, not just from Libs, but staunch conservatives who have always voted Republican to date.
My $.02 this election wont be close, I think Trump if nominated will win or lose to the Hildabeast in a landslide.
Streck-Fu
02-29-2016, 11:02
I've been doing some reading on the 17th amendment and now realize how badly it effed up the elegant system of government that the founders put together. I think that much of the intertia of the federal government can be traced back to this mistake. Under the guise of giving "the people" more power... the people now have less.
I have maintained that opinion for years.
The idea of having Senators elected by popular vote is pretty old one going back to the early 1800s, by time it was passed, the election of Senators was vastly corrupt. Often positions went vacant making it difficult to fill necessary positions within the Senate.
However, I believe that the election of Senators needs to be returned to the states. If state government are incapable of electing a Senator, that is their loss but it is not justification for robbing them of their voice in the federal government altogether.
Trapper John
02-29-2016, 11:50
My observations on the political landscape this season.
I'm pretty much getting a kick out of it.
In the past few presidential election cycles the GOPe put up the "It's my turn" candidate while a large field of others more to the right squared off against him. The GOPe candidate went through the early states with 30% +/- of the vote with 70% voting "against" him.
As the process continued he slowly worked his way up to around 50% as the other dropped out. The whole time the GOPe said the lowly scum needed to suck it up and support their guy in the general election. Most did - reluctantly - while a few sat it out or went 3rd party.
This season the establishment candidate didn't even make it out of the gate and second choice has been torpedoed with a full spread below the water line.
What's the GOPe response? Screw unity - we'll work to elect Hillery.
Power is more important than party in Washington. While it looks like they are fighting on the floor they do lunch together and make the real deals.
The convention is going to be interesting. Will the GOPe blow up the convention, turn it into a floor fight and nominate one of the insiders? Could they be that stupid? Would they then call on the scum to line up behind them out of party unity? Could they be that stupid? Will they let him have the nomination but work openly against him? Could they be that stupid?
They call us the stupid party for a reason. The party leadership is showing again why that's true.
Most people are surrounded by friends with similar views. They don't mingle socially with others very deeply. So while they might hear words in a conversation they miss the feelings behind them.
Right now in the Republican Party you have the GOPe which goes all the way down to the county and precinct level. They are the ones mainly who will be going to the convention. Then there is the majority of Republicans, the every day guys and gals. The ones who faithfully trudge out to vote. Then you have the far right "bomb throwers" as the GOPe thinks.
There is great unrest in the middle section. The section with the vast majority of Republicans. This great unrest has sparked the Trump uprising.
The people with the pitch forks are about to take the castle.
It appears the GOPe is too busy doing supper to look out the window.
Just my opinion of course.
Once again you have hit the nail squarely on the head Brother!
The establishment politicos in both parties seem to be in an echo chamber and lacking in SA. It's a real hoot watching these clowns trying to come up with a counter!
Same thing happening in the PhRMA industry and they just can't see the revolution in healthcare occurring at their feet. A great opportunity to employ UW strategy and tactics.
What was it Sun Tzu said? "Victorious warriors win and then go to war while defeated warriors go to war and then try to figure out how to win." Something to that effect I think. ;)
Old Dog New Trick
02-29-2016, 16:08
My observations on the political landscape this season.
I'm pretty much getting a kick out of it.
Snip
The people with the pitch forks are about to take the castle.
It appears the GOPe is too busy doing supper to look out the window.
Just my opinion of course.
Solid opinion. Maybe it's time to just let it burn!
I can't do Trump, can't even hold my nose and mark the box. (I'd like to think I was in the middle but I'm not that middle anymore.) I can't help but wonder if the people having dinner and sorting this out are the Clintons' and the Trumps' and it's a jolly good time with lots of laughter.
The view from my neighborhood is interesting, demographically number one (1) in NJ # 4 in the US. 1%ers who are quietly disturbed, but have stated in many different ways, that Trump may be what we need. That said, watch the vote in these counties, they are loaded with GOP voters, they will tell us whether or not the party will support Trump, or tears itself apart.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-income_counties_in_the_United_States
One other thought. Have you watch "The Apprentice"? Trump is actually playing the game. Watch some of the old episodes.
GratefulCitizen
02-29-2016, 21:39
Trump understands that there are some people who will never vote for him.
He's smart enough to write them off, doesn't care how much further he offends them, and is only concerned with the votes which are in play.
Too many politicians attempt to bargain or please those who will forever oppose them.
Trump understands that appeasement doesn't work.
Being that this is an SF Board, I should note that Ted Cruz has been the only one who stands against the tyrannical implementation of endless social engineering within our ranks.
When you walk down the halls of your company area and see your bathrooms labeled "inclusive"........it will be too late.
Solid opinion. Maybe it's time to just let it burn!
I can't do Trump, can't even hold my nose and mark the box. (I'd like to think I was in the middle but I'm not that middle anymore.) I can't help but wonder if the people having dinner and sorting this out are the Clintons' and the Trumps' and it's a jolly good time with lots of laughter.
Things have been smoldering for some time, Trump is the fuel that will set it a blaze for the RNC and possibly the DNC. The entire election and political process has become a money making scam that benefit a select few and the antics resemble WWF.
When a select few spend billions of dollars to tilt things their way, while at the same time MILLIONs are jobless....it needs to burn to the ground.
Here is the latest Jimmy Swaggert style plea for money from Ted Cruz.....
Friend,
I have never needed you more than I do today.
I'm still short $167,000, and I face two HUGE deadlines today -- the Federal Election Commission fundraising deadline is at midnight TONIGHT, and just hours after that, Super Tuesday votes will be cast.
You have done so much to help already, Friend (thank you!), but this is the ultimate test of our 2016 Presidential Campaign, and I am counting on your support right now.
That is why I'm asking for your IMMEDIATE response to my message and for you to make an emergency FEC/Super Tuesday contribution of $35, $50, $250, or more today.
Not only do we need the resources to turn out every vote we can tomorrow, but also posting a strong FEC report would be a HUGE boost for our campaign.
If our fundraising is not as strong as we need it to be -- Washington insiders will use whatever they can against us to ensure a true conservative has no chance to win.
Friend, the bottom line is this -- a grassroots campaign like ours cannot afford any setbacks in a race this tight. So, I must turn to you for immediate financial help at this critical moment.
I know I've asked a lot of you over the last few days...and I didn't want to have to do this, but I must ask one more time for your support of $35 or whatever you can afford.
There is good news: we are within striking distance of Trump in several key Super Tuesday states -- and we lead in Texas.
But we cannot afford to let up just hours short of two of the BIGGEST deadlines for our campaign.
I understand that money is tight and that you can't make up the whole shortfall, but can I count on you to make a special, EMERGENCY contribution of $50, $35, or even $5?
I need you to make sure that our hard work and the hard work of all our dedicated volunteers is not wasted on March 1st.
For liberty,
Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz
P.S. Time is critical! I cannot overstate how important it is that we post strong fundraising numbers! The deadline is just hours away. So please, don't delay -- make an EMERGENCY contribution of $35, $50, $250, or more now.
Trump has just released his latest poll results...
Trump clearly beats even Trump in a national head-to-head...
"...BIG LEAGUE!"
Roguish Lawyer
03-01-2016, 10:23
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
Streck-Fu
03-01-2016, 10:32
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
I believe that still belongs to Obama for, "If you like you plan, you can keep it. If you like your doctor, you can keep him. This will save everyone an average of $2500 per year in premiums and it will be deficit neutral........"
Trapper John
03-01-2016, 11:22
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
Sounds like the political elite talking point (read Rubio/Cruz)!
What they still don't recognize is that Trump and his messaging reflect the populist uprising against the political elites spewing their talking points tailored to whatever ideological horse they choose to ride.
We have been conned by THEM for fifty years. They (with a very few notable exceptions - Kennedy and Reagan IMO) work only to get elected and re-elected for reasons of personal gain. That's what the politicos do. They are the ultimate dependents on the gubment.
Trump is a product of a populist revolution and it is palpable. As Big Daddy said (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) "I smell mendacity here" and the mendacity has been and is being spewed by the ideologues. Whatever label you choose to put on Trump, ideologue is not one of them!
As Pete said, the folks with the pitch forks (no pajama boys in that crowd) are surrounding the castle.
What we are witnessing, IMO, is a populist revolution that may very well result in a landslide victory for the Donald come November. The Republican party and hopefully the Democrat Party will be transformed as a result.
Yeee Haaaw!
I think Trump is a conartist as well. I want nothing more than to give the establishment a huge FU; However, i am not willing to forsake my conservative views in order to do it. Trump is not a conservative. His actions clearly point in the other direction. Hes no better than Hillary IMO, and i despise that bitch.
For me, there are no viable options this time around. Give me a last minute independent conservative option and I'd be all in.
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
Sorry RL, but that distinction belongs to the current occupier of the White House.
One thing I'm amazed at, is how the GOP/Republicans can come together in a short amount of time to attack Trump, but for the past seven years they couldn't come together to stop Barry and his lawless administration ... hell, for the past seven year they couldn't even decide on the color of the sky.
What does that say about the 'system' ???
Sorry RL, but that distinction belongs to the current occupier of the White House.
One thing I'm amazed at, is how the GOP/Republicans can come together in a short amount of time to attack Trump, but for the past seven years they couldn't come together to stop Barry and his lawless administration ... hell, for the past seven year they couldn't even decide on the color of the sky.
What does that say about the 'system' ???
Actually they did come together to thwart Obama. Why else would he have used so many executive orders? How could they have stopped him from signing executive orders?
Roguish Lawyer
03-01-2016, 15:30
Sounds like the political elite talking point (read Rubio/Cruz)!
What they still don't recognize is that Trump and his messaging reflect the populist uprising against the political elites spewing their talking points tailored to whatever ideological horse they choose to ride.
We have been conned by THEM for fifty years. They (with a very few notable exceptions - Kennedy and Reagan IMO) work only to get elected and re-elected for reasons of personal gain. That's what the politicos do. They are the ultimate dependents on the gubment.
Trump is a product of a populist revolution and it is palpable. As Big Daddy said (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) "I smell mendacity here" and the mendacity has been and is being spewed by the ideologues. Whatever label you choose to put on Trump, ideologue is not one of them!
As Pete said, the folks with the pitch forks (no pajama boys in that crowd) are surrounding the castle.
What we are witnessing, IMO, is a populist revolution that may very well result in a landslide victory for the Donald come November. The Republican party and hopefully the Democrat Party will be transformed as a result.
Yeee Haaaw!
Well I know Sen. Cruz personally, and I have dealt with Mr. Trump directly in business. I am telling you that you are being conned. You are believing what you want to believe about this guy. You and lots of other angry people.
mark46th
03-01-2016, 17:48
R.L.- Do you know what Trump's motivation(s) is/are to become president? Just curious, I haven't heard him say anything other the to "Make America great, again.":confused:
R.L.- Do you no what Trump's motivation(s) is/are to become president? Just curious, I haven't heard him say anything other the to "Make America great, again.":confused:
E G O ;)
Actually they did come together to thwart Obama. Why else would he have used so many executive orders? How could they have stopped him from signing executive orders?
Chief,
Every President has signed EOs, to by-pass congress, but this current congress, for the past 5 years have only put up 'token' resistance to President Jarrett and her puppet Barry and his cronies.
ACA .... Token resistance
Iran nuke deal .... Token resistance
Illegals pouring over the southern border .... Token resistance
No budget sent to congress .... Crickets
There's many other issues that the GOP/R's have only put up Token resistance.
ALL politicians will say what it is the voters want to hear, even the guy I'm currently working for. All Trump is doing is saying the things people want to hear the WAY they want to hear it.
I'm not in anyone's camp for POTUS right now and am questioning just what is it Trump wants. Like Mark46th asked a couple post above, Do you know what Trump's motivation(s) is/are to become president? Just curious, I haven't heard him say anything other the to "Make America great, again.
Right now I'm just focused on getting my guy from the Colorado State Senate to the US Senate this November. Come November 8th, I may just leave the box(es) for POTUS blank.
In case anyone is wonder, or you wish to help out, here's my guy ... http://www.nevilleforsenate.com/
Roguish Lawyer
03-01-2016, 18:38
R.L.- Do you know what Trump's motivation(s) is/are to become president? Just curious, I haven't heard him say anything other the to "Make America great, again.":confused:
EGO
Roguish Lawyer
03-01-2016, 18:39
E G O ;)
LOL, I see you beat me to it!
It's interesting to note the numbers starting to roll in from the southern states.
Add Clinton's and Sander's numbers and then add up the numbers for Trump, Cruz and Rubio. If you want you could add up all the numbers on the left vs the right.
It appears the right is far more pumped up than the left.
If the GOPe was smart they would try and harness that motivation and carry it through to the general election,
But, Hey, they're not called the stupid party for nothing.
EGO
Somehow i dont think that this is unique to Trump. I would think that professional politicians at the federal level have a healthy ego to feed.
if ego was a disqualifier then the office would NEVER get filled
if ego was a disqualifier then the office would NEVER get filled
Well I don't know. Hillary sounds like she is really in it to better America. You know, true service.
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
RL.
Nearly every other day Cruz sends me a URGENT email provlaiming he has an emergency, calls me friend and attempts to con me out of money. It is almost as bad a Nigerian 411 scam.
They are all con artists.
Why is it, when it comes to the President, people judge the candidate by the words that come out of their mouths rather than their actions / history? Trumps actions, including even fairly recent actions, show him to be no conservative (didn't say republican). Looking at Cruz history, both as a Senator and Texas Solicitor General, show him to be a consistent conservative.
People bitched incessantly how Obama's record was on display for anyone to see and why don't people just do a little research before they vote and here they are about to do the same thing with Trump.
I get being mad at the GOPe, but for Christ sake.....
.....I get being mad at the GOPe, but for Christ sake.....
Being mad at them and still doing what they want didn't get us anywhere.
Why is it, when it comes to the President, people judge the candidate by the words that come out of their mouths rather than their actions / history? Trumps actions, including even fairly recent actions, show him to be no conservative (didn't say republican). Looking at Cruz history, both as a Senator and Texas Solicitor General, show him to be a consistent conservative.
People bitched incessantly how Obama's record was on display for anyone to see and why don't people just do a little research before they vote and here they are about to do the same thing with Trump.
I get being mad at the GOPe, but for Christ sake.....
I think that you have to give people some credit. Supporters know that Trump is not a 100% hard-core conservative. That's not exactly a priority, it seems like.
Trapper John
03-02-2016, 08:32
I think that you have to give people some credit. Supporters know that Trump is not a 100% hard-core conservative. That's not exactly a priority, it seems like.
You raise an interesting point. We are so divided and everyone is touting their label or labeling the other guy. Our problems cannot be viewed through a single ideological lens and certainly will not be solved with an ideological mantra.
At this point I guess I am saying we need an 18C that can blow some shit up so we can begin to rebuild. :D
If you break down the numbers Trump is drawing support across ideological lines and building what appears to be a broad coalition. That's a good thing IMO YMMV.
Oldrotorhead
03-02-2016, 08:52
The long term consequences of this election is Supreme Court appointments. Who do you want to appoint possibly 3 Judges to the Supreme Court? :munchin
If you break down the numbers Trump is drawing support across ideological lines and building what appears to be a broad coalition. That's a good thing IMO YMMV.
Like I read someone commenting online.... the "way it's done" is that in primaries candidates sell to the "base" then become more centrist in the General election and even more so once they get in office. Trump is there already.
And let's all remember that any promises made in the primary are tenuous at best. The Pres can only do so much on his own. Deals have to be made with congress and across the aisle. Or nothing gets done.
The long term consequences of this election is Supreme Court appointments. Who do you want to appoint possibly 3 Judges to the Supreme Court? :munchin
Not Hillary. So I guess that means Trump. - How about Cruz?
Oldrotorhead
03-02-2016, 10:05
Not Hillary. So I guess that means Trump. - How about Cruz?
Cruz would be my choice, but Trump would be better than Hitlery I hope.
So...
...for years and years, we keep hearing these empty suit political advisors talking down to the "tea party" folks about how the Republicans need to appeal to the center, serve the base, not be so far right, eat more spinach, give to charity, pretend to care about global warming, blah-blah-blah-fucking-blah.......................
A guy comes along. He isn't a "radical" anti-abortionist, he seems to be a fan of some degree of gubmint aided health care, and he goes against the grain on immigration - so he has appeal to 'conservatives' that aren't beholden to one cause. He says we shouldn't let people die in the street. Hell, he should be tarred and feathered for being friends with the klintons..
Far right conservatives are NOT happy with the liberal leanings of Donald J Trump.
And God Bless them for their stance.
...but someone remind me again how all of the right wingers in congress handled the planned parenthood issue?
oh yes... by allowing the funding to go through - Trumps the bad guy because he said PP does more than just give abortions
but "conservatives" in congress signed the check
...Trumps a bad guy because he said "not going to let people die in the streets"
but conservatives in a republican controlled congress funded obamacare anyway - THEY signed the check
a conservative SCOTUS said obamacare was okay
a conservative SCOTUS said that states couldn't decide who to marry because anyone can marry anyone
I wouldn't mind seeing Hillary klinton absolutely DESTROY the republicans in the biggest landslide in presidential history.
...I would love to see her win a supermajority in BOTH the huse and senate before her first term is up
...I would like to see her OUTLAW conservatism - with the help of her superDemocrat congress
...I would like to see her put George Soros on the Supreme Court
...I would like to see her slide BHO into the UN as the next Secretary General
Because aMEricans are too stupid to deserve any better.
Conservatives have spent the better part of the last 30 years redefining conservatism to the point were I don't even know what the word means anymore and conservative voters keep going back for more...
...because apparently "conservatives" must approve of the con-men that we are permitted to follow
Hell, according to Wikipedia I'm feeling pretty fucking okay with classic liberalism.
classical liberals believed that it is in the common interest that all individuals must be able to secure their own economic self-interest, without government direction
individuals should be free to obtain work from the highest-paying employers, while the profit motive would ensure that products that people desired were produced at prices they would pay. In a free market, both labour and capital would receive the greatest possible reward
yet here we are, pissed off that republicans have fucked us over and surprised that the "conservatives" in government cant get their shit together.
...sorry if that isn't popular but I'd rather see Trump drive us over a cliff than sit in the car and listen to the rest of the republicans and conservatives talk about how dumb I must be to let myself be taken in by a con-man - if I have to listen to one more con-man conservative try and tell me whats good for me I may have to suck-start my Mossberg.
an establishment politician preaching to me about getting sucked in by a con-man?
are you FUCKING KIDDING ME?
DIYPatriot
03-02-2016, 10:58
Entire post
You echo my sentiments and I'd bet my next year's salary that you echo the sentiments of many others out there. It looks like some are willing to go ahead and set fire to the whole damn thing - to think that anyone would even consider handing the reins to HRC is beyond disgusting to me. She belongs in prison, yet here we are.
In order to defeat Donald Trump, The Weekly Standard’s Bill Kristol admits he is prepared to hand Hillary Clinton the Oval Office. On Wednesday’s “Morning Joe,” the Republican Establishment leader laid out his plot to deprive Trump of the 50% of delegates necessary to secure the nomination. From there, the idea is to go into a brokered convention and cut a kamikaze deal that awards enough delegates to an “acceptable” candidate (who will have won far fewer votes, states, and delegates than Trump).
The problem with the Establishment brokering a behind-closed-door deal that hands the nomination to a Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)79%
, is that the backlash against the Republican Party is almost certain to hand Hillary Clinton the presidency.
If a bunch of rich, angry GOP elites rob Trump supporters of their victory, the blowback will result in so many voters staying home in November, Hillary wins. As NBC’s Chuck Todd pointed out last night, at this point the delegate math is such that the only way to stop Trump is through this scheme at the convention.
Article (http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/02/kristol-lays-strategy-give-white-house-hillary-trump-shouldnt-win/)
At this point I guess I am saying we need an 18C that can blow some shit up so we can begin to rebuild. :D
Just show me where the demo cache is and give me some Target Folders!
"If a bunch of rich, angry GOP elites rob Trump supporters of their victory, the blowback will result in so many voters staying home in November, Hillary wins. As NBC’s Chuck Todd pointed out last night, at this point the delegate math is such that the only way to stop Trump is through this scheme at the convention".
If the repubs do this....then they may as well go away.
The people have SPOKEN, I agree, to take that away just confirms what people are trying to say in the first place....
Now I'm not all Trump, but I will vote for him if nominated, any repub for that matter....
"If a bunch of rich, angry GOP elites rob Trump supporters of their victory, the blowback will result in so many voters staying home in November, Hillary wins. As NBC’s Chuck Todd pointed out last night, at this point the delegate math is such that the only way to stop Trump is through this scheme at the convention".
If the repubs do this....then they may as well go away.
The people have SPOKEN, I agree, to take that away just confirms what people are trying to say in the first place....
Now I'm not all Trump, but I will vote for him if nominated, any repub for that matter....
Lets not get too far ahead of ourselves... the registered Republican people have spoken. That's all.
"They" don't have to rob Trump of the victory at the convention. That may be too obvious and costly to their own political future and the future of the Republican party structure as it is now. A fallback, or more "moderate" position would be to simply undermine Trumps chances in the General election. Because winning the nomination without winning the General election is like winning... um... whatever Romney won.
To the establishment on both sides of the aisle (and probably the media too) Hillary is preferable to Trump. It will simply be another failed Repub run at the white house... and we're all used to seeing that lately. Besides a Trump failure in the General may help keep the establishment congress critters in office longer.
Cruz would be my choice, but Trump would be better than Hitlery I hope.
Just saw this...
I was talking about a Cruz appointment for SCOTUS.
Roguish Lawyer
03-02-2016, 14:34
So...
...for years and years, we keep hearing these empty suit political advisors talking down to the "tea party" folks about how the Republicans need to appeal to the center, serve the base, not be so far right, eat more spinach, give to charity, pretend to care about global warming, blah-blah-blah-fucking-blah.......................
A guy comes along. He isn't a "radical" anti-abortionist, he seems to be a fan of some degree of gubmint aided health care, and he goes against the grain on immigration - so he has appeal to 'conservatives' that aren't beholden to one cause. He says we shouldn't let people die in the street. Hell, he should be tarred and feathered for being friends with the klintons..
Far right conservatives are NOT happy with the liberal leanings of Donald J Trump.
And God Bless them for their stance.
...but someone remind me again how all of the right wingers in congress handled the planned parenthood issue?
oh yes... by allowing the funding to go through - Trumps the bad guy because he said PP does more than just give abortions
but "conservatives" in congress signed the check
...Trumps a bad guy because he said "not going to let people die in the streets"
but conservatives in a republican controlled congress funded obamacare anyway - THEY signed the check
a conservative SCOTUS said obamacare was okay
a conservative SCOTUS said that states couldn't decide who to marry because anyone can marry anyone
I wouldn't mind seeing Hillary klinton absolutely DESTROY the republicans in the biggest landslide in presidential history.
...I would love to see her win a supermajority in BOTH the huse and senate before her first term is up
...I would like to see her OUTLAW conservatism - with the help of her superDemocrat congress
...I would like to see her put George Soros on the Supreme Court
...I would like to see her slide BHO into the UN as the next Secretary General
Because aMEricans are too stupid to deserve any better.
Conservatives have spent the better part of the last 30 years redefining conservatism to the point were I don't even know what the word means anymore and conservative voters keep going back for more...
...because apparently "conservatives" must approve of the con-men that we are permitted to follow
Hell, according to Wikipedia I'm feeling pretty fucking okay with classic liberalism.
yet here we are, pissed off that republicans have fucked us over and surprised that the "conservatives" in government cant get their shit together.
...sorry if that isn't popular but I'd rather see Trump drive us over a cliff than sit in the car and listen to the rest of the republicans and conservatives talk about how dumb I must be to let myself be taken in by a con-man - if I have to listen to one more con-man conservative try and tell me whats good for me I may have to suck-start my Mossberg.
an establishment politician preaching to me about getting sucked in by a con-man?
are you FUCKING KIDDING ME?
Ted Cruz is one of the few guys in Congress who has fought against these establishment politicians you are complaining about. What you are saying, as I understand it, is that you don't care and you're going to treat him as if he's Mitch McConnell.
In keeping with observations theme - Bill Kristol's statements in post above (reproduced below for convenience) exhibit just how undeniably rotten things are within establishment GOP. They would rather hand Obama a third term or worse via Hillary rather than listen to the people.
I'm no Trump fan (I do appreciate how he smokes out the issues and the weak/deadwood in the GOP) but would get behind him to defeat Hillary. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail - everyone must understand what is at stake this election cycle - and Hillary (or whoever) must be defeated. Three potential Supreme Court appointments will have quite an impact and last a long, long time.
"In order to defeat Donald Trump, The Weekly Standard’s Bill Kristol admits he is prepared to hand Hillary Clinton the Oval Office. On Wednesday’s “Morning Joe,” the Republican Establishment leader laid out his plot to deprive Trump of the 50% of delegates necessary to secure the nomination. From there, the idea is to go into a brokered convention and cut a kamikaze deal that awards enough delegates to an “acceptable” candidate (who will have won far fewer votes, states, and delegates than Trump)."
Rubio is the one that has been talking about voting for a con man.
...1/8th of the gang of eight calling the kettle black, telling citizens not to listen to a con-man.
As far as Senator Cruz, I'm not an "anti-Cruz" kind of guy by any measurable amount. I don't think it is possible to lump Senator Cruz in with the rest of the typical beltway republicans, but there is just something about the preachy tone in his voice that just makes me view him as a street corner preacher version of Donald Trump. When Sen Cruz speaks, he does it like he is lecturing from the pulpit.
...I don't like that.
In context, I absolutely loathe hearing the current POTUS preach to people when he talks. It makes my skin crawl. Politicians are not my superiors. They are my employees and as a result, I don't like when one preaches to me about how I should live my life or who I should vote for.
If he didn't preach, I'd be on the stump for him.
In keeping with observations theme - Bill Kristol's statements in post above (reproduced below for convenience) exhibit just how undeniably rotten things are within establishment GOP. They would rather hand Obama a third term or worse via Hillary rather than listen to the people.
I'm no Trump fan (I do appreciate how he smokes out the issues and the weak/deadwood in the GOP) but would get behind him to defeat Hillary. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail - everyone must understand what is at stake this election cycle - and Hillary (or whoever) must be defeated. Three potential Supreme Court appointments will have quite an impact and last a long, long time.
"In order to defeat Donald Trump, The Weekly Standard’s Bill Kristol admits he is prepared to hand Hillary Clinton the Oval Office. On Wednesday’s “Morning Joe,” the Republican Establishment leader laid out his plot to deprive Trump of the 50% of delegates necessary to secure the nomination. From there, the idea is to go into a brokered convention and cut a kamikaze deal that awards enough delegates to an “acceptable” candidate (who will have won far fewer votes, states, and delegates than Trump)."
Bill Kristol is an example of the problem and more proof that the PEOPLE do not elect the president, holier than tho assholes like himself do.
Badger52
03-02-2016, 17:23
Besides a Trump failure in the General may help keep the establishment congress critters in office longer.Up here there's resurgence of a previously (too) long serving senator challenging first-term Repub Ron Johnson to get his Senate seat back. Russ "I'm always Fein spending your Gold" is getting lots of bak-sheesh from the mainstream Dem machine. They know how to run multiple opns and they are serious about picking off the Senate state by state in concert with the rest of the circus.
Here we go again - stacked deck and a POed "whatever you want to call her"
Look for boos at a bunch of Trump remarks.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2016/03/01/gop-debate-tickets-detroit-michigan/81165542/
"...The Republican National Committee allocated 400 tickets to the state party, which is expected to give roughly 350 to elected officials, state committee members and grassroots activists, said Michigan GOP spokeswoman Sarah Anderson.
This leaves 50 tickets for the public. The tickets will be randomly awarded to some of the 21,000 people who filled out an online form on the state party website...."
FrankenTrump is the monster the RNC created. They created the environment for Trump to gain traction and anything they do will only make it worse.
GratefulCitizen
03-02-2016, 21:04
The GOP elite are tone deaf.
The only people responding in the desired manner to their repudiations of Trump are those who wouldn't have voted for him anyway.
To everyone else, their repudiations are taken as an endorsement of Trump.
They're just a bunch of idiots with delusions about their degree of influence over the base.
A serious reality check is being served.
Peregrino
03-02-2016, 22:09
Thanks Billy - you said it better than I could have; NTM saving me a lot of typing (and we all know how disgruntled typing makes me).
As for the GOPe - fuck them. The Trump phenomenon is entirely the result of their actions. They had the opportunity to listen to the people when Conservatives and the Tea Party started making inroads and they chose to close ranks and repudiate the will of the people. Republicrats, one and all. They are fertilizing the fields wherein the seeds of rebellion are being sown. If they had any honor, they would commit seppuku on the Capitol steps.
What we are witnessing, IMO, is a populist revolution that may very well result in a landslide victory for the Donald come November. The Republican party and hopefully the Democrat Party will be transformed as a result.
Yeee Haaaw!
It seems everyone here has forgotten that dirty 1968 election. I feel that is the RNC brokers a convention will have blood in the streets.
It seems everyone here has forgotten that dirty 1968 election. I feel that is the RNC brokers a convention will have blood in the streets.
I see trouble on the way. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmEGm-mraE) ;)
Pat
but there is just something about the preachy tone in his voice that just makes me view him as a street corner preacher version of Donald Trump. When Sen Cruz speaks, he does it like he is lecturing from the pulpit.
...I don't like that.
I agree and it is the one thing I really don't like about Cruz. He sounds like a preacher (which I also hate).
But, for me, actions speak louder than words and Cruz is the only one up there who appears, as long as he has been a public servant, to practice what he preaches (no pun intended).
The Weekly Standard’s Bill Kristol admits he is prepared to hand Hillary Clinton the Oval Office."
What a fucktard. In no way is Clinton a better choice than Trump. He's showing his true colors. He's an insider rather than a conservative to say something like that.
The RNC attack on Trump has just handed Clinton the election. And Romney delivers message.
The RNC attack on Trump has just handed Clinton the election. And Romney delivers message.
I don't think it's totally over yet, but it's looking like that's the plan. Romney will only further cement Trump supporters and ensure that they dig in and at the same time give ammo to the Dems.... who are simply sitting back and watching the GOP Train Wreck.
Keeping the ESTABLISHMENT order is more important than which party wins. However, I think that this absolutely destroy the republican party and watch for the impact to cascade down to congressional and senate races as disgusted GOP voters who had Trump as their #1 candidate fail to support incumbent GOPers.
It's time NOW to adopt the Soviet military principle of reinforcing success.
Cruz has a strong conservative record, and is smart as hell, but the "preachy" thing (to include evangelical themed logo) is a turnoff. Regardless of all that, he didn't get the job done and convince enough voters to pull the lever for him. We can wait a little longer, but that's the facts. Nice try and better luck next time but that axis of attack is bogged down right now. A smart GOP would shift all GS fires and follow-on echelons in support of Main Effort Trump. It may not be what everyone wanted or planned, but it is what it is and here we are. Navel gazing at this time only aids the enemy. But that would be a smart GOP. Instead we get more Romney. Maybe Romney is on the Dem payroll?
Trump is the choice of the majority of the Anti Establishment GOP voters. He has proven himself to be smart, adaptable, audacious, and able to assemble a team that effectively plans CUOPS and FUOPS in order to successfully achieve objectives. It's time to promote him to General of the GOP Army. But I think that it won't happen soon, and when it does the GOP will be so fractioned that it will be too late.
Old Dog New Trick
03-03-2016, 09:59
When is this GOP convention err, I mean train wreck gonna happen? I will need to stock up on scotch and popcorn and sit in my comfy big boy chair.
Obama has succeeded...he has fundamentally changed 'Merica. (Not in a good way)
350% increase on Super Tuesday in applications and search functions for people looking to move to Canada. None most likely from democrats!
:munchin
BrokenSwitch
03-03-2016, 10:09
350% increase on Super Tuesday in applications and search functions for people looking to move to Canada. None most likely from democrats!
:munchin
One of my liberal friends and her husband are seriously pondering moving to Scandinavia because Trump scares them, so who knows. Establishment democrats desperately trying to throw their own primaries in Hillary's favor isn't exactly a comfort to them or any of Sanders' supporters, either.
Marginalizing
It’s interesting to watch a sudden shift. Change in direction, and unexpected event that is so subtle as to be almost unnoticed, but one that may echo a serious developing trend.
• Goggle, for more months, when you opened google news, would have listed under the Top Stories -Top left on the news page, this format. Today is the first day, Donald Trump is not listed as a separate news item. That is particularly interesting considering the RNC unveiling its attack on Trump. Is it possible the the RNC could orchestrate such a plan?
• Top Stories
Syria
iPhone
Mitt Romney
Tiger Woods
Scott Kelly
Premier League
Zika virus
Hezbollah
Indonesia
Ghostbusters
• Princeton Township, N...
• World
• U.S.
• Business
• Technology
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Science
• Health
Marginalizing
It’s interesting to watch a sudden shift. Change in direction, and unexpected event that is so subtle as to be almost unnoticed, but one that may echo a serious developing trend.
• Goggle, for more months, when you opened google news, would have listed under the Top Stories -Top left on the news page, this format. Today is the first day, Donald Trump is not listed as a separate news item. That is particularly interesting considering the RNC unveiling its attack on Trump. Is it possible the the RNC could orchestrate such a plan?
• Top Stories
Syria
iPhone
Mitt Romney
Tiger Woods
Scott Kelly
Premier League
Zika virus
Hezbollah
Indonesia
Ghostbusters
• Princeton Township, N...
• World
• U.S.
• Business
• Technology
• Entertainment
• Sports
• Science
• Health
Maybe, but I also think that it just may be that Mitt Romney is there because he is a zombie that just emerged from his grave to talk about Trump.
Surf n Turf
03-03-2016, 11:17
I have been a conservative all my life. My first vote was for Berry Goldwater. We even had early bumper stickers (AU H2O), 'cause politickin' was not allowed on base (and these stickers "fooled" the brass).
I look back on over 12+ Presidential elections, voted for the most conservative nominee each time (i.e. Republican), and the only thing I gained was the eight (8) years of Ronald Regan (and a little of Nixon).
Remember the candidates the Republican party nominated ---- Ford, GHW Bush, Dole, McCain , Romney. I'm slow, but I finally recognized that I had been played the fool AFTER the nomination of McCain, but then they compounded stupidity by next nominating Romney. NO MORE.
I recognize that Ted CRUZ in a near perfect conservative candidate, but I can't vote for him, 'cause he can't WIN. The press and Hillary would slice and dice Ted like a cheap cut of steak. I fear for my nations future, and we must win this time, or it's all over for the Republic.
I was listening to RUSH on Tuesday, and he had two (2) callers that spelled out just what I am thinking, and they said it about as good as I would have liked:
SnT
Caller 1
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2016/03/01/trumpster_mr_trump_is_our_best_chance_because_he_r ules_the_media
CALLER: Because I understand what Mr. Trump really is. He is a tool for me. He is our best chance -- he might very well be our last chance -- to finally take control back of our government. You know, when I talk about "the establishment," I'm talking about the RINOs, I'm talking about the Democrats, and I'm talking about the liberal press. They all seem to think that it's okay and that it's their job to nominate our candidates for us. And that's just not the case. You know, this is for the people, by the people, not the other way around, you know? I don't know who elected them. I didn't elect them.
CALLER: Yes. I never knew that about the Republicans, Rush. I have always known the Democrats really don't care who you vote for, that they're gonna pretty much put in who they want. But until recently now, the GOP is saying the same thing.
CALLER: Well, here we are. There's this big, giant swell going for Trump and they're over there trying to figure out how to way to come up with a broker convention and put up a candidate they want instead.
RUSH: Oh, oh, oh. So now the RINOs are joining the Democrats in trying to pick a candidate that the people don't want?
CALLER: Exactly. The RINOs are just... There's no difference. We used to say there was no difference between them -- there's no difference between the RINOs and the Democrats -- and evidently there's no difference also between the conservative press and the liberal press 'cause they have joined in as well.
CALLER: They think that we're too ignorant, that we're not informed. You know what, Mr. Rush? I am very well informed, and, yes, I am a conservative. But the reason that conservatives aren't getting anywhere with me is if it wasn't for Donald Trump, they wouldn't even be able to get past the media.
RUSH: Interesting. You are a conservative. In a normal... If Trump were not in this, would you be supporting Ted Cruz?
CALLER: Absolutely, and I do support Ted Cruz. I just don't think he's capable of getting past the media. If it wasn't for Donald Trump, Ted Cruz would be under severe attack right now and practically be on his way out.
RUSH: Now, this is a significant observation that part of this is you just love the fact that Trump controls the media. Finally, for once, somebody on your team is running circles around the media?
CALLER: Absolutely. And you told us for years and years and years you got the same question, why do the Republicans let them get away with what they do.
RUSH: So that was fascinating from Reuben. By the way, did you know that Reuben sounds like he might be of Hispanic heritage? And Reuben was an admitted conservative. And Reuben said that if Trump were not in the picture he would be supporting Ted Cruz. But then the bombshell. And, by the way, since Reuben said this, it's the one thing that we all... I'll just speak for myself. Now that it's out there, I know there's this animosity toward the media. The outrage and anger toward the media that is constant.
And Reuben said, The "Yeah, but even if Trump weren't there, and Cruz was the nominee, the media would have already destroyed him. The media would already have him buried. But they can't do that to Trump! Trump is the one running them. Trump is controlling them." Having heard Reuben say that, I think that is one of the greatest unspoken aspects of Trumpism. Not to diminish whatever aspects of it there are, but, boy, is that a big part of it. People on our side feel like we don't have a prayer no matter what!
We could have the best candidate under the sun and he'd be destroyed by the media and the Democrat Party alliance, and there's nothing they could do about it. And Trump has come along and is getting away with whatever he wants to get away with. He's mocking them, he's laughing at 'em, he's threatening to sue them, he wants to open up the libel laws.
Surf n Turf
03-03-2016, 11:23
CONTINUED
CALLER 2
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2016/03/01/blue_collar_democrat_for_trump_explains_exactly_wh at_s_going_on_out_there
RUSH: So you're a registered Democrat, you're a middle-class working guy, blue-collar Democrat Reagan era. If this were the Reagan era, you'd be voting Reagan, probably, and be considered a blue-collar Democrat?
CALLER: Right.
RUSH: Okay. But now it's Trump, and you're ready to go for Trump, why, instead of say Cruz or any other conservative?
CALLER: Well, kind of. It's kind of like a few callers ago he said that us guys are low-informed voters. I mean, just 'cause we didn't march out of somewhere with a Harvard degree or whatever, I guess we're not qualified to vote for the president of the United States. I feel like that's the whole thing. It's like we're not important, yet here we've been carrying the country on our back with taxes for years and years and we get no appreciation whatsoever.
CALLER: These people are always looking past us, always giving something to this group or that group.
RUSH: Look, I totally agree with that. In fact, I am of the same frame of mind you are. The question is, so many conservatives are asking why are you thinking Trump is the answer to that and not, say, Ted Cruz?
CALLER: Well, I'll tell you. One good thing is, Mr. Trump has done things in real life. We need results. Congress is like a bunch of three-year-olds playing with Legos. If they put it together and it doesn't work, they don't care, they just take it apart and start all over again. Mr. Trump has vetted himself in the real world. He's a successful businessman. He's someone that we should be looking to for answers. These guys just talk amongst themselves. At the end of the day does it matter? No, they still got their big pensions and their health care, while we're out here slugging it out the waiting for answers that never come.
RUSH: Is there anything Trump says or has done that bothers you, that alarms you, that gives you any pause?
CALLER: Well, I don't know. He's kind of like one of those guys on the line. Sometimes, you know, we get in a heated discussion and somebody might say something that's maybe a little over the top or something, but for the most part I kind of like being the John Wayne in America as opposed to the we're gonna get slapped from every little country that's around the world. I'm tired of being disrespected. We're the biggest armed forces in the world. Why would we even take crap from anybody? It's ridiculous.
CALLER: Well, I think the time for political correctness patty-cake stuff, we're getting nowhere with this. We really need to, you know, pull up our pants and be Americans again. Make people responsible for the things they do. I'm sorry. You know, there's a lot of handouts going on and there's a lot of special things that people are getting while the rest of us stand here and we're ignored, or even worse than that, we're insulted -- CALLER: -- by the conservatives and the liberals.
RUSH: I'm telling you, he is voicing exactly the element of this that the establishment has not yet figured out, and that is the class aspect of this.
When is this GOP convention err, I mean train wreck gonna happen? I will need to stock up on scotch and popcorn and sit in my comfy big boy chair.
July 18-21 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mark your calendars .... :munchin
Really worth the trouble, great image, Huge! You have to scroll down to the picture of trump kissing a baby, click on the picture to reach the cartoon of the train. I guess the the Trump attitude towards the RNC.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpTrain?src=hash
Given the machinations of the GOP elite in response to Trump - apparently when it comes to Trump and the voice of the people - there are few meaningful differences between our two major political parties.
IIRC, in Colombia around 1958 their two major political parties entered into a cooperative arrangement where both parties agreed to alternate the control of the presidency between the two major parties every four years - and also share the number of both the appointed and elected offices throughout the Colombian government.
The result -- a significant rise of third party groups and terrorist groups.
Certainly not suggesting that this is inevitable or even possible here - but damn - the curtains sure have been pulled back on the political elites.
Fascinating.
Trapper John
03-03-2016, 12:42
SnT Mirrored my my thoughts and observations to a Tee!
So the Republican establishment is scared to death. Why? Trump threatens their power base and it's down to a job security issue for them. So what do they do? They trot out Romney??? This is so f'n transparent now. They are saying we are a bunch of fools and they know best and will pick our candidate for us. EXACTLY like the Dems (and China and Russia too). Like you SnT I was a Goldwater supporter and have been disappointed ever since. And like you, I have been a little slow on the uptake (the XO has been telling me this for years :D). Well now I see!
I have been watching Trump's messaging and manipulation of the media - He is masterful.
His press conference, after the super Tuesday results were in, was a stroke of genius and I think portends a shift in his style and messaging.
He has set the bait for Rubio and Cruz and they took it. Neither can play the dirty personal bashing game and get away with it like he can.
Watch the debate tonight. I am betting that Trump continues with the tone he set in the super Tuesday press conference and Rubio/Cruz are going to continue the personal bashing. They will look like fools.
If Trump explains to the voters what the Rebub establishment is trying to do in the "presidential" tone he showed in the press conference - well, it's game over!
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but that is exactly what I want negotiating for us with our adversaries and our allies alike. :lifter
IIRC, in Columbia around 1958 their two major political parties entered into a cooperative arrangement where both parties agreed to alternate the control of the presidency between the two major parties every four years - and also share the number of both the appointed and elected offices throughout the Columbian government.
Yeah, but they don't do that anymore.....and it's Colombia, not Columbia.
Yeah, but they don't do that anymore.....and it's Colombia, not Columbia.
Agreed.
Not yet anyway.
GratefulCitizen
03-03-2016, 13:56
Trump demonstrates the difference between someone who manages a business and a true entrepreneur:
-A manager takes surveys to find out what customers want.
-An entrepreneur already knows.
GratefulCitizen
03-03-2016, 14:07
Wasn't entirely sure about Trump's lack of specificity WRT policies.
His healthcare reform plan won me over.
Simply brilliant.
The man understands economics.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform
Old Dog New Trick
03-03-2016, 14:11
The Republic has long left the building. Now too Democracy is dead!
Doesn't matter who the "puppet" in the WH is they all work for the same handlers.
People have been referring to the ruling elite for a couple of years here, inclusive of both parties. We’ll soon see if the American voter sees through the façade.
Speaking more generally, I’ve not been a conservative my whole life, nor am I now, I've been a Nationalist. I have been a believer in the Constitution and the American dream.
I have believed in equality, in the possibility that everyone had the same opportunity to capitalize, succeed, and create a better life for themselves and their families. I believed serving in the Armed forces was an important part of a citizenship that ensure the future and right of our freedoms.
I was that naive. I now understand that my voice, vote, and service is not important, that I am/was a useful fool for the ruling elite. “They” of the party will pick the candidate, and the delegates, who will vote the party line.
That is the past present, and future if we chose not to fight the RNC selection process, by not supporting Trump over their choice of a candidate, we as a people will squander what little remains of our voice and most likely or freedoms if we do not do this. Your vote against their choice is a vote against tyranny, for what else would you call a system that excludes and attacks the voice of the electorate.
If this attack on Trump proves anything, it proves the that the ruling elite of both parties fear Trump as nominee. The CNN cartel is unleashing the full force of its media power to unhinged the Trump constituency, using every possible commentator available to make disparaging remarks., the full media assault, which includes papers, blog, and random interviews of names to include the likes of Miley Cyrus, only points to the two party collaborative effort to quash Trump. This media blitz will be unrelenting, its win or die.
In my mind, that makes voting for Trump a necessity in challenging the ruling elite ability to decide what’s best for us/you the useful fools.
Trapper John
03-03-2016, 16:00
Amen to that Penn!
And GC to your comparison of managers and entrepreneurs I quote Sun Tzu:
"Victorious warriors win and then go to war. Defeated warriors go to war then try to figure out how to win."
:D
Trapper John
03-04-2016, 08:28
After last night's debate I am a little disappointed in the Donald's performance. I really thought he was going to take the high road - not so much as it turns out.
The Trump University issue is going to be a BIG problem IMO. Makes me think RL has a point about his character.
IMO Kasich came out on top on this one.
Last hard class
03-04-2016, 09:05
My favorite was Trump's response to the Romney speech:
"Mitt Romney would have dropped to his knees for my endorsement"
Can only imagine the one liners if he's president.
LHC
My favorite was Trump's response to the Romney speech:
"Mitt Romney would have dropped to his knees for my endorsement"
Can only imagine the one liners if he's president.
LHC
:eek::D
Gold Eagle
03-09-2016, 09:35
My voting unfortunately comes down to process of elimination.
Anyone with a "D" after their name normally is off my list. Then whatever Republican that is pro gun gets my vote.
Would like to see more third party folks get in, looks like Trump is as close as it gets.
After last night's debate I am a little disappointed in the Donald's performance. I really thought he was going to take the high road - not so much as it turns out.
The Trump University issue is going to be a BIG problem IMO. Makes me think RL has a point about his character.
IMO Kasich came out on top on this one.
Could be but, Cruz has his own issues.....
Jeb's brother Neil Bush joins Ted Cruz team
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/03/08/jebs-brother-neil-bush-joins-ted-cruz/81488638/
The same Neal Bush that ran Silverado Savings and Loan into the ground during the Savings and Loan crisis.
Neil Bush was the most widely targeted member of the Bush family by the press in the S&L scandal. Neil became director of Silverado Savings and Loan at the age of 30 in 1985. Three years later the institution was belly up at a cost of $1.6 billion to tax payers to bail out.
http://www.rationalrevolution.net/war/bush_family_and_the_s.htm
Badger52
03-09-2016, 17:43
Could be but, Cruz has his own issues.....
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/03/08/jebs-brother-neil-bush-joins-ted-cruz/81488638/
The same Neal Bush that ran Silverado Savings and Loan into the ground during the Savings and Loan crisis.
http://www.rationalrevolution.net/war/bush_family_and_the_s.htmRubio's camp must be jumping for joy. In fact, Sanders' camp probably is as well, since her ping on him in MI re: auto-bailout didn't trump (no pun) his ping on her re: (implied evil) Wall Street.
The appearance alone will not go unnoticed by all factions. It's like, WTF?, over.
Rubio's camp must be jumping for joy. In fact, Sanders' camp probably is as well, since her ping on him in MI re: auto-bailout didn't trump (no pun) his ping on her re: (implied evil) Wall Street.
The appearance alone will not go unnoticed by all factions. It's like, WTF?, over.
It is asking for trouble.
1. It is another one from the Bush Dynasty.
2. He got bailed out by the tax payers.
3. It gives the appearance that Cruz is in bed with the GOPe.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 18:20
Could be but, Cruz has his own issues.....
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/03/08/jebs-brother-neil-bush-joins-ted-cruz/81488638/
The same Neal Bush that ran Silverado Savings and Loan into the ground during the Savings and Loan crisis.
http://www.rationalrevolution.net/war/bush_family_and_the_s.htm
Neal Bush is raising money for Ted Cruz as a volunteer, just like I am. If you are going to start criticizing candidates based on who supports them, you won't be able to support any candidate for high office. Shall we go over the lists of people who are supporting Trump, starting with David Duke?
The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
...The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
Has become a tool of the GOPe to stop Trump maybe?
The GOPe are going to screw over Trump and Cruz just as hard as they can.
The only difference is Trump knows it.
David Duke
Inflammatory, baiting, and typical behavior/response to expect from a T Cruz "supporter", to realign their failed argument for their candidate as less extreme. even though, Mr Trump has never met Duke and "Disavowed" the endorsement.
The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
RL, what this examples is acceptance of MR. Cruz as a member of the ruling elite, one who is prepared to touch his toe's....
Neal Bush is raising money for Ted Cruz as a volunteer, just like I am. If you are going to start criticizing candidates based on who supports them, you won't be able to support any candidate for high office. Shall we go over the lists of people who are supporting Trump, starting with David Duke?
The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
Maybe, on the other hand it may be a sign Cruz has been absorbed by the likes of Karl Rove and the GOPe.....they can keep him on a short leash and control his every move.
It's like the Dark Side, Karl Rove asked Ted embrace the Dark Side and find fulfillment....
;)
Inflammatory, baiting, and typical behavior/response to expect from a T Cruz "supporter", to realign their failed argument for their candidate as less extreme. even though, Mr Trump has never met Duke and "Disavowed" the endorsement.
Plus, Duke ran for office several times as a Democrat. The KKK was the militant arm of the Democrat Party after the Civil War.
It never ceases to amaze me at how dumb these so called smart candidates are. Cruz could have easily quashed the citizenship issue over a year ago by just making a YouTube video explaining the Nationality Act of 1940 and intervening rulings. When questioned about the Duke endorsement he could have explained just what I posted above. These guys are not armed for battle. Trump, on the other hand, is a berserker.
Pat
... These guys are not armed for battle. Trump, on the other hand, is a berserker.
Pat
Actually chuckled at that one.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 19:24
Inflammatory, baiting, and typical behavior/response to expect from a T Cruz "supporter", to realign their failed argument for their candidate as less extreme. even though, Mr Trump has never met Duke and "Disavowed" the endorsement.
Go back and read again. You are missing the point.
Neal Bush is raising money for Ted Cruz as a volunteer, just like I am. If you are going to start criticizing candidates based on who supports them, you won't be able to support any candidate for high office. Shall we go over the lists of people who are supporting Trump, starting with David Duke?
The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
I am not criticizing you for supporting Cruz, I am pointing out that your argument attempts to validate itself via the inclusion of David Duke supporting Trump, and the negative connotation that results from that imply reference; when in fact, that is an endorsement that was not sought, not accepted, and denied.
Additionally, Jeb Bush, the good man he undoubtedly is, is none the less the establishment. Therefore, an endorsement and acceptance of suuporters of Bush, transferring their allegiance to Cruz, reeks of capitulation.
Has Sen Cruz "disavowed" Bush?
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 20:32
I am not criticizing you for supporting Cruz, I am pointing out that your argument attempts to validate itself via the inclusion of David Duke supporting Trump, and the negative connotation that results from that imply reference; when in fact, that is an endorsement that was not sought, not accepted, and denied.
Additionally, Jeb Bush, the good man he undoubtedly is, is none the less the establishment. Therefore, an endorsement and acceptance of suuporters of Bush, transferring their allegiance to Cruz, reeks of capitulation.
How is it capitulation to defeat someone and then capture their supporters?
I will remind you that you are talking about someone who I have known personally for 25 years, and who I am personally vouching for (which in this community is a serious undertaking). You are suggesting that Cruz is going to suddenly stop being the consistent conservative he has proven himself to be throughout his career, and your reason is that he has succeeded in persuading people to support his campaign. I really don't understand the reasoning at all.
What makes these attacks particularly silly is the hypocrisy. For example, "I can't support Ted Cruz because he and his wife took loans from Goldman and Citibank -- they are in the pocket of Wall Street." As if Trump never borrowed money or did business with Wall Street. Seriously? The guy is saying that CARL ICAHN is going to serve a prominent role in his administration. Do you know who that is or what he stands for? My god, this is absolute insanity.
Has Sen Cruz "disavowed" Bush?
I would.
I currently live in FL and I would not vote for Jeb for any executive position. He was a good Governor, but IMO, he fell apart after leaving office. He is a has been and not held in high esteem. Jeb Bush and his whole support staff is contaminated and should be avoided.
I am originally from TX and remember Neal Bush's antics well. Neal Bush is a f'ing thief, caught, skinned, and fried.
I hold HW and W in high regard, their later politics are the exception.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 20:34
Has Sen Cruz "disavowed" Bush?
No, and why should he? Why doesn't he disavow the whole country?
"Hey America, vote for me and support my campaign, but not if you voted for Romney!" Really? Think about it.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 20:35
Neal Bush is a f'ing thief, caught, skinned, and fried.
But you like Trump?
Badger52
03-09-2016, 20:44
I have nothing against Ted Cruz personally. I just think the whole thing says to many people who might be deciding: "Meanwhile, it's business as usual." Whether it's true or not, it looks as if he just scratched through the mag strip on his 'maverick' card.
I wish him the best, but... damn.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 20:46
What really blows me away about the support for Trump I see here is that the man's values are so completely inconsistent with the values you guys preach all the time.
"I will never leave a fallen comrade." -- I have seen Trump screw over his business partners over and over and over again. The guy has no loyalty whatsoever, except to himself.
"I serve quietly, not seeking recognition or accolades." -- Nuff said.
And on top of all of this, he is an absolute fraud. Supporting "the vets"? I personally made sure he was invited to TWO separate Green Beret Foundation galas in New York City. At the Pierre hotel, very fancy place where he would have been quite comfortable. Not only did he turn us down TWICE, but he never gave any money. He never supported veterans charities until he decided to run for President.
You want to know why he won't release his tax returns? Because he is NOT the successful dealmaker he claims to be. He doesn't deal in real estate at all anymore, not after he basically lost everything in the casino bankruptcy. He now makes all of his money licensing his name to other people, most of whom are foreigners. Go look up who really owns Trump Tower. Not him. Not a company he owns.
The guy is now basically a Kardashian. That's how he is making money. Not through running businesses that actually employ people. Of course the media isn't reporting on much of this now because they're waiting for the general election. Then it will all come out and we will have Hillary Clinton as President. Which is what the press wants.
But you like Trump?
I will vote for Trump or Cruz, I could support either in the general election.
Both of them need to stop the BS childish behavior and name calling. The issue I have with Cruz is his, or his staff's, lies about his opponents. If it is his staff's fault, it shows poor judgement on his selections.
Cruz needs to make a clean break from the BS antics and become above that. And you can tell him I said as much.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 20:56
Has Trump disavowed Chris Christie? No? He must be in bed with the establishment!
So RL what's up with the meeting between Bush, Rubio, Mr K and Cruz?
Kind of an odd meeting with a lot of GOPe.
So who's telling who to do what?
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 21:23
The issue I have with Cruz is his, or his staff's, lies about his opponents. If it is his staff's fault, it shows poor judgement on his selections.
Cruz needs to make a clean break from the BS antics and become above that. And you can tell him I said as much.
I would encourage you to take another look at these supposed "lies" and "antics," and compare them to what I think are actually serious issues with the truth and bad behavior on the part of Donald Trump.
I'm aware of three things the Cruz campaign has been criticized for in this regard.
The first one was a campaign mailing trying to get people to go vote by suggesting that they committed a "voter violation." Now maybe the mail piece is a little hokey, but there is nothing false about it. "Hey, you haven't been voting, that's a violation of your duty as a citizen." Nothing wrong with that message in my opinion -- it's true. Now, was it formatted to look like some sort of real ticket? Maybe. So what? In the great scheme of things, I have to tell you that this just isn't such a terrible thing.
Compare the "voter violation" mailing -- something trying to get people who have not been voting to vote -- with Trump University. Convince people to go sign up for BS seminars for a ton of money, promising them that they'll be successful in business if they go. Now that is something that should upset you. That's trying to get people to pay money they don't have -- for something totally worthless -- so Trump can make money. That is classic fraud, and it is something morally bankrupt and wrong. Who is the real liar?
Then you have two incidents where people were supposedly told about reports by third-party news agencies that another candidate was about to drop out of the race (first Carson, then Rubio). In both cases, the news reports were not crazy. Carson was not doing well in the polls when the first incident happened, and Rubio is cratering now. The reports were real, made by major news outlets -- not manufactured, although they were inaccurate. You're saying you wouldn't use something like that to your advantage in a close race? SF guys never cheat in battle? Make sure the other side knows you're coming before you attack?
And let's say for sake of argument that recirculating these news reports was wrong. Well how bad was that wrong? What does it tell you about the candidate? That's he is a "liar" and "dishonest" in ways that impact how he would serve as President? Personally, I don't think so. At most, it shows that he will take the gloves off in a fight, and that doesn't bother me. In fact, I kind of like it.
Now again, compare to Trump. You think he's "honest"? Did you see him misrepresenting what the Better Business Bureau said about Trump University? Or here's an article with a bunch of instances where he claims never to have said something he actually did say: http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/chronicling-donald-trumps-lies/ These are largely on matters of public policy, where the public presumably cares what his views are. So one would think that telling the truth matters a lot there.
:munchin
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 21:26
So RL what's up with the meeting between Bush, Rubio, Mr K and Cruz?
Kind of an odd meeting with a lot of GOPe.
So who's telling who to do what?
Not sure what meeting you are referring to, but I would expect they are teaming up against Trump. I am guessing that you have, on occasion, worked with people who weren't really our friends, because we shared with them a mutual enemy. I see no difference.
No, and why should he? Why doesn't he disavow the whole country?
"Hey America, vote for me and support my campaign, but not if you voted for Romney!" Really? Think about it.
Ok then who cares if DD or the KKK for that matter supports Trump? If I'm a racist and hate the"darkies" then I like a border wall. If I'm an American and I support an "Americans first" policy then I also like a border wall.
Personally, Id like to see a border wall. I guess I agree with DD and the KKK. I guess I'm a racist?
Edited to add: ...just like Trump which is what all the DD comments infer
The fact that former Jeb Bush supporters are now supporting Cruz shows that Cruz is capable of getting support from the entire party, contrary to the silly claims that everyone hates him so he's unelectable.
To be clear, support from the establishment and Cruz acceptance is quid pro quo, it can be no other way. What I am stating is Cruz has played the rabble rouser, the outsider, the ideologue. The conservative religious right, and as you have stated, someone you know personally, vouch for and respect. That is all good.
But if he accepts their endorsement, he is compromising his "principles" for a chance at the throne, capitulation, meh, principles or throne. Nothing wrong with that, he is after all a primate, seeking to lead the troop.
Both "scandals" are manufactured and non-issues legally but as big of a deal as someone can make them in the race. Cruz's mailings were no big deal and not fraudulent. The fact that some NY dumbasses with get rich delusions didn't find the pot of gold isn't either. Furthermore the fact that I and most people who can't fathom spending $1000, let alone, $35,000 on some bullshit get rich course shouldn't be surprising.
I would encourage you to take another look at these supposed "lies" and "antics," and compare them to what I think are actually serious issues with the truth and bad behavior on the part of Donald Trump.
I'm aware of three things the Cruz campaign has been criticized for in this regard.
The first one was a campaign mailing trying to get people to go vote by suggesting that they committed a "voter violation." Now maybe the mail piece is a little hokey, but there is nothing false about it. "Hey, you haven't been voting, that's a violation of your duty as a citizen." Nothing wrong with that message in my opinion -- it's true. Now, was it formatted to look like some sort of real ticket? Maybe. So what? In the great scheme of things, I have to tell you that this just isn't such a terrible thing.
Compare the "voter violation" mailing -- something trying to get people who have not been voting to vote -- with Trump University. Convince people to go sign up for BS seminars for a ton of money, promising them that they'll be successful in business if they go. Now that is something that should upset you. That's trying to get people to pay money they don't have -- for something totally worthless -- so Trump can make money. That is classic fraud, and it is something morally bankrupt and wrong. Who is the real liar?
Then you have two incidents where people were supposedly told about reports by third-party news agencies that another candidate was about to drop out of the race (first Carson, then Rubio). In both cases, the news reports were not crazy. Carson was not doing well in the polls when the first incident happened, and Rubio is cratering now. The reports were real, made by major news outlets -- not manufactured, although they were inaccurate. You're saying you wouldn't use something like that to your advantage in a close race? SF guys never cheat in battle? Make sure the other side knows you're coming before you attack?
And let's say for sake of argument that recirculating these news reports was wrong. Well how bad was that wrong? What does it tell you about the candidate? That's he is a "liar" and "dishonest" in ways that impact how he would serve as President? Personally, I don't think so. At most, it shows that he will take the gloves off in a fight, and that doesn't bother me. In fact, I kind of like it.
Now again, compare to Trump. You think he's "honest"? Did you see him misrepresenting what the Better Business Bureau said about Trump University? Or here's an article with a bunch of instances where he claims never to have said something he actually did say: http://www.theblaze.com/contributions/chronicling-donald-trumps-lies/ These are largely on matters of public policy, where the public presumably cares what his views are. So one would think that telling the truth matters a lot there.
:munchin
Sounds all well and good RL, but if all that is true and not just mere speculation any pea brain would ask where was all this damaging intel months ago before Trump laid waste to the RNC? If all this is true then Ted Cruz has wasted at least 2 debates attempting to slam Trump with worthless babble. Worse yet all Jebeno talked about during his debate time was his fucking plan and his time as Florida Governor.
I mean to say if even half of what you say is true why wait until Zero Dark Thirty to throw it on the fire......too little, too late imo.....and it just doesn't make sense considering that Karl Rove is suposed to be a genius. If it is all true it begs to question whether Cruz and/or the RNC is worthy of leading the country, I mean to say it is all true a whole bunch of the GOPe and Cruz went at it pretty half assed.
At present Cruz, Beck, Levin, Rove, the Bushes, the RNC and whom ever else are like a bunch of waring Afghan warlords or Muslims tribes......The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Prophet Glenn Beck in particular has aside from Cruz talked shit about every entity he is now chumming up with.
What a giant circle jerk!
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 23:10
Ok then who cares if DD or the KKK for that matter supports Trump? If I'm a racist and hate the"darkies" then I like a border wall. If I'm an American and I support an "Americans first" policy then I also like a border wall.
Personally, Id like to see a border wall. I guess I agree with DD and the KKK. I guess I'm a racist?
Edited to add: ...just like Trump which is what all the DD comments infer
Correct. The fact that David Duke supports Trump does not mean that a vote for Trump is a vote for David Duke.
What a giant circle jerk!
Read up in the 1800 election. They wrote the book on CJs and CFs. ;)
Pat
Ted Cruz is a good man. Ted Cruz has a beliefs system that guides his life and one that he follows on a daily basis.
I have no problem with that, until it impacts constitutional rights.
The argument is: Freedom of choice vs no choice, or a limited voice, and therefore, needs representation to protect the rights of those who, for whatever reason, cannot speak for themselves. The abortion issue.
The whole Christian right agenda is centered on Roe vs Wade.
Stop with that thought, think about the impact and the collateral damage this issue has taken on our social fabric.
The Linked issue of Stem cell research, contentious is an understatement. But the position forced upon society from the Christian right, outlawing Stem cell research, precludes flexibility.
We lost a child at six months, a better hospital could have, maybe, properly equipped, produced a save. That did not happen, but what’s worst, there was no alternative to use the tissue and other possible organs to save another/improve life for anyone.
The outcome, a double fail. The Christian right nowhere to be found for counsel or grief therapy, but every six or so months a religious right pamphlet arrive in the mail or on line.
Regardless of who is appointed to the court, that ruling is settled, Roe vs Wade will never be overturned. It is as sacred as the 2nd amendment.
So, what the Christian right has accomplished is the political polarization of our country. It is partly responsible for producing Trump.
Understanding that, is why Cruz is un-electable. He is a religious ideologue, if his and his supporters were afforded the opportunity to instill their brand of how we should live, our rights would be infringed, no differently than if sharia law was instituted as an alternative and parallel system of law in our country.
Which is to say, that conforming to one religious belief as an act to govern, you must then conform to other religious belief to govern equally and fairly.
The founding fathers knew this simple principle, the separation of church and state.
For that reason, on Ted Cruz, I’m out.
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 23:19
To be clear, support from the establishment and Cruz acceptance is quid pro quo, it can be no other way. What I am stating is Cruz has played the rabble rouser, the outsider, the ideologue. The conservative religious right, and as you have stated, someone you know personally, vouch for and respect. That is all good.
But if he accepts their endorsement, he is compromising his "principles" for a chance at the throne, capitulation, meh, principles or throne. Nothing wrong with that, he is after all a primate, seeking to lead the troop.
I am telling you that he is not "playing." This is one of a tiny handful of guys in Congress who tried to fight Obamacare and everything else while the other "Republicans" pussed out and caved in. He is not changing to get votes, people are supporting him because he's better than Trump, who they see as a scary authoritarian. I can't stand Trump because he's a fucking liberal and an asshole.
Trump University......how about Rubio University
The GOPe's golden child appears to have ripped off college students
In recent weeks, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)79%
has tried to hammer GOP frontrunner Donald Trump on Trump University. Multiple reports, however, suggest that this line of attack could backfire on the young Senator, who has financial ties to scandal-plagued for-profit colleges that preyed upon U.S. students. What’s more, Rubio used his stature as a U.S. lawmaker to help the for-profit college operation.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/09/marco-university-rubios-profit-education-scandal-bubbles-florida/
How about the desparate madman and Cruz shill Glenn Beck
“Matt Drudge and Breitbart – they’ll never say it, but they are nothing but shills for Trump. I will tell you this: we have proven ourselves not to be shills for Cruz,” Beck said.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/09/glenn-beck-matt-drudge-and-breitbart-are-nothing-but-shills-for-trump-but-were-not-shills-for-cruz/
Roguish Lawyer
03-09-2016, 23:26
Ted Cruz is a good man. Ted Cruz has a beliefs system that guides his life and one that he follows on a daily basis.
I have no problem with that, until it impacts constitutional rights.
The argument is: Freedom of choice vs no choice, or a limited voice, and therefore, needs representation to protect the rights of those who, for whatever reason, cannot speak for themselves. The abortion issue.
The whole Christian right agenda is centered on Roe vs Wade.
Stop with that thought, think about the impact and the collateral damage this issue has taken on our social fabric.
The Linked issue of Stem cell research, contentious is an understatement. But the position forced upon society from the Christian right, outlawing Stem cell research, precludes flexibility.
We lost a child at six months, a better hospital could have, maybe, properly equipped, produced a save. That did not happen, but what’s worst, there was no alternative to use the tissue and other possible organs to save another/improve life for anyone.
The outcome, a double fail. The Christian right nowhere to be found for counsel or grief therapy, but every six or so months a religious right pamphlet arrive in the mail or on line.
Regardless of who is appointed to the court, that ruling is settled, Roe vs Wade will never be overturned. It is as sacred as the 2nd amendment.
So, what the Christian right has accomplished is the political polarization of our country. It is partly responsible for producing Trump.
Understanding that, is why Cruz is un-electable. He is a religious ideologue, if his and his supporters were afforded the opportunity to instill their brand of how we should live, our rights would be infringed, no differently than if sharia law was instituted as an alternative and parallel system of law in our country.
Which is to say, that conforming to one religious belief as an act to govern, you must then conform to other religious belief to govern equally and fairly.
The founding fathers knew this simple principle, the separation of church and state.
For that reason, on Ted Cruz, I’m out.
Well that is a coherent position to take. A typical NY/NJ moderate Republican position.
I'm a libertarian and disagree with Cruz on social issues, although I agree with his views on the Constituition. However, Republicans can only win if we get support from social conservatives, and that's a deal I'm happy to make.
A typical NY/NJ moderate Republican position. As if that's a terrible place and position to hold!!!
RL, with all due respect, at the end of the day it is centrism. To govern sensibly you must govern from the center. Variations left and right are necessary adjustments, for inclusion, access, and advancement. All our great Presidents were in the center of the political maelstrom, navigating that current defines their success or failure.
An ideologue is doom to fail. in my life time, Carter, = Iran and the present day ME Cesspool, Johnson= the fail Great society and re-apartheid educational system, Nixon = the lost of faith in the elector. And Obama, = the assumption/placing of white guilt, manipulation, and the the gutting of American pride. Ideologue's destroy society.
As if that's a terrible place and position to hold!!!
RL, with all due respect, at the end of the day it is centrism. To govern sensibly you must govern from the center. Variations left and right are necessary adjustments, for inclusion, access, and advancement. All our great Presidents were in the center of the political maelstrom, navigating that current defines their success or failure.
An ideologue is doom to fail. in my life time, Carter, = Iran and the present day ME Cesspool, Johnson= the fail Great society and re-apartheid educational system, Nixon = the lost of faith in the elector. And Obama, = the assumption/placing of white guilt, manipulation, and the the gutting of American pride. Ideologue's destroy society.
Was Reagan a centrist? :confused:
Pat
It can be argued that Regan was, and argued that is what made him a great President.
You know what I would love to see, the next republican President call back King David, McChrystal. and any other field(?) General to tidy up the mess. I can see Trump giving the Garcia letter to them and saying: "Call me if you need anything".
It can be argued that Regan was, and argued that is what made him a great President.
And that argument is. . .? :confused:
Pat
RL
This is a revolt of the Republican Party base ( a good size chunk of it anyway ).
It has been building for 16 years. The TEA Party was spawned by the same dissatisfaction.
The GOPe blew it off and said "Where else are they going to go?" Well, they have found a place to go and it's with Trump.
Maybe if Trump didn't enter the race Cruz would have been considered the one.
But now when push comes to shove Cruz is siding with the insiders against the outsider.
Contested or Brokered Convention - if Trump goes in with by far the most delegates and the nomination is given to somebody else - that person will lose the general election in a landslide.
Oh, and for the retort you might offer about "The majority of primary voters voted against him."
That can be said of everybody you might want to stand up in Trump's place.
And that argument is. . .? :confused:
Pat
...without merit.
Roguish Lawyer
03-10-2016, 07:18
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/7/donald-trump-stiffed-casino-builders-while-spendin/#.VuFzFB9gxoQ.mailto
Just one of many examples.
Team Sergeant
03-10-2016, 07:32
Trump is pulling off the biggest con job in history. I am amazed that so many people believe what he says. It is not too late to stop him, but we are rapidly getting close to that point.
I think that "con" job was complete when the incompetent Kenyan was "voted" into office.
PSM
Ronald Reagan embodied the Horatio Alger myth, he loved hearing stories of average Americans reaching their goals through hard work. He encouraged the private sector, and embraced the religious right. He may be singularly responsible for the creating the conservatism that enveloped the GOP for the past 25 years. A period of time, since Reagan, where the republican party has only once occupied the White House once.
There is an argument that his social policy was Darwinian, that only those best equipped to succeed, would succeed. His economics policy “Reaganomics”, reduced substantially, government assistance, services, and with his tax cuts, produced the 81-82 recession. Farm closures, bank defaults, and unemployment. He moved line item federal programs to the state control in the form of “block grant”. His idea was essentially American, "We who live in free market societies believe that growth, prosperity, and ultimately human fulfillment, are created from the bottom up, not the government down." Reagan (1981) His belief system is rooted in 1920-30 depression era, WWII, and American exceptionalism.
That said, he was also a complete politician and pragmatic, as the Governor of California he signed onto a withholding tax, which he said he never do, and he signed into law the abortion statue in California. Two policy positions that strongly suggest his centrism. A practical politician is a social liberal conservative, while being financially responsible for the greater good.
Reagan, Ronald, 1981, remarks, retrieved March 10, 2014 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=44311
Cruz about Trump supporters - "..his voters are uninformed and not engaged in the process..."
http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2016/03/10/brody-file-exclusive-ted-cruz-says-donald-trumps-voters-have.aspx?mobile=false
"GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz tells The Brody File that the reason Donald Trump is performing well in the GOP race for president is because his voters are uninformed and not engaged in the process. “Donald does well with voters who have relatively low information, who are not that engaged and who are angry and they see him as an angry voice. Where we are beating him is when voters’ get more engaged and they get more informed.” Hunch: I’m thinking Trump and his “Silent Majority” may push back on this just a bit don’t you think? Lots to unpack here but for now, here’s the clip....."
The only part he got right is "...angry...". I wonder which one of his GOPe handlers told him that would be a good statement to make?
Cruz about Trump supporters - "..his voters are uninformed and not engaged in the process..."
http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2016/03/10/brody-file-exclusive-ted-cruz-says-donald-trumps-voters-have.aspx?mobile=false
"GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz tells The Brody File that the reason Donald Trump is performing well in the GOP race for president is because his voters are uninformed and not engaged in the process. “Donald does well with voters who have relatively low information, who are not that engaged and who are angry and they see him as an angry voice. Where we are beating him is when voters’ get more engaged and they get more informed.” Hunch: I’m thinking Trump and his “Silent Majority” may push back on this just a bit don’t you think? Lots to unpack here but for now, here’s the clip....."
The only part he got right is "...angry...". I wonder which one of his GOPe handlers told him that would be a good statement to make?
Based on the current tally there are many more that voters in the 'uninformed and not engaged in the process' base, than there than there are in Cruz's 'enlightnened' support base.
Badger52
03-10-2016, 08:08
Cruz about Trump supporters - "..his voters are uninformed and not engaged in the process..."
Hilarious sir. That's the exact argument made by social-justice warrior liberals when they don't seem to get traction on their platforms. "It's not our message that's wrong; essentially voters are too stupid to make an informed decision or understand what we're trying to tell them (for their own good of course 'cause we know better)
That, is a prescription to create 'angry'. I'm not dismissing Cruz' faith or that he doesn't have some good ideas & should let that guide him if he's called to do that. But the preachiness and a hint of "we're your betters" optic is not going to resonate with a lot of people. Quite a few are pissed and absolutely resent being talked down to - that's what that kind of messaging does in my opinion.
GratefulCitizen
03-10-2016, 08:08
"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters."
-Daniel Webster
Therein lies the problem with the GOPe and many of the anti-Trump crowd.
They view the voter as someone who is meant to serve them, rather than viewing themselves as being meant to serve the voter.
Trump may well be pulling a con job.
But, all the others are no longer capable of hiding their condescension towards the people...to the point where they aren't even aware of it.
The people are refusing to be disrespected.
The Trump phenomenon is just the people giving the GOPe the finger.
ABC...
...anyone but Clinton.
Any one of these R's will be better than Clinton...(or by some miracle that socialist hippie Sanders) and the potential legacy of Supreme Court nominations likely in the next 4 years.
ABC...
...anyone but Clinton.
Yes?
...Of course!
The press doesn't want Trump; good reason to elect him.
I'd prefer Cruz between the two, but, hey-ABC.
RE: Reagan as a centrist-it's easy to misrepresent his actions by taking them out of context/leaving out the details, but he was no more a "centrist" than Obama is.
“Liberals like to demonize Reagan, and conservatives venerate him. His record, though, shows Reagan repeatedly moved to the pragmatic center when given the chance. He raised capital gains taxes and cut Social Security benefits. He signed a bill granting amnesty to millions of immigrants. He was a big fan of the earned income tax credit and its payments to workers who have no federal tax liability”
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/local-columnists/article414144/The-Republican-Party%E2%80%99s-secret-centrist-weapon-is-to-act-like-Ronald-Reagan.html#storylink=cpy
Easily accessible information clearly points to Reagan as a pragmatic politician, a centrist.
If only the candidates were truthful to the man and his record. For the real Ronald Reagan — serial tax-raiser, illegal immigrant amnesty granter, deficit creator, abortion enabler, gun control supporter and peacenik — would never be allowed on the stage. The party has moved so far to the right from Reagan’s many centrist positions that the guy would be told to go find a home among the Democrats. - See more at: http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/160524#sthash.xnnhzt4I.dpuf
That's what he did his first year as governor in 1967. Faced with red ink left by Democratic Gov. Pat Brown, Reagan raised taxes by nearly $1 billion, equal to roughly 30% of the state general fund, still a modern record.
During Reagan's tour in Sacramento, the maximum income tax rate increased from 7% to 11% and more people were shoved into higher brackets. Corporation taxes nearly doubled. The sales tax climbed. So did the tax on banks. Some of this paid for property tax relief.
George Steffes, who later became a successful business lobbyist, was a legislative liaison for Reagan.
"When Reagan was facing the same kind of budget deficit that they are today," Steffes says, "he knew what anybody with half a brain knows: You can't balance a budget without new revenue."
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/07/local/la-me-cap-reagan-20110207
10 Things Conservatives Don’t Want You To Know About Ronald Reagan
BY ALEX SEITZ-WALD FEB 5, 2011 12:00 PM
1. Reagan was a serial tax raiser. As governor of California, Reagan “signed into law the largest tax increase in the history of any state up till then.” Meanwhile, state spending nearly doubled. As president, Reagan “raised taxes in seven of his eight years in office,” including four times in just two years. As former GOP Senator Alan Simpson, who called Reagan “a dear friend,” told NPR, “Ronald Reagan raised taxes 11 times in his administration — I was there.” “Reagan was never afraid to raise taxes,” said historian Douglas Brinkley, who edited Reagan’s memoir. Reagan the anti-tax zealot is “false mythology,” Brinkley said.
2. Reagan nearly tripled the federal budget deficit. During the Reagan years, the debt increased to nearly $3 trillion, “roughly three times as much as the first 80 years of the century had done altogether.” Reagan enacted a major tax cut his first year in office and government revenue dropped off precipitously. Despite the conservative myth that tax cuts somehow increase revenue, the government went deeper into debt and Reagan had to raise taxes just a year after he enacted his tax cut. Despite ten more tax hikes on everything from gasoline to corporate income, Reagan was never able to get the deficit under control.
3. Unemployment soared after Reagan’s 1981 tax cuts. Unemployment jumped to 10.8 percent after Reagan enacted his much-touted tax cut, and it took years for the rate to get back down to its previous level. Meanwhile, income inequality exploded. Despite the myth that Reagan presided over an era of unmatched economic boom for all Americans, Reagan disproportionately taxed the poor and middle class, but the economic growth of the 1980’s did little help them. “Since 1980, median household income has risen only 30 percent, adjusted for inflation, while average incomes at the top have tripled or quadrupled,” the New York Times’ David Leonhardt noted.
4. Reagan grew the size of the federal government tremendously. Reagan promised “to move boldly, decisively, and quickly to control the runaway growth of federal spending,” but federal spending “ballooned” under Reagan. He bailed out Social Security in 1983 after attempting to privatize it, and set up a progressive taxation system to keep it funded into the future. He promised to cut government agencies like the Department of Energy and Education but ended up adding one of the largest — the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which today has a budget of nearly $90 billion and close to 300,000 employees. He also hiked defense spending by over $100 billion a year to a level not seen since the height of the Vietnam war.
5. Reagan did little to fight a woman’s right to choose. As governor of California in 1967, Reagan signed a bill to liberalize the state’s abortion laws that “resulted in more than a million abortions.” When Reagan ran for president, he advocated a constitutional amendment that would have prohibited all abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother, but once in office, he “never seriously pursued” curbing choice.
6. Reagan was a “bellicose peacenik.” He wrote in his memoirs that “[m]y dream…became a world free of nuclear weapons.” “This vision stemmed from the president’s belief that the biblical account of Armageddon prophesied nuclear war — and that apocalypse could be averted if everyone, especially the Soviets, eliminated nuclear weapons,” the Washington Monthly noted. And Reagan’s military buildup was meant to crush the Soviet Union, but “also to put the United States in a stronger position from which to establish effective arms control” for the the entire world — a vision acted out by Regean’s vice president, George H.W. Bush, when he became president.
7. Reagan gave amnesty to 3 million undocumented immigrants. Reagan signed into law a bill that made any immigrant who had entered the country before 1982 eligible for amnesty. The bill was sold as a crackdown, but its tough sanctions on employers who hired undocumented immigrants were removed before final passage. The bill helped 3 million people and millions more family members gain American residency. It has since become a source of major embarrassment for conservatives.
8. Reagan illegally funneled weapons to Iran. Reagan and other senior U.S. officials secretly sold arms to officials in Iran, which was subject to a an arms embargo at the time, in exchange for American hostages. Some funds from the illegal arms sales also went to fund anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua — something Congress had already prohibited the administration from doing. When the deals went public, the Iran-Contra Affair, as it came to be know, was an enormous political scandal that forced several senior administration officials to resign.
9. Reagan vetoed a comprehensive anti-Apartheid act. which placed sanctions on South Africa and cut off all American trade with the country. Reagan’s veto was overridden by the Republican-controlled Senate. Reagan responded by saying “I deeply regret that Congress has seen fit to override my veto,” saying that the law “will not solve the serious problems that plague that country.”
10. Reagan helped create the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden. Reagan fought a proxy war with the Soviet Union by training, arming, equipping, and funding Islamist mujahidin fighters in Afghanistan. Reagan funneled billions of dollars, along with top-secret intelligence and sophisticated weaponry to these fighters through the Pakistani intelligence service. The Talbian and Osama Bin Laden — a prominent mujahidin commander — emerged from these mujahidin groups Reagan helped create, and U.S. policy towards Pakistan remains strained because of the intelligence services’ close relations to these fighters. In fact, Reagan’s decision to continue the proxy war after the Soviets were willing to retreat played a direct role in Bin Laden’s ascendancy
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/02/05/142288/reagan-centennial/
Badger52
03-10-2016, 11:11
George Steffes, who later became a successful business lobbyist, was a legislative liaison for Reagan.
"When Reagan was facing the same kind of budget deficit that they are today," Steffes says, "he knew what anybody with half a brain knows: You can't balance a budget without new revenue."Completely separate from the above discussion/analysis RE President Reagan, the other half of the brain knows that you can accomplish that by cutting spending = which is bi-partisan heresy in DC.
The idea of a balanced budget "law" under the current dynamic is a unicorn; all it does it codify & condone unlimited spending as long as the peasants are taxed sufficiently to pay for it. It looks great on a balance sheet on an easel during 5 minutes on CSPAN - in practice it's traitorous.
The argument is was Ronald Reagan a centrist. The record of his actions as GoV of Cali and as POTUS presents compelling evidence that he was indeed, a Centrist.
Streck-Fu
03-10-2016, 11:38
Steffes says, "he knew what anybody with half a brain knows: You can't balance a budget without new revenue."
I just want a politician willing to cut spending.
PedOncoDoc
03-10-2016, 11:43
I just want a politician willing to cut spending.
I don't think that's exactly true - would you be happy if they proposed to reduce spending by cutting the military budget?
I just want a politician willing to cut spending.
I want the to cut departments. Lets start with any department established since 1965 or so.
Pat
Streck-Fu
03-10-2016, 12:12
I don't think that's exactly true - would you be happy if they proposed to reduce spending by cutting the military budget?
Of course. There is a ton of waste and redundancy in the military.
All long the lines of what PSM wrote, treat the military like the fedgov and cut departments and redundant staffs.
I am sure that we could find unnecessary G.O. billets that can be eliminated that would take their staffs with them.
I want the to cut departments. Lets start with any department established since 1965 or so.
Start with the departments that have completely failed in the mission for which they were created. Departments of Energy as well as Education to start. Eliminate the law enforcement branches of the federal agencies and leave only the FBI as the federal LEO. Get rid of the DEA and ATF in their entirety along with the EPA, DHS, HHS, and greatly reduce most others.
I bet we could cut 60% of the fedgov without missing it.
Badger52
03-10-2016, 15:47
The argument is was Ronald Reagan a centrist. The record of his actions as GoV of Cali and as POTUS presents compelling evidence that he was indeed, a Centrist.FYI, I wasn't taking issue with your POV with respect to Reagan; as I said, it was separate & directed to the nonsense espoused by Steffes. This entire thread is running the gamut.
“Liberals like to demonize Reagan, and conservatives venerate him. His record, though, shows Reagan repeatedly moved to the pragmatic center when given the chance. He raised capital gains taxes and cut Social Security benefits. He signed a bill granting amnesty to millions of immigrants. He was a big fan of the earned income tax credit and its payments to workers who have no federal tax liability”
Let’s look at your source:
Alex Seitz-Wald
Political Reporter at MSNBC. Formally at National Journal, Salon, and PBS NewsHour
And you linked to "ThinkProgress.org"
1. Reagan was a serial tax raiser. As governor of California, Reagan “signed into law the largest tax increase in the history of any state up till then.”
Perhaps he learned from his mistakes, unlike Romney. When Romney was asked about RomneyCare all he needed to do was to explain that our republican system was set up to allow the states to be the petri dishes of change and that he learned that there is no way that RomneyCare could work for the whole nation.
2. Reagan nearly tripled the federal budget deficit. During the Reagan years, the debt increased to nearly $3 trillion, “roughly three times as much as the first 80 years of the century had done altogether.” Reagan enacted a major tax cut his first year in office and government revenue dropped off precipitously. Despite the conservative myth that tax cuts somehow increase revenue, the government went deeper into debt and Reagan had to raise taxes just a year after he enacted his tax cut. Despite ten more tax hikes on everything from gasoline to corporate income, Reagan was never able to get the deficit under control.
I'm not going to fact-check all of that, but that's not exactly the way I remember it but I'm sure much of it was true early on. Remember what he was doing at the time trying to rebuild the military and bankrupt the Soviet Union. And the tax cuts eventually did increase revenue and that is what Clinton surfed on early in his administration. A friend of mine bought a car in late 1980 and bragged about getting a 21% interest rate on the loan. Two years later I bought a new car and paid 12%. Still high compared to today but they were coming down.
3. Unemployment soared after Reagan’s 1981 tax cuts.
That doesn't even make sense. If businesses kept more of their money and consumers had more money to spend, why would jobs be cut? Unless, of course, they are counting the 13,000 Air Traffic Controllers who where fired in 1981. That led to cut backs in the airlines and, I imagine, thousands of airline employees were furloughed (I always loved that term :D). But there's more:
Given the monetary circumstances Reagan inherited, it is unlikely that a recession could have been avoided. But the Reagan tax bill worsened the deficit. Reagan's prediction that the tax cuts would increase revenues missed the mark, at least during the 1981-1982 recession. The 1982 budget deficit was $113 billion—more than $30 billion more than when Carter left office. Unemployment rose to 11 percent, and Reagan was often picketed when he campaigned for Republican candidates in the 1982 midterm elections.
Leading Republicans, including Senate leader Howard Baker, urged Reagan to break with the Federal Reserve, but he refused to do so, believing that tight interest rates would eventually work. "Stay the course," Reagan proclaimed over and over again. Over time, despite the human costs of the recession, the Fed's policies did work. Tight money and reduced inflation laid the basis for a boom that began in 1983 and was still going when Reagan left the White House in 1989. Once the economy turned upwards, Reagan chided his critics, saying "They don't call it Reaganomics anymore." -- http://millercenter.org/president/biography/reagan-domestic-affairs
4. Reagan grew the size of the federal government tremendously.
He did not profess to have a "pen and a phone":
Reagan declared that "government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." He took pains to reassure Americans that he did not want to "do away with government." Rather, he sought "to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back." Reagan also promised to restore public confidence. Solving the nation's problems required "our best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds . . . And, after all, why shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans. "As a conservative, Reagan was committed to reducing the size and mission of government. But as a practical politician, he recognized the importance of reaching out to the Democrats, who controlled the House by a wide margin.
5. Reagan did little to fight a woman’s right to choose. As governor of California in 1967, Reagan signed a bill to liberalize the state’s abortion laws that “resulted in more than a million abortions.” When Reagan ran for president, he advocated a constitutional amendment that would have prohibited all abortions except when necessary to save the life of the mother, but once in office, he “never seriously pursued” curbing choice.
How could he? The Demons would have stopped him.
6. Reagan was a “bellicose peacenik.” He wrote in his memoirs that “[m]y dream…became a world free of nuclear weapons.” “This vision stemmed from the president’s belief that the biblical account of Armageddon prophesied nuclear war — and that apocalypse could be averted if everyone, especially the Soviets, eliminated nuclear weapons,” the Washington Monthly noted. And Reagan’s military buildup was meant to crush the Soviet Union, but “also to put the United States in a stronger position from which to establish effective arms control” for the the entire world — a vision acted out by Reagan's vice president, George H.W. Bush, when he became president.
Dreams don't always come true, ask MLK. He just took the "more arms, less threat" tack.
7. Reagan gave amnesty to 3 million undocumented immigrants.
Ah, ha! He made the mistake of making a deal with the Demons. They reneged on their promise to control the border.
8. Reagan illegally funneled weapons to Iran. Reagan and other senior U.S. officials secretly sold arms to officials in Iran, which was subject to a an arms embargo at the time, in exchange for American hostages. Some funds from the illegal arms sales also went to fund anti-Communist rebels in Nicaragua — something Congress had already prohibited the administration from doing.
That makes him a "centrist"?
9. Reagan vetoed a comprehensive anti-Apartheid act. which placed sanctions on South Africa and cut off all American trade with the country.
Yep, toeing the centrist line once again.
10. Reagan helped create the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden.
I'm pretty sure that OBL was created by Allah with help of his parents. Proxy wars happen. Administrations in this country are not in office long enough to follow through on all of their plans. Had FDR been held to 2 terms he'd been out in '41. Think about that. ;)
Pat
Roguish Lawyer
03-10-2016, 17:30
http://www.weeklystandard.com/trump-u-staffer-slams-school-i-was-ashamed-to-work-there/article/2001487/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=20160310_TWS-blog-trump-u-staffer-ashamed-6_facebook.com&utm_content=TWS
http://www.weeklystandard.com/trump-u-staffer-slams-school-i-was-ashamed-to-work-there/article/2001487/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=20160310_TWS-blog-trump-u-staffer-ashamed-6_facebook.com&utm_content=TWS
RL.
Did they offer him cash, a cabinet position or an ambassadorship to participate in the trash ad?
:D
Roguish Lawyer
03-10-2016, 18:56
http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/02/29/trump-wealth-timothy-obrien-intv.cnn
Ronald Reagan was a great President, because he was pragmatic.
How you chose to disqualify his actions due to the source/writer is pointless. Especially, since it can be proven via the record of his action, that he did in fact raise taxes in 7 out of the eight years in office. It is a matter of record that he sign into law the abortion statues in California. It is matter of the record he signed onto the Gun control bill. You can't deny any of those centrist action on his part.
And, I voted for him twice.
Ronald Reagan was a great President, because he was pragmatic.
How you chose to disqualify his actions due to the source/writer is pointless. Especially, since it can be proven via the record of his action, that he did in fact raise taxes in 7 out of the eight years in office. It is a matter of record that he sign into law the abortion statues in California. It is matter of the record he signed onto the Gun control bill. You can't deny any of those centrist action on his part.
And, I voted for him twice.
Actually, I dismissed his CA years with the reference to the petri dish. He learned from his mistakes. But, I do agree that he was a pragmatist. That doesn't make him a "centrist".
I provided a source that backed up your source's original comment. But he stopped there to intimate that Reagan was a failure or, at least, that the conservative image of him is a fraud. My source went on to explaine that Reagan's "stay the course" POA actually worked.
I just don't like the Left re-writing, or dismissing, history. That is a major leftist battle tactic.
ETA: Some politicians learn too late. George McGovern:
In 1988, I invested most of the earnings from this lecture circuit acquiring the leasehold on Connecticut’s Stratford Inn. Hotels, inns and restaurants have always held a special fascination for me. The Stratford Inn promised the realization of a longtime dream to own a combination hotel, restaurant and public conference facility — complete with an experienced manager and staff.
In retrospect, I wish I had known more about the hazards and difficulties of such a business, especially during a recession of the kind that hit New England just as I was acquiring the inn’s 43-year leasehold. I also wish that during the years I was in public office, I had had this firsthand experience about the difficulties business people face every day. That knowledge would have made me a better U.S. senator and a more understanding presidential contender.
Pat
In retrospect, I wish I had known more about the hazards and difficulties of such a business especially during a recession of the kind that hit New England just as I was acquiring the inn’s 43-year leasehold. I also wish that during the years I was in public office, I had had this firsthand experience about the difficulties business people face every day. That knowledge would have made me a better U.S. senator and a more understanding presidential contender.
Acquiring business acumen can be expensive, and this ass hat was creating laws governing business operations and didn't have a clue about what was involved in the process.
I'm f'in glad he got spanked!!
Get the nail and hammer ready. you'll love this...my former partner, my brother, was a national coordinator for McGovern. He participated in the national demographic study, identifying epicenters of wealth, it was on that study that we located our business model here. That was a fun factoid...:)
Acquiring business acumen can be expensive, and this ass hat was creating laws governing business operations and didn't have a clue about what was involved in the process.
As most don't today.
I'm f'in glad he got spanked!!
Get the nail and hammer ready. you'll love this...my former partner, my brother, was a national coordinator for McGovern. He participated in the national demographic study, identifying epicenters of wealth, it was on that study that we located our business model here. That was a fun factoid...:)
Salute! :D
Pat
Of course. There is a ton of waste and redundancy in the military.
All long the lines of what PSM wrote, treat the military like the fedgov and cut departments and redundant staffs.
I am sure that we could find unnecessary G.O. billets that can be eliminated that would take their staffs with them.
Start with the departments that have completely failed in the mission for which they were created. Departments of Energy as well as Education to start. Eliminate the law enforcement branches of the federal agencies and leave only the FBI as the federal LEO. Get rid of the DEA and ATF in their entirety along with the EPA, DHS, HHS, and greatly reduce most others.
I bet we could cut 60% of the fedgov without missing it.
Well, when the .gov has a significant snow day, and they say only essential personnel show up to work....then all the others must be "non-essential" why are they there????
(1VB)compforce
03-11-2016, 07:45
Well, when the .gov has a significant snow day, and they say only essential personnel show up to work....then all the others must be "non-essential" why are they there????
I'll give them a pass on that one. In that context, non-essential doesn't mean that they aren't essential to the operation, just that it isn't essential for them to endanger themselves and be physically in the office that day. Physical presence isn't always necessary, especially in this day of VPN and other remote means of working.
Now, on the budget related Government furloughs it's a different story. If they aren't actively working for a month or more, then they probably aren't needed at all.
I'll give them a pass on that one. In that context, non-essential doesn't mean that they aren't essential to the operation, just that it isn't essential for them to endanger themselves and be physically in the office that day. Physical presence isn't always necessary, especially in this day of VPN and other remote means of working.
Now, on the budget related Government furloughs it's a different story. If they aren't actively working for a month or more, then they probably aren't needed at all.
I know, I'm one of them...and I get to stay home...:lifter:D
DONALD TRUMP IS RESPONSIBLE
There are consequences to words
Amazing that Cruz and Rubio would offer support to disrupting the process, violence and radical groups like Black Lives Matter.
I'm disappointed to see Ted Cruz buy into the innocence of the mob
In Fayetteville a 78 year old man assaulted a man that was already being removed by security.
...so is that man free of accountability since it is "Trumps fault" ??
78 year old man.... it doesn't get any more adult than that.
Am I to believe that a 78 year old man spent the last 77 years of his life as a Ted Cruz style conservative only to be radicalized to violence by a few months worth of reality TV style Trump speeches?
Or maybe that 78 your old man is just a crazy, racist, jackass.
Or is even Ted Cruz going to now step on the bandwagon that riots and protest violence are usually the sole responsibility of a political rival. If it is controversial, we can just claim that its the same as yelling fire in a crowded theater or bomb on an airplane.
Offensive free speech should be punished.
I wish our politicians would just be brave and repeal that pesky 1st amendment so we would no longer have to suffer irresponsible jackasses like Donald Trump.
Roguish Lawyer
03-12-2016, 13:11
I'm disappointed to see Ted Cruz buy into the innocence of the mob
In Fayetteville a 78 year old man assaulted a man that was already being removed by security.
...so is that man free of accountability since it is "Trumps fault" ??
78 year old man.... it doesn't get any more adult than that.
Am I to believe that a 78 year old man spent the last 77 years of his life as a Ted Cruz style conservative only to be radicalized to violence by a few months worth of reality TV style Trump speeches?
Or maybe that 78 your old man is just a crazy, racist, jackass.
Or is even Ted Cruz going to now step on the bandwagon that riots and protest violence are usually the sole responsibility of a political rival. If it is controversial, we can just claim that its the same as yelling fire in a crowded theater or bomb on an airplane.
Offensive free speech should be punished.
I wish our politicians would just be brave and repeal that pesky 1st amendment so we would no longer have to suffer irresponsible jackasses like Donald Trump.
What exactly did Sen. Cruz say that leads you to say these things about him? Maybe I am missing something. :munchin
Badger52
03-12-2016, 15:23
What exactly did Sen. Cruz say that leads you to say these things about him? Maybe I am missing something. :munchinTexas Sen. Ted Cruz, who has the second most delegates in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, on Friday accused the front-runner of inciting the restlessness that was seen in Chicago and other events.
A white male Trump supporter punched a black protestor at a recent event in Fayettville, N.C.
“Any campaign that disrespects the voters and a campaign that encourages violence … you create an environment that encourages this,” Cruz said.
Cruz was speaking to reporters at a Republican dinner in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and warned that violence at these rallies weren’t going to stop.
“The candidate urges violence to punch people in the face. This is not going to be the last incident,” he said. “This is not how our politics should occur.”To the 2 highlighted portions above, there is no monopoly on campaigns (or sitting/former Senators) that have "disrespected" voters. Further, the remark previously made by Trump that may have led to Cruz' remark was at least said in the first person (with Trump willing to land the punch). There is no way it could be construed to be inciting others to punch each other in the face unless Cruz' crew is channeling the Dem's previous response method to Palin's "reload" quote. Everyone seems to agree that free speech is important unless it's your opponent getting stifled.
Roguish Lawyer
03-12-2016, 15:36
To the 2 highlighted portions above, there is no monopoly on campaigns (or sitting/former Senators) that have "disrespected" voters. Further, the remark previously made by Trump that may have led to Cruz' remark was at least said in the first person (with Trump willing to land the punch). There is no way it could be construed to be inciting others to punch each other in the face unless Cruz' crew is channeling the Dem's previous response method to Palin's "reload" quote. Everyone seems to agree that free speech is important unless it's your opponent getting stifled.
Man, that's all you have? Why does anyone care?
I wish people would focus on policies and issues. This kind of stuff is really silly and irrelevant IMO.
Man, that's all you have? Why does anyone care?
I wish people would focus on policies and issues. This kind of stuff is really silly and irrelevant IMO.
What really blows me away about the support for Trump I see here is that the man's values are so completely inconsistent with the values you guys preach all the time.
FWIW, Mr. Cruz himself has used the unrest in Chicago to contrast the differences he and Mr. Trump have IRT values https://youtu.be/YU8iVsKIMb8 .
Badger52
03-12-2016, 16:27
Man, that's all you have? Why does anyone care?
I wish people would focus on policies and issues. This kind of stuff is really silly and irrelevant IMO.I agree; but you asked the question.
Roguish Lawyer
03-12-2016, 16:44
FWIW, Mr. Cruz himself has used the unrest in Chicago to contrast the differences he and Mr. Trump have IRT values https://youtu.be/YU8iVsKIMb8 .
That's BS
Roguish Lawyer
03-12-2016, 16:45
I agree; but you asked the question.
LOL, touche!
This kind of stuff is really silly and irrelevant IMO.
Not really. Anytime, anyone disrupt the process for the sole purpose of preventing free speech it is not silly, nor is it irrelevant.
What Mr. Constitution Ted Cruz did was advocate the disruption of free speech, he encourage mob mentality and shifted the blame from the trouble makers. If the mob had gone Ferguson, Holier than Thou Ted Cruz would have blamed it all on Donald Trump instead of the hooligans.
Ted is looking more and more like the A-Typical Shape shifter policitican rather than the Constitutional Crusader he protrays himself as. He now even has scam artist Neil Bush making public statements.
GratefulCitizen
03-12-2016, 19:36
Cruz has a style problem (or possibly an attitude problem), and it's costing him voters.
Doesn't matter whether it "should" cost him voters, it does.
Trump is an arrogant narcissistic asshole, but he doesn't talk down to voters.
Cruz tries to be "above it all", but in the process comes across as very patronizing and condescending.
If that patronizing, condescending style is not an actual outward manifestation of his character, it should be simple for him to adjust his tone.
Either his handlers are too incompetent to figure this out, or his tone is an accurate representation of his character.
Ptownboogie
03-12-2016, 20:21
Trump is leading because he's the best worst choice among the GOP candidates. I say "best worse choice" because all the GOP Candidates suck:
Cruz - Tea Party nut-job and leader of the GOP's highly partisan agenda.
Trump - Arrogant narcissistic hater.
Rubio - Extremely low IQ. He speaks as though he barely completed high school.
Kasich - Lacks a winning personality (much like Rubio).
The United States will NOT vote in a GOP candidate into office this election cycle for this simple reason -- ALL THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SUCK. Denying climate change? Spewing hate speech? Proposing foreign policy initiatives that take us back to the neocon Bush-era? Shutting down regulatory functions that prevent financial, environmental, and social calamity? NO THANK YOU.
The Reaper
03-12-2016, 21:57
Trump is leading because he's the best worst choice among the GOP candidates. I say "best worse choice" because all the GOP Candidates suck:
Cruz - Tea Party nut-job and leader of the GOP's highly partisan agenda.
Trump - Arrogant narcissistic hater.
Rubio - Extremely low IQ. He speaks as though he barely completed high school.
Kasich - Lacks a winning personality (much like Rubio).
The United States will NOT vote in a GOP candidate into office this election cycle for this simple reason -- ALL THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SUCK. Denying climate change? Spewing hate speech? Proposing foreign policy initiatives that take us back to the neocon Bush-era? Shutting down regulatory functions that prevent financial, environmental, and social calamity? NO THANK YOU.
Sounds like you might find what you are looking for in Bernie Sanders.
TR
Last hard class
03-13-2016, 00:57
Trump is leading because he's the best worst choice among the GOP candidates.
IMO: Trump is leading because his advisors understand that getting the nomination and running against the Dems are two different animals. He's a salesman. And he is selling to the group that will get him the nomination. That group may not be able to get him the oval office. But that's a down the road issue. If you don't win the nomination it doesn't matter what your ultimate story is. I would expect a different candidate to appear if he gets the nomination.
The United States will NOT vote in a GOP candidate into office this election cycle for this simple reason -- ALL THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SUCK.
I don't agree with you. But I do admire your SA skills.
LHC
They are starting to get "The Fix is In" together.
They launched to balloon to to see if it gets any Flack from anybody but Trump.
"A Republican National Committee Standing Rules Committee member told the membership Friday that convention delegates are not bound to cast their votes at the convention according to primary vote results in the first round of voting...."
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/03/13/rnc-rules-comm-member-every-delegate-at-gop-convention-not-bound-on-first-ballot/#ixzz42pONJlAE
Note to Cruz supporters - he ain't their first pick either.
Badger52
03-13-2016, 17:31
They are starting to get "The Fix is In" together.
They launched to balloon to to see if it gets any Flack from anybody but Trump.
...
Note to Cruz supporters - he ain't their first pick either.
Haugland noted that the RNC’s Counsel’s Office Tom Josefiak Tom Josefiak cited current Rule 38, also known as Unit Rule, to RNC Rules Committee members on January 19, 2006, during an orientation session for Rules Committee members :
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“One of the important rules changes over the last 50 years has been the unit rule prohibited…that change was made so that an individual delegate can vote his or her conscience...which we'll provide you when you arrive."
Heh. :munchin
They are starting to get "The Fix is In" together.
They launched to balloon to to see if it gets any Flack from anybody but Trump.
"A Republican National Committee Standing Rules Committee member told the membership Friday that convention delegates are not bound to cast their votes at the convention according to primary vote results in the first round of voting...."
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/03/13/rnc-rules-comm-member-every-delegate-at-gop-convention-not-bound-on-first-ballot/#ixzz42pONJlAE
Note to Cruz supporters - he ain't their first pick either.
If that happens Hillary or Sanders should be a shoe in for the big seat.
(1VB)compforce
03-13-2016, 19:12
They are starting to get "The Fix is In" together.
They launched to balloon to to see if it gets any Flack from anybody but Trump.
"A Republican National Committee Standing Rules Committee member told the membership Friday that convention delegates are not bound to cast their votes at the convention according to primary vote results in the first round of voting...."
Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/03/13/rnc-rules-comm-member-every-delegate-at-gop-convention-not-bound-on-first-ballot/#ixzz42pONJlAE
Note to Cruz supporters - he ain't their first pick either.
Can you imagine the outright insurrection it would cause if the delegates bypassed not one, but the top two candidates and nominated Rubio on the first ballot? Or just went straight to Kasich?
How about if some of Trump's candidates slid to Cruz, or the uproar if Trump didn't have the 1237 from the primaries, but enough of Cruz's delegates defected to push Trump over the top?
ETA: How about if they just ignored the field altogether and nominated Romney? I can hear the sound of AR's being dismantled and cleaned from all over the country.
GOP establishment toying with a potential black swan event.
Oldrotorhead
03-13-2016, 19:54
GOP establishment toying with a potential black swan event.
I agree. After McCain and Romney you would think they would learn but two limp wristed left wing Republicans they would learn but noooooooooooooo!
Badger52
03-13-2016, 20:24
Trial balloon as Pete mentioned possibly; considering how they've gone after Trump doesn't quite meet the definition of a classic black swan. That is, such behavior on the part of the RNC isn't totally unexpected by anyone not under a rock - not rationalizing, they've just been rather blatant about it. And the more they do so the brighter that flare of perfidy. Conveniently, Rubio has room to at least continue to waffle about that "pledge to support" that was extracted early on. (And, yeah, I bet his campaign definitely got a WARNO.)
This'll make some interesting reading for the perspectives in the OCONUS press.
Just some possibles for black swan:
*Trump actually wins WH with his non-traditional campaign.
*Trump submarined by his own party notwithstanding his success in primary - country's reaction.
*Sanders wins.
Simplistically: black swan generally considered an unexpected surprise with major impact on society.
Interesting times.
I just wish we'd hurry up and repeal the first two amendments to the bill of rights...
...too many people out there with guns and free speech
Perfect recipe for a third party formation. Self serving bastards!
Oh Billy pashaw...we are in the midst of a cultural/populist revolt - with both Trump and Sanders running insurgency campaigns involving both major political parties...and the make up of the Supreme Court hangs in the balance.
Who has time to think of that pesky old Bill of Rights and particularly the 1st and 2A right now...
There'll be parties in the streets by summer...
There'll be parties in the streets by summer...
The parties have already started in some cities. This summers might make Rodney King's party or the Ferguson Live party look mild.
The parties have already started in some cities. This summers might make Rodney King's party or the Ferguson Live party look mild.
The clash of cultures is clear in this election cycle.
The discontent with the "establishment" on both sides is palpable.
The opportunity to effect significant change in this country is more than a mere possibility - it is in play.
There is opportunity here...which path will the people of this great nation chose?
We are, however, not magically immune to political and emotional maladies that have infected the rest of the world.
Could be a long hot summer.
Sheriff's Office considering charging Trump
http://www.fayobserver.com/news/crime_courts/sheriff-s-office-considering-charging-trump/article_931d06ee-3ece-5235-b235-a8db182d4a65.html
"The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is considering charging Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump with inciting a riot after violence broke out during a Trump rally in Fayetteville last Wednesday, Sheriff's Office lawyer Ronnie Mitchell said...."
The Sheriff's Office doesn't get much notice around here and is usually pretty low key even though the Sheriff is a big time D. They are catching some heat right now over how it was handled the other night. Might be a case of trying to move the spotlight.
Oldrotorhead
03-14-2016, 15:00
Sheriff's Office considering charging Trump
http://www.fayobserver.com/news/crime_courts/sheriff-s-office-considering-charging-trump/article_931d06ee-3ece-5235-b235-a8db182d4a65.html
"The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is considering charging Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump with inciting a riot after violence broke out during a Trump rally in Fayetteville last Wednesday, Sheriff's Office lawyer Ronnie Mitchell said...."
The Sheriff's Office doesn't get much notice around here and is usually pretty low key even though the Sheriff is a big time D. They are catching some heat right now over how it was handled the other night. Might be a case of trying to move the spotlight.
Can the Sheriff charge someone for a crime or is a Prosecutor necessary?
Maybe he should just get off his fat ass and finds some of these people and save the taxpayers some money.
This concentration of illegal aliens — 4.3 percent of the overall population — is higher than the national average of 3.9 percent, and ranks North Carolina as the 11th most impacted state in the country.
http://www.fairus.org/publications/the-fiscal-burden-of-illegal-immigration-on-north-carolinians
Illegal immigration costs North Carolina taxpayers about $2 billion per year. That amounts to about $578 for every household headed by a native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen.
Divemaster
03-14-2016, 18:17
Sheriff's Office considering charging Trump
http://www.fayobserver.com/news/crime_courts/sheriff-s-office-considering-charging-trump/article_931d06ee-3ece-5235-b235-a8db182d4a65.html
"The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office is considering charging Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump with inciting a riot after violence broke out during a Trump rally in Fayetteville last Wednesday, Sheriff's Office lawyer Ronnie Mitchell said...."
The Sheriff's Office doesn't get much notice around here and is usually pretty low key even though the Sheriff is a big time D. They are catching some heat right now over how it was handled the other night. Might be a case of trying to move the spotlight.
And they've decided not to go forward:
Sheriff's office will not file charges against Trump
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/14/politics/donald-trump-charges-violence/index.html