“Don’t screw with us. Because we’ll hurt people if you do.” On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced a deal on a reconciliation bill to address climate change, drug pricing and corporate taxes, titled “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.” And Republican senators are throwing a fit.
Well, I've already sacrificed two goats to B'aal that the dems don't whiff on this hanging curve. They do have a reputation, ya know.
On the day of this mighty Republican clusterfuck, I'm proud Jon Stewart is using the phrase "casually cruel". I picked up on that last year when I first read actress, Charisma Carpenter use it in reference by fuckwad, narcissistic, misogynistic "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon.
It's such a perfect phrases when coupled with, "willfully stupid".
One could almost enjoy these victories if the Republicans were not so intent upon hurting innocent Americans in retribution. Such a childish bunch. As usual we Democrats can only buckle down and do the hard work of governance.
I had forgotten the Adlai Stevenson quote. The more things change the more they stay the same. Sigh….
I especially love your line regarding same sex marriage: “It is under direct threat by the Clarence Thomas-Samuel Alito rogue sham masquerading as a ‘Supreme’ Court.”
You said it all in paragraph 8. McConnell is apoplectic because he got outwitted, and just like an angry toddler, he’s lashing out at the nearest target. Jon Stewart was right, motherf***ing cowards.
TC & TAFM friends, Joseph replied 'YES' when I ask if I could share this gem of his with others. Take note politicians and Republicans in particular.
Joseph Nemeth (CA)
I remember a fifth-hand story about a diplomat dealing with a potential massacre: a group of insurgents surrounded and and trapped in a building. There was a language and cultural barrier between the two groups. The insurgents could not surrender: it went against their culture. But they did not want to die. So the diplomat, being fluent in both languages, came up with a chant for the insurgents that sounded to them like, "We shall overcome," but in the language of their captors, sounded like "We surrender." The insurgents emerged with their honor intact, and were not killed.
I also recall a story about Senator Edward Kennedy, dealing with some intransigent Republican Senator. Kennedy had just returned from an official visit to Cuba, and had brought back a box of Cuban cigars, which he placed on the table between himself and the Republican, who was an avid fan of the cigars. During the negotiation over a bill, Kennedy would fiddle with the box, and every time the Republican gave a little, Kennedy would push the box closer to the senator. Every time he hardened, Kennedy would pull the box back toward himself. Kennedy eventually got most of what he wanted, and the Republican got the cigars.
Politicians are venal, unprincipled, and on-average, pretty damned stupid. Republican politicians are trapped in a machismo culture of predatory dominance behavior, mixed with Libertarian dogma and Christofascist religion. They are bullies, and then cannot stand to lose face. They will -- literally -- burn down the Capitol before losing face.
The unfortunate side-effect is that, to the masses, this makes the Democrats look "weak," and encourages people to vote for Republicans.
As I repeatedly say, “dumb” is on an IQ curve, “stupid” is a choice. So, Republican fake corporate sponsored thugs…being casually cruel is stupid. And you’ve made a big mistake. Go sit by a tar pit while you are in the process of reneging on your June support of the “Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics” Act of 2022. Oh that’s right. You narcissists stupidly think the PACT Act might cancel your toxic asses. Shame and disgrace upon you.
Watch them.........hoisting, hoisting, hoisting themselves on the petard of their blind ambition and Republican hubris. They are poking all the wrong bears! If they had wanted to erode their so- called "base" they couldn't have done a better job, esp with the Veterans ( who now face some conflictual feelings if they are of the MAGA ilk.) Thanks, TC.
How come Republicans fight so hard to not raise the debt ceiling ( our collective money), but offer no limits, no ceiling to campaign spending ( just their money)?
whenever you quote Adorno or Hofstadter, a few things happen to me. the first thing is that feeling we all got as kids when, at the end of the western, the good guy wins the gunfight. the second thing is that I wonder how many fewer living people have any idea who those guys are. but on top of that, STEVENSON! his name in my house was a little bit like a dead god's. dead, but still a god.
yeah, scumbags being scumbags. but so TRANSPARENTLY scumbags....no shame gene at all.
They, Republicans really have no clue what is coming for them in November. Here’s Alito hiding out in his bubble speaking at a Rome, Italy event. “Some cling to present, that is already dying”-RFK
True colors. It's the party of death, destruction and denial. The sink hole of the planet. Black hearts. Blank space instead of souls. As Louis Giglio said below of Collins: "Useless creature wallowing at the public $$$$ trough!" The same can be said of the entire R side of the aisle.
CONFESSION: with particular attention to TC, David Levine and Judy Clay.
Family background and personal experience caused me to shun expletives as signs of violence, misogyny, prejudice... I have overcome much of my bias on this score, and I read a piece that lifted by heart and absolutely turned my thoughts upside-down. It good stuff for all of us.
'How I learned that swearing can be good for the soul'
'I was once a cautious curser, but living with multiple sclerosis taught me that it can be freeing to be foul-mouthed'
Perspective by Elizabeth Jameson
'When I still had the use of my hands, I used to load up my paintbrush and hurl a glob of paint against my studio wall, as a way of releasing frustrations. I didn’t ask permission. I just did it.'
'When I lost the use of my hands — not to mention the rest of my body — because of the progression of multiple sclerosis, even that release was gone. Then one day, after I’d gone to work out at a rehabilitation center for people with spinal cord injuries, and was sitting and waiting for my caregiver to get the car, I stumbled upon another welcome release. One I could use even in my quadriplegic body: swearing.'
'Living with multiple sclerosis has meant that my life is perpetually governed and controlled by people who make decisions on my behalf. I desperately need these people, and I deeply appreciate them. But it’s still sometimes frustrating that I need someone else to do just about anything.'
'I cannot drive my own wheelchair or hold a cup of coffee. I can’t scratch the itch on my nose or quench my thirst unless someone lifts a cup and straw to my mouth. I have to be fed by others, who don’t necessarily know to offer up the right thing at the right time. Words only go so far, and I don’t want to seem too difficult. If crumbs fall while I’m being fed, I’ll often just resign myself to the mess. Would it be nice if someone noticed and intervened? Sure. Is it worth having to make yet another dreaded ask? Probably not.'
'It has taken a long time, but I have found ways to use my voice beyond everyday requests and niceties: cursing with abandon.'
'Some time ago, I was waiting for my ride at the rehabilitation center. A man I had seen a few times before rolled up in his wheelchair to wait alongside me. He genially asked my name, and I told him.
“Hi — I’m Ted,” he said. Then, with a huge grin, he added, “I don’t mean to offend you, but f--- you, Elizabeth!”
'To someone else it might have been unnerving. But the way Ted was smiling at me, it seemed less like an insult than an invitation — to play, perhaps? To be defiant? To not have to be on my best behavior, for once?'
“Well, f--- you too, Ted!” I beamed. (WAPO) See gifted link below.
Well, I've already sacrificed two goats to B'aal that the dems don't whiff on this hanging curve. They do have a reputation, ya know.
On the day of this mighty Republican clusterfuck, I'm proud Jon Stewart is using the phrase "casually cruel". I picked up on that last year when I first read actress, Charisma Carpenter use it in reference by fuckwad, narcissistic, misogynistic "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon.
It's such a perfect phrases when coupled with, "willfully stupid".
One could almost enjoy these victories if the Republicans were not so intent upon hurting innocent Americans in retribution. Such a childish bunch. As usual we Democrats can only buckle down and do the hard work of governance.
I had forgotten the Adlai Stevenson quote. The more things change the more they stay the same. Sigh….
Excellent overview!
I especially love your line regarding same sex marriage: “It is under direct threat by the Clarence Thomas-Samuel Alito rogue sham masquerading as a ‘Supreme’ Court.”
You said it all in paragraph 8. McConnell is apoplectic because he got outwitted, and just like an angry toddler, he’s lashing out at the nearest target. Jon Stewart was right, motherf***ing cowards.
TC & TAFM friends, Joseph replied 'YES' when I ask if I could share this gem of his with others. Take note politicians and Republicans in particular.
Joseph Nemeth (CA)
I remember a fifth-hand story about a diplomat dealing with a potential massacre: a group of insurgents surrounded and and trapped in a building. There was a language and cultural barrier between the two groups. The insurgents could not surrender: it went against their culture. But they did not want to die. So the diplomat, being fluent in both languages, came up with a chant for the insurgents that sounded to them like, "We shall overcome," but in the language of their captors, sounded like "We surrender." The insurgents emerged with their honor intact, and were not killed.
I also recall a story about Senator Edward Kennedy, dealing with some intransigent Republican Senator. Kennedy had just returned from an official visit to Cuba, and had brought back a box of Cuban cigars, which he placed on the table between himself and the Republican, who was an avid fan of the cigars. During the negotiation over a bill, Kennedy would fiddle with the box, and every time the Republican gave a little, Kennedy would push the box closer to the senator. Every time he hardened, Kennedy would pull the box back toward himself. Kennedy eventually got most of what he wanted, and the Republican got the cigars.
Politicians are venal, unprincipled, and on-average, pretty damned stupid. Republican politicians are trapped in a machismo culture of predatory dominance behavior, mixed with Libertarian dogma and Christofascist religion. They are bullies, and then cannot stand to lose face. They will -- literally -- burn down the Capitol before losing face.
The unfortunate side-effect is that, to the masses, this makes the Democrats look "weak," and encourages people to vote for Republicans.
***
As I repeatedly say, “dumb” is on an IQ curve, “stupid” is a choice. So, Republican fake corporate sponsored thugs…being casually cruel is stupid. And you’ve made a big mistake. Go sit by a tar pit while you are in the process of reneging on your June support of the “Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics” Act of 2022. Oh that’s right. You narcissists stupidly think the PACT Act might cancel your toxic asses. Shame and disgrace upon you.
🗽
"Collins once again demonstrates that she cannot be trusted farther than one can see her with their eyes closed."
Good one!
The entire Republican party is garbage from top to bottom, and should be wiped from the planet.
Watch them.........hoisting, hoisting, hoisting themselves on the petard of their blind ambition and Republican hubris. They are poking all the wrong bears! If they had wanted to erode their so- called "base" they couldn't have done a better job, esp with the Veterans ( who now face some conflictual feelings if they are of the MAGA ilk.) Thanks, TC.
How come Republicans fight so hard to not raise the debt ceiling ( our collective money), but offer no limits, no ceiling to campaign spending ( just their money)?
whenever you quote Adorno or Hofstadter, a few things happen to me. the first thing is that feeling we all got as kids when, at the end of the western, the good guy wins the gunfight. the second thing is that I wonder how many fewer living people have any idea who those guys are. but on top of that, STEVENSON! his name in my house was a little bit like a dead god's. dead, but still a god.
yeah, scumbags being scumbags. but so TRANSPARENTLY scumbags....no shame gene at all.
Thanks, TC, and here's to a good weekend!
They, Republicans really have no clue what is coming for them in November. Here’s Alito hiding out in his bubble speaking at a Rome, Italy event. “Some cling to present, that is already dying”-RFK
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgnXqILpgMy/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
True colors. It's the party of death, destruction and denial. The sink hole of the planet. Black hearts. Blank space instead of souls. As Louis Giglio said below of Collins: "Useless creature wallowing at the public $$$$ trough!" The same can be said of the entire R side of the aisle.
Please stop mentioning the ethically bankrupt Suzy Collins in your posts! Useless creature wallowing at the public $$$$ trough!
CONFESSION: with particular attention to TC, David Levine and Judy Clay.
Family background and personal experience caused me to shun expletives as signs of violence, misogyny, prejudice... I have overcome much of my bias on this score, and I read a piece that lifted by heart and absolutely turned my thoughts upside-down. It good stuff for all of us.
'How I learned that swearing can be good for the soul'
'I was once a cautious curser, but living with multiple sclerosis taught me that it can be freeing to be foul-mouthed'
Perspective by Elizabeth Jameson
'When I still had the use of my hands, I used to load up my paintbrush and hurl a glob of paint against my studio wall, as a way of releasing frustrations. I didn’t ask permission. I just did it.'
'When I lost the use of my hands — not to mention the rest of my body — because of the progression of multiple sclerosis, even that release was gone. Then one day, after I’d gone to work out at a rehabilitation center for people with spinal cord injuries, and was sitting and waiting for my caregiver to get the car, I stumbled upon another welcome release. One I could use even in my quadriplegic body: swearing.'
'Living with multiple sclerosis has meant that my life is perpetually governed and controlled by people who make decisions on my behalf. I desperately need these people, and I deeply appreciate them. But it’s still sometimes frustrating that I need someone else to do just about anything.'
'I cannot drive my own wheelchair or hold a cup of coffee. I can’t scratch the itch on my nose or quench my thirst unless someone lifts a cup and straw to my mouth. I have to be fed by others, who don’t necessarily know to offer up the right thing at the right time. Words only go so far, and I don’t want to seem too difficult. If crumbs fall while I’m being fed, I’ll often just resign myself to the mess. Would it be nice if someone noticed and intervened? Sure. Is it worth having to make yet another dreaded ask? Probably not.'
'It has taken a long time, but I have found ways to use my voice beyond everyday requests and niceties: cursing with abandon.'
'Some time ago, I was waiting for my ride at the rehabilitation center. A man I had seen a few times before rolled up in his wheelchair to wait alongside me. He genially asked my name, and I told him.
“Hi — I’m Ted,” he said. Then, with a huge grin, he added, “I don’t mean to offend you, but f--- you, Elizabeth!”
'To someone else it might have been unnerving. But the way Ted was smiling at me, it seemed less like an insult than an invitation — to play, perhaps? To be defiant? To not have to be on my best behavior, for once?'
“Well, f--- you too, Ted!” I beamed. (WAPO) See gifted link below.
https://wapo.st/3QdQU0i