Chit-Chat: The Feels

[tearknee]

45 minutes ago, tearknee said:

"We're going to investigate the 1/6 House Committee"

 

For those who don't remember the Family Affair remake:

Buffy: "You're beginning to ANNOY Mrs. Beasley!"

Jody: "Don't want to do *that*!"

[Dimity]

4 minutes ago, fastiller said:

The only bit of hope I have is that it'd require a Constitutional Amendment to repeal the 22nd Amendment and I don't think (wishful thinking maybe?) that would get three-quarters of the States ratification.

On the plus side I guess it's better for them to spend 4 years wasting time over something like this than spending 4 years passing stuff that will screw everyone over in more ways than they already have.

Edited Friday at 07:36 PM by Dimity

[Dimity]

Saw a headline about Trump demanding the GOP fall in line and vote in Johnson because he's tired of the US being a laughingstock.  Um, Trump, that's not the reason the US is a laughingstock.  Not by a long shot.

[fastiller]

„They're all laughing at us!!!“ said the clown at whom they're all laughing.

[peacheslatour]

218-215 - Johnson wins on first ballot

What kind of deal did he make to get this to happen?

[bluegirl147]

Just now, Dimity said:

Saw a headline about Trump demanding the GOP fall in line and vote in Johnson because he's tired of the US being a laughingstock.  Um, Trump, that's not the reason the US is a laughingstock.  Not by a long shot.

The Republicans in Congress are going to have to make a choice. Do Trump's bidding which will be mostly seeking vengeance on those who have wronged him or do some actual governing.   They House members have 2026 to look forward to and I don't see Trump going out of his way to campaign or endorse any of them.  He won't need them anymore. He will be halfway through his term if he is still around and he will have either epically failed on what he wanted to do or unfortunately achieved what  he wanted to do and won't give a fuck anymore.  He will be planning huge parades and a victory tour. So I think we will see how much sway he has over Congress Republicans the farther we get into his second term.

For someone who is so insecure and thin skinned he is totally lacking in self awareness. His narcissism wins out every time. He thinks everyone loves him.

Just now, peacheslatour said:

218-215 - Johnson wins on first ballot

What kind of deal did he make to get this to happen?

Either Trump threatened someone or offered up something.

One thing I can say about House Dems is you never see public disagreements when it comes voting for their Speaker.

[Dimity]

Hope he enjoys his two years because unless Trump can actually accomplish anything they're not going to be the majority in '26.

[peacheslatour]

Found this gem today.

[tres bien]

Johnson’s win today just seems like another nail in the coffin. It really fills me with a sick feeling that no matter how much I’m trying to deny it it’s going to happen and everyday that it gets closer the scarier it is that awful people are really going to be charge

Every single one. Not one “normal “ person. Just a bunch of crazies. I’m going to miss not having President Biden in the White House. Just knowing he was there made me feel less anxious

[PRgal]

It's not just you guys.  Like I said, (almost) all wealthy countries are being run by people who need help.  No one is sane.  And I don't think anyone will remain that way.  At least the markets are positive today (well, as of 3:35 pm ET, anyway)?

[bluegirl147]

4 minutes ago, PRgal said:

At least the markets are positive today (well, as of 3:35 pm ET, anyway)?

And this is a big problem.  How well a society is functioning is based on things like the market and that shouldn't be the determining factor.  And when the markets aren't doing well the government steps in to help them.  We all remember what happened in 2008.  They literally had to print the money to bail them out.  But sure let's talk about cutting programs that help out people who are low income.  And why are a lot of those low income people low income? Because they work for companies who need to make sure their shareholders continue to make maximum profit.  Forgive me if I don't give a fuck how well the markets are doing.

[PRgal]

7 minutes ago, bluegirl147 said:

And this is a big problem.  How well a society is functioning is based on things like the market and that shouldn't be the determining factor.  And when the markets aren't doing well the government steps in to help them.  We all remember what happened in 2008.  They literally had to print the money to bail them out.  But sure let's talk about cutting programs that help out people who are low income.  And why are a lot of those low income people low income? Because they work for companies who need to make sure their shareholders continue to make maximum profit.  Forgive me if I don't give a fuck how well the markets are doing.

I guess you won't like me then.  I'm a shareholder (though I'm not one of THOSE shareholders.  I don't have THAT kind of money) as are millions of people.  Your pension plan likely holds some of your feared shares too.  And my husband and I have some in our son's education savings plan.  

[bluegirl147]

2 minutes ago, PRgal said:

Your pension plan likely holds some of your feared shares too. 

I don't  have a pension. I work for a small business.  And millions of other people don't have pension plans either.  I'm not anti stocks or bonds or any of that.  What I am against is Republicans always wanting to blame the government's money woes on people who who are just trying to survive.

[peacheslatour]

41 minutes ago, PRgal said:

I guess you won't like me then.  I'm a shareholder (though I'm not one of THOSE shareholders.  I don't have THAT kind of money) as are millions of people.  Your pension plan likely holds some of your feared shares too.  And my husband and I have some in our son's education savings plan.  

I too depend on investment income. I don't see why the market has to be considered "the economy" that's just a smokescreen.

Edited Friday at 09:38 PM by peacheslatour

[bluegirl147]

3 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't see why the market has to be considered "the economy" that's just a smokescreen.

Yes.  As long as people invested in the stock market is doing well they can pat themselves on the back.  But if people are struggling to make ends meet that is their fault and they just need to try harder.

[peacheslatour]

Uh oh, looks like Trump found out about the flags flying at half staff.

WASHINGTON ― President-elect Donald Trump lashed out Friday over plans for the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff during his upcoming inauguration to honor the late President Jimmy Carter ‒ but the White House said it isn't reconsidering the order.

American flags have been flying at half-staff at all federal properties including the Capitol since Dec. 29, when President Joe Biden ordered the measure of respect for 30 days following Carter's death. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th president on Jan. 20, which falls within the 30-day window.

"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, incorrectly using the term that refers to flags being flown halfway up the mast on a ship at sea, not a flag pole. "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves."

[kittykat]

4 minutes ago, bluegirl147 said:

Yes.  As long as people invested in the stock market is doing well they can pat themselves on the back.  But if people are struggling to make ends meet that is their fault and they just need to try harder.

We have investments on the market so we've definitely discussed buying low when the market takes the inevitable dip.  I told Mr. Kat, Trump and Elon want to take away my rights, I'm taking their money.

If the Democrats do want to get people back on economic messaging they need to stop comparing people's well being to the stock market and the GDP and give real numbers on how impoverished and lower classes are faring because most people will never be able to invest in our real time Monopoly simulator.

[bluegirl147]

9 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, incorrectly using the term that refers to flags being flown halfway up the mast on a ship at sea, not a flag pole. "They think it’s so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country, they only think about themselves."

Speaking of someone who only thinks about himself.

[Ohiopirate02]

30 minutes ago, bluegirl147 said:

I don't  have a pension. I work for a small business.  And millions of other people don't have pension plans either.  I'm not anti stocks or bonds or any of that.  What I am against is Republicans always wanting to blame the government's money woes on people who who are just trying to survive.

I have a pension, and also multiple 401Ks. But, I am willing to see a couple thousand less** in my twilight years if that means more Americans can earn a true living wage and afford decent housing. Publicly traded companies can thrive and pay out those sweet dividends shareholders expect while paying their employees living wages. They just choose not to because it means the 1% would be a fraction poorer. 

**it would probably be even less than this in reality because I am a conservative investor who understands compound interest.

[ProudMary]

29 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

Uh oh, looks like Trump found out about the flags flying at half staff.

I like to think that President Carter, knowing the protocol, managed to hold on until he was within thirty days of Inauguration Day. 😉

Edited Friday at 09:43 PM by ProudMary
Fixed a typo as there's no J in hold.

[Eri]

The staunch MAGA Republicans only eased their grip on Johnson because they require a Speaker to certify Trump's election results, and the ongoing infighting is merely delaying that process. They are "playing nice" for the time being; however, I don't believe Johnson's challenges will be over. And for what reason? Merely because he is open to working with Democrats?

A small faction of conservatives wishes to ignore the existence of the Dems entirely and just manage all legislation independently, without any collaboration with others, displaying a lack of willingness to be team players. How is that democratic? I cannot believe voters would elect such confrontational and obstinate figures and refer to them as "politicians." I'd personally prefer to elect people willing to work with others, but that's just me. These House "representatives" are a joke 😔

 

[PRgal]

He WILL face sentencing

 

I get that it's just lip service since he's unlikely getting jail time, but hey, still a win.

[Dimity]

2 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

Uh oh, looks like Trump found out about the flags flying at half staff.

This has been talked about since the day Jimmy Carter died.  Either Trump is as ignorant as we all believe him to be or he knew then what was going to happen and waited for some Trumpian reason of his own to get all indignant about it until now.  Poor little sausage.

Edited Friday at 11:30 PM by Dimity

[Annber03]

4 hours ago, Dimity said:

I wonder if they've given any thought to it being perhaps not the best idea for them to spend the two years before the next election reminding the electorate of Jan 6th.  .

Ah, but see, that would require them to actually bother to use their brains, and, well...yeah. 

[Spartan Girl]

33 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Either Trump is as ignorant as we all believe him to be or he knew then what was going to happen and waited for some Trumpian reason of his own to get all indignant about it until now. 

Oh shut up, Trump, you big crybaby. Someday you’ll have the flags at half-staff for you out of protocol too. 

Edited Saturday at 12:03 AM by Spartan Girl

[Lantern7]

17 minutes ago, Spartan Girl said:

Oh shut up, Trump, you big crybaby. Someday you’ll have the flags at half-staff for you out of protocol too. 

Is there a direct opposite of half-mast? Maybe fuller-mast? Extend the pole so the flag flies even higher?

2 hours ago, ProudMary said:

I like to think that President Carter, knowing the protocol, managed to hold on until he was within thirty days of Inauguration Day. 😉

I doubt it. That would have required awareness and pettiness. I’m certain President Carter didn’t have the latter.

[Dimity]

Sadly, Canada is going down the Trumpian path. 

[Absolom]

It may be time to figure out where the handbasket to hell is.  It seems much of the world wants to get into it.

[JustHereForFood]

On 1/2/2025 at 1:19 PM, tearknee said:

Then why Brexit, why both Trumps with so many educated, liberal women (and men)? 

 

Answer: in the voting booth, people can vote as they think.

Answer: Russian propaganda and people who fall for it.

[tearknee]

9 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

218-215 - Johnson wins on first ballot

What kind of deal did he make to get this to happen?

Putin has something *very* important that gives him his hold over Trump -- and as I said way up thread, Trump won't be the only one compromised.

[tearknee]

9 hours ago, PRgal said:

I guess you won't like me then.  I'm a shareholder (though I'm not one of THOSE shareholders.  I don't have THAT kind of money) as are millions of people.  Your pension plan likely holds some of your feared shares too.  And my husband and I have some in our son's education savings plan.  

Exactly. Many progressive activists seem to be like that - remember that extending copyright etc. has helped a lot of "the little people" too, especially those who have managed to remain free of the major record companies etc. -- that doesn't seem to matter to said self-appointed activists and spokespeople. But most people are not advocates or activists, so they don't represent too many of "our communities" but... themselves (GLAAD, NOW, AARP and etc.).

[nokat]

4 hours ago, Absolom said:

It may be time to figure out where the handbasket to hell is.  It seems much of the world wants to get into it.

I think it's more than a handbasket.

[tearknee]

This also fits the situation:

"Kinda makes you nostalgic for the homicidal creatures, doesn't it?"

-- Velma (Scooby-Doo 2002 l-action movie)

Edited Saturday at 09:00 AM by tearknee

[Ohiopirate02]

12 hours ago, JustHereForFood said:

Answer: Russian propaganda and people who fall for it.

Look when it comes to Brexit, never underestimate the xenophobia of the Brits.

[peacheslatour]

[Dimity]

39 minutes ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

Look when it comes to Brexit, never underestimate the xenophobia of the Brits.

We lived in England for almost 10 years and almost without exception every taxi driver we got ranted about immigrants.  We, apparently, were given a pass since we were blue eyed blondes from Canada.  It was pretty obvious immigration wasn't the real issue.

[Ohiopirate02]

12 minutes ago, Dimity said:

We lived in England for almost 10 years and almost without exception every taxi driver we got ranted about immigrants.  We, apparently, were given a pass since we were blue eyed blondes from Canada.  It was pretty obvious immigration wasn't the real issue.

If you were blue eyed blondes from Poland, then it would have been another story. I believe Canadians get a pass because it is possible that your ancestors are in the Doomsday Book. Just as long as your ancestors do not hail from Wales, Scotland, or Ireland.

[Dimity]

Just now, Ohiopirate02 said:

Just as long as your ancestors do not hail from Wales, Scotland, or Ireland.

Since my husband's family is from Scotland and mine from Ireland it's a good thing we had Canadian accents then!  I have to say the most negative comments we ever got were when people thought we were American.  Even then the comments were usually good natured - but definitely negative!

[peacheslatour]

10 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Since my husband's family is from Scotland and mine from Ireland it's a good thing we had Canadian accents then!  I have to say the most negative comments we ever got were when people thought we were American.  Even then the comments were usually good natured - but definitely negative!

When we went to France, everyone assumed we were English. Probably because my mom and I wear tweed and leather shoes, no baseball caps or sneakers. Plus I carried the Daily Herald around with me. They had the NYT crossword puzzle.

[Dimity]

[peacheslatour]

41 minutes ago, Blergh said:

Will someone explain to me why Fuentes (a person who by his own telling is of Mexican descent) would ally himself with #45 who considers others from his own ancestral background to be 'tainted blood'? And why would Fuentes want to be a white supremacist anyway instead of urging everyone to be fairminded and to judge individuals by their individual actions instead of by their ethnicity? Does he think cheering on bullies will get them to ignore his own ethnicity  the second they no longer have any use for him? Yeah, like that always worked in middle and high school. .

What a TONTO!

BTW, it needs to be said that Musk himself was born in South Africa yet not only have I never of him saying one peep against apartheid, I've never heard of him attempting to use any of his massive monies to help better life for any of the citizens of his birth nation so why should anyone expect him to improve things for anyone in the US?

The irony is that Trump was a rabid birther against Obama, constantly claiming he had proof of his African birth when Obama was born in America. Now here we have a real African and he's working Trump like a puppet master and Donnie doesn't even say a word. 

[Anela]

2 hours ago, Ohiopirate02 said:

Look when it comes to Brexit, never underestimate the xenophobia of the Brits.

The reform party seems to be British MAGA. I have an aunt who hated trump, but liked a post from a Scottish mutual friend (family friend since 1996 or so, from when she lived over here), who said she was happy that trump won. That aunt is a reform voter, as is the Scottish mutual, and most of my family over there isn’t.  
 

Edited Saturday at 07:02 PM by Anela

[peacheslatour]

2 minutes ago, Anela said:

The reform party seems to be British MAGA. I have an aunt who hated trump, but liked a post from a Scottish mutual friend (family friend since 1996 or so, from when she lived over here), who said she was happy that trump won. That aunt is a reform voter, as is the Scottish mutual, and most of my family over there isn’t.  
 

I thought the Tories were the English MAGAs?

[Anela]

3 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I thought the Tories were the English MAGAs?

Reform is the extreme end, from what I can tell. 

[Dimity]

5 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I thought the Tories were the English MAGAs?

Sadly, the Republican party in the US has become what are usually somewhat (but becoming less so) fringe far right parties in most other countries.

[nokat]

23 hours ago, Dimity said:

by the machinations of those around him.  They've gotten what they want from him.

They got it. Now we get to enjoy "interesting times."

[peacheslatour]

5 minutes ago, Dimity said:

Sadly, the Republican party in the US has become what are usually somewhat (but becoming less so) fringe far right parties in most other countries.

That, I knew.

[Dimity]

4 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

That, I knew.

And with Musk bankrolling them people like Farage (Reform UK party) in the UK and far right groups in countries like Germany are gaining ground.  Did anyone foresee this back when Trump first reared his big orange head in the race for the White House?  Unleashing of the global hell hounds I mean.   I sure didn't.

Edited Saturday at 07:21 PM by Dimity

[nokat]

1 minute ago, Dimity said:

And with Musk bankrolling them people like Farange (Reform UK party) in the UK and far right groups in countries like Germany are gaining ground.  Did anyone foresee this back when Trump first reared his big orange head in the race for the White House?  Unleashing of the global hell hounds I mean.   I sure didn't.

A few did, and people didn't listen. 

[peacheslatour]

1 minute ago, Dimity said:

And with Musk bankrolling them people like Farange (Reform UK party) in the UK and far right groups in countries like Germany are gaining ground.  Did anyone foresee this back when Trump first reared his big orange head in the race for the White House?  Unleashing of the global hell hounds I mean.   I sure didn't.

When Hitler started invading his neighbors, most of Europe rose up against him and after Pearl Harbor the US came into it to. Through their combined efforts and so much sacrifice, the Allies prevailed. Who will ride in to save the world from Fascism this time?