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You are here: Home / z-Retired Categories / Previous Site Maintenance / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  November 12, 20087:43 am| 44 Comments

This post is in: Previous Site Maintenance

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I’m picking out a thread for you.
Not an ordinary thread, it’s true.

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Previous Post: « Project Valour-IT
Next Post: “Not many jobs out there for potheads” »

Reader Interactions

44Comments

  1. 1.

    El Gordo

    November 12, 2008 at 7:59 am

    I was just thinking about all the pundits jabbering about America being "center-right", and I was wondering where, exactly do you define the "center"?

    I mean in mainstream politics, you have guys who would rival Hitler on a political compass for far-rightness, but the left is no where near as radical as the righties (the most "radical" they get is making rich folk pay more tax).

    Where does that leave the center?

  2. 2.

    Hari

    November 12, 2008 at 8:01 am

    But the extra best thread that you can buy
    With vinyl and stripes, and a cup built right in
    I’m picking out a thread for you
    And maybe a barometer too
    And what else can I buy, so on me you’ll rely
    A rear-end thermometer too

  3. 3.

    kommrade jakevich

    November 12, 2008 at 8:03 am

    Meanwhile, in another state that begins with C:

    While there’s anger and recriminations in California’s gay-rights movement after voters there banned same-sex marriage, gay couples in Connecticut are at the opposite extreme: They’re getting ready to pick up marriage license forms.

  4. 4.

    MR. Bill

    November 12, 2008 at 8:04 am

    Uhhh, "The Jerk", right?

  5. 5.

    robertdsc

    November 12, 2008 at 8:04 am

    You got a mention at OpenLeft, John.

    Har de har har.

  6. 6.

    MR. Bill

    November 12, 2008 at 8:10 am

    From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
    Rep. Paul Broun (GA-Idiot) expresses ‘regret’ for calling Pres. Elect Obama a ‘marxist’ but does it again: below is a rough, partial transcript of a friendly interview with the Athens congressman — Rhodes is well-known in conservative Republican circles in Georgia.

    BROUN: The point that I tried to make when I talked to Ben Evans last night — the AP reporter — was that Barack Obama made this speech back in July. I didn’t even become aware of it until about a week ago.

    And it just causes me concern. I know that [Obama] is extremely liberal, he has already had a position that has been pretty much an anti-Second Amendment — in my opinion — position. He says he’s for the Second Amendment, but he still wants to institute gun control. And then he made this speech in Colorado back in July where he said he wants to establish a civilian national security force that’s as strong and as well-funded as the U.S. military.

    And the point I’ve made is that I don’t know what that means, and the press has totally given him a pass on this — has not questioned him at all about what his intent is, and that we have seen historically, in totalitarian regimes, we have seen whoever that individual is establish a civilian national security force that’s responsible to that individual….

    [Broun again brings up his conversation Monday with Evans, the Associated press reporter.]

    BROUN: The point that he was trying to make was that I was accusing Barack Obama of wanting to establish a dictatorship, but nothing could be further from the truth….

    [Rhodes asks Broun if he regrets making the calling Obama a Marxist during a Rotary Club meeting over the weekend.]

    BROUN: I regret saying it that way. Yes, I do. I apologize to anybody that’s taken offense at that.

    The point I tried to make is that he is extremely liberal, he has promoted a lot of socialistic ideas, and it just makes me concerned.

    I’m hoping he’s going to govern differently from the way he’s stating things as a candidate…I’m taking a wait-and-see attitude. I’m not throwing any stones.

    RHODES: If you’ll take two-cents worth of free advice, if what you said was a mistake, you need to let the national media know that. I make slips of the tongue all the time — I just don’t want them to hang you out to dry for your heart being in the right place but your mouth going in the wrong direction.

    BROUN: Sure. Well, I appreciate that advice.

    RHODES: I mean, it’s on the Drudge Report, which means the world is seeing it.

    BROUN: I would hope that the press release we sent out accomplishes that. You don’t think that it does?

    RHODES: I don’t see where you said you misspoke, the way that you just said that you did.

    BROUN: Well, okay.

    RHODES: And you may want to be a little more specific about this…

    BROUN: In fact, when the lady at the Rotary Club took me to task for saying that Obama was a Marxist, I tried to correct it at that point, and [the Augusta Chronicle reporter] didn’t ever make the point that I made — that I thought that he had a Marxist position on a lot of issues, and I’m just concerned about it.

    [Broun and Rhodes both go on to criticize Republican John McCain and his ā€œmilktoastā€ campaign.] (and the real dirt is in the reader comments.. My home state never disappoints in wingnuttery.. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/index.html

  7. 7.

    Tattoosydney

    November 12, 2008 at 8:18 am

    @robertdsc:

    From the comment on that link:

    I mean, I admit I have kind like a crush on Ann Althouse, but marrying her never even remotely crossed my mind.

    I have to go and scrub out my brain with steel wool now…

  8. 8.

    JGabriel

    November 12, 2008 at 8:35 am

    John Cole

    I’m picking out a thread for you.
    Not an ordinary thread, it’s true.

    Are ordinary threads false?

    Just so we know, for future reference.

    .

  9. 9.

    JGabriel

    November 12, 2008 at 8:40 am

    I mean, I admit I have kind like a crush on Ann Althouse, but marrying her never even remotely crossed my mind.

    Damn. And here I thought my self-esteem was low.

    I mean, how desparate do you have to be to consider tapping Ann Althouse?

    .

  10. 10.

    kommrade jakevich

    November 12, 2008 at 8:47 am

    John was born a poor black child…

  11. 11.

    Tattoosydney

    November 12, 2008 at 8:53 am

    I was browsing through the Corner to see what the idiots were up to – it’s a little boring over there – KLo crapping on about Caroline Kennedy being appointed to the Supreme Court, Derbyshire mulling the death of conservatism… blah blah blah…

    However, this stood out for me…

    The victory of President-Elect Obama has generated public weeping. Lots of people captured on television have had tears running down their cheeks, and sometimes their voices have broken as they try to respond to an interviewer. It is a very disturbing phenomenon. The rational choice of the individual voter is essential to the working of democracy.

    …

    The trouble is that reality reasserts itself pretty soon in this world, and emotion is not the tool to deal with it. The return of reason comes at a cost, however. Those who couldn’t help weeping at Obama’s election displayed expectations of a very high order, and if in future they are ever disappointed with him they will also be disappointed with themselves.

    What a dickhead.

  12. 12.

    jenniebee

    November 12, 2008 at 8:54 am

    Ho-lee shit, MR Bill wasn’t kidding about the wacky comments:

    Obama is not a Marxist, he’s a Democrat. It has its own socialist baggage. No need to sully the reputation of Marxists. Do a web search for Obama. Most of the first PAGES of stories related to him are in the foreign press. Note, however, the AP story regarding the skyrocketing sale of firearms. Here we go. Lock and load, America. You know the drill. Last time it was 600,000 dead. What will it be this time. Freedom is never free. But, it sure as hell isn’t subsidized by the government. Sector clear, move!

    I like the HALOesque sign off.

    Peace, out!

  13. 13.

    Comrade Jake

    November 12, 2008 at 9:05 am

    @robertdsc:

    Right, then this comment from Gray:

    Yeah, you and macho conservative John Cole…
    what a nice pair. I can already see it in my mind. The honeymoon struggles, the regular domestic violence, the ugly divorce…
    Ā 
    I mean, now honestly, what do you expect from a guy who voted for George W. Bush TWICE???

    I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest this numbnut doesn’t read BJ on a regular basis.

  14. 14.

    Tattoosydney

    November 12, 2008 at 9:15 am

    Meanwhile, Wonkette’s cunning plan to take over the "Rebuild the GOP" website has been temporarily foiled as "Truck Nutz for all!!" appears to have been deleted just as it was hitting number one…

    Mind you there is still a lot of comedy gold in there to vote for… some snark…

    Continue to move further to the right. Government should tell us how to live our lives — it should mandate what substances we use, who we can marry, and whether or not we have control over our own bodies.
    …
    We should continue our crusades against the vile muslims, and this should be one of our major platforms as well. Statistically, a terrorist could kill you at any second — this is frightening to me. We must detain all muslim-looking individuals and islamic practicing individuals in order to insure that we aren’t caught off guard by a terrorist attack.

    and some so mindless they must be real…

    For too long the left has been seen as the "cool" party for the youth. It’s time we fight back by embracing pop-culture by outreaching and creating our own entertainment media avenues such as entertainment oriented blogs, broadcasting, reporting, and parties.

    Woo! Sign me up for a "Rebuild the GOP Party" Party. Alaskan meth for everyone!!

  15. 15.

    Josh Hueco

    November 12, 2008 at 9:16 am

    establish a civilian national security force

    Isn’t that what NRA types claim the second amendment was intended to do?

  16. 16.

    bago

    November 12, 2008 at 9:35 am

    Not "just as" it was hitting #1. Long after it hit #1. TRUCK NUTZ 4 MAH BITTERSZ!!!!

  17. 17.

    Comrade Jake

    November 12, 2008 at 9:37 am

    I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m getting pretty tired of seeing Palin on the teevee in the morning. There’s some irony that now she wants to do a lot of interviews.

    I assume she’s trying to redeem her image or something, but I don’t think she’s really helping herself. Mostly at this point she’s just annoying as all heck.

  18. 18.

    Tattoosydney

    November 12, 2008 at 9:39 am

    @bago:

    I stand corrected…

    "Truck Nutz for Cars as well as F-150" is working its way up the rankings though….

  19. 19.

    Punchy

    November 12, 2008 at 9:40 am

    Hey Cole….uh….yeah. Armando’s pissed at you.

    No surprise, of course.

  20. 20.

    Original Lee

    November 12, 2008 at 9:42 am

    Larison has had several posts about some recent statements by Obama about inserting the U.S. into the India-Pakistan negotiations over Kashmir. I’m assuming that Obama is pushing this because his advisors see a national security advantage to resolving the issue, but is Larison right that Obama appears to be on the wrong track? This is not my area of expertise at all.

  21. 21.

    Comrade Jake

    November 12, 2008 at 9:47 am

    I would resist getting into a pissing match with Mr. Cheese Dick (aka BTD) over at TalkLeft. I’m glad he has his little corner of the universe mostly to himself. Seriously, TalkLeft has maybe ten rabid PUMA fans left.

  22. 22.

    Tattoosydney

    November 12, 2008 at 9:48 am

    @Punchy:

    But do remember this from the Cult:

    Yes, I voted for Bush twice, but I proudly state I am not as stupid as BTD. Period.

    That, is a matter of opinion.

    Punctuation, is not Amand’os strong point is, it?

  23. 23.

    Gravenstone

    November 12, 2008 at 9:51 am

    @Comrade Jake:

    Maybe he considers Neti Pot addiction, beer snobbery and indentured servitude to a portly feline to be fine masculine traits?

  24. 24.

    Brian J

    November 12, 2008 at 9:52 am

    I was just thinking about all the pundits jabbering about America being "center-right", and I was wondering where, exactly do you define the "center"?

    I mean in mainstream politics, you have guys who would rival Hitler on a political compass for far-rightness, but the left is no where near as radical as the righties (the most "radical" they get is making rich folk pay more tax).

    Where does that leave the center?

    I think most Democrats are where people would consider the center to be.

    I’d write a longer response explaining my thoughts on this, but (a) my stomach hurts, (b) I have to take my car in, and (c) I have to call the dealership for the warranty information. Thus, maybe in an hour or so.

  25. 25.

    robertdsc

    November 12, 2008 at 10:01 am

    I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m getting pretty tired of seeing Palin on the teevee in the morning. There’s some irony that now she wants to do a lot of interviews.

    I can’t look at her anymore. She’s pretty and all, or at least I think so, but the hate and stupid bleeds through. Her Neiman-Marxism is a real drag, too. Also.

  26. 26.

    Cyrus

    November 12, 2008 at 10:06 am

    Andrew Sullivan linked to Nate Silver (prophet) about Proposition 8. Silver apparently disagrees with Michael D.

    Not to restart that long, angry comment thread, but I think genuinely interesting.

  27. 27.

    Josh Hueco

    November 12, 2008 at 10:14 am

    OT, but is there a bigger tool on all of sports talk radio than Colin Cowherd? It’s only 15 minutes into this morning’s show and he’s already repeated his number one talking point 4,267 times.

  28. 28.

    Stooleo

    November 12, 2008 at 10:19 am

    I missed the dog thread last night, but I wanted to claim the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. His name is Charlie. Corgis can be a bit stubborn so they need a firm hand, but mostly they are playful, happy hams. Here is a video of Charlie doing silly tricks.

  29. 29.

    RememberNovember

    November 12, 2008 at 10:30 am

    please keep the rectal thermometer to yourself.

  30. 30.

    Jon H

    November 12, 2008 at 10:31 am

    Thread? What, are you Atrios now?

  31. 31.

    demimondian

    November 12, 2008 at 10:51 am

    @Jon H: Well, to be more accurate, it should be "rope" here. As in "Giving the commenters enough to hang themselves with".

  32. 32.

    CT

    November 12, 2008 at 10:57 am

    @Josh

    Hear, hear re: Cowherd. That guy is all kinds of stupid-reminds me a lot of BTD, now that I think about it-all bluster and argument by assertion, repeated endlessly. He repels facts like turtle wax (note to self: save that line for my next hip hop joint).

    I recall him ranting once about how an NBA team should never draft a college center, because of so many high profile busts, while you NEVER see that with college point guards. He was deluged with counter examples from callers and emailers, and he would respond by asserting that some crappy point guard really was a good pro. I switched him off as he launched into a spirited defense of Pearl Washington’s NBA career.

  33. 33.

    Brian J

    November 12, 2008 at 11:02 am

    I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m getting pretty tired of seeing Palin on the teevee in the morning. There’s some irony that now she wants to do a lot of interviews.

    I assume she’s trying to redeem her image or something, but I don’t think she’s really helping herself. Mostly at this point she’s just annoying as all heck.

    Yes, and no.

    I don’t particularly mind that she’s on television all the time, because I don’t watch her interviews. I haven’t even read that Newsweek piece that revealed all of the juicy gossip on how crappy it was inside the McCain campaign. At this point, I don’t really care that much. If she’s going to try to run in 2012, she’s got to start to rehabilitate her image now, at least in the sense that she tries to put the rumors of her being an idiot to rest. I don’t know if time is the key part of people accepting the idea of someone being president, but if it’s not, then she has more work to do to make her seem ready.

    I do want her to go away, sort of, because I don’t imagine her ever being ready to run a campaign that wouldn’t lose in a landslide. I don’t know if she’s stupid, but she seems willfully shallow. And whatever sort of comedic elements she brought by her entrance onto the national stage aren’t as funny now that the election is over.

  34. 34.

    Josh Hueco

    November 12, 2008 at 11:28 am

    @CT:

    When I still lived in Oregon, Cowherd was a local TV anchor and radio guy. Back then, he actually had some thoughtful, out-of-the-box things to say about sports and fandom. But once he hit the big time it’s been nothing but his big ego and lame schtick, 24/7. That’ probably why my brain hurts when I listen to him now, because he’s become another hack pandering to his niche audience.

  35. 35.

    Comrade Darkness

    November 12, 2008 at 11:31 am

    @Original Lee: I’m assuming that Obama is pushing this because his advisors see a national security advantage to resolving the issue, but is Larison right that Obama appears to be on the wrong track

    So Larison believes that U.S.-India relations are fragile and that’s the basis for his assumptions. I would say that’s an outrightly false assumption. I’ve been to India, reactionary editorials are standard fare there and have little effect on policy, so citing them as evidence is a mistake. He’s wrong too that Bush did well because he ignored kashmir. He did well because he negotiated a ridiculously lopsided India-favored nuclear policy with them. That alone should buy U.S. leadership rather a lot of pull on any other topic. What, suddenly the Right is in favor of total political give-aways with no expectation of buying influence or at least good favor? Let me make a note of that, cuz that’s gonna come up again, I’m certain.

    India is awakening as an independent powerhouse and as part of the cultural changes there is a lot of blinders-on rhetoric and history rewriting going on in the interest of national ego building, but India is so huge and so diverse that any such rhetoric can only represent the views of a minority. The grace of U.S. attention still holds enormous sway, especially with the people themselves. So, yes, it’s a political minefield, but I expect Obama knows to go into it with attitude of assisting the dialog rather than one of sitting recalcatrant children down for a good talking to. Just because Bush couldn’t differentiate those two, doesn’t mean no one can.

    Kashmir, once stabilized, could be bribed with the lure of tourist money to remain stable. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. There is always the chance that if you get them past the hump and into a growing economy that, like Northern Ireland, the troublemakers will begin to be seen not as heros but as thugs. So there is a chance. But Obama is not going to "solve" this. He can maybe "move it forward". Solving is not possible over the short 2 terms of a u.s. presidency.

  36. 36.

    J.

    November 12, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Goo goo g’joob.

    Are you the Walrus, John?

    Since it’s open mic morning, any you folks concerned about all these government bailouts? Just this morning I read in the New York Times Online that now law firms are hurting big time. Next thing you know we’ll be bailing out the lawyers. Pathetic.

  37. 37.

    Punchy

    November 12, 2008 at 11:45 am

    yall know that Cowherd is a die-hard Republican, right? that’s why he’s such a pompass blowhard

  38. 38.

    Josh Hueco

    November 12, 2008 at 12:00 pm

    @Punchy:

    Well, Keith Olbermann is a pompous blowhard, but he’s smart and liberal and has something worthwhile to say. Cowherd…not so much.

  39. 39.

    South of I-10

    November 12, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    Why does it always have to be in Louisiana? What a bunch of friggin morons. I guess the only upside is that they are killing each other. The pictures are pretty much exactly what I would expect. *Sigh*

  40. 40.

    Freelancer

    November 12, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    I’d have better use for a Thermos.

  41. 41.

    Dave

    November 12, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    OT – http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/12/news/economy/paulson/index.htm

    Nice. So, the original purpose of the bailout money is no longer accurate –

    "Paulson also said the government is no longer planning to buy troubled mortgage assets, the original goal of the plan."

    Is now –

    "broaden the reach of the $700 billion bailout plan to support non-bank financial institutions that provide consumer credit, such as credit cards and auto loans."

    Earth to Congress –

    Oversight. Yes, Please.

  42. 42.

    schlagle

    November 12, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    great post. I love that movie. Pic of me Halloween ’02:

    The Jerk

  43. 43.

    NonWonderDog (ŠŠµŠøŠ½Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŠµŃŠ½Š°ŃŠ”Š¾Š±Š°ŠŗŠ°)

    November 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    @Tattoosydney:

    I of course participated in the glorious TruckNutz! r[love]ution, but there’s something on that page I hadn’t noticed before:

    Demo☭rats

    That just blows my mind. There’s a hammer and sickle character? Anyone know the unicode for that?

  44. 44.

    demimondian

    November 12, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    @NonWonderDog (ŠŠµŠøŠ½Ń‚ŠµŃ€ŠµŃŠ½Š°ŃŠ”Š¾Š±Š°ŠŗŠ°): You asked, we answered. Here’s a reference, which indicates that the character is U+262D, which would be [ampersand] [octothorpe] x262D [semicolon]: ☭.

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