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You are here: Home / Organizing & Resistance / #OWS / It’s Cold Out There for Occupy Everywhere

It’s Cold Out There for Occupy Everywhere

by Anne Laurie|  November 21, 20115:38 pm| 171 Comments

This post is in: #OWS, C.R.E.A.M., Don't Mourn, Organize, Excellent Links, Shitty Cops

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Our Balloon Juice correspondent in Missoula, Taryn Hart,reports on a low-tech security-forces tactic suitable for harrassing even the humblest Occupy encampment:

I had heard from several of the 24/7 occupiers at Occupy Missoula that the police have dropped off drunken, belligerent people at the occupation. I happened to be there when just that happened. A woman who was extremely drunk and was belligerent was dropped off by Officer Kasey Williams of the Missoula Police Department, Badge #348. She headed directly into the occupation and was belligerent and threatening. This very small occupation was forced to handle this on their own (which, by the way, they did very well).
__
As soon as I left I called Sgt. Jerry Odlin to speak to him about it. I informed him of the situation and informed him that the occupation has rules prohibiting intoxication. He denied that anything had been done to create disruption at the Occupy Missoula occupation.
__
For those of you who may not have seen the post regarding the authorities’ backhanded eviction attempt of Occupy Missoula – here’s that link. Occupy Missoula is still in dire need of funds and supplies to re-establish and Winterize the occupation – list here.

***********

I will risk the wrath of a thousand purists by saying, if Glenn Greenwald is reporting correctly, this is pretty genius:

… Over the past month, FDL — with the construction of this network — has done something truly amazing. In addition to police crackdowns, it has long been assumed that the greatest challenge to sustaining the Occupy movement would be the approaching harsh winter in Northern cities. The assumption — not unreasonable — was that few people would be willing to occupy outdoor spaces in zero-degree weather or below. FDL, with its “Occupy Supply” project, is all but ensuring the elimination of this problem.
__
Again using nothing more than reader donations, FDL designed and then purchased a full line of winter clothing for free distribution to the various Occupy sites around the nation: hats, sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, blankets, jackets, thermal underwear, face masks, and more. Every penny FDL raises — 100% — goes exclusively toward the manufacture and free distribution of these products to Occupy protesters. They have thus far raised close to $90,000, and spent roughly $85,000 of it on the purchase of almost 7,000 items. They have also furnished heat generators, tents, and sleeping bags to numerous sites as well.
__
What makes this activism particularly impressive is that it is designed to build an ongoing and highly effective support network. Rather than indiscriminately dumping the clothing at various encampments, FDL has built a network of liasons and representatives to ensure that it goes to the places that need it most, and that it reaches those who will use it for its intended purpose: primarily, the “sleeper” protesters, largely impoverished, who form the backbone of the camps. Beyond that, FDL has expended great efforts to ensure that the goods it distributes are manufactured not in Chinese sweatshops but rather entirely by American unions — a difficult challenge in this age of disappearing American industry — which in turn ensures that the workers producing the products enjoy health insurance, living wages, and a decent standard of living: aims of the Occupy movement itself…
__
One of the most striking conversations I had was with an organizer at Occupy Oakland right around the time that media reports began trying to demonize the camps by pointing to the homeless contingent that had become a part of them. She reacted with scorn at the notion that there was something improper or odd that some of the occupiers would be homeless, as though they are sub-human and should be hidden. But the point she really emphasized was that one of the functions served by the Oakland encampment was that it produced its own food from volunteers in a kitchen that had been built there; they were, in essence, doing something about the problem of homelessness — by feeding them — rather than simply demanding that something be done. Before the Oakland police tore it down, the site had become its own community, existing by its own rules and outside of prevailing societal norms, and one of its functions was to feed those who had no means of feeding themselves. It did not merely complain about the prevailing landscape, but rather provided an alternative form of existence and community to the one it was protesting…

During the original Gilded Age, small donations like this allowed the loose multi-community network known to its media detractors as Tammany Hall to set up the “urban Democratic political machines” that would deliver winning vote blocs well into the 1970s (and remain an evergreen boogey-monster for the Wingnut Welfare Wurlitzer and its Fox-News followers even today). As many of our own immigrant ancestors could attest, dry socks and a hot meal on a cold rainy night are worth a thousand blog posts spelling out the nefarious ties between Jane Hamsher and Grover Norquist — ten thousand, if those posts are larded with in-group jargon about ‘firebaggers’ and ‘Country United Not Timid’. Since our mutual enemies are determined to bring back the Age of the Robber Barons (this time, with cybernetic enhancements!), we can reclaim our progressive forebears’ tactics… one tarp, blanket, or flashlight at a time. No FDL required — but, for their many detractors, looks like they’ve thrown out a challenge.

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Previous Post: « Tiny Violins: The “Homeless Halloween Firm” is out of Business
Next Post: Occupy Everywhere: Blanket the Earth »

Reader Interactions

171Comments

  1. 1.

    BGinCHI

    November 21, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    Countdown till some Very Serious person describes this as welfare.

    Then they’ll breathlessly report that someone was seen at an Occupy site enjoying him or herself, or learning something, or knowing the causes of things.

    ETA: Reps from Occupy Chicago are coming to my university tomorrow to give a talk about what they’re doing and to answer questions. I’ll bet we get a really good turnout. I haven’t met anyone under 40 who doesn’t agree with what they’re doing. But then again, I don’t associate with fucking idiots.

  2. 2.

    TheYankeeApologist

    November 21, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I loathe that website and most of the commenters there, generally speaking, but this is undeniably awesome. Absolutely ironclad, and I laud everyone involved. I won’t be saying this often, but well done, FDL. Well done indeed.

  3. 3.

    cathyx

    November 21, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    Uh oh, you mentioned she(and he) who must not be named on this blog. You’re going to hear about it now.

  4. 4.

    gwangung

    November 21, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    @TheYankeeApologist: That is, indeed, laudable.

  5. 5.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    I have it on good authority that those peaceful UC Davis students that were pepper sprayed were admitted by the very same employees of the Chancellor as the police. There’s no question they were planted.

    The conspiracy goes far and wide, people.

  6. 6.

    Linda Featheringill

    November 21, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Good for FDL!

    That should cover a few sins. :-)

  7. 7.

    Cris (without an H)

    November 21, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Good for FDL.

    I’m sure there will be plenty of people questioning (or assuming the worst about) their motivations, but heck with that. This is real action, real support, and it deserves unqualified praise.

  8. 8.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    At the risk of being labeled as “one who bags fire”, I’m in.

  9. 9.

    BGinCHI

    November 21, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    @Martin:

    I have it on good authority that those peaceful UC Davis students that were pepper sprayed were admitted by the very same employees of the Chancellor as the police. There’s no question they were planted by Obama.

    Fixed for enhanced Firedoglakiness.

  10. 10.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    Oh, and I think we need to coin a new word. “Poll: No News At All Is More Informative Than Fox”

    There’s got to be a word which means more stupid than someone who knows nothing. Negative knowledge, as it were. I’ve always used ‘retarded’ for that, basically to suggest that someone is actively, deliberately stupid, in an effort to rebrand the term away from its historic meaning, but maybe that’s a misguided effort by me.

    Oh, and I’m not sure ‘Uppityism’ is a word. I am sure it doesn’t need to be a word though.

  11. 11.

    vernon

    November 21, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    Don’t you get it, Anne Laurie? The Right criticizes Obama in bad faith; therefore FDL’s (and Michael Moore’s, and Glenn Greenwald’s) criticisms of him must also be in bad faith. AND everything else they do must be sleazy, wrong, or somehow suspect. Any questions?

  12. 12.

    Genine

    November 21, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    While I’m not a fan of the site (except Tbogg), I think this is good of them. I’d like to think that most people would acknowledge that no matter their personal feelings about the site.

  13. 13.

    BGinCHI

    November 21, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    @Martin: Wrongaware.

    “Lyle was more wrongaware about Muslims after watching Sean Hannity.”

    Or dumbfucked.

    “Roy spent an hour before work getting dumbfucked by Fox & Friends.”

  14. 14.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 5:55 pm

    The power of not saying anything.

  15. 15.

    askew

    November 21, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    Considering Jane’s shady fundraising past, I would be shocked if some of the money donated for winter clothing doesn’t wind up in her pockets. If I was inclined to donate money to OWS (which I am not), it certainly wouldn’t be through Blackface Jane’s site.

  16. 16.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    @BGinCHI: I cast my vote for “dumbfucked”.

  17. 17.

    Dr. Squid

    November 21, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    @Genine: It’s been said that the sun shines on a dog’s ass every once in a while.

  18. 18.

    Jenny

    November 21, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    @vernon:

    AND everything else they do must be sleazy, wrong, or somehow suspect.

    racist cartoons by Hamsher are sleazy, wrong, and worst

    http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/files/bagnews/images/joe-hamsher-black-face.jpg

  19. 19.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    As in @askew has been dumbfucked by so much negative FDL commentary that @askew isn’t thinking clearly.

  20. 20.

    AxelFoley

    November 21, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    Jane doesn’t do anything that doesn’t benefit Jane in some way.

    Fuck her, fuck Firedoglake and fuck Greenwald.

    Yeah, I said it. Fuck ’em.

  21. 21.

    mamayaga

    November 21, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    Rude Pundit is also organizing winter supplies for Occupiers.

  22. 22.

    Jenny

    November 21, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    If you want to make a donation, make it directly to OWS via their donor page.

    http://occupywallst.org/donate/

    I trust them to use my money a trillion times than outside groups and individuals trying to co-opt them.

  23. 23.

    Mattminus

    November 21, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    OMGZ!FDL is so racist that they won’t even let Chinese people make their goods! Why does Jane Hamsher hate Chinese people so much?

  24. 24.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    @Calming Influence:

    It’s a fair point to be mistrustful. Nearly all the money Accountability Now raised went into Jane, Ben and Glenn’s pockets instead of what they were advertising.

  25. 25.

    Moonbatman

    November 21, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    I informed him of the situation and informed him that the occupation has rules prohibiting intoxication.

    Just because we are breaking your stupid butthurt rules by Occupying the private property of the 1% does not mean you are exempt from the just rules of the 99%!
    Free Persecuted Political Prisoners Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky who showed Social Justice to the 1% rich Fatcat Petit family!!!

  26. 26.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    Ok, this is brilliant.

    h/t to Daring Fireball and Laughing Squid

  27. 27.

    Shlemizel

    November 21, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    How dare you say anything nice about FDL or GG – you know that both of them are much much much much worse than any Republican could ever be.

    Or at least thats what I have been led to believe from folks around here

  28. 28.

    Mattminus

    November 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    @Moonbatman:
    2/10

    A little bit on the nose, no?

  29. 29.

    jafg

    November 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    lol…Anne Laurie shows once again what a useless typing monkey she is by finding a way to praise FDL and Greenwald…..lol.

    Too funny. Hello Anne…anyone in there? By purists you are talking about FDL and Greenwald….not the other way around. Throw Mikey Moore in that soupy mess of purity trolling too.

  30. 30.

    Yevgraf

    November 21, 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Yeah, coz sending money to Occupy Missoula is gonna like accomplish soooooooooo very much due to its high profile.

    Fuck Jane Hamsher, and her little dog, too.

  31. 31.

    BGinCHI

    November 21, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    @Martin: Awesome. Political pong perfect.

  32. 32.

    Caz

    November 21, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Anyone who spends money to clothe the voluntarily homeless this winter rather than the involuntarily homeless is an asshole. If you have money for charity, give it to people who are needy, not spoiled trust fund brats who choose to spend cold winter days and nights disrupting local business, leisure, and work.

    Seriously, what is wrong with you people?

  33. 33.

    PatrickG

    November 21, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    @askew: Mind providing some background? I’m not that familiar with FDL/Hamsher, though I gather that the site/she mildly irritate some people here.

  34. 34.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 6:28 pm

    @lol: Not being snarky, can you point me to evidence of that?

  35. 35.

    Mattminus

    November 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    @PatrickG:

    Jane Hamsher is a 1000 foot tall Super Hitler who is responsible for the extinction of the 7 races of humanity that you’ve never heard of (because she ATE them all!).

  36. 36.

    General Stuck

    November 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    No FDL required—but, for their many detractors, looks like they’ve thrown out a challenge.

    Teehee, send Jane Hamsher money? That’s a good one.

    If you want to help, go to Jenny’s link above to donate directly to the OWS.@Jenny:

  37. 37.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    @Jenny: That site is actually not part of OWS proper. It’s an “affinity group” — check out the “who we are” portion at the bottom. There has been a struggle over the domain. That site wanted $8000 from OWS to take over the domain. I don’t know where the money collected through occupywallst.org goes. Safer to go to the individual occupy websites. Here’s nyc’s:

    http://www.nycga.net/how-to-help/

  38. 38.

    nepat

    November 21, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    This is what passes for “genius” now? Seriously?

  39. 39.

    Jenny

    November 21, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    @ChrisNYC: Thanks.

    ▼
    ▼
    ▼

    Support OWS directly!.

    http://www.nycga.net/how-to-help/

    ▲
    ▲
    ▲

    Cut out the middle men.

    The people on the ground know how to spend the money far better than any outside group.

  40. 40.

    daverave

    November 21, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    Might want to include ear plugs on that want list:
    http://www.minyanville.com/dailyfeed/2011/11/15/zuccotti-park-raid-is-lrad/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=Minyanville+Digest&utm_source=20111121

  41. 41.

    askew

    November 21, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    @PatrickG:

    Here are some links on how Jane has spent the money raised from previous projects:

    info on pac money

    Norbrook

    (this one has a ton of links to other pieces on Jane)

  42. 42.

    Yevgraf

    November 21, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Um (raises hand timidly), could somebody tell me why OWS needs money? Are we seeing the next generation of professional left activist failures a-borning?

  43. 43.

    arguingwithsignposts

    November 21, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    I ain’t gonna get into the T, other than to note, if others haven’t noted, that Lt. Pike is now a meme: Pepper Spray Cop

  44. 44.

    JPL

    November 21, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    Hopefully, the money is being used properly but I’d not chance it.
    BTW..Just in time for Thanksgiving I have a miserable case of poison ivy. Sores all over my face including my lips. I’ve had systemic poison ivy before so did go in for a shot, prednisone and prescription cream. I can live with discomfort on the face for awhile but that systemic stuff is awful… The reaction that I had did not cause breathing problems, just blisters all over my body so that’s good news.

  45. 45.

    PatrickG

    November 21, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    @Mattminus: Clearly she has unprecedented over the internet, too; a Google search for ‘hamsher super hitler’ didn’t turn up much!

    I haven’t visited FDL in a couple of years and hadn’t heard of any fundraising scam. A lazy search didn’t really get me much in the way of primary sources, but since I’m not in the habit of donating to anything via third parties, I’m not particularly motivated to look harder. Anyway, just mildy curious. Feed my lazy hunger for interesting reading material!

  46. 46.

    Scamp Dog

    November 21, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    @Martin: There’s already a word out there, Agnotology. This is no reason not to invent snarky alternatives, however. :)

  47. 47.

    Jeffro

    November 21, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    I can’t be the first person who’s thought of this or said it, but I’ve been away from BJ for a bit these past couple’a weeks: why don’t the various Occupy groups declare victory, go home, go virtual, and throw up a million ActBlue pages that support the most anti-Wall Street candidates available for 2012?

    Wouldn’t that be a lot more effective, with minimal blowback, than trying to fund emergency equipment and camping gear (especially for places like Missoula and Chicago?!?)

    Just sayin’…

  48. 48.

    Jenny

    November 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    If you live near a Occupy encampment, drop by and spend an afternoon. They’re amazing. If money is tight, you can volunteer your time. Either way, work with them directly via their site (http://www.nycga.net/how-to-help/) or in person.

  49. 49.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    @Calming Influence: It’s from their FEC filings.

    Example:

    http://workbench.cadenhead.org/news/3604/jane-hamsher-spends-her-pac-money

  50. 50.

    General Stuck

    November 21, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    OT

    Here ya go wingnuts, I got yer supercommittee right here

    Obama: ‘I Will Veto Any Effort’ to Undo Automatic Cuts

    I’d say that is a pretty fervent veto threat.

  51. 51.

    Chyron HR

    November 21, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    @Caz:

    voluntarily homeless

    Pssst, Caz, the official position of the Republican party is that all homelessness is “voluntary”. Try to keep up with the talking points, or someone might water the tree of liberty with you.

  52. 52.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    @Calming Influence:

    The PAC’s FEC reports. There was a fuss about it early last year because Greenwald had claimed on a couple occasions to not be paid by the PAC and the extent of how much money was going to consultants was not readily known.

    Out of the several hundred thousand given to the PAC, the sum-total of output appears to be Greenwald claiming credit for recruiting Bill Halter into the race against Blanche Lincoln. Which is probably news to labor. (And of course, Halter didn’t get any money from them nor did they perform any services.)

    Shortly after the Halter/Lincoln primary, Accountability Now vanished from the web (though it continued paying its vast raft of “consultants”) and as best as I can tell, they never announced any other candidates.

    Edit: Accountability Now’s stated purpose was the recruitment of true progressive challengers to incumbent Democrats. As I said, all they seemed to do was take credit for someone else’s high-profile recruitment and then vanish into the night.

  53. 53.

    some guy

    November 21, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    I would be shocked if some of the money donated for winter clothing doesn’t wind up in her pockets.

    see, that didn’t take long at all.

    Haters gotta hate.

  54. 54.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    @Scamp Dog: Oooh! Thank you. I didn’t know there already was a term for it.

    I’ll start promoting its use now.

  55. 55.

    dedc79

    November 21, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    So the UC Davis Chancellor is now apologizing to students over the pepper spray incident. It’s amazing what being told “Fix this now or you’re fired” will do to a person’s attitude.

  56. 56.

    taylormattd

    November 21, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    dry socks and a hot meal on a cold rainy night are worth a thousand blog posts spelling out the nefarious ties between Jane Hamsher and Grover Norquist—ten thousand, if those posts are larded with in-group jargon about ‘firebaggers’ and ‘Country United Not Timid’. Since our mutual enemies are determined to bring back the Age of the Robber Barons . . .

    Ironic that you drag out the woe-is-me-poor-put-upon-Jane routine. As if people are simply “attacking” her for no reason, and she hasn’t been a virulently nasty wackjob.

    For christ’s sake, *she* was the one declaring people who don’t sufficiently hate Obama to be enemies: “the dumbest motherfuckers in the world”.

    So take your victim routine and stow it. And please don’t forget to climb down from the cross before your next post.

  57. 57.

    ornery

    November 21, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I know FDL is a good group by the people that constantly slander them here.

  58. 58.

    Lojasmo

    November 21, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    @Caz:

    OWS is a place where people are provided food, shelter and warm clothing. Is it beyond imagination that some people who are truly homeless would camp there.

    I spent some time very close to occupy San fran, and that group seemed to contain a lot ov very truly marginal citizens.

    Because I feel dirty from honestly engaging your trolling skank ass, I will add a hearty “fuck you”.

  59. 59.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    @Jeffro: There are already a million ActBlue pages, yet how many times have you seen ActBlue mentioned in the press? Occupy Wall Street started just 2 months ago, yet how many times have you seen Occupy Wall Street in the press?

  60. 60.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    I think the more effective donation to this movement continuing to get traction would be to hand out pepper spray to any uniformed officers near encampments. Lots of encampments not in the news. Toss in some pepper spray, flash bangs, teargas, and now you’re headlining at CNN.

  61. 61.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    @Lojasmo:

    Is it beyond imagination that some people who are truly homeless would camp there.

    So, they’re indoctrinating good, upstanding homeless people now? The left know no depths…

  62. 62.

    some guy

    November 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    @ornery:

    the really funny thing is to watch these same whiners go over to Tbogg’s space and bitch about FDL.

    haters gotta hate.

  63. 63.

    harlana

    November 21, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    i understand that the cops are encouraging and directing the homeless to go to local Occupy sites for food and shelter for obvious reasons (further demonization of the movement)

  64. 64.

    passerby

    November 21, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    Thank you so much AWSP. I’m wiping tears over here.

  65. 65.

    MikeJ

    November 21, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    @passerby:

    I’m wiping tears over here.

    Get too close to a cop?

  66. 66.

    Jeffro

    November 21, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    @Calming Influence: I hear you, but a) I think half of the press (and definitely more than half of public opinion) is not helpfu to OWS, and b) I’m willing for ActBlue to stay under the radar AND be effective. Press attention does not always equate to effectiveness.

    I’d just rather spend money directly on campaigns that will fight Wall Street. I’d rather pay OWS and other Occupy supporters to go door-knocking and lit-dropping than spend it on huge amounts of gear so they can camp out in a Missoula winter.

    Fortunately we can all donate to whichever part of OWS we feel will be most effective. For me, that will be the most anti-Wall Street campaigns across the country…

  67. 67.

    passerby

    November 21, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    @MikeJ:

    Sure did. That’s what get for clicking on arguingwithsignposts’ link.

  68. 68.

    jafg

    November 21, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    So that is the BJ typing monkey bullsheit version.

    Now here is the truth.
    http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/11/glenn-greenwald-occupy-glass-houses-and.html

  69. 69.

    j

    November 21, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Just guessing, but as with her “Lt. Dan Choi NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!” fund raising operation, every time Mrs. Norquist pleads for money (send it to MEEeeeeeeee!”) it’s ALL about HER!

  70. 70.

    bin Lurkin'

    November 21, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    @nepat:

    This is what passes for “genius” now? Seriously?

    Heh.. You have no doubt heard of the Republican candidates for president?

    Compared to them practically anything can be called genius.

  71. 71.

    soonergrunt

    November 21, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    dry socks and a hot meal on a cold rainy night are worth a thousand blog posts spelling out the nefarious ties between Jane Hamsher and Grover Norquist

    When Jane Fucking Hamsher donates an equal amount of the money that she scammed from the firebaggers with her little projects, (and kept to herself in salary) to the amount of money that this project has raised, then she will have begun to atone for her past (and current) behavior, including her work with Grover Fucking Norquist. While we’re on that subject of money that J.F. Hamsher scammed from the firebaggers, Glenn Fucking Greenwald took a piece of that action, too, with their little investigative deal that raised a bunch of money but didn’t actually investigate anything. He’s got his own credibility issues where Jane Fucking Hamsher is concerned.

  72. 72.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    @BGinCHI: I cast my vote for “dumbfucked”.@ChrisNYC:

    @Calming Influence: It’s from their FEC filings.
    Example:

    Both you and lol linked to a blog post, not FEC filings.

  73. 73.

    El Tiburon

    November 21, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    @ornery:

    I know FDL is a good group by the people that constantly slander them here.

    Seriously and how.

    These are the same exact titwillows who think they are making a difference because they have an internet connection and read a fucking blog here and there. Take Axel Foley – please.

    At least ABL finally got the message and cured herself of her FDL obsession.

    Oh, and by the way, where is the follow-up to the “Jane Hamsher works for Republicans!!!!” bombshell that dropped a few months ago? Oh yeah, that’s right. Nothing. Because there was nothing there you bunch of twats.

  74. 74.

    Yevgraf

    November 21, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    I’m still trying to figure out why OWS needs 90K in dry socks and warm meals, but nobody is saying.

  75. 75.

    boss bitch

    November 21, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    I am going to put on my Jane Hamsher blackface and write that this is a very ingenious way to co-opt the movement and gain future FDL readers and donors. Produced a line of clothing for OWS? Wow! lets get this saint on TV – BAM! $$$$

    Marketing is her side gig right?

    I’m sure Jane isn’t evil but don’t tell me that shrill opportunistic liar is doing this solely out of the kindness of her heart.

  76. 76.

    The Other Chuck

    November 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    @Martin:

    There’s got to be a word which means more stupid than someone who knows nothing.

    “Republican Presidential Candidate”.

  77. 77.

    boss bitch

    November 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Jane Hamsher deserves the same benefit of the doubt and graciousness that she gives to others she may dislike.

  78. 78.

    Urza

    November 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    @Martin: I tend to call it Willful Ignorance. Most of them know they’re ignoring facts but just don’t care.

  79. 79.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    A bit of passive-aggressive trolling for you, Anne Laurie? When you phrase things the way you did in this post, you are just begging people on both sides to start a food fight. If you wanted to just bring attention to what FDL had done, you could have simply done that. That being said, kudos to FDL for doing this.

  80. 80.

    El Tiburon

    November 21, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    @soonergrunt:
    So much stupid and ignorance.

    But yeah, shame on liberals for wanting to pay their bills. At least FDL and Greenwald don’t just sit back and moderate a bunch of fucksticks who come here looking to polish their school yard taunts and butt-slap each other in the shower.

    They are actually out putting themselves out there to affect a change. And you know what? It sometimes takes some money.

    FDL has funded a lot of important research and journalists and activism. If you disagree with that, then you are just an ignorant hillbilly. Hamsher and Greenwald have both attempted to search out viable liberal and progressive candidates to run for office.

    Why do you and others like you get so bent out of shape when a progressive asks for money?

  81. 81.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    @Jeffro: I hear you as well, but it’s really not only “one, or the other”. Put your money where you think it will do the most good, but understand that battle are always fought on multiple fronts.

  82. 82.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    @Calming Influence:

    The FEC isn’t that hard to find. Knock yourself out.

    Take the 4/1-6/30 quarterly report for example and scroll down to disbursements.

    They’re not the first to run this kind of scam.

  83. 83.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    @El Tiburon:

    So much stupid and ignorance.

    OK, so are you saying soonergrunt’s statements can be refuted easily?

  84. 84.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    @El Tiburon: Well, I guess we just aren’t very good people. Perhaps you should shun us.

  85. 85.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    @El Tiburon: You’re a fucking punk and so is Hamsher. And take your weak shit back there and said I told you so since the bitch banned me as a spammer because I call her on her weak shit.

  86. 86.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 7:34 pm

    Wait, I’m at the beach and spent all day on a boat in the warm gulf air. Why am I here?

  87. 87.

    jafg

    November 21, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: lol….no surprise you bought that bs hook line and sinker.

    Now here is the truth….but don’t let it stop you from doing what you do best….being ignorant. You are in good company on BJ that’s for sure.
    http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2011/11/glenn-greenwald-occupy-glass-houses-and.html

  88. 88.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    @Raven:
    It’s harder to give up balloon juice than to give up heroin. Just get your fix. We won’t judge you.

  89. 89.

    xian

    November 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    @AxelFoley: divide and conquer. I get it. stoke some hatred. cui bono?

  90. 90.

    Yevgraf

    November 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Still waiting on a bona fide why on the large extent of requested donations.

  91. 91.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    @jafg: W’evs.

  92. 92.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    @jafg:

    Oh, lookee, ‘jafg’ is saying he will prove something. With a fucking link. To something.

  93. 93.

    some guy

    November 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    I’m still trying to figure out why OWS needs 90K in dry socks and warm meals, but nobody is saying.

    reading isn’t really your strong suit, is it?

    They have thus far raised close to $90,000, and spent roughly $85,000 of it on the purchase of almost 7,000 items. They have also furnished heat generators, tents, and sleeping bags to numerous sites as well.

    Hamsher: Of the $51,000 we have raised to date, we’ve already spent $42,000, most of it on heavy-duty cold weather gear: thinsulate-lined masks and beanies, wool watch caps, polar fleece scarves and blankets, double base-layer self-wicking long underwear, quilted jackets and vests, fleece pullovers, as well as the aforementioned -40 degree socks will all be going out to FDL members who will deliver them to occupations across the country. We hope to announce that gloves, boots and other supplies will be added to the list soon.

  94. 94.

    Martin

    November 21, 2011 at 7:38 pm

    I think it’s the camaraderie that keeps me coming back.

  95. 95.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    @El Tiburon:

    Yes, where were all those candidates that they were recruiting? That’s sort of the whole point of the Accountability Now fiasco: they took hundreds of thousands of dollars and have nothing to show for it.

    This is what an organization that recruits progressive candidates looks like.

    This is what Accountability Now looks like.

  96. 96.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    @Martin: Fuck that and fuck you. How’s that for camaraderie?

    I try to be helpful.

    ETA: The above is, of course, a lame attempt at snark. I’ll go make dinner now.

  97. 97.

    gwangung

    November 21, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    @SectarianSofa: Nah, he’s talking about himself. AGAIN.

  98. 98.

    xian

    November 21, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    @Chyron HR: I know, right? what a libtard! Wants to create a culture of dependency instead of supporting entrepreneurial activists!

  99. 99.

    some guy

    November 21, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    @jafg:

    is it true that if you click on The People’s View ten times you get a free set of pom poms?

  100. 100.

    300baud

    November 21, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    @Jenny:

    I trust [OWS] to use my money a trillion times than outside groups and individuals trying to co-opt them.

    Having sat in on an organizer meeting when I visited, I feel the same way. By the way people talked about applying for funds for various projects, it’s clear to me that their finance committee was being appropriately careful with the donated money.

  101. 101.

    JPL

    November 21, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    @Raven: Look at my comment at 43… I am so jealous. I’m afraid to go grocery shopping because I might make little kids scream.

  102. 102.

    Yevgraf

    November 21, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    Of the $51,000 we have raised to date, we’ve already spent $42,000, most of it on heavy-duty cold weather gear: thinsulate-lined masks and beanies, wool watch caps, polar fleece scarves and blankets, double base-layer self-wicking long underwear, quilted jackets and vests, fleece pullovers, as well as the aforementioned -40 degree socks will all be going out to FDL members who will deliver them to occupations across the country. We hope to announce that gloves, boots and other supplies will be added to the list soon.

    Yeah, I saw that. It still doesn’t make any fucking sense unless you’re outfitting a homeless shelter (as opposed to a bunch of college kids and paid activists, most of whom should be providing for themselves on common items).

  103. 103.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    @some guy: pom PON

  104. 104.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    @Calming Influence: I guess you’re saying you don’t trust the blog post. Here’s the response from Jane Hamsher and Glenn Greenwald. Note that they don’t dispute the figures in the blog post. That’s confirmation, I think. In any event, I’m not on the Greenwald/Hamsher beat and I’m so not getting out my calculator on this.

    http://workbench.cadenhead.org/news/3607/hamsher-and-greenwald-respond-pac-story

  105. 105.

    JPL

    November 21, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    @Yevgraf: I’m convinced that we have to discuss Jane once a month just to attract more commenters.

  106. 106.

    soonergrunt

    November 21, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    @El Tiburon: Only when Jane Fucking Hamsher asks for money. Because it’s likely going to remodel her house and not to the cause for which she claimed to raise it.
    If I want to give money or goods to some cause, I give the money to that thing. I don’t need Jane Hamsher taking her cut to give to Grover and Glenn. I do it this way because I am posessed of an IQ above room temperature, and because Jane Hamsher is only progressive when it suits her need to fill her bank account.
    How has the ironically named Accountability Now been doing? Support many successful candidates has it? Moved the Overton Window left at all? Because if it, or any of her other fund raising cries, like the whole Bradley Manning thing for example, have accomplished anything beyond raising money for her use, I’m not aware of it.

    And if she’s actually doing what she claims, and has the books open to prove it, then I can honestly say that a) it’s a start, no more, and b) stopped clocks, law of large numbers, etc.
    I’ll believe that she’s an honest broker when she actually starts acting like an honest broker.

  107. 107.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    @JPL: Oh nos! Yard work? The energizer bunny (my bride) got a nasty case last year. Another good reason to stay out of the garden!

  108. 108.

    JPL

    November 21, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    @Raven: I had some pine trees removed and they left the mulch. Who knew that mulch contained poison ivy..

  109. 109.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    @JPL: Oatmeal bath?

  110. 110.

    gelfling545

    November 21, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    @BGinCHI: I haven’t met anyone of any age who doesn’t agree with it except for a couple of very (intellectually) young libertarians related by marriage. Even our 55 year old friend who confesses to watching Bill O’Reilly agrees with it.

  111. 111.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    @ChrisNYC:

    I think the best bit is that her response to the article was basically “Who do you think you are anyways? Nobody cares what you have to say!” while Glenn trotted out his tired and worn conspiracy theories about how he’s being persecuted for being a critic of the President.

  112. 112.

    jafg

    November 21, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    @SectarianSofa: Yea baby. Shagadelic.

    How many handles do you have anyways? More than enough to create your very own consensus.

  113. 113.

    some guy

    November 21, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    sorry, my bad, pom pons. Hope and Change Pom Pons.

    only 3 more clicks to go.

  114. 114.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    @some guy: Actually it may be spelled either way according to some sources.

  115. 115.

    Maude

    November 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    @JPL:
    Take care of yourself. I hope it eases soon.

  116. 116.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    @jafg:

    Substantiate that and you win a cookie. Doofus.

    (Though if you’re assuming that seeing multiple people who think you’re a waste of time is somehow the work of a sock puppet brigade, well…. )

  117. 117.

    David Koch

    November 21, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Jane Hamsher wrote not too long ago, “Obama’s supporters are the dumbest motherfuckers in the world” and now she’s asking them for their money? Heh! How are those “dumb motherfuckers” going to cross the bridge to make a contribution when Janey burned it down.

  118. 118.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    @lol: There’s definitely a “Hey! Look over there!” quality to the rebuttals.

  119. 119.

    soonergrunt

    November 21, 2011 at 8:14 pm

    @David Koch: And once again, another member of the BJ commentariat gets right to the heart of the matter while I dance all around it.
    In addition to what I said, please add what David Koch said here. And one more thing on top of it–
    Fuck Jane Fucking Hamsher and any and all of her supporters. With a chainsaw. On fire.

  120. 120.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Have to run to do some errands. If one of my sock puppets could pretend to be me ignoring caz and jafg in my absence, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance.

  121. 121.

    LTMidnight

    November 21, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    @David Koch: That right there is quote of the year.

  122. 122.

    bonkers

    November 21, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    Someone help me out here. Simple question. Once something is “Occupied,” then what?

    Camp out all winter…for as long as it takes…to do what now exactly?

  123. 123.

    jafg

    November 21, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    @SectarianSofa: You seem to be taking things awfully personal even though I flamed someone else. Why would that be? How about posting 10 more times how you are not my little furry multihandle groupie.

  124. 124.

    Peter

    November 21, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    @Yevgraf:

    In simple terms.

  125. 125.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    @Yevgraf:

    (Van Morrison)

    Did you ever hear about the great deception
    Well the plastic revolutionaries take the money and run
    Have you ever been down to love city
    Where they rip you off with a smile
    And it don’t take a gun

  126. 126.

    Ira-NY

    November 21, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    I would feel more comfortable giving money to Bernie Madoff than the Queen of Hearts.

  127. 127.

    Keith G

    November 21, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    @jafg: Sorry jafy, your peeps over at The People’s View don’t like facing truths and they care not one wit for free speech. They do delete and ban folks who do not join in their hive-mind masturbation circle.

    Go back and play. It is a free country, if that’s what you’re into.

  128. 128.

    Litlebritdifrnt2

    November 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    @Caz: Why do you even come here? I mean seriously, you obviously hate everything that we stand for. So your purpose is what exactly?

  129. 129.

    SectarianSofa

    November 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    @jafg:

    ‘personally’, you mean. Well, no, in fact. This is merely fun.

    And would you like me to be your furry multi-‘handled’ groupie? I’m not usually into the furry stuff, and the multi- part is a little kinky, but like I said, I’m here for the fun.

  130. 130.

    Jeffro

    November 21, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    @Calming Influence: Yup – totally agree.

  131. 131.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    N
    F
    L

  132. 132.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    @lol: Of course the FEC is not hard to find. So why did you direct me to an obviously biased blog?

  133. 133.

    SiubhanDuinne

    November 21, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    @JPL:

    Are you sure it’s not shingles? Whatever, OUCH and hope you are much better very soon.

  134. 134.

    nepat

    November 21, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    @Yevgraf –

    Fuck Jane Hamsher, and her little dog, too.

    You win.

  135. 135.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 8:48 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt2: Years ago, when I was a young army officer, I had a First Sergeant (in Brit terms, Company Sergeant Major) explain the concept of a “mad shitter” to me. Basically, a mad shitter comes in variety of forms, some shit in odd places, others smear it on walls, etc.; they somehow take pleasure in doing it. The interesting thing, sociologically speaking, is that approximately 1% of all soldiers are mad shitters, meaning that there is generally one in every company sized unit. I assume that Caz is effectively the blog equivalent. BTW the First Sergeant also said there is no real cure. Either they get caught or they just stop one day.

  136. 136.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    @ChrisNYC:

    Note that they don’t dispute the figures in the blog post. That’s confirmation, I think.

    I’m curious about the need to keep relying on posts to http://workbench.cadenhead.org to make your case. Are you affiliated with them in some way?

  137. 137.

    MikeJ

    November 21, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    @Raven: I know we debate a lot on this blog, but I’m just not up for formal National Forensic League rules for it.

  138. 138.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: Doug Brinkley’s “The Great Deluge” about Katrina had a good bit about that phenomenon.

  139. 139.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    @Raven: I was perplexed by it then; I am perplexed by it now.

  140. 140.

    lol

    November 21, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    @Calming Influence:

    I’m curious that you don’t seem to have anything to say about the fact that Accountability Now spent nothing on candidate recruitment.

    For all the protests, Greenwald and Hamsher never actually refuted anything in the piece. Curious innit?

  141. 141.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    @Calming Influence: That’s so funny and absolutely perfect, that you would segue right into personal crap. No. I’m not.

    The whole Hamsher/Greenwald FEC thing was pretty big at the time on the internet. I remember it. It got a fair amount of play on Balloon Juice but I cannot search this site for the life of me so I just googled Hamsher Accountability Now FEC and that post came up. I read it and posted it partly because it linked back here.

    No one says you have to believe it. Obviously you don’t because of the “obvious bias” of that blogger (a dear dear friend of mine and great all around guy — KIDDING — I’m KIDDING — it’s a joke). To each his own.

  142. 142.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 8:59 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: I know you are young but I’m sure you are familiar with burnin and stirrin? You haven’t lived until you draw that duty.

  143. 143.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    @Raven: I am not so young. Yes, I am aware of it. Luckily, RHIP and I never had to do it. I guess I’ve never lived. Damn.

  144. 144.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    It might be interesting to analyze the positions taken by posters and commenters on FireDogLake at the time FDL fell into disfavor here, and compare them to the positions taken by posters and commenters now on Balloon Juice. (With the caveat that the extremes on both sites be discarded.)

    That’s all I’m saying; that it might be interesting.

    John Cole voted for George Bush.

  145. 145.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: Yea, I never knew any butter bars that did!

  146. 146.

    General Stuck

    November 21, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    @Keith G:

    while it’s true that The People’s View does not tolerate firebagging, they most certainly don’t have a problem with facts, which maybe you should address substantially, rather than bloviate at the moon. And where is your little buddy cornerstone, and his (cough) point of view?

  147. 147.

    The Sheriff's A Ni-

    November 21, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    @Calming Influence: And the Firebaggers want a Republican to win in 2012. Ain’t we come full circle.

  148. 148.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    @Raven: My bar went silver before I got out.

  149. 149.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    @ChrisNYC: Why is that personal? I just asked. I’m not seeing references to this scandal outside this website, and it seems with the large sums of money you’re talking about there would be a lot of other sources.

    I’m really not trying to be a dick. I’m just not ready to accept that the people you are accusing of criminal fraud are guilty because of links to a biased website. Give me links to indictments.

  150. 150.

    Lojasmo

    November 21, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    @SectarianSofa:

    If all these people think BJ is a waste of time, then why waste their time saying so here?

    Or perhaps I am missing something. Would all y’all like to clarify?

  151. 151.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:14 pm

    @The Sheriff’s A Ni-: Really? TBogg wants the Republicans to win?

  152. 152.

    Raven

    November 21, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: No doubt!

  153. 153.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    @Calming Influence: I will moderate this myself. We don’t need to see indictments to know there are laws being broken. It just seems that in the case of Jane Hamsher the guilt was decided because of the political positions she took, and then the evidence was generated to support the case. I hate that shit regardless of the side I support.

  154. 154.

    Keith G

    November 21, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    @General Stuck: Thanks for your…err…input.

  155. 155.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    @Calming Influence: It is possible that fund raising groups may bring in money but have expenses that are so high that they are unable to actually fund anything without criminal conduct being involved. Poor management/incompetence are equally valid explanations.

  156. 156.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: Thank you. Capitalists are actually lauded for having tried and failed, but Progressives are punished for it.

  157. 157.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: And I know what butter bars and silver bars are, sir. I had three stripes. [salute]

  158. 158.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    @Calming Influence: I would say that the fact that these folks were stunningly unsuccessful would make me far less likely to donate money to, or through, them in the future (i.e., now).

    ETA: @Calming Influence: Don’t hold it against me.

  159. 159.

    ChrisNYC

    November 21, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    @Calming Influence: Oh I don’t think you’re a dick even though you just flat made shit up about what I said. I do wonder who is PAYING you to post here with your OBVIOUS BIAS. I’m just ASKING! (Kidding. I’m kidding.)

    When it comes down to it, I don’t think we’re going to see eye to eye — not because of FDL and its merits or flaws — but because you said that analyzing BJ blog posts and comments would be “interesting.” I can think of a lot of words to describe doing that and “interesting” would sure as hell not be one of them.

  160. 160.

    Lol

    November 21, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    Spending all your PAC money on operating expenses isn’t against the law. It is, however, fairly unethical.

    The bottom line is that AN had a mission of recruiting progressives for office and seems to have recruited no one except Halter. Speaking as someone who knows several people involved at the higher levels of that campaign, that smells like bullshit. (Labor really gets the credit.) Add in the fly by night quality the whole operation by shutting down months before the election, the fact that Glenn and Jane never really offered any accounting for what they concretely did, and you’ve got something that screams scam.

  161. 161.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    @ChrisNYC: I think we would actually see eye to eye on most things. I just believe that there is a “cultural” (for lack of a better word) bias against FDL here on Balloon Juice; that this bias developed during the 2008 election season; and that it has tended to color any mention of FDL ever since, regardless of the facts.

    We all have blind spots, and this may be one of mine.

  162. 162.

    Trakker

    November 21, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    Gosh, this is a great idea. No, it’s a sucky idea. Great. Sucky. Great. Sucky. It’s genius! No, Hamsher is a Obama-hating whorebitch, and she hangs with GG who writes bad things about Obama. Doesn’t matter, this is a great idea and it will help get the movement throught the winter. No, you’re an ass if you trust anyone at FDL – except TBOGG.

    FDL is asking for help distributing the cold weather gear at specific locations: Albany, NY, tomorrow at 5:00 is posted right now. If anyone lives nearby it would be good to know how much they give out, how useful it is, and how well made it is.

    I’m with Anne. This is a great idea.

  163. 163.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus: And I would agree with you if it were candidates rather that coats they were trying to produce.

  164. 164.

    Calming Influence

    November 21, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    @Trakker:
    Alright asshole, who’s paying you?!?

  165. 165.

    Omnes Omnibus

    November 21, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    @Calming Influence: I am not actually arguing that. I think it is a good thing they are trying to do. OTOH Rude Pundit’s thing might be the way I go.

  166. 166.

    Mary

    November 21, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    Anyone who would give money to Jane Hamsher, a proven thief, based on the word of her crony, Glenn Greenwald, another proven thief, is either not paying attention or is a very slow learner.

    I am shocked that John Cole would let a front pager on Balloon Juice solicit donations on behalf of these crooks.

    signed, Accountability Now donor/sucker who was personally attacked by Glenn Greenwald on Balloon Juice for asking where the money went

  167. 167.

    Caz

    November 22, 2011 at 12:08 am

    “I informed him of the situation and informed him that the occupation has rules prohibiting intoxication.”

    A spontaneous Woodstock; leaderless, messageless, disrupting our daily lives, advocating anarchy, and composed of young, spoiled, hippy types.

    Get a grip, idiots.

  168. 168.

    soonergrunt

    November 22, 2011 at 12:09 am

    @Omnes Omnibus: We had one at Fort Ord. The guy would shit in the laundry rooms, in the commo room, in the CO’s spot on the company street. Got to the point where every platoon had sentries out when we were in garrison. The MS even left a little pile on the XO’s desk. They never did catch the guy.

    @Raven: In Afghanistan this last time, I was the junior guy on our Embedded Trainer Team as an E-6. I got to burn the honey pot. But since there was only three of us, it wasn’t that bad. Only had to do it about once every few days. And after the other team linked up with us, there were three of us doing it. One NEVER forgets that smell.

  169. 169.

    AxelFoley

    November 22, 2011 at 1:35 am

    @arguingwithsignposts:

    I ain’t gonna get into the T, other than to note, if others haven’t noted, that Lt. Pike is now a meme: Pepper Spray Cop

    Oh, lawd, that had me rollin’. LOL

  170. 170.

    AxelFoley

    November 22, 2011 at 2:09 am

    @xian:

    @AxelFoley: divide and conquer. I get it. stoke some hatred. cui bono?

    That might be better directed towards Jane, n’est-ce pas?

  171. 171.

    PatrickG

    November 22, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    @askew: Thanks for the links!

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