Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

rich, arrogant assholes who equate luck with genius

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

I did not have this on my fuck 2022 bingo card.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

… riddled with inexplicable and elementary errors of law and fact

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

“Why isn’t this Snickers bar only a nickle?”

This fight is for everything.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

It’s all just conspiracy shit beamed down from the mothership.

How can republicans represent us when they don’t trust women?

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

It’s easy to sit in safety and prescribe what other people should be doing.

Let’s not be the monsters we hate.

A consequence of cucumbers

They fucked up the fucking up of the fuckup!

We cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation.

Narcissists are always shocked to discover other people have agency.

I’ve spoken to my cat about this, but it doesn’t seem to do any good.

Republicans choose power over democracy, every day.

Within six months Twitter will be fully self-driving.

“Squeaker” McCarthy

I’d hate to be the candidate who lost to this guy.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

You are here: Home / Economics / C.R.E.A.M. / Friday Evening Open Thread: Ryancare — It’s Terrible for Everybody

Friday Evening Open Thread: Ryancare — It’s Terrible for Everybody

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Even — it is devoutly to be hoped — the Zombie-Eyed Granny Starver’s reputation?

That would be a lovely coda to trashing the GOP’s whole misbegotten “AHCA” (Always Helping Cronies Accumulate) no-health, no-hope plan.

What else is on the agenda as we start the weekend?

Reader Interactions

178Comments

  1. 1.

    Major Major Major Major

    Trump supporters protest The Man In The High Castle’s anti-Nazi radio station

    As part of an ad campaign for its original series The Man In The High Castle, Amazon recently launched Resistance Radio, a streaming station set, like the Philip K. Dick adaptation itself, in an alternate 1962 America run by fascists. The pre-recorded program features “bootleg songs” alongside interstitials where underground DJs talk about standing up to Nazis, urging listeners to keep the fight alive in a nation that’s been overrun by fear, oppression, and authoritarian rule. For whatever reason, some conservatives have interpreted this as being about Donald Trump.

    […]

    loyalists with as many as two American flag emojis in their usernames have been bravely standing up to this stupid, leftist, “don’t be a Nazi” claptrap, sneering generally at the prospect of anyone “resisting” anything, and laughing at all those idiots who just don’t get it. Idiots! Don’t these people who exist solely in a fantasy world realize they’re living in some kind of fantasy world?

  2. 2.

    Yarrow

    But his sleeves are rolled up. Don’t you understand he’s down with the working man?

  3. 3.

    Aleta

    Does Ryan describe car insurance as ‘the people who drive safely must pay for the road accidents of other people’ ?? (This isn’t an exact comparison wrt pricing, I know)

  5. 5.

    Hal

    Um….

    http://www.politico.com/story/2017/03/trump-appointee-muslims-maggots-sid-bowdidge-235945

    President Donald Trump appointed a massage therapist from New Hampshire with no apparent relevant experience to work at the Energy Department, but parted company with the employee Friday after a series of anti-Muslim social media posts came to light, current and former DOE employees tell POLITICO.

    Sid Bowdidge had received a nameplate and taken up residence this week in the director’s office of the agency’s Office of Technology Transitions, a career DOE employee said, but it was not clear precisely when he started or what his job would be. OTT specializes in shepherding research developed at the national labs into the private sector, an area in which Bowdidge didn’t seem to have any experience.

  6. 6.

    Hungry Joe

    Ryan might be the most purely evil of them all. Trump is nuts; Pence is stupid and semi-nuts; Bannon is spittle-flinging lunatic; McConnell’s a venal, greedy old S.O.B. But Ryan — while a Wisconsin mile from smart — isn’t downright dumb. I think he knows that millions of people are going to have their lives ruined, and he’s loving it, just LOVING it.

  9. 9.

    Hal

    Also:

    http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/03/09/you-don-t-have-to-be-gay-doctor-joseph-nicolosi-dies.html

    Ex-gay leader Dr. Joseph Nicolosi died on Wednesday at age 70 from complications of the flu.
    Ryan Kendall, one of Nicolosi’s former patients, is lucky he survived to see 16.
    In a 2012 blog post for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Kendall recalled being driven to “the brink of suicide” when his parents discovered he was gay and started sending him to weekly sessions with Nicolosi, who according to his résumé specialized in “the treatment of men who wish to diminish their same-sex attractions and develop their heterosexual potential.”

  10. 10.

    MomSense

    RyanCare will likely be my demise but tonight aim forgetting this nightmare. The kids surprised me and are all home with their SOs. They are making dinner, playing music, and serving cocktails. All is perfect in this little corner of the world.

    The pup is super jealous of middle kid’s GF. She keeps getting in between them. So cute.

    MomSense +3

  14. 14.

    MomSense

    @Yarrow:

    She’s staying with her boyfriend and said she is feeling well. Not sure she would tell me if she had another episode.

    It’s wild here. My son is a musician and my middle son’s girlfriend is too so there is a lot of music happening right now. Happy chaos.

  16. 16.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Major Major Major Major:

    I used to have that, or something very similar, as an iPad app, and I absolutely loved it! When the pad crashed a couple of years ago I lost it and can no longer remember what it was called. I’d give a lot to get it back, but in the meantime I’m bookmarking your link!

  19. 19.

    Villago Delenda Est

    @Major Major Major Major: It’s like they can actually draw some parallels that make them uncomfortable. They should just say “fuck it” and embrace everything associated with Nazism and get it over with.

    Hitler REALLY fucked up the fascist brand with his version of it. Fascists have been suffering from that for the past 72 years.

  20. 20.

    debbie

    I can’t find it, but Nancy Pelosi had a great statement about Trumpcare: It insures fewer, it costs more, it helps less.

  29. 29.

    XTPD

    I thought Ryan’s reputation was going to be finished off after the 2012 election.

    Ah, to be 17 and stupid again.

  30. 30.

    SFAW

    @Major Major Major Major:

    what if he sticks to his Very Serious killing-your-grandma-not-in-anger-but-in-sorrow face? All good?

    He’s tried, but the permasmirk wins out every time. Making his one of the more punchable faces in Congress. And that’s saying a lot.

  31. 31.

    rikyrah

    GOP Congressman Falls Apart And Admits That Sick People Will Be Screwed On Trumpcare
    Published on Mar 10, 2017

    Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX) fell apart while he was being questioned by MSNBC’s Kate Snow on what would happen if someone got sick while on the Republican Obamacare replacement plan. His answers revealed that folks will be screwed.

    https://youtu.be/MUet5mr9UrU

  32. 32.

    SFAW

    @Yarrow:

    His.sleeves.are.rolled.up. Look how hard he’s working!

    Sorry, but sleeves aren’t considered rolled-up until they get above the elbow. To paraphrase Krugman vis-a-vis: Newtie:

    Ryan is a moocher’s idea of what a working person looks like. In this case, Ryan hisself is the moocher.

  35. 35.

    Thru the Looking Glass...

    @SFAW:

    Making his one of the more punchable faces in Congress. And that’s saying a lot.

    Ryan or Chaffetz? Which is MORE punchable?

  37. 37.

    Josie

    I am somewhat numb right now. My oldest son (age 40) passed away this morning in his sleep. We don’t know the reason, but we suspect a stroke or heart attack. My husband died the same way 20 years ago and this is like deja vu. Please tell your loved ones to get checked and take their meds. His wife told me he had not taken his blood pressure meds for a couple of months. I had no idea. I am devastated.

  39. 39.

    TenguPhule

    Still too early to call for the mass trial, conviction and execution of the entire Republican Political party yet?

  49. 49.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Josie:

    Oh my god, Josie, I am stunned and devastated for you. Don’t know what to say except that you and your son and his family are in my thoughts and heart. If virtual hugs make any difference to you, know you have them in abundance.

  54. 54.

    Yarrow

    @Josie: Oh, Josie. I’m so, so sorry. Such a devastating loss. Sending lots of love to you. Please be kind to yourself as you navigate the challenging terrain ahead.

  55. 55.

    Mary G

    @Josie: That is horrifying, and I am so sorry you are going through it again. I just put fresh batteries in my blood pressure monitor.

  56. 56.

    hovercraft

    @Josie:
    Josie, I’m so very sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine what you are going through. Take care of yourself and the rest of your family, you will all be in my thoughts, be strong. Hugs and positive thoughts.

  58. 58.

    Keith P.

    How about this – if, at retirement age, you haven’t gotten sick, your first year of Social Security payments are higher than normal. Like, say, 2000 percent higher. Or a gazillion.

  62. 62.

    Steeplejack (tablet)

    @Josie:

    God, what a shock! Mere condolences seem inadequate. My prayers go out to you and your family.

  66. 66.

    West of the Rockies (been a while)

    Please come here to BJ and cry and swear and reminisce and vent any time you feel the need. We’re strangers, most of us, but have somehow formed a connection. Hug those near you, Josie.

  68. 68.

    debit

    @Josie: Oh god, I am so sorry. For whatever it’s worth, you are in my thoughts and I’m wishing you strength and comfort.

  70. 70.

    scott alloway

    @Josie: I am so sorry. Words don’t convey the right message to you. Please remember many of us are thinking of you now and in the future.

  71. 71.

    Josie

    Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful to have this community, and I feel the comfort from your messages. I have have two more wonderful sons, and they are helping me to deal with this, so I am very thankful for that.

  72. 72.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @West of the Rockies (been a while):

    We’re strangers, most of us, but have somehow formed a connection.

    This is a true community. We may read and admire and quote and cite other blogs with regularity, but I can’t think of a place other than Balloon Juice that offers the political simpatico, the intellectual heft, and the opportunity for genuine personal attachment. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have shed more tears for John’s cat and debit’s dog and Josie’s son and Satby’s mom and Ben Cisco’s wife and efgoldman’s sister-in-law (and many others) than I have for a couple of my own close blood relatives.

  76. 76.

    wvng

    This is kind of fascinating. One might recall that Breitbart has been going after Paul Ryan for years, and that was done under Bannon’s lead.
    “So, Breitbart’s latest headline on the Trump-Ryan health-care plan is probably causing some consternation at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
    7 REASONS WHY OBAMACARE 2.0 IS ALL BUT GUARANTEED TO IMPOSE CRUSHING COSTS ON VOTERS, HURT TRUMP’S BASE, AND HAND POWER BACK TO THE DEMOCRATS.
    Perhaps the most shocking thing about Breitbart’s headline is its accuracy. Trumpcare is a much less generous program than Obamacare — and its cuts will be felt, disproportionately, by the people who wanted Trump to Make America Great Again. Among the reasons why this is the case:”
    http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/03/breitbart-may-have-just-killed-trumpcare.html

  83. 83.

    mai naem mobile

    @Josie: oh,Josie, I am so sorry. I really don’t even know what to say. One of my cousins who was in his late 30s committed suicide a few years ago and my aunt took it really really hard. She spends a lot of time with his kids and I think that helps her. Take care of yourself.

  89. 89.

    debit

    @JPL: I am okay. I miss him terribly and am already looking at dogs in shelters, but it’s not fair to anyone to adopt while still in the grieving process. And it’s not fair to him to try to hurry and fill the hole he left behind.

  97. 97.

    efgoldman

    @Yarrow:

    But his sleeves are rolled up.

    My sleeves are always rolled up – because i’m not gonna’ pay for custom made shirts with short enough sleeves.

  100. 100.

    debit

    @raven: Thank you. He was such a good dog and deserved every good thing in the world. He made me very happy and I am better for having him in my life.

  104. 104.

    Captain C

    @mai naem mobile: Maybe we should be scientific. Take 500 people of varying size and background. Give them boxing gloves. Have them punch both (half punch Ryan first, half Chaffetz, selected at random), and then have them describe which gave them more satisfaction. Or let the punchers choose, and who they chose to punch first could be useful data.

    I think we definitely need 500 data points though, at least.

  106. 106.

    raven

    @debit: From the Senior Dog Project

    “”Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.”
    – Sydney Jeanne Seward”

  109. 109.

    Ohio Mom

    @efgoldman: The nice Greek woman across the street from me will shorten cuffed shirts for $10 (that’s both sleeves). You do have to chat with her, and it can be hard to extricate yourself though.

  110. 110.

    Mnemosyne

    @Josie:

    I’m so sorry, Josie. We lost one of my older brothers in 2015 and I know it was the hardest thing my mom has ever had to deal with. Try to let others take care of you at this difficult time.

  111. 111.

    efgoldman

    @debbie:

    You won’t like Bannon when he’s angry.

    I don’t like him when he’s happy.
    I don’t like him when he’s sleeping.
    I might like him when he’s shot into space without a space suit.
    I’d definitely like him if he fell off a boat in a cove full of hungry sharks.

  113. 113.

    jl

    @Major Major Major Major:if this Trump-Ryan-GOP-care mess passes and many Trumpsters get seriously hurt in the pocket book, or far far worse, Breitbart the publication doesn’t have the luxury of hoping something turns up before the next election.

  116. 116.

    efgoldman

    @Ohio Mom:

    The nice Greek woman across the street from me will shorten cuffed shirts for $10

    Thank you, but Ohio’s a little far.

  117. 117.

    West of the Rockies (been a while)

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    True enough. I go to a lot of sites. I come here every damn day, usually several times, for the humor, the news, the insights and insults, for the humanity in a sometimes inhumane world.

  120. 120.

    Villago Delenda Est

    @Josie: Many, many hugs. When my mom was in her last few days, I asked the ICU nurse how she coped with all this on a daily basis. She said you manage, but you observe that some things never change…a 90 year old mother watching her 65 year old daughter slowly slip away…it always hurts, so much, no matter what, when a child leaves before you do. I went through this 30 years ago when my brother passed, and I was the support for my parents. Just wipes you out, but as long as they’re remembered, they’re sill around…every day.

  122. 122.

    Villago Delenda Est

    @Eric S.: I’ve been wearing them since I was in the fifth grade, so my self-consciousness has long since passed, but yes, you DO look studious!

    Rick Perry can’t pull that off!

  124. 124.

    Aleta

    @Josie: I’m very sorry. You’re in my thoughts. I hope you’ll write here whenever you feel like it, day or night.

  131. 131.

    Steve in the ATL

    @Josie: oh god. I am so sorry to hear that. No parent should outlive her child. We are all here for you, as much as imaginary internet friends can be.

  132. 132.

    ChrisGrrr

    @Josie: Hold on to each other. Remember the best things and times. “One breath at a time,” all of you will honor him with the actions you take. Hold on.

  134. 134.

    Steve in the ATL

    A fraternity brother lost his son lady week to a latent congenital heart defect. Kid was a freshman at the university of Michigan, doing great, and then he was gone. So I’ve been thinking for days about what to say in that situation and there is nothing.

    So sorry for you.

  139. 139.

    Lyrebird

    @Josie: Such a heartbreak… Hoping you & the rest of the family are surrounded by help and comfort as you face this terrible loss.

  140. 140.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @West of the Rockies (been a while):

    It’s amazing, isn’t it? The same people who can virtually rip each other’s hair out over a point of grammar, let alone the 2016 primary, while screaming “Fuckyouverymuch! (witharustypitchfork!!”) are the same folks who, with one accord, generously donate money to give a few more months of life to an old, neglected, abused sweetheart of a dog; and crochet pussyhats for each other for a protest march; and phone and email their MoC daily about some horrible looming piece of Trumpian legislation; and rally around fellow Juicers who are grieving and bereft; and celebrate fellow Juicers’ new children, grandchildren, and kittens; and poke fun at each others’ sports teams; and share clips of their beloved music and movies; and teach each other how to navigate health care and the internet and football (both kinds); and so much more.

    I’ve been trying for a while to sum up what Balloon Juice means in my life, and am failing miserably at capturing the site’s essence. I guess it’s like Justice Potter Stewart’s classic definition of obscenity: can’t describe it, but I know it when I see it.

  142. 142.

    martian

    @Josie: Oh, I’m so, so sorry. What a terrible, hard thing. My condolences to you and all of your family, you will be in my thoughts.

    I’m going to ask my husband tonight what’s going on with his blood pressure regimen. I suspect he has been slacking. Thank you for the generosity of spirit that led you to think of others at this difficult time and give warning.

  144. 144.

    Steve in the ATL

    @SiubhanDuinne: well said.

    It pains me to admit this, but one of the two main reasons I prefer BJ to LGM is that LGM has too much pedantry even for me (the other reason, of course, is that LGM has threaded comments–the devil’s work).

    Anyhoo, we are a lovely group!

  145. 145.

    tobie

    @Josie: I am so sorry. You must feel shaken to your core. Please don’t think too far ahead or behind right now. It’s just too much.

  146. 146.

    Another Scott

    @Josie: I’m very sorry. Early death is so hard for the survivors. My half brother died in his sleep when he was 33. It was quite a shock, and our poor mother took it very hard. :-(

    Condolences to you and your family. Remember the good times, and be there for each other.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  147. 147.

    tobie

    I was offline most of today and just saw tonight that Trump asked all 46 remaining AGs appointed by Obama to resign immediately. This includes Preet Bharara. I know he’s allowed to do this but it still has the feel of a purge like the evisceration of the top and mid-level staff in the State Department.

  149. 149.

    TriassicSands

    @Josie:

    Oh, Josie, that is devastating news. I am so sorry. Forty is much too young. Get as much support from other loved ones as you can.

  150. 150.

    TriassicSands

    @debit:

    And it’s not fair to him to try to hurry and fill the hole he left behind.

    In one sense maybe not, but there are a lot of dogs (and cats) out there who desperately need a loving friend to rescue them. And if you look into their eyes (or dentition as in the case of Walter) and the message is right…what are you gonna do?

  151. 151.

    Ruckus

    @Josie:
    So very sorry.
    My mom had to go through this when my sister died.

    @Steve in the ATL:
    Both my grandfather and one of his daughters had congenital heart failure in their early to mid 40s. Not an easy thing to accept for everyone involved.

  152. 152.

    Betsy

    @Josie: I’m so sorry. I know you came here in numbness and shock. Please feel the sympathy of your online friends. I am one of many pulling for you. Thank you for trusting this place with your news.

  153. 153.

    Ruckus

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Whatever else it is, it’s family.
    There are a few dysfunctional uncles, the one’s that are never left out out sight or alone with the kids at family gatherings, there are the kind souls who would do anything for someone in pain, probably a few drunks, cat ladies (and men!), dog lovers, and many just good people all around.
    Family.
    But one we want to join rather than have to endure.

  154. 154.

    CaseyL

    @Josie: What a devastating loss – I am so sorry! You have a community here to support you, and hopefully that will help.

  160. 160.

    efgoldman

    @martian:

    I’m going to ask my husband tonight what’s going on with his blood pressure regimen

    I hate, hate hate my BP pills, but I take them faithfully, because I love, love, love my granddaughter.

  161. 161.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @SiubhanDuinne: Yeah, I can’t explain this place to others. Cole did something really good in launching the place and making sure that it is more or less a free-fire zone. Sometimes, near anarchy can be good.

  162. 162.

    efgoldman

    @Steve in the ATL:

    LGM has too much pedantry even for me

    Most of LGM’s front pagers are professors with advanced degrees, so no surprise.
    I do enjoy the sports posts, and some of the others. I have learned over the years which are tl;dr

  164. 164.

    efgoldman

    @tobie:

    Trump asked all 46 remaining AGs appointed by Obama to resign immediately.

    The question is: will he appoint replacements, and will they actually be lawyers.

  169. 169.

    martian

    @efgoldman: Welp, my husband lacks your common sense – hasn’t been taking his, I find, nor checking his bp. Josie did us a huge favour.

    I nudged tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll be climbing up his ass and building a comfy camp fire.

  170. 170.

    Ruckus

    @efgoldman:
    Ask your doc to change your regimen if he/she can. Mine changed mine completely and it works great with no side effects what so ever, except that it helps my tremor. Doesn’t kick it’s ass just helps. But anything to help and not have bad side effects is wonderful.

  172. 172.

    Lillian Barron

    @Josie: I am so sorry for your loss, Josie. I have been there and can only say that Joe Biden is right. One day the thought of your Son will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a year to your eye. Hugs to you.

  174. 174.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    @Hungry Joe:

    Ryan might be the most purely evil of them all.

    Ryan always impressed me as the Mitt bot sans the intelligence and empathy modules.

  175. 175.

    satby

    @Josie: Josie, I hope you check back for one more virtual hug and heartfelt condolences from me. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

  176. 176.

    satby

    @SiubhanDuinne: and you speak truth here. I hope every member of our fractious online family realizes just how much it means to the hurting when you all rally around with support. It means the world.

  177. 177.

    Lapassionara

    I know the thread is dead, but in case not, I would suggest that Josie’s living sons ask for a stress test. It should show if they have any beginnings of logs or weaknesses in major arteries. The latter can be there at birth and just be fine for decades, then not.

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