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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread: Actual Golden Calf

Open Thread: Actual Golden Calf

by TaMara|  February 26, 202110:43 am| 261 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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Not how I wanted to begin my day…I may have to stay away from twitter during CPAC:

So many questions. Like how are they going to get that onto the alter? And does the venue have a plan for burnt-offerings. #Idolatry https://t.co/NFLoxlQ0W6

— Alt Public Lands ???? (@AltPublicLands) February 26, 2021

I may have to watch Dogma tonight….

Ted Cruz's colleagues mocked him by putting memes of his Cancun trip in the Senate gym locker room: 'Bienvenido de Nuevo, Ted!' https://t.co/49B9MtEt1B

— Travis Akers (@travisakers) February 26, 2021

“Bienvenido de Nuevo, Ted!” the color printouts for the prank read, or “welcome back.”

Early birds turning up for a workout Wednesday morning came across color printouts of Cruz in his airport getup, which included a light polo shirt and a mask bearing the Texas flag, according to NBC, who reviewed the materials provided by two sources.

“The rendering featured a manipulated photo of Cruz from his well-documented trip to Mexico, dragging his luggage across an arctic landscape while holding a tropical cocktail garnished with a slice of fruit in his other hand,” Lee and Caldwell wrote.

I’m grateful it’s Friday. I may have a recipe for you guys tonight since I doubt the Biden administration will be inundating us with Friday night news dumps. ?

Open thread

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Reader Interactions

261Comments

  1. 1.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Biden should put on robes and hold up the 15 10 commandments a la Charlton Heston.

  2. 2.

    dmsilev

    February 26, 2021 at 10:46 am

    I’m not sure it counts if the gold is just spray-painted on.

  3. 3.

    MomSense

    February 26, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Tamara, if you want some much happier calves and kids to think about, I shared this link to a story in the Guardian about the Somali Bantu farm here in Maine.  It was a community effort and such a happy outcome.  Even the area yarn shops got involved in raising money.
    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/25/somali-farmers-maine
    “We’re trying to recreate the lives we had”

  4. 4.

    The Thin Black Duke

    February 26, 2021 at 10:49 am

    Do you remember the sequence in Pulp Fiction featuring the Gimp? That’s the character who comes to mind when I see Republicans still enslaved by the Gospel of Trump lately.

  5. 5.

    Percysowner

    February 26, 2021 at 10:51 am

    Well this is a thing

    So now, in the name of preserving our system of government, a lawyer in Texas is asking a court to order the Biden administration to follow all of Trump's policies and give Trump the power to weigh in if he thinks they're not doing it. pic.twitter.com/F1m1RW7VeP— Brad Heath (@bradheath) February 26, 2021

  6. 6.

    Lyrebird

    February 26, 2021 at 10:51 am

    @MomSense: That is truly awesome.  I got to show a documentary about the Lewiston Somali Bantu community for a class I used to teach, that was cool.  Glad the farm purchase worked out!

  7. 7.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 10:52 am

    Matt Gaetz is “peacocking” around for his young fans.

    CPAC is always their big opportunity to shine.

    He found a mini-me. https://t.co/XNNXLILR7k— Schooley (@Rschooley) February 26, 2021

  8. 8.

    Omnes Omnibus

    February 26, 2021 at 10:52 am

    @dmsilev:  It’s all Trump has ever done.

  9. 9.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 10:53 am

    @Percysowner:

    I didn’t know so many Texas lawyers were so heavily into cocaine.

  10. 10.

    Omnes Omnibus

    February 26, 2021 at 10:53 am

    @Percysowner: ​
      People always have filed, and always will file, stupid lawsuits.

  11. 11.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 10:55 am

    Lest you think this suit lacks for boldness, the first paragraph of the motion for a temporary restraining order declares "this Court is n ow effectively in charge of the United States government." pic.twitter.com/lOQUZN7q5w

    — Brad Heath (@bradheath) February 26, 2021

  12. 12.

    charluckles

    February 26, 2021 at 10:56 am

    @germy:

    These f-bombing scumbags still can’t be bothered to put on a mask.  Just a party of self-absorbed garbage human beings.

  13. 13.

    Hoodie

    February 26, 2021 at 10:57 am

    That statue is missing something … seems like he should be holding up a cheeseburger.

  14. 14.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 10:57 am

    There was a certain kind of bootlicking conservative intellectual who didn’t have the courage to oppose Trump but quietly hoped Biden would rescue them from this being the rest of their life. Literal golden idol at CPAC. https://t.co/Sz2u95xrgP

    — Adam Serwer ? (@AdamSerwer) February 26, 2021

  15. 15.

    p.a.

    February 26, 2021 at 10:58 am

    if there is an altar, Pence better STAY AWAY!  Waiting for fundegelicals to criticize the idol in 3… 2… 1… *crickets

  16. 16.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 10:58 am

    @charluckles:

    Just watched a #CPAC staff member ask an attendee multiple times to put his mask on. He turned toward her, coughed, and kept walking. I’d say about 60-70% of attendees are wearing masks, despite a rule requiring masks.— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) February 26, 2021

    Watched a contract security guard ask a woman to put her mask on. She said “Ok!” and kept walking. “This is a tough assignment, man,” the guard told me. #CPAC— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) February 26, 2021

  17. 17.

    MomSense

    February 26, 2021 at 10:59 am

    @Lyrebird:

    They are such an amazing community.  I feel so lucky that my life has intersected with their community in different ways over the years.

  18. 18.

    geg6

    February 26, 2021 at 11:00 am

    I just can’t even with these people. Jesus.

  19. 19.

    scav

    February 26, 2021 at 11:00 am

    Seriously, in flipflops, flag underoos and waving a fairy’s star-wand?

  20. 20.

    OzarkHillbilly

    February 26, 2021 at 11:00 am

    @germy: ​
    I thought they were against “activist judges.”

  21. 21.

    patrick II

    February 26, 2021 at 11:01 am

    It is really not strange, but more like inevitable, that the self-described “religious” party would be found worshipping a golden false idol.​

  22. 22.

    Achrachno

    February 26, 2021 at 11:02 am

    Golden calves are forbidden but golden hogs are quite OK.  They’re fine with the powers that be.

  23. 23.

    rikyrah

    February 26, 2021 at 11:03 am

    Saw a picture of that.

    They are beyond ridiculous.

     

    Christians….whatever.

    literal golden calf.

  24. 24.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:04 am

    @OzarkHillbilly:

    I guess I didn’t read the fine print.

  25. 25.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:06 am

    Holy shitstain, Batman! Are there any Commandments left for the Trump humpers to break?

  26. 26.

    OzarkHillbilly

    February 26, 2021 at 11:06 am

    @germy: Seriously tho, the judge should throw that lawyer in jail for contempt.

  27. 27.

    OzarkHillbilly

    February 26, 2021 at 11:08 am

    @mrmoshpotato: No.

  28. 28.

    O. Felix Culpa

    February 26, 2021 at 11:08 am

    The golden idol looks ludicrous. All attendees would turn away in shame if they had a shame gene. Obviously they don’t, because otherwise they wouldn’t be at CPAC.

    I hated Dogma. The scene when the angel first appears was funny, but the rest of the movie was an exercise in grating tedium for me. But there are good people whose opinions differ.

  29. 29.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 11:08 am

    @germy: 

    this Court is n ow effectively in charge of the United States government.

    That’s one way around the parliamentarian and the filibuster.

  30. 30.

    sstarr

    February 26, 2021 at 11:08 am

    Is that golden trump statue wearing high heels?

  31. 31.

    NotMax

    February 26, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I may have a recipe for you guys tonight

    Cook tease.

    ;)

  32. 32.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 11:11 am

    FWIW, I would support Trump getting swallowed by a whale.

  33. 33.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:11 am

    @Percysowner: LOL!

    Judge to dumbass: Your orange assclown is now a twice-impeached, soon-to-be-buried-in-lawsuits loser now.

  34. 34.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:13 am

    CPAC organizers are getting booed after asking the crowd to comply with hotel rules and wear masks. While organizers claim it's about respecting private property rights, irate convention-goers yell "FREEDOM!" pic.twitter.com/iXxayBDrlP

    — Will Sommer (@willsommer) February 26, 2021

    Also, one of the themes of this year’s CPAC is Holding Hillary Accountable

  35. 35.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 11:14 am

    Golden calf, fatted calf, whatevs.

  36. 36.

    Benw

    February 26, 2021 at 11:14 am

    “We pledge allegiance to the brand,

    Of the Donald Trump of America.

    And to the towers, on which it stands,

    One party, under Don,  indefensible,

    With liberty and justice for us.”

  37. 37.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:15 am

    @Benw:

    How much you wanna bet that CPAC is a superspreader event for lies, insurrection, AND the virus? Debunkers, the FBI and epidemiologists had all better be ready.

    — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 26, 2021

  38. 38.

    different-church-lady

    February 26, 2021 at 11:16 am

    Actually, I think that’s a golden ass.

  39. 39.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:16 am

    @dmsilev: Are the How Ridiculous guys gonna drop their giant fist on that shit?

  40. 40.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 11:16 am

    @germy: …and don’t even get them started on FDR!

  41. 41.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 26, 2021 at 11:17 am

    @germy: Prolly gonna be some hot Gaetz on twink action later.

  42. 42.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:18 am

    @germy: LOL!  Wow!

  43. 43.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:21 am

    @Hoodie:

    That statue is missing something … seems like he should be holding up a cheeseburger humping his own daughter while sucking Putin’s ass.

    Fixed for accuracy.

  44. 44.

    VOR

    February 26, 2021 at 11:21 am

    Consensus on Twitter seems to be the golden Trump statue is modified from Bart Simpson on a skateboard. They added a Trump face mask and painted it gold.

  45. 45.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:22 am

    @Hoodie:

    I’m hearing someone stole a ‘Bob’s Big Boy’ Statue and painted it gold. @CPAC

    — NoelCaslerComedy (@CaslerNoel) February 26, 2021

  46. 46.

    There are those who call me...tim... (Still posh)

    February 26, 2021 at 11:23 am

    Not just a statue. A very very awfully bad statue. Just terrible. Every bit as dignified as the naked trump balloon. Is he wearing flag shorts? And sandals? Are his legs ridiculously stubby? This they consider a tribute? What…is…happening?

  47. 47.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:24 am

    @germy:

    bootlicking conservative intellectual 

    What is this, Adam?  Is it like Warcriminal Bush’s “compassionate conservative?”

  48. 48.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 26, 2021 at 11:27 am

    @There are those who call me…tim… (Still posh):

    What…is…happening?

    Owning the stupid libs! Ha!

  49. 49.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:30 am

    @OzarkHillbilly:

    Seriously tho, the judge should throw that lawyer in jail for contempt.

    I would consider saying that Biden, the duly-elected current President, has to follow the rules of a traitorous, orange, Soviet shitpile borders on sedition.  I can’t believe this ass said that in a courtroom to a judge.

    Oh wait, yes I can.

  50. 50.

    Flanders Other Neighbor

    February 26, 2021 at 11:31 am

    @O. Felix Culpa:  To each his own, but I liked it.

    In my opinion, Chris Rock’s explanation of hypocrisy by itself was worth the price of admission.  It also helped that the religious right was all worked up about the movie before they even saw it.  Never missing an opportunity to excite the flock, I suppose.

  51. 51.

    scav

    February 26, 2021 at 11:33 am

    Heaven forfend they try to memory hole that gilded embarrassment by taking it down and hiding it— that’s  HISTORY! 

    ETA. I’m also wondering what that committee’s take on updating Mount Rushmore would have been.

  52. 52.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:35 am

    @Baud:

    FWIW, I would support Trump getting swallowed by a whale. 

    Cruelty to animals.  Especially such a majestic beast. :)

  53. 53.

    debbie

    February 26, 2021 at 11:35 am

    @Percysowner:

    He needs to be preemptively disbarred. I question any client of his being able to get sound representation.

  54. 54.

    debbie

    February 26, 2021 at 11:37 am

    Trump in flag shorts and flip flops? I should think he would be offended by that. Remember his disappointment in the sloppy attire of his supporters at the insurrection?

  55. 55.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 11:37 am

    Here’s something from the Bradenton Herald about CPAC shenanigans.

    https://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/article249511905.html

  56. 56.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:39 am

    @Cameron: This cult trash would hate Lincoln.

  57. 57.

    Tim C.

    February 26, 2021 at 11:41 am

    Was this something the CPAC crowd really did or is this like when they got punked into waving Russian flags a couple years ago?    I’m not saying I care that much either way,  because even if it’s one the good guys trolling them, they still let it wander around the convention.   It’s like fuck people,  Trump literally hits most of their Anti-Christ checklist and they don’t even notice!

  58. 58.

    The Pale Scot

    February 26, 2021 at 11:41 am

    I may have to watch Dogma tonight…

    The first thing I thought when I saw that was wouldn’t be nice to have the cashiered angels Loki and Bartleby stop by.

     

    Then I scrolled a little further, great minds and all that

  59. 59.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    February 26, 2021 at 11:41 am

    Is the gold plated statue of Floriduh Man for the kissing booth? I assume that’s why it has shorts.

  60. 60.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 11:41 am

    @There are those who call me…tim… (Still posh):

    This they consider a tribute? What…is…happening? 

    Some metalworks drew up this trash after the deposit cleared?

  61. 61.

    Almost Retired

    February 26, 2021 at 11:43 am

    I am getting ready to take the deposition of a scummy (accused) sexual harasser.  And to get myself all worked up, I’m watching the ballot fraud panel at CPAC on OAN.  I am now frothing with anger and disgust for humanity, so this deposition should really be fun.  Hey, everyone needs pre-game rituals.  Good luck, scummy sexual harasser….I’m coming after ya’

  62. 62.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:45 am

    @Percysowner:

    “lawyer in Texas” surely ranks coequal with Florida Man.

  63. 63.

    OzarkHillbilly

    February 26, 2021 at 11:46 am

    @germy: “You are free to leave asshole.”

  64. 64.

    debbie

    February 26, 2021 at 11:47 am

    @Almost Retired:

    ? Go all CPAC on him/her!

  65. 65.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:47 am

    @debbie:

    IIRC that wingnut cartoonist Garrison often presents the public with renderings of boxer Trump. I’ll wager he’s there at CPAC to get his fix on.

    On top of everything else, these people are deeply weird, and needy.

  66. 66.

    Soprano2

    February 26, 2021 at 11:47 am

    I wondered what all the stuff on Twitter about a golden calf was about. They are the Trumpublican Party, full stop. It’s not based on any ideas or a coherent ideology – it’s a cult of personality surrounding Donald Trump. The press should start reporting on it that way, because it’s the truth.

  67. 67.

    different-church-lady

    February 26, 2021 at 11:47 am

    Wait, I’ve got it: it’s a false false-flag operation. They do the thing that’s over-the-top ridiculous, then blame antifa! It’s genius I tell you…

  68. 68.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:48 am

    @germy:

    Why, why yes, Hillary at this very moment is getting away with murrrderrr.

  69. 69.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:48 am

    The CPAC crowd is depressingly young.

  70. 70.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 11:49 am

    @Soprano2:

    Someone on twitter asked if they’d melted down a couple of trump’s toilets to build the statue.

  71. 71.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:51 am

    @germy:

    Yeah, employees don’t get to pick their gigs and probably don’t have the ability to circle the calendar and take vacation on days really, really bad events are in town.

    I understand this from living in a political city, where hotels and the convention center essentially live and die based on hosting political events. Tough bidnez to be in.

  72. 72.

    VeniceRiley

    February 26, 2021 at 11:52 am

    I feel it is a missed opportunity they didn’t paint the skin copper.

  73. 73.

    StringOnAStick

    February 26, 2021 at 11:53 am

    I  have trouble believing that someone as vain as tRump won’t find that statue insulting.  Maybe the plan is to use it to rally the attendees and make sure it’s gone by his Sunday speech.  I doubt he even knows who Bart Simpson is or would appreciate the comparison if he did.

  74. 74.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:55 am

    @germy:

    Reading Perlstein’s “Before the Storm” and it’s instructive to learn a major factor in Goldwater getting the nomination is the College Republicans. Even George Wallace bows out when he realizes Goldwater will do his bidding on civil rights (but is back with a vengeance in ’68).

  75. 75.

    Raoul Paste

    February 26, 2021 at 11:56 am

    The statue reminds me of Alfred E Newman

    With golden locks, of course

  76. 76.

    Brachiator

    February 26, 2021 at 11:56 am

    @dmsilev:

    I’m not sure it counts if the gold is just spray-painted on.

    And shouldn’t it be bright orange?

     

  77. 77.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 11:56 am

    @StringOnAStick:

    Trump spent enough time around pro wrestling to know the value of spectacle. I think he’ll be fine with it so long as the hands are oversized.

  78. 78.

    A Ghost to Most

    February 26, 2021 at 11:57 am

    Does Zombie Ronnie jump out of that sarcophagus?

  79. 79.

    scav

    February 26, 2021 at 11:59 am

    @germy: Where else are they going to get dates?

    (we can hope)

  80. 80.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 11:59 am

    @trollhattan: But sometimes both Florida and Texas have to take a back seat to Oklahoma:

    https://oklahoman.com/article/5635960/rattlesnake-uranium-whiskey-found-during-oklahoma-traffic-stop

  81. 81.

    patrick II

    February 26, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    @dmsilev:

    It counts in the TV reality 40% of us live in and the rest of us have to deal with.

  82. 82.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 26, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Open thread?

    Whatever happened to Higgs Bosun’s Mate? I can’t remember the last time I saw that nym. Anyone know?

  83. 83.

    Luciamia

    February 26, 2021 at 12:05 pm

    I hope that’s gold foil covering  A big chocolate Trump. The most he’s ever given to the American people.

  84. 84.

    sdhays

    February 26, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    @different-church-lady: You win the thread.

  85. 85.

    geg6

    February 26, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Now that you mention it, good question.  I don’t know myself.

  86. 86.

    The Pale Scot

    February 26, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    @germy:

    I didn’t know so many Texas lawyers were so heavily into cocaine.

    I think its ‘shrooms, fresh off the cow patties.

    Lotsa of patties down in Texas, if you know what I mean

  87. 87.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    February 26, 2021 at 12:08 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    He has been gone for years. I believe there was a bit of closure from the person who rescued him (maybe Mary G?), who said that he had moved on and was doing all right. (This is from possibly unreliable memory.)

  88. 88.

    O. Felix Culpa

    February 26, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    @Flanders Other Neighbor: I get it. Many people liked the movie, but it lost me with the juvenile toilet gag, among other things. Too much 3 Stooges kind of “humor.” But to each his/her own. :)

    ETA: I liked the idea of the movie, hated the execution. But, see above.

  89. 89.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    @Luciamia: It’ll be something brown, but I doubt that it’s chocolate.

  90. 90.

    FelonyGovt

    February 26, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    @Almost Retired: Go get him!

  91. 91.

    The Pale Scot

    February 26, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    @charluckles:

    These f-bombing scumbags still can’t be bothered to put on a mask

    At CPAC? Do I care?

    Meme; Gene Wilder, “Stop… Don’t”

  92. 92.

    The Pale Scot

    February 26, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    Imagine the tizzies the fundies would be having if it was Obama. Once again they’re trolling their own side more than ours

  93. 93.

    FelonyGovt

    February 26, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    I really think at this point their ONLY position is to troll us. They are probably laughing at all of us saying “what the fuck” about that statue.

  94. 94.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    @Soprano2:

    it’s a cult of personality surrounding Donald Trump. The press should start reporting on it that way, because it’s the truth. 

    If they didn’t start 5+ years ago…

  95. 95.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 26, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone):

    If he’s doing all right, I’m glad and won’t probe further.

    (Partially deleted)

  96. 96.

    Brachiator

    February 26, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    @FelonyGovt:

    I really think at this point their ONLY position is to troll us. They are probably laughing at all of us saying “what the fuck” about that statue.

    I mock the statue and move on.They have to live with it.

    Reminds me of the old Bob’s Big Boy statue. Definitely should have a burger in its hand.

    Is it going to end up in the Trump library?

    Shouldn’t it be on top of a golf cart?

  97. 97.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone): I remember that but I thought he had passed away. I am not 100% sure though but that’s what I remember.

  98. 98.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    February 26, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I did a quick Google search, and the last mention of him here was in May 2014. Perhaps Mary G will weigh in later.

  99. 99.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    @Baud: Are you sure we can find a whale with a mouth that big?

  100. 100.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 26, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone):

    Okay, and since you’re so good at this (not snark), what about Arguing With Signposts? I think of him often, but I’m not sure he’s even commented since around 2012-13.

  101. 101.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    February 26, 2021 at 12:22 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    Are you perhaps thinking of General Stuck?

  102. 102.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    @FelonyGovt: That’s why I ignore them.

  103. 103.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone): No Higgs Boson’s mate. I think he had some health issues IIRC.

  104. 104.

    trollhattan

    February 26, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    @Cameron:

    Talk about nailing the trifecta. Respect!

  105. 105.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 26, 2021 at 12:24 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone):

    I did the same, and May 2014 was the most recent I could find. I would have guessed more recent than that, but not by a lot. Maybe a couple of years ago. But time is very fucking unreliable these days.

  106. 106.

    leeleeFL

    February 26, 2021 at 12:24 pm

    @Percysowner: I am convinced that done of these shitheads are absolutely delusional and that may be both more and less terrifying than thinking they are evil.

    WTAF is going on in their minds?  A golden tRump in American flag jockeys is about as offensive, anti Biblical and totally stupid as anything I can imagine.

    And, thinking any President would bow to the Former Guy in the way described borders on certifiably insane.

    Holy schnikes, Batman!

  107. 107.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    In a report from Shadow and Act, Ta-Nehisi Coates has been tapped to write the script for a new Superman film from J.J. Abrams Bad Robot production company. Hannah Minghella will serve as producer, and no production dates have been set as of yet.

    “To be invited into the DC Extended Universe by Warner Bros., DC Films and Bad Robot is an honor,” said Coates in a statement exclusive to Shadow and Act. “I look forward to meaningfully adding to the legacy of America’s most iconic mythic hero.”

    https://shadowandact.com/ta-nehisi-coates-superman-dc-warner-bros-film

  108. 108.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:28 pm

    That statue looks like a fat overgrown version of the comic character Richie Rich.

  109. 109.

    Ken

    February 26, 2021 at 12:28 pm

    @germy: Would it violate some code of conduct if a judge started giggling uncontrollably?

  110. 110.

    Kent

    February 26, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    Here on the west coast I’m logging in too late to join in on the minimum wage threads.

    But thinking this through in my head it seems like we will eventually get to the point where if enough states do minimum wage increases on their own, there will be a very real incentive for minimum wage increase states to mandate it across the nation for competitive reasons.  Take Florida, for example.  If Florida goes to $15 by state law then there will be very real incentives for Florida businesses and cities to want the same minimum wage imposed on their neighbors like GA, AL, and MS so that FL businesses don’t decide to move across state lines to find cheaper wages in a race to the bottom.  In other words, a very real self-interest on the part of FL GOP Senators to vote for a national minimum wage increase just to keep a level playing field.

    The question is whether GOP Senators in states that have raised the minimum wage will be voting in their state’s own economic interest (to see a level playing field nationally)  or according to their ideology and against their state’s own interest.  I expect they will vote their ideology, because their financial backers are big money folks like the Kochs who aren’t tied to specific state interests.  But I don’t think it is necessarily a foregone conclusion.  It will put them into something of a bind.

  111. 111.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    February 26, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Couldn’t find anything for AWS later than 2010.

    On a vague wisp of memory, I checked and discovered that it was “Higgs Boson’s Mate.” Still nothing after 2014.

  112. 112.

    Ken

    February 26, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: There are two sub-orders of whales, those with baleen and those with teeth, and the latter chew their food. No one said he had to be swallowed whole.

  113. 113.

    Ksmiami

    February 26, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    @The Thin Black Duke:  nah- I’m envisioning the corporate board scene from Dogma… “Don’t Run…”

  114. 114.

    Betty Cracker

    February 26, 2021 at 12:38 pm

    @Kent: Great point, but I suspect the wingnut governor and state legislature will find a way to subvert the will of the overwhelming majority on the minimum wage issue, just as they did on ex-felon voter rights restoration and environmental measures that also won 60%+ approval from Florida voters.

    The thing is, FL GOP politicians pay zero political consequences for repeatedly flipping off voters, so they keep right on doing it. Maybe directly screwing low-wage workers out of a raise will cause enough blowback to get elected Republicans’ attention, but I’m not holding my breath. Republican voters are willing to tolerate any level of sociopathic behavior.

  115. 115.

    Ksmiami

    February 26, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: a shark or anaconda would be more fitting

  116. 116.

    Delk

    February 26, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    Bad outlet mall Christopher Radko.

  117. 117.

    CliosFanBoy

    February 26, 2021 at 12:40 pm

    @germy: it’s those RW assholes you knew in high school and college. The ones even the teachers detested.

  118. 118.

    Betty Cracker

    February 26, 2021 at 12:45 pm

    Speaking of sociopaths, at CPAC today, Ted Cruz joked about going to the Cancun Ritz-Carlton while several of his constituents froze to death. The Republicans among those constituents will almost certainly use their frostbitten stumps to mark yet another ballot for Ted Cruz, even if that nice Beto fella personally delivered a hot meal to their door.

  119. 119.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    @Ksmiami: Orange snake shit.

  120. 120.

    smith

    February 26, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    @Percysowner: a lawyer in Texas is asking a court to order the Biden
    administration to follow all of Trump's policies and give Trump the power to weigh in if he thinks they're not doing it.

    The pathetic thing about this is that the guy probably thinks it’s a great compromise that allows Democrats to atone for stealing the election.

  121. 121.

    germy

    February 26, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    @CliosFanBoy:

    The ones I went to high school with are old now.  Some of them are dead.

  122. 122.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    February 26, 2021 at 12:49 pm

    Ted Cruz has a locker at a gym??  I guess he uses it to store more cans of soup.

  123. 123.

    JaySinWA

    February 26, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    The T thing looks more like a prank that a real tribute. It looks like a cartoon caricature of T. Either the artist was spoofing the people that commissioned it or the people behind it are pulling a Borat inspired prank on CPAC.

  124. 124.

    Jeffro

    February 26, 2021 at 12:51 pm

    Cruz just Dean-screamed his way into being part of a new meme, LOL

  125. 125.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    IANAL so Lawyers of Balloon Juice can weigh in, but this does not sound like it will pass the Constitutional muster IF it passes (the likelihood of which I put close to 0%).

    Bernie announces his next move: An amendment to take tax deductions away from large corporations that don’t pay above $15-an-hour wages. Wants it IN the reconciliation bill

    This sounds like something Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes would come up with. This makes sense if the goal is to demagogue elected Ds for being insufficiently pure not to actually pass anything.

  126. 126.

    kmeyerthelurker

    February 26, 2021 at 12:55 pm

    I may have to stay away from twitter during CPAC

    FIFY

  127. 127.

    Jeffro

    February 26, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    @germy: I don’t care who writes it…just please, lord, don’t re-do the origin story for the 8900th time.

    They should just do a fun one, maybe based on his set-to with The Elite (Authority knock-offs) from several years ago.  Especially since I own that issue  ;)

  128. 128.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    Liberal fascism is coming for Jonah. He tried to warn himself.

    Via Popehat

    Just got a robo spam call from the "law enforcement unit of the federal reserve system." They tell me there's an arrest warrant out for me because of activity on my bank account. So this may be my last tweet.— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) February 26, 2021

  129. 129.

    Mike in NC

    February 26, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    May this entire freak show disappear into a sinkhole on Sunday.

  130. 130.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 26, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    This sounds like something Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes would come up with. This makes sense if the goal is to demagogue elected Ds for being insufficiently pure not to actually pass anything. 

    Rube Goldberg wept.

  131. 131.

    briber

    February 26, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    https://balloon-juice.com/2021/02/26/open-thread-actual-golden-calf/?updated=1614362145#comment-8095449

    That’s the problem though.

    The top item on the checklist for the Anti-christ is that his followers not notice that he’s the Anti-christ.​​
    @Tim C.: ​

  132. 132.

    Gravenstone

    February 26, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    @Enhanced Voting Techniques: You’re thinking they will be offering “kisses” somewhere lower down?

  133. 133.

    Chief Oshkosh

    February 26, 2021 at 1:08 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: they certainly did the first time around. Put a bullet in his head, in fact.

  134. 134.

    West of the Rockies

    February 26, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    Republicanism is a vile fusion of religion, bigotry, and the patriarchy.  This I believe.

  135. 135.

    Denali

    February 26, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    I think this(whatever it is)effigy. is simply a play for attention. Ignore it.

  136. 136.

    The Thin Black Duke

    February 26, 2021 at 1:16 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: It’s performance art that will give the Bernie guys a hard on while providing an alibi for weak-minded ‘progressives’ to vote third party in the next election. As usual. Meanwhile, the hard-working sisters in the trenches will ignore the noise and keep on keeping on.

  137. 137.

    There go two miscreants

    February 26, 2021 at 1:16 pm

    @trollhattan: ​
     “lawyer in Texas” surely ranks coequal with Florida Man.

    Some of the lawyers on twitter — including some in Texas — have been making fun of that clown and his filings for a while now. Great reading!

  138. 138.

    O. Felix Culpa

    February 26, 2021 at 1:17 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

     time is very fucking unreliable these days.

    QFT

  139. 139.

    BruceFromOhio

    February 26, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    @The Thin Black Duke: ​
      LOLOL eerily accurate. And it did not end well.

  140. 140.

    Betty Cracker

    February 26, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    @The Thin Black Duke: According to WaPo here, Schumer and Wyden are also working on this plan, and neither of them are noted for anti-Democratic Party performance art. I have no idea whether it will fly or not, but I’m grateful to any lawmaker who isn’t letting the $15 minimum wage effort go down without a fight.

  141. 141.

    BruceFromOhio

    February 26, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    CPAC is one big trolling operation, and it pains me how much attention it gets. The event is geared wholly and exclusively to trigger the libs! and the talking heads, the twatters, fuck just about anyone with a pulse ends up ensnared, plays rights into it.

    While I cannot prove the existence of God, I can absolutely prove the absence of God, as the convention site is not reduced to a smouldering ash heap by repeated meteor strikes.

  142. 142.

    hilts

    February 26, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    They should have went with a statue of a golden ass instead.

  143. 143.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    February 26, 2021 at 1:34 pm

    @hilts: Sounds like they did.

  144. 144.

    caring and sensitive

    February 26, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Speaking of “whatever happened to” when was the last time anyone saw Thyme Zone?

  145. 145.

    Matt McIrvin

    February 26, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    @FelonyGovt: The logic behind slamming your nuts in a drawer to own the libs is to trick the libs into thinking you’re the kind of person who would do it for no reason at all. Then you can laugh at them for being so foolish, in between screaming in agony about your nuts.

  146. 146.

    Jim Appleton

    February 26, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    @hilts: They did.

  147. 147.

    Old School

    February 26, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: IANAL either, but my understanding is that the purpose is to make the minimum wage more of a budget issue so that it can be in a bill passed by reconciliation.

  148. 148.

    Ksmiami

    February 26, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: blinks. Can’t unsee. vomits

  149. 149.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    @Chief Oshkosh: Touche

  150. 150.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    @BruceFromOhio: I agree.

  151. 151.

    LuciaMia

    February 26, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    administration to follow all of Trump’s policies

    Trump had policies?

  152. 152.

    MattF

    February 26, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    So, that huge intel report about Kashoggi’s murder merely points out that MBS is, in fact, in charge in SA, that he is not averse to using violence, and that several people on the assassination team were among MBS’s closest associates. Proving, thereby, that CIA spies read newspapers.

  153. 153.

    mrmoshpotato

    February 26, 2021 at 1:44 pm

    @Ksmiami: Sorry, but everybody poops – including snake that eat orange trash.

  154. 154.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 1:44 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    I don’t know if it’ll pass reconciliation rules but I don’t know why it would be unconstitutional.

  155. 155.

    Steeplejack

    February 26, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    @caring and sensitive:

    Not seeing anything after September 2011.

  156. 156.

    Steeplejack

    February 26, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    @Jeffro:

    Ted Cruz’s “Dean scream” moment at CPAC: “Freedom!”

  157. 157.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    February 26, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    @Gravenstone: They are Trump’s Base after all.

  158. 158.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    February 26, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    @West of the Rockies: Republicanism is a vile fusion of religion, bigotry, and the patriarchy.  This I believe.

    It sure does the look like the Evangelical Wing of the GOP are purging the Republicans of everyone else.  So the Reagan Revolution has entered the Reign of Terror phase.

  159. 159.

    James E Powell

    February 26, 2021 at 1:53 pm

    Word around twitter is that the Sunday shows have decided that the biggest story is the continuing popularity of Donald Trump and the stolen election, so they are giving it saturation coverage.

  160. 160.

    Citizen Alan

    February 26, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    I don’t know about that. It’s well-known that companies like Walmart literally help their employees apply for gov’t benefits because they don’t pay them enough to raise them above the poverty level. If the practical effect of underpaying employees is to force an increase in entitlement spending, why can’t the federal government tax companies that do so as a way to offset those increased government costs?

  161. 161.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    @James E Powell:

    It’s Biden’s fault for being competent and boring.  He should do something outrageous. Maybe issue an executive order cancelling Republicans.

  162. 162.

    Martin

    February 26, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: No, that should easily pass. It is directly related to the budget as it changes the tax code, and it’s a clever work-around.

    I think the Dems should name the $15/hr bill the ‘Reduce Federal Welfare Spending’ act, since its primary budgetary function is to pay people enough to make them ineligible for welfare benefits. Make Republicans vote against that.

  163. 163.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    @Baud: That’s why I asked lawyers of BJ. Can the government pass laws that affect corporations depending on their size? profitability?

  164. 164.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    @Citizen Alan: I know about Walmart’s labor practices.

  165. 165.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    Yes, easily, unless and until the Trump supreme court decide otherwise.

  166. 166.

    Martin

    February 26, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    @Soprano2: No, because that’s not accurate. It’s straight up fascism. CPAC is 100% ‘the election was stolen’ and ‘1/6 wasn’t us, but it was great’.

    Call them fascists.

  167. 167.

    James E Powell

    February 26, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    There are a number of laws that are based on the number of employees. Profitability would be tough; accountants have next level creativity. Some of the largest grossing movies in history have yet to show a profit.

  168. 168.

    Kent

    February 26, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    @hilts:They should have went with a statue of a golden ass instead.

    Wait, I thought that’s what they did do!   Looks exactly like a golden ass to me.

  169. 169.

    Martin

    February 26, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: Sorta. they can pass laws based on the number of employees they have – ACA is riddled with such provisions. They can certainly based on their profits – that’s the entire federal tax code. They probably can based on revenue, though I can’t think of an example that does – it’s a bad thing to focus on.

    So yeah, they could say ‘any employer with 10 or more employees loses these tax benefits’. That’s totally a thing. And it’s directly related to the budget.

    I suspect the reasons the Dems didn’t win the $15 was that the welfare spending reductions were a secondary effect. They couldn’t directly tie the wage increase to a dollar amount in the reduction in spending.

  170. 170.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    February 26, 2021 at 2:14 pm

    @different-church-lady: Well done!

  171. 171.

    Biff Baxter

    February 26, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    May they wander for the next 40 years.

  172. 172.

    Ksmiami

    February 26, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    @Betty Cracker: Miss Betty.. I think I have an idea for a front pager post and one that could help us Nuke the GOP in 2022. Can I send you a short email?

     

    thx

  173. 173.

    schrodingers_cat

    February 26, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    @Baud: @James E Powell: @Martin: 
    Thanks!

  174. 174.

    gvg

    February 26, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:  I think I saw him posting on Little Green Footballs a while back, but I am not sure.

     

    Update yes 2015 http://littlegreenfootballs.com/author/Higgs+Boson%27s+Mate

  175. 175.

    Geminid

    February 26, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    @James E Powell: News networks would do well to wait another few months and then examine trump’s popularity. It’s early still. Aside from the President’s extensive real power, the office itself magnifies it’s occupant. I’m waiting to see how people regard trump a hundred days out.

  176. 176.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    @Geminid:

    Last I saw, his popularity was fading overall, and even among the GOP compared to when he was president.

  177. 177.

    ...now I try to be amused

    February 26, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    Why does TPAC continue to spell it with a C?

    @Betty Cracker:

    Speaking of sociopaths, at CPAC today, Ted Cruz joked about going to the Cancun Ritz-Carlton while several of his constituents froze to death. The Republicans among those constituents will almost certainly use their frostbitten stumps to mark yet another ballot for Ted Cruz, even if that nice Beto fella personally delivered a hot meal to their door.

    Independents might not be so forgiving when they see it replayed in a campaign ad.

  178. 178.

    J R in WV

    February 26, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    @mrmoshpotato:

    Via Popehat

    Just got a robo spam call from the “law enforcement unit of the federal reserve system.” They tell me there’s an arrest warrant out for me because of activity on my bank account. So this may be my last tweet.— Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) February 26, 2021

    We’ve started getting those calls too… starts out: “This is Michael Brown, Security Officer with the Social Security Administration. I’m calling to inform you that your social security number has been associated with numerous illegal online scam operations, and your account will be frozen until you contact me to explain what has been going on!”

    Of course this whole message is delivered in a monotone with some words barely pronounced well enough to figure out what he’s trying to say. Plus not what goes on in the Social Security organization.  So now I hang up after just a few words.

    Someone is still trying to sell me  extended warranty on the F-350 which was totalled out years ago. Those calls don’t last long either.

  179. 179.

    CaseyL

    February 26, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    @Baud: ​
     

    Where did you see this? The last I saw, T* still had the GQP faithful by 87%.

  180. 180.

    scav

    February 26, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    @Kent: Ass is good, but the golden calf/ves interpretation does explain the star-spangled shorts.

  181. 181.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    @Biff Baxter:

    May they wander for the next 40 years generations.

    Just a bit longer.

  182. 182.

    James E Powell

    February 26, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    @Baud:

    The poll saw on CNN showed that his approval among Republicans had plummeted from its pre-election 86% all the way down to 83%

    They will say they love him because there is no one else. Sycophants can’t take over his spot

    And with respect to polls, I suspect Republicans think, “Which answer will totally piss off the libs?”

  183. 183.

    Betty Cracker

    February 26, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    @Ksmiami: Sure! Email address is: BettyCrackerFL[at sign]gmail.com

  184. 184.

    gvg

    February 26, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: ​
     Sure, pretty much all taxes do. The ACA does….a lot of laws do.

  185. 185.

    Ksmiami

    February 26, 2021 at 2:43 pm

     

    @Betty Cracker: awesome I’m writing u now

  186. 186.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 2:44 pm

    @patrick II:

    It’s OK, the gold is fake as well as the idol.

  187. 187.

    gvg

    February 26, 2021 at 2:44 pm

    @J R in WV: ​
      I got that call yesterday. Michael Brown! I reported it to AT&T through their anti spam ap.

  188. 188.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    @Ruckus: you’re telling me, that’s fool’s gold? UNPOSSIBLE!

  189. 189.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    @Baud:

    What do you have against whales?

    I mean damn, letting them ingest a known toxin?

  190. 190.

    Baud

    February 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    @CaseyL:

    @James E Powell:

    I thought he was in the 90% range as president.

    I also wonder if the Republican Party is significantly smaller than it was a month ago, which would actually cause his poll numbers among Republicans to rise.

  191. 191.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    February 26, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    I have my first reviews of THE TRICKSTER on Goodreads. And it’s sunny and in the 40s and I walked outside. Life is good.

  192. 192.

    Calouste

    February 26, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    @Percysowner: They should try some secondary shaming, although I doubt this guy works for any kind of reputable law office, but he might have a law degree from a vaguely reputable school. So mention his employer and law school. Worst case it would make it clear that this “lawyer” is just a self-employed crank with a mail-order degree.

  193. 193.

    smith

    February 26, 2021 at 2:57 pm

    @Baud: The most recent Gallup poll on party ID has the Rs at 25%, but so are the D’s (https://news.gallup.com/poll/15370/party-affiliation.aspx) 50% independent, and it looks like that’s the highest it’s been in this poll since at least 2004. Both parties are down from Nov 2020 (30% for R’s, 31% for D’s). Don’t know if this is some sort of realignment, but probably too early to tell.

    I suspect that for favorability ratings they push respondents to say how they lean, and I don’t know what the party ID looked like for those.

  194. 194.

    Old School

    February 26, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    @Baud:

    I also wonder if the Republican Party is significantly smaller than it was a month ago

    According to Gallup, 25% of the population identified as Republican at the beginning of February.  It was 24% in the first poll of 2021.  (It was 33% a year ago.)

    ETA: smith was quicker!

  195. 195.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: on Tuesday it was almost 60 here (in the sun), and the past few days have been above 45. The snow is melting, the sun has felt amazing, and the dog has received more walks. Fingers crossed that we don’t have any more winter storms.

  196. 196.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone):

    I believe you are correct. He was at a confab in the LA area, what feels like 4 lifetimes ago. So before last week…..

    Nice guy, we talked quite a bit, compared navy stories. He won hands down.

  197. 197.

    catclub

    February 26, 2021 at 3:04 pm

    @J R in WV: ​
     
    I just got that call from Customs and Border protection.
    They said a package is at the border with Drugs and Money and my name on it. Not sure who would wish to speak with CBP officer at that point. But they asked if I did.

  198. 198.

    catclub

    February 26, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    @Calouste: Texas lawyer, crank, why not Ted Cruz? ETA: Who has no shame, so that won’t work.

  199. 199.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    @JaySinWA:

    I actually doubt this. These people are not playing with a full deck. Hell I’m not actually sure there are numbers and J, Q, K on them. It might be a deck of business cards from the town dump they use to sort out their political desires.

    To me this is exactly the stage the conservative party is at, all logic and intelligence has been completely wiped out and they are out to prove this to anyone with any doubt left that they are all insane. And still suck their thumbs. And there are way, way too many examples that this is true to ignore.

  200. 200.

    Pennsylvanian

    February 26, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: There are lots of laws that require employers with over 50, or 100 or 500 employees to do things like provide certain benefits (sick leave, FMLA, health insurance).

    Not sure why they can’t tie required minimum pay to employer size. But Republican judges and SCOTUS would find a way to kill it I imagine.

  201. 201.

    Gravenstone

    February 26, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    This is a nice bit of news. The Atlanta WNBA team, previously owned by the execrable Kelly Loeffler has been sold. I would imagine the players are quite relieved to be free of her malign presence.

  202. 202.

    Gravenstone

    February 26, 2021 at 3:18 pm

    @catclub: Did you tell them you’d take the money, but they can have the drugs since it’s obvious they need better than what they’re obviously on?

  203. 203.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 3:18 pm

    Via WaPo: Capitol riot defendants facing jail have regrets. Judges aren’t buying it.

    One judge verbally smacked down an attorney who tried to use the QAnon conspiracy theory to explain his client shouting “kill them all.

    For many accused of attempting to obstruct the certification of the U.S. presidential election on Jan. 6, arrest was a reality check. Now they are getting another.

    As defendants charged in the Capitol siege have been coming through court, some have been shifting blame onto former president Donald Trump, downplaying their actions or expressing remorse. But federal judges — particularly those who work a few blocks from the Capitol — aren’t buying it.

    One judge called a defendant’s claim of civil disobedience “detached from reality.” Another verbally smacked down an attorney who tried to use the QAnon conspiracy theory to explain his client shouting “kill them all.” Other judges have been giving defendants civics lessons on how democracy works.

    U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, the chief federal jurist for the District of Columbia, responded incredulously to one defense attorney who said his client believed Trump requested his unlawful conduct. She said if a president could sanction overturning an election he would be no different from “a king or a dictator” and “that is not how we operate here.”

    When the attorney added that the man, the accused leader of a Proud Boys group, had been “chastened rather than emboldened” by the federal charges and his anti-government “fever has broken,” Howell clapped back.

    “Essentially, that’s what your argument is, saying, ‘Whoops,’ now?” Howell asked. “Has he expressed any remorse or rejection of his membership in the Proud Boys, a gang of nationalist individuals? Does he reject the fantasy the election was stolen? Does he regret the positions that animated the mob on Jan. 6? Is there anything on the record about any of those things?”

    “Whoops” is, essentially, what many of the accused are now saying.

    Whoops indeed, mf’ers.

  204. 204.

    Nelle

    February 26, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    @J R in WV: we’re up to about eight call each for car warranties now per day.  What does any company..or fraudster…get out of this?

  205. 205.

    Kent

    February 26, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    @Pennsylvanian:

    @schrodingers_cat: There are lots of laws that require employers with over 50, or 100 or 500 employees to do things like provide certain benefits (sick leave, FMLA, health insurance).

    Not sure why they can’t tie required minimum pay to employer size. But Republican judges and SCOTUS would find a way to kill it I imagine.

    I think Biden can also require it of all Federal contractors and subcontractors with a stroke of the pen.  So any concessionaires on Federal property or national parks, custodial staff and contractors in Federal buildings, landscapers for Federal properties, etc. etc.

  206. 206.

    Geminid

    February 26, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    @Old School: Last month’s Wason Center poll of Virginia registered showed self-identified Republicans at 37%, down from 31% November 2019. Democrats up from 34% to 37%. Independents were around 31%.

  207. 207.

    Miss Bianca

    February 26, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    @Martin:

    I think the Dems should name the $15/hr bill the ‘Reduce Federal Welfare Spending’ act, since its primary budgetary function is to pay people enough to make them ineligible for welfare benefits. Make Republicans vote against that.

    Ooh, I like the way you think.

  208. 208.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    February 26, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    @Leto: I love that judge

  209. 209.

    Poe Larity

    February 26, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    The NYT’s editors and others are unhappy with David Brooks’ Aspeny blogging odes to Facebook Groups.

    “If the Times and David Brooks are asking people to trust his opinion journalism, then he should be clear about any entanglements that might affect the independence of that journalism,”

  210. 210.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    @Dorothy A. Winsor: He absolutely doesn’t play around. I hope more of these shitstains wind up in his courtroom.

  211. 211.

    Cameron

    February 26, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    Doughy Pantload, Public Enemy #1

  212. 212.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    February 26, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    @Kent: it’s apparently more complicated than the stroke of a pen, but he started the process for that order on his second day in office

    Biden plans to sign an executive order that will expand protections for federal workers, including putting federal agencies on a path to require a $15 minimum wage for contractors.

    But that minimum wage won’t come right away. Instead, Biden plans to direct the federal government “to start the work that would allow him to issue” an order “within the first 100 days” that would require federal contractors to pay at least $15 per hour, according to the White House.

  213. 213.

    Van Buren

    February 26, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    On Wednesday my wife went to a seminar at a public health agency and at the end they casually mentioned that they been alloted more doses than they needed and did anyone have an eligible family member and that is why I am now waiting with my autistic son for a jab, and my asthmatic son is scheduled for 530 if they don’t run out.

  214. 214.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    @Nelle: spam enough calls and get 1 sucker to pay out. The sheer volume they’re doing factors into it. My phone blocks 99% of those spam calls.

  215. 215.

    raven

    February 26, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    @Nelle: \\

    Simple ways to stop them, especially with iPhones

    The worst thing you can do when you get these calls: Pressing 1 or 2 to opt out. That tells them you are a live caller, and you may get even more calls in the future.

    Doesn’t that stink?

    If you have an Apple iPhone, there is an almost-secret setting to now block them.

    In iOS 13 or 14:

    • Go to Settings
    • Click on Phone
    • Look for Call Silencing, and turn it on.

    You can then silence unknown callers, any number that is not in your contacts or was not recently called. They will just go to your voice mail, where robocallers usually don’t leave a message.

    Have an Android phone? Check with your cell provider on how to block unknown callers, or consider purchasing a call blocking app on Google Play, such as NoMoRobo or Robostopper or others.

  216. 216.

    Old School

    February 26, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    @Van Buren: Here’s hoping there is enough for both sons!

  217. 217.

    Mai Naem mobile

    February 26, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    @Van Buren: that is fucking awesome.  Good for you and your family.

  218. 218.

    A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan)

    February 26, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    @Geminid: how is 37% down from 31%? Possible typo?

  219. 219.

    Leto

    February 26, 2021 at 3:48 pm

    @Van Buren: That’s really good news! Just found out my parents got their first dose today. They’ll get their second shot a month from now. Takes a bit of worry off my mind.

  220. 220.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 3:48 pm

    @LuciaMia:

    He had one policy.

    One.

    It wasn’t a nice policy. One can’t write about it in decent society.

    Fortunately we aren’t a decent society. His one policy was suck my dick and pay me for the privilege.

  221. 221.

    Mary G

    February 26, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    @Steeplejack (phone): Lost contact and neither HBM nor myself does much Facebook, but at Thanksgiving he posted that he, Mrs. HBM, their son, and adorable dog Leland  were doing well.

  222. 222.

    raven

    February 26, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    @Flanders Other Neighbor: Great movie.

  223. 223.

    CaseyL

    February 26, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    @Van Buren: ​
     

    That’s great! Hope there’s enough for both kids!

  224. 224.

    Steve in the ATL

    February 26, 2021 at 3:55 pm

    @Gravenstone: finally, the last superrich rightwing asshole sports team owner is gone!

  225. 225.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    @J R in WV:

    Only have a cell phone. So my phone allows me to turn off the ringer for any call not in my contacts. I get a screen notice, which of course tells me the number to block, which of course I do, so of course they robo call me from another number. Get at least one a week. The number is always a computer generated number and almost always not a working number. Funny how that is. One would think this is a pretty easy scam for the service provider to stop. I guess that the cell phone company makes money on each and every call, so it’s going to take a working government to stop them, something we haven’t had for 4 yrs.

  226. 226.

    Geminid

    February 26, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    @A woman from anywhere (formerly Mohagan): Sure was a typo! That was Republicans at 27%, not 37%. Thank you!     I’d like to think that’s from commenting on a break, but I am just not as good a proofreader as I should be.

  227. 227.

    Mary G

    February 26, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    @Geminid: The magic number!

  228. 228.

    Gravenstone

    February 26, 2021 at 4:05 pm

    @Ruckus: Think I became an instance of “not always a non-working number”. During a recent spate of robocalls, all appearing to be from the local exchange, I actually had someone leave me a voicemail asking why I was calling them? I can only guess that my number was among those being spoofed.

  229. 229.

    Kent

    February 26, 2021 at 4:06 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: Well, OK, point taken. It will take them a couple of months to do all the correct analyses and findings of fact and such.  But Congress isn’t involved.  It is all executive branch.

  230. 230.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    @Nelle:

    Have you considered that it might be the phone company making the calls? They know what numbers are out of service to use as the calling number, they quite possibly benefit some way from the number of calls made…..

  231. 231.

    cain

    February 26, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    @Betty Cracker: ​
     
    Bravely fighting against “communism/socialism” – when you fuck over the workers you know it isn’t socialism!

  232. 232.

    cain

    February 26, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    @Cheryl from Maryland: ​
    Ted Cruz has a locker at a gym?? I guess he uses it to store more cans of soup.

     
    It’s where he keeps his balls. He occasionally needs to remind himself that while he might be a dick, he doesn’t need balls – likes to keep them safe in his locker.

  233. 233.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    February 26, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    In shocking news, sedition and insurrection are popular at trumppac

    Elaina Plott @elainaplott
    Josh Hawley had hardly finished reminding the CPAC crowd about his objection to the electoral college certification before the room lost it. Standing ovation, defeating cheers, some chanting U-S-A.

    Hawley’s reception versus that of Rick Scott and Tom Cotton is like night and day.

    This crowd loves Hawley — not sure how to put it other than that. Standing ovation, attempts to chant “Josh Hawley” that sputtered when people couldn’t quite sync up on the syllables.

  234. 234.

    opiejeanne

    February 26, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    @Delk: Those Radko ornaments were crappy from the beginning

    So, yes.

  235. 235.

    Ruckus

    February 26, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    @Gravenstone:

    I’ve only called the number shown a couple of times, just to see if it actually worked. But if it’s a straight robo call then it is a computer generated number, and if where you live is anything like LA, they have to create new area codes because the old ones run out of available numbers. So they are going to be using working numbers.

    @raven:

    This is what I do on my iPhone. Works great.

  236. 236.

    chopper

    February 26, 2021 at 4:32 pm

    @J R in WV:

    “hi, this is joey gilchrist with the federal reserve’s extended auto warranty department…”

  237. 237.

    The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of Compassion

    February 26, 2021 at 4:33 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead: Thanks large, mac.  Not enough injectable bleach in creation to get that stain out of my brain now.

  238. 238.

    Chief Oshkosh

    February 26, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: I’ve long thought that CPAC is a missed opportunity for our evel sientists to test their latest batch of Legionaires Disease culture.

  239. 239.

    Soprano2

    February 26, 2021 at 4:39 pm

    @Martin: @Soprano2: No, because that’s not accurate. It’s straight up fascism. CPAC is 100% ‘the election was stolen’ and ‘1/6 wasn’t us, but it was great’.

    Call them fascists.

    I’ll call them that too, but calling them “Trumpublicans” emphasizes how much it’s now just a cult of personality rather than a serious political party.

  240. 240.

    Redshift

    February 26, 2021 at 4:39 pm

    My favorite take on the statue.

    He’s wearing shorts so you can see the golden calves. https://t.co/W7ZNbiaGsC
    — Mig Greengard (@chessninja) February 26, 2021

  241. 241.

    Redshift

    February 26, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    @Chief Oshkosh:

    I’ve long thought that CPAC is a missed opportunity for our evel sientists to test their latest batch of Legionaires Disease culture. 

    Evil? More like heroic!

  242. 242.

    Soprano2

    February 26, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    @J R in WV: I keep getting calls saying that my Amazon account has been frozen because (insert expensive thing here) was purchased with it, and if I’ll just call this number they can verify it all for me so my account can be unfrozen. Of course, it’s just a bullshit scam.

  243. 243.

    Redshift

    February 26, 2021 at 4:44 pm

    @Gravenstone: I got a text like that from someone once. I replied back that I hadn’t called, and it was probably a scammer using a spoofed number. The person was actually quite pleasant after the first text.

  244. 244.

    Ivan X

    February 26, 2021 at 4:44 pm

    @germy: Who but the young would have the fortitude or naïveté for such a thing?

  245. 245.

    Sm*t Cl*de

    February 26, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Standing ovation, attempts to chant “Josh Hawley” that sputtered when people couldn’t quite sync up on the syllables.

    I’m sure they know the Horst Wessel song. Can’t they just change the name?

  246. 246.

    Redshift

    February 26, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    @Ruckus:

    Funny how that is. One would think this is a pretty easy scam for the service provider to stop. I guess that the cell phone company makes money on each and every call, so it’s going to take a working government to stop them, something we haven’t had for 4 yrs. 

    Yeah, I would think it would be technically trivial for phone companies to restrict calls to having “from” numbers that are owned by the owner of the calling line, rather than letting robocall systems spoof any number they want. It happens on landlines, and it wouldn’t be profitable for scammers to randomly spam numbers if the phone company was actually making a significant amount of money on the calls.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a misinterpretation or an unintended consequence of some telecom regulation, or it’s just that it would cost them money to stop letting the spoofed numbers through.

  247. 247.

    Brachiator

    February 26, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    @Soprano2:

    It’s straight up fascism. CPAC is 100% ‘the election was stolen’ and ‘1/6 wasn’t us, but it was great’.

    Call them fascists.

    Yep. They are definitely fascists.

    I’ll call them that too, but calling them “Trumpublicans” emphasizes how much it’s now just a cult of personality rather than a serious political party.

    They have to be taken serious enough to make sure that they are soundly defeated in every election. They are doing everything they can in a number of states to enact voter suppression laws. They are intent on trying to steal future elections.

    They have no ideas and don’t care whether they can appeal to any voters with any coherent policy. It is all about power.

  248. 248.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    February 26, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    @Soprano2: I’ve received those calls, and they left voicemail since I don’t pick up unless it’s on my contacts.  I checked my Amazon account, nothing there.

  249. 249.

    J R in WV

    February 26, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    @Nelle:

    @J R in WV: we’re up to about eight call each for car warranties now per day.  What does any company..or fraudster…get out of this?

    Well, If you are dumb enough to fall for a line this stupid, you just may be dumb enough to give them your bank information, or even just a credit card number. Like the Nigerian Prince emails with mis-spelled words to filter out smart people…

    I dunno, but there must be some tiny number of people who fall into the phone call, or they wouldn’t be able to afford to keep it going.

  250. 250.

    Matt McIrvin

    February 26, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    @Brachiator: The CPAC stage is in the shape of the Odal rune used in some Waffen SS uniforms, a common white-supremacist symbol:

    https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/2/26/2018265/-Yes-They-Are-Fascists

    I confirmed this looking at TV-station video of Ron DeSantis’s appearance, so it’s not just a doctored photo.

    This is exactly the kind of semi-plausibly-deniable “coincidental” dogwhistle these people pull all the time.

  251. 251.

    Sm*t Cl*de

    February 26, 2021 at 5:40 pm

    @Matt McIrvin: Someone has edited the Whackyweedia entry. The language is not the approved style of Wiki neutrality, so it may change.

    The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2021 stage utilized the Odal rune shape. Most likely as a subtle signal the rest of the conservative, white supremacists to stand by and stand ready with hate in their hearts.

  252. 252.

    Matt McIrvin

    February 26, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    @Sm*t Cl*de: Yeah, I saw that, it’s not gonna stand long.

  253. 253.

    Brachiator

    February 26, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    @Matt McIrvin:

    This is exactly the kind of semi-plausibly-deniable “coincidental” dogwhistle these people pull all the time.

    We are beyond dog whistles. These fascists are now using Trump as an excuse as well as a justification for their actions and beliefs.

    I recently saw a video clip of some GOP politician say that voting was a privilege, in defending legislation that would restrict voting rights.

    So, they are slowly moving towards an open assertion not just that Trump was “robbed,” but that only the “right” people should be allowed to vote at all.

    This is not “coded” language. It’s is pretty damn explicit.

  254. 254.

    raven

    February 26, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    @Brachiator: And what they LOVE the most is liberals freaking out.

  255. 255.

    NotMax

    February 26, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    @Brachiator

    Heckuva travail to get an amendment successfully through the process, but mirroring the second in a new one is one not completely implausible suggestion.

    An equitably represented electorate, being necessary to the performance of a free State, the right of the people of eligible age to vote shall not be infringed.

  256. 256.

    Brachiator

    February 26, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    @raven:

    And what they LOVE the most is liberals freaking out.

    No. What they love is power and hurting people.​

  257. 257.

    KSinMA

    February 26, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    @MomSense:

    Belatedly: What a neat story. Thanks for sharing!

  258. 258.

    Bill Arnold

    February 26, 2021 at 8:24 pm

    @Sm*t Cl*de:

    Someone has edited the Whackyweedia entry.

    In a pinch one can link an older version of a Wikipedia entry from the history (Like a few days ago.)
    I’m impressed. Golden Trump idol at CPAC 2021, and the CPAC 2021 stage in the shape of a Nazi symbol also used by contemporary Nazis.

  259. 259.

    AnotherBruce

    February 26, 2021 at 8:58 pm

    Should we overturn CPAC ? Get a thousand Antifa and bust up the conference.

    The trouble with that scenario is that there probably not enough Antifa to be effective. Oh well.

  260. 260.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    February 27, 2021 at 12:09 am

    @Brachiator: Yep. They are definitely fascists.

    But it’s a strange,lazyman form of Fascism with it’s contempt for military service – remember Hitler’s, Mussolini’s and Franco’s claim to power was their military service.  Their idea of brave movement warrior they are cheering is Ted Cruz for going on vacation at the moment of crises. These Trumpites aren’t so much bundling sticks and axes so much at bundling stick and TV remotes.

  261. 261.

    Enhanced Voting Techniques

    February 27, 2021 at 12:15 am

    @Brachiator: No. What they love is power and hurting people.​

    More like the privilege to hurt people. They really have no ambition with power beyond that.

    it also occurs to me that really aren’t racists, it’s just Blacks make an easier target for their cruelty  because of the institutions the real racists put in place. But their one real passion is make other people suffer.

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