The Free Market: Chaotic, Brilliant, And Unstoppable

There's a reason it's called a "free" market. People cooperate...freely. Their industry grows economies, which gives us more wealth, thus free time. Specialization takes advantage of our infinite variety of skills, which maximizes the talents of everyone. And all of this drives innovation, which drives more wealth generation!

It's a marvelous system, and can only be limited by the hand of Man, via government control. But even there it is impossible to stop completely. Even in the depths of the Soviet Union's destruction of humanity, pockets of free markets existed. Mao couldn't stamp out our innate desire to better ourselves. Pol Pot sure did try, but he failed. Kim Il Sung and his psychotic spawn are doing a good job of tamping down human innovation, but a few hundred lamp posts decorated with North Korea's leadership could fix that in a hurry.

Is there anywhere on the planet that has more of an entrepreneurial spirit than America? Even with our ridiculous government interference in almost all facets of business, we manage to create pretty much everything anyone can imagine, and we do it quicker and better than most. And we have the advantage over the few other truly entrepreneurial countries (parts of eastern Europe, Israel, Australia maybe, and uh....who else?) because we have a manufacturing juggernaut that extends across multiple industries. Sure, there are some countries that shine in a few areas, but for sheer breadth, America is unrivaled.

Sometimes it is difficult to see that spirit, as we are bombarded by government sloth, environmental warfare, political machinations, and pure selfishness in the well-established NIMBY movement. But it is there, and simply getting out of our way, as the Trump administration is trying to do, will do wonders for our economy and our society.

Obviously the Leviathan is not going away, and the degree of interference in our economy is far too much, but compared to other countries we are doing great, and our relatively benign regulatory state, coupled with American Exceptionalism, is a recipe for great things.

Is there a Great Reset in the works, as Americans are unleashed, and once again lap the world in the economic miracle that is free markets? Oh, sure...tariffs do not free markets make, but they are far freer than what we had before, which was nothing more than the looting of our country. But whatever you call them: fair markets or mercantilism, they are dependent on the freedom of the individual to act in his own best interest...Adam Smith's "Invisible Hand!"

Tariffs wouldn't work if we didn't have the capacity to take advantage of the opportunity to manufacture domestically. That stake in Intel would be worthless if Intel didn't have the American engine of growth and innovation behind it (and it's still iffy!). All of those government investments (loans? Grants?) in rare-earth mining and production would amount to nothing if America didn't have the natural resources and the technological know-how to break the Chinese stranglehold on those essential materials.

I would prefer less government investment and much, much less government regulation. That would save us money and time. But destroying the deep state, the regulatory structure, and the environmental/political lawfare system will take time.

Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!

Posted by: CBD at 12:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:02 PM (kkTda)

2
I win

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:02 PM (kkTda)

3 District Court Judge says tariffs are unconstitutional.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at August 31, 2025 12:03 PM (/lPRQ)

4
Really, there's nothing more for you to say.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:03 PM (kkTda)

5 2
I win

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:02 PM (kkTda)

Ok, but what did you win? Is it something tangible or ephemeral?

Posted by: Farquad at August 31, 2025 12:04 PM (NtFTC)

6
Ok, but what did you win? Is it something tangible or ephemeral?
Posted by: Farquad at August 31, 2025 12:04 PM (NtFTC)

_________

The power to impose tariffs on further comments.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:06 PM (kkTda)

7 That's President Sarah Huckabee Sanders, not President Comrade Bernie, right?

Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 31, 2025 12:06 PM (PiwSw)

8 The average Leftard thinks a free market is a government-run grocery store.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 31, 2025 12:06 PM (+o/4e)

9 Invisible Hand

Pics or it didn't happen.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at August 31, 2025 12:09 PM (bFCtq)

10 CBD, that Ewetoob embed is morking up the page load.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 31, 2025 12:09 PM (+o/4e)

11 Heh. The cat is trying to eat some pizza bones.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 31, 2025 12:11 PM (+o/4e)

12
Having swept the field, having trampled all rivals and left them gasping in the dust, I will now take a nap.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:12 PM (kkTda)

13 We're gonna need a bigger ~~boat~~ rope:

https://tinyurl.com/3nk5rzdp

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 31, 2025 12:12 PM (fCQp8)

14 I don't know the fine details but Roger Stone is on fire against John Brennan:

https://tinyurl.com/7p5hkr47

So I asked Grok:

https://tinyurl.com/2w8vmavm

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 31, 2025 12:18 PM (fCQp8)

15 The lack of regulation is what drew me to this thread. I have never read/commented on Book Thread because of the onerous pants requirement.
Trump unleashing the economy has to be obvious to anyone with half a brain. Amazing what can be done when people are free to prosper. The detestable Biden was put in charge by the Kenyan Communist of "Recovery Summer" in 2009. We had 1 1/2% anemic growth for nearly the entire time from 09-16. Few housing starts, few projects being done. Workers on road projects were lollygagging about trying to stretch the job because nothing was pending. Trump has shown in so many ways what is possible. Crime in DC, closing the border, auditing bloated programs, etc. Get out the way!

Posted by: Mega Ultra MAGA Man at August 31, 2025 12:19 PM (G5+As)

16 There's something wrong with this whole stinking,
rotten, maggot-infested, corrupt system, which sucks the lifeblood out of the honest sweat of oppressed workers!

Posted by: Black Guy On The Subway In All In The Family at August 31, 2025 12:19 PM (R/m4+)

17 Ha! Communist pencil much simpler and cheaper. Like your carpenter pencil. No imports! Wood from North Russia forests, graphite-like stuff from Kolyma region, glue from hooves from Steppe pony slaughterhouses for meat! No paint, no eraser. Works good! We bury you capitalist swine with our cheap and better stuff!

Posted by: Zombie Lenin, Zombie Stalin, and Zombie Khruschchev at August 31, 2025 12:21 PM (aBgBM)

18 We’re doing great? The Chicago PMI flashing 41.5 majorly disagrees with that.

The “investments” into MP (rare earths) also look like nothing more than a stock pump & dump sham and, if you actually read up on the company’s current results, doomed for failure.

Posted by: The Letter J at August 31, 2025 12:22 PM (Z/h4+)

19 I win

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at August 31, 2025 12:02 PM (kkTda)

The bad news is that according to today's prize wheel, you won a dream date with garrett. Ace keeps stacking the prize selection with that for some reason.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 12:24 PM (QZThv)

20 Oh, now we've been schooled by the homo troll.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 31, 2025 12:25 PM (+o/4e)

21 Regulations. They are all about limiting freedom. The last admin (may a pox be upon them and their houses) put more onerous rules on small butchers.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at August 31, 2025 12:28 PM (I2sI/)

22 Morning all

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 12:28 PM (cr7L+)

23 Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!

Posted by: CBD

THAT'S MY LINE!

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 12:29 PM (cr7L+)

24 l hate it when people on the Right call it "capitalism". There are many, many millions of transactions every day that do not require any capital investments.

Call it a free market. The "freedom" part of individuals making their own decisions is right there in the name!

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at August 31, 2025 12:29 PM (HlyYF)

25
Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!
Posted by: CBD

Bernie?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 12:30 PM (63Dwl)

26 Good afternoon everyone

Posted by: Skip at August 31, 2025 12:30 PM (+qU29)

27 Hard times make strong men
Strong men make good times
Good times make weak men
Weak men make hard times.

Repeat as necessary.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 12:30 PM (0vB2I)

28 Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!
Posted by: CBD

Bernie?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

Sarah Huckabee

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 12:31 PM (cr7L+)

29 Thx CBD, afternoon everyone.
Communists don't need pencils. They just write everything in the blood of their victims

Posted by: Smell the Glove at August 31, 2025 12:31 PM (ipRl8)

30 The average Leftard thinks a free market is a government-run grocery store.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon
--------
LOL.

Posted by: scampydog at August 31, 2025 12:31 PM (41CYW)

31 Hard times make strong men
Strong men make good times
Good times make weak men
Weak men make hard times.

Repeat as necessary.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy

We are here. Trump is turning it around.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 12:32 PM (cr7L+)

32 Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!

I'm sure he will still be running, cardiac activity status notwithstanding.

Posted by: Oddbob at August 31, 2025 12:32 PM (VfRmu)

33 As long as "we" are able to keep the left from resuming control of government, and thus society, we might be able to pull ourselves back on the road. We're not there yet, but going in the right direction.

But it didn't take long for the US to veer off into the woods with the left firmly in control. I think it's taking longer to get back to where I think we should be due to the left's infiltration into the judiciary, academic, medical, media, corporate, etc. sectors.

It's a fight. Continuously.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 12:33 PM (Q4IgG)

34 Sarah Huckabee
=====

Never underestimate her.

Posted by: mustbequantum at August 31, 2025 12:34 PM (GjnYY)

35 The left think every store is a free market so long as you take less than $950

Posted by: Buck at August 31, 2025 12:36 PM (z6ONu)

36 Every market in California is free, as long as you keep your haul to under $900.

Posted by: California Prosecutors at August 31, 2025 12:38 PM (kUdhB)

37 We think regulations are good for the people. The FART Tube program would have never gotten off the ground if not for Presdnent Obama making it happen. All the people can bennefits from this, making rich Repubblicans pay for it is justice!

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein Of Brattleboro, VT at August 31, 2025 12:44 PM (G5+As)

38 29 Thx CBD, afternoon everyone.
Communists don't need pencils. They just write everything in the blood of their victims
Posted by: Smell the Glove at August 31, 2025 12:31 PM (ipRl

For some reason this reminds me of the anecdote about how the US and the USSR differed in solving the problem of how to write down notes in the low gravity of space. The United States spent beaucoup bucks engineering a high-tech pen that was able to write regardless of its orientation and was not dependent on gravity for ink flow. The Soviets just used a pencil.

Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 12:45 PM (kUdhB)

39 Ole Milt was a heck of a guy, but he had nothing to to do with writing “I, Pencil”

Posted by: Common Tater at August 31, 2025 12:45 PM (NxbtL)

40 35 The left think every store is a free market so long as you take less than $950
Posted by: Buck at August 31, 2025 12:36 PM (z6ONu)

36 Every market in California is free, as long as you keep your haul to under $900.
Posted by: California Prosecutors at August 31, 2025 12:38 PM (kUdhB)

Horde mind engaged.

Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 12:46 PM (kUdhB)

41
The Soviets just used a pencil.

Isn't that just one of those space myths?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 12:47 PM (63Dwl)

42 It's a fight. Continuously.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 12:33 PM (Q4IgG)

I think that’s why throughout history, all democracies end up falling into authoritarianism. The people who can make things work get sick of letting the idiots screw up the decision making.

Posted by: Tom Servo at August 31, 2025 12:48 PM (is8JS)

43 41
The Soviets just used a pencil.

Isn't that just one of those space myths?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 12:47 PM (63Dwl)

Probably. I doubt the Soviets had pencils reliable enough to do the job.

Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 12:48 PM (kUdhB)

44 The Soviets just used a pencil.
Isn't that just one of those space myths?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 12:47 PM (63Dwl)

Somebody here pointed out that pencil shavings floating around in a zero gee cabin are a very bad thing.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 12:50 PM (0vB2I)

45 America was always going to crush other countries economically because of property rights, a sound currency, peaceful transfer of power (none of that “coups shit” every 4 or 5 years), free markets, patent rights etc.

An immigrant many decades ago once remarked that America was the best place to do business, albeit the worst place to raise a family. The latter is still true, I’m sure. But Leftists FUBAR’d the business part.

They don’t believe in free enterprise and they like to subsidize failure and punish excellence and success. They look at businesses as nothing more to shakedown. Professional Parasites in too many cases. Somethin’ for Nothin’ people.

Posted by: Common Tater at August 31, 2025 12:51 PM (NxbtL)

46 "Even with our ridiculous government interference in almost all facets of business, we manage to create pretty much everything anyone can imagine, and we do it quicker and better than most."

----
Aye, but while we can create just about anything, China still manufactures most of it.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 12:51 PM (36PRH)

47 @44 & @45

Taters are out of control!

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 12:52 PM (36PRH)

48 But as it only takes 1 side to declare war, so is it with tariffs. Sadly we shipped manufacturing overseas.
Saw even school pencild went from NJ to Mexico

Posted by: Skip at August 31, 2025 12:52 PM (+qU29)

49 The United States spent beaucoup bucks engineering a high-tech pen that was able to write regardless of its orientation and was not dependent on gravity for ink flow. The Soviets just used a pencil.
——-

Nope. Total fairy tale. First, Fisher spent his own company’s money on the “Space Pen”. No tax dollars involved.

Pencils were looked askance. Pencil “lead” is made of clay and carbon and stuff. It is conductive. Engineers went to great lengths to make sure all those switches and circuit breakers didn’t have FOD or solder balls horking them out. Pencils were therefore more or less Verboten in space.

They liked magic markers actually, iirc.

Posted by: Common Tater at August 31, 2025 12:55 PM (NxbtL)

50 Pencil “lead” is made of clay and carbon and stuff. It is conductive. Engineers went to great lengths to make sure all those switches and circuit breakers didn’t have FOD or solder balls horking them out. Pencils were therefore more or less Verboten in space.

Exactly. If that stuff gets into the electronics you will be having a *very* bad day.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 12:56 PM (QZThv)

51 @44 & @45

Taters are out of control!

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 12:52 PM (36PRH)

At least I'm not a bear.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 12:56 PM (0vB2I)

52 From wiki: "In 1999, Dixon ceased US production of the Ticonderoga pencil"

They had initially moved manufacturing to China, but now they are made in Mexico.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 12:57 PM (36PRH)

53 Hard times make strong men

Every pus-gutted blowhard on a soap box thinks he's the hard guy. What do troubled times make? Screwy times? Short times?

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 31, 2025 12:58 PM (zdLoL)

54 They had initially moved manufacturing to China, but now they are made in Mexico.

Makes sense. Pencils definitely seem like something where the shipping costs can overrun whatever savings you were getting in Chy-nuh.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 12:58 PM (QZThv)

55 From wiki: "In 1999, Dixon ceased US production of the Ticonderoga pencil"

They had initially moved manufacturing to China, but now they are made in Mexico.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 12:57 PM (36PRH)

Casually chewing on a Chinese-made pencil would probably result in death by poisoning.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 01:00 PM (0vB2I)

56 Hopefully President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!
Posted by: CBD

Bernie?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

Sarah Huckabee
Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 12:31 PM (cr7L+)

Given how these things work, I would bet neither Bernie nor Sarah will be President in 2037.

Now, if you put AOC or Jazzy Eyelashes in the mix, and asked which of those three have the best shot, I'd pick the nitwit congresscritter over Sarah Sanders.

Bernie should be dead by then.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:01 PM (nQFwF)

57 53 Hard times make strong men

Every pus-gutted blowhard on a soap box thinks he's the hard guy. What do troubled times make? Screwy times? Short times?
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 31, 2025 12:58 PM (zdLoL)
----
Doom-scrolling and doom
-Youtube-channel-watching.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 01:02 PM (36PRH)

58
What do troubled times make? Screwy times? Short times?
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver

Early Times

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 01:05 PM (63Dwl)

59 There's a word for this. It's on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to put my finger on it:

https://tinyurl.com/cwy7e6n7

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 31, 2025 01:05 PM (fCQp8)

60 Somebody here pointed out that pencil shavings floating around in a zero gee cabin are a very bad thing.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 12:50 PM (0vB2I)

Which is why they had to fake the "space" flight for the six goofy bints. All those pencil shavings and hair extensions.....

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:06 PM (GJwrO)

61 President in 2037? Taylor Swift.

Independently wealthy. Lots of media attention. Always has good-looking eye-candy on her arm when in public.

Remind you of anybody?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 01:07 PM (0vB2I)

62 Every pus-gutted blowhard on a soap box thinks he's the hard guy. What do troubled times make? Screwy times? Short times?
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 31, 2025 12:58 PM (zdLoL)
----
Doom-scrolling and doom
-Youtube-channel-watching.
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 31, 2025 01:02 PM (36PRH)

Low T balding men with oiled beards and peanut allergies.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:07 PM (QbvHV)

63 Casually chewing on a Chinese-made pencil would probably result in death by poisoning.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy

We always wanted somebody to market a good pencil with teeth marks already on them from the factory.

Posted by: Gabby Hayes and Walter Brennan at August 31, 2025 01:08 PM (G5+As)

64 Remind you of anybody?
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at August 31, 2025 01:07 PM (0vB2I)

You're talking about me... aren't you?

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:08 PM (oevsy)

65 Makes sense. Pencils definitely seem like something where the shipping costs can overrun whatever savings you were getting in Chy-nuh.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 12:58 PM (QZThv)

I just assume everything shipped here from Chi Nah is packed with fentanyl.

Makes the shipping costs more palatable.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:10 PM (52+rt)

66 There's a word for this. It's on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to put my finger on it:
--------

None dare call it treason.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 31, 2025 01:11 PM (XeU6L)

67 Rush BingBang used to say that the strength of the "free" market is the ability to fail or something to that effect.

GM, USPS, AMTRAK come to mind.

Posted by: Bo Snerdley at August 31, 2025 01:11 PM (R/m4+)

68 I just assume everything shipped here from Chi Nah is packed with fentanyl.

Makes the shipping costs more palatable.

I feel like that would only work if every container from Chy-nuh was offloaded from the ship by Hunter Biden.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 01:13 PM (QZThv)

69 Rush BingBang used to say that the strength of the "free" market is the ability to fail or something to that effect.

GM, USPS, AMTRAK come to mind.
Posted by: Bo Snerdley at August 31, 2025 01:11 PM (R/m4+)

Yeah, I remember when GM used to make cars, and USPS used to deliver the mail.

Oh... they still are? Hmmm, maybe that's not what he meant then.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:13 PM (rG5we)

70 I feel like that would only work if every container from Chy-nuh was offloaded from the ship by Hunter Biden.
Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 01:13 PM (QZThv)

Or the Longshoremen Industrial Complex are part of the op.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:14 PM (zyeAE)

71 USPS does last mile deliveries here on Sundays.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:14 PM (3U9lo)

72 > USPS does last mile deliveries here on Sundays.
----------
It's why Amazon has contracted with them. That, and they're the cheapest "last mile" delivery, far surpassing UPS and FedEx in costs.

Also the least reliable.

But... you get what you pay for.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 01:18 PM (Q4IgG)

73 It's why Amazon has contracted with them. That, and they're the cheapest "last mile" delivery, far surpassing UPS and FedEx in costs.

Also the least reliable.

But... you get what you pay for.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 01:18 PM (Q4IgG)

Anytime this subject comes up, I say I would take USPS over Fedex any day, including Sunday.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:19 PM (iM0GV)

74 lol, yeah, Amazon has started to phase USPS out. Some deliveries come in a Pinto with an Amazon vest.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:20 PM (3U9lo)

75 As an accountant, I am quite fond of pencils, used wood pencils up until the 1980s when mechanical pencils had improved to a workable replacement.
When I started at Arthur Andersen we were issued a box of Blackfoot Indian pencils, supposedly either manufactured by or for some benefit of said Indians. Might still have a few in the basement.

Posted by: From about That Time at August 31, 2025 01:21 PM (n4GiU)

76 Pull my finger.

Posted by: The Invisible Hand at August 31, 2025 01:21 PM (jc0TO)

77 It's why Amazon has contracted with them. That, and they're the cheapest "last mile" delivery, far surpassing UPS and FedEx in costs.

Also that's caused trouble with some mail carriers who very much appreciated the guaranteed day off for attending church and being able to plan things.

I kind of hate it because USPS will cram anything into our mailbox if it even remotely fits because our driveway is relatively long. I've shifted to ordering more stuff overnight or same-day just to force it to come to the porch, which likely isn't what Amazon had in mind.

Posted by: Ian S. at August 31, 2025 01:22 PM (QZThv)

78 So I asked Grok:

https://tinyurl.com/2w8vmavm
Posted by: Biden's Dog
----------
Hmm. Interesting, in the context of 'AI', rather than substance.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 31, 2025 01:23 PM (XeU6L)

79 President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!

Yassssss!

Posted by: toby928 at August 31, 2025 01:24 PM (jc0TO)

80 I think Amazon is working out the kinks for Whole Foods delivery service for the Ocean City,Md thru Lewes, De corridor. Lots of farms and people with money.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:25 PM (3U9lo)

81 lol, yeah, Amazon has started to phase USPS out. Some deliveries come in a Pinto with an Amazon vest.
Posted by: Accomack

They tried that out here in the country. Didn't last a month. UPS has a dedicated route. Amazon couldn't match it. They're back to using UPS.

Didn't help that Amazon employees were showing up after dark. They were met more than once with a shotgun in hand.

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 01:27 PM (cr7L+)

82 I bought the biggest mailbox Amazon sold just to thwart the lost package gremlin.
Sunday blue laws are gone for a reason.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:28 PM (3U9lo)

83 OY! What you lot goin' on about then?

Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then at August 31, 2025 01:29 PM (AOsQT)

84 Pencils, not Indians, in basement.

Posted by: From about That Time at August 31, 2025 01:29 PM (n4GiU)

85 OY! What you lot goin' on about then?
Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then at August 31, 2025 01:29 PM (AOsQT)

Complaining about the mailman. And our feet ache. And those darned kids won't get offa our lawns.

Posted by: BurtTC at August 31, 2025 01:30 PM (wYC45)

86 I remember back when I was a little kid a blind guy selling pencils in front of Kresges. Free market.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 31, 2025 01:30 PM (gm9Sb)

87 Blackwing pencils might be made in the US. Can't confirm for sure.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 31, 2025 01:31 PM (kUxzU)

88 FedEx comes from Virginia Beach. We are 2+ hours north of that.
I ordered 12 bundles of insulation for my crawl space. Truck came from Norfolk with an all African crew.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:31 PM (3U9lo)

89 I rent a box at the UPS store near me. All my online purchases go there. Totally secure. I was moved to do this when I came home one afternoon and found the pistol ammunition I ordered waiting for me on the front step.

Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then at August 31, 2025 01:32 PM (AOsQT)

90 What was, or is, the name of those sets of colored pencils for art work? Had a SiL that was very talented with them, especially seascapes.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 31, 2025 01:33 PM (gm9Sb)

91

President Donald Trump announced that he intends to issue an executive order that would include strict voter ID requirements and restrictions on mail-in ballots.

He said on Saturday that the executive order would call for the end of electronic voting systems and paper ballots as a replacement.

"Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS!" he wrote in a post on his platform Truth Social. "Will Be Doing An Executive Order To That End!!! Also, No Mail-In Voting, Except For Those That Are Very Ill, And The Far Away Military. USE PAPER BALLOTS ONLY!!!"

Critics of Trump's election plans argue that such decisions should be left up to the states.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 01:35 PM (63Dwl)

92 Also I find that most delivery people around here are morons. Both Kroger and Amazon have f***ed up my deliveries on occasion. My solution is: nothing comes to the house.

Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then at August 31, 2025 01:37 PM (AOsQT)

93
Critics of Trump's election plans argue that such decisions should be left up to the states.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

============

I believe they ARE left up to the states. I'm on his side, but I don't see how he wins.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 31, 2025 01:37 PM (GlwZS)

94 >Critics of Trump's election plans argue that such decisions should be left up to the states.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot
---

That's what the Constitution says

Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then at August 31, 2025 01:39 PM (AOsQT)

95 Congress does have ultimate authority on elections. If they ban mail in, then mail in is out. I don't see where Trump gets any authority for his EO.

Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:41 PM (Udy3r)

96 FedEx comes from Virginia Beach. We are 2+ hours north of that.
I ordered 12 bundles of insulation for my crawl space. Truck came from Norfolk with an all African crew.
Posted by: Accomack at August 31, 2025 01:31 PM (3U9lo)

Had new dryer installed with an African boss and Hispanic crew.
It caught fire the first time I used it.
Assholes.

Posted by: Diogenes at August 31, 2025 01:41 PM (2WIwB)

97 > Didn't help that Amazon employees were showing up after dark. They were met more than once with a shotgun in hand.
--------
Several years ago, IIRC it was during one of the "Christmases with Covid" Amazon was sending out delivery drivers in their own vehicles. Without any sort of signage on the cars, nor a vest or other identification for the drivers.

At 5AM.

Yea, Carlos got a "double-barreled" greeting that morning.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 01:41 PM (Q4IgG)

98 92 Our Walmart grocery delivery gang is the absolute best (no kidding). Probably due to being close to the home office. Now, your previous post. I ordered an Opinel pocket knife, and delivery wasn't made due to adult signature required (UPS). And then they door dropped a spam can of 7.62X39.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 31, 2025 01:42 PM (gm9Sb)

99 It's on the tip of my tongue

Penis?

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at August 31, 2025 01:42 PM (6pYeH)

100 OT-

"US District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan, a Biden appointee....."

I think I'd change my name if my parents had named me "Sparkle".

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 31, 2025 01:42 PM (2GCMq)

101 93
Critics of Trump's election plans argue that such decisions should be left up to the states.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

============

I believe they ARE left up to the states. I'm on his side, but I don't see how he wins.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 31, 2025 01:37 PM (GlwZS)

He's planting seed - and - trying to make the DEmocrat-Media Complex very publicly fight against him and the 80% of another 80/20 issue

Posted by: Gref at August 31, 2025 01:43 PM (aBgBM)

102 Well, it's the time of the day before Pro Sportsball starts when those of us (de-lapsed) Catholics report back on their respective homilies.

The homily started off as finding truth based on the readings regarding humility...an area where we all need some reckoning.

Then at the end of the homily, the priest at our northern suburban parish in the Chicago Archdiocese opined on the Annunciation shooting. We were not to think of the shooter a monster but to recognize him as a damaged child. Turns out our priest is from that parish which explains the Minnesota Nice Suicide Pact mentality. Sadly, I was loaded for bear as I knew this would come up.

Perhaps it's because of my military background but when someone shoots a bunch of kids at a mass from a defilade, I call him an evil deranged coward. If I'm going to talk about the shooting, I'll talk about the young kids who acted heroically.

If I wanted suburban milquetoast, I could have gone to the Welcoming Affirming Church down the street.

Oh, and the Chicago AD is doing a collection for Gazans next week. No mention of the Christians being martyred in Africa.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at August 31, 2025 01:45 PM (qwx/I)

103 Trump is a clown and we wants Presdent Obona back when things was good and peeple was happy.

Posted by: Mary Clogenstein from Brattleboro, Vt at August 31, 2025 01:46 PM (eMizw)

104 The Soviets just used a pencil.

Isn't that just one of those space myths?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at August 31, 2025 12:47 PM (63Dwl)

Probably. I doubt the Soviets had pencils reliable enough to do the job.
Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 12:48 PM (kUdhB)
***

Pencil is being made Pencil Factory #8.
Eraser is being made at Eraser Factor #12.
Please to be keeping it straight.

Posted by: Diogenes at August 31, 2025 01:46 PM (2WIwB)

105 The invisible hand is already taking it to the weak government we had. Loving these free market gainz.

Posted by: Brometheus at August 31, 2025 01:46 PM (PXLh0)

106 ""I rent a box at the UPS store near me....
Posted by: Don Black"

I had one too until they banned me for not wearing a mask in the store. Assmunches.

Posted by: Rah at August 31, 2025 01:48 PM (vFG9F)

107 101 Trapper Don.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at August 31, 2025 01:48 PM (gm9Sb)

108 President Vance will get it done by 2037, when President Sanders takes office!
===

Rather have Hegseth, Rubio, or Door #4.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at August 31, 2025 01:49 PM (/lPRQ)

109 He's planting seed - and - trying to make the DEmocrat-Media Complex very publicly fight against him and the 80% of another 80/20 issue
Posted by: Gref at August 31, 2025 01:43 PM (aBgBM)

I agree. People forget you can win the political battle even if you lose the immediate legal battle.
And you never win anything if you sit around waiting for someone else to do something.

Posted by: Tom Servo at August 31, 2025 01:50 PM (is8JS)

110 Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at August 31, 2025 01:45 PM (qwx/I)

I think all RC churches are doing a collection for Gaza. I had a day off so visited a RCC. They had two collections. The second one was for Gaza relief. I noticed there was a much smaller collection for that than for regular expenses for the church.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 31, 2025 01:50 PM (2GCMq)

111 I believe they ARE left up to the states. I'm on his side, but I don't see how he wins.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at August 31, 2025 01:37 PM (GlwZS)

He's planting seed - and - trying to make the DEmocrat-Media Complex very publicly fight against him and the 80% of another 80/20 issue
Posted by: Gref at August 31, 2025 01:43 PM (aBgBM)
***

I think this is right and I hope it works.
but I can't see how a corrupt system like we have here in Washington State can be changed if we have to vote for the change. The Dems in control will continue to use the mail in and drop box ballots to swing every election.
They allow just enough Repubs to make it look legitimate.

Posted by: Diogenes at August 31, 2025 01:52 PM (2WIwB)

112 ""I rent a box at the UPS store near me....
Posted by: Don Black"

I had one too until they banned me for not wearing a mask in the store. Assmunches.
Posted by: Rah

Go in wearing a mask and legally open carrying. 😉

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 01:53 PM (cr7L+)

113 Trans Activist Arrested After Fatal Shooting of Dad Who Dropped Son Off Moments Before

Police in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts confirmed that a 57-year-old man was killed Thursday morning after confronting another individual over graffiti at a local park.

The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was reportedly returning home after walking his 6-year-old child to school.

The suspect was identified as Snehal Ansh Srivastava, who also goes by the name “Sasha Shakur” on social media. SWAT officers and a K-9 unit entered the property minutes after the arrest.
Investigators said the home was covered in graffiti bearing slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Free Congo,” “BLM,” “GLM,” and “Ganga Gardens.”

Officials described Srivastava as “known to police,” though specific charges have not yet been announced.

https://tinyurl.com/4t9r55d5

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 01:54 PM (cr7L+)

114 I rent a box at the UPS store near me. All my online purchases go there. Totally secure. I was moved to do this when I came home one afternoon and found the pistol ammunition I ordered waiting for me on the front step.
Posted by: Don Black. Message: Alright then

I found a case next to the mailbox. Driveway is only about 100 ft, but I guess that is too long where the majority of houses are in HOAs with twenty foot driveways.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at August 31, 2025 01:54 PM (/lPRQ)

115 72 > USPS does last mile deliveries here on Sundays.
----------
It's why Amazon has contracted with them. That, and they're the cheapest "last mile" delivery, far surpassing UPS and FedEx in costs.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 31, 2025 01:18 PM (Q4IgG)

It's kind of the other way around-- USPS does last mile delivery on Sundays because Amazon contracted with them. Without the Amazon contract, they wouldn't be working on Sunday.

Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 01:57 PM (kUdhB)

116 >>> Then at the end of the homily, the priest at our northern suburban parish in the Chicago Archdiocese opined on the Annunciation shooting. We were not to think of the shooter a monster but to recognize him as a damaged child...

OK, damaged child.
Was he a strong advocate for

Groomers ---> Chippers

Yes?

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at August 31, 2025 01:58 PM (/lPRQ)

117 Clot shot strikes again.

News anchor dies of heart attack at age 42 soon after starting new Mississippi TV job

A news anchor who had just recently started a new job at a Mississippi-based TV news station died suddenly of a heart attack.
Celeste Wilson was only 42 years old, according to the "Today" show.

https://tinyurl.com/yxkvhxn7

Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 01:59 PM (cr7L+)

118 I think a case could be made that there is a problem with members of the Postal union being involved in our elections.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 31, 2025 01:59 PM (kUxzU)

119 1ST WORLD NOOD

Posted by: Skip at August 31, 2025 02:01 PM (+qU29)

120 Oh, and the Chicago AD is doing a collection for Gazans next week. No mention of the Christians being martyred in Africa.
Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at August 31, 2025 01:45 PM (qwx/I)

How are they going to ensure that the aid reaches the Gazans who need it and doesn't just get stolen/confiscated by Hamas?

Or are they even concerned about that?

Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at August 31, 2025 02:03 PM (FMtrg)

121 The Soviets just used a pencil.
Posted by: tankdemon

And dumped graphite into the surroundings. I worked in a wafer fab, the 'paper wa cloth based so it didn't make dust. We had to use pens as well.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at August 31, 2025 02:03 PM (I2sI/)

122 2nd verse:

https://tinyurl.com/2eusn24r

Same as the 1st:

https://tinyurl.com/yna4mr2a

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at August 31, 2025 02:03 PM (fCQp8)

123 Is there a Great Reset in the works,

Trump is rewiring the WEFs Great Resetters grift machines into an episode of "Ow, My Ballz".

Posted by: DaveA at August 31, 2025 02:06 PM (FhXTo)

124 117 Clot shot strikes again.

News anchor dies of heart attack at age 42 soon after starting new Mississippi TV job

A news anchor who had just recently started a new job at a Mississippi-based TV news station died suddenly of a heart attack.
Celeste Wilson was only 42 years old, according to the "Today" show.

https://tinyurl.com/yxkvhxn7
Posted by: rickb223 at August 31, 2025 01:59 PM (cr7L+)

I have the same reaction seeing every medical anomaly blamed on the "clot shot" as I do to seeing every bit of weather blamed on "climate change."

Posted by: tankdemon at August 31, 2025 02:09 PM (kUdhB)

125 That trans shooting occurred the day after the school attack but wasn't reported by the mainstream press for some reason.

Local story.

Another local story.

Posted by: pawn at August 31, 2025 02:19 PM (c0xEo)

126 Had new dryer installed with an African boss and Hispanic crew. It caught fire the first time I used it.
Assholes.
———-

Picky picky picky! Sorry that you had a less than Optimal User Experience.

Laundry Just Got Better. We’ll strive to make your clothes drying better than ever!

Posted by: Common Tater at August 31, 2025 02:22 PM (xMjcM)

127 Our local Obits for years now have had a lot of young teens to young adults to younger folks who have of “died unexpectedly”, it looks like lots of heart attacks to me.

Posted by: Common Tater at August 31, 2025 02:24 PM (xMjcM)

128 I didn't see this covered here:

"Southwest last week announced it will stop being the airline of choice for fat people, requiring them to buy a second seat if their blubber or limbs "encroach on the neighboring seat." That change also takes effect on Jan. 27.

Southwest has been giving plus-size passengers an option of either buying an extra seat in advance and requesting a refund for it later, or asking for a free extra seat at the airport.

Under the new rule, they'll still have some chance of being refunded, but only if the flight wasn't fully booked at departure, and only if both tickets are in the same booking class. "

Posted by: pawn at August 31, 2025 02:27 PM (c0xEo)

129 Hmm. I think of 'Eagle' pencils. Made in the USA?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 31, 2025 02:31 PM (XeU6L)

130 off sock

Posted by: Gref at August 31, 2025 04:04 PM (aBgBM)

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