The Thursday Morning Rant

We are nearly 60 days away from mid-term general election day. How much turnover will there be in Congress? Not Enough! Until we have term limits for members of Congress, there will continue to be way too many incumbents occupying space in the US Capitol for countless terms.

We The People strongly support term limits for members of Congress. Ballot measures in the 90s were very popular with voters. Voters in 14 states approved ballot initiatives in 1992, and 1994 saw at least 6 of 8 additional states' voters approve ballot measures. So approximately 20 states impose term limits on their members of Congress, right? Wrong!

In 1995, the US Supreme Court ruled Congressional term limit measures and amendments passed at individual state levels to be unconstitutional. The case was U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton. As in Ray Thornton, Democrat member of Congress from Arkansas. He and his allies sued the state after passage of Amendment 73 to the Arkansas Constitution - which limited US House members to 3 terms and US Senate members to 2 terms.

The organization US Terms Limits was founded in 1992, and it still exists today. According to their website

U.S. Term Limits is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to advocating for term limits. We believe that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people—not a ruling class focused on self-serving deals—is essential.
Our mission is to foster a higher quality of government by establishing a citizen legislature. This legislature would more accurately reflect its constituents and be genuinely responsive to their needs. We work tirelessly with citizens across the nation, helping them understand why term limits are a necessary government reform and how to implement this vision from their local town councils all the way to Congress.
It’s important to note that U.S. Term Limits does not require individuals to self-limit their terms. Our aim is to limit the terms for all members of Congress as an institution, ensuring a more dynamic and accountable representative body.

US Term Limits is trying to get support from enough states to force Congress to call for an Article V convention

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress...

How much progress have they made?

The U.S. Constitution provides the state legislatures authority to propose amendments without the approval of Congress. To make it happen, 34 state legislatures must pass resolutions to call a convention for the states to propose a congressional term limits amendment.
Now, here is where it gets a bit complicated. The states don’t always pass the exact same application. So, today there are fourteen state legislatures that have passed the U.S. Term Limits (USTL) single-subject application for congressional term limits. However, there are 9 additional states that have passed applications that include congressional term limits and, therefore, are states we are prioritizing.

34 states have to pass the same application for the convention to be called. Then, any amendments proposed at the convention require ratification by 38 state legislatures.

27 amendments to the Constitution have been ratified. 6 others were proposed but not ratified. Do you know how many of the 33 proposed amendments came about through an Article V convention? ZERO! All 33 proposed amendments were the result of Congress - approved by 2/3 of EACH house of Congress.

On January 6, 2025 a resolution was introduced in the House - H. J. RES. 12

It's purpose - "Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve."

It would impose a 3-term limit on the House and a 2-term limit on the Senate.

What has happened to this amendment since then? It was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on the day it was introduced. That's it. No action at all. Big surprise, right? What are the chances ANY Congress will vote - by a 2/3 majority, no less - to impose term limits upon its members? As the saying goes - "between slim and none -- and Slim just left town!"

Saw this graphic recently. Absolutely ridiculous!

Good for US Term Limits and the work they are doing. However, they are not even halfway to their goal of 34 states passing the same application.

They also have to overcome this kind of stupidity. Stopping a Dangerous Article V Convention

Wealthy donors, corporations, and radical far-right actors are pushing calls for an Article V Convention in states across the country to reshape our Constitution for their own benefit.
Frighteningly, they are just a few states away from succeeding.
***
Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is required to hold a constitutional convention if two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) call for one.
But here’s the catch: there are absolutely no rules for an Article V Convention outlined in the Constitution.
That means the group of people convening to rewrite our Constitution could be totally unelected and unaccountable. There is nothing that could limit the convention to a single issue, so the delegates could write amendments that revoke any of our most cherished rights – like our right to peaceful protest, our freedom of religion, or our right to privacy. There are also no rules preventing corporations from pouring money into the convention to ensure they get their way.

I guess they missed the text in Article V that says the convention's purpose is amendments, not rewriting the Constitution. And also the part about 3/4 of the states needing to ratify any amendments that may arise at a Convention of the States.

So we have Congress refusing to act and clueless people spouting nonsense about a convention being dangerous.

We really aren't going to be able to vote our way out of this, are we?

Posted by: Doof at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Sponge

Posted by: rickb223 at September 03, 2026 11:00 AM (S+dwn)

2 Nooded.

Posted by: Nazdar at September 03, 2026 11:00 AM (NcvvS)

3 Thanks, Doof, for the fill-in.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at September 03, 2026 11:01 AM (dK+Kv)

4 I've said that for years. Don't reelect incumbents.

Posted by: rickb223 at September 03, 2026 11:01 AM (S+dwn)

5 U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton."

Mellon?

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 11:01 AM (cGjQu)

6 And Doof picks up the rant thread. Maybe he knows what happened to our Art thread.

Posted by: Tuna at September 03, 2026 11:02 AM (lJ0H4)

7 I like DeadHead Monkey. Very zen.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:02 AM (zafwz)

8 Is there a Rabid Puppies slate for Congress?

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:02 AM (2GVsD)

9 Jamie Whitten, the lady who does the traffic reports on WMAL?

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:02 AM (77rzZ)

10 And the new thread has emerged. Everyone breathe a sigh of relief.

Posted by: NR Pax at September 03, 2026 11:03 AM (svLOV)

11 When I am elected your King, there are going to be some changes. . .

Posted by: Tonypete at September 03, 2026 11:03 AM (HaopY)

12 Until we have term limits for members of Congress

I think you mean jail sentences. The Uniparty is a bottomless bucket full of crabs.

Posted by: t-bird at September 03, 2026 11:03 AM (h/6op)

13 And Doof picks up the rant thread. Maybe he knows what happened to our Art thread.

Check the milk cartons.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:03 AM (2GVsD)

14 Very chill minkey.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at September 03, 2026 11:04 AM (9Q+nP)

15 An Article V convention ehh?
That could be...sporty.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 03, 2026 11:04 AM (2WIwB)

16 And btw, I disagree with term limits AND turnover in congress.
I think the country is best served by geriatrics wheeled in to waggle an aide-assisted finger in the direction of the voting button. As long as they continue to feather their own nests and further their own interests at our expense, I'm happy.

It's been working fine for 40 years. You don't change what works.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:05 AM (zafwz)

17 Zen Chimp.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (Gqar8)

18 I've said for years that the two worst words in the English language are political and career. Taken together, of course.

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (QaH55)

19 But we've GOT to vote for somebody! Just think of all the new laws we need!

Posted by: t-bird at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (h/6op)

20 Munkeh art.

Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (1o8D5)

21 I'm generally opposed to taking away choice from the people, but an analogy occurred to me that MIGHT make me endorse term limits. That analogy is to those who insist that an absolute free market is best, since people can reach their own decisions. However, it is also clear that this only works in a world where information is unhindered, and people really do know what's going on. That is almost never the case.

Something similar applies to elections. People are easily fooled, and those already in office have a plethora of tools to fool them. Thus, it isn't really a free election.

I will ponder.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (Riz8t)

22 And Doof picks up the rant thread. Maybe he knows what happened to our Art thread.
Posted by: Tuna

Well, he could tell us, but then he'd have to kill us.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:07 AM (77rzZ)

23 19 But we've GOT to vote for somebody! Just think of all the new laws we need!
Posted by: t-bird at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (h/6op)

More: 'I don't want the other guy, so I guess I'll vote for this useless retard.'

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:07 AM (Y/06r)

24 Sorry, but the major problem isn't the politicians it's apathetic voters.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (2UnvF)

25 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (ccf/V)

26 Y U NO post ART?!?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (ccf/V)

27 Very chill minkey.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

It's listening to Bryan Adams love ballads.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (7zn4w)

28 Mahdami got elected by how many people?

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (2GVsD)

29 Maybe he knows what happened to our Art thread."

The art thread was great!

*looks around nervously

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (betdC)

30
CHILL MONKEY

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (iqcvy)

31 24 Sorry, but the major problem isn't the politicians it's apathetic voters.

I have it on good authority that getting suitable ID to vote is almost impossible, so the real problem isn't apathy, it's stupidity.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (Riz8t)

32 More: 'I don't want the other guy, so I guess I'll vote for this useless retard.'
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:07 AM (Y/06r)

Want to wager on how many thousands of pols get elected with exactly that rationale?

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (zafwz)

33 Doof rants? What did you do to CBD and his weekday art post? This is a dangerous change in routine. Don't like it. Don't like it at all!
[deeply-concerned frown emoji]

Posted by: mindful webworker - under-100 comment rule at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (Cl/mc)

34 Article V and term limits?

Its going to take some boobs, Star Trek, and Queensryche to get this one to 200 comments.

Posted by: Crusader at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (TN0g+)

35 Mahdami got elected by how many people?"

How many do you need?

/vote counting Inc.

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (betdC)

36 At some point thoughtful people will realize that certain matters, like governance, pose intractable problems. In other words some things just can’t be fixed. Fallen world and all that.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (Gqar8)

37 Here in Arkansas we have the opportunity to replace Tom Cotton with Hallie Shoffner. But I don't recommend that.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (OlzlW)

38 Instead of term limits, I'd be in favor of an age limit.

Once you hit 70, you serve out the rest of the term and you are DONE. You can never run for federal public office ever again.

Take your toys and go home.

This might keep rotting husks from occupying seats that could be used by Congresscritters who actually want to get things moving.

Maybe also introduce legislation that also prevents spouses/children from continuing their "legacy."

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (FZ29D)

39 36 At some point thoughtful people will realize that certain matters, like governance, pose intractable problems. In other words some things just can’t be fixed. Fallen world and all that

The black pill is strong with this one.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:11 AM (Riz8t)

40
She was born in the wagon of a traveling thread.

Star Trek, Queensryche, Boobs

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:11 AM (PFPLb)

41 Throw the bums out!

Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click!) at September 03, 2026 11:11 AM (aJQbY)

42 Anybody seen Mitch?

Posted by: Mildly curious at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (2Ez/1)

43 I'm pretty sure the Founders wanted the Senate and House to be an upscale Assisted Living/Hospice. I'll opine more when the McCain Funeral wraps up next year.

Posted by: Andy Aricept at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (Fn+3X)

44 Maybe also introduce legislation that also prevents spouses/children from continuing their "legacy."

Whew!

Posted by: Darline Graham Nordone at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (Riz8t)

45 I have voted in three (3) primary elections this year.

In each case, I went specifically to vote AGAINST incumbents and relatives.

And the Other Miss Lindsey and Alan Wilson will have to do without my votes as well in November.

Posted by: Miklos is somewhat limited himself at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (4RYRd)

46
What's the difference between a red pill and a black pill?

About five years.

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (PFPLb)

47 And Doof picks up the rant thread. Maybe he knows what happened to our Art thread.

Check the milk cartons.
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:03 AM (2GVsD)
---
Check Doof Monkey's crawlspace...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:12 AM (FZ29D)

48 39 36 At some point thoughtful people will realize that certain matters, like governance, pose intractable problems. In other words some things just can’t be fixed. Fallen world and all that

The black pill is strong with this one.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:11 AM (Riz8t)

Heh. Moi?? I am a cheerful guy. Just think that posing solutions usually create problems, like running around trying to stamp out cockroaches.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:13 AM (Gqar8)

49 I guess they missed the text in Article V that says the convention's purpose is amendments, not rewriting the Constitution. And also the part about 3/4 of the states needing to ratify any amendments that may arise at a Convention of the States.

Yet, they push a political party that is overrun with communists trying to DESTROY THE WHOLE F*CKING THING.

The stupid.....it burns........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (ccf/V)

50 Headphone Monkey could definitely benefit from a daily application of Plexaderm. Good for eye bags, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Posted by: Annette Figueroa at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (Fn+3X)

51 Sorry, but the major problem isn't the politicians it's apathetic voters.
Posted by: Duke Lowell

Embrace the healing power of 'AND'.

Geriatric husks who don't even push their own vote buttons or write their own bills, returned to office by voters who don't even know the party, only the name that they see on TV/in their mailbox/in the paper.

Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click!) at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (aJQbY)

52 Thanks brother Doof.

Posted by: Buck at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (z6ONu)

53 Monkey listening to low-fi instrumental. Or Ozzy. Can't tell.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (XvL8K)

54 Sorry, but the major problem isn't the politicians it's apathetic voters.
Posted by: Duke Lowell at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM (2UnvF)

The notion of a true representative republic grows more ludicrous every day. The people have precious little choice in who the parties find acceptable even before the primaries. Then the money men decide who get backing.
Then the most partisan voters in the district decide the primaries and in the general we're left with a choice of two pre-selected idjits out of a population of whatever (10s of thousands to literally millions)

It's what makes Trump such a unicorn, that he's the exception to a pretty hard and fast rule.
That rule is that the people will get the choice We give them.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (zafwz)

55 53 Monkey listening to low-fi instrumental. Or Ozzy. Can't tell.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (XvL8K)

Kenny G

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (Gqar8)

56 I'm ready to discuss conspiracy theories about The Lost Art Thread.

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (ZxPkt)

57 This is not an Art Thread

Posted by: Rene Magritte at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (4RYRd)

58 Instead of term limits, I'd be in favor of an age limit.

Once you hit 70, you serve out the rest of the term and you are DONE. You can never run for federal public office ever again.

Take your toys and go home.

This might keep rotting husks from occupying seats that could be used by Congresscritters who actually want to get things moving.

Maybe also introduce legislation that also prevents spouses/children from continuing their "legacy."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

Also, you can't hold more than two Federal offices in your life, whether elected or appointed.

You can't live your whole life on the public teat. Go find something else to do.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (77rzZ)

59 There's something interesting about that table with the longest-
"serving" members of Congress. (yeah, serving, that's what they're doing) See if you can spot it.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (Riz8t)

60 Oh, and Tom Cotton got primaried by a couple of dweebs. One was a woman who obviously was underqualified (due to naivety, not femaleness) and a dude who was also underqualified and seemed to think everything could be blamed on illegal aliens. He came across as an unthinking bigot whose only strategy was scapegoating.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (OlzlW)

61 Maybe also introduce legislation that also prevents spouses/children from continuing their "legacy."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM

Whaaaaat?

Posted by: Sashiqua and Maliqua at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (2Ez/1)

62 And the Other Miss Lindsey and Alan Wilson will have to do without my votes as well in November.
Posted by: Miklos

I voted for Norman.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (7zn4w)

63 I'm ready to discuss conspiracy theories about The Lost Art Thread.

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (ZxPkt)

Listen. Not everything has to be some crazy conspiracy.

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (PFPLb)

64 Monkey listening to low-fi instrumental. Or Ozzy. Can't tell.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 11:14 AM (XvL8K)

It's Doof monkey.

Depeche Mode.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (ccf/V)

65
More: 'I don't want the other guy, so I guess I'll vote for this useless retard.'
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:07 AM (Y/06r)

Want to wager on how many thousands of pols get elected with exactly that rationale?
Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:09 AM (zafwz)

Or the Camille Paglia Gambit. She spends the whole Presidential Election year shitting all over the Donks for being corrupt assholes and offering tepid praise for the GOP candidate, but throws her vote away on the Green Party (who she's ignored until Election Day), because "Ewwwww! Republicans have cooties!"

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 11:16 AM (iqcvy)

66 I'm ready to discuss conspiracy theories about The Lost Art Thread.
Posted by: Don Black

It's in a crate in the back of some government warehouse.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (77rzZ)

67 >U.S. Term Limits is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to advocating for term limits.
----

God bless 'em, they never give up!
one problem:
The people you want to term limit, would have to vote for term limits
think it thru

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (ZxPkt)

68 59 There's something interesting about that table with the longest-
"serving" members of Congress. (yeah, serving, that's what they're doing) See if you can spot it.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (Riz8t)

The clue is obscured by the alternating color scheme.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (OlzlW)

69 Thx Doof.
The Dingells occupying the seat since 1933 is beyond insane.
Not sure an Article V convention woul cure this . It would be run by the same clowns on the elite political class we have now.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (M9Oed)

70 Camille Paglia. Not heard that name in years. She still alive?

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (Gqar8)

71 When I'm running a country, there will be a totally symbolic, rubber stamp Parliament.

It will serve as a window-dressing for my imperial rule as in days of old, but also a secondary purpose as a filter funnel that collects the politically ambitious.

At the end of their mandated single term, these public "servants" will be sent away to the provinces, where they will frolic and play in the fields with the other swine, and they'll graze freely among the cash-fields.

At least, that's what I'll tell the children the abbatoir is like.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (BI5O2)

72 Not everything has to be some crazy conspiracy.
Posted by: ...

That's what they want you to think!

Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click!) at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (aJQbY)

73 Depeche Mode.

Enjoy the silence.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (2GVsD)

74 There's something interesting about that table with the longest-
"serving" members of Congress. (yeah, serving, that's what they're doing) See if you can spot it.
Posted by: Archimedes

(D-crepit)

Posted by: Miklos hazards a guess at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (4RYRd)

75 As much as various parts of the constitution need patching up, I don't think we will survive an article V convention. The progs cannot and will not behave themselves and there is no chance we don't come out of it with dealbreakers.

1A and 2A are obviously non-negotiable, just look at the EU and the rest of the anglosphere. These are hard red lines when you're talking about jail for internet comments, hordes of rapists and murderers, and prog goons operating with near impunity.

Conversely, I don't think we are gonna make it regardless. We'd be shooting at each other right now already if Harris had "won". There is little chance of the dems not flipping out if they get back in power. We simply can't share a nation with them.

Posted by: heya at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (ND37T)

76 I'm ready to discuss conspiracy theories about The Lost Art Thread.
Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (ZxPkt)

CBD must've been running in flip flops again.......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (ccf/V)

77 I would accept an Article V convention if the membership was limited to AoSHQ commenters. Not trolls.

We should crowd source Constitution 2.0.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (u82oZ)

78 Oh, and Tom Cotton got primaried by a couple of dweebs. One was a woman who obviously was underqualified (due to naivety, not femaleness)

We don't let that silly shit stop us!

Posted by: SC Voters at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (7zn4w)

79 Less than 60 days. Early voting starts in September in some states.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (NvLYs)

80 They all belong in the D-crypt.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (2GVsD)

81 If you have a comfy seat on the Gravy Train, are you gonna volunteer to tear up your ticket and get off at the next stop?

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:18 AM (ZxPkt)

82 "Service". Sure . Fkrs.

Posted by: fd at September 03, 2026 11:19 AM (abSpA)

83 The clue is obscured by the alternating color scheme.
Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (OlzlW)
---
Good catch. Wouldn't have noticed unless someone pointed it out. Deliberate deception on the part of whomever created that table. They wanted to promote the narrative that it's a "both sides" problem.

Yeah, it's a "both sides" problem, but still heavily weighted towards one side more than the other.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:19 AM (FZ29D)

84 Camille Paglia. Not heard that name in years. She still alive?

Yup. She's 79.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:19 AM (Riz8t)

85 Trump says he is going to campaign in Alaska.... Never dreamed Alaska would be up for grabs...

Posted by: It's me donna at September 03, 2026 11:19 AM (+gK6I)

86 And so it begins.

Posted by: That guy who always thinks it's beginning at September 03, 2026 11:19 AM (amcLV)

87 Trump says he is going to campaign in Alaska.... Never dreamed Alaska would be up for grabs...

He'll put Murcowski on a glacier?

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (2GVsD)

88 NO
you gonna ride that puppy til they carry you off in a rubber bag

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (ZxPkt)

89
He'll put Murcowski on a glacier?
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (2GVsD)

If only

Posted by: It's me donna at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (+gK6I)

90 "Service" is what bulls do to cows, and politicians do to us.

Posted by: Buck at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (z6ONu)

91 I would accept an Article V convention if the membership was limited to AoSHQ commenters.
----------
The TxMoMe would do just fine.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (amcLV)

92 One of the reasons that the founding fathers didn't envision this is that we are living much longer. Congress critters in the nineties or even eighties was unthinkable

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (M9Oed)

93 Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (OlzlW)

Ha!!!

Not that I looked at it for long but I can't believe I missed that. You just made my week...

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:21 AM (PFPLb)

94 I’m pretty happy with my elected officials at the federal and state level. I don’t want them replaced.

At the local level they all suck ass but keep getting re-elected because turnout is so low. I always vote against incumbents and I always am disappointed.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:21 AM (NvLYs)

95 Trump says he is going to campaign in Alaska.... Never dreamed Alaska would be up for grabs...

He'll put Murcowski on a glacier?

She's not up until '28. I wouldn't be completely surprised if she retires, just to avoid losing.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:21 AM (Riz8t)

96 >>Listen. Not everything has to be some crazy conspiracy.

That's what THEY WANT you to think!

Posted by: Conspiracy Theorist at September 03, 2026 11:21 AM (NcvvS)

97 Depeche Mode.

Enjoy the silence.
-----

A policy of truth.

Posted by: Crusader at September 03, 2026 11:21 AM (TN0g+)

98 Congress critters in the nineties or even eighties was unthinkable
Posted by: Smell the Glove

Age or IQ?

Posted by: Miklos embraces the Power at September 03, 2026 11:22 AM (4RYRd)

99 When I'm running a country, there will be a totally symbolic, rubber stamp Parliament.

It will serve as a window-dressing for my imperial rule as in days of old, but also a secondary purpose as a filter funnel that collects the politically ambitious.

At the end of their mandated single term, these public "servants" will be sent away to the provinces, where they will frolic and play in the fields with the other swine, and they'll graze freely among the cash-fields.

At least, that's what I'll tell the children the abbatoir is like.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (BI5O2)

That's a beautiful little bit of writing. You have a way with words.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:22 AM (zafwz)

100 Lust for power is not a party thing, although looking at that list, the demonic Left does seem over represented.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:22 AM (Gqar8)

101 Here's a new poll (yeah, yeah) and it isn't good news for the Dems.

New Poll Devastates Democrats Ahead of Midterms

https://tinyurl.com/mrye6due

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (Riz8t)

102 >>Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click!) at September 03, 2026 11:17 AM (aJQbY)

Horde mind, again.

Posted by: Conspiracy Theorist at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (NcvvS)

103 My Congressthing (CO-7) is a woke blonde skirt

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (ZxPkt)

104 I would accept an Article V convention if the membership was limited to AoSHQ commenters.
Posted by: NaCly Dog

It would break up in acrimony in arguments over the longbow amendment versus the crossbow amendment, the prohibition of maple syrup on French toast amendment, and Ginger v. Maryanne. (No amendment there, just the usual argument.)

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (77rzZ)

105 Thanks, Squirrel and Dots. I was fooled at first glance as well.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (OlzlW)

106 I'm ready to discuss conspiracy theories about The Lost Art Thread.
Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:15 AM (ZxPkt)p

THIS!!!!!!

They make $170,000+ a year, yet in a few short years, are worth MILLIONS.

You gonna throw that kind of graft away? They damn sure aren't going to.

This is why we can't have nice things.

They always say 'follow the money.' No one ever f*cking does. They're ALL corrupt.

Perfect example. WEF attendee Eyepatch McCain won his House seat. IMMEDIATELY he was the world's best stock market investor. He's now worth millions.

You will NOT fix this system from within.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (ccf/V)

107 Oligachy!

Posted by: Senator For Life Bernie Sanders at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (c3YdQ)

108 Age limits for congress is a big thing on the left now. If they’re for it I’m against it. Simple as that.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:24 AM (NvLYs)

109 Bulg

You forgot 9mm vs .45ACP

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:24 AM (2GVsD)

110 @98 Miklos, yes

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 03, 2026 11:24 AM (M9Oed)

111
Also, you can't hold more than two Federal offices in your life, whether elected or appointed.

If you want to run for either the House or Senate, you have to resign any elected/appointed office, local/state/federal BEFORE filing. If you really want more responsibility in a higher office, you should concentrate 100% on that race. Hedging your bets by maintaining a stranglehold on your previous office just shows that you're not serious.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 11:24 AM (iqcvy)

112 Think I read, here probably, that Texas legislators make 7200$/year. Now that’s a good idea.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:25 AM (Gqar8)

113
It would break up in acrimony in arguments over the longbow amendment versus the crossbow amendment, the prohibition of maple syrup on French toast amendment, and Ginger v. Maryanne. (No amendment there, just the usual argument.)
Posted by: Bulg

A few more drinks and some Texas Polka.

We'll work it out.

Posted by: Mediator Miklos at September 03, 2026 11:25 AM (4RYRd)

114 The TxMoMe would do just fine.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:20 AM (amcLV)

Nah. NO one wants me included in anything like 'making decisions.'

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (ccf/V)

115 Think I read, here probably, that Texas legislators make 7200$/year. Now that’s a good idea.
Posted by: tubal

All that does is ensure that only wealthy people will run for office. Regular people aren’t going to quit their day job to make $7200 a year.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (NvLYs)

116 >>Listen. Not everything has to be some crazy conspiracy.
----

Wow.
That's what someone who's in on the conspiracy would say.

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (ZxPkt)

117 How to induce voluntary term limits in DC?

Take away the AC.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (2GVsD)

118 The Texas legislature is not a full time job, either.

Posted by: Buck at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (z6ONu)

119 Almost no one appears to comprehend the likely results of an Article V convention. Most likely, of course is that it simply collapses in acrimony.
Next most likely is that it results in 3 - 4 new constitutions, resulting in 3 - 4 Successor States. No more US.

There is no way that all the States would ever agree on a New Vision for governance, and no one today has the will or the force needed to force the dissenters to comply.

Partition is the obvious end game.

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (C+rBZ)

120 Age limits for congress is a big thing on the left now. If they’re for it I’m against it. Simple as that.

Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez

It's tactical. Clear out the old guard so the new DSA crowd can sweep in and take their places.

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (OUMaO)

121 Think I read, here probably, that Texas legislators make 7200$/year. Now that’s a good idea.
Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:25 AM

And meet very sparingly for short periods, unless called to special sessions.

The damage is very limited.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (ccf/V)

122 Nah. NO one wants me included in anything like 'making decisions.'
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (ccf/V)
----------
You could go in the dunk tank, then.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (amcLV)

123
I kind of hate all this "I hate not getting what I want, so let's changes the rules my way." that infects modern society.

There's a perfectly good way of getting rid of incumbents called the Primary.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (k6HtG)

124 Regular people aren’t going to quit their day job to make $7200 a year.
Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez

Especially with No Tax on Tips!

Posted by: bartenders and Mohels Local 852 at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (4RYRd)

125 Think I read, here probably, that Texas legislators make 7200$/year. Now that’s a good idea.
Posted by: tubal

And convene for 6 months every other year.

They do less damage that way.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (7zn4w)

126 37 Here in Arkansas we have the opportunity to replace Tom Cotton with Hallie Shoffner. But I don't recommend that.

Posted by: Emmie, celebrating 250 years of God's grace at September 03, 2026 11:10 AM (OlzlW)

Agreed, that girl is a nightmare waiting to be unleashed on the Natural State. But Tom... mercy. He isn't doing himself any favors. Sometimes the lesser evil is a thin line, but in this case, it's a chasm.

Posted by: moki at September 03, 2026 11:27 AM (wLjpr)

127 No, we are not going to be able to vote our way to a united U.S. And my New England roots are so deep I could not live elsewhere.
My only hope is that the red coalition demand and receive unconditional surrender when the time comes. Show no mercy, kill those you must, and their families.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 03, 2026 11:28 AM (sl73Y)

128 28 Mahdami got elected by how many people?
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM
==

Highest mayoral turnout in 50 years: 40%. Sad.

Posted by: J. Frank Parnell at September 03, 2026 11:28 AM (0bjKf)

129
All that does is ensure that only wealthy people will run for office. Regular people aren’t going to quit their day job to make $7200 a year.
Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (NvLYs)

What other job does James Talarico have. Anyone know?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:28 AM (ccf/V)

130 Think I read, here probably, that Texas legislators make 7200$/year. Now that’s a good idea.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:25 AM

Their perks kick in when they retire. They get a defined pension plus ERS (401k) contribution matches. And if they serve long enough they can draw up to $140,000 per year in pension money.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at September 03, 2026 11:28 AM (cpFbA)

131 And meet very sparingly for short periods, unless called to special sessions.
----------
When I worked for National Insurance Legal Services, it amused me that nearly all Texas laws were classed as emergency legislation.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (amcLV)

132 Agreed, that girl is a nightmare waiting to be unleashed on the Natural State. But Tom... mercy. He isn't doing himself any favors. Sometimes the lesser evil is a thin line, but in this case, it's a chasm.

What's wrong with Tom Cotton?

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

133 My Congressman is a DIABLO (Democrat in all but label only) and the GOP nominee for governor wants to replace me with an H1B so I am not excited to score this year.

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (RrsRo)

134 What other job does James Talarico have. Anyone know?
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer

He's a sweet boy.

Posted by: Mom, writing checks for Little Jimmy at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (4RYRd)

135 All that does is ensure that only wealthy people will run for office. Regular people aren’t going to quit their day job to make $7200 a year.
Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (NvLYs)

What other job does James Talarico have. Anyone know?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer

Be prepared to see a lot of candidates with sketchy high-paying NGO "jobs".

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (OUMaO)

136 And meet very sparingly for short periods, unless called to special sessions.

The damage is very limited.
Posted by: Sponge

I've heard that the TX Governorship is an intentionally weak office, too.

So, who's actually running the place?

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:30 AM (77rzZ)

137 Mahdami got elected by how many people?
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 03, 2026 11:08 AM
==

Highest mayoral turnout in 50 years: 40%. Sad.
Posted by: J. Frank Parnell at September 03, 2026 11:28 AM (0bjKf)

This is why I give no f*cks about NYC. 60% KNEW what Mamcommie was, yet chose to stay the f*ck home. Guess what.

REAP IT.

I WANT him coming to 9/11 memorials. I WANT him in their faces. I WANT him to enact his policies.

Owebama shoved it down our goddamn throats. ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES.

You can't be bothered to show up on election day, REAP IT.........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:30 AM (ccf/V)

138 All that does is ensure that only wealthy people will run for office. Regular people aren’t going to quit their day job to make $7200 a year.
Posted by: Sandy Cocazio Ortez at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (NvLYs)

They also only work for 8 months or so every two years. It’s a part time job for business owners who want the publicity and exposure; which explains why the Texas House has always been dominated by the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Republicans.

(Hint: lots of illegals make their labor costs cheaper)

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (C+rBZ)

139 The problem with government is that people are involved. If only there were entities that were not people to do the work. Dispassionate entities, with no personal agendas. Something something algorithms.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (Gqar8)

140

What's wrong with Tom Cotton?

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

Voted for John Thune, voted against SAVE

Posted by: moki at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (wLjpr)

141 Next most likely is that it results in 3 - 4 new constitutions, resulting in 3 - 4 Successor States. No more US.
--------------------------------
Cut. Jib.

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (RrsRo)

142 I've heard that the TX Governorship is an intentionally weak office, too.

So, who's actually running the place?
Posted by: Bulg
_________

Jerry Jones.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (XvL8K)

143 117 How to induce voluntary term limits in DC?

Take away the AC.

this is about us, isn't it?

Posted by: ac/dc at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (v3pYe)

144 The CURRENT list of longest serving Congress members is a BJ out 50/50 Republican and Dem

Midterms looking bluer each day

Paxton looking more vulnerable as he chooses to vacation with his current mistress in Europe and Iceland rather than campaign in TX

"There is/are no fool(d) like old fool(s)"

Posted by: Paul at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (CqEra)

145
I've heard that the TX Governorship is an intentionally weak office, too.

So, who's actually running the place?
Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:30 AM (77rzZ)

Not so sure about that. We have weak mayors where the City Council runs everything.

The Governor can exec order and veto and all that good stuff. The PEOPLE vote for constitutional amendments. He can also call the legislature back into session if he sees there's something they need to address ASAP.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (ccf/V)

146 "There is/are no fool(d) like old fool(s)"
Posted by: Paul at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (CqEra)

Very fitting Paul.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:33 AM (Y/06r)

147 Why is Paul going on about blow jobs?

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:33 AM (amcLV)

148 Wow.
That's what someone who's in on the conspiracy would say.

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:26 AM (ZxPkt)

Well that's what someone deep into the conspiracy but trying to discredit it would say.

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:33 AM (PFPLb)

149 The problem is that the Potomac is way too warm to have ice floes.

Posted by: Adrift In A Sea Of Grift at September 03, 2026 11:33 AM (Fn+3X)

150 "The problem with government is that people are involved. If only there were entities that were not people to do the work. Dispassionate entities, with no personal agendas. Something something algorithms."

If a politician contemplating a potential policy were merely to take five minutes to ask an AI "what are the likely downsides and unintended consequences of this policy I'm considering?", I'd regard that as five minutes well spent.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (Jr5Lq)

151 Doof, I like your monkey picture!!!

It's sweet, not a shock to the senses every time I refresh. . .

Posted by: Lizzy at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (rOKnE)

152 Paging Jeff Spicoli. Mr. Spicoli, please pick up the white courtesy phone.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (77rzZ)

153 An Article V convention would be opening the door to a world of trouble

I imagine it would quickly become bogged down in a blizzard of lawsuits and endless procedural wrangling

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (ZxPkt)

154
Not so sure about that. We have weak mayors where the City Council runs everything.

The Governor can exec order and veto and all that good stuff. The PEOPLE vote for constitutional amendments. He can also call the legislature back into session if he sees there's something they need to address ASAP.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:32 AM (ccf/V)

The Railroad commissioner was always a big election - that and lieutenant governor. I vaguely recall my Texas government class indicating those two positions actually wielded more power than the governor, but things could have changed significantly in lo the many years since I took it.

Posted by: moki at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (wLjpr)

155 Next most likely is that it results in 3 - 4 new constitutions, resulting in 3 - 4 Successor States. No more US.
--------------------------------
Cut. Jib.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (RrsRo)
----
Which would basically rip the rest of the world order into tatters. NO ONE would be "in charge."

Like it or not, the massive dominance of the United States of America does keep a damper on a lot of simmering tension around the world. With us out of the picture, many other nations will be wrecked in short order.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (FZ29D)

156 Posted by: Lizzy at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (rOKnE)

See the red comment numbers? Click the last one. Or any one. And be taken straight to heaven.

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (PFPLb)

157 If a politician contemplating a potential policy were merely to take five minutes to ask an AI "what are the likely downsides and unintended consequences of this policy I'm considering?", I'd regard that as five minutes well spent.
Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (Jr5Lq)

Hmmm. The follow up question would likely be "can I profit from the likely downsides and unintended consequences?"
That would be the five minutes they would consider well spent.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:36 AM (zafwz)

158 They also only work for 8 months or so every two years. It’s a part time job for business owners who want the publicity and exposure; which explains why the Texas House has always been dominated by the Chamber of Commerce (CoC) Republicans.

(Hint: lots of illegals make their labor costs cheaper)
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (C+rBZ)

Texas Republicans voted to impeach Ken Paxton. The judge put a gag order on him, while Karl Rove was allowed to wrote op-eds in the Wall Street Journal trashing and lying about Paxton unabated.

In the trial, the FBI, who was called to investigate Paxton, got on the stand and advised the court they "found no evidence whatsoever" that Paxton did anything wrong, accepted bribes or violated any laws in any instance.

Talarico is now running ads about how "even Republicans voted to impeach him" because he's just so corrupt.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:36 AM (ccf/V)

159 See the red comment numbers? Click the last one. Or any one. And be taken straight to heaven.
Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (PFPLb)

Unless twitter embeds, then it will be reindexed upwards because of the interaction.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:36 AM (Y/06r)

160 I wonder who the longest-serving member of Congress was before the 20th century.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (77rzZ)

161 Why such pessimism? We have succeeded in getting rid of some musty old fossils and GOPe creeps. Voting matters. We need to do more of it.

As for commies in deep blue areas, getting rid of one old commie through term limits will only result in a younger, more energetic, probably more radicalized commie. How does that help us?

Indeed, the intramural fight between old boomer Democraps and younger DSA scabs trying to take over is a major animating principle for my optimism that we're gonna win in November. None of this would be possibly with term limits.

The real problem, as I see it, isn't the lack of term limits. It's Democrap vote fraud (which we are working on) and an inexplicable lack of voter enthusiasm on our side (which I hope we are working on).

Posted by: Elric The Blade at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (iFTx/)

162 What's wrong with Tom Cotton?

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

Voted for John Thune, voted against SAVE

Well THAT'S disappointing.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (Riz8t)

163 Unless twitter embeds, then it will be reindexed upwards because of the interaction.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:36 AM (Y/06r)

Either way you avoid having to see the main post or offensive top pic more than once.

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (PFPLb)

164 I'll play:

1. All candidates for public office must be native-born citizens, with at least one parent also being native-born.

2. All candidates for public office must have some significant work experience in the private sector, and not just mopping floors at SBUX.

3. Practicing lawyers cannot run for office. Conflict of interest baked into the cake.

4. Three terms in is the limit. Done. For that level of government.

5. Cannot be directly succeeded by a close relative or spouse.

6. No special pensions will be given. Contribute to an individual retirement account of your choice, and the gov't. will match it. Done.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (1z8ji)

165 I've heard that the TX Governorship is an intentionally weak office, too.

So, who's actually running the place?
Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 11:30 AM (77rzZ)

Abbott’s actually done as good a job with it as any past Governor I can think of. He’s the head of the bureaucracy, and influences policy through his personnel choices there. He has no control at all over the Legislature, but the Lt. Governor has a lot of influence over the Senate.

Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and all Judges and County officials are independently elected positions, so the Governor has no influence over them or their departments.

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:37 AM (C+rBZ)

166 150 "The problem with government is that people are involved. If only there were entities that were not people to do the work. Dispassionate entities, with no personal agendas. Something something algorithms."

If a politician contemplating a potential policy were merely to take five minutes to ask an AI "what are the likely downsides and unintended consequences of this policy I'm considering?", I'd regard that as five minutes well spent.
Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (Jr5Lq)

Quite possibly. Every angle in our discussions can quickly be met with a counterpoint. I think maybe that reveals the messiness of our sytem. A good and not so good thing, yes? We often tend to go off in all directions. Or in no direction at all.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:38 AM (Gqar8)

167
THIS!!!!!!

They make $170,000+ a year, yet in a few short years, are worth MILLIONS.

You gonna throw that kind of graft away? They damn sure aren't going to.

This is why we can't have nice things.

They always say 'follow the money.' No one ever f*cking does. They're ALL corrupt.

Perfect example. WEF attendee Eyepatch McCain won his House seat. IMMEDIATELY he was the world's best stock market investor. He's now worth millions.

You will NOT fix this system from within.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:23 AM (ccf/V)

Plus, there's no way that these ugly, decrepit fossils pull down as much primo blonde coed intern poon in the private sector. That's reason enough.

Reminds me of a press conference held by Charlie Crist after he'd flip-flopped parties for about the third time and a reporter called him on it. That orange-skinned let the mask slip a bit by whining "but I just want to seeeerrrrrrrrrrve!"

No way in hell that a grown man whines like that for anything except poontang.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 11:38 AM (iqcvy)

168
The Railroad commissioner was always a big election - that and lieutenant governor. I vaguely recall my Texas government class indicating those two positions actually wielded more power than the governor, but things could have changed significantly in lo the many years since I took it.
Posted by: moki at September 03, 2026 11:34 AM (wLjpr)

It's likely still the case, however I never hear much about those to positions until it's election time and we Texans did a great job throwing George P. Bush to the curb, removing ALL Bush's from their last government position.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:38 AM (ccf/V)

169 NH State legislators make $100/year, plus T&E to the State House. Unchanged since it was instituted in 1889.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at September 03, 2026 11:38 AM (N39Ws)

170 The top ten list of current members is 6 Dems, 3 R's, and "Independent" Bernie Mansions Sanders, so 7-3.

I don't know how much of a fucking retard you have to be to call that "almost 50-50".

Posted by: far cry at September 03, 2026 11:38 AM (Q6P2R)

171 Darn sock.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (N39Ws)

172 "1. All candidates for public office must be native-born citizens, with at least one parent also being native-born."

And must not hold dual citizenship with another nation.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (Jr5Lq)

173
Saw this graphic recently. Absolutely ridiculous!

Missing:
Carl Hayden (D-AZ): February 19, 1912 to January 3, 1969

Adolph Sabath (D-IL): March 4, 1907 to November 6, 1952

Sam Rayburn (D-TX): January 10, 1911 to November 16, 1961

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (eRlcH)

174 Like it or not, the massive dominance of the United States of America does keep a damper on a lot of simmering tension around the world. With us out of the picture, many other nations will be wrecked in short order.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (FZ29D)

That's what we said.
--The British Empire--

That's what we said
--Pax Romana--

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (zafwz)

175 And so ends the beginning.

Posted by: The person who always thinks the beginning is ending at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (2Ez/1)

176 As for commies in deep blue areas, getting rid of one old commie through term limits will only result in a younger, more energetic, probably more radicalized commie. How does that help us?

Indeed, the intramural fight between old boomer Democraps and younger DSA scabs trying to take over is a major animating principle for my optimism that we're gonna win in November. None of this would be possibly with term limits.

It depends on what you think the youngster's chances are. If you can get rid of the dessicated fossils who, despite everything, have managed to persuade lots of people that they're reasonable and only want what's best for the country, and replace them with wild-eyed lunatics, our chances probably improve.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (Riz8t)

177 I know progressives who think a Convention would be a good thing and it emphatically would not. Please tell a friend. Christian fascists want a Convention because:

- There are no rules, there's only ever been one. They'll lure support with a popular idea (e.g., balanced budget) and rewrite the whole thing.

- Each state gets a vote and there are more red states.

And one of the changes they will make is the removal of the ability to have a convention again to fix it. They may be evil but they are not dumb.

Liberals(Capitalists) would want a convention, true progressives (Socialist leaning) would not.
I’m a socialist and the thought of a convention where there are no rules is horrifying.

Reich-wingers want a convention. What a bunch of traitors. I hate this timeline. The GOP needs stripped of its power. Worthless oligarchs

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at September 03, 2026 11:40 AM (t19vo)

178
Voted for John Thune, voted against SAVE
Posted by: moki at September 03, 2026 11:31 AM (wLjpr)

well, no.

"Tom Cotton spoke in favor of the SAVE America Act in a March 18, 2026 floor speech, stating that 64% of adults supported the bill and urging senators to vote for it."

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:41 AM (g47mK)

179 I completely agree that anyone, from either party, who has been squatting in Congress for decades is a menace to the country. It rots their awareness and priorities.

HOWEVER, what is never discussed is the tenure of the staffers, and how much power they wield. For example, I read that Thune inherited McConnell's staffers when he took over Senate leadership -- and then promptly lead exactly like McConnell. Gee, I wonder why?

Not that each of these elected officials aren't responsible for how they perform, but there is an army of uniparty staffers* who ensure that DC functions the same way, regardless of who they are working for. They wield a lot more power than we understand, while remaining nameless and unaccountable to people outside of DC.

*I am reminded on a Project Veritas (iirc) op where they interviewed progressive staffers who intentionally worked for GOP Congressman so that they could subvert from within.

Posted by: Lizzy at September 03, 2026 11:41 AM (rOKnE)

180 What difference, at this point, does it make?

Posted by: Old Lady Rodham at September 03, 2026 11:41 AM (2Ez/1)

181 They may be evil but they are not dumb.
--------

They're not?

Posted by: ... at September 03, 2026 11:41 AM (PFPLb)

182 174 Like it or not, the massive dominance of the United States of America does keep a damper on a lot of simmering tension around the world. With us out of the picture, many other nations will be wrecked in short order.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (FZ29D)

That's what we said.
--The British Empire--

That's what we said
--Pax Romana--

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (zafwz)

The roman empire was followed by the dark ages(which is mostly a lot of war and raiding) while the British empire handed off to the US, though it never really was as dominant.

The US under Trump is attempting to set up relatively stable regional groupings that ideally would keep things in order.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy at September 03, 2026 11:42 AM (okun6)

183 We often tend to go off in all directions. Or in no direction at all.

I think immobility is the intended default of the system, and that's a good thing.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:42 AM (Riz8t)

184
Also:

Carl Vinson (D-GA): November 3, 1914 to January 3, 1965

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 03, 2026 11:42 AM (eRlcH)

185
*I am reminded on a Project Veritas (iirc) op where they interviewed progressive staffers who intentionally worked for GOP Congressman so that they could subvert from within.
Posted by: Lizzy at September 03, 2026 11:41 AM (rOKnE)

God forbid they actually do the job they were elected to do themselves........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:42 AM (ccf/V)

186 177 I know progressives who think a Convention would be a good thing and it emphatically would not. Please tell a friend. Christian fascists want a Convention because:

- There are no rules, there's only ever been one. They'll lure support with a popular idea (e.g., balanced budget) and rewrite the whole thing.

- Each state gets a vote and there are more red states.

And one of the changes they will make is the removal of the ability to have a convention again to fix it. They may be evil but they are not dumb.

Liberals(Capitalists) would want a convention, true progressives (Socialist leaning) would not.
I’m a socialist and the thought of a convention where there are no rules is horrifying.

Reich-wingers want a convention. What a bunch of traitors. I hate this timeline. The GOP needs stripped of its power. Worthless oligarchs
Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at September 03, 2026 11:40 AM (t19vo)

This is fascinating.

"I’m a socialist and the thought of a convention where there are no rules is horrifying."

This is really interesting. Socialists are parasites on actual working systems.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (Y/06r)

187 "Tom Cotton spoke in favor of the SAVE America Act in a March 18, 2026 floor speech, stating that 64% of adults supported the bill and urging senators to vote for it."

I didn't think that sounded like him.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (Riz8t)

188 I didn't think that sounded like him.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (Riz8t)

Yes, sounded unbelievable. So I double checked.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (g47mK)

189 Like it or not, the massive dominance of the United States of America does keep a damper on a lot of simmering tension around the world. With us out of the picture, many other nations will be wrecked in short order.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 03, 2026 11:35 AM (FZ29D)

That's what we said.
--The British Empire--

That's what we said
--Pax Romana--

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 11:39 AM (zafwz)
------------
*sigh*

Posted by: Alexander the Great at September 03, 2026 11:44 AM (amcLV)

190 187 "Tom Cotton spoke in favor of the SAVE America Act in a March 18, 2026 floor speech, stating that 64% of adults supported the bill and urging senators to vote for it."

I didn't think that sounded like him.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (Riz8t)

I always liked Cotton except for his backing of money for Ukraine..

Posted by: It's me donna at September 03, 2026 11:44 AM (+gK6I)

191 I would like term limits set at 18 years for all DC elected positions. You can do 9 House terms, 3 Senate terms, or combine them , including presidency.
Oh, and no pensions

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 03, 2026 11:45 AM (M9Oed)

192 Yes, sounded unbelievable. So I double checked.

As to voting for Thune, it's clear that Cotton has ambitions to replace Thune. My guess is that he's trying to get close to the throne, and will ultimately try to seize it.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:45 AM (Riz8t)

193 Omg. Omg. Omg. Yesterday the US mint started selling gold colored $1 coins with Trump's likeness on it.

Best reason ever to go to Starbucks and pay for something. Imagine the blue hair having to take it.

😂😂😂😂😂

Posted by: rickb223 at September 03, 2026 11:45 AM (S+dwn)

194 "I’m a socialist and the thought of a convention where there are no rules is horrifying."

This is really interesting. Socialists are parasites on actual working systems.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

He's actually probably just a communist, and wants a violent revolution. Then they'll have a convention of like minded commies so they'll get the rules they want. (Except he won't be a part of the discussion as he expects, and will instead be part of the initial purge)

Posted by: Intercepted Reddit Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at September 03, 2026 11:45 AM (t19vo)

195
This is really interesting. Socialists are parasites on actual working systems.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:43 AM (Y/06r)

The BEST part is that it's painfully obvious NONE of them have taken a civics class.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (ccf/V)

196 184
Also:

Carl Vinson (D-GA): November 3, 1914 to January 3, 1965
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 03, 2026 11:42 AM

Stay in there long enough and they'll name an aircraft carrier after you.

Posted by: Secretary of the Navy at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (2Ez/1)

197 "Eric Daugherty
@EricLDaugh
·
1h
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump has officially slashed the USA migrant population by almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE

This is enormous."

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (g47mK)

198 We need staff limits too.

Posted by: DaveA at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (FhXTo)

199 The Presidency. Two six year terms, not to be served consecutively.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (Gqar8)

200 1h
🚨 JUST IN: President Trump has officially slashed the USA migrant population by almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE

This is enormous."

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (g47mK)

Only 25 million to go

Posted by: It's me donna at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (+gK6I)

201
*sigh*
Posted by: Alexander the Great at September 03, 2026 11:44 AM (amcLV)

It probably would have helped keep your empire together a little longer if you weren't a paranoid, genocidal maniac.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (iqcvy)

202 "Years of Service" needs to be more reality based and less noble sounding for these self-serving sub-human pieces of crap.

Years at the Trough
Years sucking the Government tits dry.

Oh, GatewayPundit...

Is anyone actually surprised at this point?

Tucker Carlson appeared to all but endorse far-left Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s critical U.S. Senate race while launching a blistering attack against President Trump’s endorsed Republican candidate, Mike Rogers.

During an interview with “Breaking Points” co-host Saagar Enjeti, Carlson declared that he would not vote for Rogers “at gunpoint,” accused the former House Intelligence Committee chairman of being a “tool of Israel and the intelligence agencies,” and praised El-Sayed’s newly repackaged campaign as “literally Trumpian.

Posted by: Stateless - keeping 15 year Ralphy happy and alive. Puppy at heart at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (Sco7b)

203 JUST IN: President Trump has officially slashed the USA migrant population by almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE

Can we please stop calling them migrants, and call them what they are, namely "illegal aliens".

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (Riz8t)

204 🚨 JUST IN: President Trump has officially slashed the USA migrant population by almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE

This is enormous."

Not enormous enough......MOAR PLEEZ.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (ccf/V)

205 Best reason ever to go to Starbucks and pay for something. Imagine the blue hair having to take it.

😂😂😂😂😂
Posted by: rickb223

Don't offer to pay with it. Offer it as a tip. Don't put it in the tip jar, but offer it directly.

Posted by: Admiral Ackbar at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (t19vo)

206 RRC Director is important because their rulings have a huge impact on all the oil revenue flowing out of and through West Texas.

Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (C+rBZ)

207 It probably would have helped keep your empire together a little longer if you weren't a paranoid, genocidal maniac.

And teh ghey. Don't forget the gayness.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (Riz8t)

208 "We often tend to go off in all directions. Or in no direction at all."

Since 9-11, most of our decision making has been hasty and exigent. We're reactive, treating every crisis as a thing to throw billions of dollars at, with little regard to unintended consequences, or even much confidence in the likelihood of success of the project.

I say spend just five minutes with the AI. The pol can take the advice or not, but at least he's hearing something he might not be hearing from the boosters and cheerleaders he's surrounded by.

I say this as a coder who has been deeply humbled by AI reviews of my code. I won't ever deploy a piece of code that hasn't been reviewed by an AI. It's a free, easy double-check against stupid and disastrous mistakes. It's a great way to learn about ones own fallibility.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (Jr5Lq)

209 Give POTUS some "You're Fired" cards.

1 Supreme per Presidential term.
1 Senator per Congress.
1 Representative per bill.

Posted by: DaveA at September 03, 2026 11:48 AM (FhXTo)

210 I wonder if the number includes self deportees.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:48 AM (g47mK)

211 It probably would have helped keep your empire together a little longer if you weren't a paranoid, genocidal maniac.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur

That's what keep an empire together!

Posted by: Genghis Khan at September 03, 2026 11:48 AM (t19vo)

212
Stay in there long enough and they'll name an aircraft carrier after you.
Posted by: Secretary of the Navy at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (2Ez/1)

Vinson was chairman of the Naval Affairs committee, later the Armed Services committee, from 1931 to 1965, with a couple of two-year gaps.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 03, 2026 11:49 AM (eRlcH)

213 or maybe

You have to beat your own prior vote total.

Posted by: DaveA at September 03, 2026 11:49 AM (FhXTo)

214 "...almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE..."

Is that a lot?

Posted by: I gotta ask at September 03, 2026 11:49 AM (2Ez/1)

215 It can be lunch time

Posted by: Skip at September 03, 2026 11:50 AM (Yth49)

216 I always vote for the person who will take or borrow other people's money and give it to me.

Posted by: Typical Smooth Brained American Voter at September 03, 2026 11:50 AM (xFvo2)

217 Or just spill everything that should be in Yucca Mt. all over the office spaces in DC. Let them serve the people with dosimeters on.

Posted by: DaveA at September 03, 2026 11:51 AM (FhXTo)

218 "...almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE..."

Is that a lot?
Posted by: I gotta ask at September 03, 2026 11:49 AM (2Ez/1)

Not even near 1/2 of what Biden let in during his 4 years.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:51 AM (ccf/V)

219 Stay in there long enough and they'll name an aircraft carrier after you.
Posted by: Secretary of the Navy at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (2Ez/1)
----------
Heh.

Posted by: Sen. John Stennis at September 03, 2026 11:51 AM (amcLV)

220 The BEST part is that it's painfully obvious NONE of them have taken a civics class.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:46 AM (ccf/V)

But it's fascinating because of the mindset. They HAVE to have a system to work within because they want to gain power and then make their OWN system.

The brutal truth is: there are no rules. This is a dangerous world and if enough people decided commies were a dangerous threat and decided to just start summarily executing them... well. And the converse is ALSO true. They do not make this fundamental connection to the nature of power and governance. WHY trying to hamstring government power is THE point. Because a 1000 autonomous units with small portions of power and the lessened ability to effect other people is FAR better than an all powerful government that has the power to effect EVERYONE.

Fucking retards. ALL of them.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (Y/06r)

221 You have to beat your own what?

Posted by: Toobin at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (2Ez/1)

222 During an interview with “Breaking Points” co-host Saagar Enjeti, Carlson declared that he would not vote for Rogers “at gunpoint,”

It's a cry for help. There's a Qatari holding a gun to him, threatening to shoot him if he votes for Rogers.

Posted by: Admiral Ackbar at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (t19vo)

223 9 Ringwrathes, mortal men doomed to die

Posted by: Skip at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (Yth49)

224 I just saw a recent picture of Senator Susan Collins, who from time to time pretends to be a Republican. She looks like she belongs in a nursing home, not the Senate.

Posted by: Crusader at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (TN0g+)

225 I'm generally opposed to taking away choice from the people, but an analogy occurred to me that MIGHT make me endorse term limits. [ ...well-made point omitted... ]

Something similar applies to elections. People are easily fooled, and those already in office have a plethora of tools to fool them. Thus, it isn't really a free election.

Sorry, but other people being stupid and easily led is no excuse to take away my choices, either in elections or the free market.

Posted by: NYC DA at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (vTZFs)

226 and /sock

Posted by: Oddbob at September 03, 2026 11:53 AM (vTZFs)

227 214 "...almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE..."

Is that a lot?
Posted by: I gotta ask

It's an appetizer.

Posted by: Tom Homan at September 03, 2026 11:53 AM (t19vo)

228 What's wrong with Tom Cotton?
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

I do not have any inside knowledge and no real complaints. I'm just suspicious that he may be putting on an act and sabotaging behind the scenes. It's a general suspicion -- I'm not aware of anything he's done to confirm it.

Posted by: Emmie at September 03, 2026 11:54 AM (OlzlW)

229 Know who else didn't like incumbents?

Posted by: Shifty eyes at September 03, 2026 11:54 AM (2Ez/1)

230 "During an interview with “Breaking Points” co-host Saagar Enjeti,"

I watched it. If you ignore TuCa's takeaways and interpretations, Enjeti had a lot of interesting things to say about gambling in America today, stuff that I did not know.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (Jr5Lq)

231 9 Ringwrathes, mortal men doomed to die
Posted by: Skip at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (Yth49)
---------
More like Struldbrugs.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (amcLV)

232 Monkey is going to be wearing hearing aids at 50.

Posted by: Bosk at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (VMFAF)

233 224 I just saw a recent picture of Senator Susan Collins, who from time to time pretends to be a Republican. She looks like she belongs in a nursing home, not the Senate.
Posted by: Crusader

What a choice. Geriatric moderate with no convictions, or commie sex pest with Nazi tattoo.

Posted by: Sophie at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (t19vo)

234 Not even near 1/2 of what Biden let in during his 4 years.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:51 AM (ccf/V)

you poor man

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (g47mK)

235 Sorry, but other people being stupid and easily led is no excuse to take away my choices, either in elections or the free market.
Posted by: NYC DA
________

Agreed, but we're not dealing with reasonable people.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 11:55 AM (XvL8K)

236 224 I just saw a recent picture of Senator Susan Collins, who from time to time pretends to be a Republican. She looks like she belongs in a nursing home, not the Senate.
Posted by: Crusader at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM

Whippersnapper!

Posted by: The ghost of Strom Thurmond at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (2Ez/1)

237 228 What's wrong with Tom Cotton?
Posted by: Archimedes at September 03, 2026 11:29 AM (Riz8t)

I do not have any inside knowledge and no real complaints. I'm just suspicious that he may be putting on an act and sabotaging behind the scenes. It's a general suspicion -- I'm not aware of anything he's done to confirm it.
Posted by: Emmie at September 03, 2026 11:54 AM (OlzlW)

It almost sounds like you have a sceptical distrust of DC politicians.Why ever would that be?

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (Gqar8)

238 Sponge, you are in a cycle where no news is going to make you happy.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (g47mK)

239 Good rant.

While the federal legislative branch lacks restrictions, state-level government is a completely different landscape...

State Governors: 36 states impose some form of term limit on their executive branch. Most limit a governor to two consecutive four-year terms, though some allow them to run again after sitting out a term.

State Legislators: 15 states legally limit the terms of state senators and representatives. These limits vary from 8 to 12 total years per chamber, or a cumulative career cap (like California's 12-year lifetime limit across both chambers).

The actual deciding factor, above, is whether a state allows Direct Democracy (ballot initiatives). In the early 1990s, a massive nationwide populist movement pushed for term limits. Voters overwhelmingly approved them in nearly every state where citizens are legally allowed to put proposals directly onto the ballot. In states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, or New York, the public cannot easily bypass the legislature via ballot initiatives. Because politicians rarely vote to limit their own jobs, those states never adopted them.

I don't agree: effectivegov uchicago ed: Democracy Reform Primer Series, Term Limits

Posted by: L - No nic... at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (NFX2v)

240 Sponge is one of the happiest people on this blog.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (Y/06r)

241
Fucking retards. ALL of them.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:52 AM (Y/06r)

Just when you thought it was safe to eat paint.......

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (ccf/V)

242 It almost sounds like you have a sceptical distrust of DC politicians.Why ever would that be?
Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (Gqar

It's the Horde's fault!

Posted by: Emmie at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (OlzlW)

243 Sponge, you are in a cycle where no news is going to make you happy.
Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (g47mK)

Not true. I would welcome good news with open arms.

I'd like to think I'm due some........

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (ccf/V)

244 238 Sponge, you are in a cycle where no news is going to make you happy.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (g47mK)

But Gloria is in hell today making all the guys ask "Whatever did I do to deserve THIS?"

Posted by: Stateless - keeping 15 year Ralphy happy and alive. Puppy at heart at September 03, 2026 11:58 AM (Sco7b)

245 If we're not going to have term limits, or mandatory retirement age, then at age 60 an annual mental and physical exam should be considered. By a doctor not on the Congressional payroll. Or a board of doctors. Whatever.

It's clear that there are members of Congress that have lost their mental acuity and/or physical abilities to perform their elected duties.

It's my fucking money that's paying them. I should have a say in how long they serve.. beyond the ballot box.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 03, 2026 11:58 AM (2Cry5)

246 Not true. I would welcome good news with open arms.

I'd like to think I'm due some........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (ccf/V)

https://tinyurl.com/3ystvcun

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:58 AM (Y/06r)

247 Sponge, you are in a cycle where no news is going to make you happy.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (g47mK)

My suggestion would be to look for news to mock and goof on. That's the only happiness to be found in self-styled "news."

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at September 03, 2026 11:59 AM (dK+Kv)

248 Not enormous enough......MOAR PLEEZ.
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (ccf/V)

This statement applies primarily to boobs

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 03, 2026 11:59 AM (n7Rsm)

249 >>Not even near 1/2 of what Biden let in during his 4 years.

2025 was the first time the US population shrank. Ever.

Perspective.

Posted by: JackStraw at September 03, 2026 11:59 AM (viF8m)

250 Not true. I would welcome good news with open arms.

I'd like to think I'm due some........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (ccf/V)

https://tinyurl.com/3ystvcun

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:58 AM (Y/06r)

What a wonderful bounty.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at September 03, 2026 12:00 PM (dK+Kv)

251 If we're not going to have term limits, or mandatory retirement age, then at age 60 an annual mental and physical exam should be considered. By a doctor not on the Congressional payroll. Or a board of doctors. Whatever.

It's clear that there are members of Congress that have lost their mental acuity and/or physical abilities to perform their elected duties.

They'll have to catch me first!

Posted by: Maxine Waters at September 03, 2026 12:00 PM (Riz8t)

252 Wow that's a lot of words to say

"The eligibility requirements for the House are in the Constitution and the only way to limit that would be to AMMEND THE CONSTITUTION."

Yeah, no shit. If the President needs an amendment for that, so does the House and Senate.

Posted by: deadrody at September 03, 2026 12:00 PM (qf6NU)

253 "https://tinyurl.com/3ystvcun"

Is that Shoe on Head? Saw her in the vid Ace linked yesterday. Looks kinda like her face.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (Jr5Lq)

254 UST IN: President Trump has officially slashed the USA migrant population by almost 3 MILLION PEOPLE

This is enormous."

Posted by: runner

get to work on that new algorithm

Posted by: Census Bureau at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (4RYRd)

255 Not true. I would welcome good news with open arms.

I'd like to think I'm due some........
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 11:57 AM (ccf/V)

You won't find it here. Know what I am saying ? The good news is waiting for you IRL. You just have to see it.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (g47mK)

256 To be serious…. Term limits is something that sounds good but in practice it’s disastrous. California went for term limits on state legislative offices in the 90s and since then the state legislature has gotten 100x worse… life long staffers now run the place

The most effective term limits are clean elections then vote out the bastards who aren’t doing the right thing

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (n7Rsm)

257 Is that Shoe on Head? Saw her in the vid Ace linked yesterday. Looks kinda like her face.
Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (Jr5Lq)

Nah. Ms Head is no where near as bounteous.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 12:02 PM (Y/06r)

258 What a wonderful bounty.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder

Indeed.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 12:03 PM (77rzZ)

259
RRC Director is important because their rulings have a huge impact on all the oil revenue flowing out of and through West Texas.
Posted by: Tom Servo at September 03, 2026 11:47 AM (C+rBZ)

One of the subtle jokes in Landman is when Angela tells everyone to wear their best pirate costume for the "pirate dinner" she's prepping. I think it's Dale who quips that he considered dressing as the Rail Commissioner...

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 03, 2026 12:03 PM (iqcvy)

260 Agreed, but we're not dealing with reasonable people.

I get that. But imposing term limits by law takes choice away from both unreasonable and reasonable people. It's saying "because some of y'all are dumb, everybody has to do what I think is best." That is identical to what the left says about health care, energy, houses, guns, and -- in California --car tires.

Posted by: Oddbob at September 03, 2026 12:03 PM (vTZFs)

261 Speaking of news...

Fox - Clancy
CNN - Trump and vulnerable republicans. Trump - historically unpopular. Yeah, he doesn't have the 600,000 viewers of CNN but historically

MS now - Judge and mail bans. And the bitch isn't showing her tits.

CBC - jackass talking about AI.

Fun fact. Canada has one third the population of Texas and 20% less GDP!

Rocking job people...

You all have a good day.

Posted by: Stateless - keeping 15 year Ralphy happy and alive. Puppy at heart at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (Sco7b)

262 The most effective term limits are clean elections then vote out the bastards who aren’t doing the right thing
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (n7Rsm)

Term-limit the staffers, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (1z8ji)

263 Whippersnapper!
Posted by: The ghost of Strom Thurmond

I was gettin' more 'tang at 80 than most at 18

Posted by: J. Strom Thurmond at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (4RYRd)

264 42 Anybody seen Mitch?
Posted by: Mildly curious

Now absent roughly 81 days.

Biden was "absent" his entire Presidency &, though horrifying at times, government rolled on on autopilot and autopen.

Posted by: L - No nic... at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (NFX2v)

265 I wouldn't mind long serving legislators much if they had any hint of a functioning moral compass.

Seriously, that's where nearly all our troubles in every purview stem from. Too many people with too few morals and scruples. It's all Will to Power out there, and it's turned this nation into Hell on Earth.

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (OUMaO)

266 And I do like the "fire them all" nonsense.

Great. Let's intentionally elect a Democrat majority in the House. That'll SURE make things better. Good fucking Christ.

Posted by: deadrody at September 03, 2026 12:05 PM (qf6NU)

267 Dingleberry was in Congress for 60 years. Only member of Congress to vote for both Medicare and Obamacare. Took the seat over from his father who was elected in the Democrat wave election of 1933. Left the seat on his death to his wife. In 7 years, the Dingles will have spent 100 years occupying that seat in Congress.

Posted by: Ted Torgerson at September 03, 2026 12:05 PM (wGerL)

268 262 The most effective term limits are clean elections then vote out the bastards who aren’t doing the right thing
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (n7Rsm)

Term-limit the staffers, too.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (1z8ji)

One could argue the swamp is mostly NOT the elected people but all the hangers on and staffers who just... hang around. Power wash the Aegean Stables.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 12:05 PM (Y/06r)

269 265 I wouldn't mind long serving legislators much if they had any hint of a functioning moral compass.

Seriously, that's where nearly all our troubles in every purview stem from. Too many people with too few morals and scruples. It's all Will to Power out there, and it's turned this nation into Hell on Earth.
Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:04 PM (OUMaO)

And 9 Rings were given to Men - who above all else desire POWER.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 12:06 PM (Gqar8)

270 And 9 Rings were given to Men - who above all else desire POWER.

Posted by: tubal

Compare and contrast, SCOTUS and the Ringwraiths.

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:07 PM (OUMaO)

271 "Seriously, that's where nearly all our troubles in every purview stem from. Too many people with too few morals and scruples."

Concur. Corruption all the way from the very bottom to the very top. It feels like more than ordinary greed. It feels like desperation. Like everybody's scrambling to get theirs, before the music stops.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:08 PM (Jr5Lq)

272 Power wash the Aegean Stables.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 12:05 PM (Y/06r)
------------
NOW you tell me!

Posted by: Herakles at September 03, 2026 12:08 PM (amcLV)

273 270 And 9 Rings were given to Men - who above all else desire POWER.

Posted by: tubal

Compare and contrast, SCOTUS and the Ringwraiths.
Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:07 PM (OUMaO)

Yeeesssss. It begs the comparison, Tim.

Posted by: tubal at September 03, 2026 12:08 PM (Gqar8)

274 Fun fact. Canada has one third the population of Texas and 20% less GDP!

You all have a good day.
Posted by: Stateless
_______

Check your maths. Canada has a larger population than Texas, but a nearly equal GDP. So your point holds.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 12:09 PM (XvL8K)

275 Power wash the Aegean Stables.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 12:05 PM (Y/06r)

*cough* Augean Stables *cough*

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 12:09 PM (77rzZ)

276 How would you tell if Maxine Waters was senile? She's always been obnoxious and dumb as a stump

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 03, 2026 12:09 PM (M9Oed)

277 Concur. Corruption all the way from the very bottom to the very top. It feels like more than ordinary greed. It feels like desperation. Like everybody's scrambling to get theirs, before the music stops.

Posted by: gp

"'Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!'
She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,
and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries." (From Rev 18:2-3)

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:10 PM (OUMaO)

278 The Aegean Stables are where they keep the seahorses.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 12:11 PM (77rzZ)

279 Cute that they made that infographic alternating red and blue when 9 of the top 9 are "D"s....

Posted by: Warai-otoko at September 03, 2026 12:11 PM (Ot/FD)

280 Trying to swim against human nature is just stupid, thus the Founder's correct tactic of limiting the scope of government...

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:11 PM (cGjQu)

281 Short of the RICO act, you aren't getting rid of these people who have successfully gamed themselves into the top 1% without any 1% skills beyond lying and having no morals or principles beyond "what's good for me". It's like letting the Five Families decide whether they should be put in prison or not.

Posted by: Azjaeger at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (3/XaG)

282 Things that worked well in a high-trust society won't work nearly as well in a low-trust or no-trust society.

Posted by: Crusader at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (TN0g+)

283 Compare and contrast, SCOTUS and the Ringwraiths.
Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:07 PM (OUMaO)

Yeeesssss. It begs the comparison, Tim.

Posted by: tubal

Honestly it's kinda more the mental image, but the Rings of Power comparison in general holds. "For they were decieved..."

And we know who holds the One Ring...or would...

Posted by: Brother Tim is tired at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (OUMaO)

284 Canada has a larger population than Texas"

Not by much...if.

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (cGjQu)

285 Totatlly OT but interesting nonetheless as I am looking for reasons why the morning SPCX pop.

>>SpaceX is the only vertically integrated AI company, enabling it to build and manufacture around bottlenecks at a time when pricing for AI compute is rising. Alphabet's Google (GOOG, GOOGL) is paying the company $11 per GPU-hour, roughly double the average rates observed a year ago, according to the note.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (dK+Kv)

286 Mahdami got elected by how many people?

How many people work at Dominion?

Posted by: Ian S. at September 03, 2026 12:13 PM (2ocoG)

287 Artist's rendition of CBD on his way to Ace HQ this morning to post the art thread.

https://tinyurl.com/5fdm73kv

Posted by: JackStraw at September 03, 2026 12:13 PM (viF8m)

288 Trying to swim against human nature is just stupid, thus the Founder's correct tactic of limiting the scope of government...
Posted by: man
_______

That human nature is immutable was an accepted fact till the so-called enlightenment, at which point the notion of human perfectibility started creeping in.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at September 03, 2026 12:14 PM (XvL8K)

289 And we know who holds the One Ring"

Some fuzzy footed little dude?

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:14 PM (cGjQu)

290 Artist's rendition of CBD on his way to Ace HQ this morning to post the art thread.

https://tinyurl.com/5fdm73kv
Posted by: JackStraw at September 03, 2026 12:13 PM (viF8m)

***

Hmmmm....
Mavbe that could fix my slice???

Posted by: Diogenes at September 03, 2026 12:15 PM (2WIwB)

291 Hmmmm....
Mavbe that could fix my slice???"

You wanna be a hooker?

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:16 PM (cGjQu)

292
https://tinyurl.com/3ystvcun
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:58 AM (Y/06r)

Heh. A strong effort, to be sure.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 12:16 PM (ccf/V)

293 Sponge, you are in a cycle where no news is going to make you happy.
Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 11:56 AM (g47mK)

No news is good news, or sumpin

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 03, 2026 12:16 PM (zafwz)

294 >>SpaceX is the only vertically integrated AI company, enabling it to build and manufacture around bottlenecks at a time when pricing for AI compute is rising. Alphabet's Google (GOOG, GOOGL) is paying the company $11 per GPU-hour, roughly double the average rates observed a year ago, according to the note.

Elon's about 6 to 12 months ahead of everyone else. It was "just discovered" by the conventional wisdom a week or two ago that turbine blades are backordered for two years and he was talking about that in January.

And with frontier models growing to a 4-horse race (Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI, and now Meta) capacity demand isn't going down.

Posted by: Ian S. at September 03, 2026 12:16 PM (2ocoG)

295 Pizza for lunch today.
Mushrooms, tomatoes, and ~~Canadian~~ American Bacon.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 03, 2026 12:17 PM (2WIwB)

296 Although I'm not sure how such a system would be implemented, I've often pondered that congressional service should be made just as palatable as jury duty. As long as money and power are the driving forces, all the wrong people will be drawn to it.

Posted by: Halfhand at September 03, 2026 12:17 PM (y3mLl)

297 Mushrooms, tomatoes, and Canadian American Bacon."

Ham it is...

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:18 PM (cGjQu)

298

You won't find it here. Know what I am saying ? The good news is waiting for you IRL. You just have to see it.

Posted by: runner at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (g47mK)

Is this your way of telling me to go away?

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 12:18 PM (ccf/V)

299 Sponge cheer up.and watch Canada memes.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 03, 2026 12:18 PM (bX16E)

300 If our elections were not rigged, why do the democrats try to block every measure attempting to assure only lawful votes are counted?

It is as plain as the nose on your face. They cheat and cheat massively. We have been ruled by a plutocracy for decades with only the occasional pushback from the people.

Posted by: Dist-hillary was so hateful the cheat machine couldn't drag her over the line at September 03, 2026 12:18 PM (anL5R)

301 23 19 But we've GOT to vote for somebody! Just think of all the new laws we need!
Posted by: t-bird at September 03, 2026 11:06 AM (h/6op)

More: 'I don't want the other guy, so I guess I'll vote for this useless retard.'
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 11:07 AM (Y/06r)

___

I have never voted FOR a candidate.... I have always voted AGAINST the worse candidate.

Posted by: Lemmiwinks at September 03, 2026 12:19 PM (hMLIM)

302 Canadian bacon is neither.

Posted by: Just for the record at September 03, 2026 12:19 PM (2Ez/1)

303 Is that Shoe on Head? Saw her in the vid Ace linked yesterday. Looks kinda like her face.
Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:01 PM (Jr5Lq)

No. SoH has bitter eyes and much smaller boobs.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 12:20 PM (ccf/V)

304 *bigger eyes.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 12:20 PM (ccf/V)

305 "I guess they missed the text in Article V that says the convention's purpose is amendments, not rewriting the Constitution."

Right. Like the way the convention to reform the Articles of Confederation just proposed amendments and did not write the Constitution.

Likewise, you have nothing to offer against the core assertion that there are no limits on what such a convention can propose.
Repeal the 1st Amendment?
Repeal the 2nd Amendment?
Eliminate the Electoral College?
All could be proposed.

Would they pass?
Would a term limit amendment pass?
Would they be ratified?
Would a term limit amendment be ratified?

Every time I see advocacy for an Article V Convention it is presented as a guaranteed panacea when it is obviously no such thing.
That alone should make anyone suspicious of anyone promoting it, doubly so when they have nothing to rebut criticisms.

Posted by: Sam at September 03, 2026 12:20 PM (7jMef)

306 Sponge cheer up.and watch Canada memes.
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 03, 2026 12:18 PM (bX16E)

They did make me laugh yesterday.

Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Cancer at September 03, 2026 12:20 PM (ccf/V)

307 139 The problem with government is that people are involved.

tanned, rested, and ready.

and possibly mildly radioactive.

Posted by: COLOSSUS at September 03, 2026 12:20 PM (v3pYe)

308 Although I'm not sure how such a system would be implemented, I've often pondered that congressional service should be made just as palatable as jury duty.
Posted by: Halfhand

Make it like the military. Make 'em live in a barracks on Ft Meyer. Bus 'em into the Capitol every day. In the evening, bus 'em back to the barracks. Lights out at 10 PM.

Posted by: Bulg at September 03, 2026 12:21 PM (77rzZ)

309 And with frontier models growing to a 4-horse race (Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI, and now Meta) capacity demand isn't going down.

Posted by: Ian S. at September 03, 2026 12:16 PM (2ocoG)

It was interesting to see a number put on GPU-hours, as it puts some badly needed context behind the RAMpocalypse facing consumer computing markets. It helps explain the gold rush mentality behind the data center craze.

Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at September 03, 2026 12:21 PM (dK+Kv)

310 Nood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 03, 2026 12:22 PM (Y/06r)

311 284 Canada has a larger population than Texas"

Not by much...if.

Posted by: man at September 03, 2026 12:12 PM (cGjQu)

Smalldeadanimals had a post to a guy on X saying that.
30% more population - 20% less GDP

I was surprised we're second to Mexico as largest US trade partner. But Gemini said 8t was so. Compqnies have been near-shor8ng there.

Posted by: Stateless - keeping 15 year Ralphy happy and alive. Puppy at heart at September 03, 2026 12:22 PM (Sco7b)

312 > I would like term limits set at 18 years for all DC elected positions.
---

you are too generous
2 terms for Senate, 6 for House
that's 12 years
10 years for all federal judgeships, up to and including SCOTUS

Posted by: Don Black at September 03, 2026 12:23 PM (ZxPkt)

313
I guess they missed the text in Article V that says the convention's purpose is amendments, not rewriting the Constitution. And also the part about 3/4 of the states needing to ratify any amendments that
It's a real concern with historical precedent.
The Constitutional Convention was called to strengthen and revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead they ended up throwing them out altogether.

Posted by: HowardDevore at September 03, 2026 12:23 PM (H/Jxx)

314 306 My favorite is.the Trump Nintendo video game.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 03, 2026 12:23 PM (bX16E)

315 What state has had term limits for decades? Starts with a "C?" Saddled the Progressives with Kamala Harris after Crooked Sleepy Joe couldn't Captain Pike anymore? California has had term limits for decades with what result? The failure of term limits as insulation from political corruption. Happy now?

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at September 03, 2026 12:24 PM (wxsGM)

316 Agreed the staffers are at least half the problem. Or at least, the power the staffers have. They should simply be answering phones, sorting mail, and possibly fetching research materials, and they should be kicked out when the congressthing is, not tied to the position or rank. The congressthing should be doing their own dang research to make decisions, write the bills, cast the votes, etc.

Posted by: RandomDave (if you can spare a bit, please click!) at September 03, 2026 12:25 PM (aJQbY)

317 "No. SoH has bitter eyes and much smaller boobs."

She and Paul Joseph Watson use similar video editing styles, with rapid cuts from one rehearsed clause to the next. Hundreds of edits per cast! Do they do all those edits manually? It must be exhausting work.

Me, I'd rather see somebody talking normally, than watch punched-up rapid edits of somebody talking. But their content is good.

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:25 PM (Jr5Lq)

318 nood

Posted by: gp at September 03, 2026 12:25 PM (Jr5Lq)

319 Shoe on Head sidebar link: Engage!

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at September 03, 2026 12:26 PM (wxsGM)

320
*Art*icle V thread
Lost *Art* Thread

coincidence?

I don't think so.

Posted by: m at September 03, 2026 12:38 PM (odBC9)

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