THE MORNING RANT: Why I’ll Support an Ethically Flawed Politician Who Advances My Agenda

A few days ago in a post about Texas politics, I mentioned that I hoped Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton would challenge John Cornyn in the 2026 primary for the U.S. Senate seat he currently holds. Cornyn is a “Republican” whose actual constituency appears to be the federal bureaucracy rather than the Texas voters whom he takes such pleasure in betraying.

I received via email a very polite and respectful objection from “J.R. in Texas” who feels that Ken Paxton’s ethical history is a bridge too far for him. Without making this post all about the specifics of Mr. Paxton’s ethics, I’ll note that he did at one point accept community service rather than have a securities fraud case go to trial. Paxton is also alleged to have been unfaithful in his marriage. This is what J.R. wrote:

Buck, I almost always agree with you, and look forward to reading your insightful commentaries. However, based on the evidence adduced at the Paxton impeachment trial and discussions with one of the whistleblowers who exposed him, I strongly believe that Paxton is corrupt and unfit for office. And for the record, I have NEVER voted for a Democrat, and strongly support Trump and the ouster of RINOs like Phelan and Cornyn. I want my House rep, Beth Van Duyne, to enter the primary against Cornyn. But under no circumstances will I vote for Paxton - I will skip over the Senate race in the general election if he is chosen (as I did the last time that worthless John Cornyn ran).
Thanks. - JR in Texas

J.R.’s gracious disagreement deserved a gracious response about why I am willing to accept a politician such as Paxton representing me, even though he may have engaged in conduct which I do not condone. Having written and sent the response to J.R., I decided that our correspondence is worthy of being today’s post.

Hi JR:
I respect your opinion. I've read about Paxton's ethical and personal peccadillos, and all things being equal, I would certainly prefer to have a culture warrior whose personal conduct is closer to the standards to which I try to hold myself.
It took me a while to accept that it is better (in my opinion) to elect a person of questionable integrity who will fight the battles I want fought, than to only vote for people of high integrity if the person of high integrity will not fight my battle. In fact, I've been betrayed so many times by people with "high integrity" such as Romney, Ryan, McCain, Bush, etc that I'm not sure what the term even means any longer, at least in politics.
If a reputable, teetotaling Republican who has never betrayed his wife wins office and compromises with Democrats on barbarities such as open borders (e.g. human trafficking) or child mutilation, then his level of integrity is lower to me than anything a Paxton could do for personal pleasure or enrichment.
I also realize that in this era where the media aligns with Democrats to destroy the reputation of any conservative who wants to challenge the ruling class, that incentivizes good people to stay out of politics, and leaves only people with an indifference to being smeared to fight our battles. I personally know plenty of ethical, rock-solid conservatives in the private sector who would make excellent political candidates, but they won't go near the water, because they don't want to be smeared, nor have the worst day in their lives made public. Thus we are left with imperfect people like Trump and Paxton to fight our battles.
So, I am grateful therefore to the Paxtons and Trumps, who - although they may be personally flawed - are willing to take the incoming flak and keep fighting the battles that polite Republicans won't fight. There are so few Paxtons who are willing to fight that I wouldn't dare try to replace him with someone else who probably won't fight. I'd rather have a drunk General Grant than a sober General McClellan in an arena where there are an unlimited number of McClellans but very few Grants.
But - I absolutely respect your opinion and appreciate your values. I suspect we are very much alike in the conduct we expect of ourselves and of those with whom we surround ourselves.
Thank you very much for taking the time to write, and for your kind words.
All the best,
Buck

Among the current battles that Attorney General Paxton is fighting, two weeks ago he filed a lawsuit against three of the largest money management firms for their illegal ESG activities, and he got 10 other red state Attorney Generals to join in the lawsuit.

Paxton is also cracking down on doctors and medical facilities that are trying to circumvent Texas’ ban on transing children.

“Texas Has Sued Three Doctors Over Youth Gender-Affirming Care: All three physicians could lose their licenses” [Medpage Today – 11/20/2024]

In less than a month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued three doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors in an attempt to enforce a state law that bans such care.

The more I think about, maybe I don’t want Ken Paxton running for the Senate. He is doing more for this country in fighting the culture war as state Attorney General than he could ever accomplish in the U.S. Senate.

[buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com]

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Most recent!

Posted by: tankdemon at December 13, 2024 11:03 AM (W4Jwy)

2 Just missed it.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 11:03 AM (aD39U)

3 Gotta respect a pol who stays bought.

Posted by: BignJames at December 13, 2024 11:03 AM (Yj6Os)

4 Heh

Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:04 AM (u1uWe)

5 Called the others. Even the trolls, 'cause I don't kn9w how to hade comments from them

Posted by: tankdemon at December 13, 2024 11:04 AM (W4Jwy)

6 Paxton is also alleged to have been unfaithful in his marriage. This is what J.R. wrote:

do the religiously motivated ever stop to consider how King David sinned, and yet God used him to great purpose?

these freaking purity tests are kind of OCD imho

Posted by: kallisto at December 13, 2024 11:05 AM (dCxaZ)

7 >>Paxton is also cracking down on doctors and medical facilities that are trying to circumvent Texas’ ban on transing children.

Yes, take their licenses.
Many states were happy to do this for simply defying Covid narrative.

Alinsky #4 goooood and haaaaard

Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:05 AM (u1uWe)

8 Sometimes the angels need a sharp sword

Posted by: Drunken Yoda at December 13, 2024 11:06 AM (ilHZO)

9 Interesting topic, about which I know very little other than that I a have a burning hatred for Cornyn and want him unceremoniously booted out of power.

However, JR in Texas did not address the most important issue: can his preferred candidate, Ms. Van Duyne, actually win? If not, then I'll wholeheartedly endorse AG Paxton.

As Churchill said, if Hitler invaded hell, I'd at least make a favorable reference to Satan in the House of Commons.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:06 AM (xCA6C)

10 Also, didn't evangelical Christians line up behind George Bush Jr. even though it was revealed he'd had a DUI??

and that his wife had killed someone in a car accident?

Posted by: kallisto at December 13, 2024 11:06 AM (dCxaZ)

11 Another dog story. I always have coffee and cream cheese on sandwich thins for breakfast. Charlie the poodle likes cream cheese so when I empty a tub, I give it to him to lick clean. This morning, however, Charlie decided not to wait until I emptied the tub. I'll have to put the tubs further back from the edge of the island in the future.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:07 AM (L/fGl)

12 Willowed:

Some of these drones are the size of a volkswagon beetle.

Just saw a clip on instagram of what is purportedly a drone in the middle of a road somewhere in Jersey and had traffic stopped in both directions with emergency vehicles all over.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:07 AM (lkGEd)

13 I just wish Trump had the ability to clone himself into dozens of candidates, the way that mothership is sending out its babies over NJ

Trump clone candidates would win every election

Posted by: kallisto at December 13, 2024 11:08 AM (dCxaZ)

14 Great commentary Buck.

Posted by: Tonypete at December 13, 2024 11:08 AM (WXNFJ)

15 6 Paxton is also alleged to have been unfaithful in his marriage. This is what J.R. wrote:

do the religiously motivated ever stop to consider how King David sinned, and yet God used him to great purpose?

these freaking purity tests are kind of OCD imho
Posted by: kallisto at December 13, 2024 11:05 AM (dCxaZ)

It's less a purity test and proof you're a liar and unloyal. If you handle outed affairs well, owning them/apologizing for them/not continuing them, yes, you can probably rehabilitate into higher office, ESPECIALLY if you have shown an ability to do the right thing over and over in the political arena when it counts (and not just when you know it's a failure vote)...

Now, if you say your affairs were your wife's fault, weren't at all wrong, were ones you do again in a heartbeat, etc...yeah, no real rehabilitating that...

Posted by: Nova Local at December 13, 2024 11:09 AM (exHjb)

16 The more I think about, maybe I don’t want Ken Paxton running for the Senate. He is doing more for this country in fighting the culture war as state Attorney General’s than he could ever accomplish in the U.S. Senate.

We can't spare this man. He fights!

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:09 AM (lkGEd)

17 10, I’m not sure about any of those things. I do know the Republican Party was very weak when it came to having a core back then. The only thing they knew is they wanted George Bush and not John McCain. Looking back at it over so many years McCain could’ve easily won if he wasn’t such an arsehole. Push really didn’t offer anything. I remember the first time rush interview interviewed Bush and he really wanted to support Bush. It’s not like the guy was dumb. I’m not saying that I’m saying he didn’t have a platform that conservatives would naturally embrace. They did embrace him though because the party did not want a difficult primary.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:11 AM (quqls)

18 If Paxton leaves his post as Texas AG, I'd much rather see him as US AG than Senator or any other elected office.

Posted by: Cesspit Pariah at December 13, 2024 11:11 AM (D/VnC)

19 Without making this post all about the specifics of Mr. Paxton’s ethics, I’ll note that he did at one point accept community service rather than have a securities fraud case go to trial."

It's fair to point out that this only took place after 10 years of prosecutorial jiggery-pokery in which Prosecutors filed charges but never managed to actually bring them to trial. (and they were private prosecutors for hire, which in itself was extremely rare and weird)

A lawsuit on the same facts, which required a lower standard of proof than the criminal case, ended in complete exoneration for Paxton. It's also worth noting that it wasn't Democrats doing this; it was the Bush Family machine and the GOP-e.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:11 AM (wyMQY)

20 That was a good response you wrote, Buck; thanks for sharing it.

Posted by: skywch at December 13, 2024 11:12 AM (uqhmb)

21 I don't care about the morality of politicians. I'll vote for anyone who pursues the right policies, even if he's a reprobate.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at December 13, 2024 11:12 AM (2+SeL)

22 18 If Paxton leaves his post as Texas AG, I'd much rather see him as US AG than Senator or any other elected office.
Posted by: Cesspit Pariah at December 13, 2024 11:11 AM (D/VnC)

There is enough heat and noise around him that he could never serve in any office that requires confirmation. He appeals directly to the people, which means he needs to go for elective offices only.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:13 AM (wyMQY)

23 The left smear machine is always running. Even if Jesus ran, they'd accuse him of inappropriate relations with various women, inciting rebellion, and producing liquor without a license.

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:13 AM (SSBCb)

24 We don't live anymore in a country where we can afford the luxury of "he's a good man in his personal life, so he'll be a good politician."
Or the converse, "he's a sinner in his personal life so he's going to be a bad politician."

It's insane how we still have conservatives who are manipulated by this BS weaponized by the left--all their politicians are saints and every Republican a sinner unfit for polite company.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:14 AM (qky8v)

25 Not to mention practicing medicine without a license

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:14 AM (SSBCb)

26 Texas is a weird state. The governorship of Texas is one of the weakest governorships in the nation. It is kind of funny how bush became not just the leading contender, but he was the person the party pushed for they did it kind of like how the Democrats did Hillary. I still like to think of him as a good person, but at this point, I don’t think of him at all. There is a reason Trump came around and bush, and McCain and Romney were the cause. People forget, Dole for some reason, he was a better, Republican and Trump supporter than any of those guys.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (quqls)

27 I've been betrayed so many times by people with "high integrity" such as Romney, Ryan, McCain, Bush, etc
______

I know, right?

Posted by: Pence at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (fs1hN)

28 For those outside of Texas who don't know, the Bush Family machine and the GOP-e hate Paxton because he ended the political career of Jeb Bush's son George P. Bush, who was supposed to be the Bush Family's Great Brown Hope. (his mother is South American) They have always wanted revenge for that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (wyMQY)

29 Buck and J.R.,
Just remember Milton Firedman's observation:

“I do not believe that the solution to our problem is simply to elect the right people. The important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing. Unless it is politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing, the right people will not do the right thing either, or it they try, they will shortly be out of office.”

I, personally, agree with this and with Buck; we are not voting for saints, we are voting for people who will fight for and enact conservative principles.

Posted by: T at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (O9ir4)

30 I don't care about the morality of politicians. I'll vote for anyone who pursues the right policies, even if he's a reprobate.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls

THIS X BRAZILIANS!!

Keep your purity tests and keep losing your ass and wondering why.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (lkGEd)

31 10 Also, didn't evangelical Christians line up behind George Bush Jr. even though it was revealed he'd had a DUI??

and that his wife had killed someone in a car accident?

Posted by: kallisto
=======
Yes. Purity spirals are an unfortunate fact of life spurred by ecological fallacy. What is true for the individual is true for the system and vice versa.

For the most part, there is a whole veiled history of even our most esteemed past leaders that the purity contingent always fails to recall.

Washington had a volcanic temperament kept in check by an enormous effort of self control and was a massive land speculator. Alexander Hamilton, nick named Tomcat by our Founding ladies, and Gouvernor Morris (wrote most of the actual wording of the Constitution) were ladies men. John Adams was an envious and jealous sort of person that felt overlooked unjustly and his actions with his cousin Sam nearly deposed Washington in favor of several candidates.

Adams also nearly derailed our alliance with France by his intemperate remarks and insults to the French. Franklin fortunately was able to assuage the French sensibilities.

Adam's presidency was more or less a failure as well.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:15 AM (ctrM5)

32 I would love to see Dole Today going up against the turtle. If they got into it, I know who would win.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:16 AM (quqls)

33 Regarding Paxton's personal life conduct: former cob Warden wrote the best response to this type of charge in 2017: https://tinyurl.com/ndt6yuaz

How Losing My Political Values Helped Me Gain My Freedom
There's a frustrating game that the left plays with conservatives. It's an Alinksy tactic called, "Make them live up to their values." Now, living up to one's values isn't a bad thing, but setting high standards ultimately means that you'll sometimes fall short.

The left loves to exploit these shortcomings--every Christian who falls short of perfection is a hypocrite; the social values candidate you voted for just got arrested for drunk driving. Haha, everything you believe and advocate is now discredited.

But something strange happened. Not only did Donald Trump not care about attacks on his character, neither did anyone else. . . .

Why? Because I voted for retribution.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:16 AM (u1uWe)

34 massacred Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics (1972)

-
I see they're making a movie about how brave and noble the journalists were during the massacre.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:16 AM (L/fGl)

35 For those outside of Texas who don't know, the Bush Family machine and the GOP-e hate Paxton because he ended the political career of Jeb Bush's son George P. Bush, who was supposed to be the Bush Family's Great Brown Hope. (his mother is South American) They have always wanted revenge for that.
Posted by: Tom Servo

Fuck them.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:16 AM (lkGEd)

36 >>I would love to see Dole Today going up against the turtle. If they got into it, I know who would win.

GRAVITY

Posted by: BEN ROETHLISBERGER at December 13, 2024 11:17 AM (u1uWe)

37 Read all the content.

Very nicely written Buck.

I think Trump just flipped the chess board on Dems and their smear campaigns. It has been fun to see Dems tearing out their blue hair screaming "But Trump is a convicted rapist and a felon!"

And it's been very fun to see their faces when we collectively say we don't give a damn about your make believe shit.

I remember littlegreenfootballs going off the rails when Charles wanted only ideologically pure people on the fight against Islam. That's where he lost me. When the stakes are this high, I'll make compromises.

Drunk General Grant.

Maybe I will slow drink today.....

Posted by: Stateless at December 13, 2024 11:17 AM (jvJvP)

38 I think too many times the old adage of "turning the other cheek" leads to things like the alphabet people subsuming societal norms, criminal conduct by one side being seen as permissible and so on.

I too would rather have a morally flawed representative (if that's the only system I've got access to) who will gladly fight for me and mine. Even if that fight requires questionable ethics in order to win.

Because at this point winning is all that matters.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 13, 2024 11:17 AM (Q4IgG)

39 The thing I mainly respect GW Bush for these days is that he shuts up about politics and keeps mostly to himself out in Crawford. Lot better example than Obama.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:17 AM (wyMQY)

40 24 We don't live anymore in a country where we can afford the luxury of "he's a good man in his personal life, so he'll be a good politician."
Or the converse, "he's a sinner in his personal life so he's going to be a bad politician."

It's insane how we still have conservatives who are manipulated by this BS weaponized by the left--all their politicians are saints and every Republican a sinner unfit for polite company.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:14 AM (qky8v)

Nah, look at Ernst...the affair is proof positive she's a liar...talks a big game to get elected, and doesn't walk it when it matters (but does when it doesn't)...affairs will show a desire to cheat, not just on a marriage, but in life and a desire to always get personally ahead and to lie to everyone...unless you repent from them.

See my post above.

Paxton doesn't fall in the Ernst category, so he's good. But I can see why affairs are a BIG red flag...and yes, we should primary Ernst out.

Posted by: Nova Local at December 13, 2024 11:17 AM (exHjb)

41 Not to mention practicing medicine without a license
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia)

Good point Jim. Pretty sure the DNR and game warden would ask about all those fish.

Posted by: Kratwurst at December 13, 2024 11:18 AM (fcDpY)

42 For those outside of Texas who don't know, the Bush Family machine and the GOP-e hate Paxton because he ended the political career of Jeb Bush's son George P. Bush, who was supposed to be the Bush Family's Great Brown Hope. (his mother is South American) They have always wanted revenge for that.

*in best Johnny Carson voice*
I did not know that. Thanks.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:18 AM (xCA6C)

43 It has been fun to see Dems tearing out their blue hair screaming "But Trump is a convicted rapist and a felon!"

Now do Marion Berry!

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:19 AM (lkGEd)

44 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it. He was a land speculator, though I’m not sure how that disqualifies him. That he had no natural heirs did make it interesting. I look at Washington as someone to emulate in that he was always looking to the future, and he took every advantage he could. There are a lot of people that never find a single person to help them, Washington was the opposite, throughout his life there were people that wanted to help him, and he took advantage of it. Americans in general should study him more because there are many life lessons to learn from Washington.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:19 AM (quqls)

45 Is Van Duyne the one who's staffer blew his own head off outside of her house?

Posted by: That Seems Odd at December 13, 2024 11:19 AM (oQe/T)

46 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it.

He admitted it as one of his greatest failings.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:20 AM (xCA6C)

47 28 For those outside of Texas who don't know, the Bush Family machine and the GOP-e hate Paxton because he ended the political career of Jeb Bush's son George P. Bush, who was supposed to be the Bush Family's Great Brown Hope. (his mother is South American) They have always wanted revenge for that.
Posted by: Tom Servo
========
I hate to agree with Al Sharpton but he once said, "Stay Out of the Bushes".

Have to agree with him in this rare occasion and the Bush retinue of 'compassionate conservatives' are a continuing chancre in the GOP in office or in media.

The nation is a better place where the ex Bushies are howling in the political wilderness. Like Tallyrand said of the French Bourbons, they know nothing and forget nothing.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:20 AM (ctrM5)

48 Now do Marion Berry!

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:19 AM (lkGEd)

I'm not going to be drinking THAT MUCH beer.

Posted by: Stateless at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (jvJvP)

49 More from Warden's killer post:

And this is where everything funnels down to the very nexus of my change in attitude from "Do unto others" to "I will do unto you what you do unto me."

It's two words: Memories Pizza.

It was that moment that everything changed for me... That was when I snapped. . .

There aren't any rules anymore because the left only applies them one way. And in doing so, they've left what once was a civil compact between the two parties in smoldering ruins.

I have no personal investment in Donald Trump. He is a tool to punish the left and roll back their ill-gotten gains, no more and no less. If he succeeds even partially in those two things, then I'll consider his election a win.

Further, I no longer have any investment in any particular political values, save one: The rules created by the left will be applied to the left as equally and punitively as they have applied them to the right. And when they beg for mercy, I'll begin to reconsider. Or maybe not. Because fuck these people.

This new philosophy has freed me of more emotional angst that I can describe. Literally nothing the left says or does matters to me anymore.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (u1uWe)

50 He admitted it as one of his greatest failings.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:20 AM (xCA6C)

Washington went through a LOT of aide-de-camps and they did not love him when they left

Posted by: Kindltot at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (D7oie)

51 Reese Gorman@reesejgorman
New: VP-Elect JD Vance has invited Daniel Penny to be his personal guest at the Army-Navy game this weekend, per source familiar.
They will be joining President Trump in his suite at the game.

-
Something must've happened to Alvin Bragg's invite.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (L/fGl)

52 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it. He was a land speculator, though I’m not sure how that disqualifies him

He was a slaver.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (lkGEd)

53 The rules created by the left will be applied to the left as equally and punitively as they have applied them to the right. And when they beg for mercy, I'll begin to reconsider. Or maybe not.

“The streets are extended gutters and the gutters are full of blood and when the drains finally scab over, all the vermin will drown. The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout 'SAVE US!'...and I'll look down and whisper 'No.”

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:22 AM (xCA6C)

54 Re Van Duyne,
Wiki says, "Van Duyne met her former husband, Chris "Casey" Wallach, while they were attending Cornell University.[6] They have two children,[45] and divorced in 2012 after being married for 17 years.[46] Van Duyne confirmed she was in a relationship with Georgia congressman Rich McCormick in 2024.

In February 2021, a man died by suicide using a firearm outside of Van Duyne's home in Irving.[48] The man was identified as Richard Christian Dillard, a former communications staffer for Van Duyne's 2020 House campaign."
=====
About typical for the political class.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:22 AM (ctrM5)

55 do the religiously motivated ever stop to consider how King David sinned, and yet God used him to great purpose?

these freaking purity tests are kind of OCD imho
---
It's so depressing how easily religious voters are manipulated by this by the left.

In this last round, David French and his wife were spearheading a big effort to pamphlet and spread among evangelicals that Trump wasn't pure enough on abortion (because he wouldn't commit to a federal ban, no exceptions), thus "good Christians" could not in good conscience, vote for Trump.
Knowing damned good and well that their position would result in the exact opposite of their "moral" position.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:22 AM (qky8v)

56 I’m not voting for someone to be my friend. I’m voting for someone to advance policies that will benefit me.

I don’t want to have a beer with these people. I don’t care if they’re nice or assholes. I don’t care what music they listen to or if they eat fast food or what their favorite movie is. I don’t care what their family life is like or even if they have a family.

None of that shit matters.

Will they vote for or in the case of the president /governor sign legislation that I support? That’s it. That’s all I care about. The rest is noise.

Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at December 13, 2024 11:23 AM (Byz3x)

57 Re Paxton: We need this man. He fights.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:23 AM (v6JzV)

58 Few annoy me as badly as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowsky, neither have my interests in heart. And the list of those in Congress who are both male and political disappointments is very long.

The Dems have kept alleged spouse beaters, thieves and grifters, and some of the dumbest people ever in the name of voting/political interests. And on rare occasion, even they face disappointments.

Vote with the best of your senses and hope for the best.

Term limits are the answer.

Posted by: L - cellphone at December 13, 2024 11:23 AM (NFX2v)

59 Buck-

A-f***ing-men.

(That's an infix, not a description of A's behavior)

Posted by: YCRT_TX at December 13, 2024 11:24 AM (fPaCY)

60 I also realize that in this era where the media aligns with Democrats to destroy the reputation of any conservative who wants to challenge the ruling class
_______
To my mind, that is the key issue here. It's akin to the reports of "racist" incidents on campuses. I'm inclined to doubt them prima facie; even if they are partly true, they are almost certainly exaggerated. The Thomas/Kavanaugh standard applies.

But there is another distinction to make. While I don't want to argue for adultery, the fact is one of my heroes is Lord Nelson. Not exactly an ideal husband. But I can think of another near contemporary admiral who raises another question. Rodney was flat out corrupt. While I am sure Trafalgar outweighs Lady Hamilton, I don't know if the Saintes has the same measure.

Posted by: Eeyore at December 13, 2024 11:24 AM (1bNHn)

61 @52 who believed in term limits.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO, AI Expert at December 13, 2024 11:24 AM (LPS7w)

62 I'm at the point where I don't give a rat's flying assfuck about a conservative's "moral" or "ethical" history. I don't care. Don't. Care.

I don't care who or what he or she is fucking. I don't care if he or she cheats on their spouse. I don't care if they have a harem dressed up like the Village People. If animals could consent, I don't care if they are fucking goats like half the Muslim population is.

I don't care about securities fraud allegations when 99% of Congress is making bank off insider trading. I don't care about whatever other probably-false or -exaggerated accusations are made up by their political enemies.

I care about one thing and one thing only: is this person gonna fight for the things I want them to fight for? If the answer is "yes" then I don't give a shit about anything else. Ken Paxton fights. He wins. I'd take one Paxton over 10,000 Romneys.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:25 AM (iFTx/)

63 Throck, I've mentioned this before on here. Doing it again.

Years ago, maybe decades by now, might've been back during Trump's first run, I was listening to the Tulsa talk radio station, to a show by a black host whose name I forget, sorry to say. He had a caller, a black man, who opined that he would vote for an anti-black racist if he was the superior candidate on national defense. His reasoning was, without the country, the racism would be the least of troubles. That bit of superior logic has stuck with me, especially considering the source.

They said they were black, and "sounded" black, but I couldn't see them. 😁
______

Some Moron has probably already mentioned this, but I notice you let the phrase "gender-affirming care" go by without remark. Of all the misnomers in society and politics, that's among the very worst. Medpage Today is part of the problem, apparently.

Posted by: mindful webworker - good morning, world at December 13, 2024 11:25 AM (ZhHwo)

64 Paxton may have been unfaithful in his marriage. That just doesn't sit right with me.

Which is why I support this GoP babe politician, whom......apparently was in an affair with a married US Representative for Georgia?

https://tinyurl.com/36uxcbwp

Hmm....

Posted by: That Seems Odd at December 13, 2024 11:25 AM (oQe/T)

65 I see they're making a movie about how brave and noble the journalists were during the massacre.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks

Jim McKay did do a good job, under the circumstances.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:25 AM (v6JzV)

66 Few annoy me as badly as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowsky

Collins is the best we can do in Maine. Murkowski only has her position because of Daddy and RCV shenanigans. I hate her far more than Collins.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)

67 @59 you sir, have failed my purity test!

Posted by: Chairman LMAO, AI Expert at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (LPS7w)

68 >>Ken Paxton fights. He wins. I'd take one Paxton over 10,000 Romneys.

This x1000

Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (u1uWe)

69 Good essay, Buck. Thanks.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (MQJVv)

70 52, right and a lot of people are learning American history from Mark Levin. I like Mark Levin, but I wouldn’t use him for history. There’s a weird thing that Republicans just tried a few years ago saying Democrats were the party of the south etc. etc.. it’s true, but there is also something defaming about all that and also unnecessary.

The Democrats lie and say somehow on a given day, the party switched which we all know a lie. But at the same time attacking all, Southerners is just dumb when they are 70% of your party. It’s not a big deal, but it is contrived and it happened just out of the blue a few years ago.

Mark Levin is good at what he does and he’s obviously a good lawyer but the one thing he is not is a historian. I recall a recent show many months ago where he said 55,000 people died at Gettysburg. I know kids from Pennsylvania who know that that’s not true.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (quqls)

71 Posted by: Lizzy at December 13, 2024 11:21 AM (u1uWe)

Thanks for the posts Lizzy.

Posted by: Stateless at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (jvJvP)

72 "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" getting dismissed by the media, and jfk's and FDR's dalliances with women getting covered up by the media, kind of blew up the idea the left has any moral high ground about ethically flawed politicians. They don't care as long as they steamroll their agenda through. So any pearl clutching they do about Trump, or anyone connected to him, just makes me laugh.

(Normal Trumpian mistakes and flaws, I mean. Not P Diddy or Hunter level flaws.)

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (wcIbG)

73 In February 2021, a man died by suicide using a firearm outside of Van Duyne's home in Irving.[48] The man was identified as Richard Christian Dillard, a former communications staffer for Van Duyne's 2020 House campaign."
=====
About typical for the political class.
Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:22 AM (ctrM5)

I don't know anything about her, but I can't hold that against her. You can run into crazies anywhere in life, and a man willing to commit suicide on her lawn definitely qualifies as a crazy.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (wyMQY)

74 But we really need to know Paxton's positions on carrots n chili, and on Nickelback.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (v6JzV)

75 There is no such thing as "gender-affirming care". What it is is sexual mutilation.

Please put such crap terminology in scare quotes, or append (sic), to indicate that it appears thus in the original passage being quoted.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (8zz6B)

76 9 JR in Texas did not address the most important issue: can his preferred candidate, Ms. Van Duyne, actually win?

-----------------

This is one part of the two-part logic that should determine who to vote for. The second isn't just someone who espouses our values, but who is *likely* to fight for them in DC and not con us. That's really hard to know. Romney, Christie, Bush... all espoused 'righteous conservative values' when campaigning. Heck, Ted Cruz just voted for Trump-hater and McConnell-minion Thune instead of Rick Scott after soliciting donations by stating McConnell was scr*wing him with no money! The most likely litmus test here is experience. And aside from Desantis and Trump himself, is anyone as experienced in fighting (and beating?) the Leftist federal regime as Paxton? Couple that with the knowledge that media, leftists, and RINO's (all redundant) know no bounds when it comes to lying to take out a truly conservative figure, how can any 'true conservative' have a second thought about voting for him in any race?

Posted by: bearski at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (Bhsk7)

77 Some people are conservative because they are cowards.

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (QB+5g)

78 52 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it. He was a land speculator, though I’m not sure how that disqualifies him

He was a slaver.
Posted by: rickb223
========
You might try reading about the Battle of Monmonth in particular but any account by his aides will do.

Hilarious anecdote about Gouverneur Morris and Washington at a levee while Washington was president. A crony at the levee (formal party) bet that Gouverneur would not go up to Washington and clap him on the shoulder and do the whole buddy buddy routine.

Washington's cold glare and response after Morris did it cause Morris to tell his friend he would not ever do that again even for a much larger sum of money.

Washington was so put out by Congress when he went to Congress voluntarily for questioning about a treaty that he refused to do so ever again.

Setting the stage for executive privilege where a President can voluntarily testify before Congress but cannot be commanded to do so.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (ctrM5)

79 Turning away customers is always a winning strategy.
⁸
Fox News@FoxNews
'TAKING OUR POWER BACK': Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (L/fGl)

80 My FIRM position: If my doctor cures my cancer, I don't care if he screws pigs.

Same with politicians.

Posted by: Close The Fed at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (LeNk3)

81 Government employees are MY employees. Their personal lives are none of my business as long as they don't interfere with the performance of their work.

I have used that standard for my regular employees for years.

I think that part of the resistance to Trump from some conservatives relates to the idea that to some, words mean more than action, while for others, action is more important than words.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (lTGtQ)

82 Texas sues companies illegally conspiring to drive up energy costs...

Yessss! Now do housing.

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (wcIbG)

83 64 Paxton may have been unfaithful in his marriage. That just doesn't sit right with me.

Which is why I support this GoP babe politician, whom......apparently was in an affair with a married US Representative for Georgia?

https://tinyurl.com/36uxcbwp

Hmm....
Posted by: That Seems Odd at December 13, 2024 11:25 AM (oQe/T)

If we knew all the facts, Donald Trump has probably been the most faithful politician in Washington. (disgusting pieces of lard like Nadler don't count)

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:29 AM (wyMQY)

84 74 But we really need to know Paxton's positions on carrots n chili, and on Nickelback.
Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:27 AM (v6JzV)
----
Also curious how he deals with warped floor boards... replace the boards, using screws instead of nails, or burn the house down?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO, AI Expert at December 13, 2024 11:29 AM (LPS7w)

85 >>> My FIRM position: If my doctor cures my cancer, I don't care if he screws pigs.

You'll care if you get swine flu from him...

I'll be here all week! Try the veal!

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:30 AM (wcIbG)

86 Thx Buck
Speaking of ethically flawed politicians Nancy Pelosi has been admitted to a hospital in Luxembourg due to an "injury"

Posted by: Smell the Glove at December 13, 2024 11:30 AM (YO1Vi)

87 Few annoy me as badly as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowsky

Collins is the best we can do in Maine. Murkowski only has her position because of Daddy and RCV shenanigans. I hate her far more than Collins.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:26 AM (xCA6C)
_______

Yea, I don't like Collins but we're never gonna get anyone better in Maine. It's a GOP seat that helps with getting a majority. That's all. She doesn't pretend to be anything other than what she is.

But Murkowski is a two-faced worm who slimed her way into the seat and clings to it with the ranked choice bullshit. I can't wait until we can finally get rid of her.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:30 AM (iFTx/)

88 52, what the hell does that even mean? I have thought you were joking because I know your screen name. But yeah, that’s a real turd in the punch bowl care to explain what you’re discussing?

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:30 AM (quqls)

89 "10,000 Romneys"

Each one with a binder full of women. That's a lotta babes. Well, there must be some babes in 10,000 binders of women.

Posted by: SFGoth at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (KAi1n)

90 It took me a while to accept that it is better (in my opinion) to elect a person of questionable integrity who will fight the battles I want fought, than to only vote for people of high integrity if the person of high integrity will not fight my battle.

I've very nearly come to the conclusion that I DON'T want someone with supposed "high moral integrity". Lots of people believed that Biden has "high moral integrity" because his flaws were never reported. We have too many "Republicans" who either never had their flaws reported - because they were in a heavily red state and could be managed - or who actually held stirling principles but couldn't stand the pressure.

I'm tired of Representatives and Senators who'll fight tireless for me right up until the vote is finalized. I want someone who starts and ends every conversation with a Democrat with "go fuck yourself".

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (ExV1e)

91 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it. He was a land speculator, though I’m not sure how that disqualifies him

He was a slaver.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices

He way over used the pull my finger joke.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (L/fGl)

92 Government employees are MY employees. Their personal lives are none of my business as long as they don't interfere with the performance of their work.

I have used that standard for my regular employees for years. \

Except that, as some have pointed out, a willingness to betray one's spouse does not instill confidence that the person won't also betray their constituents. Black and white rarely works well.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (xCA6C)

93 Texas sues companies illegally conspiring to drive up energy costs...

Yessss! Now do housing.
Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (wcIbG)

Let's do medical care!

Posted by: Kindltot at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (D7oie)

94 Some of you ain't gonna like this, but there is a difference between a man cheating and a woman cheating.

It's ugly but it's reality.

The weirdest latest thing is "ethical non-monogamy."
Huh?

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:32 AM (qky8v)

95 "@59 you sir, have failed my purity test!"

Right in the middle of John McCain's funeral.

Posted by: eleven at December 13, 2024 11:32 AM (iziT8)

96 @92 Fang Fang would agree.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO, AI Expert at December 13, 2024 11:32 AM (LPS7w)

97 93 Texas sues companies illegally conspiring to drive up energy costs...

Yessss! Now do housing.
Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (wcIbG)

Let's do medical care!

Posted by: Kindltot at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (D7oie)

Amen!

Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 11:33 AM (oQe/T)

98 Long ago, when man was king, his heart was clean. Now he's stained class. Time has slashed each untouched thing, so now he's just a stained class king.

Posted by: SFGoth at December 13, 2024 11:33 AM (KAi1n)

99 One thing to keep in mind, though. A crook can be either bribed or blackmailed to betray you. It's best to avoid Biden like corruption. Even the Ashley showers would be a devastating revelation if he had been on our side. The presstitutes would never shut up about it.

Posted by: Eeyore at December 13, 2024 11:33 AM (1bNHn)

100 I am surprised that Americans rank Washington so highly I thought they would rank him even worse. Real historians the guys with decades of knowledge and teaching experience the guys, that came before this thing that warped academia. Every single one of them will tell you, Washington was the greatest president.. but you can even pull conservatives in Washington will be lucky to be in the top five. That isn’t a criticism of Washington that is a criticism of the conservatives answering the poll.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:34 AM (quqls)

101 I don't know anything about her, but I can't hold that against her.
Posted by: Tom Servo

I don't hold it against her per se (although sometimes such things are done because of the person they work with) and it is for Texans to decide who is fit, not me.

But, it was to illustrate that we see what we want to see with politicians and unless deeply on the inside, we never really know how they behave in private unless sometimes unearthed via open scandal.

So, I judge them by public acts, not their personal life unless their personal life interferes with their public life--like McConnell's pro China shilling after receiving millions from the papa of his wife. That guy was a shipping magnate from Taiwan that made serious money shipping goods from China to the US.

I dislike McConnell for his frequent tone deaf declarations for Ukraine and its corrupt politics and not standing up for Trump in the Cheat of 2020 and his purposeful thwarting of Trump being able to have the people he wanted in executive office.

So the public and private life of McConnell is a story of betrayal to money and principle.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:34 AM (ctrM5)

102 "Some of you ain't gonna like this, but there is a difference between a man cheating and a woman cheating."

Do tell.

Posted by: SFGoth at December 13, 2024 11:35 AM (KAi1n)

103 >>> Fox News@FoxNews
'TAKING OUR POWER BACK': Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years.

Ironically, Trump in office will help their bottom line, even if they hate him. The businesses most impacted during the day by a deserted downtown in DC, with everyone working from home, are the food shops, restaurants, food carts used to catering to the lunch crowds. Forcing workers back to their desks will give their businesses a huge boost.

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:35 AM (wcIbG)

104 these freaking purity tests are kind of OCD imho
Posted by: kallisto

Shouldn't OCD be changed to CDO to please those of us who obsessively alphabetize?

Posted by: Not Wrapped Too Tight at December 13, 2024 11:35 AM (G5+As)

105 Mike Pence was the last straw for me when it came to trusting politicians by assuming that their religiosity made them trustworthy.

Posted by: Iasonas for Vance/Anna Paulina Luna 2028 at December 13, 2024 11:35 AM (gUzGB)

106 I have to lay a bit of blame at the feet of the likes of Jerry Falwell, Moral Majority, American Family Association, and similar groups who saw their rise in influence in the 80s. The people who got caught up in their moral crusadership are the same people clutching their pearls and taking to their fainting couches over politicians who aren't sufficiently "pure" but who would so far more to advance the policies they claim to support. Unfortunately a lot of people will take the whitewashed sepulcher because it looks nice, but will sell them out in a heartbeat, instead of the rough edged guy who will actually fight.

Posted by: Pussification should not be a virtue at December 13, 2024 11:36 AM (olf63)

107 Government employees are MY employees. Their personal lives are none of my business as long as they don't interfere with the performance of their work.

I have used that standard for my regular employees for years. \

Except that, as some have pointed out, a willingness to betray one's spouse does not instill confidence that the person won't also betray their constituents. Black and white rarely works well.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (xCA6C)
______

Possibly. But marriages are complex beasts and it's impossible to know the internal dynamic. I certainly don't condone cheating. But in many cases, the cheating doesn't just come out of nowhere; it's symptomatic of deeper flaws that render the marriage largely dead anyway. And a cheater in a marriage is often really just the first of the pair to cheat.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:36 AM (iFTx/)

108 Nah, look at Ernst...the affair is proof positive she's a liar...talks a big game to get elected, and doesn't walk it when it matters (but does when it doesn't)...

I recall a short conversation I had with David Barton during the Lewinsky, ah, "affair" where he explained why personal ethics matter. He pointed out that the vast majority of the business of government takes place behind closed doors or in meetings that nobody pays attention to. So we need to be able to trust the people doing that business to do the right thing even when they know they're not being watched. Which is, in essence, the definition of morality. I don't disagree with a single word of that. Unfortunately, those people don't seem to be on the ballot very often and of the ones who claim to be, a pretty fair percentage of them turn out to be lying. So that leaves me with only Buck's (and Friedman's) utilitarian position. I don't always like it but it's the best I'm going to get.

Posted by: Oddbob at December 13, 2024 11:36 AM (/y8xj)

109 David stood up to Goliath, but later committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed.

He had audacity in spades. Often, he used it for good, but he also used it for bad.

Just another example of how one's best character trait can also be one's worst character trait.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:36 AM (v6JzV)

110 Fox News@FoxNews
'TAKING OUR POWER BACK': Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years.

Really? How many "food workers" did you interview?

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:36 AM (xCA6C)

111 May I assume that a revoked medical license only bars the quack from practicing in that one State? Can they take up their practice elsewhere in another State?

Posted by: Ciampino - State license vs federal license at December 13, 2024 11:37 AM (i0xsb)

112 I don't live in TX, but if I did, I'd trust the first 200 people in the Dallas phonebook before I trusted Cornyn.

To paraphrase, WFB Jr., of course.

Posted by: Iasonas for Vance/Anna Paulina Luna 2028 at December 13, 2024 11:37 AM (gUzGB)

113 100 I am surprised that Americans rank Washington so highly I thought they would rank him even worse."

It's not about policies or temperament - Washington was the Indispensable Man. Everyone at the time agreed, and has agreed ever since, that without Washington there would have been no country. He was the only one that all the factions could coalesce around. That puts him head and shoulders above every other President.

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:37 AM (wyMQY)

114 Have no idea why Pelosi is in Luxembourg but if she's had an injury I would definitely want I know where AOC is today

Posted by: Smell the Glove at December 13, 2024 11:37 AM (YO1Vi)

115 I am surprised that Americans rank Washington so highly I thought they would rank him even worse.

Posted by: Quint

Washington could have been king if he had chosen to. He gave us a short term presidency instead. He also set almost every precedent for the office. It is hard to overstate his importance.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (lTGtQ)

116 102 "Some of you ain't gonna like this, but there is a difference between a man cheating and a woman cheating."

Do tell.
Posted by: SFGoth at December 13, 2024 11:35 AM (KAi1n)

(facepalm)

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (wyMQY)

117 I don't care if Musk and Trump have a ten hooked gangbang together in the White House as long as they do what they were elected to do.

Posted by: DudeAbiding at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (JyM4X)

118 Maybe one day our society will become serious again and hypocrisy will disappear as a political weapon. Neal Stephenson perfectly expressed why hypocrisy has become an obsession:

https://tinyurl.com/3aturdr2

Neal Stephenson, The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer (2000)

Posted by: Oglebay at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (ogTiX)

119 Possibly. But marriages are complex beasts and it's impossible to know the internal dynamic. I certainly don't condone cheating. But in many cases, the cheating doesn't just come out of nowhere; it's symptomatic of deeper flaws that render the marriage largely dead anyway. And a cheater in a marriage is often really just the first of the pair to cheat.

If you're that unhappy in your marriage, get a divorce first, then sleep with whomever you choose.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (xCA6C)

120 I care about one thing and one thing only: is this person gonna fight for the things I want them to fight for? If the answer is "yes" then I don't give a shit about anything else. Ken Paxton fights. He wins. I'd take one Paxton over 10,000 Romneys.
Posted by: Elric The Blade
========
Same reason that Lincoln dismissed criticisms of whiskey drinking Grant by declaring "I cannot spare this general, He Fights." (sidenote, from memory and may be slightly paraphrased as to exact wording."

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (ctrM5)

121 Washington was opposed to freelance frontiersmen like Daniel Boone. He thought that expansion westward should be managed by the great western landholders like himself. And he was not alone in that opinion.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:39 AM (v6JzV)

122 113, yes, you are right on. First and peace first and war first in the heart of his countrymen. He was the indispensable man.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:39 AM (quqls)

123 ot: Dinosaur joke

Posted by: Schroedingers Sock at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (FhXTo)

124 Franklin fortunately was able to assuage the French sensibilities.

Mostly by doinking all the French wives.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (ExV1e)

125 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYXpRWHVIPE

Posted by: DaveA at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (FhXTo)

126 Posted by: DudeAbiding at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (JyM4X)

Well, I care; I like Melania, aside from the fact that Musk wasn't elected, but as he's not married he can do what he likes.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (MQJVv)

127 Right there with you, Buck. The only thing that matters to me anymore is will my guy fight the fight I want fought in the position to which I elect him.

Full stop.

Posted by: insurgens ad opus at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (sUHui)

128 Washington could have been king if he had chosen to. He gave us a short term presidency instead. He also set almost every precedent for the office. It is hard to overstate his importance.

As George III said, when informed that Washington intended to resign his commission and return to Mt. Vernon, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

He was.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (xCA6C)

129 In 2018, Boeing received a $3.9B contract to build two new 747's to serve as Air Force One. Delivery was supposed to be in 2024. Now Boeing says the planes won't be delivered until at least 2029, so Trump will never fly on them as President.

https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbnbc

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (paSBy)

130 > 'TAKING OUR POWER BACK': Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years.
---------
The entire capitol city is shit. Everyone. Everything.

I'd find a city health inspector and put him/her on my personal payroll and harass those people until they went bankrupt.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (Q4IgG)

131 Being lectured on the "morality" of a candidate feels similar to being lectured on the "decorum (or lack thereof)" of Trump.

That ship has sailed, mf'ers.

Posted by: Iasonas for Vance/Anna Paulina Luna 2028 at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (gUzGB)

132 Agree with Buck's premise. Everyone in politics is at least somewhat of an asshole for the most part. Better our asshole than theirs.

Posted by: From about That Time at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (4780s)

133 If your toilets are clogged and you have to crap in a bucket until it is fixed, you gonna go with the butt crack, plumber who will definitely fix it fast, or some pretty boy with ironed pants, who takes his shoes off before he comes in, but who doesn't know what the hell he is doing, doesn't care, and is going to charge you for stuff you don't even need or want . . .

When you have an emergency, you have to prioritize. You have to get it fixed as soon as possible, and if that means forgoing some of the niceities you forgo them. Get over it. The toilet needs to flush again.

Posted by: Pardon my blunt response to your correspondent at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (g7oPO)

134 129 In 2018, Boeing received a $3.9B contract to build two new 747's to serve as Air Force One. Delivery was supposed to be in 2024. Now Boeing says the planes won't be delivered until at least 2029, so Trump will never fly on them as President.

https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbnbc
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (paSBy)

+++++

Thank goodness! We need to keep Trump safe.

Posted by: Oglebay at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (ogTiX)

135 Some of you ain't gonna like this, but there is a difference between a man cheating and a woman cheating.

It's ugly but it's reality.

The weirdest latest thing is "ethical non-monogamy."
Huh?
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:32 AM (qky8v)
______

ENM has been around for a long time. It just wasn't given a specific name -- even an acronym! -- until more recently. It's nothing more than party or hook-up culture. It's a great thing for single guys, let me tell ya.

You'll also find many more girls claiming to be ENM than guys. In fact, I've never heard of a guy claiming to be ENM. It's basically a way for girls to be highly promiscuous but keep some feign of being in a relationship. "I'm not cheating, I'm not a slut, I'm ENM!"

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (iFTx/)

136 Have no idea why Pelosi is in Luxembourg but if she's had an injury I would definitely want I know where AOC is today
Posted by: Smell the Glove

She meant to go to Liechtenstein, the source of all the world's travails, but got the name mixed up with Luxembourg.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (v6JzV)

137 If you're that unhappy in your marriage, get a divorce first, then sleep with whomever you choose.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (xCA6C)

This, 1000%.

Posted by: Nova Local at December 13, 2024 11:41 AM (exHjb)

138 I guess Musk is wrong about all that government waste.

PolitiFact@PolitiFact
U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, claimed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent $7.5 billion on eight electric vehicle charging stations. The claim pulls from a March article, but 30 more stations have since been completed, with more planned.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (L/fGl)

139 120, you have it right. The reality is was not a boozer during the Civil War. He had a predilection towards booze and he had the disease that a small percentage of people have where he was basically allergic to booze in that even small amounts would really screw him up.

People in the US Army also called by some the northern army use that against him. But Grant was not a drunk. He had an alcohol predilection, and he also had an alcohol allergy. For most of the war, he just stayed away from the stuff.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (quqls)

140 Morning.

Polite disagreement?

People! This is the internet. It has long been the custom that when one disagrees with someone else the appropriate reply is, "Kill yourself, faggot."

*tsk*

And you call yourselves "conservatives."

Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (Sen1F)

141 110
People eating out in certain DC establishments are going to be very discerning of the standard of service and will adjust tips accordingly from very generous to zero.

Posted by: Ciampino - Talking of tipping at December 13, 2024 11:43 AM (i0xsb)

142 Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (paSBy)

Musk could probably start an airplane company and build a fleet of 747s in 2 years.

Posted by: Iasonas for Vance/Anna Paulina Luna 2028 at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (gUzGB)

143 Really? How many "food workers" did you interview?

If the answer is "more than one" I sense a business opportunity for somebody in DC to open "The MAGA Bistro."

Posted by: Oddbob at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (/y8xj)

144 138 I guess Musk is wrong about all that government waste.

PolitiFact@PolitiFact
U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, claimed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent $7.5 billion on eight electric vehicle charging stations. The claim pulls from a March article, but 30 more stations have since been completed, with more planned.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (L/fGl)
***

Well Hell!!!
Now they're getting down right affordable.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (W/lyH)

145 Term limits are the answer.

Posted by: L - cellphone at December 13, 2024 11:23 AM (NFX2v)
==
Makes no difference. See California legislature.

Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (GZYu7)

146 . It's a great thing for single guys, let me tell ya.

Well, I'm not a single guy. If I were I probably wouldn't "date" someone who said, "I'm technically with Mike, but I going to love ethically bonking you."

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (MQJVv)

147 And you have a right to do many things personally that would be reprehensible when acting with a responsibility to others.
Private vs public is not hypocrisy.

Posted by: From about That Time at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (4780s)

148 you have it right. The reality is was not a boozer during the Civil War. He had a predilection towards booze and he had the disease that a small percentage of people have where he was basically allergic to booze in that even small amounts would really screw him up.

People in the US Army also called by some the northern army use that against him. But Grant was not a drunk. He had an alcohol predilection, and he also had an alcohol allergy. For most of the war, he just stayed away from the stuff.
Posted by: Quint

I think he went on a well-deserved bender following Vicksburg. But yes, his chief of staff and his wife were able to keep him sober for the most part during the war.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (v6JzV)

149 PolitiFact@PolitiFact
U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, claimed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent $7.5 billion on eight electric vehicle charging stations. The claim pulls from a March article, but 30 more stations have since been completed, with more planned.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (L/fGl)

$7.5 billion on 48 charging stations is totes different, yall!

Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (Sen1F)

150 So that leaves me with only Buck's (and Friedman's) utilitarian position. I don't always like it but it's the best I'm going to get.
Posted by: Oddbob
======
As someone with a ringside seat at DC at one time and pretty knowledgeable about political history, there are almost no saints in government. The few that were are zealots which can create their own problems (see Thaddeus Stevens for example).

That is one of the problems of a theocracy--what is advisable and admirable in personal conduct may not be what is prudent, just, or good in administering a country. For example, the Prohibition did a vast injury to the US for very marginal gains. Requiring a state legislative approval of a divorce (Georgia) did not improve marriages in the state, and so on.

There is a reason that Christ was about a heavenly perfect kingdom and admission to it rather than the day to day politics in Israel under occupation.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:45 AM (ctrM5)

151 80 My FIRM position: If my doctor cures my cancer, I don't care if he screws pigs.

Same with politicians.
Posted by: Close The Fed at December 13, 2024 11:28 AM (LeNk3)

MFM: Screwing Pigs Cures Cancer!

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:45 AM (SSBCb)

152 'He may be a SOB, but he's our SOB.'

Posted by: Don Black. Message: I care at December 13, 2024 11:46 AM (/7KEl)

153 141 110
People eating out in certain DC establishments are going to be very discerning of the standard of service and will adjust tips accordingly from very generous to zero.
-----------

'Twas many years ago, but when I lived in the DC area, several waiters told me they like when the Reps were in charge because they tipped MUCH better than the Dems.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at December 13, 2024 11:46 AM (vd6bO)

154 In 2018, Boeing received a $3.9B contract to build two new 747's to serve as Air Force One. Delivery was supposed to be in 2024. Now Boeing says the planes won't be delivered until at least 2029, so Trump will never fly on them as President.

https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbnbc
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (paSBy)
***

At least it won't be a 737-MAX.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 13, 2024 11:46 AM (W/lyH)

155 I think he went on a well-deserved bender following Vicksburg. But yes, his chief of staff and his wife were able to keep him sober for the most part during the war.
Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (v6JzV)

I'll bet having Rawlins flapping around him 24/7 really got tiresome sometimes.

Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at December 13, 2024 11:46 AM (LxER7)

156 Though it's a less pernicious form of it, JR's approach is still the kind of moral narcissism that has played a large part in our civic decline.

You're hiring a contractor to do a job. The job in this case can involve whether you live in a free, lawful, prosperous, secure society. It's a binary choice (well, when we're lucky, problem has been that there's not much difference in practice between the two choices, on some matters).

Just as damaging and unserious is the even more prevalent practice of not voting for a candidate because "you don't like them". Even if they represent the policy outcomes you strongly desire, and their opponent the exact opposite. We saw this in split-ticket voting this cycle - split-ticket voting, now, in 2024, given the differences between parties! Are you effing kidding? Yep, this is just stupid voting, and is why the country looks like it does.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (1m82a)

157 In 2018, Boeing received a $3.9B contract to build two new 747's to serve as Air Force One. Delivery was supposed to be in 2024. Now Boeing says the planes won't be delivered until at least 2029, so Trump will never fly on them as President.

https://tinyurl.com/5n7kbnbc
Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (paSBy)

Trump should lay down the law: deliver both planes by July 4, 2025, or be declared in default.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (8zz6B)

158 "80 My FIRM position: If my doctor cures my cancer, I don't care if he screws pigs.

Same with politicians.
Posted by: Close The Fed"

I would care a little bit. Just not a deal breaker.

Posted by: eleven at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (iziT8)

159 Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:45 AM (ctrM5)

Whig, I asked this yesterday, but did not see a response. With all of your knowledge of history and politics, have you ever written a book?

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (v6JzV)

160 Quint, I think sometimes we set up our expectations for conservative radio hosts or podcasters too high. Levin doesn't have a historian's heart, and that's ok. He has other strengths.

We expect all radio hosts to be a brilliant orator, have intelligence blended with humor, be relatable to people, have a thorough knowledge of history, have an ability to explain complex stories or concepts simply, be equally good at humor and gravitas, be an attack dog for conservative principles, be authentic, and have oodles of charisma, because of Rush Limbaugh. He possessed all those qualities. He was the first and for me, he will always be the best. He set a high bar all subsequent radio hosts are chasing.

I do feel disappointed when people like Levin can't be all things. But I also can't fault them for it. I listen to different political podcasters or YouTubers for different things, like sampling a buffet. Take what I need from each to get my fill. I'd love to get everything I need from one source, but it's just not possible with Rush gone (RIP El Rushbo.) it is what it is.

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (wcIbG)

161 @libsoftiktok
BREAKING: @BoiseState
closed their DEI and Gender Equity Centers while students were away on Thanksgiving break.

Posted by: Don Black. Message: I care at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (/7KEl)

162 Possibly. But marriages are complex beasts and it's impossible to know the internal dynamic. I certainly don't condone cheating. But in many cases, the cheating doesn't just come out of nowhere; it's symptomatic of deeper flaws that render the marriage largely dead anyway. And a cheater in a marriage is often really just the first of the pair to cheat.

If you're that unhappy in your marriage, get a divorce first, then sleep with whomever you choose.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:38 AM (xCA6C)
_______

Easier said than done. You have any idea how many spouses know their marriage is dead, but stay together for purely economic reasons? There are at least five of these in my family's relatively small circle of friends.

Divorces are expensive and the aftermath even more so. You're basically taking two incomes barely keeping one household afloat, and making them support two households. That's impossible for many to do.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (iFTx/)

163 People! This is the internet. It has long been the custom that when one disagrees with someone else the appropriate reply is, "Kill yourself, faggot."

*tsk*

And you call yourselves "conservatives."
Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:42 AM (Sen1F)

That's 4chan. Also "OP is a fag" would be acceptable there.

Posted by: Rough and tumble at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (olf63)

164 now if they'd only ditch the blue football field

Posted by: Don Black. Message: I care at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (/7KEl)

165 Hire Airbus to build Trumpforce One.

Posted by: Oglebay at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (ogTiX)

166 Knowing damned good and well that their position would result in the exact opposite of their "moral" position.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at December 13, 2024 11:22 AM (qky8v)

Lo! I am good even though I surrendered the right flank of humanity to the forces of evil for their front line was comprised of unclothed women so I averted my eyes. I permitted a reign of evil to flourish in the land but I am, personally, pure. Sing my praises as you suffer under the lash.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (ExV1e)

167 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, rushed to hospital after ‘injury’ during foreign trip

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “sustained an injury” during a congressional delegation trip to a World War II battlefield in Luxembourg, her office revealed on Friday. Pelosi, 84, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in the Western European nation — but was injured and later “admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” according to her spokesman Ian Krager. “Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals,” Krager said in a statement.

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (RHGPo)

168 Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (wcIbG)

Levin discusses history quite regularly on his program.

Posted by: Iasonas for Vance/Anna Paulina Luna 2028 at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (gUzGB)

169 Washington had a volcanic temperament kept in check by an enormous effort of self control and was a massive land speculator. Alexander Hamilton, nick named Tomcat by our Founding ladies, and Gouvernor Morris (wrote most of the actual wording of the Constitution) were ladies men. John Adams was an envious and jealous sort of person that felt overlooked unjustly and his actions with his cousin Sam nearly deposed Washington in favor of several candidates.

And James Madison watched waaaay too many movies

Posted by: far cry at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (8KVYh)

170 Washington could have been king if he had chosen to. He gave us a short term presidency instead. He also set almost every precedent for the office. It is hard to overstate his importance.

As George III said, when informed that Washington intended to resign his commission and return to Mt. Vernon, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

He was.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (xCA6C)
==
I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.

Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (GZYu7)

171 @159 I'm sorry but beastiality will cross any potential candidate off my list, attendance of furry conventions too.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO, AI Expert at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (LPS7w)

172 Well, I'm not a single guy. If I were I probably wouldn't "date" someone who said, "I'm technically with Mike, but I going to love ethically bonking you."
Posted by: FenelonSpoke

Ethical boinking>ethical bonking, usually, but it depends on the situation.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (fs1hN)

173 People eating out in certain DC establishments are going to be very discerning of the standard of service and will adjust tips accordingly from very generous to zero.

Hey, Trump promised them no tax on tips, after all.

Promises made, promises kept.

Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (oQe/T)

174 165 Hire Airbus to build Trumpforce One.
Posted by: Oglebay at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (ogTiX)

Musk for Spaceforce One...

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (SSBCb)

175 "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

Because of their active hobbies as 'agrarian reformers,' both men had the nickname of Farmer George. If they had been neighbors, they probably would have been friends.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (zdLoL)

176 121 Washington was opposed to freelance frontiersmen like Daniel Boone. He thought that expansion westward should be managed by the great western landholders like himself. And he was not alone in that opinion.
Posted by: Bulg
==========
Frontier settlers squatting on land grants to speculators pissed Washington right off. Land grant speculation in the Yazoo Land Fraud ended up with the battle between speculators and settlers going to the Supreme Court. Despite the undoubtedly unsavory bribing of state legislators in Georgia over western land grants, Justice Marshall upheld speculator claims to lands unjustly gained by illegal action in Fletcher v. Peck (1810) citing the contract clause as justification.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (ctrM5)

177 "@libsoftiktok
BREAKING: @BoiseState
closed their DEI and Gender Equity Centers while students were away on Thanksgiving break.
Posted by: Don Black"

That's beautiful, man.

Posted by: eleven at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (iziT8)

178 PolitiFact@PolitiFact
U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, claimed Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg spent $7.5 billion on eight electric vehicle charging stations. The claim pulls from a March article, but 30 more stations have since been completed, with more planned.

Charging stations "completed or planned" are like jobs "created or saved." Taking credit for something that hasn't happened but theoretically could.

Posted by: Oddbob at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (/y8xj)

179 165 Yep - don't need Trump on something built by Boeing anyway. More likely to malfunction.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (vd6bO)

180 171 @159 I'm sorry but beastiality will cross any potential candidate off my list, attendance of furry conventions too.
____________

The line must be drawn heeeyaaa!

Posted by: Capt. John Luc Picard at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (fs1hN)

181 >Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “sustained an injury” during a congressional delegation trip to a World War II battlefield in Luxembourg.

A Congressional Delegation Trip?

Posted by: davidt at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (i0F8b)

182 @libsoftiktok
BREAKING: @BoiseState
closed their DEI and Gender Equity Centers while students were away on Thanksgiving break.

Posted by: Don Black. Message: I care at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (/7KEl)
==
More reasons to give thanks! Pass the turkey!

Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (GZYu7)

183 Divorces are expensive and the aftermath even more so. You're basically taking two incomes barely keeping one household afloat, and making them support two households. That's impossible for many to do.

Your comment implies that both parties are aware of the situation, and have acceded to it. That's different than "I'm going to cheat, but not tell you".

The non-cheating party must be able to decide what they are willing to tolerate for economic security. They can't do that if they don't know.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (xCA6C)

184 Didn't Trump cancel the new AF 1 contract to Boeing when he got in last time? Or insisted on a yuuuge price reduction? It was in all the papers.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (1m82a)

185 It's a great thing for single guys, let me tell ya.

Well, not really. For a relatively small percentage of single guys, yes. But if you look at the figures on who's getting action and who isn't, most dudes are out in the cold.

Posted by: Great for Chad, sucks for all not-Chads at December 13, 2024 11:51 AM (olf63)

186 Okay, I'm at the truck stop and a guy next to me either dumped out a gallon of Arizona iced tea he didn't want anymore...or piss.

Low IQ lookin' motherfucker so...piss.

Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:51 AM (unM2F)

187 170 Washington could have been king if he had chosen to. He gave us a short term presidency instead. He also set almost every precedent for the office. It is hard to overstate his importance.

As George III said, when informed that Washington intended to resign his commission and return to Mt. Vernon, "If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world."

He was.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:40 AM (xCA6C)
==
I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (GZYu7)

Cincinatus

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (SSBCb)

188 "@libsoftiktok
BREAKING: @BoiseState
closed their DEI and Gender Equity Centers while students were away on Thanksgiving break.
Posted by: Don Black
_________

Wait ... does the way this was phrased -- "Centers" -- mean there was a DEI Center and a "Gender Equity" Center?

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (iFTx/)

189 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “sustained an injury” during a congressional delegation trip to a World War II battlefield in Luxembourg, her office revealed on Friday. Pelosi, 84, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in the Western European nation — but was injured and later “admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” according to her spokesman Ian Krager. “Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals,” Krager said in a statement.

Posted by: SMOD

Land mine?

Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (lTGtQ)

190 James Madison watched waaaay too many movies

"Hello Dolly" about broke him.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (zdLoL)

191 Trump should lay down the law: deliver both planes by July 4, 2025, or be declared in default.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 11:47 AM (8zz6B)
-------

And go back to Trumps color scheme.

Posted by: WisRich at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (+Q0Mv)

192 Boise State got rid of its DEI program over Thanksgiving
BLM " see them honkies like white meat not dark meat. Racists"

Posted by: Smell the Glove at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (YO1Vi)

193 Speaking of ethics . . .

F1 world champ sent to do community service in Rwanda as punishment for swearing

-
I guess there was one too many gosh darn its.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:53 AM (L/fGl)

194 Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (fs1hN)

I have no idea what "Ethical non monogamy" is. but it's obviously a rationalization for cheating.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 13, 2024 11:53 AM (MQJVv)

195 There is no magical rubrik. There's no litmus test. Some dude has crappy ethics? Maybe he'll be shady in office, too. Maybe not. Or maybe he looks like a perfect Saint but once in office he'll screw you over ten ways til Tuesday. Or not.

Use your brain. Use your gut. Use your discretion and judgement. Don't try finding some universally applicable rule with zero edge cases by which to live your life. You'll never find it, and even if you think you've found it you'll still wind up getting played eventually.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 13, 2024 11:53 AM (VoAdT)

196 I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (GZYu7)

Cincinatus
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia)

Also, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

Diocletian, too, but that was part of his plan when he formed the Tetrarchy.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (v6JzV)

197 192 Boise State got rid of its DEI program over Thanksgiving BLM " see them honkies like white meat not dark meat. Racists"
_____
Not sure what that means. But I hope they get rid of the blue football field next.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (fs1hN)

198 Liechtenstein

Lick the stain.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (FVO67)

199 “Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals,” Krager said in a statement.

Posted by: SMOD

Land mine?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (lTGtQ)

Home exercise equipment. Lot of that going around these days, it seems.

Posted by: Zombie Robbo the Llama Butcher at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (LxER7)

200 If my wife proposed ethical non-monogamy to me, I would counter her offer with a proposal of ethical backhanding.

Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (oQe/T)

201 Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 11:50 AM (1m82a)
---
Trump insisted on a price reduction, but the contract wasn't cancelled.

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (paSBy)

202 160 Lizlem, I agree with you and I do like Mark Levin, and I do respect his incredible lawyerly knowledge. I don’t mean to be a jerk about it, but I promise you he is no historian, particularly when it comes to US history. I do like him though.

I am right with you when it comes to Rush. There will never be anyone like him. I have very fond memories, listening to Rush every day as the college buses took us to school. My school was so conservative they played rush not just sometimes but every time that was in the mid 90s.

Even today, I wish we had his commentary. We have so many like Dan Bongino or Donald Trump Junior, etc.. but there was something about when rush talked about an issue, there was something defining about it. Not to be clear I did disagree with him on a few things and looking back. I was probably wrong on most of those. But I do miss Rush.

Posted by: Quint at December 13, 2024 11:54 AM (quqls)

203 159 Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:45 AM (ctrM5)

Whig, I asked this yesterday, but did not see a response. With all of your knowledge of history and politics, have you ever written a book?
Posted by: Bulg

Answered it but it was after a nood.
====
Dissertation, Masters Thesis, and peer reviewed published articles. Toward the end of my career (now retired), I spent about 7-10 years immersing myself in study of the Founding and early state constitutions as to protection of rights in those documents. Health for the last four years has precluded much advance in my manuscript regarding a particular State's Bill of Rights for the last several years but hope to finish it if meds and rehab permit.

Cannot sit nor work with a computer the way that I used to.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (ctrM5)

204 Okay, I'm at the truck stop and a guy next to me either dumped out a gallon of Arizona iced tea he didn't want anymore...or piss.

Low IQ lookin' motherfucker so...piss.
Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:51 AM (unM2F)

Does the cab have fringes and tassels decorations around the windshield?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (8zz6B)

205 Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to ~~refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years~~ lose their jobs.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (ExV1e)

206 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “sustained an injury” during a congressional delegation trip to a World War II battlefield in Luxembourg, her office revealed on Friday. Pelosi, 84, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in the Western European nation — but was injured and later “admitted to the hospital for evaluation,” according to her spokesman Ian Krager. “Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals,” Krager said in a statement.

Posted by: SMOD

Land mine?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (lTGtQ)
***

A battery of 88's opened up on them.
Worse than when Hillz was in the shit with sniper fire.

Posted by: Diogenes at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (W/lyH)

207 >>> Government employees are MY employees. Their personal lives are none of my business as long as they don't interfere with the performance of their work.

I'm hugely disappointed that Don Jr. cheated on Kim Guilfoyle. Just break off your engagement! You didn't put a ring on it yet, don't be that guy. But it sounds Iike they are trying to be civil about it, and he wished her well on social media for her new Greek ambassador job.

The Trumps aren't saints. They are flawed like everyone else. But I've resigned myself to the fact we will never get another Washington in office in my lifetime. The current swamp does not encourage, entice, or support such public servants.

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (wcIbG)

208 “Speaker Emerita Pelosi is currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals,” Krager said in a statement.
Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (RHGPo)

They love their titles, don't they?

Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (unM2F)

209 137 If you're that unhappy in your marriage, get a divorce first, then sleep with whomever you choose.
Posted by: Archimedes

-----------------

This, 1000%.
Posted by: Nova Local

-----------------

But if that were common practice, nobody would have ever known Hillary...

Posted by: bearski at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (Bhsk7)

210 >People eating out in certain DC establishments are going to be very discerning of the standard of service and will adjust tips accordingly from very generous to zero.

---

I'd be more worried about someone contaminating my food or drink than the service

Posted by: Don Black. Message: I care at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (/7KEl)

211 I have no idea what "Ethical non monogamy" is. but it's obviously a rationalization for cheating.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
____

Based on comments on this site, I'm thinking David French may have written an article about why it is good and aligned with conservative values.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (fs1hN)

212 Dissertation, Masters Thesis, and peer reviewed published articles. Toward the end of my career (now retired), I spent about 7-10 years immersing myself in study of the Founding and early state constitutions as to protection of rights in those documents. Health for the last four years has precluded much advance in my manuscript regarding a particular State's Bill of Rights for the last several years but hope to finish it if meds and rehab permit.

Cannot sit nor work with a computer the way that I used to.
Posted by: whig

I hope sp, too, Whig. I would love to read it. You have so much knowledge.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (v6JzV)

213 Real simple. I vote for Trump because I want him to euthanize the Bush/McCain/Romney/McConnell /Toomey/Ernst GOP.

Posted by: dr kill at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (BSNnK)

214 136 Have no idea why Pelosi is in Luxembourg but if she's had an injury I would definitely want I know where AOC is today
Posted by: Smell the Glove

She meant to go to Liechtenstein, the source of all the world's travails, but got the name mixed up with Luxembourg.
-------------------
Its her last free trip to Europe cuz you know who is coming to town!

Posted by: pudinhead at December 13, 2024 11:56 AM (jFCkp)

215 And James Madison watched waaaay too many movies
Posted by: far cry it's.

Ben Franklin was an Only Fans fan.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (L/fGl)

216 Trump administration officials should take note that in DC, perhaps unique in the nation, discrimination on the basis of political affiliation is illegal.

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (RHGPo)

217 I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:49 AM (GZYu7)

Cincinatus

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 11:52 AM (SSBCb)
==
It wasn't a revolution, and the particulars don't strike as the same, but I don't doubt Washington knew of him and it probably formed his attitude. Washington walked away after the war was won, and then walked away again after his second term. So it had to have had an impact on him. The founders were big on Roman republicans.

Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (GZYu7)

218 200 Yep. 'Ethical' in that context means you immoral but I want to anyway.

Posted by: Don in SoCo at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (vd6bO)

219 149
$7.5 billion on 48 charging stations is totes different, yall!

Posted by: Robert at December 13, 2024 11:44 AM (Sen1F)
----
Hmm, 38.

Posted by: Ciampino - Talking of tippling at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (i0xsb)

220 (I meant to say Don Jr hadn't married Kim yet, he technically did put a ring on it. But he waited a long time I think to announce the engagement, then they were engaged for years. That was a sign to me something was off.)

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 11:57 AM (wcIbG)

221 I have no idea what "Ethical non monogamy" is. but it's obviously a rationalization for cheating.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 13, 2024 11:53 AM (MQJVv)

Only in the case of married persons.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 11:58 AM (8zz6B)

222 Its her last free trip to Europe cuz you know who is coming to town!
_____

Pretty sure Trump would like the opportunity to cancel a Congressional junket and make them get off the bus to the airport again.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 11:58 AM (fs1hN)

223 I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington, although I’m not denying it. He was a land speculator, though I’m not sure how that disqualifies him

He was a slaver.
Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices

He way over used the pull my finger joke.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:31 AM (L/fGl)

He saved the children... but not the British children.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:59 AM (ExV1e)

224 213 It is time to leave that version of the GOP on the trash heap.

Posted by: Don in SoCo who has trouble tpying at December 13, 2024 11:59 AM (vd6bO)

225 The Trumps aren't saints. They are flawed like everyone else. But I've resigned myself to the fact we will never get another Washington in office in my lifetime. The current swamp does not encourage, entice, or support such public servants.

It's early, but I could see JD being such a figure. He's known the effects of dirtbaggery, so may know to avoid it.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 11:59 AM (xCA6C)

226 222 Its her last free trip to Europe cuz you know who is coming to town!
_____

Pretty sure Trump would like the opportunity to cancel a Congressional junket and make them get off the bus to the airport again.
----------------
Yep. And her medical costs are covered for free, too!

Posted by: pudinhead at December 13, 2024 11:59 AM (jFCkp)

227 Speaking of ethical geniuses . . .

Al Sharpton has collected almost a million dollars in bonuses from his non-profit over the past seven years

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

228 Ethical is building a nice cozy shed for your husband to cuck out in.

Unethical is making your stud pay for it.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (VoAdT)

229 The Volkswagen sized drones are the new normal.
There is nothing to fear.

Posted by: 50 former intelligence officials at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (wDLi3)

230 Thx Buck
Speaking of ethically flawed politicians Nancy Pelosi has been admitted to a hospital in Luxembourg due to an "injury"

Will she next appear in public with a boot? Black eye? Maybe she's just fleeing the country.

Posted by: t-bird at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (xw/ji)

231 Washington:

1. Basically started the Seven Years' War;
2. Led the Continental Army to victory in the Revolution;
3. Presided over the Constitutional Convention;
4. Served two terms as our first President, and, as someone noted above, set many of the precedents for that office.

The man's importance cannot be overstated.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (v6JzV)

232 I offloaded my dear departed mother's office to bring home and sort through. Apparently, that woman never threw away a financial document ever.

I will be weeks sorting through all this.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (aD39U)

233 You should just ban "J.R. in Texas."

That's what all the other writers here do. No explanation, no warning, just a ban.

How come you're the only guy who actually has to engage with the commenters?

Posted by: Just an Average Guy at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (RfXhm)

234 Battle of the Bulge is high on my list for next Euro visit. Cemetery in Liechtenstein will be part of it, but not central. I don't think the Ardennes is choked with tourists in December, either, which would be nice.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (1m82a)

235
omg the art thread. Corny painting, but my late uncle told his kids to bring his dog into the church and let it see him in his coffin so the dog would think my uncle hadn't abandoned it.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (IvxtX)

236 I mean, it's two cubic yards of boxes.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (aD39U)

237 I am surprised that Americans rank Washington so highly I thought they would rank him even worse.

Washington could have been king but declined. I doubt there's been a President since who would have done the same.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (ExV1e)

238 @230 I'm expecting to hear she had an accident with exercise equipment like Harry Reid

Posted by: Smell the Glove at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (YO1Vi)

239 137 If you're that unhappy in your marriage, get a divorce first, then sleep with whomever you choose.
Posted by: Archimedes
-----------------
Or try to be better and make good on your promises if at all possible (with the usual caveats).

Posted by: Don in SoCo who has trouble tpying at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (vd6bO)

240 "'Twas many years ago, but when I lived in the DC area, several waiters told me they like when the Reps were in charge because they tipped MUCH better than the Dems."

I heard the same from several service workers around DC.

I think people are just publishing BS at this point because it "sounds good".

Posted by: pawn, RIP Vic at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (QB+5g)

241 The Atty Gen of MO and TX keep corrupt banks, lending institutions, PPL and FedGov. hopping. Don't know what the scorecard for MO is but since his acquittal (by the way, Dud Phelan, who led the impeachment against Paxton is no longer Speaker of the House) Paxton has take O'Biden to court at least 35 times and won.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (ZAwHo)

242 205 Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years lose their jobs.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 11:55 AM (ExV1e)
_______
OK, we can keep taxing THOSE tips.

Posted by: Eeyore at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (1bNHn)

243 196 I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM

Thomas Fleming wrote a brilliant book toward the end of his lengthy life about Washington's tactics. He argued that Washington abandoned the demands of Congress (at risk of being deposed) where they demanded endless repeats of Bunker Hill that in order to work would require the British to always use idiotic frontal assaults on fixed forts.

In fact, that type of tactics was doomed to fail as it did often enough. Instead, Washington, adopted Fabian tactics post 1776 where keeping the Army together became the main thing and territory including even Philadelphia was traded in order to preserve the main army.

Nathaniel Greene's tactics in the South against Cornwall reflected this due to Washington's stalwart championship of him despite Congress wanting other people like Horatio Gates who as commander in the South lost an unwise battle in Camden South Carolina resulting in accusations later of his cowardice and failures.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (ctrM5)

244 I was really hoping for Paxton to be selected by Trump for US Attorney General. Alas, it was not to be.

Posted by: Caiwyn at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (BaIXK)

245 80th anniversary of the battle of the bulge

Posted by: Archer at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (IDphi)

246 206 Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “sustained an injury” during a congressional delegation trip to a World War II battlefield in Luxembourg, her office revealed on Friday.

Too much booze and took a header ?

Posted by: It's me donna at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (VE6XX)

247 The man's importance cannot be overstated.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (v6JzV)

He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.

Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

248 234 Battle of the Bulge is high on my list for next Euro visit. Cemetery in Liechtenstein will be part of it, but not central. I don't think the Ardennes is choked with tourists in December, either, which would be nice.
____

You'd be surprised.

Posted by: 1944 at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (fs1hN)

249 I always wonder how Washington and Ben Franklin interacted with each other. I cannot imagine two more disparate personalities.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (v6JzV)

250 Unfortunately, those people don't seem to be on the ballot very often and of the ones who claim to be, a pretty fair percentage of them turn out to be lying.

Some comedian, I forget who, said that a man was only as faithful as his options. Lots of options in DC. Lots of options for the wimmens, too.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at December 13, 2024 12:04 PM (ExV1e)

251 Battle of the Bulge is high on my list for next Euro visit. Cemetery in Liechtenstein will be part of it, but not central. I don't think the Ardennes is choked with tourists in December, either, which would be nice.
Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 12:01 PM (1m82a)
--
I lived in Germany for 3 years when serving in the Army. It galls me that I did not bother to visit places like Normandy. I was young and dumb. That's my only explanation.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Not Ready for the Cart at December 13, 2024 12:04 PM (xPJvm)

252 The markets are weird right now. I went to bed up 1% and woke up down 1/2%, and now back to even.

Big oscillations, particularly overnight, means something bad, I think.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (aD39U)

253 Get back, smoky cat!

Umm, based? Elton John calls legalization of pot "one of the greatest mistakes of all time"

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (L/fGl)

254 Luxembourg, duh, not Lichtenstein.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (1m82a)

255 I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM

The one thing I've heard about Washington's tactics is that he never made the same mistake twice. He learned from his mistakes.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (v6JzV)

256 I hope sp, too, Whig. I would love to read it. You have so much knowledge.
Posted by: Bulg
--------------
+1

Posted by: scampydog at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (2bFN5)

257 Well said. Agreed.

Posted by: Marilyn515 at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (u+PUM)

258 I always wonder how Washington and Ben Franklin interacted with each other. I cannot imagine two more disparate personalities.
Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (v6JzV)

I imagine they were both be drunk, as was the style at the time.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (aD39U)

259 The markets are weird right now. I went to bed up 1% and woke up down 1/2%, and now back to even.

Big oscillations, particularly overnight, means something bad, I think.

Volatility usually presages a drop, or at least that's what I've been told.

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 12:05 PM (xCA6C)

260 247 The man's importance cannot be overstated.

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:00 PM (v6JzV)

He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.
Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

Franklin did his fare share of something similar...

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 12:06 PM (SSBCb)

261 >>> Levin discusses history quite regularly on his program. Posted by: Iasonas

I would hope he does! But talking history to put things into context is different than being a historian, or having that mindset.

Glenn Beck can be a weirdo and a doofus, and was wrong about Trump. But he has a historian's heart. He's put so much effort into studying it, and he's collected key pieces of history I hope he'll turn into a museum one day. It's different than Levin's take on history. But I admire both men and am glad they are on our side.

(Glenn's interview with Ana Kasparian was so good! It was respectful, engaging, and uplifting, with no gotcha stuff. I hope we can get more of that now that more people are leaving the left, and finding out conservatives aren't monsters.)

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 12:06 PM (wcIbG)

262 Big oscillations, particularly overnight, means something bad, I think.

+/- 1-2% days became "normal" during the reign of Obama the First.

Posted by: Oddbob at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (/y8xj)

263 "Regarding Paxton's personal life conduct: former cob "Warden wrote the best response to this type of charge in 2017: https://tinyurl.com/ndt6yuaz"

I remember this post well, and also remember that Warden's posts and comments were invariably insightful, always edged with great dark humor.

Was thinking just the other day that I wish he was still around. Anyone have any idea where he is or what he is up to?

Posted by: RM at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (n/1Oj)

264 ***The more I think about, maybe I don’t want Ken Paxton running for the Senate. He is doing more for this country in fighting the culture war as state Attorney General than he could ever accomplish in the U.S. Senate.***

Considering the adversity Cornyn has helped put upon this nation getting him out may be the best thing Paxton can do. And you can only run so many lawsuits (remember, he's fighting Travis County every day) before burnout.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (ZAwHo)

265 I was young and dumb. That's my only explanation.
---------------
We all suffer from that malady.

Posted by: pudinhead at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (jFCkp)

266 I hope sp, too, Whig. I would love to read it. You have so much knowledge.
Posted by: Bulg
======
The more you learn, the more you realize how pig ignorant you are. That can be a block to actual writing because one can never, ever, be perfect in completeness. That is why criticism is to be welcomed by others in an academic sense during the publishing process as in "bless us our enemies as they tell us our faults".

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (ctrM5)

267 I lived in Germany for 3 years when serving in the Army. It galls me that I did not bother to visit places like Normandy. I was young and dumb. That's my only explanation.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Not Ready for the Cart at December 13, 2024 12:04 PM (xPJvm)

Perhaps the Army should have assigned a tour of historical battle sites as duty. "Why are we here?" "This is why."

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (8zz6B)

268 He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.
Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

Franklin did his fare share of something similar...
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia)

*golf clap*

How are you doing, Man?

Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (v6JzV)

269 Instead, Washington, adopted Fabian tactics post 1776 where keeping the Army together became the main thing and territory including even Philadelphia was traded in order to preserve the main army.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (ctrM5)

The land equivalent of 'Fleet in being', as long as your army isn't destroyed you are draining the resources of your enemy.

A wise move on Washington's part.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:08 PM (aD39U)

270
I am unaware of any other leader who did such a thing. We were blessed beyond all reason to have him born here. That he won a revolution while being a middling military tactician just goes to show how strong his aura was. Amazing man.
Posted by: Black JEM

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

There was another one, in ancient Greece, and I can't remember his name. Set up his state and when the populace was enthusiastically ready for him to take power, he got on a boat and sailed away. The whole point of setting up the state was for it to be a viable, self-sustaining entity, not one guy's project that would end once he died or quit.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at December 13, 2024 12:08 PM (IvxtX)

271 Nood remorseful stripper

Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 13, 2024 12:08 PM (fs1hN)

272 Scientists issue an urgent warning over lab-made 'mirror bacteria' that could wipe out mankind

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 12:09 PM (RHGPo)

273 268 He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.
Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

Franklin did his fare share of something similar...
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia)

*golf clap*

How are you doing, Man?
Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:07 PM (v6JzV)

Not bad. May be out Tuesday. More specifics in Pixy thread.

Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 12:09 PM (SSBCb)

274 New one; Crystal Mangum

Posted by: Archimedes at December 13, 2024 12:10 PM (xCA6C)

275 British Army used to do officer education/development tours of the Ardennes, possibly US Army as well. Not sure about now.

Peter Caddick-Adams I think wrote about this in his book "Snow and Steel", which is recommended.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 13, 2024 12:10 PM (1m82a)

276 >>> I don’t know about the awful temper of Washington

Oh, he had one. The fact he had the humility to recognize this, and worked to conquer it so it was not master over him, just makes me admire him even more.

Posted by: LizLem at December 13, 2024 12:10 PM (wcIbG)

277 Big oscillations, particularly overnight, means something bad, I think.
---------------
I always see overnight oscillations as the world digesting a nugget of something. Usually, currency moves.

Posted by: pudinhead at December 13, 2024 12:10 PM (jFCkp)

278 He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.
Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

Franklin did his fare share of something similar...
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia)

Franklin was more into deflowering.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (L/fGl)

279 He also unapologetically deforested a cherry grove, sticking it in the face of the colonial environmentalists.
Posted by: Luigi at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (oQe/T)

Franklin did his fare share of something similar...
Posted by: jim (in hospital in Kalifornia) at December 13, 2024 12:06 PM (SSBCb)

ISWYDT!!

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Not Ready for the Cart at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (xPJvm)

280 162
Divorces are expensive and the aftermath even more so. You're basically taking two incomes barely keeping one household afloat, and making them support two households. That's impossible for many to do.

Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (iFTx/)
----
I have no experience here except what I read. Take the case of where the man is the breadwinner. The wife's job is more low level. The divorce settlement usually requires the man to pay alimony, probably lose the house to her (who pays for the ongoing mortgage?) and also child support. What's left has to pay rent for himself, food, etc. He just has to hope she remarries. (I left cars out). At this stage he's a poor guy.
Am I wrong?

Posted by: Ciampino - Talking of testing the waters at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (i0xsb)

281
Food workers in Washington, D.C., are pledging to refuse service and cause other inconveniences for members of the incoming Trump administration when they dine out over the next four years lose their jobs.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic

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

I wouldn't dine at those restaurants. I wouldn't trust the food.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (IvxtX)

282 258 I always wonder how Washington and Ben Franklin interacted with each other. I cannot imagine two more disparate personalities.
Posted by: Bulg at December 13, 2024 12:03 PM (v6JzV)

I imagine they were both be drunk, as was the style at the time.
Posted by: Grump928(C)

They drank from their youths and became accustomed to it. From my readings of Washington though, I have never seen accusations of Washington being drunk nor of Franklin. We simply are too far from that culture to understand that like Europe today, they drank all day long--maybe to the point of being tipsy but due to being accustomed to it, they would be lucid while folks today would mostly be passed out from it.

Same reason to never engage today in a drinking competition in nations known for it such as people in UK, Ireland, Russia, etc.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (ctrM5)

283 272 Scientists issue an urgent warning over lab-made 'mirror bacteria' that could wipe out mankind
Posted by: SMOD

Scientists! They shall be out hope. We're saved!

Posted by: Rex B at December 13, 2024 12:12 PM (PT7Bh)

284 165 Hire Airbus to build Trumpforce One.

Posted by: Oglebay at December 13, 2024 11:48 AM (ogTiX)
----
That wouldn't fit in with "Buy American"

Posted by: Ciampino - Talking of planes at December 13, 2024 12:14 PM (i0xsb)

285 Same reason to never engage today in a drinking competition in nations known for it such as people in UK, Ireland, Russia, etc.
Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (ctrM5)

We have a friend who, though American, is pure bred Irish.

That woman literally drank me under the table once. We consumed ever ounce of alcohol in the house and I slept for two days.

She got up and drove to Atlanta the next morning.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 13, 2024 12:14 PM (aD39U)

286 Same reason to never engage today in a drinking competition in nations known for it such as people in UK, Ireland, Russia, etc.
Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:11 PM (ctrM5)

Brother's buddy was a sailor in the Navy. In Spain, he and a few of his fellow sailors drank with a bunch of British Marines. They simply could not keep up, and hit the sack. Next morning, they saw the same British Marines still drinking.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Not Ready for the Cart at December 13, 2024 12:15 PM (xPJvm)

287 LAST!

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Not Ready for the Cart at December 13, 2024 12:16 PM (xPJvm)

288 The land equivalent of 'Fleet in being', as long as your army isn't destroyed you are draining the resources of your enemy.

A wise move on Washington's part.
Posted by: Grump928(C)
======
Yep. Fleming consulted military experts on tactics when writing this book and that is in part why he wrote it. Any of his historical works or his historical novels are pretty readable and accessible but has the substantial footnotes, etc. so that you can investigate further if you wish.

I like him more than Stephen Ambrose who had a habit of taking work from others and not giving due credit to the originals. Doris Kearns Goodwin is similar in that respect.

If you want more reasons to dislike FDR and his New Deal, the New Dealer's War book by Fleming is the counterpart of Amity Schlaes Forgotten Man except focused on dysfunction in WWII by the New Dealers.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:16 PM (ctrM5)

289 Brother's buddy was a sailor in the Navy. In Spain, he and a few of his fellow sailors drank with a bunch of British Marines. They simply could not keep up, and hit the sack. Next morning, they saw the same British Marines still drinking.
Posted by: Pug Mahon
=====
Took students abroad as their 'advisor' and warned them to never engage in a drinking contest with them. They were astonished by how much these foreign students could put away and still function.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:18 PM (ctrM5)

290 167
Speaker Emerita Pelosi
----
Is 'emerita' correct? The word is usually 'emeritus'.

Personally I object to her having that title anyway.

Posted by: Ciampino - did she trip on the plane steps? at December 13, 2024 12:22 PM (i0xsb)

291 McCain was part of the Keating 5 S&L scam. Even his admission was sanctimonious

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at December 13, 2024 12:22 PM (wBaIH)

292 Pelosi Cancels Rest of Her Engagements After Falling Down Stairs

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 12:23 PM (RHGPo)

293 Perhaps the Army should have assigned a tour of historical battle sites as duty.

When I was with my dad for the 50th anniversary of the Remagen crossing, a large group of Army musicians chartered their own bus to come, against orders. They couldn't wait to meet those guys -- and they were, mostly, "colored girls."

Germany was newly reunited then, and US diplomats did not want to approve Deutschland Uber Alles as a national anthem. The US Army band played it anyway. It was quite a moment. Later in the day there was a barge crossing of the Rhine, and a hell of a concert in the famous curved railway tunnel.

Much of Luxembourg is a lovely high open plain with meadows and fields, but the way in and out is through narrow wooded Alpine passes, with stone embrasures from before Napoleon. Riding on a bus on an incised two-lane through those chasms, it's easy to imagine the difficulty of assaulting the positions with armor, without air support.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at December 13, 2024 12:26 PM (zdLoL)

294 Trump administration officials should take note that in DC, perhaps unique in the nation, discrimination on the basis of political affiliation is illegal.

The DC Office of Human Rights enforces the DC Human Rights Act, which makes discrimination illegal based on 23 protected traits for people that live, visit or work in the District of Columbia. The DC Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in educational institutions, employment, housing, public accommodation and government services

15. Political Affiliation: the state of belonging to or endorsing any political party

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 12:28 PM (RHGPo)

295 Is 'emerita' correct? The word is usually 'emeritus'.
"Emerita" is the feminine form. Your call.

All is means is "ex." You can be an emeritus truck driver,
if you don't get a new Peterbilt.

It is a voted-on honorary only for professors.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at December 13, 2024 12:29 PM (zdLoL)

296 Thomas Fleming wrote a brilliant book toward the end of his lengthy life about Washington's tactics. He argued that Washington abandoned the demands of Congress (at risk of being deposed) where they demanded endless repeats of Bunker Hill that in order to work would require the British to always use idiotic frontal assaults on fixed forts.
...
Nathaniel Greene's tactics in the South against Cornwall reflected this due to Washington's stalwart championship of him despite Congress wanting other people like Horatio Gates who as commander in the South lost an unwise battle in Camden South Carolina resulting in accusations later of his cowardice and failures.

Posted by: whig at December 13, 2024 12:02 PM (ctrM5)
==
I have some of Fleming's work I believe.

I am aware of the Congress' desire for action, driving certain things. But even as Washington was navigating that - he really should have been wiped out in NY, he was that poorly positioned and realized it very late. He did understand that holding cities was less necessary than holding the Army together as an effective and viable force. Greene was masterful down south. Washington's genius was in getting rid of bad generals.

Posted by: Black JEM at December 13, 2024 12:29 PM (GZYu7)

297 193 Speaking of ethics . . .

F1 world champ sent to do community service in Rwanda as punishment for swearing

-
I guess there was one too many gosh darn its.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Peppermint Mocha! at December 13, 2024 11:53 AM (L/fGl)
----
You could have dropped a name .... just saying.

Posted by: Ciampino - on air? at December 13, 2024 12:34 PM (i0xsb)

298 The massive aerospace workforce around Marietta is all identified as Airbus, but with a minor legal nicety could just as easily be called Lockheed. What this country needs is some American capital.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at December 13, 2024 12:35 PM (zdLoL)

299 Prime Knee Bending: Jeff Bezos’ Amazon Plans $1 Million Donation to Trump’s Inauguration

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 12:42 PM (RHGPo)

300 Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Donates $1 Million to Trump’s Inaugural Fund

.. I'm seeing a trend

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 12:42 PM (RHGPo)

301 "I have no experience here except what I read. Take the case of where the man is the breadwinner. The wife's job is more low level. The divorce settlement usually requires the man to pay alimony, probably lose the house to her (who pays for the ongoing mortgage?) and also child support. What's left has to pay rent for himself, food, etc. He just has to hope she remarries. (I left cars out). At this stage he's a poor guy.
Am I wrong?"

I divorced a few years ago, her idea, all negotiated, no trial. No alimony; however I was the breadwinner and gave her the present value over my remaining life expectancy of the difference in my Social Security as opposed to hers. All other assets were split down the middle. For example, she wanted to remain in the house (there was no mortgage) and she paid me half its value.

Only thing that wasn't handled equitably and reasonably amicably IMHO was I did end up giving her a cash payment equal to about 3% of our combined net worth just to finish it off after 2 years. I cynically referred to my attorney as this being the price for my being the breadwinner and for being "the guy" in the divorce.

I'm fortunate to be living very comfortably I guess.

Posted by: RM at December 13, 2024 12:45 PM (n/1Oj)

302 McCain? Integrity?

Somebody needs to look up "Keating Five"...

Posted by: Fomsg at December 13, 2024 12:47 PM (VmHAb)

303 Some people are born with the gene that prevents hangovers. Tends to lead to more drinking.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 13, 2024 12:48 PM (D6PGr)

304 Kirby: Drones Over New Jersey are ‘Lawfully Operated Manned Aircraft’

Posted by: SMOD at December 13, 2024 01:15 PM (RHGPo)

305 I say, "Amen!" to Mr Throckmorton.

People such as his humble correspondent are not seeing the forest for the trees - that the ethical issues involved in how an elected representative performs there job (which is to say, the way they vote) FAR outweigh some lapses in their personal lives.

It's unfortunate that it can sometimes be so hard to come up with people who will actually fight for us, and who don't have screwed-up personal lives, but that's the world we live it.

Posted by: MrExcitement at December 13, 2024 01:50 PM (hOOi9)

306 Outstanding post, Buck.! You reflect Bongino’s spreadsheet outlook: its pluses and minuses. If the guy is a plus, take the win. Right now, Paxton is almost all pluses. I agree with your assessment of a senate run too. He would go in as a junior guy and have to reestablish himself as a swamp fighter.

Posted by: FINGERS at December 13, 2024 01:58 PM (C8ve7)

307 In addition to being a completely owned corporate RINI, Cornyn needs to go for his crimes against humanity. Specifically BBQ. Have you seen some of the travertine he posts on Twitter? "Hello fellow Texans. Here's my latest brisket" And it's roast beef with store bought BBQ sauce

Posted by: Stacy0311 at December 13, 2024 02:23 PM (pbje+)

308 Charlie Wilson might be a good example of an ethically challenged congressman who did a lot of good. (Although all I know about him is from the movie Charlie Wilson's War.)

Posted by: Kamala at December 13, 2024 02:34 PM (nLwaa)

309 "The more I think about, maybe I don’t want Ken Paxton running for the Senate. He is doing more for this country in fighting the culture war as state Attorney General than he could ever accomplish in the U.S. Senate."

dingdingdingdingding
i live here so i've said this MANY times
i voted for the guy who primaried cornyn last time (so don't hate on me). God willing we'll get another chance to rid the country of that pos

Posted by: ontoiran at December 13, 2024 03:55 PM (14gtL)

310 100% with you on this.
We are not choosing our priests or spouses here (in politics), but are electing those who will Vote the way we want on key issues. That's it.
The main reason we want politicians of integrity is so they won't betray us after going to DC, but having a weak person who will compromise with the Left does the same!
Most RINOs from Red States are not persons with integrity since they are lying during campaigns that they are "severely conservative" or "will build the dang wall" knowing they won't keep the promises.

Posted by: Saxon at December 13, 2024 04:17 PM (AHXe+)

311 Great post, Buck! As an enlisted man in the Army in the late 80s it was said that a soldier wasn't worthy unless he had a company grade Article 15(for minor things like drunk on duty, etc.).

Like Harvey Silvergate says "we are all guilty of committing three felonies a day"(paraphrased).

There are MILLIONS of pages to the federal register and millions more in the 'tax code'. They have proven to get you on anything.

Listen to Tucka interview Roger Ver; the Bitcoin proponent - He is facing 109 years in jail for supporting an alternative currency to the US dollar and explains how 'the government' does it. Infuriating.

Posted by: Danimal28 at December 14, 2024 07:06 AM (+oeOB)

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