What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

from NanasTruths

Differences between Trump 1 and Trump 2

As I was listening to the discussion between CBD, J.J. Sefton and Michael Walsh on this week's CutJibNewsletter Speaks podcast, I was impressed by Walsh's feeling of a great difference in the country as he returned from overseas after the election.

Do you have a similar feeling that something big has changed? One thing I noticed was that the typical lefty activist types on my social media mostly seemed to be on sort of a delayed response. They seem to have been caught by surprise by the rapid-fire actions of the President.

What reactions have you noticed? Do you have any personal reactions to share?

Have there been ideological developments since Trump 1?

This week, Powerline put up a piece from The Free Press by Matthew Continetti in its daily reading suggestions: The Prophet of Trump's Second Term

In 2000, columnist Patrick J. Buchanan defeated Donald Trump for the Reform Party nomination. But it was the property developer and television star who, more than a decade later, brought Buchanan’s populist views on trade, immigration, and nonintervention into the White House. “The ideas made it, but I didn’t,” Buchanan told journalist Tim Alberta in 2017. Such are the wages of political prophecy.
If Buchanan prefigured President Trump’s first-term nationalism, another thinker anticipated Trump’s second-term war against the administrative state and sweeping revision of American foreign policy: international relations professor Angelo Codevilla.
Codevilla died in 2021, but his ideas endure. His core insight, developed in a 2010 essay and in subsequent books and publications, was that a progressive ruling class based on a sense of social superiority had captured government and academia and large parts of the business sector and waged war against ordinary Americans to maintain and expand its power. The result, Codevilla said, was an increasingly oppressive centralized bureaucracy immune to supervision, and an American empire that failed to keep Americans safe.

Today’s political vocabulary—“ruling class,” “administrative state,” “Deep State,” “cold civil war,” “uniparty”—comes from Codevilla’s pen. One sees Codevilla’s influence everywhere, from Trump’s reversal of DEI and affirmative action to DOGE’s unspooling of USAID to reductions in the federal workforce to the foreign-policy pivot toward our own hemisphere. Friends and participants in his seminars, such as Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought, State Department director of policy planning Michael Anton, and State Department counselor Michael Needham, serve in the administration. They are busy enacting his critique of America, with unpredictable consequences.

What do you think? Are there other ideas which are shaping the new administration?

The piece above is behind a paywall, but Powerline later posted a link to the fascinating long interview in Tablet in 2019 between Codevilla, a conservative Catholic, and a liberal Jew (especially appropriate today, I think).

The Codevilla Tapes

A fun read, even if you have read it before. The author and interviewer, David Samuels, seems to be closer to "classical liberal" than to "leftist" and he prefaces his interview with Codevilla with his own theory that the American Empire is falling apart.

In the interview itself, Samuels' questions and comments are in boldface:

THE RULING ELITE
David Samuels: In 2010, you wrote an article, which then became a book, in which you predicted the rise of someone like Donald Trump as well as the political chaos and stripping away of institutional authority that we’ve lived through since. Did you think your prediction would come true so quickly?

Angelo Codevilla: I didn’t predict anything. I described a situation which had already come into existence. Namely, that the United States has developed a ruling class that sees itself as distinct from the raw masses of the rest of America. That the distinction that they saw, and which had come to exist, between these classes, comprised tastes and habits as well as ideas. Above all, that it had to do with the relative attachment, or lack thereof, of each of these classes to government.

One of the things that struck me about your original piece was your portrait of the American elite as a single class that seamlessly spans both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Of course, yes. Not in exactly the same way, though; what I said was that the Democrats were the senior partners in the ruling class. The Republicans are the junior partners.
The reason being that the American ruling class was built by or under the Democratic Party. First, under Woodrow Wilson and then later under Franklin Roosevelt. It was a ruling class that prized above all its intellectual superiority over the ruled. And that saw itself as the natural carriers of scientific knowledge, as the class that was naturally best able to run society and was therefore entitled to run society.
The Republican members of the ruling class aspire to that sort of intellectual status or reputation. And they have shared a taste of this ruling class. But they are not part of the same party, and as such, are constantly trying to get closer to the senior partners. As the junior members of the ruling class, they are not nearly as tied to government as the Democrats are. And therefore, their elite prerogatives are not safe.

You get the idea. Both men are paying attention to what the other says. Uncommon these days.

Deplorables.
Deplorables, yes. But we’re not stakeholders, we who are neither regulators nor regulated entities, but rather ordinary people. We are not parties to this covenant.
There’s a lecture given by James Wilson, the signer of the Declaration of Independence and the head of the first American law school, about the difference between American law and law everywhere else in the Western world. Elsewhere, law came from power. In America, positive law will be valid only if it was in accordance with the laws of nature and nature’s god.
But that’s not the basis of the revolt of the deplorables, or the country party, as you call it.
The basis of the revolt is simple. We realize that you hate us and therefore we hate you back. And we will take anybody, not that we found this man who fits our description, because Donald Trump didn’t fit anybody’s description of what they wanted. But we will take anybody who’ll take a swing at you.
Which is why I originally wrote at the back of that essay, that this revolution would be for the better or the worse. Because of the urgency that the country class felt. For getting out of all of this.

Here is the famous 2010 essay by Codevilla,

America's Ruling Class
And the perils of revolution.

* * * * *

People who were wrong about Trump

David Strom says he was wrong about Trump's willingness to share the spotlight, and about his capacity to take on the Deep State. Read his confession.

Have you run across other confessions?

The less virulent lefties on my social media are starting to catch up on DOGE with this general idea:

This is you with federal taxpayer money https://t.co/pJcRikFJiX pic.twitter.com/r1gGw0Du9i
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 13, 2025

Think of the children.

The hard-core types are demanding detailed CPA accountant-type audits RIGHT NOW from DOGE, rather than a focus on money trails.

* * * * *

For the Weekend

In support of J.D. Vance's speech in Europe:

Post-colonial education threatens our way of life

I have run across a young woman I knew years ago who has turned hard left as a result of this kind of education. Sometimes she flips out of her rebel mode around family. It's odd.

From Michael Smith:

It is not a coincidence that increase in the number of federal agencies (currently over 450) and the subsequent rise in the amount of administrative law (90,000 pages or so in the Federal Register) is inversely proportional to the will of Congress to actually do its job.

The mind boggles when you add in the NGOs and lobbyist for, say, every city and little town in the country.

A couple of quotes which are very pertinent to this moment
(translation not verified), h/t Michael Smith

Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all."
~ Frederic Bastiat (or attributed to Bastiat)

How did politicians ever come to believe this weird idea that the law could be made to produce what it does not contain — the wealth, science, and religion that, in a positive sense, constitute prosperity?
~ Frederic Bastiat (or attributed to Bastiat)

* * * * *

Music

Vivaldi's Four Seasons: Winter

* * * * *

Hope you have something nice planned for this weekend.

This is the Thread before the Gardening Thread.

Serving your mid-day open thread needs

* * * * *

Links to Past Threads: I've been out of commission for a while. Thanks to the COBS who filled in.

January 25, President Trump Goes to Hollywood

February 1, Chuck Schumer POS Extraordinaire (Your Thread Before The Garden Puttering Thread) (Misanthropic Humanitarian)

February 8, Fusion Energy Hustlers Keep Seducing Southern Governors (Buck Throckmorton)

Comments are closed so you won't ban yourself by trying to comment on a week-old thread. But don't try it anyway.

Posted by: K.T. at 11:06 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Nyah!

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:10 AM (urKPN)

2 Trump in the first not even month of his Presidency has taken a blowtorch to the rotting edifice that is called DC.

Keep at it Donald. Please.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:11 AM (urKPN)

3 Trump and his team moves like the Mongol Horde, with long reaches, sudden strikes, massive envelopments and diversionary probes followed up by coordinated strikes in other areas when the probes draw responses.
He has flexibility and speed on his side, and is willing to follow through. It is amazing. "Hit 'em where they ain't" is only half of it

the other side is his inspired tactics of talking past the sale, and turning the entire situation on its head to remove the point of contention. It is a wonder to see.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:12 AM (D7oie)

4 Someone was predicting that that Babylon bee wasn't going be as funny as it was before. Assuming America has turned a corner.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at February 15, 2025 11:12 AM (lhenN)

5 The Federal bureaucracy and the NGOs are a hydra that is jealously guarding its ill-gotten and stolen prerogatives.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:13 AM (urKPN)

6 I'm sorry, I don't care how much you like him, that pic is a nightmare.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:13 AM (ie/z9)

7 What's a surprise?

That Trump's been able to get the majority of his cabinet appointees confirmed despite Resistance II. The degree of corruption being exposed is, for me, not a surprise but the amount of money we're talking about buggers the imagination.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 11:14 AM (Q4IgG)

8 NPR will have a little panic in their voice at their next pledge drive. And other groups EG Lincoln Project will shut down for lack of dark money.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at February 15, 2025 11:14 AM (lhenN)

9 He appears to have learned, improved and DNGAF.

This is amazing to see. Most welcome.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 11:14 AM (bss/y)

10 Are you feeling better KT?

Posted by: Shy lurker aka Northernlurker at February 15, 2025 11:15 AM (kTd/k)

11 Couple of cat-girl Presidents for Presidents' Day

https://tensor.art/u/727481333235843246

Not tempted it with Trump in prompt.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:16 AM (urKPN)

12 While Social Security never had a “lockbox”, it was a separate accounting since inception, until 1968. The budget looked terrible.

Rolling Social Security revenue into the General budget made that look pretty good. Neat, huh?

There was an individual pestering the SSA for some time, demanding to know “where is the money!!!”

Eventually, someone printed up a slew of the “special” T-Bills (they are special in that they cannot be sold, in effect IOUs of …. IOUs) and inserted them in a manila folder. They are kept in a file cabinet at the Bureau of Public Debt in Parkersburg, West Virginia, or so the story goes.

Fannie Mae underwent a similar offloading in 1968. It has been offoaded to the Taxpayer more than once. Fun with Government Finance. Privatize the profits, Socialize the losses.

Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 11:17 AM (PVt/n)

13 Next PBS pledge drive is gonna be like the Muppets before the curtain rises.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:17 AM (urKPN)

14 Hoy

Posted by: Ciampino - carpet bombing is optional at February 15, 2025 11:18 AM (KjLnc)

15 Such a joy to see you back at it KT.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 11:19 AM (Rrux1)

16 Couple of cat-girl Presidents for Presidents' Day

https://tensor.art/u/727481333235843246

Not tempted it with Trump in prompt.
Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:16 AM (urKPN)

I feel like a perv, just looking at those, even though none show naughty bits.

There's something about that AI look... it's mesmerizing.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:20 AM (ie/z9)

17 Thanks for the great thread.

Trump 2.0 came for war. He had 4 years to process and learn how entrenched the evil is.

Posted by: Stateless...40% - mental state clawing up from 10% at February 15, 2025 11:21 AM (jvJvP)

18 Yes Martini Farmer, the ease with which his nominees have been confirmed. He’s taken control of the Senate already.

Personnel is Policy.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 11:21 AM (fIaE2)

19 President Trump is Godzilla… the deep state is thousands of fleeing, panicky Japanese…. It is a sight to behold. Trump 2.0 >>> Trump 1.0

And 1.0 was pretty darn good

I’ve had two surprises:
1. The amount of success achieved so quickly (ie DOGE)
2. Trump’s Gaza proposal surprised me; I hope he was just trying to shake things up and doesn’t intend to actually have the US take over anything in that neck of the woods

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (LmrF1)

20 Thx KT, glad to see you back

I said this about Trump and caught crap from the left after Trump's first term. He was naive . He thought that as a businessman when he says "jump" the underlings say "how high"
. Government doesn't work that way . Add in the the hostility of the uniparty and deep state and you see the results.
Now in his second term he has no illusions and simply says "go for it ". And the governmentalists are gobsmacked

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (KXtU1)

21 BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:13 AM

"That picture is a nightmare" to a lot of people. For sure.

Posted by: KT at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (xekrU)

22 Trump and his team moves like the Mongol Horde, with long reaches, sudden strikes, massive envelopments and diversionary probes followed up by coordinated strikes in other areas when the probes draw responses.

That's a nice analogy. You could have included the new weapon the Mongols used: their superior bow. In Trump/Musk's case it's AI. The new tool disconcerts the old regime which relies on outmoded weapons and tactics.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (xCA6C)

23 K.T.! Welcome back!

Posted by: m at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (v0TzN)

24 BREAKING: Employees in Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health have announced their immediate resignations after pronouns were banned in email signatures.

https://x.com/IanJaeger29/
status/1890483709175832582

Posted by: Ciampino - see? got rid of them without even trying at February 15, 2025 11:23 AM (KjLnc)

25 I remember being perplexed by Republicans decades ago. Why do they go on enemy TV programs, accept bullshit premises and have no idea how to debate? Were they stupid? I surmised that a Republican who defended the “working class”, disaffected millions of regular folks, and told “the media” to get fucked in no uncertain terms, would win in a landslide. Well gee - here we are.

How tough was that? Sure, they tried to destroy him and his family. Somebody had to step up to the plate.

Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 11:24 AM (PVt/n)

26 Gaza would make a very nice FOB loaded up with planes, tanks, and all kinds of fun stuff that goes *boom*

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:24 AM (urKPN)

27 ... on this week's CutJimNewsletter Speaks podcast ...

Poor Jim!

Posted by: Count de Monet at February 15, 2025 11:24 AM (Aqu9a)

28 Obviously those exployees put the 'mental' in Health.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:25 AM (urKPN)

29 Welcome back, KT! Awesome to see you posting again.

Posted by: Count de Monet at February 15, 2025 11:25 AM (Aqu9a)

30 Feeling better. Still a little slow and dopey. Thanks, everyone.

Posted by: KT at February 15, 2025 11:25 AM (xekrU)

31 Greece's statement at the EU: abandon these right wing boogeymen and bring back actual liberal policies (It helps that the delegate is photogenic)

https://tinyurl.com/9ewj3v3y

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:26 AM (D7oie)

32 BREAKING: Employees in Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health have announced their immediate resignations after pronouns were banned in email signatures.

https://x.com/IanJaeger29/
status/1890483709175832582
Posted by: Ciampino - see? got rid of them without even trying at February 15, 2025 11:23 AM (KjLnc)

Well, ... bye!

Posted by: Count de Monet at February 15, 2025 11:26 AM (Aqu9a)

33 Good morning, KT!
I have noticed liberals are still subdued, saying much. But this is East Texas where most folk have manners.

Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 11:26 AM (jgmnb)

34 What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

The Big Balls he brung with him this time.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 11:26 AM (/lPRQ)

35 I pay attention to the lefties around me. They seem a bit upset by Trump, but they’re still organizing and planning as if all of this will be temporary.

Trump is doing more than any President in my lifetime to fight the bloated leviathan and restore sanity. I’m excited by the rapid moves of DOGE.

Unfortunately, everything is getting stopped by unelected judges who have granted themselves final veto power over every action of the President. This is an intolerable situation.

However, it’s a situation I expected. The judiciary has been the pawl of the leftist ratchet for nearly a century now. They will have to be neutered by Trump (figuratively, and maybe even literally.)

Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (th2xc)

36 Trump 1.0 was blind-sided by constant betrayals and an flawed understanding of the political system.

Trump 2.0 has spent four years planning his return to power and it shows. He has much better advisors and the quality of the EOs, the precision with which USDS was repurposed to DOGE has left his opponents flailing and confused.

I think even the court challenges were assumed and that the administration is looking for the worst of the worst to use as a test case before SCOTUS, permanently shutting the district courts down.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (ZOv7s)

37 Welcome back, KT! Good to see you healthy again and back in the saddle … Excellent opening post!

Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (ayRl+)

38 Beyond the cabinet being approved, I'm pleasantly surprised how on-mission, energetic and coordinated they appear to be.

Posted by: Uncledave at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (E+1ea)

39 Been seeing FEMA ads [ how to apply for aid] the last couple weeks from the Asheville TV station...nothing the previous months since Helene...Trump has rattled some cages.

Posted by: BignJames at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (Yj6Os)

40 Welcome back KT

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 11:27 AM (fwDg9)

41 President Trump II : No Fucks To Give For Your Feelings Boogaloo.

Starring Mel Gibson, Andrew Dice Clay and Michael Richards as Elon Musk.

Coming to a theater near you!

Posted by: Eastwood Studios at February 15, 2025 11:28 AM (R/m4+)

42 Godspeed KT!
Great to see you back.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at February 15, 2025 11:28 AM (dg+HA)

43 Hoy
Posted by: Ciampino - carpet bombing is optional

tiny.cc/ry2a001

Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (Rrux1)

44 I find that I am truly shocked by how much corruption and fraud DOGE has uncovered already. I mean the dollar amounts are mind boggling. I knew there was some amount of fraud, waste, and corruption but these numbers are staggering and the fact that this USAID agency is shoveling money to.... Who? Where is all that money really going? This is astonishing to me and, I think, millions of others who are just now finding out that these agencies even exist.

It's just unbelievable that this is happening.

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (4XwPj)

45 25 common tater,
Until recently, Gop and Dems drew from the same social class for their candidates. They attend the same schools, go to the same parties, interact with others of their class as donors, activists, and bureaucrats, etc. Thus the uni party.

They quite literally were wearing blinders as to the plight of the 80 percent of the rest of Americans or even those abroad not in the ruling classes over other countries.

Posted by: whig's phone at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)

46 A political blitzkrieg that has left the Left reeling like the French during Case Yellow.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:30 AM (urKPN)

47 Greece's statement at the EU: abandon these right wing boogeymen and bring back actual liberal policies (It helps that the delegate is photogenic)

https://tinyurl.com/9ewj3v3y

Awesome. Trump/Musk/Vance are starting to put steel in their spines.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:30 AM (xCA6C)

48 Whoever would have predicted that having Literally Hitler as president would be so much fun?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:30 AM (JkO4W)

49 This thread is chunky

IMO, Trump Part 2 has no f*cks to give. Nothing to lose. Loose cannon, and loving it.

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:30 AM (AOsQT)

50 2. Trump’s Gaza proposal surprised me; I hope he was just trying to shake things up and doesn’t intend to actually have the US take over anything in that neck of the woods
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (LmrF1)
---
Gaza is unsustainable, everyone knows it, Trump is acting on it. Hamas will never accept Israel and wants to force a war of annihilation in which they either break Israel or achieve martyrdom.

Trump is forcing the Arab world to deal with it. Hamas survives on their aid. Gaza is not a viable state, so the map has to be redrawn at long last. I wonder if the same will be done in Eastern Europe.

Trump could make a heck of a deal by trading Crimea for Transnistria.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:30 AM (ZOv7s)

51 BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:13 AM

"That picture is a nightmare" to a lot of people. For sure.
Posted by: KT at February 15, 2025 11:22 AM (xekrU)

It's funny, but egad, I'm imagining them all talking at once!

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:31 AM (X+TQ1)

52 What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

It's that we're seeing the start of a worldwide phenomenon. It's no longer us against the world. It's the people against their self-appointed masters.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:31 AM (xCA6C)

53 You scared, bruh?

Posted by: Right wing boogeymen at February 15, 2025 11:31 AM (dg+HA)

54 OT, but I've come to conclusion there was no ill willed decisions made in the crash. Cockpit conversation apparently shows no WTF are you doing moment.
So just a sad fuck up for the Military to resolve. I will leave that to them, happy we are putting serious people back in charge.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 15, 2025 11:31 AM (n4GiU)

55 Hanging the Georgia mugshot at the doors to the Oval Office perfectly encapsulates the Big Middle Finger vibe of Trump 2.0.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:32 AM (JkO4W)

56 "People who were wrong about Trump". Every DeSantis Bro here at AoS that called Trump supporters Cultists.....thats who. The absolute drubbing Trump supporters took here and not one I was wrong by some nics I've seen even this morning.

Trump supporters here at AoS definitely exhibit grace and forgiveness. Especially TJM.

Posted by: JROD at February 15, 2025 11:32 AM (IlL6s)

57 And thanks, good links here, can keep me busy while awaiting snow arrival.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 15, 2025 11:32 AM (n4GiU)

58 Welcome back, KT! Hope you feel 100% again soon!

I'm just amazed at how fast things are moving. Every day its something news. I can't wait until all the lawfare is slapped down.

Posted by: Iris at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (bOJ2I)

59 Wait. There's a podcast?

Posted by: Slow on the Uptake. at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (G5+As)

60 They quite literally were wearing blinders as to the plight of the 80 percent of the rest of Americans or even those abroad not in the ruling classes over other countries.
Posted by: whig's phone at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)
---
As impressive is Trump is, I think Vance has the potential to be Augustus to Trump's Caesar. He's less a VP than president in waiting and Trump uses him as such.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (ZOv7s)

61 BREAKING: Employees in Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health have announced their immediate resignations after pronouns were banned in email signatures.

https://x.com/IanJaeger29/
status/1890483709175832582
Posted by: Ciampino - see? got rid of them without even trying at February 15, 2025 11:23 AM (KjLnc)

I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (X+TQ1)

62 The hard-core types are demanding detailed CPA accountant-type audits RIGHT NOW from DOGE, rather than a focus on money trails.

Because that would slow them down and require a different set of people. People who would fail because THEY lack the skill to follow the trail.

What we're going to need in the end is both. DOGE and the Department of WTF.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (ExV1e)

63 Hanging the Georgia mugshot at the doors to the Oval Office perfectly encapsulates the Big Middle Finger vibe of Trump 2.0.

Trump should hang a picture of a fresh Icelandic lava field, with the caption "Behold, my field of f***s".

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (xCA6C)

64 43 Hoy
Posted by: Ciampino - carpet bombing is optional

tiny.cc/ry2a001

Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (Rrux1)
----
Thanks, I liked that. I wouldn't want to be even just adjacent to that!

Posted by: Ciampino - what Gaza needs at February 15, 2025 11:34 AM (KjLnc)

65 I loved how Vance took the hickory switch to the snotty little Euro-tyrants this week.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:34 AM (JkO4W)

66 >It's that we're seeing the start of a worldwide phenomenon. It's no longer us against the world. It's the people against their self-appointed masters.
---

saw a tweet this morning from New Zealand, Kiwis in the street doing a haka against some gay pride march

pretty awesome

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:35 AM (AOsQT)

67 Boris Pistorius hardest hit.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:35 AM (JkO4W)

68 saw a tweet this morning from New Zealand, Kiwis in the street doing a haka against some gay pride march

pretty awesome
Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:35 AM (AOsQT)
---
Insult humor is ready for a comeback.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:36 AM (ZOv7s)

69 Good to have you back, KT.

The Trump wreath is amusing. I suppose it wouldn't be as cheery if it used the current portrait of him scowling like in his mugshot. But might be more appropriate.

Posted by: mindful webworker - keep on winning at February 15, 2025 11:36 AM (yfRSa)

70 Don Black, the Maori thing is on the sidebar.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:36 AM (urKPN)

71 I loved how Vance took the hickory switch to the snotty little Euro-tyrants this week.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:34 AM (JkO4W)
---
He took his family on a sight-seeing tour rather than visit the salons of the elites.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:36 AM (ZOv7s)

72 65 I loved how Vance took the hickory switch to the snotty little Euro-tyrants this week.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:34 AM (JkO4W)

^^^Yes, the speech was amazing. And the response to it was revealing. Masks continue to fall off and our side just grows and grows...

Posted by: Iris at February 15, 2025 11:37 AM (bOJ2I)

73 BTW…. Thanks for mentioning Angelo Codevilla… he was a gem and a prophet and part of me believes he was assasinated…. The story of how he died was unlikely and kinda unbelievable. We know the deep state is capable and has no scruples

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at February 15, 2025 11:37 AM (Av8mp)

74 We need a photo montage comparing PDT's cabinet to Retardo's freak show. Start with Hegseth alongside Austin with the face mask and face shield. I always got a chuckle out of that, as did the Chinks and Rooskies.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 11:37 AM (gm9Sb)

75 Maybe problem for me is I a m seeing the potential for a total shakeup of the government and how it could be but know it will be such a fight with the Leftists and looters it probably will never reach my expectations

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (fwDg9)

76 "Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all."
~ Frederic Bastiat (or attributed to Bastiat)

Nice!

Posted by: m at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (v0TzN)

77
What has surprised me about Trump 2.0?

The pace at which he is doing things. The relentless pounding he is raining down on the Dims.

They have no basis for action, or, more accurately, reaction. Their behavior in the hearings for his Cabinet nominees show their insubstantiality and an absence of scarcely any attempt to present a rational objection to either the person or the policies.

It is glorious!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (u+r/a)

78 As impressive is Trump is, I think Vance has the potential to be Augustus to Trump's Caesar. He's less a VP than president in waiting and Trump uses him as such.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (ZOv7s)

I would rather he be James Madison to Trump's Jefferson. That means instead of Tiberius and Caligula, we get Monroe and Adams, and then eventually Jackson.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (D7oie)

79 It's always amazing how the truth seems so obvious in hindsight.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (QB+5g)

80 Who replaced that luggage stealing atomic dog boy?

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (urKPN)

81 Europe will have to get back on the side of free speech or be relegated to an irrelevant creaky old theme park.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:38 AM (JkO4W)

82 Trump’s Gaza proposal surprised me; I hope he was just trying to shake things up and doesn’t intend to actually have the US take over anything in that neck of the woods

I believe he has said that he would move the people out and they would not be permitted to return before anything was done with it. Seems a reasonable plan. Build a base, move US forces out of host countries, let Israel supply services... radicals will still bitch but they can't bitch at THEIR leaders for allowing "crusaders on muzzie soil".

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at February 15, 2025 11:39 AM (ExV1e)

83
Trump should hang a picture of a fresh Icelandic lava field, with the caption "Behold, my field of f***s".
Posted by: Archimedes

Field of f***ks to give, for it is barren.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 15, 2025 11:40 AM (u+r/a)

84 I loved how Vance took the hickory switch to the snotty little Euro-tyrants this week.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:34 AM (JkO4W)

Yeah, I bet a lot of them were telling themselves "It's just Trump. And Elon."

And then here comes this young dude, and he's like "No bishes, there's a new sheriff in town, and his deputies are going to be around for a long long long time!"

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (9D/Jg)

85 60, AH, possible but being an executive is different than being a legislator. 2028 is going to be an interesting election. Even 2026 might not resemble past midterms due to Trump not carrying the deadwood typical of a second term

Posted by: whig's phone at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (ctrM5)

86 But...but...but we HAVE to suppress the Wrongthought of the stupid peasants!

Posted by: B. Pistorius at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (JkO4W)

87 I would rather he be James Madison to Trump's Jefferson. That means instead of Tiberius and Caligula, we get Monroe and Adams, and then eventually Jackson.

Sure, but we then inevitably end up with Barry Obama. We can't risk it.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (xCA6C)

88 Was conversing on X this morning, I say that Vance is the best pick for VP by any President in over 100 years, on par with McKinley picking Teddy Roosevelt.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM (fIaE2)

89 Willowed but I think still applicable here:

Here's the rub. If the DOGE boys could get access to the entire SS database or compile one from what ever is available, they could write a bunch of really advanced algorithms that could weed out probably 50% of the fraud in just a couple of days.

500 billion for a couple a hundred man-hours.

This hasn't been done before because NO ONE CARED.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM (QB+5g)

90
He's breaking their most favorite toys. Going after Liawatha's CFPB, set up to be unaccountable to anybody? Perfect!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Imprison! Imprison! Imprison! at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM (u+r/a)

91 A.H.L., good point about Vance. He may be the most surprising part o Trump 2.0.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 15, 2025 11:43 AM (n4GiU)

92 >Don Black, the Maori thing is on the sidebar.

Posted by: Anna Puma
----
oh hey there it is
and there's me!

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:43 AM (AOsQT)

93 AH, possible but being an executive is different than being a legislator. 2028 is going to be an interesting election. Even 2026 might not resemble past midterms due to Trump not carrying the deadwood typical of a second term
Posted by: whig's phone at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (ctrM5)
---
He's doing an apprenticeship right now, so by 2028, he will have a good grasp on the position, especially since he is being an active participant.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:44 AM (ZOv7s)

94 He's doing an apprenticeship right now, so by 2028, he will have a good grasp on the position, especially since he is being an active participant.

He should probably have regular get-togethers with Pence, so as to learn how the job is done.
...

Bwahahahahahaha!

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:45 AM (xCA6C)

95 Trump’s Gaza proposal surprised me; I hope he was just trying to shake things up and doesn’t intend to actually have the US take over anything in that neck of the woods

One analysis I saw stressed that the Palestinians in Gaza are there for different reasons, but on the whole they can't leave. By breaking that logjam, a lot of the people who are kind of stuck with no options but to either fight and support Hamas, or suffer, have a different option available if they want to take it, and once Hamas no longer has a subject population that is held to them by the pressure of the Israelis and the other Arab countries, then there is a severe manpower issue for Hamas.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:45 AM (D7oie)

96 Europe is full of midgets and its past time somebody let them know.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:46 AM (JkO4W)

97 Trump 1.0 thought that civil service regulations applied to the Chief Executive. They do not.

They were put in place to regulate actions within the agencies, not limit the president.

This also applies to the military, and I think that part is coming very soon. He can order courts martial, but he can also simply dismiss officers from the service.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)

98 He should probably have regular get-togethers with Pence, so as to learn how the job is done.
...

Bwahahahahahaha!
Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:45 AM (xCA6C)

----------

I understand Jeb Bush will be handling the postgraduate instruction.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 11:47 AM (JkO4W)

99
Vance>>>>>>>>>Pence

I have noticed a change in my own thinking, and the horror I once felt for Buchanan's ideas 20 years ago has changed as the world has.

The National Review / conservative treehouse fake right has been destroyed and I am happy about it.

Posted by: Auspex at February 15, 2025 11:47 AM (j4U/Z)

100 Sure, but we then inevitably end up with Barry Obama. We can't risk it.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (xCA6C)

We ended up with Barry Obama, because George Bush was more Howdy Doodicus than Caesar W. Augustus.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:47 AM (9D/Jg)

101 then there is a severe manpower issue for Hamas.
Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:45 AM (D7oie)

Makes one wonder....

How many "Palestinians" actually support Hamas and how many "support" them because they prefer to keep their and their families heads on top of the neck?

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at February 15, 2025 11:49 AM (4XwPj)

102 Was conversing on X this morning, I say that Vance is the best pick for VP by any President in over 100 years, on par with McKinley picking Teddy Roosevelt.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM (fIaE2)

Zombie Cal Coolidge has entered the chat, and would like to have a word.

Yes. Just one word.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:49 AM (9D/Jg)

103 Sure, but we then inevitably end up with Barry Obama. We can't risk it.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:41 AM (xCA6C)

freedom is scary and uncertain. Remember that republics can't act like empires long term since the demands on the system are too distorting, and the requirement for buy in by the supporters of the state, when things go sour, is too great to support. The Roman Senate decided an empire and emperor was the only saving throw. We have chosen elsewise, several times.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:49 AM (D7oie)

104 The arrival of Vance on the political scene has completely change my outlook on the future.

Prior to his appearance I saw Trump as kind of a one-shot deal. The current prospects of actually sustained effort (and that is what it is going to take) completely change my attitude.

Vance is somewhat like Trump, the right man at the right place at the right time for something consequential to happen.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 11:49 AM (QB+5g)

105 Welcome back KT. It’s going to be a great Saturday here at the HQ.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at February 15, 2025 11:50 AM (d9Cw3)

106 I think the biggest difference between Trump1 and Trump2 was that Trump1 believed the Democrats were trying to do the best for the country and he could work with them. Trump2 now knows the truth about the Democrats and he has no interest in working with them.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 15, 2025 11:50 AM (CHHv1)

107 saw a tweet this morning from New Zealand, Kiwis in the street doing a haka against some gay pride march

pretty awesome
Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:35 AM (AOsQT)
---
Insult humor is ready for a comeback.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

A much appreciated, always enjoyable, display of the Y chromosome.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 11:51 AM (Rrux1)

108 Wow! Trump'll never recover from this?

Letitia James literally wags her finger at Donald Trump and Elon Musk after taking the lead in suing to stop DOGE

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 11:51 AM (L/fGl)

109 Vance is somewhat like Trump, the right man at the right place at the right time for something consequential to happen.

I keep seeing him as Jack Ryan; a brainy guy who, through an unlikely series of events, ended up as the president.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:51 AM (xCA6C)

110 I would like to see the social security lock box eliminated and all those on the receiving end can come work at one of my Arby's stores. They can be productive citizens again earning minimum wage, a free uniform and a shift meal. I will make those oldsters jump and move like they were 18 again. I am a generous man, no need to thank me!
Hahahahahaha!

Posted by: Dick Cheney, Mastermind On Viagra at February 15, 2025 11:52 AM (R/m4+)

111 Insult humor is ready for a comeback.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd

A much appreciated, always enjoyable, display of the Y chromosome.

Fags and retards say what?

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:52 AM (xCA6C)

112 Here's the rub. If the DOGE boys could get access to the entire SS database or compile one from what ever is available, they could write a bunch of really advanced algorithms that could weed out probably 50% of the fraud in just a couple of days.

500 billion for a couple a hundred man-hours.

This hasn't been done before because NO ONE CARED.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM

This hasn't been done before because they don't want to know how much fraud there is in SS and medicare. It's rampant and everyone knows about it but they literally don't want to know anything about it. When you have a chance look up the disability lawyer eric conn from Kentucky. He ran millions and millions in fraud right in front of everyone's noses.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 15, 2025 11:52 AM (Rcnd3)

113 Was conversing on X this morning, I say that Vance is the best pick for VP by any President in over 100 years, on par with McKinley picking Teddy Roosevelt.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 11:42 AM (fIaE2)

Coolidge > TR

Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at February 15, 2025 11:52 AM (th2xc)

114 I think the biggest difference between Trump1 and Trump2 was that Trump1 believed the Democrats were trying to do the best for the country and he could work with them. Trump2 now knows the truth about the Democrats and he has no interest in working with them.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 15, 2025 11:50 AM (CHHv1)

No doubt he underestimated how nefarious they were, but it was even more a shock to learn what snakes there were in the Republican Party, and in his own Cabinet.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:53 AM (9D/Jg)

115 Term 1, naive, didn't know what he was up against, didn't know where the bodies were buried, tried to play nice, surrounded by handlers and didn't know it. Term 2, knows where the bodies are buried, who not to trust, fire in the belly, great coalition of like treated and also fired up can do/ will do people, 4 years gaming it out. Night and day. The country - covid woke a lot of people up. Twitter opening up and substack and pod casts made a pool of people ripe for seeing what's going on (37 + conspiracy theories). DOGE is bringing even more into the fold. Feels like other times when big cultural trends burn out and change over night. Woke progressivism is passe, Like mask clingers wishing for peak Covid madness.

Posted by: Smellslikevictory at February 15, 2025 11:53 AM (jPdyB)

116 Trump 2 - plan
Trump 1 - no plan

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at February 15, 2025 11:53 AM (MZ+PY)

117 I gained no traction on this idea the first time I tried, maybe rightfully so. But I'll throw it out there again.

Exec Order to stop all payments Fed Gov payments that aren't to a) US State and Territory treasuries and the State has to provide an annual audit to show the recipients of the subsequent payments b) Foreign State treasuries that can be directly tied to language in a duly executed and US Senate approved treaty, c) verified US Citizens that are tied to a law originated by the US Congress and d) US business that is tied to a contract with the US govt that is tied to a law authorized by the US Congress and details the product/service line item in the contract.

Probably needs some work. But it should eliminate payments to NGOs and be much easier to audit and traced back to constitutionally authorized spending.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 15, 2025 11:54 AM (Dv3i1)

118 Woke progressivism is passe, Like mask clingers wishing for peak Covid madness.

The Dems right now are saying "no war, peace with Japan" after Pearl Harbor.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 11:55 AM (xCA6C)

119 If you read "The Art of the Deal" you will have a better understanding of Trump's Gaza musings.

It's a very good read with insight into how his brain works.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 11:55 AM (uclcs)

120 Humor is not allowed in totalitarian or cult-like regimes.

Those suppressing free speech and free expression of ideas are never the good guys in history

Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 11:55 AM (mm0EH)

121 Trump 1.0 thought that civil service regulations applied to the Chief Executive. They do not.

They were put in place to regulate actions within the agencies, not limit the president.

[ . . . [
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:46 AM (ZOv7s)

I honestly believe this legal concept of the law is from Vivek Ramaswami's campaign. It was one point that he hit over and over, and I remember lots and lots of people saying it was false, and impossible to do.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 15, 2025 11:56 AM (D7oie)

122 Saw this beautiful interlude of school kids singing

x.com/jeremytate41/status/
1890417232116871324?s=46

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2025 11:56 AM (WIRXc)

123 I started blogging in 2010 on a bespoke site run by a guy I met through a mutual friend. Lots of Princeton grads, many that we'd now call Deep Staters. I declared that the country was ready for a populist POTUS and that DC was becoming a cancer. I was called an "ignoramus" and adopted the handle.

In March 2016 I predicted on this site that Trump would win over 300 EVs by boosting turnout from White Non-College -- the largest cohort of all. Ace banned me for effrontery.

I sat out predicting 2020 because you could see the huge Cheat coming.

This cycle I again predicted that Trump would win over 300 EVs by boosting turnout from working people, especially White Non-College.

I'm over-educated but I come from an immigrant working class family so I don't have my head up my ass and can appreciate what Inflation and Illegal Immigration does to working people.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (Gqoy+)

124 Well we tease her a lot
Cause we've got her on the spot
Welcome back!

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (4XwPj)

125 The hard-core types are demanding detailed CPA accountant-type audits RIGHT NOW from DOGE, rather than a focus on money trails.

Yeah, because the money trails will lead to many of those same people.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (xrQwm)

126 I really hate every single gun law. ".... shall not be infringed." really needs to mean that. This is a step in the right direction.

https://tinyurl.com/2wwnz7sc

BTW we, family, voted for this judge. Imagine if all my cats could vote.

Posted by: Ciampino - what IL needs at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (KjLnc)

127 Trump I thought if the deal was good and fair, Dems would go along. He didn't understand that liberals will cut off their nose to spite their face. Quite literally.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (uclcs)

128 We'll take the Palestinian refugees from Gaza! Our people love them!

Posted by: UK Labour Party at February 15, 2025 11:57 AM (Dv3i1)

129 one thing I'd like to see is NGOs cut off from the public teat

raise their own funds

we could see which ones are scams and which ones are actual grass-roots type orgs

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 11:58 AM (AOsQT)

130 I’ve been warning about our debt for 40years. I ran a business for 30 years and every dime was scrutinized. Meanwhile the government wasted money by the dump truck load.
Every asshole politician said they were going to do something about it. None did. Including Trump 1.
Now Trump has taken this on with a vengeance.. and the cherry on top is the democrats have to defend the wasteful government

Posted by: Redenzo at February 15, 2025 11:59 AM (G/wuz)

131 Do you have a similar feeling that something big has changed?

--

We prayed and God showed mercy

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2025 11:59 AM (WIRXc)

132 Don Black, the Maori thing is on the sidebar.

Posted by: Anna Puma

Get down! Get funky!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 11:59 AM (L/fGl)

133 What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

How prepared he was to take office.

He had a hell of a transition team, and funded it privately, so the Deep State couldn't put moles into it.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:00 PM (uxCna)

134
Get down
Get down
Get down
Get down
Get down tonight, baby

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:01 PM (AOsQT)

135 Good Morning

Happy Saturday

Walked two miles this morning.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:01 PM (QGaXH)

136 How many "Palestinians" actually support Hamas and how many "support" them because they prefer to keep their and their families heads on top of the neck?
Posted by: Madame Mayhem
=====
How many generations we got in Gaza now, the current fighters and kids all raised with a Hammas/U.N. supported virulent anti semitiic education. Jew hating, plain and simple.
They must be gone, at any cost. All of them.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 15, 2025 12:01 PM (n4GiU)

137 Something that's become obvious to me is the reason why there's been no proper budget in, like, forever.

It was more important to keep the grift flowing.

And, it's apparent that beyond paying the salaries of Federal drones, not a dime was spent on any of the thousands of "programs" the various agencies ran. No, instead all that money got redirected back into various congressional, lobbyist and crony pockets.

Ask Zelensky where his billions are...

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 12:01 PM (Q4IgG)

138
The "Emperor Has No Clothes" moment for Biden came for many people way before the debate disaster; there was no hiding the dementia and the Philadelphia "Red Speech" was plain scary.

Everybody knew the left was government funded. Many people just decided to leave the left.

Posted by: Auspex at February 15, 2025 12:02 PM (j4U/Z)

139 Saw this beautiful interlude of school kids singing

x.com/jeremytate41/status/
1890417232116871324?s=46
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport

No one is twerking!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:02 PM (L/fGl)

140 Trump has no political future unless the Constitution is amended, which it should be. Trump is bulletproof when it comes to impeachment as that kangaroo court has been tried, twice!, and failed. So he has 4 years to blowtorch D.C., a fate it deserves.

Round up the illegals and deport them all!

Posted by: The Man from Athens at February 15, 2025 12:02 PM (icmmM)

141 Walking the doggeh thought:

How much evil from the Left has come through the means of the corruption of Womanhood!

Women were held to be guiding lights of humanity; they were instead seduced into steering the culture into darkness.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2025 12:02 PM (WIRXc)

142 J.D. Vance's speech in Europe:

***********

"I never gave anybody Hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was Hell." H. Truman

Posted by: muldoon at February 15, 2025 12:03 PM (/iMjX)

143 Get down!
Get down!

Get back up again!

Posted by: The Man from Athens at February 15, 2025 12:04 PM (icmmM)

144 I believe that Trump 1.0 had a very vague idea about the working of DC. He thought de did, and he though he could business manage them. In other words, he was unprepared. I also believe that his 2016 win was a little bit of a surprise to him. Otherwise he would have done what he did over the last 4 years. So, this time around he is prepared, he brought some "friends" along. Really good advisors.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:04 PM (g47mK)

145 Trump is running through government like a woman scorned, I hope it goes for 4 years

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:04 PM (fwDg9)

146 If Speaker Mike Johnson follows through with reconciliation for budget that actually cuts a lot of fat from the congressional budget instead of the usual CR; that will be huge. Perhaps we finally have a speaker that is not going to just shove more money at the leviathan. I won't count on it until it happens but it feels like its possible, finally.

This is from https://tinyurl.com/4swd8csu that someone else had linked earlier this week.

Posted by: PaleRider at February 15, 2025 12:05 PM (CKOCg)

147 Ignoramus,

Congratulations on the usual reward for being right. I don't mean that sarcastically, I've lived it myself in real life with real consequences.

Anyway...with your skills, do you have anything to say about the future?

I am honestly interested.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:05 PM (QB+5g)

148 Walked two miles this morning.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan tweaking!

https://is.gd/8tnFWZ

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:05 PM (L/fGl)

149 133 What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

How prepared he was to take office.

He had a hell of a transition team, and funded it privately, so the Deep State couldn't put moles into it.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:00 PM (uxCna)

What has surprised me isn't so much about Trump. He's a smart, accomplished guy who's learned from his first term mistakes and corrected course.

What surprises me more is the way the democrats seem to have rolled over. Rudderless, leaderless, reduced to barely coherent screeching, scare tactics like 'constitutional crises' and singing goofy songs like they're reliving their glory days of Vietnam War protests.

Not a good look but don't underestimate them. If they retake the house in '26 they'll make a lot of trouble.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:08 PM (QGaXH)

150 Here's the rub. If the DOGE boys could get access to the entire SS database or compile one from what ever is available, they could write a bunch of really advanced algorithms that could weed out probably 50% of the fraud in just a couple of days.

500 billion for a couple a hundred man-hours.

This hasn't been done before because NO ONE CARED.
Posted by: pawn
===

Oh, they cared, which is why it was never done.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 12:08 PM (/lPRQ)

151 It is not a coincidence that increase in the number of federal agencies (currently over 450) and the subsequent rise in the amount of administrative law (90,000 pages or so in the Federal Register) is inversely proportional to the will of Congress to actually do its job.

The local medical school is screaming because its 68% of indirect reimbursements on research is being cut to 15%. (I.e. the med school gets $68 in slush money from NIH for every $100 direct research dollars that it gets. The med school can do whatever it wants with the $68.)

Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon announced that cutting the indirect reimbursements was "Unconstitutional".

Yeah, Ron - because I'm sure you wrote the 68% into statute.

Oh, you didn't - you left it up to NIH to negotiate the level of indirect reimbursements?

Tant pis.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:08 PM (uxCna)

152 So glad to see you back, KT!

Posted by: Nan in AZ at February 15, 2025 12:09 PM (p2iSj)

153 148 Walked two miles this morning.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan tweaking!

https://is.gd/8tnFWZ
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:05 PM (L/fGl)

Nice!

And I grew up mostly in Florida...

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:09 PM (QGaXH)

154 Gotta admit, I never had the Democrats excommunicating a Kennedy on my political bingo card. Closest thing to Royalty in American politics.

Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 12:09 PM (mm0EH)

155 ""I never gave anybody Hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was Hell." H. Truman"

Awesome quote muldoon!

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:10 PM (QB+5g)

156 I was concerned that he would do the same thing he did in 2016, and it almost was, but stupid Biden' junta in the quest to create a totalitarian state, scared the shite out of the tech world. His people literally wanted to, and took steps to take over their domain. They were destroyed, so they got scared, and jumped to Trump. And that is what made the difference. Before Ds had media, WS and tech. This time, Ds had the lame side of media, WS got concerned with gains tax, so they were neutral to the end then bet on Trump, and tech jumped ship completely.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:10 PM (g47mK)

157 Vance stressed "our shared democratic principles."
The difference between American democracy and European democracy is that they are rooted in a feudal/monarchic system with serfs, nobles and royalty, with those castes firmly entrenched and seen as normal, whereas we come from a tradition of engaged citizens, merit, government of the people and throwing off of yokes.

Vance's speech notwithstanding, I'm not sure the two are compatible.

Posted by: muldoon at February 15, 2025 12:10 PM (/iMjX)

158 I doubt we're much better.

The Navy With More Admirals Than Warships

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po9duwvipB0

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:11 PM (xCA6C)

159 What surprises me more is the way the democrats seem to have rolled over.

The first thing Trump did was cut off their covert Federal funding, and they still don't know how to react.

A bunch of left-wing Portland nonprofits were laying people off last week - it was never suspected that they were receiving large amounts of laundered Federal money.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:11 PM (uxCna)

160 With President Trump's 2nd term, I see parallels with the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Wall seemed like it would never go away.

Similarly, the Deep State seemed, to me at least, untouchable and impregnable. Who knows how it will all turn out, but I must say the early signs are positive and we are only on week three.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 12:12 PM (WXNFJ)

161
I also like Trump 2.0's style

more bare-knuckled than ever
of course, this ties in with his lack of f*cks to give

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:12 PM (AOsQT)

162 129 one thing I'd like to see is NGOs cut off from the public teat

raise their own funds

---------

While EOs can do a lot to starve the evil NGOs, the sad truth is that to be comprehensive and permanent, a law would need to be passed. The Congress that would need to create that law has gotten rich off the backflow from the torrents of government cash that pours into NGO coffers.

In other words, it isn't going to happen.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 12:12 PM (JkO4W)

163 Deportation should include one and all that entered the country illegally. Of course, the hard core criminals have to go first but the others did break the law. Send them home with newly attained skills to rebuild their native shitholes. "Jose, what have you done during your stay?" "Senor, I have painted houses". "Well, Chief, here you go, a couple good Purdey brushes and some scrappers. Go paint in your own country". Next. "I dug the ditches". "Admirable, Juan. Here's a quality American made Ames shovel you can put to use in your squalid village".

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:12 PM (gm9Sb)

164 You can tell that people, even Trump, can learn from their mistakes. There were a lot of mistakes in Trump I. Some were not of The Donald's doing, other were.

Felonious Trump isn't making those same mistakes. Probably the most significant one is that he trusts nobody currently entrenched in the capitol city's political class outside those he's tapped for his administration.

He also, probably, knows who's behind the attempts on his life and the continuous lawfare.

And he's pretty much sick of their shit.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 12:12 PM (Q4IgG)

165 Oh, they cared, which is why it was never done.

The Federal government has never cared about fraud, because the people stealing the Federal money are Democrats.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:13 PM (uxCna)

166 My fear the with Trump was that he would not have used this time to learn and instead Trump 2.0 would run a similar governing strategy as Trump 1.0 and fail in the same way.

I'm impressed how prepared Trump was on day 1. The man used the 4 years he was forced to live in the desert well.

He built a strategy to win the election and then another strategy to govern after winning it.

AND he seems to have select a very high power team for his cabinet - this is the most impressive cabinet since Washington.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:14 PM (t0Rmr)

167 I want the NGOs to go from

We are doing this for the good of mankind.

To

We were just following orders from our superiors.

To

Please don’t kill us and our families!

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable at February 15, 2025 12:14 PM (17s+e)

168 There. Are. FOUR! Lights! ...

Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 12:14 PM (ayRl+)

169 I've seen several reports that a lot of houses are up for sale in the DC area.

I can't judge this, because I don't know the normal level of house sales, but hilarious if true.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:15 PM (uxCna)

170 Vance / Godzilla 2028: Let’s Finish the Job!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:15 PM (L/fGl)

171 BREAKING: Employees in Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health have announced their immediate resignations after pronouns were banned in email signatures.

https://x.com/IanJaeger29/
status/1890483709175832582
Posted by: Ciampino - see? got rid of them without even trying at February 15, 2025 11:23 AM (KjLnc)

Good. Insane persons should not have government jobs.

Except maybe as speed bumps.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2025 12:16 PM (8zz6B)

172 I've seen several reports that a lot of houses are up for sale in the DC area.

----------

Those criminal lawyer retainer funds don't pay themselves!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 12:16 PM (JkO4W)

173 The local medical school is screaming because its 68% of indirect reimbursements on research is being cut to 15%. (I.e. the med school gets $68 in slush money from NIH for every $100 direct research dollars that it gets. The med school can do whatever it wants with the $68.)

My experience is with DoD, but the overhead money was by no means "whatever it wants". You had to spell out how it would be used, and those uses were very constrained.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:16 PM (xCA6C)

174 Gotta admit, I never had the Democrats excommunicating a Kennedy on my political bingo card. Closest thing to Royalty in American politics.
Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 12:09 PM (mm0EH)

The thing about excommunication (the real kind), it's about the central tenets of the faith. You adhere to them, or you don't. If you don't, you've excommunicated yourself. The Church just makes the formal announcement.

No one is sacred, it's possible for anyone to be excommunicated. You just have to cross a line.

RFK Jr. crossed those lines. Several of them.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:16 PM (5PP+G)

175 Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all."

You can see this game get played out over and over in talking with socialists.

What if I don't want to give "the people" my factory? Well...then we would put together a group to go take it from you. And doesn't that mean you've just re-invented the police to do the taking and a government to decide to take it from me? Oh no this is the people! Ok, what if I say the people don't want my factory? NO WE are the people not you.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:17 PM (t0Rmr)

176 I also like that Trump has hired some impressive & attractive women

Tulsi
Pam
Karoline

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:17 PM (AOsQT)

177 RFK Jr. crossed those lines. Several of them.

Prior to COVID though, RFK's beliefs were within the mainstream left. Adopting stricter standards on food additives, taking a closer look at vaccinations, and getting the government to try and prompt people to eat less processed foods were all things most leftists approved of.

But then when he disagreed on the clot shot he indeed crossed a line with them.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:18 PM (t0Rmr)

178 One correction: I coined the term "Cold Civil War" and Angelo borrowed it from me.

Posted by: Michael Walsh at February 15, 2025 12:19 PM (12es9)

179 Its a small thing but that "drop the pronouns" brings me a lot of joy. I really hated seeing he/him, she/her, and of course the exotic versions after people's names.

Posted by: PaleRider at February 15, 2025 12:19 PM (CKOCg)

180 I also like that Trump has hired some impressive & attractive women

Tulsi
Pam
Karoline
Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:17 PM (AOsQT)

what ?? No love Susie ??? Ageist !

🤣

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:19 PM (g47mK)

181 My experience is with DoD, but the overhead money was by no means "whatever it wants". You had to spell out how it would be used, and those uses were very constrained.

NIH indirect money appears to be handed out with few constraints, judging from the screaming.

If the med school does have to account for the money, it would be hilarious to see what they spent it on.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:19 PM (uxCna)

182 The Arc,

I've tried to set up a way of determining this on the net from the realtor databases.

The best way to find out is to talk with some realtor in the DC area. I haven't seem any information from them directly.

It was always a thing I noticed when I lived up there that a lot of people were pretty smug about the fact that when the economy went south they real estate market may have slowed down but never really took any losses.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:20 PM (QB+5g)

183 Trump Creates National Energy Dominance Council

-
"Dominance"? Where's my fainting couch?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:20 PM (L/fGl)

184 Its interesting how the NGO scam thing developed. By the Biden years you could find people making videos on youtube/farcebook/tiktok telling you that the way to get rich wasn't founding a business or getting rental property any more but starting an NGO. And...obviously it is lucrative, though the problem, of course, is getting the funding train rolling.

But if you agree to kick back to the right people that could be...addressed.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:20 PM (t0Rmr)

185 Here is a recent video of Trump engaging with the Deep State.

https://is.gd/3ePIVU

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:21 PM (xCA6C)

186 Southern IL teen baking cookies for beloved dog’s cancer treatment - wonderful endeavor. Pray he's successful and dog is cured.

https://tinyurl.com/35hssh52

Posted by: Ciampino - what IL needs more at February 15, 2025 12:22 PM (KjLnc)

187 Real estate is a pretty good investment generally. With a rising population the demand keeps increasing, and it is a solid inflation hedge.

But if you have a rental property you have to be very, very careful about who you rent to

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:22 PM (t0Rmr)

188 Zillow houses for sale, Wash DC

https://tinyurl.com/2pm9kpdm

hope this isnt willowed

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:22 PM (AOsQT)

189 It was always a thing I noticed when I lived up there that a lot of people were pretty smug about the fact that when the economy went south they real estate market may have slowed down but never really took any losses.

Yeah, the DC area has traditionally been recession-proof. If real estate prices actually start falling there, that would be a sign that Trump is having a real effect.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:23 PM (uxCna)

190 It's been raining heavily with brief lightning and thunder shows, and now it is dark enough for the street lights to come on. Mid 40s.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:23 PM (gm9Sb)

191 But if you agree to kick back to the right people that could be...addressed.

EPA handed out twenty billion dollars to a handful of new shell organizations affiliated with prominent Democrats.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (uxCna)

192 Prior to COVID though, RFK's beliefs were within the mainstream left. Adopting stricter standards on food additives, taking a closer look at vaccinations, and getting the government to try and prompt people to eat less processed foods were all things most leftists approved of.

But then when he disagreed on the clot shot he indeed crossed a line with them.
Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:18 PM (t0Rmr)

What’s interesting is how the left simply abandoned efforts for healthier foods and the right adopted them.

Same with vaxes: pre-covid most of the vaccine skepticism was among lefty types sending their kids to Montessori schools. Covid caused a huge realignment regarding public health. The left fell in line with Big Pharma, the FDA and Big Ag. The right has adopted some of the left’s old skepticism of Big Business:

Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (th2xc)

193 183 Trump Creates National Energy Dominance Council

-
"Dominance"? Where's my fainting couch?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:20 PM (L/fGl)
----
Meanwhile my Ameren electric/gas bill has gone up $80 in January. (Illinois).

Posted by: Ciampino - what IL needs is another couple nuke plants at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (KjLnc)

194 German Minister Whines About Vance's Speech, Says It Was "Not Acceptable"

-
Ist Verboten!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (L/fGl)

195 who is Susie

knowledge me

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (AOsQT)

196 Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all."
~ Frederic Bastiat (or attributed to Bastiat)

Exactly this. I hear this all the time from LIVs and leftists. If normal people object to government-provided healthcare or education or financial assistance or any other service, they are called heartless and accused of wanting others to suffer.

Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (Sf2cq)

197 Have a 1WP, a pin hole plumbing leak. But put a piece of rubber around it with a clamp and it's holding quite well. Worse part is its in beginning of system so would need to shut off water to house to replace a 2 foot section of pipe.
Sometime very soon

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (fwDg9)

198 I'm guardedly optimistic about our future. But the near-term may get rocky.

"DC" has become a vampire tapeworm that needs to be extracted. It's become a large part of our economy, but like Hitler's war-time Germany, it could never self-sustain, and it's reached the point where it was starting to kill the host.

Ending the vampire tapeworm's food supply should kill it but we'll suffer through spasms. Academia will starve, but who cares. Same with Media. Those entrenched in BigGov can cause huge problems.

It's important that SCOTUS does the right thing and I expect that "Weathervane" Roberts will lead.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (Gqoy+)

199 67 Boris Pistorius hardest hit.

You misspelled Sitzpistorius.

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (zQh3o)

200 Strom is just another whining NeverTrump grifter who is STILL whining that Trump is a stupid mean 'fake' conservative. He even admits he doesn't understand why Trump is successful!

He's just faking to try to get back on the gravy train, but he's such an arrogant dick that he can't even fake it properly without exposing his NeverTrump nonsense.

Posted by: DudeAbiding at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (setIA)

201 And, it's apparent that beyond paying the salaries of Federal drones, not a dime was spent on any of the thousands of "programs" the various agencies ran. No, instead all that money got redirected back into various congressional, lobbyist and crony pockets.

If the government/NGOs actually solve problems their funding dries up. It creates a very pernicious cycle that you see happening all over the country.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (t0Rmr)

202 I could list all the great things that DOnny Two Scoops has done so far but I would say the *overall* surprise has been his success at gathering allies including congresscritters (!!) to advance his agenda, and that his agenda is one of relentless ATTACK on not only our domestic enemies, but the international scum as well.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 12:26 PM (Vqx30)

203 My experience is with DoD, but the overhead money was by no means "whatever it wants". You had to spell out how it would be used, and those uses were very constrained.
Posted by: Archimedes

No, you cannot allocate hookers and blow to overhead costs on government contracts. About the gist of it.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 12:26 PM (/lPRQ)

204 It's been raining heavily with brief lightning and thunder shows, and now it is dark enough for the street lights to come on. Mid 40s.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:23 PM (gm9Sb)

Weather here has been horrible. Rained the last two days, highs in the 40s.

It's sunny now, highs today expected to hit the mid 50s, but that was devastating, those last two days. Pray for us, America.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:26 PM (5PP+G)

205 Exactly this. I hear this all the time from LIVs and leftists. If normal people object to government-provided healthcare or education or financial assistance or any other service, they are called heartless and accused of wanting others to suffer.

I remember during the Obamacare debates telling lefties that believed "healthcare was a right" that there was nothing stopping them personally from paying for the healthcare of others.

And the answer was always, "But then YOU wouldn't have to pay for it"

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (t0Rmr)

206 NGOs blossomed because politicians are, for the most part, low IQ individuals, to use Trump's parlance. The mass of them. Have you seen the hearings? Embarrassing. They are not negotiators or intellectuals. Most are lawyers, but the type that never practiced law. So the only way they learned to govern was by bribing. Not by convincing, or playing 5 level chess. NGOs was just a convenient way for stupid people to pay off slightly smarter people to get things done.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (g47mK)

207 German Minister Whines About Vance's Speech, Says It Was "Not Acceptable"

NAZI saya what?

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (t0Rmr)

208 My employer is a not for profit. One does put in some salary to cover the admin hrs to process the grant, and IT to keep the computers running but mostly the admins, HR folks, lawyers, as well as the building costs and so on are covered out of the overhead on the direct science grants.

And one of the ways to make your group more attractive to the funding agencies was to have a bit lower overhead than the next group. But if non profits have to be more honest about how much support staff there is for every researcher and include that as direct instead of overhead it will probably be good in the long run, but there will certainly be some short term pain.

Posted by: PaleRider at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (CKOCg)

209 who is Susie

knowledge me
Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:24 PM (AOsQT)

Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.

She ain't a looker.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (HWGxx)

210 What surprises me more is the way the democrats seem to have rolled over. Rudderless, leaderless, reduced to barely coherent screeching, scare tactics like 'constitutional crises' and singing goofy songs like they're reliving their glory days of Vietnam War protests.

They thought they were going to win, all the way up until the debate where everyone realized the emperor not only had no clothes, but he was rubbing his dick on their daughters. No backup plans were in place. Even the selection of Kamala was obviously an unplanned knee-jerk. And after that they still made no plans, because they'd just steal Pennsylvania and the RNC would do nothing. (Enter Lara Trump and Scott Presler).

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:28 PM (QZThv)

211 Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.

She ain't a looker.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (HWGxx)

She could look like Helen Thomas in a gimp suit and if she is even partly responsible for all this, she is one sexy lady.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (bss/y)

212 We’re still waiting on Kash Patel, right?

Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (jgmnb)

213 I must say, I would like to see an 0300 raid on the offices of Perkins Coie and all of the partners homes.

"Where's your warrant?"

SMASH! (M1 rifle butt to the face)

I can dream, can't I?

Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (WXNFJ)

214 197 Skip, generally you can use a basin wrench in lieu of a curb key for shutting off water (if it will reach). Saves calling the city.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (gm9Sb)

215 What has surprised you (and others) most about Trump 2?

__________________________________

This is a no-brainer for me. It's the preparation. We saw a hint of that in the actual election. Laura Trump was directing legal challenges to perceived fraud. Whenever something popped up (whether on social media or through poll watchers) she immediately has lawyers on location evaluating and proceeding with litigation if required. Personally, I think that preparation scared the Democrats away from their usual 2am vote dump. Instead they conceded.

This preparation (with a contingency game plan) continued on steroids into the transition period and following inauguration day. It's almost like the first term was a recon mission, but this term is Operation Overlord.

Posted by: Orson at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (dIske)

216 Don Black, she is Trump's Chief of Staff - his first official appointment.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (g47mK)

217 Trump 1- TIE fighter

Trump 2- Deathstar

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 15, 2025 12:30 PM (VwHCD)

218 My experience is with DoD,
====
DoD contracts were engineering and manufacturing, overhead costs more specific.
Dept of Ed contracts, overhead all administrative nebulous services.

Posted by: From about That Time at February 15, 2025 12:30 PM (n4GiU)

219 DOGE was genius.

Posted by: WisRich at February 15, 2025 12:30 PM (Qgr0I)

220 They thought they were going to win, all the way up until the debate where everyone realized the emperor not only had no clothes, but he was rubbing his dick on their daughters. No backup plans were in place. Even the selection of Kamala was obviously an unplanned knee-jerk. And after that they still made no plans, because they'd just steal Pennsylvania and the RNC would do nothing. (Enter Lara Trump and Scott Presler).
Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:28 PM (QZThv)

They all operated as if a steal was in place. It's the only thing that makes sense.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 12:30 PM (bss/y)

221 Non profit is a lot. When a non profit turns a profit and most do, they get back to non profit by giving big bonuses or bigger salaries for those at the top. Magically no more profit. It’s a good grift of you don’t get found out.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (17s+e)

222 SMASH! (M1 rifle butt to the face)

I can dream, can't I?
Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (WXNFJ)

Special issue of Garands for that extra woody feel?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (bss/y)

223 NGOs was just a convenient way for stupid people to pay off slightly smarter people to get things

In Portland, NGOs are used to employ aspiring Democratic politicians, and failed Democratic politicians.

The Soros DA who was kicked out in Portland now works for the Urban League - salary unspecified.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (uxCna)

224 And after that they still made no plans, because they'd just steal Pennsylvania and the RNC would do nothing.

I think they were shocked by how Trump upped his vote count from just about every group, and they were all gaslighting each other.

Remember the "respected" pollster that claimed IN was in play for Kamala? Other leftists believed her. And if Kamala is close in IN she's going to win PA easily...

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (t0Rmr)

225 196 Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all."
~ Frederic Bastiat (or attributed to Bastiat)

Exactly this. I hear this all the time from LIVs and leftists. If normal people object to government-provided healthcare or education or financial assistance or any other service, they are called heartless and accused of wanting others to suffer.
Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at February 15, 2025 12:25 PM (Sf2cq)

Reminds me of Obammy's 'you didn't build that' remark when business owners objected to higher taxes, the go to position was 'you use roads the taxpayers pay for'. The unspoken part was along with the roads everyone wants and uses came massive amounts of graft, grift and waste on pet projects and give-aways to favored constituencies.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (QGaXH)

226 NGOs blossomed because politicians are, for the most part, low IQ individuals, to use Trump's parlance. The mass of them. Have you seen the hearings? Embarrassing. They are not negotiators or intellectuals. Most are lawyers, but the type that never practiced law.

Are you suggesting Jasmine Crockett isn't a brilliant lawyer? Shut your ass!

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (xCA6C)

227 They did not think they were going to win for a quite a while before they did not win. They were pretty panicky. Since the R primary.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (g47mK)

228 There's a woman judge in MI, traffic court I think**, that has pronounce on her name plate in front of her She/Her I think. Made me laugh.

** watching sovereign citizens in court is funny.

Posted by: Ciampino - Your pronoun is FO at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (KjLnc)

229 No, you cannot allocate hookers and blow to overhead costs on government contracts. About the gist of it.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher

But, I must say, during the 70's and 80's, you could in certain industries.

Just saying.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (WXNFJ)

230 She could look like Helen Thomas in a gimp suit and if she is even partly responsible for all this, she is one sexy lady.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (bss/y)

She kinda looks like a cross between Barbara Bush (H's wife, not W's daughter) and Tammy Faye Baker.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (HWGxx)

231 >Don Black, she is Trump's Chief of Staff - his first official appointment.

Posted by: runner

---
oh right
word around the campfire is, she's a ball-buster

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (AOsQT)

232 Iggy,

Yeah, Roberts gave us Obumercare and took a pass on a obviously stolen election.

It's really frightening to realize how one man can make such a consequential decision.

But I don't honestly have a better idea.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (QB+5g)

233 Prior to the mRna debacle, leftists were the “antivaxx”.

It is understandable that parents would wish to hide their kids in herd immunity. They immediately ser out to throw both the elderly and children under the bus, in exchange for what they perceived to be safety. Real profiles in courage right there

Posted by: Common Tater at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (L+MB1)

234 My favorite confession: https://tinyurl.com/N40M1-Wolf

Posted by: Marooned at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (kt8QE)

235 We’re still waiting on Kash Patel, right?
Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (jgmnb)

He's out of committee, and may have already cleared the path to the final vote, which should come next week.

I haven't heard anyone suggesting he's in jeopardy.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (HWGxx)

236 I have a pump, so it's shutting off main valve, taking out water filter to open the pump end. Thee line is cold feed to outside faucet I am thinking

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (fwDg9)

237 They all operated as if a steal was in place. It's the only thing that makes sense.

Remember, Kamala's undelivered speech on Election Night was that it was going to take weeks and weeks to count all the ballots, and that no one should assume who the winner was until that happened.

The election wasn't close enough to steal, however.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (uxCna)

238 61 I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (X+TQ1)

Me, too, but too often, they have been lifelong friends of mine.

Posted by: m at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (v0TzN)

239 I am going to get a law degree and pass the bar (O'Connor's, Guinness always the right temperature). Just to show them !

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (g47mK)

240 In Portland, NGOs are used to employ aspiring Democratic politicians, and failed Democratic politicians.

This is an understated part of the problem. Why does the left always have a cadre of true believers available as protestors/bureaucrats/whatever they need at the moment?

Because they have an NGO structure to pay people to be professional leftists. Why is the right usually struggling to find people on our side? Because potential rightwing activists have to go into the dreaded private sector and build real careers - facing cancellation then if they try to convert to activism at some point mid-career.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (t0Rmr)

241 My experience is with DoD, but the overhead money was by no means "whatever it wants". You had to spell out how it would be used, and those uses were very constrained.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:16 PM (xCA6C)

Money is fungible. If the "overhead grant" is constrained, use it to replace the heating boilers in Research Hall, and use alumni donations for the junket to Tahiti.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (8zz6B)

242 Not a good look but don't underestimate them. If they retake the house in '26 they'll make a lot of trouble.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:08 PM

----------------+--

This is what worries me. The Dems local election fraud machine has to be shut down for the midterms somehow.

Posted by: Bigsmith at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (1Au9i)

243 224 And after that they still made no plans, because they'd just steal Pennsylvania and the RNC would do nothing.

I think they were shocked by how Trump upped his vote count from just about every group, and they were all gaslighting each other.

Remember the "respected" pollster that claimed IN was in play for Kamala? Other leftists believed her. And if Kamala is close in IN she's going to win PA easily...
Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:31 PM (t0Rmr)

I think it was Iowa, not Indiana. She was already planning to retire after 2024 but unfortunately retired in shame rather than after an accomplished career.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (QGaXH)

244 oh right
word around the campfire is, she's a ball-buster
Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:32 PM (AOsQT)

that's the word

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (g47mK)

245 Big differences between Trump1 and Trump2?

With the DOGE receipts Trump2 has GOPe over a barrel instead of in direct opposition. Not saying GOPe isn't looking for their opportunity to stab Trump in the back.

Trump's inner circle and his listening to it. Someone, or someones, knows their shit from shinola.

Posted by: davidt at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (i0F8b)

246 196 -- Further, anyone paying attention will see that government providing a service DOES NOT INCREASE OR GUARANTEE ACCESS to that service. In fact, we see that government becomes a gatekeeper that obstructs access to that service.

For example, government outlawed affordable health insurance with ObamaCare. Our premiums quadrupled and my hours at my part-time job were cut 20% to comply with ObamaCare. This was the opposite of helpful.

Not only that, but the government providing more medical payments to health providers meant that the government could demand certain treatments and forbid other treatments. This is why COVID patients were being injured and killed with Remdesivir even though it was very evident to nursing staff that HCQ worked and Remdesivir did not. If a hospital strayed from the official government treatment protocols, they would be denied Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.

Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at February 15, 2025 12:34 PM (Sf2cq)

247 The election wasn't close enough to steal, however.
Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (uxCna)

Tell that to California. They were still counting into... January?

Funny how they won all those races.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 15, 2025 12:35 PM (bss/y)

248 I don't even need anything outside house to fix it

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:35 PM (fwDg9)

249 My favorite confession: https://tinyurl.com/N40M1-Wolf

This just shows how finding a good man could help fix a fair number of AWFLs but...it does mean that AWFL is willing to make some changes to actually be able to have a successful relationship with a man

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:35 PM (t0Rmr)

250 No, you cannot allocate hookers and blow to overhead costs on government contracts. About the gist of it.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher

But, I must say, during the 70's and 80's, you could in certain industries.

Just saying.
Posted by: Tonypete

"Entertainment' for potential clients or the annual office party.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 12:35 PM (/lPRQ)

251 To: DOD
Subject: Expense reimbursement

Cost: $1500.79
Type : Equipment, coffee supplies
Quantity : 1

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:36 PM (g47mK)

252 What surprised me most? Trump is just about where I'm at.

If'n I'm gong to be blamed for being a Misogynistic Racist Homophobe Transiphobe Islamaphobe anyway... may as well say what I REALLY think... because I'm already being punished way more than my actual beliefs and speech warrant.

So... I just ignore the screaming children throwing a tantrum, and continue my conservations with the adults.

Trump's speech policies are ignoring the Media and leftist children who are throwing temper tantrums.

Posted by: Romeo13 at February 15, 2025 12:36 PM (QAkQ3)

253 I never expected President Trump to give us all a Valentine's Day gift by firing IRS agents

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 12:36 PM (2VST1)

254 179 Its a small thing but that "drop the pronouns" brings me a lot of joy. I really hated seeing he/him, she/her, and of course the exotic versions after people's names.
Posted by: PaleRider

Everyone, it seems, at work has pronouns in their emails except me.
It will be interesting to see if any drop theirs

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2025 12:37 PM (WIRXc)

255 In Portland, NGOs are used to employ aspiring Democratic politicians, and failed Democratic politicians.

The Soros DA who was kicked out in Portland now works for the Urban League - salary unspecified.

Not just Portland. And that's why they're going to the mattresses for USAID - most of the alleged NGOs are actually just GOs, and they're the backbone of the frequent observation that the Left takes care of their people and we don't (with Daniel Penny being a recent big exception).

If the NGO/industrial complex shuts down due to no USAID funding, failed Democrats will actually have to spend their own money.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:37 PM (QZThv)

256 My favorite confession: https://tinyurl.com/N40M1-Wolf
Posted by: Marooned

I believed a farrago of lies.

-
Do you prefer your farrago with marinara or alfredo?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:37 PM (L/fGl)

257 I think there's typically a lot of real-estate turnover in the capitol city when there's a change in administrations (party) from one to the other.

I would not be surprised to see a lot of Democrat movers and shakers bailing out. And I would not be surprised their reasons for doing it... like avoiding prison. For now.

The rank and file federal employees hang around, but don't typically live in D.C.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 12:37 PM (Q4IgG)

258 Further, anyone paying attention will see that government providing a service DOES NOT INCREASE OR GUARANTEE ACCESS to that service. In fact, we see that government becomes a gatekeeper that obstructs access to that service.

You can see a distinct pattern when the government takes over a sector where before there was a range of services that you could choose to pay for (yay private enterprise), but after there is free for politically connected groups (FSA/government drones), and ridiculously expensive for disfavored groups

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (t0Rmr)

259 If you have not, got watch both Hegseth's and JD Vance's speeches in Europe.

Outstanding.

Posted by: Romeo13 at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (QAkQ3)

260 This is a no-brainer for me. It's the preparation. We saw a hint of that in the actual election. Laura Trump was directing legal challenges to perceived fraud. Whenever something popped up (whether on social media or through poll watchers) she immediately has lawyers on location evaluating and proceeding with litigation if required. Personally, I think that preparation scared the Democrats away from their usual 2am vote dump. Instead they conceded.

My biggest frustration with Trump (and the GOP) earlier in 2024 was the refusal to get rid of Ronna. It was such an obvious thing to do. I wonder now if perhaps Trump sandbagged them by leaving her there so long, leading the Dems to conclude that the election would be another opportunity to steal. When Lara Trump and Michael Whatley were brought in, it was too late to adapt.

I also understand that it's tempting to start reading strategy into everything after the fact.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (xCA6C)

261 I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (X+TQ1)

Me, too, but too often, they have been lifelong friends of mine.
Posted by: m at February 15, 2025 12:33 PM (v0TzN)

Honestly, I don't care. I'm talking about work colleagues and associates. I don't talk politics at work with anybody, but I know who to avoid ever slipping up with, that's for sure.

When they come at me with "Trump's a nazi" or whatever, I just say "I don't get into politics at work," and leave it at that. I can get along well enough with people who aren't excessive about it and I just assume I'm not really going to be pals with any of them anyway.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (HWGxx)

262 Prior to the mRna debacle, leftists were the “antivaxx”.

It is understandable that parents would wish to hide their kids in herd immunity. They immediately ser out to throw both the elderly and children under the bus, in exchange for what they perceived to be safety. Real profiles in courage right there
Posted by: Common Tater

Why does a grade-schooler have to take a HPV 'vaccine' (one example of many). MMR ? Sure. But the oddball shit? NO.
Sometimes the weirdo old-school anti-vaxxers were right (even if for the worn reasons)l.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (/lPRQ)

263 Because they have an NGO structure to pay people to be professional leftists. Why is the right usually struggling to find people on our side? Because potential rightwing activists have to go into the dreaded private sector

Most Democratic politicians in Portland have never held a job outside the political/nonprofit bubble.

The failed conservative (by Portland standards) mayoral candidate got a job as general counsel of the local truck stop.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at February 15, 2025 12:38 PM (uxCna)

264 I still think fraud just got shifted to downward campaigns. It still looks though Trump won popular vote, Congress was barely won by Republicans.

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:39 PM (fwDg9)

265 Everyone, it seems, at work has pronouns in their emails except me.
It will be interesting to see if any drop theirs

In my current job most of the people above me have pronouns in their emails...and amusingly they are all the normal ones, but most of the peons don't.

The message seems to be if you want to be prompted to start mouthing custom pronouns.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:39 PM (t0Rmr)

266 Remember, Kamala's undelivered speech on Election Night was that it was going to take weeks and weeks to count all the ballots, and that no one should assume who the winner was until that happened.

And in California that actually happened, but they don't matter to the Presidential race.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (QZThv)

267 OT: I've learned from 2 different clips on "Cecil Says" cope files series that Canada is preparing to go to war with the USA. Why doesn't anyone care? The drum beats of war are sounding in British Columbia!

🤪

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (LPS7w)

268 This hasn't been done before because they don't want to know how much fraud there is in SS and medicare. It's rampant and everyone knows about it but they literally don't want to know anything about it. When you have a chance look up the disability lawyer eric conn from Kentucky. He ran millions and millions in fraud right in front of everyone's noses.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 15, 2025 11:52 AM (Rcnd3)

Akshually, they just want their cut.

Posted by: Long night... darkness lifted. at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (2NXcZ)

269 Money is fungible. If the "overhead grant" is constrained, use it to replace the heating boilers in Research Hall, and use alumni donations for the junket to Tahiti.

There weren't a lot of alumni donations to my lab.

[]i"Entertainment' for potential clients or the annual office party.

We got NOTHING, zero, zip, nada, for any "party". It was all potluck by the attendees.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (xCA6C)

270 I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.
Posted by: BurtTCAlfredo?

Like rattles on a rattlesnake.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (L/fGl)

271 "I think they were shocked by how Trump upped his vote count from just about every group, and they were all gaslighting each other."

Turnout. Turnout. Turnout.
It's the X factor that can make a huge difference. I had one good insight in both my 2016 and 2024 calls. Trump would get a big boost from working people, especially White Non-College who are 35% of the electorate. They were evicted from the D party, their historic home. The GOPe (Romney) abhor them. Trump built on property no one else wanted. Now he's adding Hispanics and Black men.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 12:41 PM (Gqoy+)

272 I figured there was going to "shock and awe," but I had no idea about the legal underpinnings of the DOGE (USDS).

I find myself joyful.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 15, 2025 12:41 PM (ZmEVT)

273 Another pronoun thing I'd like to see Trump do - mandate that companies that provide software for the government do not support custom pronouns in that software.

This would force some dramatic changes very, very quickly that would radiate right back into the private sector.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:41 PM (t0Rmr)

274 267 OT: I've learned from 2 different clips on "Cecil Says" cope files series that Canada is preparing to go to war with the USA. Why doesn't anyone care? The drum beats of war are sounding in British Columbia!

🤪
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (LPS7w)

Carpet bomb Ottawa

Posted by: Long night... darkness lifted. at February 15, 2025 12:41 PM (2NXcZ)

275 Small potatoes, but what Vet here hasn't experienced the mad rush to ServMart at the end of the fiscal year when your outfit has a few bucks left. I remember one time when the Gunner got sick and tired of his Dymo Label Maker being MIA, and gifted everybody in the outfit one. Still have a real nice Proto socket set.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:41 PM (gm9Sb)

276 Because they have an NGO structure to pay people to be professional leftists. Why is the right usually struggling to find people on our side?

Because we consider it an abuse of power and even illegal to take tax dollars to boost our political ideas. We might even see what happens when the left doesn't have all this assistance in the next election.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 12:42 PM (2VST1)

277 We got NOTHING, zero, zip, nada, for any "party". It was all potluck by the attendees.

Sounds like whoever was your person working with the grant agencies didn't know how to play the game.

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:42 PM (t0Rmr)

278 Trump is burning his ships. There's no turning back, there's no second term or even mid term compromises.

That's what his cabinet appointments mean. He's not paying off future donors; they're here to kick ass, take names and fuck off. It's not for their benefit, it's for America.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at February 15, 2025 12:42 PM (wBaIH)

279 I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.
Posted by: BurtTCAlfredo?

Like rattles on a rattlesnake.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (L/fGl)

Like borderlines and narcissists who get all borderliney and narcissisty on the first date.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:43 PM (HWGxx)

280 Another pronoun thing I'd like to see Trump do - mandate that companies that provide software for the government do not support custom pronouns in that software.

That is a good idea, because government contracts are big in software, and building two different versions is not cheap.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 12:43 PM (2VST1)

281 @GovLarryRhoden
·
18h
Just got off the phone with @SecretaryBurgum
… he confirmed that we will have FIREWORKS at Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday!

Posted by: Don Black at February 15, 2025 12:44 PM (AOsQT)

282 I think they knew if they tried to fraud Kamaunist in it would have been too obvious.
Still think it's funny had they just let Trump.win in 2020 everything would be as it was during his 1st administration. Hands tied

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 12:44 PM (fwDg9)

283 OT: I've learned from 2 different clips on "Cecil Says" cope files series that Canada is preparing to go to war with the USA. Why doesn't anyone care? The drum beats of war are sounding in British Columbia!

I imagine the Cajun Navy could defeat them with no casualties while chugging Coors Lights.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:44 PM (QZThv)

284 Money is fungible. If the "overhead grant" is constrained, use it to replace the heating boilers in Research Hall, and use alumni donations for the junket to Tahiti.

There weren't a lot of alumni donations to my lab.

[]i"Entertainment' for potential clients or the annual office party.

We got NOTHING, zero, zip, nada, for any "party". It was all potluck by the attendees.
Posted by: Archimedes

There are parties.
You are just not invited.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 15, 2025 12:44 PM (/lPRQ)

285
BurtTC at February 15, 2025 11:13 AM

"That picture is a nightmare" to a lot of people. For sure.
Posted by: KT

A fly-eye view.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 15, 2025 12:46 PM (63Dwl)

286 I figured there was going to "shock and awe," but I had no idea about the legal underpinnings of the DOGE (USDS).

Right! I have to think Trump laughed for a good long time after learning that the seeds of the Deep State's destruction were planted by Barack Obama.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:46 PM (QZThv)

287 Ask Zelensky where his billions are...
Posted by: Martini Farmer

The little tyrant is soon to shuffle off this mortal coil.

Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 12:46 PM (Rrux1)

288 279 I always appreciated the pronouns in emails, because it let me know who "those" people were.
Posted by: BurtTCAlfredo?

Like rattles on a rattlesnake.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (L/fGl)

Like borderlines and narcissists who get all borderliney and narcissisty on the first date.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:43 PM (HWGxx)
----'
Something Microagressing This Way Comes.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at February 15, 2025 12:46 PM (LPS7w)

289 The "pre-colonial," (i.e. land acknowledgement,) movement is just that -- a movement -- shit. My wife and I took a cruise to Alaska a couple of years ago and had to sit through land acknowledgements during three shore excursions.

It's like the paleo diet purists who love to talk about the natural diet of people a thousand years age . . . people who had a life expectancy of twenty-five.

Posted by: Marooned at February 15, 2025 12:48 PM (kt8QE)

290 Ask Zelensky where his billions are...

Zelensky now claims a bit more than half of them never arrived, which makes me suspect that's why Biden pardoned his entire family.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (QZThv)

291 NOt long ago they busted Zelenskyy's wife on a skyyyyinng vacation in Gstaad, or some shit. Any of you been to Gstaad recently? Me neither.

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (g47mK)

292 60 They quite literally were wearing blinders as to the plight of the 80 percent of the rest of Americans or even those abroad not in the ruling classes over other countries.
Posted by: whig's phone at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (ctrM5)
---
As impressive is Trump is, I think Vance has the potential to be Augustus to Trump's Caesar. He's less a VP than president in waiting and Trump uses him as such.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 15, 2025 11:33 AM (ZOv7s)

I always heard that the first job of a good manager is to develop his replacements.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (QGaXH)

293 "Like borderlines and narcissists who get all borderliney and narcissisty on the first date."

At one point not long ago I would have payed decent money to a dating service that screened their customers.

It is really shocking (to me) how bizarre unattached women have become.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (QB+5g)

294 The "pre-colonial," (i.e. land acknowledgement,) movement is just that -- a movement -- shit. My wife and I took a cruise to Alaska a couple of years ago and had to sit through land acknowledgements during three shore excursions.

Trump should issue an EO bringing back the word "eskimo". The REEEEEEing would be fantastic.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:50 PM (QZThv)

295 Well, I feel stupid. SS, aka, Old-Age and *Survivors* Insurance is intended (partly) intended to provide benefits to the survivors of a worker who died with dependents.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at February 15, 2025 12:50 PM (KoRNW)

296 >>> 207 German Minister Whines About Vance's Speech, Says It Was "Not Acceptable"
==
Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (t0Rmr)

Boo fcking hoo.

You gonna do anything besides cry? Just wait until we leave NATO.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 12:51 PM (Vqx30)

297 "Right! I have to think Trump laughed for a good long time after learning that the seeds of the Deep State's destruction were planted by Barack Obama."

Inflation drove working people to turnout. Illegal Immigration too. Both caused by Obama pulling Biden's strings. He boiled the frog too quickly.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 12:51 PM (Gqoy+)

298 KT I am very happy that you are back yo posting!

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 15, 2025 12:52 PM (WIRXc)

299 Ask Zelensky where his billions are...
Posted by: Martini Farmer

The little tyrant is soon to shuffle off this mortal coil.
Posted by: Sock Monkey * scio te ipsum at February 15, 2025 12:46 PM (Rrux1)

*Sometime in the next few months*

SoS Rubio: I hope you understand, President Zelensky, we did all we could to secure as much territory to be returned to you as we could. Even though you will never be a member of Nato, I hope you know the United States will always have Ukraine's interests in mind when negotiating with President Putin and Russia.

Z-Man: I think you, Secretary Rubio, for your support and generosity. And with that, I am tired, and shall retire to my suite.

*Zelensky returns to his luxury suite, unlocks the door.*

A Shadowy figure emerges from the corner of the room: Vlad sends his regards.....

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:52 PM (Ot8Xr)

300 An idea that came up in a review of the Angelo paper/book was the rustication of government - moving all the government employees into small cities and towns. That would take away the attraction of those jobs for the smug "intellectual elites."

Posted by: Oglebay at February 15, 2025 12:52 PM (2ap+5)

301 Just read that JD Vance had a face-to-face meeting with the the leader of the AfD, Alice Weidel, during his visit to Germany.

Man, that was kept on the down-low.

Posted by: mrp at February 15, 2025 12:53 PM (rj6Yv)

302 Right! I have to think Trump laughed for a good long time after learning that the seeds of the Deep State's destruction were planted by Barack Obama.

Obama also set the precedent that lets Trump fire all these people, too.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 12:53 PM (2VST1)

303 We got NOTHING, zero, zip, nada, for any "party". It was all potluck by the attendees.
Posted by: Archimedes

There are parties.
You are just not invited.

Yeah, I wondered who all the hookers, pallets of champagne and blow on the loading dock were for.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:54 PM (xCA6C)

304 "rustication of government - moving all the government employees into small cities and towns. "

More Hallmark Channel stories!

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 12:55 PM (Gqoy+)

305 It is really shocking (to me) how bizarre unattached women have become.
Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (QB+5g)

I have a former colleague, with whom I am still in contact. I think I learned all her personality "quirks" when we were working together.

I'm not exactly courting her now, but I'm not NOT courting her. We'll see how it goes.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:55 PM (Ot8Xr)

306 >>> 214 197 Skip, generally you can use a basin wrench in lieu of a curb key for shutting off water (if it will reach). Saves calling the city.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at February 15, 2025 12:29 PM (gm9Sb)

Bidenflation doesn't seem to have affected these much (but maybe they used to cost a dollar?):
https://shorturl.at/OPW4P
https://shorturl.at/s32CF

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 12:55 PM (Vqx30)

307 I have a former colleague, with whom I am still in contact. I think I learned all her personality "quirks" when we were working together.

I'm not exactly courting her now, but I'm not NOT courting her. We'll see how it goes.

I recommend growing absurdly large feathers out of your ass.

Posted by: Peacock at February 15, 2025 12:56 PM (xCA6C)

308 I imagine the Cajun Navy could defeat them with no casualties while chugging Coors Lights.
Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:44 PM (QZThv)

New Zealand stands ready to support our fellow Commonwealth moochers in Canada. We are sending our best 2 ships and their fierce lesbean Fleet Admirals and crews to counter those machoistic wife beaters from Louisiana.

We're Fierce, We're Feminine And We're In Your Face!

Posted by: Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister and closeted homosexual at February 15, 2025 12:56 PM (R/m4+)

309 Well, I feel stupid. SS, aka, Old-Age and *Survivors* Insurance is intended (partly) intended to provide benefits to the survivors of a worker who died with dependents.

Posted by: JM

Yes, I (actually my minor sons) received benefits after my late wife passed.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 12:57 PM (WXNFJ)

310 Just read that JD Vance had a face-to-face meeting with the the leader of the AfD, Alice Weidel, during his visit to Germany.

Moreover, he did that after blowing off the current German leader, which further infuriated the elites.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 12:57 PM (QZThv)

311 I recommend growing absurdly large feathers out of your ass.
Posted by: Peacock at February 15, 2025 12:56 PM (xCA6C)

I tried that once.

It attracted the wrong... people.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:58 PM (Ot8Xr)

312 "German Minister Whines About Vance's Speech, Says It Was "Not Acceptable""

It always amused me how the upper level manages (elites) in Europe would react to an American telling him how he saw things.

You are not to question them. They can't handle that.

It would be so easy to upset their apple cart but the citizens don't have the mentality.

This is why the uppity imported workers always get their way. The Europe elite cannot handle it when someone rejects their ideas and says no.

Posted by: pawn at February 15, 2025 12:58 PM (QB+5g)

313 I recommend growing absurdly large feathers out of your ass.
Posted by: Peacock

A proven record of success

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 12:58 PM (2VST1)

314 I always heard that the first job of a good manager is to develop his replacements.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at February 15, 2025 12:49 PM (QGaXH)

The prime reason Kamala is leading in California polls is that Dems as a group have done absolutely zero work in developing viable replacements. The next tier below Kamala is Karen Bass.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 12:59 PM (wyMQY)

315 German Minister Whines About Vance's Speech, Says It Was "Not Acceptable"

It's a perfect 10/10 chef's kiss that their threat to Vance was that Europe would fund Ukraine themselves without us.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 01:00 PM (QZThv)

316 > Ask Zelensky where his billions are...

Zelensky now claims a bit more than half of them never arrived, which makes me suspect that's why Biden pardoned his entire family.
---------
It would be interesting if Zelensky rolled on the *bidens and the others who were grifting off the billions sent to Ukraine.

*I'm looking at you, Mz. Lindsey*

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 01:00 PM (Q4IgG)

317 *Zelensky returns to his luxury suite, unlocks the door.*

A Shadowy figure emerges from the corner of the room: Vlad sends his regards.....
Posted by: BurtTC

Vlad, what happened?
Ah, we had a problem. We tried to do everything we could. Whadda mean?
You know what I mean - he's gone. And we couldn't do nothing about it.
Wadda mean?
He's gone.

Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 01:00 PM (WXNFJ)

318 Trump 2 has done extensive prep work to shoot out of the starting blocks on Inauguration Day. No haphazard choices for departments heads, nobody (I hope).with just lukewarm support

Lawyers advised on the writing of EOs.

Just great preparation.

Posted by: JM in Illinois at February 15, 2025 01:00 PM (DmCto)

319 >>> 269 Money is fungible. If the "overhead grant" is constrained, use it to replace the heating boilers in Research Hall, and use alumni donations for the junket to Tahiti.
==
There weren't a lot of alumni donations to my lab.

[]i"Entertainment' for potential clients or the annual office party.

We got NOTHING, zero, zip, nada, for any "party". It was all potluck by the attendees.
Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 12:40 PM (xCA6C)

This tells me:
1) You are honest
2) You are *not* one of the "special" people

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:01 PM (Vqx30)

320 The prime reason Kamala is leading in California polls is that Dems as a group have done absolutely zero work in developing viable replacements. The next tier below Kamala is Karen Bass.

I'm not actually sure Kamala is above Karen Bass. Kamala just blew the right people to get to a higher position.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 01:02 PM (QZThv)

321 Just great preparation.

We now know what he spent the previous 4 years doing

The prime reason Kamala is leading in California polls is that Dems as a group have done absolutely zero work in developing viable replacements. The next tier below Kamala is Karen Bass.

Yeah, they have no bench. Obama trashed their entire system. He made the Democratic Party so toxic to normal, sane people that nobody worth electing wants to get anywhere near it.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:04 PM (2VST1)

322 The prime reason Kamala is leading in California polls is that Dems as a group have done absolutely zero work in developing viable replacements. The next tier below Kamala is Karen Bass.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 12:59 PM (wyMQY)

Kamala and a large mouth Bass walk into a bar…. Everyone laughs (that’s the punchline)

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at February 15, 2025 01:04 PM (6RwsA)

323 Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.

She ain't a looker.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (HWGxx)

One of Pat Summerall's kids.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 15, 2025 01:05 PM (/HDaX)

324 Vlad, what happened?
Ah, we had a problem. We tried to do everything we could. Whadda mean?
You know what I mean - he's gone. And we couldn't do nothing about it.
Wadda mean?
He's gone.
Posted by: Tonypete at February 15, 2025 01:00 PM (WXNFJ)

Vlad: Don't ask me about my business, Marco.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 01:06 PM (Ot8Xr)

325 I truly thought that 2020 was Trump's last chance and that he'd be too old in 2024.

I was obviously wrong. Trump 2024 is running circles around Trump 2016.

Thank the Lord.

Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at February 15, 2025 01:07 PM (Sf2cq)

326 I'm not actually sure Kamala is above Karen Bass. Kamala just blew the right people to get to a higher position.
Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 01:02 PM (QZThv)

I have had sex with both of them.

Posted by: Arnold Schlonganegger, California Sex Pest at February 15, 2025 01:07 PM (R/m4+)

327 New Zealand stands ready to support our fellow Commonwealth moochers in Canada. We are sending our best 2 ships and their fierce lesbean Fleet Admirals and crews to counter those machoistic wife beaters from Louisiana."

LOL - I remember that multi milion dollar research ship they sank while surveying a known reef a few months ago. If you look up the story it still says "cause unknown" but a few months back and I saw one quiet story that said they'd determined that the bridge crew forgot to turn off the autopilot when they came in close to the reef, so it kicked the engines on and charged straight into a shallow coral reef, tearing a huge hole in the hull. Oops.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:08 PM (wyMQY)

328 Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.

She ain't a looker.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 12:27 PM (HWGxx)

One of Pat Summerall's kids.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 15, 2025 01:05 PM (/HDaX)

Really? He could've used her as a tackling dummy.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 15, 2025 01:09 PM (ERjZP)

329 The prime reason Kamala is leading in California polls is that Dems as a group have done absolutely zero work in developing viable replacements. The next tier below Kamala is Karen Bass.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 12:59 PM (wyMQY)

What am I? Chopped liver?

Posted by: David Hogg at February 15, 2025 01:09 PM (b7msB)

330 I listened to Tucker's interview with Victor Orban. I like Orban, sensible man. Magyar !

Posted by: runner at February 15, 2025 01:09 PM (g47mK)

331 What am I? Chopped liver?
Posted by: David Hogg at February 15, 2025 01:09 PM (b7msB)

I'll bet Arnold Schlonganegger had sex with you, too.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:11 PM (wyMQY)

332 Probably a repeat - another Pete Hegseth workout, this time in the snow:
https://shorturl.at/OMeOG
NY Post

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:11 PM (Vqx30)

333 My wife and I took a cruise to Alaska a couple of years ago and had to sit through land acknowledgements during three shore excursions.

It's like the paleo diet purists who love to talk about the natural diet of people a thousand years age . . . people who had a life expectancy of twenty-five.
Posted by: Marooned at February 15, 2025 12:48 PM (kt8QE)

Ben Mankiewicz on TCM: "Blackface is bad, okay?" has entered the chat.

There's a fun TED talk about what the paleos would really have been eating- not what we're seeing in the produce section today.

Posted by: sal at February 15, 2025 01:12 PM (f+FmA)

334 321 Yeah, they have no bench. Obama trashed their entire system. He made the Democratic Party so toxic to normal, sane people that nobody worth electing wants to get anywhere near it.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

"Progressiveism" ran out of playing field on the left and is just screaming looney tunes at this point. They at least used to talk a moderate game, not that they ever played that way.

Posted by: Auspex at February 15, 2025 01:13 PM (j4U/Z)

335 This tells me:
1) You are honest
2) You are *not* one of the "special" people

Shhh, don't tell on me or they'll ban me from AOSHQ.

Posted by: Archimedes at February 15, 2025 01:14 PM (xCA6C)

336 Um, I need a ruling on this: Is this fallout from Vance's speech? I've never seen this vlogger do politics. What she reads is... mind boggling. It's a "You need to stop telling the truth" email from someone at a university.

https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 15, 2025 01:15 PM (pIfcn)

337 > Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.
-------
Ball breaker. She puts up with exactly zero shit. As the "gate keeper" she's responsible for who gets to see Trump (other than his staff, administration). Probably one of the most powerful members of the White House staff.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 15, 2025 01:15 PM (Q4IgG)

338 Archimedes is in danger of losing his & and "Get Out Of The Barrel Free" card

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:16 PM (2VST1)

339 What am I? Chopped liver?
Posted by: David Hogg

No, chopped liver is at least useful as pet food.

Posted by: mikeski at February 15, 2025 01:17 PM (DgGvY)

340 What she reads is... mind boggling. It's a "You need to stop telling the truth" email from someone at a university.

The Left's go-to is "you need to stop telling the truth" now. They know their ideas are too wacko to sell if people hear facts.

Posted by: Ian S. at February 15, 2025 01:18 PM (QZThv)

341 One of the better memes in today's Powerlineblog Week in Pictures:

https://tinyurl.com/SpareGun

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 15, 2025 01:20 PM (/HDaX)

342 Swedes and Finns about to go at it on the ice.

The chick singing the Suomi anthem was cute.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:20 PM (ufFY8)

343 No, chopped liver is at least useful as pet food.

"He dies and isn't discovered for a few days, I'm gonna learn to use a can opener"
--Hogg's Cat

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:21 PM (2VST1)

344 https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild

Thanks for posting this

Posted by: 18-1 at February 15, 2025 01:23 PM (t0Rmr)

345 suprise!
Ohio Democrats Propose Ridiculous “Conception Begins at Erection” Bill — Men Will Face Felony Charges and $10,000 Fines for Ejaculation Without Intent to Conceive, Unless LGBTQ

Posted by: I'm Gumby Damn It! at February 15, 2025 01:23 PM (w4nzS)

346 K.T., it's so good for us to have you back with us. Hope that you are doing well and getting better and better.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:24 PM (Ri+6K)

347
https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer
---------

WOW!

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at February 15, 2025 01:26 PM (XeU6L)

348 If they continue with their devolution, they'll want to attach a camera around my dick.

Posted by: humphreyrobot at February 15, 2025 01:27 PM (hfGW2)

349 It is great to see you back, K.T. I look forward to many more Saturday reads.

Posted by: GrenadierX at February 15, 2025 01:27 PM (M3pDV)

350 Susie Wiles WHchief of staff
Pat Summerall's daughter

Thus far appears to be doing a good job

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 15, 2025 01:28 PM (KXtU1)

351 Thanks, K.T.-
this is the sort of post that educates those of us who haven't had a lot of experience in "the real world".

Hope your recovery is swift and uncomplicated.

Posted by: sal at February 15, 2025 01:28 PM (f+FmA)

352 341 One of the better memes in today's Powerlineblog Week in Pictures:

https://tinyurl.com/SpareGun
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 15, 2025 01:20 PM (/HDaX)
Ha! I just now had second breakfast,looking for nuncheon.

Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 01:29 PM (jgmnb)

353 345
I posted that a couple of days ago.
My question is how would anyone know.
My other question is can we do this for #2s, farts, etc.?

Posted by: Ciampino - Your pronoun is FO/already at February 15, 2025 01:29 PM (KjLnc)

354 If they continue with their devolution, they'll want to attach a camera around my dick.

Lights to warn aircraft of a navigation hazard?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:29 PM (2VST1)

355 It's great to have you back, KT! I'm glad the health challenge didn't keep you down.

Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at February 15, 2025 01:29 PM (Sf2cq)

356 Suzie Wiles is 67. She's is not a fashion model. I'm guessing some of the older men in Trump's administration are not looking like male fashion models either. She's a tough woman according to Trump and seems to keep a lid on leaking. That is a good thing. You guys got the good lookers in Pam Bondi and perhaps Tulsi Gabbard. Hopefully they are very competent as well.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (lrxyH)

357 It's a "You need to stop telling the truth" email from someone at a university.

https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 15, 2025 01:15 PM (pIfcn)

TL

R: Do something useful? What about all our phony-baloney jobs?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (b7msB)

358 https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 15, 2025 01:15 PM (pIfcn)

She might be a wildcat in the sack.

Posted by: anchorbabe fashion cop at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (ufFY8)

359 What has surprised me about Trump's second term?
There have been no reports in the media about the prison ships that were supposed to transport Trump's enemies to the internment camps in Greenland. Too soon?

Posted by: Ries Gorthanes at February 15, 2025 01:31 PM (DGcDu)

360 We're gonna have 'sneaux' / 'sneaugh' again in Tennessee. Mama, make it stopppppppp ... !

Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 01:31 PM (ayRl+)

361 356 Suzie Wiles is 67. She's is not a fashion model. I'm guessing some of the older men in Trump's administration are not looking like male fashion models either. She's a tough woman according to Trump and seems to keep a lid on leaking. That is a good thing. You guys got the good lookers in Pam Bondi and perhaps Tulsi Gabbard. Hopefully they are very competent as well.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (lrxyH)
One of your better-looking 67 year old press secretaries.

Posted by: Eromero at February 15, 2025 01:32 PM (jgmnb)

362 Willow bait!

https://is.gd/UsbFQK
@GovRonDeathSantis
Property taxes are local, not state. So we’d need to do a constitutional amendment (requires 60% of voters to approve) to eliminate them (which I would support) or even to reform/lower them....

Florida: Lee County Commissioners Voted to Remove Fluoride from Water Supply
https://shorturl.at/oPppz
Need to Know News

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:32 PM (Vqx30)

363 You guys got the good lookers in Pam Bondi and perhaps Tulsi Gabbard. Hopefully they are very competent as well.

There are a few handsome fellows in there for you ladies to admire as well

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:32 PM (2VST1)

364 The camera is used to make an inmate/ citizen comply with all erection laws and codes .

Posted by: humphreyrobot at February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (hfGW2)

365 "David Samuels, seems to be closer to "classical liberal" than to "leftist" and he prefaces his interview with Codevilla with his own theory that the American Empire is falling apart."
--

We shall see. Will the felonious Democrats find a way to overcome majority America and ram Venezuela down our throats or will we be resourceful and aggressive enough to thwart them? We are off to a good start but the pudding's not yet n congealed.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (Ri+6K)

366 We're gonna have 'sneaux' / 'sneaugh' again in Tennessee.

Snow here two days ago, its still not all melted yet. Only got about in and a half or so.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:34 PM (2VST1)

367 Dirty Scandi goal, Swede persuasion.

1-0.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:34 PM (ufFY8)

368
Make Germany 1945 again.

Oh, I guess they did that to themselves.

Don't feel so bad about us blowing up Nord Stream now.

Posted by: Auspex at February 15, 2025 01:35 PM (j4U/Z)

369 We shall see. Will the felonious Democrats find a way to overcome majority America and ram Venezuela down our throats or will we be resourceful and aggressive enough to thwart them? We are off to a good start but the pudding's not yet n congealed.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (Ri+6K)

as the grift is shut off, all their power vaporizes.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:35 PM (wyMQY)

370 by: Christopher R Taylor at February 15, 2025 01:32 PM (2VST1)

Yes; J.D Vance and Pete Hegseth are handsome, IMO They're also not 67.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 15, 2025 01:35 PM (lrxyH)

371 "Think of the children."
---

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zT4Y-QNdto

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:35 PM (Ri+6K)

372 Noodles

Posted by: I'm Gumby Damn It! at February 15, 2025 01:36 PM (w4nzS)

373 She's a tough woman according to Trump and seems to keep a lid on leaking. That is a good thing. You guys got the good lookers in Pam Bondi and perhaps Tulsi Gabbard. Hopefully they are very competent as well.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (lrxyH)

She might be the best thing Trump has going for him right now his chiefs of staff in the first term were all disasters.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:37 PM (wyMQY)

374
She might be a wildcat in the sack.
Posted by: anchorbabe fashion cop at February 15, 2025 01:30 PM (ufFY

Ain't gonna lie. I got the same vibe. Usually it's just physics and other science stuff, but she's worked up on that one, as she should be. She's AGW conformist, but mostly data reliant and unconnected to anything right wing politically so a nice check on me being in an echo chamber. Been watching her vids for a while, this is out of Left field, literally.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 15, 2025 01:37 PM (pIfcn)

375 Filthy Scandi goal, ice-fucker (lol) Finn persuasion.

1-1

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:38 PM (ufFY8)

376
Yeah, joke bills hating men for having an erection and accidental discharge is what the Democrats need to become popular again.

Keep the Karens in charge.

Posted by: Auspex at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (j4U/Z)

377 February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (Ri+6K)

as the grift is shut off, all their power vaporizes.
Posted by: Tom Servo
---

Yes, but like a viscous, wild animal they will not stop. Being de-funded doesn't stop them it motivates them to take more aggressive steps.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (Ri+6K)

378 In hind-sight, the Democrats stealing the 2020 election (with GOP collusion) was a blessing. American citizens got to experience unbridled Commie schemes that were supposed to be great for the U.S., but resulted in misery, high inflation, and Thought Police.

Donald Trump had time to sort-out who was trustworthy and committed to defeating the Commies. Lots of people saw the injustice of these spurious law suits. Trump also was had time to learn that there were a bunch of politicians in the GOP that were part of the problem.

Everything came to a head after the failed assassination attempt at Butler, Penn. When he got back to his feet, Trump was bloody but undaunted. Here was a 78 year old man displaying a warrior's heart.

The difference between Trump 45 and Trump 47, was that, in his first term, Trump thought the solution to the nation's ills was material. Now in his second term, Trump knows that this is a spiritual conflict. (Interestingly, RFK Jr is also talking about spiritual health).

The difference is palpable: the demons are screaming in fear, now.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at February 15, 2025 01:40 PM (pJWtt)

379 Being de-funded doesn't stop them it motivates them to take more aggressive steps.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (Ri+6K)

Yup.
See how motivated you get when you forget to pay your internet bill and you get cut off, preventing you to be First!

Or if you employer delays your paycheck.

You get very, very motivated.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:42 PM (ufFY8)

380 356 Suzie Wiles is 67. She's is not a fashion model.
---

Tough, smart, cookie. Tasty

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:48 PM (Ri+6K)

381 >>> 379 Being de-funded doesn't stop them it motivates them to take more aggressive steps.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (Ri+6K)

Yup.
See how motivated you get when you forget to pay your internet bill and you get cut off, preventing you to be First!

Or if you employer delays your paycheck.

You get very, very motivated.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:42 PM (ufFY

When they start missing payments, who will pay for the pallets of bricks?

otoh, there are some vulnerabilities to modern society that evil asshoes would be happy to exploit.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at February 15, 2025 01:49 PM (Vqx30)

382 February 15, 2025 01:33 PM (Ri+6K)

as the grift is shut off, all their power vaporizes.
Posted by: Tom Servo
---

Yes, but like a viscous, wild animal they will not stop. Being de-funded doesn't stop them it motivates them to take more aggressive steps.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (Ri+6K)

So, all is lost? I swear, some of you guys drive me crazy. It's taken decades to get here, things aren't going to be perfect in 3 weeks.

Shutting off the money-flow from USAID has hurt the Commies badly. Instead of thousands of rent-a-mob mooks showing up with pre-printed signs, now a protest is a few dozen weirdos with handmade signage.

While I don't doubt that the Commies will make their counter-attacks, Normies are looking at the Democrat party differently, now. When you have Joe Rogan (a 2020 Bernie-Bro) mocking Bernie Sanders and Liawatha for taking millions from the pharmaceutical industry, and talking about the fraudulent spending by the Federal government, there has been a paradigm shift.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at February 15, 2025 01:50 PM (pJWtt)

383 Please to correct. "Administrative State" was coined by Prof. Dwight Waldo who wrote the book of the same title in 1948, not by Codevilla.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 15, 2025 01:51 PM (RIvkX)

384 Ha, Suze Wiles is Pat Summerall's kid.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:51 PM (ufFY8)

385 Yes, but like a viscous, wild animal they will not stop. Being de-funded doesn't stop them it motivates them to take more aggressive steps."

I know, typos, but I love trying to visualize a viscous animal.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:52 PM (wyMQY)

386 We're gonna have 'sneaux' / 'sneaugh' again in Tennessee. Mama, make it stopppppppp ... !
Posted by: Dr_No at February 15, 2025 01:31 PM (ayRl+)

Yeah, midweek is going to suck in East TN.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 15, 2025 01:54 PM (/HDaX)

387 "In hind-sight, the Democrats stealing the 2020 election (with GOP collusion) was a blessing. "

Yep. It may have cost us a couple of trillion dollars but it will be worth it if we keep on course.

Posted by: Ignoramus at February 15, 2025 01:54 PM (Gqoy+)

388 385
I know, typos, but I love trying to visualize a viscous animal.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:52 PM (wyMQY)
----
Yes I was smiling every time I saw that and imagined a sloth in molasses.

Posted by: Ciampino - snail trails at February 15, 2025 01:55 PM (KjLnc)

389 I know, typos, but I love trying to visualize a viscous animal.
Posted by: Tom Servo at February 15, 2025 01:52 PM (wyMQY)

A gummi python.

Speaking of, SSSSSS! will be on Svengoolie tonight.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:56 PM (ufFY8)

390 Suomi scores.

Finns 2, Swedes 1 first intermission.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 01:56 PM (ufFY8)

391 Trump 2.0 is the first on steroids and knowing what he’s up against thrown in.
I appreciate all come in with a solid game plan and take action seemingly right away.
Basically showing how especially the last 4 years media/ govt has been coasting and they are caught flat footed.
Love him once again talking directly to Americans making the lame msm irrelevant.
DOGE- knew things were bad but what they’ve uncovered is criminal.
The utter change of Musk is amazing and see my virtue signaling Tesla to Musk is more evil than Hitler by the lefties.

Posted by: Paisley at February 15, 2025 02:00 PM (5PlSC)

392 ...Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 01:39 PM (Ri+6K)

So, all is lost? I swear, some of you guys drive me crazy. It's taken decades to get here, things aren't going to be perfect in 3 weeks. ...
---

You take me out of context.

I ended the statement -
We are off to a good start but the pudding's not yet n congealed. -

And it's not. The team Trump has put together is masterful judgement of people and needs. He, himself is an excellent general judiciously and gracefully manning his staff. He staff is superlative, each in command of his responsibilities and such superior managers of subordinates that geniuses are volunteering to help.
All in all it's a miracle.

But we do have a horrendous adversary who is not done and having some of its tentacles cut off only motivates it to more radical action. They will not go quietly.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 02:04 PM (Ri+6K)

393 336 Um, I need a ruling on this: Is this fallout from Vance's speech? I've never seen this vlogger do politics. What she reads is... mind boggling. It's a "You need to stop telling the truth" email from someone at a university.

https://tinyurl.com/2bu4hd8s

This is completely wild
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 15, 2025 01:15 PM (pIfcn)

I know of her ...

That was brilliant !!!

Posted by: browndog barfs on the carpert at February 15, 2025 02:07 PM (TTAGa)

394 We’re early stage Trump Bocage Breakout.

Posted by: 13times at February 15, 2025 02:10 PM (XkL8w)

395 "Zelensky now claims a bit more than half of them never arrived"

I wonder if any money for Trans surgeries in Tibet ever arrived.

Or was 80% routed to the Cayman Islands?

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 15, 2025 02:12 PM (ZmEVT)

396 Powerline week in pictures was good

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 02:12 PM (fwDg9)

397 "I always heard that the first job of a good manager is to develop his replacements."

True. You cannot create a vacuum.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 15, 2025 02:13 PM (ZmEVT)

398 You take me out of context.

I ended the statement -
We are off to a good start but the pudding's not yet n congealed. -

...
All in all it's a miracle.

But we do have a horrendous adversary who is not done and having some of its tentacles cut off only motivates it to more radical action. They will not go quietly.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 02:04 PM (Ri+6K)

I missed your comment at 1:33PM.

The Commies aren't going to go away without a fight, but everything feels very different this go-around. I'm old enough to have lived during Ronald Reagan's time if office. Economically, things were rather difficult until 1984. But things turned around, and Reagan, St. Pope John Paul II, and Margaret Thatcher defeated the Soviet Union.

Lots of people missed the warning signs that the Commies changed tactics and buried themselves within the Federal agencies disbursing money. None of what we've experienced (at least since Obama) was organic. Now we know that the U.S. taxpayers were being fleeced by the Commies to pay for Commie schemes.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at February 15, 2025 02:14 PM (pJWtt)

399 The utter change of Musk is amazing and see my virtue signaling Tesla to Musk is more evil than Hitler by the lefties.
Posted by: Paisley at February 15

When did my dog start commenting here?

Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at February 15, 2025 02:15 PM (kTd/k)

400 Speaking of viscous enemies -

www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4b5Fvd-Gio

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 02:20 PM (Ri+6K)

401 I find that I am truly shocked by how much corruption and fraud DOGE has uncovered already. I mean the dollar amounts are mind boggling. I knew there was some amount of fraud, waste, and corruption but these numbers are staggering and the fact that this USAID agency is shoveling money to.... Who? Where is all that money really going? This is astonishing to me and, I think, millions of others who are just now finding out that these agencies even exist.

It's just unbelievable that this is happening.

Posted by: Madame Mayhem (uppity wench) at February 15, 2025 11:29 AM (4XwPj)

Agreed. People need to go to jail for this. At the very least.

Posted by: Chairborne!...Desk From Above! at February 15, 2025 02:20 PM (z4+bR)

402 Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at February 15, 2025 01:40 PM (pJWtt)

Great comment. Thanks.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 15, 2025 02:25 PM (guGkK)

403 Trump is not being pushed around this time and learned about staffing.

My main beefs with Trump last time were immediately losing focus on the wall and pivoting to tax cuts , crappy staffing , allowing Antifa and BLM to run wild as a political strategy , inside campaigning not to raise interest rates, pardoning the biggest employer of illegal aliens and allowing Fauci to take over the last year of his Presidency.
I don’t fault him for his SC picks as I don’t give credit or blame to Presidents for those picks except in rare cases.

This time he’s the honey badger who went to school and now is prepared to implement what he learned. I’m 100% happy with Trump and the direction of Trump 47.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 15, 2025 02:25 PM (VofaG)

404 Will some higher court, like the Supreme Court ever shut these busy bodies Judges down?

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 02:28 PM (fwDg9)

405 Zelensky now claims a bit more than half of them never arrived"

I wonder if any money for Trans surgeries in Tibet ever arrived.

Or was 80% routed to the Cayman Islands?
Posted by: no one of any consequence at February 15, 2025 02:12 PM (ZmEVT)

We need to ask the turtle.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at February 15, 2025 02:29 PM (g8Ew8)

406 I do think President Trump has picked people to wreck havoc on departments and will let them do what they need to do without a whole lot of oversight.

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 02:33 PM (fwDg9)

407 148 Walked two miles this morning.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan tweaking!

https://is.gd/8tnFWZ
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Covfefe Today, Covfefe Tomorrow, Covfefe Forever! at February 15, 2025 12:05 PM (L/fGl)

My late father was a baby boomer and from western NY state, and I imagine this was how it was for him during the winter time there. I've experience the lake effect snow and it is crazy.

Posted by: Farquad at February 15, 2025 02:36 PM (CFMhl)

408 LIBs are all Smiles because they know that the countdown continues and they will do everything to distract you from the clear, the Obvious and (their) INEVITABLE.

Hegseth as Pickle Rick and Tusli/Army of Darkness may yet foil the plans of the ctHARRIS/19.
Can the DC/Blackhawk get any more fishman'y?

Is there a wall high enough, an island remote enough to dissuade a people who have been lied to and cheated out of a future worth having.

Guess we are going to find out!

LIBs would rather have you curse in the Darkness, rather than light a Candle, lest you precipitate a cataclysm on a Galactic Scale for lighting one.

https://tinyurl.com/LIBs-CandleCataclysm

Remember who did this:
"to leave now we would send a message to terrorists and other potential adversaries around the world that they can change our policies by killing our people. It would be open season on Americans."
-- Bill Clinton '93 just before he pulled out of Somalia.

To abandon this area now -- and to rely only on efforts against alQaeda from a distance -- would significantly hamper our ability to keep the pressure on al Qaeda, and create an UNACCEPTABLE RISK

and IceKingJOE who enabled precisely that!

Posted by: MANFRED the Heat Seeking OBOE at February 15, 2025 02:40 PM (NZjjA)

409 Let's stop the Migration Pact

https://tinyurl.com/4bzwhnh9
---

Especially like the one of Merkel.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 02:46 PM (Ri+6K)

410 Good game.

Sweden 3, Finland 3

1 min left in the second.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 02:49 PM (ufFY8)

411 Sabine goes full valkyrie on scientific grifters
youtu.be/shFUDPqVmTg

Posted by: gKWVE at February 15, 2025 02:51 PM (gKWVE)

412 https://tinyurl.com/TULSI-ArmyOfONE
https://tinyurl.com/HEGSETH-PickelRICK

Posted by: MANFRED the Heat Seeking OBOE at February 15, 2025 02:58 PM (K3XYZ)

413 Strom still stupid. Belongs at Hot Gas.

Posted by: TimWalzWas at February 15, 2025 03:01 PM (njAFV)

414 Especially like the one of Merkel.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 02:46 PM (Ri+6K)

We should also announce that we have no intention of defending Europe against their migrants.

Posted by: Long night... darkness lifted. at February 15, 2025 03:11 PM (2NXcZ)

415 To those who think the Dems thought they had it in the bag and are thus unprepared: that's wrong.

The whole reason I decided to change my mind and vote for Trump was when the Secret Service and FBI tried to kill him. I knew then they were actually unsure of themselves and they were afraid of Trump, which I assumed they were not. So, I knew that there was a point to voting for him.

They are unprepared because they spent four years conspiring to lock him up, not beat him.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 15, 2025 03:27 PM (BI5O2)

416
We should also announce that we have no intention of defending Europe against their migrants.
Posted by: Long night...
---

Vance's speech was a wake up call.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 15, 2025 03:30 PM (Ri+6K)

417 PET NOOD IS UP

Posted by: Skip at February 15, 2025 03:33 PM (fwDg9)

418 Dirty Finns beat Sweden in OT, 4-3.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at February 15, 2025 03:53 PM (ufFY8)

419 Hail Trump.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at February 15, 2025 03:57 PM (ElmBx)

420 So, interesting case... Biden's DOJ made a deal to settle a lawsuit that basically said the President has no authority to either fire people, or take their funding....

A Judge is now saying Trump is bound by that Biden 'agreement'... even though it flat out contradicts the Presidents Authority under the Constitution...

So, can a President's authority be limited by a prior President through the courts? (Consumer Finance Protection Board, which has no oversite).

Posted by: Romeo13 at February 15, 2025 04:45 PM (QAkQ3)

421 We weren't really wrong about Trump; we assumed the republican party agreed with his - our - policies. His mere existence simply revealed the fallacy of the republican party and those that have run it since Ronaldus. They are no different than democrats in terms of ruling America and expanding our globalist empire; giving everything of ours away to others.

When NRO came out with their hit piece on Trump in 2016 I knew I was wrong about him.

Posted by: Danimal28 at February 16, 2025 10:30 AM (nT4HF)

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