View Full Version : Kavanaugh Supreme Court Nomination
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 11:41am
If Dr. Ford’s credibility isn’t impuned at some time during this testimony, then Kavanaugh is history.....very poor history. Rachael Mitchell may be sympathizing or empathizing with Dr. Ford. She’s taking her time laying the groundwork but will she get to questioning designed to undermine Dr. Ford’s credibility?
A lot of people are searching their past for skeletons. I don’t know if Kavanaugh can rehabilitate himself on his own, and I don’t think any politicians are willing to fall on the sword for him. Trump is probably already selecting his next nominee. Very interesting history being made today.
Teacher Terry
9-27-18, 11:57am
Dr. Ford passed a lie detector test and that little weasel will not take one and he lies. Today will be the end of him.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 12:20pm
Dr. Ford passed a lie detector test and that little weasel will not take one and he lies. Today will be the end of him.
The polygraph results are now entered on the record. This will be powerful evidence that is commonly not permitted in court proceedings but is often taken into consideration by prosecutors and defense attorneys. My experience generally is that victims of sexual assault who are not totally credible are usually not willing to submit to a polygraph. Those who are ..... will insist on a polygraph. The republicans are looking foolish thus far.
Im not particularly impressed with the performance thus far of Rachael Mitchell. But she is used to cross examining hostile witnesses and direct examination of victims. She’s is out of her comfort zone.
gimmethesimplelife
9-27-18, 12:55pm
Dr. Ford passed a lie detector test and that little weasel will not take one and he lies. Today will be the end of him.TT, Thank You for posting this....we've had some drama at the Convention Center and I have not been able to keep up with Kavanaugh like I'd like to.....honestly, I'm there to insure production and not keep up with Kavanaugh. But I'm glad I was able to break away for a few minutes and read your post......I feel better now about how Kavanaugh is being treated given that Ford passed a lie detector test. This solves some issues/answers some questions for me and I side with the accusers now based on this.
Interesting day today is going to be politically, no? My guess is that Kavanaugh is toast...…...I wonder how much he will make with his ghost-written book sure to soon be coming and sure to be a hit with aggrieved Conservatives? Rob
Teacher Terry
9-27-18, 1:00pm
Rob, not watching the hearings but am hoping for the best.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 1:08pm
I don’t know what the agreements are but if I were the Democrats, I’d ensure Dr. Ford is seated where Judge Kavanaugh can see her when he enters the hearing room. And where the media can get their cameras on her because she will have a look of disgust that will be worth as much as her testimony.
I don’t know what the agreements are but if I were the Democrats, I’d ensure Dr. Ford is seated where Judge Kavanaugh can see her when he enters the hearing room. And where the media can get their cameras on her because she will have a look of disgust that will be worth as much as her testimony.One of her requirements for testifying is that they not be in the same room at the same time.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 1:36pm
Kavanaughs demeanor in previous hearings has been aloof, reserved and very attorney-like, referring to prior court decisions...etc. He is going to have to act like he is the victim and become offended by the accusations...to the point of showing some emotion or he will risk looking like he could have done what she accuses him of. I’m not sure a judge is very good at this. They have a lot of ground to make up and Mitchell better start scoring points of inconsistency or outright deception soon.
Bottom line is ....should he be denied appointment based on her accusations? The FBI background investigation denial by Grassley is not helping. Certainly, Mark Judge could be an interesting interview.
Oh yeah, Coca Cola must be elated for all the free advertising.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 2:16pm
Well, the Republican Titanic is sinking fast. Kavanaughs fate is in his own hands. Grassely sounds like the Chairman of the hearings that occurred during the movie “The Godfather”. It’s uncanny.
This could have been averted if Trump hadn't been hell-bent on picking a judge who was on record believing a president is above the law. As usual, its all about him.
There were plenty of conservative jurists to choose from--probably even a few with solid character references. :devil:
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 2:42pm
Trump could shock everyone.....come out and say he finds Dr. Ford credible and just withdraw his nomination. There are plenty of worthy candidates on his list. I wasn’t sure Kavanaugh was the best choice in the first place given his ties to the Bush dynasty and the Clinton debacle. And....Im not so sure this isn’t payback for his work way back when to embarrass Bill Clinton. Imagine Bill’s glee when he found out Dr. Ford’s story. “What goes around...comes around Brett.”
gimmethesimplelife
9-27-18, 3:44pm
Well, the Republican Titanic is sinking fast. Kavanaughs fate is in his own hands. Grassely sounds like the Chairman of the hearings that occurred during the movie “The Godfather”. It’s uncanny.About your first sentence here - I sure hope so!!! Rob
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 3:54pm
Kavanaugh is doing a good job at detailed denials, justified anger and corroborative testimony but his emotions are getting the best of him and his attacks on the Democrats are signaling that he expects his confirmation to fail. He might not make it simply because he seems like he’s having a nervous breakdown.
Saw a bit of the hearings during my lunch hour--consensus seems to be that Ford was very sympathetic and credible, and the Repubs' designated female didn't succeed in landing any punches.
Interesting to see what happens now--will they still try to ram the appointment through? Looks like the political price for doing so just went way up. On the other hand, the stakes are high for the GOP. Kav is the culmination of a decades-long strategy to cement the court for the right. And if they pull him now their base will be furious.
One thing that really stands out here is how inept K was in handling this. He really painted himself into a corner with his categorical denials. He's testifying right now, and he's really going to have to pull a rabbit out to salvage this mess. I don't think he's up to the job.
gimmethesimplelife
9-27-18, 4:08pm
I just came back from a quick trip around the corner to CVS for a few basic office supplies. On my way over there in the late September heat I ran across a young woman, kind of hippy-looking, with a sign that said Kavanaugh is bad for children and flowers and all living things.
OK, even as a liberal I think this sign was a little over the top - the issues at hand are the sexual allegations regarding Mr. Kavanaugh's behaviors some years ago. Such issues involve women and not flowers or children...…...the sign was a little over the top but still, it was nice to see someone out and about protesting in a calm way and individually, too - this young woman seemed to be alone. And she was getting some comments of approval from passers by.
Just an interesting thing to run across in downtown Phoenix - not the most radical or progressive of places. Rob
Could we have the last election annulled? And Merrick Garland installed?
This sh*t show has gone on entirely too long.
I'm getting emails from friends: "OMG He's crying and stating that he loves beer! It's a SNL skit that wrote itself!" I'm not watching.
He'll probably get confirmed.
gimmethesimplelife
9-27-18, 4:27pm
Could we have the last election annulled? And Merrick Garland installed?
This sh*t show has gone on entirely too long.
I'm getting emails from friends: "OMG He's crying and stating that he loves beer! It's a SNL skit that wrote itself!" I'm not watching.
He'll probably get confirmed.If he's confirmed there will be a lot of dissent, a lot of anger, protests like the 60's (count me in!!!!) - are these issues the GOP cares to deal with this close to the 2018 elections? Timing in and of itself may cement Kavanaugh's status as has-been toast (though wealthy has-been toast that will never have to lift a finger in his life if he doesn't want to and he has the ability to live this way without the requirement of fleeing to a lower cost of living country)…...as for his future, I have two words - book deal. And maybe some kind of talk show - not sure what medium would suit him best, maybe radio?
His likely upcoming status as has-been toast will probably be humiliating, true, but it's not like he has to live in fear of a sinking country in decline like most people do. Rob
... Timing in and of itself may cement Kavanaugh's status as has-been toast (though wealthy has-been toast that will never have to lift a finger in his life if he doesn't want to and he has the ability to live this way without the requirement of fleeing to a lower cost of living country)…...as for his future, I have two words - book deal. And maybe some kind of talk show - not sure what medium would suit him best, maybe radio? ...
Fox will hire him.
Teacher Terry
9-27-18, 4:52pm
Just turned it on and Lindsey graham is going off on the crazy train. K is resisting a FBI investigation. K is sniffing and making lots of weird faces. Pure comedy
gimmethesimplelife
9-27-18, 4:57pm
Fox will hire him.Yep, I'm thinking you are right Jane. Fox probably would hire him. Rob
It's funny to see how different people see things. The Republicans are allowing a non-political questioner to establish facts and the Democrats are politicking. Lindsey Graham essentially says "You guys want to politic? I'll politic with you" and you guys call it a crazy train.
I think civilized discourse is a lost art and can't believe people approve.
Teacher Terry
9-27-18, 5:22pm
K is evading and not answering questions over and over again. Totally ridiculous!
It seems fairly obvious that he’s afraid that any further investigation by the fbi will not be favorable to him. That’s the only logical explanation since it would otherwise seem perfectly normal for a judge to want all of the relevant facts that are available before making a decision. The fact that he adamantly refuses to request for an investigation to try and clear his name speaks volumes. But apparently getting on the court with a dark cloud over his head is perfectly fine with him.
iris lilies
9-27-18, 6:18pm
Could we have the last election annulled? And Merrick Garland installed?
This sh*t show has gone on entirely too long.
I'm getting emails from friends: "OMG He's crying and stating that he loves beer! It's a SNL skit that wrote itself!" I'm not watching.
He'll probably get confirmed.
I am waiting for the memes and SNL skits about keeping your calenadars and diaries from when you were a teenager.
iris lilies
9-27-18, 6:20pm
It seems fairly obvious that he’s afraid that any further investigation by the fbi will not be favorable to him. That’s the only logical explanation since it would otherwise seem perfectly normal for a judge to want all of the relevant facts that are available before making a decision. The fact that he adamantly refuses to request for an investigation to try and clear his name speaks volumes. But apparently getting on the court with a dark cloud over his head is perfectly fine with him.
No, not at all.
And
I found that question i credibly stupid.
It is exactly as he stated: he is in front of questioners, let them question him. Get on with it. Move the process forward for fks sake.
I am waiting for the memes and SNL skits about keeping your calenadars and diarys feom when you were a teenager.I wasn't expecting him to be able to document his daily activities during that time. Very impressive!
Move the process forward for fks sake.
Is that what you were saying when garland was the nominee?
I wasn't expecting him to be able to document his daily activities during that time. Very impressive!
You’re easily impressed. I personally didnt find it at all relevant that his calendar didnt have ‘rapey kegger party at judge’s house’ on it.
I am waiting for the memes and SNL skits about keeping your calenadars and diaries from when you were a teenager.
In all fairness, high school is the high point of some people's lives--seems only fitting they'd keep mementos. vhttp://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/happy/rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/)
You’re easily impressed. I personally didnt find it at all relevant that his calendar didnt have ‘rapey kegger party at judge’s house’ on it.So I guess it's irrelevant that he documented every event, every gathering and every contact during the period in question and there is no mention of being where he supposedly was. Call me naïve but I remain impressed.
Somebody should carbon-date that calendar. Are the pages yellowing? :~)
What teenager puts rapey party at judge’s house on their calendar? That would seem like a great way to get in trouble with one’s parents.
David Brock, former Republican hit man who wrote about Anita Hill, had this to say about Kavanaugh:
"I used to know Brett Kavanaugh pretty well. And, when I think of Brett now, in the midst of his hearings for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, all I can think of is the old "Aesop's Fables" adage: "A man is known by the company he keeps."
And that's why I want to tell any senator who cares about our democracy: Vote no."
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/i-knew-brett-kavanaugh-during-his-years-republican-operative-don-ncna907391
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 8:10pm
At 51 Republicans vs 49 Democrats.....Murkowski(R) and Collins(R) are pivotal. Both must be swayed to vote No. Because Mike Pence is poised to cast the tiebreaker. I’m not sure about Flake(R). He’s a wildcard who could stick it to Trump. There seem to be more things that could go wrong for the nominee than right.
I dont think one needs to even declare who they believe. After this hearing and after what Kavanaugh said publicly about the Conspiracy to ruin him, going all the way back to the Clintons .....and his inability to maintain his composure under pressure.....it could be argued that he would have an impossible time being a neutral independent thinker after being crucified in such a manner.
I have to give him credit for not folding his his chair and disappearing. All this stress on him and his family will certainly play havoc with their health.
Not to minimize what happened to Dr. ford. She got sold out for political purposes at the cost of her family too. It really shows you just how valuable these politicians think their jobs are. They will do anything to preserve them.
And all to save Trump's bacon.
You would think some of the senators who are bailing out this year could do a sac search and maybe find a pair...
And all to save Trump's bacon.
You would think some of the senators who are bailing out this year could do a sac search and maybe find a pair...I hope you're right, it's gonna take a set of brass balls to vote yes in this environment.
My coworker turned on her radio to hear the traffic report, but it was all Kavanaugh hearings. I said, "How can he remember what happened if he was that drunk?" She agreed.
Right wing nut on the other side of the office, working in another department, hears the radio, rushes over, and starts telling my coworker, "He didn't do it. He wasn't even at the party." Like how the hell would the busybody know? She didn't live in Maryland or go to the prep school parties there. "The Democrats are just paying these women to make up stories." Though no explanation of why this didn't happen with Trump's first, confirmed Supreme Court nominee.
I hate people who think they know everything and butt into others' conversations. When she came over I sat down and tried to focus on my work, and was thinking, this is a pretty large company. There must be several sexual assault victims working here. What must they think about Ms. Rightwinger loudly defending someone accused of a crime like this and impugning the integrity of the victim?
These loudmouths and not the tasks I have to do are what make my job difficult.
I am still reading Not That Bad and it explains that, as in this case in my workplace, women are often among the first to attack or blame victims. It didn't happen or if it did it's their own fault they were drinking, were dressed a certain way, etc. This is a defensive mechanism. If I am not like those women then this bad thing can't happen to me. I can feel safe. But really none of us is safe.
I didn't watch the hearings. Does anyone know if Kavanaugh was asked anything along the lines of, would you want your daughter in a few years to be at the sorts of parties you went to as a teen? Why or why not?
Though no explanation of why this didn't happen with Trump's first, confirmed Supreme Court nominee.
Two words: "Swing Vote". The holder of that title may be the most important member of the court.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 9:07pm
I got to hand it to the Senate, lots of good entertainment today. Lindsey Graham was perhaps my Best Leading Actor award winner. His righteous indignation was almost believable. He was easily the Republicans MVP. When he saw Kavanaugh going down in flames to Durbins continual challenge to turn and request an FBI inquiry of the chief counsel because after all “Judge, you would like to see the best evidence, right?” Kavanaugh finally just sat dumbfounded because he couldn’t ask for that.....you could have heard Trump scream from the Oval Office if he did.......and Graham bailed him out like a good prosecutor should when their star witness is spiraling toward the ground in a death spin.
It seemed almost too bad for Kavanaugh that he knew all the people allegedly involved, partied with them, had gobs and gobs of female friends but never touched one of them but did like to drink quite a bit as a teen and said some Animal House stuff in his high school graduation book. All unhappy coincidences. He might not be done, but there are plenty of people sticking their forks in him. He needed to keep his composure better. Asking female Senators repeatedly if they ever drank until they passed out? That was bad optics. As was his anger and outrage. And he wasn’t even intoxicated today. I thought one of the Senators was going to say, “Judge, you look like you need a drink!”
Teacher Terry
9-27-18, 9:10pm
I don’t get why corker and flake who are retiring don’t grow a set? Maybe trump has something on them. It is painful to watch K. I don’t think trump gave much thought to his selection except to get a yes man. Obama on the other hand made thoughtful choices. Every time I hear Obama speak and then trump I want to cry. Heck bush is looking great at this point.?
This was excruciating to watch, for various reasons. But as Chuck Todd said throughout it, these are "irreconcilable differences". Nobody is going to budge.
I wish they could force Kavanaugh to take a lie detector test. It's all very bizarre. What is reality? What is the truth? We might never know. I felt bad for both of them. But it did bother me when Kavanaugh got rude with the questioner.........i.e. "Do You like beer??!", etc. And how he sometimes would skirt around the question, and never really answer it. I am getting pretty ashamed of our country. It seems to be coming apart at the seems.
I hope you're right, it's gonna take a set of brass balls to vote yes in this environment.
From your lips to the universe...:D
flowerseverywhere
9-27-18, 9:29pm
I thought the whole hearing was a sham.
Dr. ford was treated like she was a mental patient on trial.
Feinstein got her letter and somehow the press found out Ford was the mysterious accuser? And Feinstein recommended a lawyer who was working pro bono?
kavanaugh behaved very badly by challenging the woman who asked if he drank to blackout by asker her back and not answering the question.
kavanaugh was very disrespectful to Corey Booker, and wanted to rant on how how wonderful he was, top of his class, beyond reproach golden boy.
lyndsay Graham was awful. Probably auditioning for a top spot in the reality show run by the occupant of the Oval Office.
The explanation of the Renate Alumni was so obviously false. You were bragging you all had sex with her. Did you think we all have been living in a cave all these years.
And Avenitti showing up making dramatic claims at the midnight hour?
what a circus. And all these clowns are making decisions that affect all of us and will for years. Taxes, health care, LBGT rights, women’s access to birth control and abortion, the non stop wars we send our money, young men and women into, and environmental decisions that could have disasterous effects on the millions living near the coasts, and pollution.
I am am disgusted with the lot of them.
In in the meantime while we are all distracted South Carolina and North Carolina are having disasterous flooding and it’s aftermath
Tariffs are taking effect which will have some clear winners and some clear losers. My bets are on the middle class on down being losers
North Korea, Russia, the Middle East as a whole are boiling cauldrons.
People are being killed by guns every day, the only developed country in the world to experience this phenominon
and the drug crisis is raging.
We have gone terribly wrong and somehow somehow need to figure out how to get on the right path. Or at least a better one.
For me one of the more convincing parts (of many convincing parts) of Dr. Blasey Ford's testimony was where she talked about wanting two front doors to her home. Only someone with a serious fear of being trapped would even think about doing that. I certainly haven't.
Williamsmith
9-27-18, 10:12pm
I thought the whole hearing was a sham.
Dr. ford was treated like she was a mental patient on trial.
Feinstein got her letter and somehow the press found out Ford was the mysterious accuser? And Feinstein recommended a lawyer who was working pro bono?
kavanaugh behaved very badly by challenging the woman who asked if he drank to blackout by asker her back and not answering the question.
kavanaugh was very disrespectful to Corey Booker, and wanted to rant on how how wonderful he was, top of his class, beyond reproach golden boy.
lyndsay Graham was awful. Probably auditioning for a top spot in the reality show run by the occupant of the Oval Office.
The explanation of the Renate Alumni was so obviously false. You were bragging you all had sex with her. Did you think we all have been living in a cave all these years.
And Avenitti showing up making dramatic claims at the midnight hour?
what a circus. And all these clowns are making decisions that affect all of us and will for years. Taxes, health care, LBGT rights, women’s access to birth control and abortion, the non stop wars we send our money, young men and women into, and environmental decisions that could have disasterous effects on the millions living near the coasts, and pollution.
I am am disgusted with the lot of them.
In in the meantime while we are all distracted South Carolina and North Carolina are having disasterous flooding and it’s aftermath
Tariffs are taking effect which will have some clear winners and some clear losers. My bets are on the middle class on down being losers
North Korea, Russia, the Middle East as a whole are boiling cauldrons.
People are being killed by guns every day, the only developed country in the world to experience this phenominon
and the drug crisis is raging.
We have gone terribly wrong and somehow somehow need to figure out how to get on the right path. Or at least a better one.
One of your best comments yet. I could tell it was heartfelt and flowed easily from your thoughts. It is good that we can be ashamed of things so that we can have the courage to change them. There is peace after turmoil.
And Dr Ford's self expert witness testimony about how the brain works in a traumatic event stuck me as very true. I've, thankfully, never been a victim of sexual assault, but like most people I've experienced traumatic events. Probably the worst event I've lived through was a very serious car accident when I was 13 or 14. Serious enough that my childhood best friend's grandmother was in the hospital for a couple of months after. As Ford testified happens, I can still remember quite clearly the 20 seconds or so that we hurtled towards a house, up to the moment after we smashed into it when I turned the key to shut off the still running engine of the car and crawled out the window. I have no recollection of the trip up to that point, nor do I remember the ambulance ride to the hospital. I have vague memories of being picked up at the hospital and driven home by my parents, but several hours of that day are just gone.
flowerseverywhere
9-27-18, 10:37pm
For me one of the more convincing parts (of many convincing parts) of Dr. Blasey Ford's testimony was where she talked about wanting two front doors to her home. Only someone with a serious fear of being trapped would even think about doing that. I certainly haven't.
the online conspiracy theorists say it is so they could rent out the house for Airbnb and have a separate entrance.
Kavanaugh came off to me, myself an elite prep-school and Ivy League grad, as one of those entitled whiny square-headed privileged Masters Of The Universe, caught unprepared. Ford however seemed reasonably credible.
This is a lifetime appointment to the highest court in our land.
Let history be our guide.
Plutarch, The Life of Julius Caesar, 9, roughly:
"Caesar divorced Pompeia at once, but when summoned to testify at trial, said he knew nothing about the matters of which Clodius was charged. His statement seemed odd, and the prosecutor asked, "Why, then, did divorce your wife?" "Because," said Caesar, "I thought my wife ought not even to be under suspicion."
And, just a few years ago I was a Republican convention delegate...
the online conspiracy theorists say it is so they could rent out the house for Airbnb and have a separate entrance.
Sad. Not surprising considering that their leader is a major conspiracy theorist, but still sad.
Williamsmith
9-28-18, 3:32am
Kavanaugh came off to me, myself an elite prep-school and Ivy League grad, as one of those entitled whiny square-headed privileged Masters Of The Universe, caught unprepared. Ford however seemed reasonably credible.
This is a lifetime appointment to the highest court in our land.
Let history be our guide.
Plutarch, The Life of Julius Caesar, 9, roughly:
"Caesar divorced Pompeia at once, but when summoned to testify at trial, said he knew nothing about the matters of which Clodius was charged. His statement seemed odd, and the prosecutor asked, "Why, then, did divorce your wife?" "Because," said Caesar, "I thought my wife ought not even to be under suspicion."
And, just a few years ago I was a Republican convention delegate...
Sadly, I don’t think this country has made much progress in the last fifty years. This is the best we can do?
https://youtu.be/St6jyEFe5WM
Ultralight
9-28-18, 5:39am
The Repubs have the muscle to give him the gavel. And knowing that this is their big chance to take away one of women's most fundamental rights and push their religious/political agenda they will not let this opportunity pass by.
Though I am glad in a way that the Dems are playing even a little bit of hard ball. You can tell from their performance that hard ball is new to them. haha
It struck me this morning that this examination and process is exposing and challenging world thought about the challenge of of the belief of the power of patriarchy. The world is watching and consciousness raising is going on. Will this one event change things? No, but it is raising needed awareness.
Ultralight
9-28-18, 7:39am
It struck me this morning that this examination and process is exposing and challenging world thought about the challenge of of the belief of the power of patriarchy. The world is watching and consciousness raising is going on. Will this one event change things? No, but it is raising needed awareness.
Patriarchy? What do you mean?
Williamsmith
9-28-18, 7:44am
Well, looking past this fiasco, let’s say he gets confirmed and appointed. The Democrats aren’t going away. They have a plan for impeachment which will drag Kavanaugh through the mud over and over. The FBI has a few people still there that despise Trump and they would be quite willing to dig up dirt on Kavanaugh and discreetly forward the information. I just see Kavanaughs appointment as toxic to the country from this point forward for an extremely long tedious time.
A huge distraction for the President, the Congress and us poor taxpayers.
Williamsmith
9-28-18, 7:46am
Patriarchy? What do you mean?
Does she mean the marginalization of women?
The histrionics were impressive on both sides, although as a forensic exercise it left something to be desired. I would have thought no minds were changed anywhere in the country, but I read the betting markets shifted slightly in favor of the judge afterward. There seems to have been some benefit to be seen resisting the Resistance.
High school yearbooks, the Doctor's uncertain relationship with aviation, and the various other factoids presented seemed less important than the production of raw emotion. Our politics have taken on the attributes of daytime TV: soap operas, game shows and endless, witless talk.
Ultralight
9-28-18, 7:50am
Well, looking past this fiasco, let’s say he gets confirmed and appointed. The Democrats aren’t going away. They have a plan for impeachment which will drag Kavanaugh through the mud over and over. The FBI has a few people still there that despise Trump and they would be quite willing to dig up dirt on Kavanaugh and discreetly forward the information. I just see Kavanaughs appointment as toxic to the country from this point forward for an extremely long tedious time.
A huge distraction for the President, the Congress and us poor taxpayers.
LMAO!
Watching K's performance yesterday was the first time I've seen him speak at any length since this circus started. A lot of people have been commenting on his sputtering anger, some as evidence of the mentality of a privileged white male who has been crossed, and others as evidence of righteous indignation.
But the word that kept occurring to me was "unimpressive." This is a Supreme Court nominee, already a federal appeals court judge, for heaven's sake, supposedly the cream of the American judicial system, and this is the best he has to offer? Snarling, red-faced, sarcastic, interrupting, often at a loss for words, barely contained rage? This is a judicial temperament? Yeesh.
I couldn't help but reflect back to a couple of years ago when the HOR, conducting its 117th investigation into Hilary Clinton's whatever, grilled her for 11 hours, trying to get her to utter something unwise they could use in an attack ad, and she never turned a hair. She could give K lessons in manliness.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 8:28am
Today is Friday - is today the vote? Of whether or not he makes the cut and gets into the Supreme Court for life? All I know is that if he DOES get in, there will be protests. Many protests and big protests and full of anger protests. And I also very strongly believe that the GOP has shot itself in the foot as I believe there will be consequences in the mid term elections for their refusal to take woman's rights seriously. Rob
Watching K's performance yesterday was the first time I've seen him speak at any length since this circus started. A lot of people have been commenting on his sputtering anger, some as evidence of the mentality of a privileged white male who has been crossed, and others as evidence of righteous indignation.
But the word that kept occurring to me was "unimpressive." This is a Supreme Court nominee, already a federal appeals court judge, for heaven's sake, supposedly the cream of the American judicial system, and this is the best he has to offer? Snarling, red-faced, sarcastic, interrupting, often at a loss for words, barely contained rage? This is a judicial temperament? Yeesh.
I couldn't help but reflect back to a couple of years ago when the HOR, conducting its 117th investigation into Hilary Clinton's whatever, grilled her for 11 hours, trying to get her to utter something unwise they could use in an attack ad, and she never turned a hair. She could give K lessons in manliness.
Shouldn’t provable facts matter more than how someone performs on television? Is an emotional accusation evidence enough?
Personally, I thought reacting angrily to a personal attack seemed appropriate under the circumstances. Had he adopted a more passive stance his enemies would have spun it as evidence of his guilt anyway.
...
And, just a few years ago I was a Republican convention delegate...
There are countless defectors from the Republican party as it stands now--seemingly more every day. Many of them prominent. I believe these people can rebuild, but a tremendous amount of damage has been done at the hands of the Tea Party and Trump.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 9:42am
Today I'm proud to be from Arizona! I understand right now the Judiciary Committee is voting and the only unknown vote is from Jeff Flake of Arizona, who is retiring anyway and is a very well known Trump dissenter. This could get interesting and if Flake does vote no - he puts Arizona on the map to some degree for Human Rights - something I very applaud after SB 1070 regarding police rights to question Hispanics regarding citizenship and after the length Arpaio Nightmare Of Illegal And Unconstitutional Behavior.
At any rate, crossing fingers here for a No vote from Jeff Flake........Rob
Watching K's performance yesterday was the first time I've seen him speak at any length since this circus started. A lot of people have been commenting on his sputtering anger, some as evidence of the mentality of a privileged white male who has been crossed, and others as evidence of righteous indignation.
But the word that kept occurring to me was "unimpressive." This is a Supreme Court nominee, already a federal appeals court judge, for heaven's sake, supposedly the cream of the American judicial system, and this is the best he has to offer? Snarling, red-faced, sarcastic, interrupting, often at a loss for words, barely contained rage? This is a judicial temperament? Yeesh.
I couldn't help but reflect back to a couple of years ago when the HOR, conducting its 117th investigation into Hilary Clinton's whatever, grilled her for 11 hours, trying to get her to utter something unwise they could use in an attack ad, and she never turned a hair. She could give K lessons in manliness.
agree 100%..........
Today I'm proud to be from Arizona! I understand right now the Judiciary Committee is voting and the only unknown vote is from Jeff Flake of Arizona, who is retiring anyway and is a very well known Trump dissenter. This could get interesting and if Flake does vote no - he puts Arizona on the map to some degree for Human Rights - something I very applaud after SB 1070 regarding police rights to question Hispanics regarding citizenship and after the length Arpaio Nightmare Of Illegal And Unconstitutional Behavior.
At any rate, crossing fingers here for a No vote from Jeff Flake........Rob
CNN is reporting Flake will vote to confirm.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 9:52am
CNN is reporting Flake will vote to confirm.Let the protesting begin then! Rob
Let the protesting begin then! Rob
Whether you believe a vicious smear campaign is being thwarted or the patriarchy has yet again marginalized women, a confirmation will probably lead to that. Or at least more of that for awhile. Will the GOP be buried under a mountain of vengeful women’s votes? Will the stubborn Trumpian base be confirmed in it’s belief that elites will resort to any expedient to destroy him? I think we can expect even more political pageantry in the future.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 10:42am
Whether you believe a vicious smear campaign is being thwarted or the patriarchy has yet again marginalized women, a confirmation will probably lead to that. Or at least more of that for awhile. Will the GOP be buried under a mountain of vengeful women’s votes? Will the stubborn Trumpian base be confirmed in it’s belief that elites will resort to any expedient to destroy him? I think we can expect even more political pageantry in the future.I believe your last sentence is dead on, and it's sad as problems that are getting worse with each passing day - access to health care, the national debt, homelessness, bullying, the destruction of the middle class, the huge reduction in the quality of life most Americans endure so that the bulk of the money can funnel it's way up to the top - none of these issues will be addressed. In a way, you could say taxation without representation - though I do believe the Kavanaugh spectacle is also important - in terms of male/female relations in this country, yet another area sinking overall. Rob
Shouldn’t provable facts matter more than how someone performs on television? Is an emotional accusation evidence enough?
Personally, I thought reacting angrily to a personal attack seemed appropriate under the circumstances. Had he adopted a more passive stance his enemies would have spun it as evidence of his guilt anyway.
If he'd been a woman there's no doubt that he would have been characterized as being "overly emotional" and "lacking the gravitas befitting a supreme court nominee".
But neither here nor there, scattered in among his outbursts were plenty of indicators ("what goes around comes around" was one such outburst) that cause me to have serious doubts that he will have any sort of open mind to the cases that will come before him. He'll be just a partisan hack and use whatever legal jiggery pokery he needs to get the job done for team red.
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 11:32am
Rob, they are voting at 1:30 eastern time. It is unconscionable that a FBI investigation is not being done before voting. This is always the case when accusations are made. K doesn’t want this to happen because he is guilty. This whole thing is a sham. I think the republicans will shove this through but this is not going away.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 12:23pm
Rob, they are voting at 1:30 eastern time. It is unconscionable that a FBI investigation is not being done before voting. This is always the case when accusations are made. K doesn’t want this to happen because he is guilty. This whole thing is a sham. I think the republicans will shove this through but this is not going away.I guess there is a silver lining here, though, TT. If the GOP shoves this through, there will be consequences - 2018 election anyone? And how much women's anger will the GOP have to contend with? I think you are very much right - this is not going to go away. It's just getting started.........Rob
Patriarchy? What do you mean?
I cannot believe that you need clarification on this, UL. There is a large world outside the US in which women are sexually abused, denied access to legal services, revenue earning and support, denial of personal rights and judged by a largely male hierarchy that makes the rules that perpetuate the patriarchy. How much of this is still true in the US today?
iris lilies
9-28-18, 1:15pm
I guess there is a silver lining here, though, TT. If the GOP shoves this through, there will be consequences - 2018 election anyone? And how much women's anger will the GOP have to contend with? I think you are very much right - this is not going to go away. It's just getting started.........Rob
Oh, I think the pussy hats do their work against the Democratic Party, so I always like to see stuff like that unfurl.
gimmee, how is this all being viewed in the men’s rights groups you know of?
I cannot believe that you need clarification on this, UL. There is a large world outside the US in which women are sexually abused, denied access to legal services, revenue earning and support, denial of personal rights and judged by a largely male hierarchy that makes the rules that perpetuate the patriarchy. How much of this is still true in the US today?
Oh, it's true in the US, to be sure.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 1:50pm
Oh, I think the pussy hats do their work against the Democratic Party, so I always like to see stuff like that unfurl.
gimmee, how is this all being viewed in the men’s rights groups you know of?IL, the men I know of in these groups are overwhelmingly siding with Kavanaugh.....perhaps you've read I've chosen to side with Dr. Ford? Social acceptance means very little to me, something of which I am very grateful for, and I've always been one to vote my reality regardless of what other people think. This time I'm siding with the woman.....surprised? Rob
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 2:01pm
Rob, Flake grew a set and is recommending no vote until a week investigation by the FBI.
ApatheticNoMore
9-28-18, 2:12pm
Oh, it's true in the US, to be sure.
i have my doubt to what extent it's really true. "denied access to legal services, revenue earning and support, denial of personal rights" I don't know. Certainly in some parts of the country it is hard to get an abortion, yes it's supposed to be national policy but has become state policy.
Rob, Flake grew a set and is recommending no vote until a week investigation by the FBI.To be clear, the Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination. Jeff Flake suggested the Senate floor vote by delayed for no longer than one week to allow the FBI to conduct a time and scope limited investigation. I think this was a move simply to pacify the Democrats as I would expect nothing new be gleaned from their investigation.
The American Bar Association and the Yale law school have called for a delay and further investigation of Kavanaugh.
Lindsey Graham apparently wants Sessions' job. He doesn't care what Trump calls him--as long as he calls.
The funny thing is, Trump's not in charge--he's just a cardboard cutout. It's big money and the Russians pulling the strings.
Rob, Flake grew a set and is recommending no vote until a week investigation by the FBI.
He didn't grow a set: he's retiring.
I don't always agree with DH, but I do agree with term limits. Flake has no vested interest in toeing the Republican Party line.
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 2:32pm
I know he is retiring and that is why I expected him to act and not vote right now.
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 2:33pm
The Republicans know from Dr. Ford's testimony that she was truthful and that the FBI would find out what he did. They are afraid they can't push someone else through in the little time left in case democrats regain the Senate.
They are afraid they can't push someone else through in the little time left in case democrats regain the Senate.Waiting until the last minute to bring these allegations to light was a ploy to delay the process in hope that Democrats could regain the Senate and have more influence on Supreme Court confirmations. I think they call that politics.
Waiting until the last minute to bring these allegations to light was a ploy to delay the process in hope that Democrats could regain the Senate and have more influence on Supreme Court confirmations. I think they call that politics.
If we regain the Senate, I'd like to see a refusal to confirm any judge until such time as we retake the presidency. That would only be fair.:devil:
If we regain the Senate, I'd like to see a refusal to confirm any judge until such time as we retake the presidency. That would only be fair.:devil:
Are you using the royal 'we'?
A bipartisan group of men in Maine held a news conference to say they believe Blasey Ford, and to put pressure on Collins. Some of the Republicans said they don't see how much longer they can remain in the GOP. So maybe not the men's rights group referenced, but it's something. After all, men can be sexually assaulted also. It's a human issue not exclusively a woman's issue.
Are you using the royal 'we'?
Oh, would that I were!
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 3:48pm
McConnell asked murkowski if she agreed with flake and she does. So now they don’t have the votes! An investigation will be done.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 3:54pm
McConnell asked murkowski if she agreed with flake and she does. So now they don’t have the votes! An investigation will be done.Thank You for posting this, TT. Wonderful news. And I respect Jeff Flake for calling for a one week investigation - that showed some moxie. I know he's about to retire and has nothing to lose but it still was a bit gutsy anyway in my book. Will be interesting to see how this unfurls going forward...….Rob
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 4:00pm
I'll sum it up concisely. I just don't know that America can afford someone like Brett Cavanaugh as a lifetime Supreme Court Justice. It's too risky to have someone with these issues occupying that chair. He's too conservative for many and is very pro-corporation, meaning support for the continued turbo destruction of the middle class and continued offshoring of jobs and continued nightmares regarding access and cost of the US Health Care Industry for those not close enough to the Mexican border. Kavanaugh may have the credentials - this much I won't deny. But his belief system? Can America truly afford someone like him adding to it's continued sinking in life standards and quality of life?
So far that I know of anyway, we only get one life. Why waste a smidgen of it dealing with fallout created by or at least aided by Brett Kavanaugh in the lifetime role of US Supreme Court Justice? Rob
iris lilies
9-28-18, 4:14pm
Rob, Flake grew a set and is recommending no vote until a week investigation by the FBI.
I dont think you get to use “grew a set” in conversation with gimmeeee because he considers that a micro aggression. I was slapped down for that.
The funny thing is, Trump's not in charge--he's just a cardboard cutout. It's big money and the Russians pulling the strings.
No. It’s Meghan Markle, queen of the space lizard overlords.
How can people be so blind?
Ultralight
9-28-18, 4:24pm
Actually, I think Flake buckled. They are moving ahead with making Kavanaugh a SCOTUS.
Is that the one who married into the Royals? Very stealthy.
Seriously, how can one doubt reptiles are in ascendance? I give you Dick Cheney and Mitch McConnell, for two.
Anyone else surprised that Trump called Ford something like "a fine woman, very credible"? My guess is praising her simply furthers his agenda, which must mean that Kavanaugh is on political death row and Trump already has replacements in the wings.
Or am I just being cynical?
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 5:02pm
UL, I know the news is changing by the minute but they are not moving forward . The only one that can prevent the investigation is trump but he said a few hours ago he is going along with what the senate wants.
flowerseverywhere
9-28-18, 5:04pm
Waiting until the last minute to bring these allegations to light was a ploy to delay the process in hope that Democrats could regain the Senate and have more influence on Supreme Court confirmations. I think they call that politics.
They took a page from Mitch McConnels playbook
Williamsmith
9-28-18, 5:07pm
Anyone else surprised that Trump called Ford something like "a fine woman, very credible"? My guess is praising her simply furthers his agenda, which must mean that Kavanaugh is on political death row and Trump already has replacements in the wings.
Or am I just being cynical?
Catherine, you of all people. You do realize .....”Happy wife, Happy .......”. Trump would like to keep his set, if you know what I mean.
Everybody on that senate panel knows, all the media knows, everyone who watched the testimony knows, and the people in his thread know.....Dr. Ford hit a home run. Kavanaugh was a sniveling whining elite who protested a little too loudly, a little too often and a little too arrogantly. And right now someone is contacting Mark Judge and telling him to make himself disappear for a week.
The FBI is a fine investigative agency but they are not magicians. The Democrats know this. A week isn’t enough to make a difference in a background but it is plenty of time to work on Republican female Senators. If Kavanaugh is to be appointed, they need to keep one of the two female fence sitters to stay on their side. Assuming Flake really didn’t grow a set and Manchin wants to sleep safely at his home in “Almost Heaven”.
My personal opinion is that Cavanaugh like Trump is a member of the elite prep school boy's club. Drinking to excess or conquering females is manly and in some case, honorable as it implies he "belongs" to the club. Some things remain unspoken in that club but are understood. I hadn't thought too much about it but this all triggered a memory of when I was 16 and went to a park with a young man from a prep school nearby. We were just "hanging out" and talking about things. After some time, he started to get affectionate but I had no interest in him that way. He then tried to choke me and pin me down as he got off to watching me full of fear. This went on for what seemed like a long time but he was strong and I could not get away. I recall that I thought he was going to kill me. I never told anyone because they wouldn't have believed he was capable of being violent. I did tell DH yesterday and he seemed shaken that something like that ever happened to me.
Teacher Terry
9-28-18, 6:04pm
PT, that is horrible. Thankfully no prep schools where I grew up.
They took a page from Mitch McConnels playbookWho was simply taking Joe Biden's advice.
iris lilies
9-28-18, 6:46pm
Anyone else surprised that Trump called Ford something like "a fine woman, very credible"? My guess is praising her simply furthers his agenda, which must mean that Kavanaugh is on political death row and Trump already has replacements in the wings.
Or am I just being cynical?
Trump just moves his lips spewing whatever. I woildnt read anything into it.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 6:59pm
Trump just moves his lips spewing whatever. I woildnt read anything into it.IL, no snark here, ok? I'm surprised by your post here - I though you liked Trump? Rob
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 7:05pm
My personal opinion is that Cavanaugh like Trump is a member of the elite prep school boy's club. Drinking to excess or conquering females is manly and in some case, honorable as it implies he "belongs" to the club. Some things remain unspoken in that club but are understood. I hadn't thought too much about it but this all triggered a memory of when I was 16 and went to a park with a young man from a prep school nearby. We were just "hanging out" and talking about things. After some time, he started to get affectionate but I had no interest in him that way. He then tried to choke me and pin me down as he got off to watching me full of fear. This went on for what seemed like a long time but he was strong and I could not get away. I recall that I thought he was going to kill me. I never told anyone because they wouldn't have believed he was capable of being violent. I did tell DH yesterday and he seemed shaken that something like that ever happened to me.I have a story that ties into what you have posted here, pinkytoe. The tenant I posted about who passed on in our rental unit two years ago this late August whose gold rings I recently found and sold? She was born in '46 and in the 60's was a very attractive woman - seriously, she could have modeled in her youth. She told me a few stories of men violently holding her down trying to engage her in sexual activity - apparently at the time it was not the huge deal it is today. She even (kind of) apologized for her anger she expressed when she told me the stories.....I was like, hello, why are you apologizing? You were violated for Pete's sake.
It is true that this was a very different era with different societal norms and standards, but still......violating someone like that? Just not right period. No excuse. But I guess to wind up, my point is that this is something that did happen back in the day before the awareness we have of it now and the laws we have regarding this now. I'm sorry this happened to you, Pinkytoe. This is all I can say, I'm sorry. That's gotta be horrible to deal with. Rob
iris lilies
9-28-18, 7:17pm
IL, no snark here, ok? I'm surprised by your post here - I though you liked Trump? Rob
I have never, ever, indicated that “I like Trump. ” As a
Presidential figure, anyway (I was amused by seasons 1 and 2 of the Apprentice.)
Because I dont automatically, in mindless knee jerk fashion, reject every action he takes does not mean that like him.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 7:25pm
I have never, ever, indicated that “I like Trump. ” As a
Presidential figure, anyway (I was amused by seasons 1 and 2 of the Apprentice.)
Because I dont automatically, in mindless knee jerk fashion, reject every action he takes does not mean that like him.Fair enough, IL, my bad. From your conservative slant I thought you liked him....it's all good. Rob
Fair enough, IL, my bad. From your conservative slant I thought you liked him....it's all good. RobI don't think you'll find anyone here who actually likes him. I think you suffer from that peculiar liberal assumption that if someone doesn't sufficiently hate someone else, they must adore them.
I have never, ever, indicated that “I like Trump. ” As a
Presidential figure, anyway (I was amused by seasons 1 and 2 of the Apprentice.)
Because I dont automatically, in mindless knee jerk fashion, reject every action he takes does not mean that like him.
Really? Mindless? I'll have you know that my Trump-related knee jerks are very mindful. But I agree with him that we've stayed over long in Afghanistan. And that the Republican version of health care is "mean." And some other thing that I forget...
ETA: Basically I'm kicking like a Rockette.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 7:43pm
I don't think you'll find anyone here who actually likes him. I think you suffer from that peculiar liberal assumption that if someone doesn't sufficiently hate someone else, they must adore them.Gotta say that maybe there's something to what you say here, Alan. Don't need to state my zip code at this late date but where I live, if you are not bashing Trump, it is assumed that you like him and (cringe, shudder) support him. Rob
She was born in '46 and in the 60's was a very attractive woman....
It is true that this was a very different era with different societal norms and standards
Kavanaugh was 1982. But rape culture still exists today.
Gotta say that maybe there's something to what you say here, Alan. Don't need to state my zip code at this late date but where I live, if you are not bashing Trump, it is assumed that you like him and (cringe, shudder) support him. RobI'd like to say that your zip code could use a lesson in perspective, but I honestly don't think it's unique to the 85006.
Ultralight
9-28-18, 8:52pm
I'd like to say that your zip code could use a lesson in perspective, but I honestly don't think it's unique to the 85006.
There is an 85006 zip code in AZ. I used to live there.
There is an 85006 zip code in Rob's mind. He lives there with imaginary comrades.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 8:58pm
There is an 85006 zip code in AZ. I used to live there.
There is an 85006 zip code in Rob's mind. He lives there with imaginary comrades.Come visit some time and see how imaginary struggling everyday people really are in Trump's America. You may PM me if you are ever in this neck of the woods and with a little notice, I can juggle things around and meet up with you and show you around the 85006 - take you on a tour. Starting with the Coronado neighborhood so you can feel like I'm full of it and then moving down to Pura 85006 so you can see the real story. Just let me know. Rob
Ultralight
9-28-18, 9:13pm
Come visit some time and see how imaginary struggling everyday people really are in Trump's America. You may PM me if you are ever in this neck of the woods and with a little notice, I can juggle things around and meet up with you and show you around the 85006 - take you on a tour. Starting with the Coronado neighborhood so you can feel like I'm full of it and then moving down to Pura 85006 so you can see the real story. Just let me know. Rob
Dude. I lived there for 2 years. I worked for a union of immigrant Mexican construction workers during Sheriff Joe's reign of terror and dumb-assery. Both of my bosses were 1st gen immigrants. All my coworkers were 1st gen immigrants. I spent all day with them almost every day. I went out into the community do to activist work with them.
I have, what you might call, more street cred than you.
You, Rob, are living in a fantasy land in your mind.
gimmethesimplelife
9-28-18, 9:27pm
Dude. I lived there for 2 years. I worked for a union of immigrant Mexican construction workers during Sheriff Joe's reign of terror and dumb-assery. Both of my bosses were 1st gen immigrants. All my coworkers were 1st gen immigrants. I spent all day with them almost every day. I went out into the community do to activist work with them.
I have, what you might call, more street cred than you.
You, Rob, are living in a fantasy land in your mind.And I live in the midst of such folks every day....and not in the rapidly gentrifying part of the zip code either. I live in Green Gables north of the Food City on 21st Place and McDowell. I don't know how much street cred I have as a gay man - that said, what I have experienced is true as this is the life in the hood (though I will admit my use of the word hood here is a bit of an affectation). Things are changing a bit right now as they did in 2004 to 2006 with the rapid rise in real estate prices and there are some people cashing out and taking off for cheaper places, I'll give you that, but for those who remain and choose not to dip into their equity (which is most people here) things have not really changed all that much and the newcomers over to Coronado can be quite annoying - thankfully they seem to favor the Safeway down the street at 7th and McDowell and not the Food City I go to. Rob
I’ve been to both and I still hate grocery shopping. 😄
It’s fun to hear you two talk about phx. I lived 2 blocks from the Safeway a few years ago and I drive past the food city all the time.
I think you are both right. There’s micro neighborhoods all over phx.
Williamsmith
9-29-18, 8:25am
There are some avenues of investigation that undoubtedly will be addressed by the FBI in the coming week. None more interesting than the connections that have been established by both Dr Ford and Judge Cavanagh. Those connections are people that have been named by Dr. Ford and corroborated by Judge Kavanaughs detailed calendar entries of the summer in question. Particularly the July 1st entry which establishes a weekday gathering of Judge, PJ Smythe and Kavanaughs testimony that another person, Chris Garrett was also present. Dr. Ford had testified that Garrett introduced her to Kavanaugh. The calendar also identifies the location, the home of Tim Gaudette. These are details that could potentially open up other avenues of inquiry that could either provide corroborative or exculpatory evidence for Kavanaugh or Ford.
Whatever the outcome, I think Flake deserves credit for confronting his own convictions on a national stage and doing the honorable thing.
...."Whatever the outcome, I think Flake deserves credit for confronting his own convictions on a national stage and doing the honorable thing."
I agree. I think he's a fair man.
gimmethesimplelife
9-29-18, 12:54pm
I agree. I think he's a fair man.I'm no Republican but I do agree with this and I do respect Flake. Rob
ApatheticNoMore
9-29-18, 1:59pm
Don't need to state my zip code at this late date but where I live, if you are not bashing Trump, it is assumed that you like him and (cringe, shudder) support him.
Pretty silent in a political conversation in real life where Trump bashing was in full swing, I was asked "you aren't a Trump supporter are you?", "no, I'm on the left ....".
I mean as far as I'm concerned his policies while maybe not 100% bad (I do sometimes look for ways the media might be unfair on the few, very very few, good things he might be doing) are at at least 85% so. I think this is assumed you might secretly be a Trump supporter, if you don't get into the latest political outrage or identity politics so much, if you are just quiet and listen, but ...
Politics is what it is, at least in the U.S., and centers on the outrage of the day, which can be used to block Kavanaugh in this case and that's fine with me. But long standing problems that aren't the issue of the day are ignored precisely because they aren't new, no matter how important the issue.
gimmethesimplelife
9-29-18, 3:03pm
I would say Phoenix better prep as major rains are coming our way based on what I'm about to post but it turns out that the remnants of Hurricane Rosa are about to pay us a visit, dropping an estimated 2 inches of rain in the Phoenix metro (which qualifies as a huge rain event here) and upwards of 4 inches in the foothills outside of town and in the higher altitude areas nearby. So - rain is coming anyway regardless of what I am about to post, which is: I give Trump some credit for ordering an FBI investigation of Kavanaugh. I did not think he would knuckle under and do such. On this one point I stand corrected and I'm willing to admit this much. (Is Phoenix now going to get double the estimated amount of rain after I post something so unlikely to come from me?) Rob
(Is Phoenix now going to get double the estimated amount of rain after I post something so unlikely to come from me?) RobI doubt the weather has any concern about your opinions, unless the 85006 only allows rain to fall from the left, which I wouldn't discount given your descriptions of the area.
flowerseverywhere
9-29-18, 6:13pm
Watching Kavanaugh and his outburst at Klobuchar gave me a panic attack. I realized it was like a flashback to my young days living with an angry, unpredictable drunk. His behavior was disqualifying. A supreme is bound to be verbally attacked and criticized. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And take your beer with you.
Watching Kavanaugh and his outburst at Klobuchar gave me a panic attack. I realized it was like a flashback to my young days living with an angry, unpredictable drunk. His behavior was disqualifying. A supreme is bound to be verbally attacked and criticized. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And take your beer with you.
He seems to be very much the loose cannon--a la Trump. As someone pointed out, he seemed to save his lashing out, bully-boy behavior for the women. And he's clearly, vocally partisan.
And he's clearly, vocally partisan.Let's take a group of people, a collective within the Senate of the United States and give them a name, let's call them Democrats. Now lets say that the collective, the Democrats in the Senate, publicly declare within an hour of your nomination for a prestigious position that they will do everything within their power to block your confirmation, and their followers, lets also call them Democrats, begin grassroots campaigns to convince each other that his confirmation will result in a real world Handmaids Tale.
That was all entertaining enough until it looked like their efforts would fail and the Democrats realized they had to pick up their game if they had any chance of winning the battle they started. So, at the last minute a leaker violated some poor woman's privacy and outed her to the media, despite their promise of anonymity, as a victim of sexual assault allegedly perpetrated nearly 4 decades ago by the nominee. I'm going to call the leaker who violated her request of anonymity a Democrat as well because the alleged victim admits she's only made the allegation available to Democrats. Once we all become aware of the allegation, it comes to light that the Democrats knew about the allegation from practically the moment the nomination was made, yet never bothered to bring it up during the long process of Senate interviews and confirmation hearings nor did they report it up the chain for investigation.
What they did do during that nearly 2 month period was recommend a particular law firm to the alleged victim to represent her and the law firm agreed to do so pro bono, without remuneration. Now, once the Democrats leaked the details of her confidential letter to the press and all other news in the United States became an after-thought, making her the most talked about person in the country, another group in the Senate, lets call them Republicans, made an offer to her through her Democrat recommended law firm to interview her as part of a Senate investigation into her allegations, in private, at a location of her choosing. This private interview did not happen and when she eventually showed up for public hearings, she seemed surprised to hear that the offer had ever been made. That point continues to confuse me as I believe a person's legal representation has a duty to keep her informed of such things, it's almost like she isn't actually their client and they are actually representing the Democrats, who have much more to gain by engineering a public spectacle in hopes of completely destroying a man rather than using allegations at their disposal early on in the process, behind the scenes, and allowing the nominee to either respond to the allegations in private or withdraw his nomination if he decided that was the best course of action.
Given the seemingly well orchestrated efforts to completely destroy the nominee, I wouldn't think it correct to refer to his response to the group behind it as partisan. It's just that every single person trying to destroy him for political purposes seems to be a Democrat.
Watching Kavanaugh and his outburst at Klobuchar gave me a panic attack. I realized it was like a flashback to my young days living with an angry, unpredictable drunk. His behavior was disqualifying. A supreme is bound to be verbally attacked and criticized. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And take your beer with you.
IMO Klobuchar really missed an opportunity to flatten Kav. When he started in with his snotty questions about her drinking, she should have responded, "With all due respect, Judge, in this venue I'm the one asking the questions."
It's certainly what I would have said. But then, Klobuchar is probably a much nicer person than I am.
gimmethesimplelife
9-29-18, 9:13pm
I doubt the weather has any concern about your opinions, unless the 85006 only allows rain to fall from the left, which I wouldn't discount given your descriptions of the area.Alan, please.......the 85006 nor any other zip code has control over the weather. Please. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
9-29-18, 9:16pm
Watching Kavanaugh and his outburst at Klobuchar gave me a panic attack. I realized it was like a flashback to my young days living with an angry, unpredictable drunk. His behavior was disqualifying. A supreme is bound to be verbally attacked and criticized. If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. And take your beer with you.Just wanted to say - as someone who has had panic attacks in the past - I am sorry and I hope you are doing OK. Panic attacks are serious - I remember being certain I was dying during them and also a feeling that I was completely losing base with reality, just spinning around out there somewhere. They were unlike anything I've ever experienced. I wish you calmness and peace. Rob
Alan, please.......the 85006 nor any other zip code has control over the weather. Please. RobThat's what I thought, but your zip code seems special in it's ability to completely mirror your thoughts and opinions. If you mention getting twice as much rain as forecast, based upon your (and by extension, the 85006) opinion, I'll believe you. I'll never underestimate a hive.
flowerseverywhere
9-29-18, 9:33pm
Let's take a group of people, a collective within the Senate of the United States and give them a name, let's call them Democrats. Now lets say that the collective, the Democrats in the Senate, publicly declare within an hour of your nomination for a prestigious position that they will do everything within their power to block your confirmation, and their followers, lets also call them Democrats, begin grassroots campaigns to convince each other that his confirmation will result in a real world Handmaids Tale.
That was all entertaining enough until it looked like their efforts would fail and the Democrats realized they had to pick up their game if they had any chance of winning the battle they started. So, at the last minute a leaker violated some poor woman's privacy and outed her to the media, despite their promise of anonymity, as a victim of sexual assault allegedly perpetrated nearly 4 decades ago by the nominee. I'm going to call the leaker who violated her request of anonymity a Democrat as well because the alleged victim admits she's only made the allegation available to Democrats. Once we all become aware of the allegation, it comes to light that the Democrats knew about the allegation from practically the moment the nomination was made, yet never bothered to bring it up during the long process of Senate interviews and confirmation hearings nor did they report it up the chain for investigation.
What they did do during that nearly 2 month period was recommend a particular law firm to the alleged victim to represent her and the law firm agreed to do so pro bono, without remuneration. Now, once the Democrats leaked the details of her confidential letter to the press and all other news in the United States became an after-thought, making her the most talked about person in the country, another group in the Senate, lets call them Republicans, made an offer to her through her Democrat recommended law firm to interview her as part of a Senate investigation into her allegations, in private, at a location of her choosing. This private interview did not happen and when she eventually showed up for public hearings, she seemed surprised to hear that the offer had ever been made. That point continues to confuse me as I believe a person's legal representation has a duty to keep her informed of such things, it's almost like she isn't actually their client and they are actually representing the Democrats, who have much more to gain by engineering a public spectacle in hopes of completely destroying a man rather than using allegations at their disposal early on in the process, behind the scenes, and allowing the nominee to either respond to the allegations in private or withdraw his nomination if he decided that was the best course of action.
Given the seemingly well orchestrated efforts to completely destroy the nominee, I wouldn't think it correct to refer to his response to the group behind it as partisan. It's just that every single person trying to destroy him for political purposes seems to be a Democrat.
I agree the behavior of the Democrats was despicable. Feinstein has to go. The behavior of the republicans was despicable. Mitch McConnell is up for an Oscar along with Feinstein for their performances. That does not give him a free pass to behave like he did. If he had said “yes, when I was in high school and college we did some drinking. It was a different time and I have regrets that at times we drank more than we should of. I have no recollections of ever assaulting a woman or making untoward advances. If I ever did something like that, which I cannot ever imagine I ever would have, I can only profusely apologize and promise that I would never ever behave like that again. I was never told by any woman or man that I engaged in any behavior that was disrespectful of Women or men in any way. I am sorry for anyone I may have offended, and I have spent a life’s work as an adult being respectful to women and men and treating them well in the workplace. In my working career I have always tried to treat women and men with the utmost respect. I promise to respect all citizens and do my very best to uphold the constitution in the greatest country of the world. “ Or some other generic statement the team who coached him for days would have cooked up. Acting like a belligerent drunk being rude to a woman senator at a Supreme Court hearing Did not go over well. Being an angry white rich man acting like a victim was not a good look on him. Composure Under fire, maturity, compassion, confidence, responsibility and class would have been a much better look
Hold on, I can hear the crowd chanting at the Trump rally screaming “Lock her up”. It’s really getting old.
iris lilies
9-29-18, 10:07pm
I agree the behavior of the Democrats was despicable. Feinstein has to go. The behavior of the republicans was despicable. Mitch McConnell is up for an Oscar along with Feinstein for their performances. That does not give him a free pass to behave like he did. If he had said “yes, when I was in high school and college we did some drinking. It was a different time and I have regrets that at times we drank more than we should of. I have no recollections of ever assaulting a woman or making untoward advances. If I ever did something like that, which I cannot ever imagine I ever would have, I can only profusely apologize and promise that I would never ever behave like that again. I was never told by any woman or man that I engaged in any behavior that was disrespectful of Women or men in any way. I am sorry for anyone I may have offended, and I have spent a life’s work as an adult being respectful to women and men and treating them well in the workplace. In my working career I have always tried to treat women and men with the utmost respect. I promise to respect all citizens and do my very best to uphold the constitution in the greatest country of the world. “ Or some other generic statement the team who coached him for days would have cooked up. Acting like a belligerent drunk being rude to a woman senator at a Supreme Court hearing Did not go over well. Being an angry white rich man acting like a victim was not a good look on him. Composure Under fire, maturity, compassion, confidence, responsibility and class would have been a much better look
Hold on, I can hear the crowd chanting at the Trump rally screaming “Lock her up”. It’s really getting old.
I do wish Kavanaugh had been completely calm and confident under fire because that is my preferred demeanor, but then he would have been accused of being slick.
I heard Thursdays testimony off and on all day as we were working in our yard with the radio blasting into the yard so
I missed perhaps key pieces of his talk and testimony. I thought his solo speech showed the right amount of rightous anger. I like how the Dems jerk him around, jerk again, jerk one more time, keep jerking and then shout that he isnt calm and collected. No chit. But yeah, getting angry under questioning isnt cool.
I think he DID say some elements of what you would have liked him to say, although I didn't hear him talk about drinking. apparently his worst performsnce ? came during questioning but I missed most all of that.
I agree the behavior of the Democrats was despicable. Feinstein has to go. The behavior of the republicans was despicable. Mitch McConnell is up for an Oscar along with Feinstein for their performances. That does not give him a free pass to behave like he did. If he had said “yes, when I was in high school and college we did some drinking. It was a different time and I have regrets that at times we drank more than we should of. I have no recollections of ever assaulting a woman or making untoward advances. If I ever did something like that, which I cannot ever imagine I ever would have, I can only profusely apologize and promise that I would never ever behave like that again. I was never told by any woman or man that I engaged in any behavior that was disrespectful of Women or men in any way. I am sorry for anyone I may have offended, and I have spent a life’s work as an adult being respectful to women and men and treating them well in the workplace. In my working career I have always tried to treat women and men with the utmost respect. I promise to respect all citizens and do my very best to uphold the constitution in the greatest country of the world. “ Or some other generic statement the team who coached him for days would have cooked up. Acting like a belligerent drunk being rude to a woman senator at a Supreme Court hearing Did not go over well. Being an angry white rich man acting like a victim was not a good look on him. Composure Under fire, maturity, compassion, confidence, responsibility and class would have been a much better look
+1000.
Spent the day hanging out with a friend who is much more conservative than I am (but not a trump supporter, more along the lines of what I perceive LDAHL to be like except younger and gay). His comment about the hearing was that he thinks they are both telling the truth. It probably happened the way she said it did, at least in the big picture, and he probably honestly doesn't remember behaving so heinously because he'd had way too much to drink.
I'd be a lot more tolerant of him if he had said something along the lines of what you posted. But he didn't. And over the course of not doing that he lied, big and small (yes, he watched Dr Ford's testimony. It's public knowledge, why lie?), and made it quite clear that he doesn't intend to even pretend to be a neutral judge.
I have no idea what the FBI investigation will find. But even if they can't confirm anything he's already shown that he lacks the temperament and impartiality to be a supreme court justice. If this were any other job interview in the world he'd be out the door by now. It's remarkable to me that that is not the case with one of the most amazingly powerful positions in the world.
Teacher Terry
9-29-18, 10:27pm
Clarence Thomas didn’t act like that. His nomination is a very sad joke. Let’s find the most unqualified person for the job just like we did for president. Yes people are stupid or getting rich off of this shit show.
flowerseverywhere
9-29-18, 10:53pm
And if both parties don’t get it together our next president is going to be Avenatti. You can bet he is going to be on the news shows tomorrow trying to be the knight in shining armor to save us. He will be joined by a slew of them posturing and pointing fingers at each other.
Stop it all of you in the house and senate.
Work on immigration policy
work on healthcare (remember all the republicans who said for seven or eight years “we will repeal and replace Obamacare?). Face it, you never had a plan. You owe the American people.
and what about that deficit. Hocus pocus is not going to make in vanish.
Put your our big boy and girl pants on and get your act together and do what the American people hired you to do. You weren’t hired to put on a freak show.
The "both sides do it" meme isn't really defensible. Mitch McConnell is the gatekeeper of all the bills that come before the house. He'd the one who quashed Patty Murray and Lamar Alexander's bipartisan health care bill, and he's the one keeping all cannabis bills from coming to a vote, among many others.
ApatheticNoMore
9-30-18, 12:39pm
I do wish Kavanaugh had been completely calm and confident under fire because that is my preferred demeanor, but then he would have been accused of being slick.
if you wanted to stay on the good side of the man who recommended you for the job, playing those office politics, calm is not the preferred demeanor ... let's just say.
I don't begrudge anyone showing emotion during yet another public "high tech lynching".
Teacher Terry
9-30-18, 1:34pm
If you aren’t willing to answer questions honestly without hysteria than drop out of the running. If Dr. Ford can maintain her composure he should have been able to also.
I don't begrudge anyone showing emotion during yet another public "high tech lynching".
Had he adopted a more sphinx-like demeanor, they would accuse him of lacking the humanity to be a judge. It was in essence a no-win situation for him, with so many people frantic to imprint their frustrations and trauma on him. I think Jonah Goldberg summed up the whole sad episode in referring to it as the "moral-panic phase" of the proceedings. I especially liked his line about the inflationary pressure on assininity.
https://www.nationalreview.com/g-file/the-moral-panic-phase/
One commentator suggested that if Ford had adopted the same combative tone it would have hurt her testimony. The point being that the female role is expected to be submissive, but it's acceptable for the male role to be angry and combative. I saw some truth to that.
EDIT to add, I did enjoy Matt Damon's SNL skit immensely - ).
Teacher Terry
9-30-18, 2:39pm
K has been caught lying so much but some people frankly don’t care.
One commentator suggested that if Ford had adopted the same combative tone it would have hurt her testimony. The point being that the female role is expected to be submissive, but it's acceptable for the male role to be angry and combative. I saw some truth to that.
That's discounting the different roles the participants were playing. She was in the victim role, complete with a ceaseless outpouring of sympathy from the Democrats and a consistently respectful request for facts from the Republican proxy. On the other hand, his role was defined by the Democrats line of questioning and oratory portraying him as a spoiled, alcoholic frat boy, guilty of crimes against an entire gender.
If their roles had been reversed I have no doubt the optics would have been the same and commentators would have found it unremarkable.
gimmethesimplelife
9-30-18, 3:31pm
K has been caught lying so much but some people frankly don’t care.My question is this: If K is indeed innocent of that of which he is accused, why the refusal to take a lie detector test? This isn't helping him one iota and makes him look guilty and like an entitled male of white privilege. A very easy accusation for someone of my economic background to make, true, but if the shoe fits......he's certainly acting the part. And it's not an attractive or trustworthy look. Rob
Teacher Terry
9-30-18, 3:34pm
He thinks that the rules don’t apply to him because frankly they haven’t for his entire life. But our country picked a liar for a president so I guess why not a supreme. Men like those 2 can and do get away with anything. I am so disgusted.
My question is this: If K is indeed innocent of that of which he is accused, why the refusal to take a lie detector test? Polygraph results are often subjective and always inadmissible in legal proceedings. While they can be useful as an investigatory tool, they are not a good indicator of guilt or innocence. In an example such as this, where guilt or innocence is secondary to the oppositions goals, there is no value in subjecting yourself to one.
If he did, and the result showed possible untruthfulness, he would be pilloried as guilty. If the result showed possible truthfulness he would be pilloried as an accomplished liar. If I were him, I'd want the real evidence to take the investigation where it will.
If their roles had been reversed I have no doubt the optics would have been the same and commentators would have found it unremarkable.
Quite possible, although both may be victims by some accounts. K being the victim of "high tech lynching". I did find the theory interesting.
I have taken a lie detector test before as a condition of employment when the procedure was still admissible. My impression was that it might be accurate for a typical person with good conscious and a sense of right and wrong. There are people who do not fall into that category. They may either feel guilty of doing something that might be right and truthful or alternately not feel guilty about half or full truths that are wrong, either of which could cause false results. I perspired profusely, but seemed to pass the criteria that was the intention of the test. My test was in a small bare and warm room with a hard chair and the tester wore a plain white shirt with a skinny black tie and horn rimmed glasses reminiscent of an FBI agent. It's no wonder they are not considered accurate in all cases.
Williamsmith
9-30-18, 8:39pm
In my jurisdiction, it is highly unusual for a victim to submit to a polygraph examination. For an investigator to request this of a victim, shows a lack of confidence and definitely undermines the trust that a victim places in the investigator. It takes a lot of courage for a victim to speak about their assault. It is a reliving of the event which in essence victimizes them each time they relate the details. So for Dr. ford to have submitted to the polygraph and to have shown no signs of deception....this lends immense credibility to her statement. For her to sit in committee on a national stage under immense pressure and relate the details in such a convincing fashion shows to me.....based on my training and experience that the event happened and she was being truthful.
Those who who are accused of such crimes, are routinely asked to submit to a polygraph examination. In explaining the benefits of doing so, I have counseled many that if they are truly innocent to without hesitation take the polygraph and if they are guilty ...... don’t even think about it.
I have an acquaintance and two personal friends who are polygraph operators in demand. Two are retired, one full time. All three have demonstrated to me the accuracy of the polygraphs ability to tell a truth from a lie but the usefulness depends on the construction of the critical questions and the preparation leading up to the few determinant questions. Each of these polygraph operators have examined murderers, rapists, child molesters and candidates for state employment. There is no doubt of the usefulness of these tests. They often result in statements against interest or outright confessions and that is why Attorneys always advise clients not to take the test unless they are absolutely convinced by corroborating proof of the innocence of their client. And then it makes all the sense in the world.
The subjectiveness of a polygraph is mitigated by excellent operators. Kavanaugh is being out manuerved by Ford and he doesn’t like it. His response of habit is anger, outrage and pompous rebuke which is a result of his insecurity. Has he been through hell? No doubt. To whom much is given, much is required.
Teacher Terry
9-30-18, 8:49pm
WS, thanks for your professional opinion. It means a lot considering your experience.
That's pretty interesting, WS. By your experience, do you think it is possible in a case where there is a traumatized victim and an inebriated perpetrator, that over a period of years one, the other, or both may have actually created a reality they believe (100%) that is different than the actual event?
I listened to most of the testimonies and could see where each presented a situation where both could be certain of their statements. I have picked the person I think represented the more credible account based on their demeanor and presentation, but for me it was not obvious. The Wash Post and NYT, who usually side with liberals, had an initial take similar to mine and were somewhat neutral, although they now seem to be developing arguments favoring Ford. Ironically I find it discouraging in such an important appointment, where without further witnesses or evidence, the vast majority of one party believes one and the majority of the other believes the other, when the testimonies are hardly clear cut.
I think there is enough evidence to cast sincere doubts on K and they should just move on to the next candidate. It's not like a court of law where there guilt has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Teacher Terry
9-30-18, 10:16pm
Yes they need to move on.
Williamsmith
10-1-18, 4:57am
Yes they need to move on.
Theres no way for the Republicans to move on without adding momentum to the #metoo movement. They’ve already come off as flipping the middle finger to women. If they confirm Kavanaugh there will probably be Vietnam type protests in D.C. The midterms will definitely be sketchy for them. It’s hard to believe that there are four members of the Mormon Church on the committee and still after that testimony they voted for recommending Kavanaugh for a full senate vote. There’s no reason to be talking about criminal court standards. It is a job placement decision of great importance to the country. Kavanaughs response shows the kind of Supreme Court Judge he would be....partisan, holding grudges, obstinent and boldly emotional. The republicans don’t have it in them to repair their relationship with a good portion of the country. They’ve pretty much shown their cards. The Democrats will make hay while the sun shines and the sun will shine good and hard in the next week.
I am beginning to understand why it took time for the report of Dr Ford's information to be brought forward. She had to get her head around the consequences of coming forward, how to verify her account and then decide to present it. What a commentary on the challenges women face now around the world and have faced for centuries.
Teacher Terry
10-1-18, 9:59am
I guess that’s the only good thing that will come from this fiasco WS.
iris lilies
10-1-18, 10:06am
Theres no way for the Republicans to move on without adding momentum to the #metoo movement. They’ve already come off as flipping the middle finger to women. If they confirm Kavanaugh there will probably be Vietnam type protests in D.C. The midterms will definitely be sketchy for them. It’s hard to believe that there are four members of the Mormon Church on the committee and still after that testimony they voted for recommending Kavanaugh for a full senate vote. There’s no reason to be talking about criminal court standards. It is a job placement decision of great importance to the country. Kavanaughs response shows the kind of Supreme Court Judge he would be....partisan, holding grudges, obstinent and boldly emotional. The republicans don’t have it in them to repair their relationship with a good portion of the country. They’ve pretty much shown their cards. The Democrats will make hay while the sun shines and the sun will shine good and hard in the next week.
I hope I hope I hope there are a sea of pussy hats at the protests. That is a great visual image to stoke the opposition here in flyover country.
I hope I hope I hope there are a sea of pussy hats at the protests. That is a great visual image to stoke the opposition here in flyover country.
I do too! It would serve as a visual reminder that politics is not a spectator sport; that women, particularly. need to get out, get in the streets, and register their disgust with a badly skewed system. I would hope that the days of women quietly submitting to whatever is foisted on them are over.
An acquaintance of mine--at 65--came back from her first demonstration (2017 Women's March) full of enthusiasm that I hope grew into activism. The Suffragettes didn't get the vote by sitting back and waiting for someone else to take up their cause.
I had no idea what a 'pussy hat' was so went online to see. It turns out that while it worked very well for 2017, it is not considered appropriate for 2018 as it is perceived as discriminatory to women of colour and others. Women need to express themselves by whatever seems a right colour and approach. It is the getting out and demonstrating that is important as well as voting whenever the opportunity is available.
flowerseverywhere
10-1-18, 12:19pm
Thank you Rob. I knew early on my reaction to certain situations was very abnormal. I got help before the solution was to give you drugs and I learned a coping skills. It is very rare I feel like this but his red face angry speech was very frightening to me.
Just wanted to say - as someone who has had panic attacks in the past - I am sorry and I hope you are doing OK. Panic attacks are serious - I remember being certain I was dying during them and also a feeling that I was completely losing base with reality, just spinning around out there somewhere. They were unlike anything I've ever experienced. I wish you calmness and peace. Rob
Trump does not drink and has discouraged his children from doing so. The groper in chief, who was not bothered by sexual assault, may abandon Kavanaugh because Trump is still suffering from the loss of his alcoholic brother Freddy.
The groper in chief, who was not bothered by sexual assault, may abandon Kavanaugh ….. Oh, has Joe Biden weighed in on the subject?
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/42257208_10213579755903322_7626074412436946944_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&oh=cb6ea2ccae10cebe3b04de518a076b51&oe=5C243D4B
Oh, has Joe Biden weighed in on the subject?
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/42257208_10213579755903322_7626074412436946944_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&oh=cb6ea2ccae10cebe3b04de518a076b51&oe=5C243D4B
Apparently not.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/joe-biden-grope-photograph/
Teacher Terry
10-1-18, 11:05pm
Facts are such a awesome thing!
Williamsmith
10-2-18, 1:15am
I’m sure Alan was just spoofing Biden’s reputation ....sort of like this:
https://youtu.be/VRJecfRxbr8
In this day and age where we have a president who screeches ‘fake news!’ at anything that makes him look bad and 30% of the country believes him it is not particularly funny when fake pictures get posted about a serious topic.
Although to be fair, judging from the comments section of many articles about last week’s hearing i know there are plenty of people who don’t think attempted rape is a particularly serious topic if it’s a conservative doing the attemoted raping. So, ha ha, i guess...
Williamsmith
10-2-18, 9:07am
The topic of sexual assault in this case is undermined by the staleness of the report, the timing of it and the reticence of the victim. It rightly is pointed out that it stinks of partisan politics. That doesn’t make it irrelevant to the nomination and appointment of a Supreme Court Judge, it just makes it less relevant and gives people the cover they need to justify disregarding an obviously candid and entirely believable victim.
The real issue which runs as an undercurrent to the sexual assault theme and has far greater evidence to support it is.....that Judge Kavanaugh has shown a proclivity to binge drink to where he is not in control of his inhibitions, becomes belligerent, and over indulges at the risk of others. He provided plenty of evidence of this himself by testimony and physical evidence and now there are more incidents we are becoming aware of.
I have conducted background detailed investigations for applicants to state employment and can tell you that a person could be a habitual user of alcohol and not raise one eyebrow unless they were arrested for a DUI or public drunkenness. But put one reference to smoking marijuana in the mix and a red flag would be raised. At the same time, I never responded to a domestic complaint and worried about the residents having been smoking pot all day. Can’t count the number of times a drunk has caused me serious concern.
I still believe that the rodeo they called a confirmation hearing this past week victimized Kavanaugh and Ford simply to advance both Democrat and Republicans goals for the midterms. I would hope voters could see they need to vote for someone else for Senate when the time comes along. As far as Kavanaugh goes, I oppose him on the grounds that he would threaten the freedom of the citizens of the US based on his rulings in favor of NSA type surveillance of the entire population excused by the “War on Terror”. He is too comfy with the Bush’s. Perhaps that’s the reason Trump nominated him in the first place, because the radical center would never oppose him and Trumps base is interested in locking down the Supreme Court for decades to come.
All good points William Smith. Drunks scare me more than potheads. The belligerence K. showed was alarming.
All good points William Smith. Drunks scare me more than potheads. The belligerence K. showed was alarming.
Interesting article in Slate (https://slate.com/technology/2018/10/brett-kavanaugh-problematic-drinking-hearing.html) today apropos this very topic. I hadn't really thought about it in this light--I mostly attributed the violence of K's reaction as being mostly related to his anger at anyone having the temerity to question his privileged perch in the world. But yes, it also makes a great deal of sense to see it as part of a pattern of violent denial about a drinking problem. Is he a high-functioning alcoholic?
And the gold medal for the conclusion long jump goes to...
And the gold medal for the conclusion long jump goes to...
Actually, I think that medal goes to anyone who thinks this is all a conspiracy on behalf of the Clintons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79IrlzUGWQA)...
Williamsmith
10-2-18, 3:14pm
Actually, I think that medal goes to anyone who thinks this is all a conspiracy on behalf of the Clintons (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79IrlzUGWQA)...
He is a very disappointed bitter man. I don’t see how he could perform his duties on the Supreme Court without thinking about his turn to dish out his version of ”what goes around, comes around.” But likely he will get his opportunity. If he puts this all behind him, he’s a better man than I am. Do Supreme Court Justices get secret service protection? It’s a shame to say, but his family should be getting it. That in and of itself would cause me to bow out.
I would like to think that there are people out there who would not be deterred by threats or smears. I would think that if the guy was truly the hot-head his detractors are trying to sell there would be many past examples of his intemperate behavior on the bench they could bring up.
You mean like the bar fight where his friend went to jail? That kind of example?
Williamsmith
10-2-18, 4:16pm
I would like to think that there are people out there who would not be deterred by threats or smears. I would think that if the guy was truly the hot-head his detractors are trying to sell there would be many past examples of his intemperate behavior on the bench they could bring up.
Judges don’t get challenged while sitting on the bench. They have other subtle ways of dealing with malcontents and for dressing down....the chambers is rather private. If you want to practice law, you don’t make a point of talking out of school about Judges. Especially those in the second highest court of the land.
Judges don’t get challenged while sitting on the bench. They have other subtle ways of dealing with malcontents and for dressing down....the chambers is rather private. If you want to practice law, you don’t make a point of talking out of school about Judges. Especially those in the second highest court of the land.
I doubt any code of silence exists that could stop the present mob in full cry.
iris lilies
10-2-18, 4:45pm
I doubt any code of silence exists that could stop the present mob in full cry.
I know, that is esactly why this seems all over dramatic to me.
I know, that is esactly why this seems all over dramatic to me.
“Credible” has supplanted “provable”, so all manner of nonsense prevails and truth makes way for truthiness.
ApatheticNoMore
10-2-18, 5:31pm
Provable is for a court of law, credible is for a job interview. This is a job interview.
Ultralight
10-2-18, 5:32pm
Saturday Night Live satires Kavaugh. Matt Damon played him. But the most interesting and funny part is the Lindsey Graham bit. The actress that plays Lindsey goes all in and outs him for being a homosexual.
Here is the link: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/30/arts/television/snl-matt-damon-brett-kavanaugh-kanye-west-rant.html?action=click&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer&contentCollection=Television
As I've said before, to me this is less about what K may or may not have done in the past and more about an obvious pattern of mendacity. I shudder to say it, but he might have taken a cue from Dubya in how to manage this. Dubya and his handlers spun his early drunkenness and drug use into a redemption story of the kind evangelicals--a big part of his base--love. K, by contrast, continually backs himself into a corner by insisting his behavior was just short of exemplary when multiple witnesses--including himself--clearly show otherwise. If he'd portrayed himself as a boorish, borderline alcoholic in HS and college, but lo! who has since transformed himself into an exemplary family man, they'd be fitting him for his robes as we speak.
A blatant liar and partisan (just watch the hearings), likely practicing drunk and unashamed misogynist (again, watch the hearings), so aside from gamy history...He is clearly not Supreme Court qualified.
gimmethesimplelife
10-4-18, 12:42pm
Too bad I'm not in DC....I just read online that thousands of protesters are organizing in DC against Brett Kavanaugh. This is one cause I am most certainly down with. Too bad I have bills and have to work......I believe I'd be of much more use to society protesting the Kavanaugh confirmation. Rob
Teacher Terry
10-4-18, 5:40pm
Retired Justice Stevens said K should be disqualified because of how he acted during the hearings.
Williamsmith
10-4-18, 8:16pm
“Crushed Beer Can Kavanaugh” will be a lightning rod for years to come. “I Like Beer!”
2515
Boy, WS! You might be onto something. I could picture the craft beer brewers coming up with Kavanaugh Ale. I could picture it as a light drinkable variety of the type they are calling a “session beer”.
Perhaps brewing could be his ‘recovery after my life was destroyed’ career for him. Although ‘maximum ralphage’ is probably not a good marketong line. ‘Perfect for devil’s triangle’ on the other hand, could be a winning tagline. The double entendre of what it really means versus the made up out of whole cloth drinking game name he fictionalized during his testimony could make that name marketing pure gold.
Williamsmith
10-5-18, 8:59am
I’m not jealous of what Kavanaugh went through and will continue to go through for years to come, nor Ford either but his performance clearly showed he missed his calling. He could have been a first rate actor. Now here’s a guy who can take a sexual assault allegation and turn it around and make it about “an alcoholic drink made of yeast-fermented malt flavored with hops.” Well played, Brett!” High fives.
Hey, a little disclaimer. I like distilled beverages. When I was younger I drank it to excess sometimes with my friends. And there have been occasions I had to call them the next day and ask them how I got home or where my favorite ball cap ended up. We had to on occasion hold back a particularly intoxicated friend from making a fool of himself with a bad case of “beer muscles.” But apparently Kavanaugh wants me to believe that’s never happened to him. Y’Ok.
I dont know much about what Kavanaugh thinks of the Constitution because he dodged all those questions with relative ease referring to prior cases not committing to anything. That was boring television. The event we witnessed in the senate confirmation hearing room would have been better held at Gillys, the famous honey tonk in Pasedena , Texas complete with a mechanical bull and multiple bars. All the senators and witnesses could have declared their penchant for drinking quaff, snapped open a Bud and line danced to Tammy Wynette's “Stand By Your Man.” And then at the end of the hearing, a sober janitor could sweep up all the debris from the days activities quietly shaking his head in amazement.
The vote will have some of us cheering and some of us shaking our heads in amazement. But it will leave all of the nation with a hangover.
https://youtu.be/AM-b8P1yj9w
Teacher Terry
10-5-18, 10:43am
Well said WS.
"Preferred beverage of sniveling frat boys everywhere."
"Preferred beverage of sniveling frat boys everywhere."
And Associate Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court?
Williamsmith
10-5-18, 11:46am
I have to ask. I know a few judges who at the drop of a hat will recuse themselves from a case if there will even be an appearance of bias or conflict of interest. Given Judge Kavanaughs public overwhelming frustration at being falsely accused...not by his accuser (he holds no ill will toward her) but against Democrats- whom he feels engaged in a scorched earth attack on him for ideological reasons. When he is hearing a high profile case in the future.....how does he forget that and assuming he can....how does the appearance of bias not attach to him like a sticker from the bushes? Do you think all this turmoil will settle down? The Supreme Court members dont appear in public often.
dado potato
10-5-18, 1:59pm
James R. Patrick, 53, of Winter Haven FL, has been taken into custody after making Facebook posts threatening to shoot members of Congress and their families.
Specifically, on Sept 27 it is alleged he posted "weak Republicans who do not vote for him (Kavanaugh) need to pay with their lives."
In another Facebook post Patrick allegedly stated "I can't do this by myself! Need more Conservatives going into liberals' homes at night killing them in their sleep."
Deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted a search of Patrick's home, where they found a rifle and handgun, as well as ammunition for both.
Sheriff Grady Judd commented after the arrest of Patrick, People need to calm down, and stop making threats of violence... Anyone who threatens to kill a public officer or law enforcement officer will go to jail.
iris lilies
10-5-18, 2:00pm
Good, glad this nutjob is locked up.
Well, it appears to be a done deal at this point. Perjury is no longer a big deal to the republicans. Not much of a surprise since over the past few years we’ve learned that pretty much all of their strongly held beliefs were just a bunch of BS.
Perhaps kavanaugh will send a nice apology to bill clinton for having made such a big deal about perjury 20 years ago.
Well, it appears to be a done deal at this point.Oh, I don't know about that. There's still nearly 24 hours left before the full Senate vote. Plenty of time for more spectacular accusations to miraculously appear.
Oh, I don't know about that. There's still nearly 24 hours left before the full Senate vote. Plenty of time for more spectacular accusations to miraculously appear.
If the revelations that have already been laid bare didn't impress anyone why would you think any more would? Baring him drinking too much beloved beer tonight and smashing his car into a busload of fetuses tonight I don't see how he could possibly not get confirmed tomorrow.
If the revelations that have already been laid bare didn't impress anyone why would you think any more would? Baring him drinking too much beloved beer tonight and smashing his car into a busload of fetuses tonight I don't see how he could possibly not get confirmed tomorrow.Well, luckily there shouldn't be a problem rustling up a busload of fetuses on short notice, these are enlightened times after all.
Sounds like a done deal to me. I can't imagine this having any sort of positive impact for the GOP at mid-terms, but I don't understand the Trump mind set very well. Time to move on to the next political drama, which seems to come on a daily basis.
Teacher Terry
10-5-18, 11:34pm
I really hope there are consequences for their actions.
I really hope there are consequences for their actions.
I hope there are too. And have donated money accordingly and have multiple friends who are going to nevada this weekend to help Dean Heller learn of those consequences. I wish Susan Collins were up this cycle. Two years from now is a lifetime in this hyper-fast media environment so I suspect that she will survive.
Well, luckily there shouldn't be a problem rustling up a busload of fetuses on short notice, these are enlightened times after all.
Finding enough pregnant women willing to fill a bus that's planning to get in front of a car driven by a potentially drunken Kavanaugh seems like a tough plan, even for someone as evil as Hillary, who has killed over 600 people with her bare hands and gotten away with it. (at least if one believes the stories on infowars...) But who knows. Maybe Hillary's truly as badass ruthless as she's been painted to be and the headlines will be blaring about this exact thing tomorrow.
Maybe Hillary wants the babies to be born so they can become part of a child sex slave ring in the basement of a Washington DC pizza parlor.
Teacher Terry
10-6-18, 10:48am
JP, I live in Nevada and everyone I know wants to see heller defeated. He is just a waste of skin. He lies a lot so has something in common with K and T.
Did anyone catch what eve happened to K's accomplice, Mark Judge, and whether the FBI interviewed him? That seemed like the best hope for collaboration.
gimmethesimplelife
10-6-18, 12:07pm
I have spoken to a good many people in the neighborhood and the general take is that the 85006 does not approve of Brett Kananaugh sitting on the Supreme Court. To some it's a direct slap in the face. My take is that it does not bode well for the future of this country nor does such say good things about America and it's real values under the rhetoric. At least I live somewhere where people are against Kavanaugh - but for many not because of Dr. Ford's testimony but due to fear of having another Conservative on the Supreme Court. This will not end well and will result in some kind of needless death for the ever increasing wealth of those at the top.
Kavanaugh is more proof of what America truly is all about and is also an advertisement for two bags packed and an escape plan at all times. Rob
Teacher Terry
10-6-18, 12:29pm
Rob, I agree K is bad for our country but there is no utopia.
gimmethesimplelife
10-6-18, 1:07pm
Rob, I agree K is bad for our country but there is no utopia.TT, I agree with you that there is no absolute utopia, only better fits available in other countries. My point about Kavanaugh is that I see his sitting on the Supreme Court as another nail in the coffin of this country. Rob
Don't give up, Gimmesimple. The US has, its great credit, exposed and dealt positively with so many flaws in human nature over the years that most other countries hide or ignore. China, for example, is struggling to get its 'Metoo' movement going.
Start counting all the things that the US does right.
Does abuse occur, absolutely. I admire Dr. Ford tremendously for her courage and believe what she told the hearing. I am disappointed in Judge Kavanagh's response to the allegations. I find it hard to believe that any judge can potentially impact the Supreme Court for 50 years whether wisely or not and that the process can be so partisan.
How can anyone be that wise a Supreme Court Judge without extensive life and court experience? In Canada, a number of names is put forward by a non-partisan process after full vetting and then a selection is made by the government. I believe 75 years is the retirement age. I hope that we do not adopt the US way of doing things.
Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!
I believe 75 years is the retirement age. I hope that we do not adopt the US way of doing things.
Maybe we could emulate Canada and institute a mandatory retirement age as well. That would force out Ginsberg and Breyer and enable the appointment of two additional constitutionalists, although Rob would be apoplectic and we'd have rioting in the streets.
gimmethesimplelife
10-6-18, 2:41pm
Maybe we could emulate Canada and institute a mandatory retirement age as well. That would force out Ginsberg and Breyer and enable the appointment of two additional constitutionalists, although Rob would be apoplectic and we'd have rioting in the streets.Alan, you'll love this. I am off work today and was just down the street at Food City, the Mexican grocery store in the 85006 I frequent. I know all the cashiers and stockers there and the lead cashier who was out on the floor stocking her section chatted with me a bit about the Filipino couple from Manila that live in the neighborhood. They apparently go the the Mexican deli there for adobo sometimes as it's similar to what they have in the Philippines - and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. Rob
It's very depressing. At times like these, I comfort myself with the knowledge that, despite these kinds of setbacks, "conservatives" (the quotes are deliberate, since most people who call themselves that are nothing of the kind) are always on the wrong side of history--always. Every single social change that has ever made this country a more decent and humane place to live has been promulgated by liberals and fought tooth and nail by conservatives. Progressive taxation, labor unions, every aspect of the social safety net, universal sufferage--all have been denounced as tools of the devil by the political right. If we still had slavery in this country, today's Republican party would be fighting to preserve it.
The tide may be going out at the moment. But it will come back in eventually. And the tide always wins.
Teacher Terry
10-6-18, 2:59pm
OH, well said!
It's very depressing. At times like these, I comfort myself with the knowledge that, despite these kinds of setbacks, "conservatives" (the quotes are deliberate, since most people who call themselves that are nothing of the kind) are always on the wrong side of history--always. Every single social change that has ever made this country a more decent and humane place to live has been promulgated by liberals and fought tooth and nail by conservatives. Progressive taxation, labor unions, every aspect of the social safety net, universal sufferage--all have been denounced as tools of the devil by the political right. If we still had slavery in this country, today's Republican party would be fighting to preserve it.
That's OK, history is not everyone's strong suit.
Alan, you'll love this. I am off work today and was just down the street at Food City, the Mexican grocery store in the 85006 I frequent. I know all the cashiers and stockers there and the lead cashier who was out on the floor stocking her section chatted with me a bit about the Filipino couple from Manila that live in the neighborhood. They apparently go the the Mexican deli there for adobo sometimes as it's similar to what they have in the Philippines - and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. RobAnd deep down inside don't you admire their ability to think for themselves regardless of the obvious social consequences? They sound like wonderful people, you should judge them by the content of their character rather than by local gossip.
iris lilies
10-6-18, 7:18pm
... and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. Rob
To the bolded: this is crazy behaviour, you know this, right? But I know that you secretly post this stuff to get us riled up. So,bravo.
as for “considering the social consequences” I manage to survive in Liberal Land. Just 30 minutes agoI had a meeting about a neighborhood issue and had to endure a brief lecture about Donald Trump.* Ok, whatever. If the goal of my meeting is worthy, I will put up with the idiot lectures.
* Meeting had nothing to do with Donald Trump of course.
flowerseverywhere
10-7-18, 1:02am
Iris that is ridiculous. Most places I go political talk is politely nipped in the bud so to speak. But I do have an observation. I saw so many angry white men at that hearing. If he is truly innocent, yes I can see someone being quite upset, but the raw anger that I have seen from Trump, Grassley, Kavenaugh, McConnel,Graham et all has been eye opening.
When Kavenaugh was going on how he worked his but off to get into Yale, I have no doubts he is very smart and had to work hard. But you cannot tell me being white, from a family rich enough to send him to prep school, excelling in sports and being the right faith certainly were helpful to him. Reading the history of Yale is very interesting. A school for rich men, it has come kicking and screaming into modern times, like many other institutions. Just look at the gender and racial makeup of the Republican Congress and cabinet, certainly not a cross section of the population.
That fear of losing hold of the white, male, Christian domination certainly reared it’s ugly head. Anyone believe that all those yearbook references were not about sex and drinking ? So why not be honest about it? Even if some of the boasting was exaggerated, that is what it was all about. And now that all of this is in the archives of the internet, how will he explain it to his daughters when they get old enough to realize yes he did lie and the GOP went right along with it. What a poor example to set.
But here we are. There are a lot of us out here who are not sore losers, some not even leaning left who consider this a disturbing appointment. Because more white rich Christian men pushing their judgement on the rest of us does not seem too promising to me. Right away there was an article on Fox News hailing this as a step to abolish Roe vs. Wade. Which of course they all denied. A small percentage of the population pushing their idea of religious rules on the rest of us. Not that I am for abortion, but I believe this is what it is truly all about . Once you are born of course, you are on your own, and if women are sexually assaulted they must have asked for it, but nevermind all that. Until you have walked some miles in Non white, poor people, women, non Christian or non heterosexual shoes you have no idea what obstacles people face every day. Yes, everyone faces obstacles but some have the odds stacked against them. And they just got stacked a little higher.
Kavanaugh was a Yale legacy. His grandfather, Everett Edward Kavanaugh, went there.
Just like Trump wasn't self-made, having access to his father's millions (not a "one million dollar loan--which I had to pay back with interest") all of his life.
Alan, you'll love this. I am off work today and was just down the street at Food City, the Mexican grocery store in the 85006 I frequent. I know all the cashiers and stockers there and the lead cashier who was out on the floor stocking her section chatted with me a bit about the Filipino couple from Manila that live in the neighborhood. They apparently go the the Mexican deli there for adobo sometimes as it's similar to what they have in the Philippines - and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. Rob
Rob, they’re immigrants. I thought that put them above reproach in your belief system. Or is it becsuse they’re not from Mexico or Hispanic?
Why the heck should someone have to consider their political beliefs to assimilate? The Filipinos immigrants I know tend towards being very conservative. I’m sure they moved into the neighborhood for other reasons, not the political atmosphere.
Alan, you'll love this. I am off work today and was just down the street at Food City, the Mexican grocery store in the 85006 I frequent. I know all the cashiers and stockers there and the lead cashier who was out on the floor stocking her section chatted with me a bit about the Filipino couple from Manila that live in the neighborhood. They apparently go the the Mexican deli there for adobo sometimes as it's similar to what they have in the Philippines - and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. Rob
So you're shunning the very sidewalk in front of their house because of gossip about their politics at the grocery store? I have to say you're missing out on a lot. Why take politics so desperately personally?
Alan, you'll love this. I am off work today and was just down the street at Food City, the Mexican grocery store in the 85006 I frequent. I know all the cashiers and stockers there and the lead cashier who was out on the floor stocking her section chatted with me a bit about the Filipino couple from Manila that live in the neighborhood. They apparently go the the Mexican deli there for adobo sometimes as it's similar to what they have in the Philippines - and they were overheard talking to someone no one knows about Kavanaugh and THEY WANT HIM IN. Very scary. I will start taking the long way home from the bus stop I drop off at on my way home from work to avoid walking by their house, it's just too creepy.
Of course they get to support Kavanaugh if they wish, but I don't know if they have considered the social consequences - though they are basically loners who don't attempt to assimilate so I guess that doesn't matter to them. My point is there are people in the 85006 who support Kavanaugh - these two Filipinos do. Rob
How dare they distrupt the tranquility of the 85006. You should get the rest of the 85006 together and run them out of town.
[QUOTE=flowerseverywhere;310793 I saw so many angry white men at that hearing. If he is truly innocent, yes I can see someone being quite upset, but the raw anger that I have seen from Trump, Grassley, Kavenaugh, McConnel,Graham et all has been eye opening.
When Kavenaugh was going on how he worked his but off to get into Yale, I have no doubts he is very smart and had to work hard. But you cannot tell me being white, from a family rich enough to send him to prep school, excelling in sports and being the right faith certainly were helpful to him. Reading the history of Yale is very interesting. A school for rich men, it has come kicking and screaming into modern times, like many other institutions. Just look at the gender and racial makeup of the Republican Congress and cabinet, certainly not a cross section of the population.
That fear of losing hold of the white, male, Christian domination certainly reared it’s ugly head. Anyone believe that all those yearbook references were not about sex and drinking ? So why not be honest about it? Even if some of the boasting was exaggerated, that is what it was all about. And now that all of this is in the archives of the internet, how will he explain it to his daughters when they get old enough to realize yes he did lie and the GOP went right along with it. What a poor example to set.
But here we are. There are a lot of us out here who are not sore losers, some not even leaning left who consider this a disturbing appointment. Because more white rich Christian men pushing their judgement on the rest of us does not seem too promising to me. Right away there was an article on Fox News hailing this as a step to abolish Roe vs. Wade. Which of course they all denied. A small percentage of the population pushing their idea of religious rules on the rest of us. Not that I am for abortion, but I believe this is what it is truly all about . Once you are born of course, you are on your own, and if women are sexually assaulted they must have asked for it, but nevermind all that. Until you have walked some miles in Non white, poor people, women, non Christian or non heterosexual shoes you have no idea what obstacles people face every day. Yes, everyone faces obstacles but some have the odds stacked against them. And they just got stacked a little higher.[/QUOTE]
My feelings exactly. All we can do now is vote and hope it works. we're in for a nastier few years...all my life probably!
Williamsmith
10-7-18, 7:03pm
The ironic thing is that if Roe v. Wade does get reversed, you can blame it on the Democrats and Hillary Clinton for ignoring the Rust Belt...especially Wisconsin where she didn’t even visit after her nomination.....instead of seeing Kavanaugh sworn in we would be watching Merrick Garland there and be pending a Ruth Bader Ginsberg clone. It was a huge debacle with incredible consequences for the future.
WS, I find it difficult to place blame on one person or party. I see the extreme polarization of political views to blame and that blames falls on both sides of the fence. The Supreme Court was never intended as an extension of political parties, or gender politics for that matter. In the event that roe v wade is overturned, as I understand it, it will become a states issue. It will most likely the conservative states that will have the most restrictions. So they will sleep in the bed they have made. Unfortunately that will not be the only issue to come up in the next couple of decades.
flowerseverywhere
10-7-18, 8:44pm
The ironic thing is that if Roe v. Wade does get reversed, you can blame it on the Democrats and Hillary Clinton for ignoring the Rust Belt...especially Wisconsin where she didn’t even visit after her nomination.....instead of seeing Kavanaugh sworn in we would be watching Merrick Garland there and be pending a Ruth Bader Ginsberg clone. It was a huge debacle with incredible consequences for the future.
blame the woman for the despicable behavior of the men. Got it.
iris lilies
10-7-18, 9:32pm
The ironic thing is that if Roe v. Wade does get reversed, you can blame it on the Democrats and Hillary Clinton for ignoring the Rust Belt...especially Wisconsin where she didn’t even visit after her nomination.....instead of seeing Kavanaugh sworn in we would be watching Merrick Garland there and be pending a Ruth Bader Ginsberg clone. It was a huge debacle with incredible consequences for the future.
I agree with Roger in that this is a pretty heavy load to put at the feet of Hillary Clinton.
Teacher Terry
10-7-18, 9:39pm
I would never have a abortion but do not want to take that right away from others. Plus I am really for early ones by the 16 weeks unless the mothers life is in danger.
Miss Cellaneous
10-8-18, 10:16am
I agree with Roger in that this is a pretty heavy load to put at the feet of Hillary Clinton.
I would have to say that Mitch McConnell had some small role to play in this whole mess. Had he allowed Merrick Garland a hearing, we might be in a different place today.
Blaming all of this on Ms. Clinton is a bit much.
I agree with Roger in that this is a pretty heavy load to put at the feet of Hillary Clinton.
I agree. Her days of significant influence would seem to be over. Blaming her for a failed attempt to paint a SCOTUS nominee as a rapist Bluto Blutarsky is like blaming Lincoln for the failure of Reconstruction. Hubris and electoral incompetence can be blamed for losing an election, but not all subsequent history. She has enough trouble competing with the Obamas for those luscious speaking fees.
I say it’s time to move on to other tragedies like the Cubs losing the National League Cental Division and Melania’s imperialist sun hat.
gimmethesimplelife
10-8-18, 11:57am
I've thought about some of the posts regarding my post about taking the long way home from the bus stop so as to avoid walking by the house where the Filipino couple lives that support Kavanaugh. I would agree that doing such is not going to change anything and I'd further agree that this is somewhat childish on my part.
It's just really scary to have people who support Kavanaugh in your midst as I personally believe the cracks that it's so easy to fall though in this society are only going to widen significantly now with a Conservative tilting Supreme Court. It's scary that there are people who support this and/or don't understand this basic reality. But avoiding walking by their place is not going to change anything, I grant that here and now.
And what's even creepier about the whole thing is that this couple, yesterday, went shopping at Food City with a boatload of coupons. Nothing wrong there - but one of their coupons was no longer valid and they pitched a fit with a manager over it, very loudly and very publicly. Obviously money means something to them and they understand something of the value of a dollar - that makes it even harder to deal with such people, given that they seemingly could care less that the cracks even they could easily fall though are only going to be widening in the future. But I also don't believe that their callousness and/or total lack of understanding of the big picture means that they should be tarred and feathered out of the 85006, or deported to the Philippines like some people I've spoken to think. In my book they get to be this way - it's just very scary to have in your midst. Rob
Rob, I think it's goofy to say they are callous. We listened to the hearings and I concluded that I believed Dr. Ford and I didn't believe Justice K. I listened to Justice K and then I wrote as many senators as I could and begged them not to confirm him. That was a shift in thinking for me--I went into it thinking he was getting set up. After experiencing his anger, his shouting, his complete disrespect for Sen. Klobuchar, I concluded that I had been wrong.
Why would you assume that people who think differently than you do are callous? All of us are entitled to have opinions and to see things with our own eyes and advocate for what we believe.
That is my opinion, and I was terribly saddened by the hearings and by the confirmation of Justice K. Very.
gimmethesimplelife
10-8-18, 12:08pm
How dare they distrupt the tranquility of the 85006. You should get the rest of the 85006 together and run them out of town.You could call the 85006 many things but tranquil would not be at the top of the list. And I don't believe these people should be run out of town - this behavior is something like the very beginning of Nazi Germany's treatment of Jews after they rose to power. The very beginning of their treatment of the Jews and others on their (expletive) list. I'm not down with that treatment, either, any more than I am comfortable knowing there are people who don't understand that the cracks that realistically any of us could fall through in this society are only going to widen. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
10-8-18, 12:12pm
Rob, I think it's goofy to say they are callous. We listened to the hearings and I concluded that I believed Dr. Ford and I didn't believe Justice K. I listened to Justice K and then I wrote as many senators as I could and begged them not to confirm him. That was a shift in thinking for me--I went into it thinking he was getting set up. After experiencing his anger, his shouting, his complete disrespect for Sen. Klobuchar, I concluded that I had been wrong.
Why would you assume that people who think differently than you do are callous? All of us are entitled to have opinions and to see things with our own eyes and advocate for what we believe.
That is my opinion, and I was terribly saddened by the hearings and by the confirmation of Justice K. Very.Hi Tybee!
Good to hear from you.
So, as to where I get callous from this situation? The fact that the cracks in this society that any one of us could realistically fall though are only going to widen now with a Conservative tilting Supreme Court. I find it very callous that this couple is OK with that and supports this happening via their support of Brett Kavanaugh. Callous is the only non-inflammatory word I can come up with for their lack of seeing the big picture and how their choice may come back to work against them, too. I hope this explains my take a bit? Rob
PS I'm glad I'm not alone here in my take on Kavanaugh - at least as far as not wanting him on the bench due to his testimony during the hearings. Rob
Teacher Terry
10-8-18, 12:15pm
Rob, if you only experience people that agree with you politically you are living in a pretty small world. Both my ex and I married republicans and we both are strong democrats. About the only thing we agreed on when married. Plus people cross party lines in elections all the time. My bf’s mom voted for trump and I was shocked as was my friend. She is a wonderful person and I think a woman at that age couldn’t fathom voting for Hillary. We had a party on Saturday and when someone brought up politics I nipped it in the bud. I had one party ruined when the same thing happened. I think we can all learn something from open dialogue but emotions run high about trump so need to have the proper time and place.
I would agree that doing such is not going to change anything and I'd further agree that this is somewhat childish on my part.
Somewhat? You're not giving yourself enough credit Rob, this is full on elementary school level childish.
You've told us what you think of them based upon gossip from one of your cohorts at the grocery store. Have you actually talked to them? Do you have a sense of their core values or their dreams and aspirations? If not, you should get to know them enough to find out, it could be a valuable growth experience for you.
And those others in your neighborhood who think they should be tarred and feathered and deported back to the Philippines? You shouldn't associate with them, they're bad people.
Teacher Terry
10-8-18, 12:23pm
We finally have a fake supreme to match our fake president. Who would ever thought this could happen???
We finally have a fake supreme to match our fake president. Who would ever thought this could happen???
Oh, they’re real enough. I suspect denying it only makes it more fun for them.
dado potato
10-9-18, 9:31am
Meanwhile in the perceived death threats department,
In Rosemount, a suburb of Minneapolis, an unidentified woman posted a tweet on October 6: So whose gonna take one for the team and kill Kavanaugh?
The FBI and local sheriff's department have both stated that they are aware of the incident. From what I could find in the news, she has not been taken into custody, nor have police executed a search warrant to find firearms or see what else may be on her computer.
The website of her employer, Intermediate School District #917, contains a terse statement dated October 8: After the School District received a complaint, an employee has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
I wonder what team she thinks she plays for.
Williamsmith
10-9-18, 12:37pm
Thankfully, Trump took the opportunity to apologize publicly to Kavanaugh on behalf of the entire Nation. Kumbaya, peace and love...
gimmethesimplelife
10-9-18, 1:04pm
Thankfully, Trump took the opportunity to apologize publicly to Kavanaugh on behalf of the entire Nation. Kumbaya, peace and love...Where is our apology as citizens of this sinking ship as to the cracks that all of us can fall through in this society widening a great deal now as a result of the Supreme Court tilting Conservative? Methinks millions upon millions of potential citizens/victims are worth an apology much more than Brett Kavanaugh..........Rob
gimmethesimplelife
10-9-18, 1:08pm
Somewhat? You're not giving yourself enough credit Rob, this is full on elementary school level childish.
You've told us what you think of them based upon gossip from one of your cohorts at the grocery store. Have you actually talked to them? Do you have a sense of their core values or their dreams and aspirations? If not, you should get to know them enough to find out, it could be a valuable growth experience for you.
And those others in your neighborhood who think they should be tarred and feathered and deported back to the Philippines? You shouldn't associate with them, they're bad people.People in the neighborhood have tried speaking to them from time to time, Alan.....they have always rudely brushed people off. They get to believe as they wish in my book and I'm not down with any harassment directed their way whatsoever......I just don't want to be rudely brushed off.
One positive thing I will say for them though - they take exquisite, and I mean exquisite, care of their yard. I have pointed this out to other people more than once only to have other people brush this off - probably due to their rudeness to those who have tried to reach out to them before. Rob
gimmethesimplelife
10-9-18, 1:14pm
Meanwhile in the perceived death threats department,
In Rosemount, a suburb of Minneapolis, an unidentified woman posted a tweet on October 6: So whose gonna take one for the team and kill Kavanaugh?
The FBI and local sheriff's department have both stated that they are aware of the incident. From what I could find in the news, she has not been taken into custody, nor have police executed a search warrant to find firearms or see what else may be on her computer.
The website of her employer, Intermediate School District #917, contains a terse statement dated October 8: After the School District received a complaint, an employee has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As much as I dislike Brett Kavanaugh for his off-the-chart levels of upper class white male priviledge/upper class white male entitlement - this is just wrong. I may fear the Supreme Court going forward and I have no real hope for justice of any kind going forward without major changes to society from the ground up - but this is still just wrong. It is not acceptable to me - and I rather suspect to all of us here regardless of our political persuasions - to threaten the life, even indirectly, of a Supreme Court Justice slash polarizing public figure. (
(interesting side comment: All those people who find Hillary Clinton polarizing? Got news for you - for a different demographic, Brett Kavanaugh is just as polarizing if not more).
Back to the regularly scheduled post - This is just not right and I support prosecution of this unidentified woman (which her identity being revealed STAT) to the fullest extent of the law. There is nothing sexist going on here on my part - I'd feel the same way were the individual involved male. This is just not right. On so many levels but the one level that strikes me the most is - this has tinges of the beginning of the Nazi Era in Germany. Not down with that one bit. Rob
ToomuchStuff
10-9-18, 3:12pm
Back to the regularly scheduled post - This is just not right and I support prosecution of this unidentified woman (which her identity being revealed STAT) to the fullest extent of the law. There is nothing sexist going on here on my part - I'd feel the same way were the individual involved male. This is just not right. On so many levels but the one level that strikes me the most is - this has tinges of the beginning of the Nazi Era in Germany. Not down with that one bit. Rob
Wait, now you want police to do a job? And you want her in front of the same occupation as her target?
iris lilies
10-9-18, 5:23pm
Wait, and now Sotemeyer, the Wise Latina, gets to pinch her colleague on the Supreme Court? I mean physically take his flesh between her finger, because, ?
what. the. actual. Fk.
Do I have this right? What is going on with these people?
I wonder what team she thinks she plays for.
I imagine team trump assumes she's team "paid mob" because most republicans can't seem to imagine that someone might be willing to do something if they aren't getting paid for it. Not surprising considering the total lack of empathy most republicans display.
Teacher Terry
10-10-18, 12:19am
I so don’t get the lack of empathy that many people are fine with. So glad that my parents and grandparents were great examples of helping others. It is their legacy.
I imagine team trump assumes she's team "paid mob" because most republicans can't seem to imagine that someone might be willing to do something if they aren't getting paid for it. Not surprising considering the total lack of empathy most republicans display.
I can imagine a person so deranged that she would solicit murder on a purely volunteer basis. I can even feel bad she suffers from such a high degree of derangement.
This case seems to lack the clockwork spontaneity of a semipro activist, if not the enthusiasm.
Williamsmith
10-10-18, 7:17am
The thought that anyone is being paid to do activist work is a fear tactic both sides are using to remove credulity from the political viewpoints of others. Are wealthy persons funding activity that benefits their ideologies...sure. It’s called corporate lobbying and it is celebrated and worshiped by the elite. The same people who push the “paid mob” narrative. Plus it sells advertising and makes for good radio.
The thought that anyone is being paid to do activist work is a fear tactic both sides are using to remove credulity from the political viewpoints of others. Are wealthy persons funding activity that benefits their ideologies...sure. It’s called corporate lobbying and it is celebrated and worshiped by the elite. The same people who push the “paid mob” narrative. Plus it sells advertising and makes for good radio.
Amen.
JaneV2.0
10-10-18, 12:43pm
The "paid mob" is present at all those Hitleresque Trump rallies.
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2015/07/crowd-hiring-politics-campaign-2016/399002/
The thought that anyone is being paid to do activist work is a fear tactic both sides are using to remove credulity from the political viewpoints of others. Are wealthy persons funding activity that benefits their ideologies...sure. It’s called corporate lobbying and it is celebrated and worshiped by the elite. The same people who push the “paid mob” narrative. Plus it sells advertising and makes for good radio.
I personally have no problem with lobbyists getting paid. Nor do I have a problem that some protesters, like that lady who confronted Senator Flake, draws a paycheck from a group funded in part by George Soros. I don’t even have a problem with renting crowds to give yourself an aura of popularity. I basically have no problem with the First Amendment in general, even when the rights it guarantees are exercised in meretricious ways.
Politics has always included a lot of professional image-making, and a wise voter will weigh facts and evaluate arguments rather than allow themselves to be swayed by real or manufactured emotional appeals.
Williamsmith
10-10-18, 8:36pm
I don’t know who is a bigger boogeyman....George Soros or Sasquatch. Even if one of the lady’s that appealed to Flake in that now famous elevator cornering....was on the Soros paywagon.....does that really preclude a genuine expression of outrage? Did you really suggest she was a prostitute? Human instinct (real emotional appeal) is just as important to the survival of the species as clinical evaluation.
Leaving fear and the construct of a boogeyman out of the discussion strips politics down to its underwear.
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