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Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

RainingMetal (Handed A Sword) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281876: May 30th 2019 at 12:42:16 PM

Department of Energy Rebrands Fossil Fuels as "Molecules of Freedom"

At this point I think satirists are just out of a job

Mentioned before on this topic, I believe.

Soon they'll be labelling "Pro-life" stances on abortion as "Freedom Fetus Frontiersman" or something.

Edited by RainingMetal on May 30th 2019 at 12:42:38 PM

ASAB: All Sponsors Are Bad.
Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281877: May 30th 2019 at 1:37:20 PM

I found some interesting information about the 2018 midterm.

Beyond having historically high turnout (which I believe has been mentioned before) it also made history in a different way, it was the first time that young generations outnumbered Boombers electorally.

Which is really big news because the younger you get the more you support the Democratic Party and there has been no evidence of people getting more Conservative as they age.

And once a group votes they don't tend to stop.

Which all means that this is a really big deal. Demographics may not be destiny but they are opportunity, and it's not an opportunity that benefits the Republicans.

So that's some encouraging data smile

Edited by Fourthspartan56 on May 30th 2019 at 1:37:36 AM

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#281878: May 30th 2019 at 2:04:33 PM

"Molecules of Freedom", seriously?

It looks to me like they've lifted the idea from tobacco industry propaganda. Back in the early 20th century, they advertised smoking as 'torches of freedom'.

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
ironballs16 Since: Jul, 2009 Relationship Status: Owner of a lonely heart
#281879: May 30th 2019 at 2:05:40 PM

[up]

To play Devil's Advocate again, the intent might be in regards to Russia's attempts to grow its sphere of influence. Then again, it's probably just due to the Iran kerfuffle, which is largely self-induced anyway, what with the Trump administration breaking the agreement before Iran did.

"Why would I inflict myself on somebody else?"
Fighteer Lost in Space from The Time Vortex (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
Lost in Space
#281880: May 30th 2019 at 2:07:50 PM

@Ramidel:

The majority of the anti-adultery crowd are opposed to everyone's adultery.
On paper, sure, but in practice it doesn't work out that way. When a woman commits adultery, she is blamed. When a man commits adultery, the stigma attaches to his wife. If a woman gets pregnant out of wedlock, she is shamed. If a man gets a woman pregnant out of wedlock, everyone tries very hard to ignore it.

I'm talking about what actually goes on, not what people claim to believe.

The point of all this is to control and own women. Religion is just a way of institutionalizing that practice.

Edited by Fighteer on May 30th 2019 at 5:08:37 AM

"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"
CharlesPhipps Since: Jan, 2001
#281881: May 30th 2019 at 2:32:35 PM

Religion is just a way of institutionalizing that practice.

Ironically, this is kind of a Signature Scene of Jesus' ministry.

"He who is without sin cast the first stone" and all that.

Edited by CharlesPhipps on May 30th 2019 at 2:33:26 AM

Author of The Rules of Supervillainy, Cthulhu Armageddon, and United States of Monsters.
Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281882: May 30th 2019 at 2:43:02 PM

On paper, sure, but in practice it doesn't work out that way. When a woman commits adultery, she is blamed. When a man commits adultery, the stigma attaches to his wife. If a woman gets pregnant out of wedlock, she is shamed. If a man gets a woman pregnant out of wedlock, everyone tries very hard to ignore it.

Indeed, and when a Democrat commits adultery it's a sign of their moral weakness but when a Republican commits adultery it's just a thing that happens that no one should talk about.

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
Draghinazzo (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: I get a feeling so complicated...
#281883: May 30th 2019 at 2:48:28 PM

On the subject of "is there another reason they do this other than control for control's sake", I've seen many women point out that these abortion bans functionally turn them into felons and compromise their ability to vote.

Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281884: May 30th 2019 at 2:51:37 PM

On the subject of "is there another reason they do this other than control for control's sake", I've seen many women point out that these abortion bans functionally turn them into felons and compromise their ability to vote.

That sounds like just an extension of "control for control's sake".

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#281885: May 30th 2019 at 4:07:53 PM

The DNC has released the criteria for getting into the third and fourth debates, candidates need an even higher number of donors and to get 2% in four specific polls rather than the 1% in three that’s needed for the first debate.

Nate Silver has gone over the criteria and estimates that we’ve got 6 candidates who are almost certain to qualify, 2 probably to qualify, 2 with even odds to qualify and 12 with worse than even odds.[1]

So based on this we should have the field around halved by the time we hit September this year, if the fifth and sixth debates both have an even tighter criteria we should end up with only the handful of candidates with a real chance left by the time voting starts.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281886: May 30th 2019 at 4:22:48 PM

Thank god.

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#281887: May 30th 2019 at 6:14:16 PM

https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2019/05/30/day-861/

    Day 861: Essentially 
1/ Trump tweeted that Russia helped "me to get elected" – his first acknowledgement that Russia worked to get him elected in 2016. Trump later retracted the statement, telling reporters that, "No, Russia did not help me get elected. […] I got me elected." Trump has previously denied that Russia interfered in the election, rejecting the conclusions by American intelligence agencies and federal prosecutors that Russia worked to help him defeat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election campaign. (New York Times / Washington Post / Associated Press / The Guardian / CNN)

https://apnews.com/2c973fabb59446cf852edda6ffa7174a

📌 Day 819: The Trump campaign "expected it would benefit" from information released by Russia, but "the investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities." The report continues: "The investigation established that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome." Putin's "preference was for candidate Trump to win."

https://whatthefuckjusthappenedtoday.com/2019/04/18/day-819/#9F%94%8D-mueller-report-key-findings-so-fa

2/ Trump attacked Robert Mueller, characterizing him as "totally conflicted" and "true never-Trumper," suggesting that if the former special counsel had any evidence, he would have brought charges. Trump insisted that Mueller's comments yesterday "essentially" said "'You're innocent.' There was no crime, there was no charge because he had no information." Trump also referred to a "business dispute" with Mueller, but didn't elaborate. Bill O'Reilly, however, said Trump called him last night to complain that "Mueller didn't like him because he turned him down to be the head of the FBI after he fired Comey" and that Trump once refused to refund his country club membership deposit. "Mueller wanted $15,000 back and Trump said no," O'Reilly said. Mueller denied the incident. Trump went on to baselessly claim that Mueller "loves Comey," and "whether it's love or a deep like, he was conflicted." (ABC News / NBC News / Mediate)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-attacks-mueller-true-never-trumper-after-admitting-first-time-n1011861

📌 Day 860: Robert Mueller declined to clear Trump of obstruction of justice and suggested that only Congress can "formally accuse a sitting president of wrongdoing" in his first public remarks about his two-year-long investigation of Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. The special counsel noted that "charging the president with a crime was […] not an option we could consider," because Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Mueller emphasized that if his office "had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so." Mueller concluded his remarks by reiterating his report's conclusion that "There were multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our election. And that allegation deserves the attention of every American." (Washington Post / New York Times / ABC News / Associated Press / CNN / Wall Street Journal / Bloomberg / NPR)

https://apnews.com/94323cfc164c4759ba6bf84ad2a46203

3/ Attorney General William Barr thinks Mueller should have reached a decision on whether Trump obstructed justice, despite Justice Department guidelines saying a sitting president cannot be indicted. Barr suggested that Mueller "could've reached a decision as to whether there was criminal activity." Mueller, however, said that because "It would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge," it was "not an option we could consider." (The Hill)

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/446189-barr-says-he-felt-mueller-couldve-reached-a-decision-on-obstruction

Key U.S. intelligence partners, including the United Kingdom and Australia, are concerned with Barr's politically-charged Justice Department review of how the Russia investigation began. Trump gave Barr the authority to declassify and study the pre-election Obama-era intelligence related to the investigation. Partners are concerned that Barr could potentially reveal intelligence shared with the U.S. and, in the process, damage their other relationships with foreign partners. (CNN)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/30/politics/barr-intelligence-review-allies-reaction/index.html

4/ At least 49 Democrats and one Republican support starting an impeachment inquiry against Trump. Democratic leaders also say Mueller's remarks yesterday reiterate the importance of having him testify before Congress. Mueller has indicated that he is reluctant to testify and that he wouldn't say anything beyond what his office wrote in report, calling his report "my testimony." (New York Times / NBC News)

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/full-list-house-members-who-favor-starting-trump-impeachment-inquiry-n1011981

5/ The Trump administration deliberately concealed evidence about the decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census. The origins of the plan were discovered on hard drives in Thomas Hofeller's home, who died last summer. The files show that Hofeller concluded that adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census "would clearly be a disadvantage to the Democrats" and "advantageous to Republicans and Non-Hispanic Whites" in redistricting. He pushed the idea to the Trump administration in 2017, which then intentionally obscured Hofeller's role in court proceedings. The government has maintained that adding the question was intended to improve enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. The Supreme Court will decide the case by the term's end next month on whether the citizenship question can be added to the 2020 Census. (New York Times / Washington Post / NBC News / Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-census-gerrymandering-idUSKCN1T01WN

    Notables 
The White House wanted the USS John S. Mc Cain "out of sight" during Trump's visit to Japan. A Navy official confirmed that someone in the White House asked to move the destroyer while Trump was in the area. A tarp was also hung over Mc Cain's name, and sailors were given the day off. A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan didn't know about the White House's request. (Wall Street Journal / NBC News / The Hill / Washington Post / New York Times)

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/446088-pentagon-shanahan-unaware-of-directive-to-move-uss-john-s-mccain

Trump said whoever directed the Navy to obscure the warship USS John S. Mc Cain was "well-meaning," adding that he didn't know about and "was not involved" in the effort to the hide the Navy destroyer. "I would not have done that." (Washington Post / New York Times / Associated Press)

https://apnews.com/9c3d51b355854034a87e8f2d6f489b98

Several service members aboard the USS Wasp wore "Make Aircrew Great Again" patches. The Navy is reviewing whether the Trump-themed patches violated Navy rules. (CNN)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/29/politics/navy-review-trump-patches/index.html

A federal judge rejected the Trump administration's request to begin construction on a border wall with Mexico while it appeals a ruling that found funding for the wall was not authorized by Congress. U.S. District Court Judge Haywood Gilliam said the government was unlikely to prevail on the merits of its appeal, failing to justify a stay of a preliminary injunction issued last week. (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-court-idUSKCN1T020S

Federal prosecutors subpoenaed Mar-a-Lago for records related to Republican Party donor Li "Cindy" Yang and several of her associates and companies. The former owner of a Florida spa is involved in a prostitution investigation and allegedly sold access to Trump and his associates at Mar-a-Lago events. (Miami Herald / Vanity Fair)

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article230946518.html

China accused the U.S. of engaging in "economic terrorism" and said the ongoing trade war has "brought huge damage to the economy of other countries and the US itself." Yesterday, Chinese state media issued a similar warning to Washington: "Don't say we didn't warn you." The statements come as China's top economic planning agency said it would be willing to reduce exports of rare earth minerals to the U.S., which are an important part of high-tech manufacturing. (CNN)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/30/asia/china-us-peoples-daily-trade-war-intl/index.html

The U.S. has slipped into third place when it comes to the most competitive economies. While the U.S. is still on top when it comes to economic performance, the boost in confidence from Trump's tax cuts has faded while higher fuel prices and weaker high-tech exports have reduced competitiveness. (CNBC)

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/30/singapore-topples-us-to-become-worlds-most-competitive-economy-imd.html

Trump might meet with two pro-Brexit politicians when he visits the U.K. next week. Trump said he considers Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage to be "very good guys" and "very interesting people." (Politico / Bloomberg)

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/30/trump-uk-boris-johnson-nigel-farage-1347574

The Department of Energy referred to fossil fuel as "molecules of U.S. freedom" in a press release touting exports of natural gas. (ABC News)

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/molecules-freedom-us-energy-department-rebranding-natural-gas/story?id=63366255

MarqFJA The Cosmopolitan Fictioneer from Deserts of the Middle East (Before Recorded History) Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
The Cosmopolitan Fictioneer
#281888: May 30th 2019 at 7:01:59 PM

Trump tweeted that Russia helped "me to get elected"
Someone please tell me this counts as incontrovertible evidence against him of some sort.

Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus.
LeGarcon Blowout soon fellow Stalker from Skadovsk Since: Aug, 2013 Relationship Status: Gay for Big Boss
Blowout soon fellow Stalker
#281889: May 30th 2019 at 7:02:27 PM

No.

Oh really when?
sgamer82 Since: Jan, 2001
#281890: May 30th 2019 at 7:14:10 PM

Honestly I read it more like he was saying "all these claims Russia got me elected" that than actually admitting it.

Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281891: May 30th 2019 at 7:24:53 PM

It's Trump admitting that the Russians interfered, but that isn't a crime on his part.

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
tclittle Professional Forum Ninja from Somewhere Down in Texas Since: Apr, 2010
Professional Forum Ninja
#281892: May 30th 2019 at 8:27:15 PM

Tweet: Trump to enact a 5% tariff on all Mexican goods starting June 10th until all illegal immigration is stopped.

"We're all paper, we're all scissors, we're all fightin' with our mirrors, scared we'll never find somebody to love."
wisewillow She/her Since: May, 2011
She/her
#281893: May 30th 2019 at 8:28:04 PM

This is going to fuck up food prices and hurt a lot of people.

DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#281894: May 30th 2019 at 8:28:34 PM

Trump has declared he will use (illegal) Tariffs on Mexico to try and force them to tide the flow of Migrants. It will start at 5% tomorrow, and go up to 25% over the course of months.

Considering the Immigrants are mostly not from Mexico, this will just increase the power of gangs, in Mexico as human trafficking is their new source of income, and even possibly cause violence to increase in Mexico. Considering these Tariffs would violate NAFTA, America will no longer have free trade with its neighbors (unless we sign Trump's terrible NAFTA 2.0). Considering that our Economy is starting to get shaky from the Chinese Tariffs, these new Tariffs might cause an acceleration into Recession.

[up][up] [nja]

Edited by DingoWalley1 on May 30th 2019 at 11:28:51 AM

M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#281895: May 30th 2019 at 8:30:04 PM

I'm just surprised it took this long for Trump to pull this kind of stunt.

Disgusted, but not surprised
Rationalinsanity from Halifax, Canada Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: It's complicated
#281896: May 30th 2019 at 9:17:57 PM

NAFTA 2.0. isn't that awful, but this will hobble it and maintain the status quo.

The Oval Office needs its tariff powers restricted.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.
Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281897: May 30th 2019 at 9:22:07 PM

And now we're going to see the effects of protectionism first hand, how lovely. -_-

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang
Rationalinsanity from Halifax, Canada Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: It's complicated
#281898: May 30th 2019 at 9:26:50 PM

Man, good thing the GOP stands for the free market and restrictions on executive power.

Oh. Wait. Just got word that that stuff only applies during Democratic administrations.

Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.
M84 Oh, bother. from Our little blue planet Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
Oh, bother.
#281899: May 30th 2019 at 9:28:21 PM

I've said it before — the GOP doesn't really give a shit about the free market. They'll happily prop up their donors' obsolete industries and businesses with taxpayer money.

Edited by M84 on May 31st 2019 at 12:28:59 AM

Disgusted, but not surprised
Fourthspartan56 from Georgia, US Since: Oct, 2016 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#281900: May 30th 2019 at 9:29:24 PM

Honestly, considering the change in voting demographics and the terrible effects of escalating his trade war I think it could greatly increase the chance of the Democrats taking the Presidency and Senate come 2020.

Obligatory: I am in no way celebrating this decision on Trump's part, this is horrible. It's just nice that they may pay the consequences for it.

"Einstein would turn over in his grave. Not only does God play dice, the dice are loaded." -Chairman Sheng-Ji Yang

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