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

math792d Since: Jun, 2011 Relationship Status: Drift compatible
#169501: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:30:56 PM

Your new overlords.

Still not embarrassing enough to stan billionaires or tech companies.
RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169502: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:31:30 PM

About gerrymandering specifically: That practice has been pretty standard for political groups for over 200 years, why are things so different now that it will allow this administration specifically to remain in control past 2020?

I'm not an expert on the subject, so anyone more knowledgeable than me can chime in, but look at what I posted earlier about Virginia. They're got the place gerrymandered to hell and back, and now that they have it right where they want it, they're trying to do away with the "winner takes all" rule so that most of the states electoral votes go to the red candidate no matter what. Moves like that, that evolve on previously-established tactics, are what worry me. (Not to mention the fact that gerrymandering is half of why Congress is so red right now, so it's working pretty damn well so far.)

And suppressing the votes of minorities will only do so much if they tank the economy and social safety nets of pretty much everyone else as well.

But again, propaganda. Trump goes on Fox and bellows "THE DEMOCRATS DID IT!" and people will cheer him on in between swigs of moonshine, no matter the facts. Which is why journalists and Democratic leaders need to fight like hell to get the truth out there - so that when everything inevitably goes to shit, the voters know who to blame. And that's going to be very, very difficult, because look how unbelievably gullible sixty million citizens apparently are.

Look at Putin. They still have elections in Russia. Russia's a complete shithole and Putin's doing it no favors. But every time, he wins with 99% of the vote. And Putin just so happens to be Trump's new boss.

[up][up] Solid points, actually.

edited 25th Jan '17 2:32:19 PM by RBluefish

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
SeptimusHeap from Switzerland (Edited uphill both ways) Relationship Status: Mu
#169503: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:32:48 PM

Y s, because dishing out blame is so effective at fixing the issue.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled." - Richard Feynman
Journeyman Overlording the Underworld from On a throne in a vault overlooking the Wasteland Since: Nov, 2010
Overlording the Underworld
#169504: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:34:06 PM

Gerrymandering is on a decade delay system, isn't it? It takes ten years to take effect? In which case, we're reaping shit that was sown during the last two years of Bush's administration.

ETA: Who said it was a politician's job to fix issues? It's their job to get elected. Fixing real issues means cutting down on things that can get them elected. They all know that if they actually fix things, their days in office are numbered because there won't be any more point in having them.

edited 25th Jan '17 2:37:38 PM by Journeyman

RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169505: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:35:18 PM

[up][up] I mean, when a guy lights your house on fire, blaming him for doing it is a pretty good first step towards making sure he doesn't light any more houses on fire.

Establishing who's to blame, in the minds of the common voters, really is crucial going forward. Because the GOP are to blame, and the GOP got to go.

[up] I think they redistrict every ten years (which is another reason that 2020 is going to be of paramount importance). I don't know about any sort of delay, though.

edited 25th Jan '17 2:36:04 PM by RBluefish

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
Journeyman Overlording the Underworld from On a throne in a vault overlooking the Wasteland Since: Nov, 2010
Overlording the Underworld
#169506: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:38:54 PM

That's probably what I'm thinking of.

DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#169507: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:39:16 PM

[up][up][up] No, What happens is every 10 years, the US Government takes a Census, as a way to make sure States get the right amount of House Representatives in Congress. The State Congress draws up the Districts and the Governor Approves of them, unless they only get 1 Representative in the House, or have an Alternative way of Districting (which is mostly Western States). Gerrymandering is when the Congresses Draw the Districts in such a way that it lumps certain groups together to strengthen or weaken their influence within the State, and although Ethnic and Racial Gerrymandering is illegal, Political Gerrymandering isn't (thanks Supreme Court).

@Lindsey Graham: That made me laugh. Honestly, Graham might be a Neo-Con, but I would take him as President over Trump any day.

@Ayn Rand Objectivism: I've always despised Randian Objectivism, and I'm a Libertarian! (Of the Arizona, or "Bleeding Heart", variety) Rand ignores the basic fact that it's not the Governments that are Corrupt and Evil, but the People Running them, and several main Characters in her Novels are Ass Holes only in it for the Money: The Same as the Bad Guys, but because they're fighting the big bad System, they're the good guys. It's almost as embarrassing as Twilight Novels.

If our Future really is some sort of Objectivist Future that resembles freakin' Feudalism(!!!), then count me the hell out.

edited 25th Jan '17 2:43:25 PM by DingoWalley1

tricksterson Never Trust from Behind you with an icepick Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
Never Trust
#169508: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:42:23 PM

It's hard to think of anyone besides Pence, Cruz and Huckabee that I wouldn't want as President other than P. T. Mussolini.

Trump delenda est
RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169509: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:45:52 PM

I would take Pence as president in a heartbeat. Sure, he's a monster, but he's already going to get everything he wants in his current position. Making him president wouldn't change anything except take Trump out of the equation - which can only be a good thing, due to Trump's inherent instability and capriciousness.

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
TacticalFox88 from USA Since: Nov, 2010 Relationship Status: Dating the Doctor
#169510: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:47:31 PM

So, Tulsi Gabbard 100% met with Assad

and...

Josh Rogin ‏@joshrogin 11m11 minutes ago @Tulsi Gabbard says Syrians told her "there are no moderate rebels." That's the Russian government line exactly.

She can get fucked.

New Survey coming this weekend!
Gilphon (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#169511: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:49:31 PM

The danger with Pence is that he's good at seeming like he's not a monster. He doesn't make as good of a common enemy to rally against as Trump does.

But, y'know, that's just 'he's not as bad as Trump' phrased in a pessimistic way. Pence isn't anywhere near as much of democracy-killing autocrat, which is apparently as high as I can afford to let my standards be.

edited 25th Jan '17 2:49:48 PM by Gilphon

RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169512: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:50:44 PM

If nothing else, Pence isn't going to start nuclear war with a tweet. Trump is so incompetent that his incompetence is an existential threat in and of itself.

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
kkhohoho (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#169513: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:56:07 PM

[up]Speaking of which, any word on that bill getting passed? You know, the one that's supposed to stop Trump from setting off a nuke short of wartime? Because that one NEEDS to get passed.

MadSkillz Destroyer of Worlds Since: Mar, 2013 Relationship Status: I only want you gone
Destroyer of Worlds
#169514: Jan 25th 2017 at 2:58:31 PM

Well, fuck.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/316145-trump-calls-for-weekly-list-of-crimes-committed-by-undocumented

President Trump in the executive orders he signed Tuesday called on the Department of Homeland Security to publish a list each week of the crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.

The order says the Homeland Security Secretary “shall utilize the Declined Detainer Outcome Report or its equivalent and, on a weekly basis, make public a comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens and any jurisdiction that ignored or otherwise failed to honor any detainers with respect to such aliens."

The aim, according to the document, is “to better inform the public regarding the public safety threats associated with sanctuary jurisdictions.”

The two orders signed by Trump on Tuesday call for the construction of a wall on the United States’s southern border with Mexico, in addition to stricter immigration enforcement policies. The one order will strip federal funding of so-called “sanctuary cities.”

Let the Race Wars begin!

edited 25th Jan '17 2:59:34 PM by MadSkillz

RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169515: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:01:20 PM

[up][up] Not yet, I'm afraid. I don't know how much support it has. You'd think even Republicans would support it, for fear of literally dying in a nuclear fire, but then again Republicans are scum.

This statement from Rep. Ted Lieu on the border wall, tho.

"On day six of the alternative-fact-based Administration, President Trump*** continues to dwell in a small, sad, dangerous alternate reality. At least with President Bush we had compassionate conservatism. Under Trump it is becoming crazy conservatism."

"On the complex issue of immigration, Trump believes that a huge, astronomically expensive wall on the US-Mexico border can solve problems that don't exist: that millions of 'illegals' voted in this past election and that millions more are streaming across the border. The truth is that alleged voter fraud is at around .0004% and net migration from Mexico has been negative since 2008."

"These are serious times that call for serious solutions. Yes, border security is a crucial pillar of comprehensive immigration reform but a huge wall won't make us any safer, morally upright, reduce the deficit or energize our economy."

"We need reform that provides real border security, unites families, protects American workers and offers an earned pathway to citizenship - something that Democrats and I will continue to champion in face of the crazy conservatism of Trump world."

***In addition to losing the popular vote, Trump - as of January 20, 2017 - is in violation of the Emoluments Clause set forth in Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution due to massive conflicts of interests and his refusal to put his global business holdings in blind trusts. Trump also benefitted from Vladimir Putin ordering a multifaceted and brazen Russian influence and cyber hacking campaign with the goals of undermining faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrating Secretary Clinton's electability, and helping Trump's election chances.

Where do I need to move to vote for this guy?

edited 25th Jan '17 3:01:35 PM by RBluefish

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
DingoWalley1 Asgore Adopts Noelle Since: Feb, 2014 Relationship Status: Can't buy me love
Asgore Adopts Noelle
#169516: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:02:56 PM

[up] The 33rd Congressional District of California.

Bat178 Since: May, 2011
#169517: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:04:53 PM

That fear of dying in nuclear fire has caused me to wake up early each morning the last few days and freak out whenever a plane or jet flies overhead (Which is quite often over here) or the sun shines really brightly into my room when the blinds are closed. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back to this topic despite the effects it's been having on my sanity.

RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169518: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:05:59 PM

[up][up] Rhetorical question.

[up] That really doesn't sound like a fun time. Have you considered seeking help? Because that cannot be having a good effect on your emotional health.

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
Bat178 Since: May, 2011
#169519: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:07:54 PM

Guess I know what it was like to live in the 80's now, but at least that era had the NES...

edited 25th Jan '17 3:08:03 PM by Bat178

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
#169520: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:09:30 PM

There will be warning signs beforehand if Trump does try and drop a nuclear weapon. We're not there yet. Though I would advise against visiting Iran for the next few years, I expect that Tehran will be the most likely city to be destroyed with a nuke over the next few years.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Journeyman Overlording the Underworld from On a throne in a vault overlooking the Wasteland Since: Nov, 2010
Overlording the Underworld
#169521: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:10:27 PM

Message I am about to send to every congressperson in my state:

I am contacting you regarding Net Neutrality and its potential destruction at the hands of the FCC and President Trump. I urge you, if a bill comes up to strike it down, fight it. Net Neutrality allows many independent artists, writers, and small businesses to network and grow without the burden of overwhelming taxes. Without it we'll see our culture wither, and our economy's recovery shrivel up. Please, if you get any chance to fight the erosion of the internet, take action and don't let the free and fair exchange of information be shackled any more than it already has.

RBluefish Since: Nov, 2013
#169522: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:10:35 PM

[up][up] The fact that said warning sign is likely to be a tweet is so absurdly horrifying I almost want to laugh.

[up] Good man. I also called my Senators this morning about Net Neutrality (and to thank them for opposing some of Trump's cabinet nominees).

edited 25th Jan '17 3:11:16 PM by RBluefish

"We'll take the next chance, and the next, until we win, or the chances are spent."
FluffyMcChicken My Hair Provides Affordable Healthcare from where the floating lights gleam Since: Jun, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
My Hair Provides Affordable Healthcare
#169523: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:11:02 PM
AngelusNox Warder of the damned from The guard of the gates of oblivion Since: Dec, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Warder of the damned
#169524: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:12:57 PM

I am far from being a target of nuclear warheads but almost every show, games, music and movies I like are produced in the US, I really don't want to see the place nuked to oblivion.

However the chances of Trump starting a nuclear war, no matter what that idiot says, are dim.

Iran on the other hand should be shitting bricks of worry right now and I'd suggest them to use those bricks to build bunkers and then some more.

I'd also take Pence over Trump any time of the day for one reason, the electorate worships Trump not Pence and Pence doesn't have the charisma needed to pull the same shit Trump would. As much as Pence can disguise not being a horrible person, he doesn't strikes as someone who would do petty vengeful bullshit on a whim.

At best Pence is like Bush II second term, at worse he is Bush II on his first term with even more homophobia.

[up]I still have that link with survival and guerilla manuals somewhere, just in case someone needs it.

edited 25th Jan '17 3:14:05 PM by AngelusNox

Inter arma enim silent leges
Pseudopartition Screaming Into The Void from The Cretaeceous Since: Dec, 2013 Relationship Status: YOU'RE TEARING ME APART LISA
Screaming Into The Void
#169525: Jan 25th 2017 at 3:17:25 PM

Could I get the link? Probably could not hurt.


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