TELL US IF YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING QUOTE, AND WHY.

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Sounds about right. It also explains everything about how the Dem leaders and establishment would rather lose again to Trump than let Bernie become prez. Because as long as Trump or some centrist Dem is prez, the establishment in both parties can go on with business as usual, enjoying their power ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@fishline79 Yes, you must not be paying attention or are naive about the system.

I discover more and more that in any group of people, there's a tendency for it to fragment.

KyleDavis comments on Feb 14, 2020:

My personal opinion of this is to mediate this we really need to prioritize a value of Equanimity in discourse. Identifying those values of common humanity. It is tough, but we are seeing more of it with the rise of things like Street epistemology, and other focus on conversations which allow ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@Omnedon Yes, I do think this. I have met very few Repub types who do not see those who seek equality and fairness as "losers" who should just shut up and be grateful for what they have as peasants.

I discover more and more that in any group of people, there's a tendency for it to fragment.

KyleDavis comments on Feb 14, 2020:

My personal opinion of this is to mediate this we really need to prioritize a value of Equanimity in discourse. Identifying those values of common humanity. It is tough, but we are seeing more of it with the rise of things like Street epistemology, and other focus on conversations which allow ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@OwlInASack Well said. You appear to be talking about Republican types, to whom decency, humanity, selflessness, and, esp. fairness, seem to be a joke. I have to avoid those people or not talk about anything meaningful that involves values, because they may as well be on a different planet from me.

[youtube.com]

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 13, 2020:

A great discussion of how much the corporate media these days is pure propaganda for the neoliberals and the ruling class, regardless of which corporate party they cheerlead for, as well as laying out how the whole stop Bernie movement works.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@MichaelSpinler Fox and MSNBC are two sides of the same neoliberal coin. Their only differences are in taking opposite sides in what are called the culture wars, in other words the stuff that identity politics breeds as distractions from issues that really matter like class warfare, climate change, taxation, endless war, the military budget, etc. BTW, I am a boomer, but fortunately I realized long ago that I was a socialist and that the corporate media was all bullshit as well as that corporate America and the rich were my real enemies, not foreign terrorists or immigrants...

“Study: 80% of Americans Believe Political Correctness Is a Problem” [google.

Omnedon comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Interesting. To pick just one phrase I noticed in the article... It referred to a "tell-it-like-it-is" candidate. The odd thing is that Trump is anything but. He lies with breathtaking frequency and lack of concern for the consequences. But I suppose within the strict context of PC, he may appeal to...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 13, 2020:

Of course Trump lies all the time, but a lot of angry working class whites voted for him because, unlike Hillary, he would at least validate and talk about their feelings of being left behind in the economy and ignored by the Dem party. If people have to choose between someone who ignores or dismisses their class resentment and someone who speaks to it, even if it's with lies, they will always choose the latter candidate, esp. if they are uninformed voters, which most Americans are...

Anyone else find that there are very few agnostics where you live?

Paul4747 comments on Feb 9, 2020:

There are plenty within 50 or 75 miles, but that seems a long way to ask anyone to drive for dating. Either to ask her to meet me, or me to meet her, or even meeting half way, if it were to be a regular thing. It's hard enough starting up a relationship, much less one where you only see each other ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 10, 2020:

Not in Iowa.Try more like 150 miles or more to even find a half dozen who are actual members that are still visiting the site often.

More About Pete ❧ Current Affairs

RoboGraham comments on Feb 8, 2020:

Without the media and the establishment propping him up, Pete would still be a nobody. Because they put him in the prominent position that he is now in and the fact that he has never worked to build any sort of movement of regular folks, he will be totally beholden to the powers that be and the ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 8, 2020:

That's why last night's debate was kind of a fitting symbol of the real battle, him against Bernie. Since Biden is now fading, the establishment and media need a new centrist hope to stop Bernie and for now it is Pete and Bloomberg. Warren is probably also fading and Klobuchar was never a heavyweight threat to Bernie. The fact that Pete was a military intelligence (and probably also a CIA spook) makes me opposed to him on general principle, plus his work as a corporate tool (McKinsey) makes him cozy with evil...

Trump supporters are predicting that he will win re-election.

Archeus_Lore comments on Feb 6, 2020:

Presidential elections do little to change anything, the military industrial complex still gets its money, still robs, plunders, foments coups, drones other countries with impunity. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer. No presidential election will change that.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Ironic, your lines are right out of one of my fav Leonard Cohen songs, Everbody Knows, from the 1980s.

Trump supporters are predicting that he will win re-election.

Bierbasstard comments on Feb 6, 2020:

Now your only mission is to get Democrats to vote regardless of who gets the nomination. Good luck!

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@Bierbasstard That may have been true for a small minority of them last time, but this time around I am confident that almost all of them, including me, will vote for the nominee. However, after seeing Hillary and Obama already make it clear they will not support Bernie as the nominee, no matter what, I have justifable reason to doubt that the centrists and their supporters will prove to be anything but lying hypocrites with all their talk about supporting the nominee this time. It's obvious that talk on their part about supporting the eventual nominee, no matter who, for the good of the party, etc., only applies if it it is not Bernie. They can't and shouldn't be able to have it both ways, ie, "shut up and support our choice for nominee, while all along we have no intention of supporting yours if they win the nomination.".

Trump supporters are predicting that he will win re-election.

Bierbasstard comments on Feb 6, 2020:

Now your only mission is to get Democrats to vote regardless of who gets the nomination. Good luck!

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 6, 2020:

That's the real problem. I have no doubt a united Dem Party could defeat Trump and probably would if the nominee was Bernie, if only because he could inspire a record turnout of people who normally don't vote, namely poor people who have been forgotten by both of the neoliberal corporate parties. But it's very clear that the Dem leaders and establishment would rather have another four years of Trump rather than Bernie or any other real progressive. So, like 2016, they will probably be able to rig it again and get the centrist, damaged, corrupt corporate candidate that they want, along with the same result as last time. They really mean, "we will only unite or support the nominee if it's the one WE want". At least the progressives are not hypocrites this time. I truly believe all or most of them will vote blue no matter what, even tho we will have been screwed by the Dems twice in a row...

See: factcheck.org/stateoftheunion

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 5, 2020:

With Trump the lies are so numerous and constant, that it's past the point of fact-checking, plus most people who like him on personality and support him do not and will not ever care or be swayed by whether he lies or not. I saw the same thing in the 80s with Reagan. They are fools and they cannot ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 5, 2020:

@bingst I agree with you on that. My evangelical sister and her hubby both support Trump even tho they have no illusions about his religious beliefs or personal morality being Christian. It's all about supporting anti-abortion laws and nominating judges who are anti-choice.

The Right has been emboldened.

sassygirl3869 comments on Feb 2, 2020:

Its going to get ugly -feel like we need real change. Never mind a moderate candidate! I am angry!!!!

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 It will only get worse. He will be fighting not only the rest of the party, but also the corporate media and even the Repubs running smear ads against him with PAC groups.Watch out in the rest of the debates for how the moderators will be working against him, like they already did in the Iowa debate on CNN. The bias against him was so obvious. Even in a general election debate, I promise that the moderators would favor Trump. Both parties and the media stand to lost if Bernie ends the corruption of big money in politics.

The Right has been emboldened.

sassygirl3869 comments on Feb 2, 2020:

Its going to get ugly -feel like we need real change. Never mind a moderate candidate! I am angry!!!!

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@sassygirl3869 My guess is he will win Iowa, NH, and Nevada, and then lose SC to Biden, but still do well there..I also predict the Klobuchar will drop out after either Iowa or NH if she does not finish in the top 3 in either state. She is putting all her money and effort into the first couple states.

In this world we are hearing of the evil of terrorism.

MichaelSpinler comments on Feb 3, 2020:

identity politics and religious ideas fuel this mostly.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@Storm1752 Of course they do, but it really doesn't concern me as I would never vote in the first place for a party that has always in my lifetime been the party of the rich. They practice identity politics by appealing to evangelicals and working class whites, who they are class enemies of, by appealing to the religion of the evangelicals, even tho they don't care about or share their religion, and to the working class whites, who get hooked on the appeals to their racism and resentment towards gays and liberal elite culture.

In this world we are hearing of the evil of terrorism.

MichaelSpinler comments on Feb 3, 2020:

identity politics and religious ideas fuel this mostly.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd Ain't that the truth.....

In this world we are hearing of the evil of terrorism.

MichaelSpinler comments on Feb 3, 2020:

identity politics and religious ideas fuel this mostly.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 3, 2020:

Identity politics is a bullshit distraction used by centrist pols in the Dem party to substitute for the lack of class warfare on the part of the party against the rich and corporations. Unfortunately, most Dem voters fall for it and don't see how the Dems are not on their side economically or classwise, anymore than the Repubs....

The Right has been emboldened.

sassygirl3869 comments on Feb 2, 2020:

Its going to get ugly -feel like we need real change. Never mind a moderate candidate! I am angry!!!!

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

That's why I feel the Dems need to nominate Bernie. Nominating a centrist who is only seeking incremental change will anger and alienate most voters, who want real change, causing them to either vote for Trump or stay home. Sticking with the safe or electable choice is what gave us Trump last time. Glad I'm retired and no longer have to put up with asshole bosses or co-workers who are religious and/or right wing..

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Unfortunately, my money would be on fascist dictatorship, which is what we are already close to with Trump. Bernie would mean going the other way, at least for a while. The problem with electing another centrist, corporatist defender of the status quo like Obama, Hillary, Biden, Warren, etc., is ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

@RoboGraham What if they nominate a centrist instead?

I understand the need and the intentions...but I draw the line at manipulation.

bleurowz comments on Jan 31, 2020:

The worst aspect I've read about this is when a group of guys will bet on who can get the ugliest woman to sleep with them. It's called "pigging" and it's disgusting. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/pigging-cruel-new-dating-trend-need-know/

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

@bleurowz True. It goes both ways, yada yada yada.....

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Unfortunately, my money would be on fascist dictatorship, which is what we are already close to with Trump. Bernie would mean going the other way, at least for a while. The problem with electing another centrist, corporatist defender of the status quo like Obama, Hillary, Biden, Warren, etc., is ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

@RoboGraham They mean in the general election if Bernie isn't nominated....

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Unfortunately, my money would be on fascist dictatorship, which is what we are already close to with Trump. Bernie would mean going the other way, at least for a while. The problem with electing another centrist, corporatist defender of the status quo like Obama, Hillary, Biden, Warren, etc., is ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

@Ms_McSteven I will be voting blue in the general no matter what, but if the Dems screw Bernie again, I hope the party blows up for good and I will never vote blue again for a centrist corporatist prez candidate...

I understand the need and the intentions...but I draw the line at manipulation.

of-the-mountain comments on Jan 31, 2020:

The newest scam from the ladies: They state that they are quitting the site! They state that their sister, daughter, or BFF viewed your profile, they want to meet you they are not a member of the site or do not want to join. They leave the usual coded E-mail fo you to contact them!!! The ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

I had a few approach me with that line, but I never bit.....

I understand the need and the intentions...but I draw the line at manipulation.

bleurowz comments on Jan 31, 2020:

The worst aspect I've read about this is when a group of guys will bet on who can get the ugliest woman to sleep with them. It's called "pigging" and it's disgusting. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/pigging-cruel-new-dating-trend-need-know/

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 2, 2020:

There was an American movie a long time ago about this subject, only in the movie the contest was about which guy could bring the ugliest woman to a bar where the men and their "dates" would gather so they could judge who was the winner. The movie was called Dog Fight. Now, tell me ladies, how is this really that different than women sitting around a bar and comparing notes on who can get the most pathetic guy there to buy them a bunch of free drinks in hopes of getting lucky with that woman????

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I hear you. One thing I hated about Obama is that no matter how much you weren't a racist, any criticism of Obama was called racist if you were white, like me. Same thing thing with Warren or Hillary, if you were male. Like I always said, identity politics is both the source and the symptom of so many problems with our politics. When will most people wise up and realize that what should really matter are policy, character, and whether their record matches their words and policy positions? Until then, those things, along with tribalism, and the corruption of money in politics, will leave us fooked beyond help..... Identity politics allows pols who are corrupt and phony to con voters into supporting them despite their faults, just to see someone who looks like them or shares their sexuality. Long before Mayor Pete, I used to say that after Obama and Hillary, the next identity politics prez candidate would be a gay Hispanic man. With Mayor Pete, I was only partially wrong....

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham Exactly..Warren says she will challenge the corruption in government, but when you look at how chummy she is with Hillary and that she was a Repub until 15 years ago, you have to be pretty gullible to believe her. Unfortunately, many who support her are that way, besides being overly obsessed with electing a female prez. I honestly think many Dem voters are that way in that they put gender ahead of policy to a degree that is laughable...

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I know, I have been trying to tell anyone who will listen that Biden is the MOST unelectable Dem, because, like Hillary, he would be so easily attacked by Trump. Plus, with Biden, there is also the corruption the Repubs brought up during the impeachment trial this week. The Dems need someone who is both tough and squeaky clean, like Bernie, if they want to beat Trump. Thing is, tho, the Dems would rather lose again than nominate Bernie.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham Don't we all? Too bad most of us aren't old enough to remember his 1987 prez campaign when he had to drop out after being caught plagarising something in one of his campaign speeches.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham He can't do that or the party leaders would find a way to screw him over more, plus it would give the media more ammo to slam him on. He doesn't want to alienate blacks or older Dem voters who like Biden.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I agree, but in the primaries he has to when the rest of the party is so against him. But in a general election, I have no doubt he can and would go negative against Trump. He is already speaking very negative about Trump all the time.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham Your points are all valid, but I still won't bother with the uninformed or stupid. I won't dumb down my comments for anyone. I am too old, impatient and intolerant, I suppose, for that. Probably part of why I never had or wanted kids and am uncomfortable around the retarded, who I know can't help being simple-minded. I'll leave it to you or others who are more patient, to do the outreach. One thing I'll say for Bernie, he keeps his language very simple and basic, that's part of why he is so good a campaigner. He also avoids going negative as much as possible, unlike me.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I agree. Call me a snob or elitist if you like, but the way I see it, the uninformed are a lost cause and I won't waste my time trying to reach or reason with them. Like it or not, the uninformed are allowed to vote and most of them do, so we who are informed are stuck with their stupidity whether we deserve it or not. I wish there was a way to prevent the uninformed from voting, but I don't get to make the rules. Most people in Iowa, however, that go thru the trouble of participating the caucuses, are pretty informed.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Unfortunately, my money would be on fascist dictatorship, which is what we are already close to with Trump. Bernie would mean going the other way, at least for a while. The problem with electing another centrist, corporatist defender of the status quo like Obama, Hillary, Biden, Warren, etc., is ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham You're absolutely right about that. I guess we'll find out soon enough if the people are capable of seeing who is truly on their side and who isn't, despite what the corporate media and the Dem party tell them.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 1, 2020:

These are some very tough questions. I think the only way we can truly break the stranglehold of the corporate oligarchs is through a mass movement of nonviolent civil disobedience. Our workforce will have to do what the French are doing currently to make any significant improvements. But look on ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I hope you are right about that, but right now the only two I see that have the courage and the charisma are Bernie and AOC.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Update: After years of trying from time to time to get on air as a caller to C-Span's Washington Journal, today I manged to get on air as a caller to C-Span during a program on the Iowa Caucuses. I got to speak uninterrupted for about two minutes and made most of the comments I have made on this ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham I honestly have no idea, even tho I continued to watch the program for another hour after I hung up. None of the later callers made any reference to my comments, tho there was another Bernie supporter who came up later on. Compared to the other callers I heard, both before and after me, I was much more analytical and sophisticated. No one else seemed to get that Trump was the symptom, not the disease, that comes from the Dems focusing on identity politics and nominating only status quo-supporting, corporate centrists. Those were part of my exact words in my call.

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

RoboGraham comments on Feb 1, 2020:

These are some very tough questions. I think the only way we can truly break the stranglehold of the corporate oligarchs is through a mass movement of nonviolent civil disobedience. Our workforce will have to do what the French are doing currently to make any significant improvements. But look on ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

I don't think it will be the 60s again for three reasons. One, the corporate media is much more unwilling to fairly cover radical politicians or movements like they did in the 60s. And even tho the internet is somewhat of an equalizer of that for younger people, the older people who vote still get most or all of their info from the TV and newspapers and radio. Second, the two major parties and the media have pretty well killed hope for radical change among most Americans who are middle aged or older than that. Third, the 60s taught a very sobering lesson to potential leaders of political or social movements, thru all the assassinations that happened, so much that very few people are courageous enough to risk getting whacked if they run against the system on the left. And in case any potential leaders forgot about those assassinations, the PTB issued a reminder early in the new century with the assassination of Paul Wellstone thru plane crash....

How much longer will we have to endure minority rule in this country?

TomMcGiverin comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Unfortunately, my money would be on fascist dictatorship, which is what we are already close to with Trump. Bernie would mean going the other way, at least for a while. The problem with electing another centrist, corporatist defender of the status quo like Obama, Hillary, Biden, Warren, etc., is ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@RoboGraham That would be Bernie, because he offers more than just the usual status quo-maintaining identity politics of the Dem party. The Repubs will always have the votes of racists, evangelicals and the rich. Right now, they also have the votes of angry, working class whites who have been left behind in the economy. Bernie has lots of appeal to that last group and would have had it four years ago if Hillary hadn't cheated him out of the nomination. That's why I think he would have beat Trump four years ago and will beat him now if given the nomination this time. This should be the real argument about electability, not this bullshit about labels like socialism and being too old or radical. Ever since Obama, people of all genders and races in America have been hungering for a real choice in the prez race for a candidate who was not corrupt and out to support the rich and corporate America over the common folks. Bernie is the only candidate who can provide that reliably, instead of caving or selling out after being elected, like Obama did. The people are ready to support him, even tho the corporate media never will....

Hi Everyone! Happy Saturday! Woke up this morning with a purpose - get my hair done.

TheGreatShadow comments on Feb 1, 2020:

My Super Bowl plan is to not watch it.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@TheGreatShadow That is when it really began. America's turn to shit really began with Reagan as far the floodgates opening. After that it was Clinton with the whole DLC thing of the Dems becoming Repub lite.

Hi Everyone! Happy Saturday! Woke up this morning with a purpose - get my hair done.

TheGreatShadow comments on Feb 1, 2020:

My Super Bowl plan is to not watch it.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@TheGreatShadow And nowadays, we have not only sports, but also trashy reality shows to distract the masses from how they are being screwed politically and economicly. Plus, the reality shows let them feel superior to the pathetic folks who show up on the reality shows...

Hi Everyone! Happy Saturday! Woke up this morning with a purpose - get my hair done.

TheGreatShadow comments on Feb 1, 2020:

My Super Bowl plan is to not watch it.

TomMcGiverin replies on Feb 1, 2020:

Here, here... As someone once said, if Americans cared about and paid attention to half as much about politics as they do the Super Bowl, we would have elected Ralph Nader twice by now...

Bernie and Warren are very much alike.

skado comments on Jan 30, 2020:

https://thegilmanhouse.com/centrists-dont-understand-reality/

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 30, 2020:

Interesting stuff. The comments by progressives who have been harassed for confronting centrists reminds me of a video I saw recently of a climate change activist who had the balls to question Biden at one of his campaign appearances. The activist even prefaced his ? to Biden by saying he would support him in the general if he was the nominee, but that he was currently leaning to Steyer. Biden not only brushed off his ? about Biden's position on climate change, but Biden told him to support someone else and then went as far as to put his hands on the activist's shirt while leaning into him and lecturing him. Looks like Biden lives up to his whole rep for being innappropriate and not respecting someone's personal space. I wish the guy had called the cops on Biden for assault, since if the roles were reversed, you can be damn sure Biden would have pressed charges.... BTW, this happened just days ago here in Iowa.....Of course, the media won't cover this....

I'm toying with genetic identification programs like Ancestry and 23 and me.

UUNJ comments on Jan 29, 2020:

I don’t want a for-profit company having my DNA. Poor Henrietta Lacks: her DNA led to amazing medical breakthroughs but she got nothing because no one sought her permission. ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 30, 2020:

@Marcie1974 My point exactly, but some people are paranoid about their civil liberties being violated.

I'm toying with genetic identification programs like Ancestry and 23 and me.

UUNJ comments on Jan 29, 2020:

I don’t want a for-profit company having my DNA. Poor Henrietta Lacks: her DNA led to amazing medical breakthroughs but she got nothing because no one sought her permission. ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 30, 2020:

You have no control over who they might share it with. In fact, that is how the Golden State Killer was found, thru the authorities comparing DNA samples from crime scenes with one of those ancestry companies. They found a match with one of the guy's relatives that used the ancestry company, then traced him from there. I am fine with this particular use of the info, but others might not agree....

I'm toying with genetic identification programs like Ancestry and 23 and me.

Haemish1 comments on Jan 29, 2020:

I’d worry less about finding odd family relationships, than insurance companies getting ahold of it and jacking up insurance rates.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 30, 2020:

@Lorajay I put my late wife's cause of death in the obituary because she had only one living blood relative, a sister, and that person had no kids and would not be getting life insurance-too poor to afford it anyway.

A question for republicans; At what point do you jump ship or do go all the way down with it?

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 29, 2020:

In modern times, the Dems are not nearly as partisan and disciplined as the Repubs. What has changed since Nixon is that the Repubs now have no shame and are so partisan and disciplined that it doesn't matter how guilty Trump is or how much evidence there is against him, his party members in ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 29, 2020:

@273kelvin I agree with you that the legalized bribery of big money in elections is the root problem, but right now both major parties are totally bought off and corrupt, so no reform will happen because the American election system also makes it almost impossible for other parties to challenge the two major parties in elections. Besides that, Americans are almost all brainwashed into only voting for the two major parties. Finally, our legal system has now given campaign donations equal status to protected free speech, so limits on campaign financing is impossible without a constitutional amendment.

A question for republicans; At what point do you jump ship or do go all the way down with it?

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 29, 2020:

In modern times, the Dems are not nearly as partisan and disciplined as the Repubs. What has changed since Nixon is that the Repubs now have no shame and are so partisan and disciplined that it doesn't matter how guilty Trump is or how much evidence there is against him, his party members in ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 29, 2020:

@273kelvin I hate the American version of the Tories, which is the Repubs, for they have no shame and will never admit their hypocrisy. I hate most of the Dems just as much for their phoniness when it comes to pretending like they care about the common people and equality and then turning around and serving only the rich and corporate America once elected and no longer needing to appeal to the peasants who vote.

I'm toying with genetic identification programs like Ancestry and 23 and me.

Haemish1 comments on Jan 29, 2020:

I’d worry less about finding odd family relationships, than insurance companies getting ahold of it and jacking up insurance rates.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 29, 2020:

That is why the cause of death is no longer listed in obituaries anymore, because life insurance companies would use family histories of illnesses to raise the rates on people who applied for life insurance. Prior to the ACA, insurance companies were also doing that when you applied for health insurance as well. I'm glad that pre-existing conditions and family history can no longer be used to gouge customers on health insurance rates.

CAMPAIGN 2020: Michael Moore rallies for Bernie Sanders, urging voters to 'take a risk' in election...

Charlene comments on Jan 26, 2020:

And just like that, the world changed on 11/9/2020

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

@Charlene I think you're maybe a bit too optimistic about the Senate changing over.

CAMPAIGN 2020: Michael Moore rallies for Bernie Sanders, urging voters to 'take a risk' in election...

Charlene comments on Jan 26, 2020:

And just like that, the world changed on 11/9/2020

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

What happened then?

CAMPAIGN 2020: Michael Moore rallies for Bernie Sanders, urging voters to 'take a risk' in election...

dalefvictor comments on Jan 26, 2020:

I hear many things about Bernie, most of them are bad. This tells me that he is a good guy and should be supported. He is a Democratic Socialist, I used to be a member of this party and they are democratic to a fault. Socialist in that they think the economy would be far better off if it was not ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

True. Even MSNBC is conservative in that they have a blackout on Bernie and only mention him when there is something negative like a smear against him. All of the corporate-owned media in the US, including newspapers, are slanted to support and cover only candidates that are pro-corporate, pro-war, and in favor of the status quo favoring the rich. Who needs state control of the media, like in the old Soviet Union, when you have corporate control of info in the media? The internet is the only place left with any freedom of speech and info that challenges corporate power.

CAMPAIGN 2020: Michael Moore rallies for Bernie Sanders, urging voters to 'take a risk' in election...

Athena comments on Jan 27, 2020:

Way to go, Michael! I find it rich how so many people (usually old themselves) are quick to refer to Bernie as "too old" the moment they hear his name. I wonder how that would go over if they were to say someone is "too black", or too female? People should try voting on a candidate's policies ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

It's also important to remember that Reagan apparently had dementia as early as his first term, besides being old, but most people overlooked that because he was so damn charming and likeable to most Americans as some cheerful grandparent. What a mistake that was for this country....

Reasons Not To Vote For Joe Biden: • He opposed Busing as a means to fight segregation.

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 28, 2020:

Bernie or bust! Also, I and other progressives (code for socialists) are really fucking sick of this double standard when it comes to being forced to support the Dem nominee no matter who it is. We get this demand from the centrist, corporate part of the party every election cycle no matter how ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

@freeofgod The name was Nader, learn to spell. I will block you.

Reasons Not To Vote For Joe Biden: • He opposed Busing as a means to fight segregation.

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 28, 2020:

Bernie or bust! Also, I and other progressives (code for socialists) are really fucking sick of this double standard when it comes to being forced to support the Dem nominee no matter who it is. We get this demand from the centrist, corporate part of the party every election cycle no matter how ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 28, 2020:

@RoboGraham That's what I am hoping and believe will happen if he gets the nomination. I truly believe he would have beat Trump last time, but we'll never know...

Good Saturday Everyone! Soon I'll be off to my Freethinkers Brunch Group and then this pm playing ...

WonderWartHog99 comments on Jan 25, 2020:

## For meeting with the locals, I'll be hauling trash to the dump today. It amazes me how friendly people are when they're throwing garbage off the side of a clift at the landfill.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 25, 2020:

Sounds like Alice's Restuarant...

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

yvilletom comments on Jan 25, 2020:

After a divorce, in a singles club with 400-plus members, I learned: 1) if I find someone too soon she will in subtle ways be much like my ex, and 2) if I’m not happy I won’t be able to make someone else happy.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 25, 2020:

True on both counts.

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

WonderWartHog99 comments on Jan 23, 2020:

## The "good" ones are ones in transistion between relationships/marriage. The real gig is people pair up during formal school when they're matched largely by age and class. People want romance with someone that is like themselves, making school ideal. After graduation the "good" ones are rapidly...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 24, 2020:

@UUNJ I've been thru that too. They are trying to be nice and helpful, but they are using standards that are too low and are usually unfamiliar with what your standards are.

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

JackPedigo comments on Jan 24, 2020:

Yeah. I found myself in this situation with all of my former partners. When I was in a committed relationship I was the greatest and women actually told my partners that if something happened and I was single they wanted me. Of course when I was single it was a different story. There is something ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 24, 2020:

So true. People seem more attractive to the opposite sex just because they are with someone. All about how they seem more marketable in that situation, hence "curb appeal", even tho they may or may not be a quality partner..... Maybe this whole marketing or curb appeal thing explains why some guys will flash around a lot of money or buy drinks for pretty women at bars, because it allows them to be seen by other women with attractive-looking women, even if said women are being "bought" by the man for their temporary company and the boost to his market appeal in public....

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

WonderWartHog99 comments on Jan 23, 2020:

## The "good" ones are ones in transistion between relationships/marriage. The real gig is people pair up during formal school when they're matched largely by age and class. People want romance with someone that is like themselves, making school ideal. After graduation the "good" ones are rapidly...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 24, 2020:

@WonderWartHog99 When I was actively using online dating, there were plenty of women in my local area on the paid site. The issues that were defeating me were the amount of competition from other local men and the relatively low number of women that were compatible with me, even on paper, so to speak.

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

GreatNani comments on Jan 23, 2020:

My issue is I never meet anyone, good ones, bad ones, indifferent ones! The pool is dry. Must be global warming :)

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 24, 2020:

I don't know about the pool being dry. It's just that after age 50, most of the good ones are still partnered up, while at the same time, we are usually too young to date the good ones who become available due to being widowed. All about numbers and timing.....

Anyone have an opinion on this statement?

WonderWartHog99 comments on Jan 23, 2020:

## The "good" ones are ones in transistion between relationships/marriage. The real gig is people pair up during formal school when they're matched largely by age and class. People want romance with someone that is like themselves, making school ideal. After graduation the "good" ones are rapidly...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 23, 2020:

Very well said! The best hope for getting a quality mate who is compatible is mostly a numbers game of being lucky enough to meet someone who is right for you when they are in transition due to becoming widowed or divorced. The problem in connecting with those kind of people is that most of them may not even try online dating due to what a cesspool it is. That leaves only chance encounters at public or group events for being able to meet those people organically. Good luck beating the odds on those situations, because someone like that will only meet you if you happen to show up at the right event on the right occasion when they are present. Online dating, for all its faults, offers to the chance to meet way more people and you don't have to be lucky enough to show up in person on the one date they happen to be at an event. And don't even try mentioning matchmaking by mutual friends as a source of meeting someone that is a quality single, because if you're over 50, all of your friends are probably still married or partnered and thus have been out of the dating game so long they don't know anybody single and would be clueless about helping you....

What is it that makes a man love a woman?

mtnhome comments on Jan 22, 2020:

One could write a book about all this, but I'd skip all the math. Yes, addicts, people not kind and ladies stuck with raising the grandkids (due to addictions in the family) have no attraction to me. We're old enough to remember when we made connections without online dating. Back then, we actually ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 22, 2020:

Paragraphs.....The comment actually makes a lot of sense now that it has paragraph breaks and is now readable, which was my original point....

I'm watching the start of trumps impeachment trial I'm struck by the conversation about will ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 21, 2020:

You sound hopelessly naive...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 21, 2020:

@Freedompath Maybe I'm overly cynical, but it just seems naive, to me, at this time and place, to expect anything different from the Repubs...

The speech MLK Jr. gave the night before he was assassinated. [facebook.com]

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 20, 2020:

Bernie Sanders is the only pol I have seen in recent decades with even a fraction of the courage of MLK in speaking truth to power. Sadly, even he doesn't have the guts to oppose the MIC like King did, as he knows it would not only get him thrown out of office, but also killed.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 21, 2020:

@ToolGuy Military Industrial Complex, something Eisenhower warned us about after he left office.

An AOC victory over the Military Industrial Complex.

RoboGraham comments on Jan 20, 2020:

Why is it that our other representatives aren't calling attention to this widespread waste and corruption as she is? It's almost as if they represent the special interests over the people.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 20, 2020:

Ever since JFK was whacked in 1963, the pols in DC have learned the lesson that you must support the MIC if you want to stay in office and alive in DC. Which is why I fear that if AOC is ever a threat to become prez, she will be killed.

"Homelessness, hunger and shame: poverty is rampant in the richest country in the world.

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 19, 2020:

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, as most American peasants are, all it takes is one, or at most two, bad breaks, and you are on the road to homelessness....

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 20, 2020:

@MsDemeanour Suffering by itself does not result in empathy in humans. Some do gain that thru suffering and others react to their suffering by blaming others for it or developing resentments towards others, often groups of people that they blame for their suffering. It all depends on how the individual processes their suffering.

"Homelessness, hunger and shame: poverty is rampant in the richest country in the world.

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 19, 2020:

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, as most American peasants are, all it takes is one, or at most two, bad breaks, and you are on the road to homelessness....

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 20, 2020:

@MsDemeanour In a word, Yes. They also hate the poor because it makes them feel superior and more secure that it could never happen to them, or so they think.

"Homelessness, hunger and shame: poverty is rampant in the richest country in the world.

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 19, 2020:

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, as most American peasants are, all it takes is one, or at most two, bad breaks, and you are on the road to homelessness....

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 20, 2020:

@Fred_Snerd I'm not surprised. There are an unbelievable number of Americans who hate and blame the poor.

I see so many men say nice guys get overlooked.

rsb97080 comments on Jan 17, 2020:

I dunno. Almost daily I see women, attractive and not so much, with men that are obviously assholes. And the ones who aren’t pricks are cookie cutter (all look the same, like the same things, etc.)

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 17, 2020:

The cookie cutter guys are attractive to these women because they are safe choices that will not cause them any drama or concern from the women's family and circle of friends for being different from the norm. Shows insecurity on the part of these women, at least in my mind.

I see so many men say nice guys get overlooked.

BitFlipper comments on Jan 17, 2020:

You'll get no backlash from me. Put the other person's shoes on and think about the men you don't choose and the reasons you don't choose them. You're not responsible for who you are attracted to. It's deep inside your psyche. I'm tempted to blame women for overlooking me - but I try blame myself...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 17, 2020:

I respect and admire you in how you are being realistic and looking after yourself by doing what you can to improve your physical attractiveness instead of just complaining. I hope it works for you and would be interested in hearing how that journey goes for you.

I see so many men say nice guys get overlooked.

IrishTxJudy comments on Jan 17, 2020:

You’ll get no backlash from me. It works both ways and I’ve seen very shallow people on both sides of the sexual divide. Sure, there are women looking for a man with money to burn beyond the usual being able to support and take care of himself. There are men looking for a woman who is fit and ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 17, 2020:

So true! Seems like the only time on TV that you ever see average-looking people are on commercials, news stories, or, the most often, on reality shows like Cops or Love After Lockup, where the whole program is about exploiting vulnerable people so those watching the show can feel superior about not being that pathetic....

I see so many men say nice guys get overlooked.

Sticks48 comments on Jan 17, 2020:

i agree to an extent. For me it is a combination of personality and looks. I am attracted to who I am attracted to. I have met some pretty women who l thought were sexy until l spoke with them for awhile. I have known women who I became more attracted to as I got to know them. Men are definitely ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 17, 2020:

Thank you for verifying what most of us men already know. Money largely buys romantic interest from many women. Or, as one guy said a while back on these boards, money may not buy you love, but it will at least rent you some very attractive looking female company....

Depressed Agnostics?

dalefvictor comments on Jan 15, 2020:

They are more in tune with reality and do not live in fantasy land. Things are tough out here, we get tired and depressed as the system is not working for anyone unless you are rich.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 15, 2020:

Sounds about right. There is a sort of bliss that comes with ignorance for many people. It's hard for socialist intellectuals like me to have the same ignorant bliss of the average American peasant. Maybe their religion is the difference for them.

Remembering Janis... [youtube.com]

LucyLoohoo comments on Jan 12, 2020:

I used to worry about her voice. She was abusing the HELL out of it at such a young age. Wonder what she'd be singing now?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 12, 2020:

Probably jazz or blues. Soul music would probably be too tough for a voice that worn out.

Recently Martina Navratilova came under fire for her comments that transgender women should not ...

Geoffrey51 comments on Jan 12, 2020:

What about some women that are naturally larger build and extremely athletic. Should they be banned as well?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 12, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 Maybe TG athletes need to have their own competitions.

Recently Martina Navratilova came under fire for her comments that transgender women should not ...

Geoffrey51 comments on Jan 12, 2020:

What about some women that are naturally larger build and extremely athletic. Should they be banned as well?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 12, 2020:

No. The same could be said about men who are those things compared to other men.

Considering how rampant scammers and predators are, one would think that men would be a teensy bit ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 12, 2020:

I would always message at least several times thru the dating site's messaging system with someone. Then, the next step would be meeting for coffee in a public place. If someone didn't want to follow that method, such as wanting to draw out the messaging for a couple weeks or more, or refusing to ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 12, 2020:

@Deb57 To each their own. I am not going to wait a few weeks to meet someone and get the in person meeting over with to know if there is any chemistry or not. If someone is too fragile, fearful, whatever, they are not secure enough for me to want to spend any more time with them. I have the right to decide how long I will wait on someone and there is nothing mysogynistic about that. Women have reasons to be fearful, I get that, but I have the right to decide how long I will wait on someone as well as to protect myself from being played. Have you ever considered that last aspect, that many men get tired of being played by women who have no real interest in ever meeting in person? For all I know, most or at least some of the women in online dating that hold out for at least a few weeks on meeting in person because "they are too fearful, need to know you better, etc." may instead just be messaging with several guys and feeding their egos while stringing guys like me along about meeting while they are actually beginning to meet with several guys who are in their top tier of candidates? Who wants to bother spending more time on someone when this exact situation has happened to them before with online dating and they are tired of being played or letting themselves be put in that position again? The blunt truth is, Deb, that while all women have some reason to be afraid for their safety with online dating, there are also women who use that as an excuse to justify bad behavior like I have outlined above where they are benching or stringing along guys that they are not that interested in meeting compared to other prospects they are messaging or maybe not even interested in meeting at all, such as women who are just out to find texting buddies from dating sites so they can feed their ego with the male attention.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

Lauren comments on Jan 11, 2020:

What a jerk! I'm sorry you had to experience that. I wish there was a place to rate people on dating sites so you could leave feedback for things like that.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 12, 2020:

@Lauren It would be helpful, but it won't happen. Dating sites don't want to have to referee He said She said disputes like that and their cardinal rule is to never alienate or lose a potential customer thru something like that which might turn off people from using their site and making them money.

Why Bernie, Not Warren (Definitely worth reading)

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 11, 2020:

I totally agree. Warren not only isn't as progressive as Bernie, she's also not as trustworthy. On top of that, as a man, I am well aware of how most men think, esp. blue collar men. The last kind of female candidate they would vote for is someone like her who comes off like a schoolmarm. She would ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@WilliamCharles 2016 showed Warren's true colors. By not endorsing Bernie, she proved to be more of an ambitious opportunist than a real progressive.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

BitFlipper comments on Jan 11, 2020:

Sorry that happened to you. Of all the shitty dating-related experiences I've had, I've never been utterly stood up.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@BitFlipper Sounds likely.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

BitFlipper comments on Jan 11, 2020:

Sorry that happened to you. Of all the shitty dating-related experiences I've had, I've never been utterly stood up.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

You are rare among men with online dating. About every guy I know personally offline that has done online dating has been stood up. It seems that women are more likely than men to stand someone up with online dating, but each gender seems to be equally guilty of bad behavior overall.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

Lauren comments on Jan 11, 2020:

What a jerk! I'm sorry you had to experience that. I wish there was a place to rate people on dating sites so you could leave feedback for things like that.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

@HippieChick58 You're right, they won't do anything to him.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

Lauren comments on Jan 11, 2020:

What a jerk! I'm sorry you had to experience that. I wish there was a place to rate people on dating sites so you could leave feedback for things like that.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

Dating sites allow you to report scammers and bad behavior by members such as stalking, threats or offsite behavior such as assaults, but if you tried reporting someone for standing you up or ghosting, the site would refuse to get involved or take action against the member because those sorts of behaviors are considered par for the course and justifiable.

So I had a date today, I got all prettied up and went to the local sports bar that he suggested.

Deb57 comments on Jan 11, 2020:

I have three cats now, and I have never tried any dating sites. I am a scam artist and dirt bag magnet, so I never will.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

Three cats, then you do qualify as a crazy cat lady, but with lots of good company...

Alabama Has the Worst Poverty in the Developed World, U.N. Official Says

Bigwavedave comments on Jan 10, 2020:

Havent they been to Mississippi?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 11, 2020:

Well, duh... Those two states also seem to consistently send the most idiotic types to congress as well. You can fix poor, but you can't fix stupid, and as long as people in those states keep electing corrupt idiots, that's what they'll get...

This sign was on a rural gravel road where I grew up ...that explains a lot !!!

TomMcGiverin comments on Dec 31, 2019:

Glad to know that someone in Dallas County has some freak humor. My impression is that most of its residents are conservatives and yuppies. I live one country over and am glad to not be in Dallas County.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 8, 2020:

@of-the-mountain I think it's referring to Dallas County in Iowa.

Me too... how about you?

Bobbyzen comments on Jan 7, 2020:

Dang I remember those days. "The Man" was everyone from the police to people in suits. The 60's was a good time to be a rebel!

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 7, 2020:

That explains the difference between now and then. Nowadays, most people want to be The Man. That's why they vote for Trump and support fascism. Sad time for rebels these days....

Lawmakers chant 'death to America' in Iranian parliament - YouTube

Geoffrey51 comments on Jan 5, 2020:

The scary thing is the Evangelical Christians will be applauding the idea of conflict because it will enhance the coming of their Messianic delusion. You almost wish it were true. At least it would give their nonsense some rational!

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 6, 2020:

If they can't wait to meet Jesus or see him come back, that's fine with me. Just don't take me with them in their quest...

While I did say I was done with online dating, I thought I would try FB dating and see if it was ...

BitFlipper comments on Jan 4, 2020:

I was "liked" by a woman in a nearby city of Facebook Dating today. I don't think she was a scammer but she sure was offensive. At first she seemed nice and wanted to meet me at a brewery to watch a football game. I answered that I had plans and needed more lead-time. Then she got pissy. I agreed...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 4, 2020:

@tinkercreek I didn't think NY state had very many whites bigoted enough to use the N-word about blacks. I stand corrected.

'A Face In the Crowd' and the Unfulfilled Prediction of a Better America

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 4, 2020:

I agree, half, if not most Americans, are gullible suckers.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 4, 2020:

@WilliamCharles Guess I am a proud, but sad member of the intelligensia.

Would Trump Go to War With Iran for Political Purposes? - Rolling Stone

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 3, 2020:

Does a bear shit in the woods?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@TheInterlooper Good one!

I just want to be cuddled and spooned for a few hours. To feel safe and cared for.

TheGreatShadow comments on Jan 3, 2020:

If you were closer, I'd ablige. My last gf told me she always felt safe with me. However, she fucked a friend of mine on New Years a few years ago. When I was there...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@BitFlipper Wish I could be of help, but I'm not much better. One thing I do know is to quit being desperate, or at least not show it, regarding human contact. I learned a long time ago that it's the biggest turnoff there is to women in the dating game, at least to the women who are at all emotionally healthy.

I keep hearing how much money politicians keep rising and then I wonder, why would anyone want to ...

RoboGraham comments on Jan 3, 2020:

Money is speech. Speech can be used for persuasion. An awful lot of persuading needs to be done to win an election so large sums of money are needed. If you believe that a certain candidate getting into power will help your personal situation, campaign contributions are like investments.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@RoboGraham Bernie is the only prez candidate I have ever given money to. I knew the rest were too corrupt and did not care about people like me. Still, I would much prefer public financing of all campaigns for federal offices. It would be well worth the extra tax money to get big money out of our politics, but I know that Americans are either too dumb or just too disgusted with politics to see that public financing of campaigns would be money well spent to get rid of the bribery and corruption, It would be very unpopular with both parties and the media, as it would cut off their gravy train to being prosperous from the status quo. It would also require the media to give free airtime to qualified candidates and a restoration of the Fairness Doctrine by the FCC, maybe also a constitutional amendment to make it happen. All very unlikely...

I just want to be cuddled and spooned for a few hours. To feel safe and cared for.

TheGreatShadow comments on Jan 3, 2020:

If you were closer, I'd ablige. My last gf told me she always felt safe with me. However, she fucked a friend of mine on New Years a few years ago. When I was there...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@BitFlipper That safe thing is right. Sounds like the woman feels you can be taken for granted, at the least, and at the worst, that you are someone easy to friendzone.....

This is getting so scary!

TomMcGiverin comments on Jan 3, 2020:

If only most Americans were smart enough to see how they are being played with these wars of convenience for political gain, but they aren't, probably because we now have a poverty draft and only a small percentage of the population is affected when we go to war in the Middle East each time. ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@Varn It is what it is...The poverty draft ends up drawing recruits from three demo groups that have very few options for employment and bettering their economic lot except thru the military: Poor people, rural Americans (who are mainly poor whites), and minority groups ( blacks and Hispanics).

Finland solves housing crisis?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

It's pretty obvious when you think about it. Struggling people will be much more likely to succeed and become productive members of society if they have a home. Much better and more cost effective to give these people a hand rather then allow their situation to continue to deteriorate. With 3D ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 3, 2020:

@bingst Very true. Have to keep the peasants in line, provide cannon fodder for the military, and workers for the worst jobs. Can't allow the peons too many choices for what they do and still keep the system of exploitation going. Won't do at all to allow that...

How can plane tix still cost so much? We’ve been flying for a century now!

mordant comments on Jan 2, 2020:

They cost a lot less in inflation-adjusted dollars than they did in, say, 1960. You can fly between some commuter hubs for $50. When I was your age (okay Boomer) you couldn't fly anywhere for less than hundreds of dollars. What bothers me more than the cost (although the difference between ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 2, 2020:

Nowadays it's more realistic to look at airlines as flying cattle cars, because that's how they look at it regarding their customers....

Finland solves housing crisis?

RoboGraham comments on Jan 2, 2020:

It's pretty obvious when you think about it. Struggling people will be much more likely to succeed and become productive members of society if they have a home. Much better and more cost effective to give these people a hand rather then allow their situation to continue to deteriorate. With 3D ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 2, 2020:

Well said. Too bad there are still so many conservatives who hate the poor, wish them dead, and thus believe they are undeserving of anything except what they earn with their own hands and bootstraps. Better they stay poor or become dead than be morally corrupted by handouts. However, these same people conveniently overlook any moral corruption that occurs when the idle rich such as the Walton family inherit more than they need and grow up to be totally lazy and worthless to society. They are given a pass as being deserving and virtuous.

I keep hearing that Austin is relatively progressive. Is that true? [lifeinsider.me]

glennlab comments on Jan 1, 2020:

Austin is possibly the most progressive city in Texas. Most of the major cities in Texas are progressive, it is the rural and smaller cities and towns that give Texas its conservative reputation. gerrymandering has insured that these rural areas maintain an out sized influence in the state.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 1, 2020:

Iowa has the same problem. The conservative rural areas end up getting to run everything in the state government because they still have outsized influence. But that is going to change in the next decade or so because those areas are pretty much populated by old folks who will die in that time period and then the more progressive cites will get to run things, because the rural areas will be so depopulated by then that in statewide elections they will no longer have that much power anymore.

What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

GreatNani comments on Jan 1, 2020:

How was the dinner and dancing?

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 1, 2020:

@UUNJ Lucky the fire marshal didn't see those stairs, or they would have been fined.

What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

TomMcGiverin comments on Dec 31, 2019:

I had the same plans, but I came down with stomach flu on Sunday, so I holed up at home till the middle or late in the week.

TomMcGiverin replies on Jan 1, 2020:

@UUNJ I am. My temp is down to less than 100 with no fever reducer. Plan to go out tomorrow to grocery shop and begin eating some bigger amounts of food. I'll take my last two anti-nausea pills tomorrow,

Biden would consider Republican for VP 'but I can't think of one right now' | TheHill

mcgeo52 comments on Dec 31, 2019:

Why shouldn't he have a Republican running mate? It worked for Obama.

TomMcGiverin replies on Dec 31, 2019:

To me, Obama was Repub lite. He ran on and catered to the usual BS identity politics of the Dems, but on the economy, foreign policy, war, inequality, and even climate change, he was more like the Repubs. In other words, on all the issues that matter to the rich and corporate America, he was Bush in blackface.