The 2020 Presidential campaign.

MiamiSpartan wrote:Steve, did you fail to check with Travis as to what you're allowed to post about again? You know how he gets. Travis has rules, dammit.

He can post about whatever he wants but if he posts that his pathetic goon friends are whining about a convention, and not just one but many, then he rightfully should be roasted for this by everyone here, not just me. The sad part is that you are not roasting as well.

(The truth is that there was no text, for the record. No one did that.)

Fucking steve...

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

MiamiSpartan wrote:Steve, did you fail to check with Travis as to what you're allowed to post about again? You know how he gets. Travis has rules, dammit.

He can post about whatever he wants but if he posts that his pathetic goon friends are whining about a convention, and not just one but many, then he rightfully should be roasted for this by everyone here, not just me. The sad part is that you are not roasting as well.

Cool, telling us what we should think, in addition to what we are allowed to post.

Jake from State Farm wrote:

GRR Spartan wrote:Crain’s Detroit is reporting the USPS has removed 10 mail sorting machines from regional facilities in MI including facilities in Detroit and Pontiac.

Each machine sorts 32,000 pieces per hour.
32,000 pieces x 10 machines x 8 hr shift is 2.56M pieces of mail going unsorted a day 15.3M in a 6 day week.

Add the Postmaster General currently isn’t allowing supervisors to approve overtime or hire additional personnel.

I see this as a bum’s rush to remove as many machines as possible before Postmaster General DeJoy appears before Congress.

PS

You won’t hear any comments about the USPS from GOP US Senate candidate John James. Post Master General DeJoy is of his campaign’s contributors.

Not to rain on the conspiracy, but just maybe they are no longer needed. First class mail volume over the past five years has decreased by about 5 billion pieces.

Not to rain on your business as usual theory but the machines are being taken off line are not being mothballed at the sorting facility as they have been in the past. They are being dismantled and removed off site by private contractors (the machines are most often installed by contractors hired by the company that manufactures them as part winning the bid to supply the USPS.

Based on their letters to 40 plus states before the sorting machines began being removed, the USPS knew is wasn’t going to be able to handle the volume of mail expected for the November election.

Once the machines are removed from the USPS facilities no one is saying what happened to the decommissioned machines. If it’s like the US military the parts might go into warehouses or might get sold. The chances of getting them back are zero.

One of the machines is in GR. The GR sorting facility sorts mail from most of GR south including Kalamazoo to the IN border and west to the Lakeshore. USPS closed the Kalamazoo sorting facility 3-4 years ago and moved those operations to GR. Without the machine the GR facility just lost 1.5M capacity of automatic sorting and so far can’t hire more people or approve overtime.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

MiamiSpartan wrote:Steve, did you fail to check with Travis as to what you're allowed to post about again? You know how he gets. Travis has rules, dammit.

He can post about whatever he wants but if he posts that his pathetic goon friends are whining about a convention, and not just one but many, then he rightfully should be roasted for this by everyone here, not just me. The sad part is that you are not roasting as well.

I wish I could say it was hard to believe how worked up one person could get over all this but sadly it's not that shocking.

MiamiSpartan wrote:

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

He can post about whatever he wants but if he posts that his pathetic goon friends are whining about a convention, and not just one but many, then he rightfully should be roasted for this by everyone here, not just me. The sad part is that you are not roasting as well.

Cool, telling us what we should think, in addition to what we are allowed to post.

Maybe he could provide us with a current set of guidelines.

Disclaimer: Wyoming is not representative of the nation. But we had primaries yesterday, and by all accounts, the state government just moved further to the right. A lot of state legislators that have been advocating for more progressive (relative to Wyoming) policies to move away from the states overwhelming dependence on the fossil fuel industry, got beat in favor of Trumpists. It’s a data point. I keep hearing that the Republicans are overblowing the “silent trump voter” but I’m at least a little concerned. Democrats and centrists better fucking vote in November.

Rocinante wrote:Disclaimer: Wyoming is not representative of the nation. But we had primaries yesterday, and by all accounts, the state government just moved further to the right. A lot of state legislators that have been advocating for more progressive (relative to Wyoming) policies to move away from the states overwhelming dependence on the fossil fuel industry, got beat in favor of Trumpists. It’s a data point. I keep hearing that the Republicans are overblowing the “silent trump voter” but I’m at least a little concerned. Democrats and centrists better fucking vote in November.

the racist, bigoted christian sexual predator is going to win.

GRR Spartan wrote:

Jake from State Farm wrote:

Not to rain on the conspiracy, but just maybe they are no longer needed. First class mail volume over the past five years has decreased by about 5 billion pieces.

Not to rain on your business as usual theory but the machines are being taken off line are not being mothballed at the sorting facility as they have been in the past. They are being dismantled and removed off site by private contractors (the machines are most often installed by contractors hired by the company that manufactures them as part winning the bid to supply the USPS.

Based on their letters to 40 plus states before the sorting machines began being removed, the USPS knew is wasn’t going to be able to handle the volume of mail expected for the November election.

Once the machines are removed from the USPS facilities no one is saying what happened to the decommissioned machines. If it’s like the US military the parts might go into warehouses or might get sold. The chances of getting them back are zero.

One of the machines is in GR. The GR sorting facility sorts mail from most of GR south including Kalamazoo to the IN border and west to the Lakeshore. USPS closed the Kalamazoo sorting facility 3-4 years ago and moved those operations to GR. Without the machine the GR facility just lost 1.5M capacity of automatic sorting and so far can’t hire more people or approve overtime.

With the decline in mailing do they even need that capacity? Kinda dumb to keep a machine in service that's only going to be needed for a few days every other year.

The nominating roll call was pretty awesome and gave me a needed boost of enthusiasm.

If you are apathetic or just lazy and don't vote Trump's chances of winning go up.

Up until 2 weeks ago when Trump ran his mouth about defunding Social Security and Medicare using the temporary stoppage of tax withholding for both as a window to their failure then followed it up runing his mouth about mail in voting and how the USPS could contribute to vote by mail failures it was incredible Trump had been able to fly low.

But he can't stand to fly low. His ego won't allow it. Trump2020 is now counting on 2020 in the US Federal government to be like the Weimar Republic and turn a blind eye to anything President Trump does.

In Weimar Germany (1918-1933) the police started looking the other way when the Jewish and Romani populations were abused and then persecuted. Once the Nazi Party took over the German governemt in 1933 they were able to start sending those ethinic groups to "camps" if they didn't escape Germany.

This year we are seeing the same stuff start to percolate. In MI armed individuals on the capital steps. Law enforcement thinking it can pick and choose what laws to enforce. Large groups of citizens ignoring state health requests with impunity because they know few county sheriff will enforce laws that may disagree.

Trump wants law enforcement to be selective and in turn like we've seen in NYC, the police union is endorsing Trump/Pence.

4 years ago I thought a Trump Presidency would result in major changes to environmental rules, healthcare rules and most importantly to the Federal judiciary.

I've lost a few friends in the last 6 months because I told them the America they long for existed in Germany from 1929 until the Allies invaded Germany. An America where our leader has cozy secret relationships with despots and is working to set the table to invoke emergency powers.

GRR Spartan wrote:If you are apathetic or just lazy and don't vote Trump's chances of winning go up.

Up until 2 weeks ago when Trump ran his mouth about defunding Social Security and Medicare using the temporary stoppage of tax withholding for both as a window to their failure then followed it up runing his mouth about mail in voting and how the USPS could contribute to vote by mail failures it was incredible Trump had been able to fly low.

But he can't stand to fly low. His ego won't allow it. Trump2020 is now counting on 2020 in the US Federal government to be like the Weimar Republic and turn a blind eye to anything President Trump does.

In Weimar Germany (1918-1933) the police started looking the other way when the Jewish and Romani populations were abused and then persecuted. Once the Nazi Party took over the German governemt in 1933 they were able to start sending those ethinic groups to "camps" if they didn't escape Germany.

This year we are seeing the same stuff start to percolate. In MI armed individuals on the capital steps. Law enforcement thinking it can pick and choose what laws to enforce. Large groups of citizens ignoring state health requests with impunity because they know few county sheriff will enforce laws that may disagree.

Trump wants law enforcement to be selective and in turn like we've seen in NYC, the police union is endorsing Trump/Pence.

4 years ago I thought a Trump Presidency would result in major changes to environmental rules, healthcare rules and most importantly to the Federal judiciary.

I've lost a few friends in the last 6 months because I told them the America they long for existed in Germany from 1929 until the Allies invaded Germany. An America where our leader has cozy secret relationships with despots and is working to set the table to invoke emergency powers.

He also favors red states with funding and cut tests when Covid was Mostly impacting blue states. Good for you saying that to those trump supporters. Fuck em if they can’t take it.

While those things were symptoms of underlying issues in German society, they didn't lead to the destruction of the Weimar Republic. There were much bigger circumstances and events (not the least of which is that their entire form of government and constitution was very new, fragile, and uncertain). That's not to say that there aren't similarities and classic fascist components in some regards to take note of, but not in what allowed the transition from republic to dictatorship. Not yet, at least.

If Trump gets reelected, he may move a lot closer to that path. Even more so if he gets a majority in Congress. He'd still have to get rid of the Supreme Court, but there are things he could do that are outside of their purview. When he toyed with the idea of declaring antifa a terrorist organization, the idea was a non-starter...for now. But if he can make that happen in a second term with little oversight, then how long until he tries to declare BLM a terrorist organization? And even the Democratic party a terrorist organization? There's a big Hitler comparison for you, when he outlawed opposition parties based on (likely) falsely blaming the Reichstag Fire on Communists, creating an impetus to suspend free speech, free press, etc., and outlaw opposition parties.

But even IF he gets reelected, imagine attempting such an obvious elimination of our most sacred amendment here? Let's even say he kills off (literally or figuratively) the Supreme Court, it takes a giant leap of faith that the military would back him, which would be necessary. It has become clear in recent weeks where the military leadership stand on his infringements against the First Amendment.

There are similarities to be very aware, but some vital steps that would be needed to really flip to a full dictatorship, are pretty unlikely, IMO. We need to be very wary of the little things, though because any steps toward totalitarian aspirations must be stopped.

Obama is OG. One more term!

Other Teams Pursuing That wrote:Obama is OG. One more term!

I heard that our christian hero was outraged at the colored boy last night.

Robert J Sakimano wrote:

Other Teams Pursuing That wrote:Obama is OG. One more term!

I heard that our christian hero was outraged at the colored boy last night.

Yeah, he's also going to be showing up every night for the gop convention. Maga cult is going to go crazy.

Jake from State Farm wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote: I heard that our christian hero was outraged at the colored boy last night.

Yeah, he's also going to be showing up every night for the gop convention. Maga cult is going to go crazy.

at least they'll keep warm by circling around the burning glow of the cross.

Jake from State Farm wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote: I heard that our christian hero was outraged at the colored boy last night.

Yeah, he's also going to be showing up every night for the gop convention. Maga cult is going to go crazy.

Hasn't Biden been on every night of the DNC?

Listening to Obama's speech I really hope we get back to this level of 'normal'. No more meanness, lies and conspiracy theories.

Also, Obama was pretty clear last night that our democracy as at risk. He's never gone there before. Pretty alarming and hoping people turn it out in November for the win.

The third ranking Republican in congress sent me an email last night that said this.

“As we near the 2020 elections, we are also facing a situation where some states are mailing ballots even to people who have not requested them, and each week brings new stories of multiple ballots mailed to individuals, including some who may not be registered to vote. Protecting the integrity of our election process is critical. We must ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can vote, and that every legitimate vote is counted.”

Near as I can tell, there are a few states who mail every registered voter a ballot. So maybe that’s what she’s talking about there.

As far as the other stuff, I think it’s just fucking made up. So let’s not pretend EVER that the Republican Party is not Trumps party. It will twist itself in knots to tell whatever bullshit story he’s ranting about at any given moment.

Fuck them, all of them,

Yes, them too.

Rocinante wrote:The third ranking Republican in congress sent me an email last night that said this.

“As we near the 2020 elections, we are also facing a situation where some states are mailing ballots even to people who have not requested them, and each week brings new stories of multiple ballots mailed to individuals, including some who may not be registered to vote. Protecting the integrity of our election process is critical. We must ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote can vote, and that every legitimate vote is counted.”

Near as I can tell, there are a few states who mail every registered voter a ballot. So maybe that’s what she’s talking about there.

As far as the other stuff, I think it’s just fucking made up. So let’s not pretend EVER that the Republican Party is not Trumps party. It will twist itself in knots to tell whatever bullshit story he’s ranting about at any given moment.

Fuck them, all of them,

Yes, them too.

Trump's thing about the supposed ballot fraud is hilarious. Saying people will receive multiple ballots, that dead people receive ballots, that dogs and cats receive ballots, that foreign governments can print off millions of ballots. Yeah, if only there were some magical electrical/mechanical device capable of comparing and "computing" a list of names on ballots received to a list of names registered to vote. And if only the technology existed to put some unique "code" printed as "bars" on the ballots to have that computing device make sure that every ballot is legitimate. Maybe some day.

the funniest thing about our christian hero whining about mail in voting.. is that he proudly participates in mail in voting..

It's hard enough to get some one to vote once, in my 45 years on Earth haven't met a single person that wanted to vote several times.

They give you a sticker for every time you vote steve so if you want to get more stickers in your “I voted” social media post then I advise you to go to different precincts and vote in each one you’ll be a viral star

have y'all seen any of the remarks from Miles Taylor? Former Chief of Staff for Dept. of Homeland Security.

he has said some very damning things about the racist, bigoted christian sexual predator. Nothing, of course, that any of us haven't been saying - but it's coming from the inside now. He has said that, as a lifelong republican, he is disgusted by what he saw and heard.

He's also said that we 'haven't heard last from us' - in reference to other former administration officials coming out in hopes of protecting America.

Robert J Sakimano wrote:have y'all seen any of the remarks from Miles Taylor? Former Chief of Staff for Dept. of Homeland Security.

he has said some very damning things about the racist, bigoted christian sexual predator. Nothing, of course, that any of us haven't been saying - but it's coming from the inside now. He has said that, as a lifelong republican, he is disgusted by what he saw and heard.

He's also said that we 'haven't heard last from us' - in reference to other former administration officials coming out in hopes of protecting America.

I don't doubt it. With well-known Republicans coming out in support of Biden, it will embolden more to come forward. 70-some former national security officials from Republican administrations dating back to Reagan also came out with an endorsement of Biden. Any true, honest Republicans need not feel like they are betraying "their side" by voting for Biden.

MiamiSpartan wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:have y'all seen any of the remarks from Miles Taylor? Former Chief of Staff for Dept. of Homeland Security.

he has said some very damning things about the racist, bigoted christian sexual predator. Nothing, of course, that any of us haven't been saying - but it's coming from the inside now. He has said that, as a lifelong republican, he is disgusted by what he saw and heard.

He's also said that we 'haven't heard last from us' - in reference to other former administration officials coming out in hopes of protecting America.

I don't doubt it. With well-known Republicans coming out in support of Biden, it will embolden more to come forward. 70-some former national security officials from Republican administrations dating back to Reagan also came out with an endorsement of Biden. Any true, honest Republicans need not feel like they are betraying "their side" by voting for Biden.

I agree.

And if Americans are allowed to vote and their votes are counted, Biden wins in a landslide.

I'm simply not convinced that the racist, bigoted christian sexual predator, Putin and the mainstream media are going to allow/encourage a free and fair election.

It's looking more and more like none of Trump's closest friends will be able to vote for him.

so did Sleepy Joe exhibit dementia last night and drool on himself??

or is that just another lie perpetuated by our christian hero and the mainstream media..?

Robert J Sakimano wrote:so did Sleepy Joe exhibit dementia last night and drool on himself??

or is that just another lie perpetuated by our christian hero and the mainstream media..?

Going to watch his speech this morning. I watched a bit of Julia Louise-Dreyfus and thought she was pretty funny. Obama warned us the fate of our democracy is on the line and it's up to us to save it this November. I hope people were listening.

steveschneider wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:so did Sleepy Joe exhibit dementia last night and drool on himself??

or is that just another lie perpetuated by our christian hero and the mainstream media..?

Going to watch his speech this morning. I watched a bit of Julia Louise-Dreyfus and thought she was pretty funny. Obama warned us the fate of our democracy is on the line and it's up to us to save it this November. I hope people were listening.

I wish it was more obvious to people than having to hear it from Obama.

Floyd Robertson wrote:

steveschneider wrote:

Going to watch his speech this morning. I watched a bit of Julia Louise-Dreyfus and thought she was pretty funny. Obama warned us the fate of our democracy is on the line and it's up to us to save it this November. I hope people were listening.

I wish it was more obvious to people than having to hear it from Obama.

I tilt more towards Bob's take that 'America is a Stupid Country' but I'm afraid it's lost on a lot of people. Saw a poll recently that something like 70% of conservatives would be fine if Democracy were destroyed as long as the government implemented their policy positions.

"A president who takes no responsibility, refuses to lead, blames others, cozies up to dictators and fans the flames of hate and division"

First step he'll take as president is getting control of this virus and get our lives back on track.

This speech makes the case as clear and as soberly as possible.

Just finished listening to the speech. He crushed it and reinforced to me why I felt like he was the right person to lead us out of our current national nightmare. He identified all the issues with Trump and proposed sane vision to all the problems he's created. Also, out of all the dem candidates I believed from day one he's the best equipped to be a healer and a uniter and this country needs it.

steveschneider wrote:Just finished listening to the speech. He crushed it and reinforced to me why I felt like he was the right person to lead us out of our current national nightmare. He identified all the issues with Trump and proposed sane solutions to all the problems he's created. Also, out of all the dem candidates I believed from day one he's the best equipped to be a healer and a uniter and this country needs it.

Solutions? Did you listen to the same speech i did? There were no specifics. Not saying it was a bad speech or anything but sane solutions is not what i walked away with.

Other Teams Pursuing That wrote:

steveschneider wrote:Just finished listening to the speech. He crushed it and reinforced to me why I felt like he was the right person to lead us out of our current national nightmare. He identified all the issues with Trump and proposed sane solutions to all the problems he's created. Also, out of all the dem candidates I believed from day one he's the best equipped to be a healer and a uniter and this country needs it.

Solutions? Did you listen to the same speech i did? There were no specifics. Not saying it was a bad speech or anything but sane solutions is not what i walked away with.

I lifted this from a NYT "On Politics" email that they're nice enough to send me twice a day.

The week was light on policy and heavy on character. Mr. Biden didn’t offer many more specifics in his address, though his campaign has released reams of policy plans. He outlined what he sees as the four crises facing the nation — the pandemic, the economy, racial injustice and climate change — and laid out a few ideas, including a national mask mandate.