caucus99percent

free-range politics, organic community

Welcome to Friday Night Photos everyone. Your once a week break from the daily madness of the crazy world we live in. Post any photos, memes, music, or whatever else you find of interest that helps you escape the madness.

On the first weekend of this month I went to the Goodguys hot rod and custom car show at the Del Mar fairgrounds. This was the 24th year for the event and my 6th or 7th time attending. This year there was a noticeable drop in the number of cars and spectators. I don't know if the ailing economy had anything to do with it or if it was just an off year. Whatever the reason, there was still a large variety of beautiful cars and works of auto art. In tonight's FNP I highlight the Lowriders.
(NOTE: do to the decrease in the number of cars, some of these images are from 2022)

Democracy in the West is withering on the vine. European political parties are jailing their opponents and banning opposition parties from elections. How soon will that happen here in the US?

Democrats put up candidates that no one voted for. Republicans fight to restrict voting rights. Does that even matter when we essentially have a uni-party anyway?

Both sides champion restricting free speech.

Government corruption is rampant and ubiquitous.

The law is used as a weapon. Does anyone really think that the Republicans wont use the same lawfare tactics to stall the function of government against the Democrats when they regain power? If so, then what good is democracy?

If democracy is on life support, what comes after?

Today is the 2nd anniversary of his death, and a good reason to celebrate all that he contributed to music and in support of those with no voice.

The Morning
April 24, 2025

Good morning. The U.S. is urging Ukraine to take a deal that favors Russia. . . .

Ukraine’s concessions
Author Headshot
By German Lopez

Russia invaded Ukraine, but you wouldn’t know that from the peace negotiations. At every step, President Trump has pushed the victim to give ground, while the aggressor has given little of substance.

It wasn't that long ago that DOGE was going to save us $2 Trillion. Now Elon Musk is talking about just $150 Billion, all of which will be used to increase the bloated Pentagon budget.

Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist,
but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.
-- Neil Gaiman