Tuesday Open Thread ~ Clusterfu$k 2020


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If his IQ slips any lower, we'll have to water him twice a day ~ Molly Ivins
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Good Morning,

Welcome to Tuesday’s Open Thread. Well, it's been one helluva week. I don't know what you've been doing to get through it, but I've been spending a lot more time than I usually do drinking with friends. It's helped, but it ain't a long term solution. For now, I'd like to start today's topic by imagining the DNC as a large garbage truck that just pulled up to your house and dumped their rotting entrails into your livingroom and then told you that ole foggy-bottom Joe is the best candidate to beat Sanders Trump. Never mind that an immorally unctuous political machine has set up an electoral process that is one gigantic fuck-you in a long string of fuck-you's to voters whose votes were not counted, who were subjected to a myriad of depress the vote tactics, and who were constantly told they were toxic Bernie Bros because they called politicians out on their lies. Jesus Christ. It's 2016 all over again. The Democratic Establishment writes off every voter under the age of 50 years old, while the "Vote Blue No Matter Who" contingent insist that same block of voters remain engaged. It's insane. The progressive left is not going to saddle up to the veal pen because "Trump is worse". Really? Worse than what our own party has already done to us and continues to do to us with brazen impunity? Nah-uh. So, hear this; if Bernie is not the nominee, I will write his name on the ballot come November as a reminder to the Establishment that my vote has to be earned. Oh, and to the seriously damaged human beings who are the power behind the DNC, Fuck You Too.

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Dallas County asks to recount Super Tuesday election results after 44 thumb drives discovered

Dallas County Elections Administrator Toni Pippins-Poole discovered her office did not count about 10% of the ballots that voters cast on Super Tuesday.

She is now asking a court to let her conduct a manual recount of the votes, after she discovered 44 thumb drives containing ballots that were not included in the final results.

A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Dallas County District Court, where a judge is expected to hear the matter.

It’s uncertain which precincts are involved, how many votes are at issue or whether the apparent winners from any races will change.

It is also uncertain if the 44 thumb drives represent 44 individual voting centers or joint centers where votes were cast in both primaries.

Still, the drives represent almost a tenth of the total vote centers open on Super Tuesday, officials told WFAA.

"Of the 44 thumb drives, 16 were not received in a timely manner to the Elections Department and 28 were from voting machines not scheduled to be used but were used by volunteer election officials," Pippins-Poole said in a statement Saturday evening addressing the blunder.

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Tweets of the Week

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Well, that about wraps things up for this week's edition.
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What’s on your mind today?
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Centaurea's picture

I often wonder what she'd have to say about all of this.

And the Dem establishment is lost. They're on a self-destructive downhill slide into the gutter, and I don't think they can stop themselves. They're a dead party walking.

Except they're not walking very well anymore, just staggering and stumbling while yelling about how wonderful they are and how everyone else stinks and we'd better do what they say OR ELSE!

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15 users have voted.

"Don't go back to sleep ... Don't go back to sleep ... Don't go back to sleep."
~Rumi

"If you want revolution, be it."
~Caitlin Johnstone

Anja Geitz's picture

@Centaurea

When I came across her quote. I have to think she'd be just as horrified as we are. But at least she could make us laugh.

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10 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Raggedy Ann's picture

I'm pretty fed up with the whole thing. I'm certainly not insane, so I'm not expecting a different result today. They are going to rig this thing three ways to Sunday. We aren't allowed to have nice things. We are allowed to have corona virus, homelessness, low wages, expensive medicine, and two-three jobs to live. We better get used to it because they are going to ensure Joementia is the nominee so that Herr Drumpf is re-elected. I will never vote for Joementia. Dash 1

Feeling better this morning. A bit of a sore throat and my cough is subsiding. I think I got on it pretty fast. Hopefully.

Have a decent day, folks! Pleasantry

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

enhydra lutris's picture

@Raggedy Ann

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5 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Raggedy Ann's picture

@enhydra lutris
I actually tracked down who I got it from. The virus started with a co-worker's granddaughter, ran through their family and I got it from the grandma. I'm much better today and should be back on my feet by tomorrow.

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9 users have voted.

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Anja Geitz's picture

@Raggedy Ann

Not a great time to be sick. I gather you have no fever?

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Raggedy Ann's picture

@Anja Geitz
for two days - gone now.

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5 users have voted.

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Anja Geitz's picture

@Raggedy Ann

Glad to hear that.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Anja Geitz's picture

@Raggedy Ann

But I'm not dead yet. Went hiking the other day and met a wonderful couple who were both active in the local DSA here. Been thinking of becoming a member myself and working on labor issues. The Establishment may have the power, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna bend over for them while they fuck us in the ass with a 2x4 and hand them the Vaseline.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

@Raggedy Ann

but no fever, aches and pains, difficulty breathing, or cough. So I think I either have another cold or, most likely, allergies. My acupuncturist doesn't detect any assault on my immune system in my pulses.

Hope you feel better.

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3 users have voted.

"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

good point about Biden and the free media coverage given to him. Just like with Trump. Bernie, not so much, and mostly on the negative side. More and more it seems like we've seen this show before.

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Anja Geitz's picture

@Snode

What the media is doing. And for anyone with a few working brain cells, you'd almost think this is satire and not real life. For anyone buying into this Joe electable bullshit, here's hoping their prepared for the big shock of Trump 2020.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Daenerys's picture

@Anja Geitz ...That's how I get by." --Jack Sparrow

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This shit is bananas.

Anja Geitz's picture

@Daenerys

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Daenerys's picture

@Anja Geitz I could really use a drink. There's just too much going on right now. If it weren't such a terrible idea I'd be drunk. Which is also what Jack Sparrow would do, heh.

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1 user has voted.

This shit is bananas.

Wally's picture

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22 users have voted.
Anja Geitz's picture

@Wally

Better to cast the only vote you have for the better candidate all around. Like I said above, they have to earn my vote, and pushing Joe Biden onto the electorate is not doing it. Can't believe anyone has to say that aloud. It's upside down world right now for sure.

Hope you're hanging in there, Wally, and taking care of yourself. These are trying times for the soul. Need to replenish if we're going to ride this out until November. Solidarity, dude.

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9 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Dementia.

These people have spent their lives looking at everything from the lens of money, but that lens is a shattered mess, held together with duct tape.

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Anja Geitz's picture

@tle

But you have to admit that "Joementia" is fairly creative on its own. Rolls off the tongue pretty easily, is clear in its meaning, and it's catchy. About the only thing in this very pathetic state of affairs that slightly amused me is thinking about someone coming up with that name.

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7 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

@Anja Geitz I love "Joementia", especially because of the cognitive dissonance when your mind starts reading it as "Joementum".

However, I don't think I'll ever see "dementia" again without wanting to capitalize it.

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Anja Geitz's picture

@tle

After this election. Like Corn Pop, Razor Blades, and Joe's hairy legs.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Have to agree with what you said about what is ahead. Know already, the "vote blue no matter who" is not a two way street. Am finding some solace in cleaning out several of my rooms in the place in Texas and distributing it to people who can make use of it.

We are supposed to be have a festival this weekend in town with rock stacking, music and other events. Hope the rain does not ruin everything. Of course we need the rain so cannot wish it away.

Hope all can find something beneficial for themselves during this time.

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17 users have voted.

Life is what you make it, so make it something worthwhile.

This ain't no dress rehearsal!

Anja Geitz's picture

@jakkalbessie

Seems appropriate. Sorting through and organizing ones things can be very cathartic. Lightening the load both literally, and metaphorically. I'm glad to hear you are doing ok. I am too for the most part. Still miss my sweet Pierre and this political stuff isn't helping my sad mood. Have had a headache since yesterday, but think it's either from a caffeine withdrawal, or all the wine I've been drinking, or both. As I mentioned upthread to RA, went on a hike the other day and met some wonderful people who are members of the local DSA. Been thinking of becoming a member for awhile, but am more motivated now. I work with a lot of young people who have been active in this election for the first time in their lives and they are feeling very demoralized. Perhaps getting involved in a community of like minded folks like the DSA might help them hold onto the bigger picture? We'll see. I'll try. I know it'll help me.

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9 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Raggedy Ann's picture

this week's Intercept podcast, I highly recommend it. What inspired me the most was the talk between Jeremy and Aja Monet and Astra Taylor. These two inspiring women, towards the end, talked about the movement Bernie has built. As they say (I'm paraphrasing) Bernie has built a movement that, with or without him, we need to carry forward. We, the American people, cannot unhear what Bernie has shouted about the oligarchy. We must move forward, with or without Bernie as we confront the future.

The oligarchs are going to do everything in their power to stop us from electing Bernie. They may be successful. If they are successful in getting Herr Drumpf rep-elected or electing Jomentia, it will be why revolution must be imminent or we will become like the Palestinians. Think about that.

edited for typo

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

based on your rec in the older thread, @Raggedy Ann , and I agree it's very good (if long), and the culmination at the end with both Aja Monet and Astra Taylor is simply superb. Right there it touches all the right notes, gets down to what really matters in this election and also in the movement itself. I was especially moved by Aja's words; they are so spot on that if the Bernie campaign could find a way to weave them into an ad narration aimed esp. toward people of color and women, they would surely help him win votes. I also love her point that the movement Bernie started will continue whether or not he becomes president. We need this, the movement, with all the heart and soul of a movement (gives me 1960s nostalgia envisioning it), and the type of heartfelt understanding Aja expresses could help us find our way forward.

Thanks so much for bringing this to people's attention.

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5 users have voted.

Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

@Raggedy Ann

How do we get them to reconceive of the movement as about more than elections?

Those have always been the questions.

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5 users have voted.

"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

Lookout's picture

about the rigging -
the exit polls from stupid Tuesday are way off
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t78Ff26-V8s]

edit to add: oops I see someone covered that here last night. How about this one instead?
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvOjlfRpXHQ]

And to change gears... a PSA about Vit D and infection prevention
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5yVGmfivAk]
Worth your consideration IMO. Italy has quarantined itself. 20 cases in GA, and none in AL yet. Take care friends!

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15 users have voted.

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Anja Geitz's picture

@Lookout

Or Cheating Tuesday. Thanks for the videos. Watching them now...

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6 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Anja Geitz's picture

@Lookout

If the Establishment wanted to assure us that the elections were fair, then they should open source everything so we could see for ourselves. In the absence of that, one has to make the assumption that the Establishment has no intention of showing us the raw data.

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8 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

@Lookout shows how beautifully he fits in with Liz and Hill. Amazing.

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3 users have voted.

Lurking in the wings is Hillary, like some terrifying bat hanging by her feet in a cavern below the DNC. A bat with theropod instincts. -- Fred Reed https://tinyurl.com/vgvuhcl

enhydra lutris's picture

Weevils! Lesser weevils are a coming for sure. Abbreviated heirarchy of DEvils/Demons:

Lucifer - "whose rebellion against God caused him and his followers to be cast from heaven (Guiley)." emperor of hell
ranked above Satan TOP Evil

Beelzebub - "prince of the Seraphim and next to Lucifer (Michaelis)" reigned over the witches' sabbat aka Father of Lies A LESSER Evil (We're #2, Rah!) Of all the lesser weevils, the description "Father of Lies" clearly identifies the Dem Establishment.

Asmodeus - "he burns with the desire to tempt men with his swine of luxuriousness, and is the prince of wantons (Michaelis)." Not the least evil, just one of the many lessers who is less evil than the Dem establishment.

Pictures needed. To be expanded later, during the general.

have a good one.

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10 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

enhydra lutris's picture

@enhydra lutris
(Great) Satan::

Lucifer
Beelzebub
Satan
Abaddon
Mammon
Belphegor
Asmodeus

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7 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Anja Geitz's picture

@enhydra lutris

Interesting what one learns on C99! Might come in useful if we were to attribute which politician has the characteristics of which devil?

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8 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Lily O Lady's picture

Is she biden her time until Joe gets into the White House where she can act like Wilson’s second wife Edith Bolling Wilson who arrogated to herself the role of “steward” of her stroke-ridden husband the president’s official duties? Or is she allowing Joe to be the sacrificial lamb to be crushed by the evil Trump, thus insuring four more years of indignant emails and fundraising?

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11 users have voted.

"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"

Anja Geitz's picture

@Lily O Lady

Coercion in whatever form it takes can be, er, very persuasive. Still, ya gotta wonder what's going through her mind as she contemplates having to "help" her husband stumble across the finish line. Can't be something that ages well as one approaches the end of their own lives, that's for sure. Well, better them than me. I plan on having no such troubling thoughts when I leave this world.

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9 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Lily O Lady's picture

@Anja Geitz

were going to have to “swallow a little” and accept Biden. She seems to be right in there on this.

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8 users have voted.

"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"

Anja Geitz's picture

@Lily O Lady

When tested, who side with their "better angels" and do the right thing when given the choice. Certainly not people close to power and wealth. I have my own theories about why, but I suppose it's anyone's guess.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

@Lily O Lady n/t

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"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lily O Lady's picture

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3 users have voted.

"The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now do you begin to understand me?" ~Orwell, "1984"

TheOtherMaven's picture

@on the cusp

You're supposed to suck dick and swallow.

Fuck that shit.

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5 users have voted.

There is no justice. There can be no peace.

Anja Geitz's picture

@TheOtherMaven

Doesn't mean we have to.

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Daenerys's picture

@Anja Geitz Clapping

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1 user has voted.

This shit is bananas.

RantingRooster's picture


pretty much sums up my feelings...

But don't forget this...

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6 users have voted.

C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote

Anja Geitz's picture

@RantingRooster

Love Sam's response. Can't imagine, though, how frustrating it is being part of a small coterie of journalists who aren't insane.

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8 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

Kinda like Gjohn, have gone into a reflective funk.
Starting to realize the DNC (do not care) party is going
to cheat their way thru another circus.

I like the idea of mass escape from the captive parties.

Things like: - bring a camera, take a picture of your ballot
- stand outside the poling place and ask people
if they want to share their choices with a clipboard
- bring a scrap of paper and indicate your choice, then
stuff it in a box on the way out
- like several here, if there is nothing to hide, then make
the process transparent
- most importantly, wrench the control of 'right to vote' away from
the ruling class - one person, one vote up front
- if they don't want to give us a voice, yell louder
- it is our right to be heard without the shenanigans

peace, out

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Anja Geitz's picture

@QMS

We could sit outside of the polling place together with a table, some ballots, and a sign that says "We actually count your votes".

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There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier

smiley7's picture

Sorry i missed your OT and conversation. I'm depressed, damn the machine especially the entrenched political ones controlled by money from corporations and billionaires.

Pretty simple, voters vote against their best interests, again. DNC remains transparently corrupt as is the MSM, especially the networks, cable and radio.

Fuck-a-duck!

Now, do deal with virus concerns; yippee; did i say i'm depressed?

Oh, hell, and you are right, they don't make enough booze to escape this country's politics.

Let's find some good cheer, it's like the pony joke, must be in there somewhere.

Smile

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Anja Geitz's picture

@smiley7

Because I didn't want to see the results of last night's primaries. Woke up feeling hung over but at least I had a good time. No escaping the reality that we live with a very corrupt country with a government and a political system that will do anything to stay in power. How can any clear minded person who sees this not be depressed?

Solidarity, wine, and time, my friend. Be well.

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2 users have voted.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~ Minnie Aumonier