Open Thread - Thurs 31 Aug 2023: With Friends Like This
With Friends Like This:
A long time ago, supposedly, Donald Trump and the Clintons were friends. Good friends, especially Donald and Bill. They golfed together, ate together, socialized together. The Clintons went to his wedding!
Pic sez it all, really (image from Politico article linked below)
Then the lead up to the 2016 election happened. It's said that the Clintons urged Trump to go for the Republican nomination (edited to add the actual link, sorry I was a bit spacy last night! This is also number 5, on the link I previously gave, a list of 15 facts). so that Hillary would win. Of course, as we all know, Hillary didn't win.
Now, they are enemies. For example, Trump sued Hillary in 2022 over the Russia collusion accusations (can we say accusations based on sh$t sources? I bet we can!). Or are they enemies? What do you think? Is it all a show still? I mean, they aren't golfing together anymore. So the hatred must be real, right?
From the 2016 election (image source: BBC). They are both ick-looking to me.
I think the relationship between the Clintons and Trump says a lot about our current political situation. They were friends because they ran in the same circles, and cared about the same stuff; which was nothing to do with that the common people care about, unless they need(ed) to get some votes. Remember Trump was a Democrat before he ran in 2016. The Clintons tried to rig the elections, and Trump basically outrigged them. None of them are politically, really, any different on any thing that matters. Same sh$t, different label! Caitlin points this out really well in 'It's Never About the President, It's About the US Empire'.
What do you think about all of this? Is it all just a charade in many ways?
As an aside (and on editing), why did I keep writing Hilary, not Hillary? I think it must be an unconscious tribute to the recent hurricane named Hilary. Or maybe it's an aversion I have to spending (ok, writing) an extra 'l' on that woman. I dunno 
.
So, thanks for reading and here's the open thread - and remember, everything is interesting if you dive deep enough, so tell us about where you're diving!
Comments
It's Thursday!
Which is almost the weekend. Yay! I hope everyone is doing well.
It is cool and a bit damp here. Fall weather at the end of August. The frogs and toads in the fields are HAPPY. Or so they seem to be, although they are not making much noise. I saw a beautiful toad last night, while doing the coyote patrol (I still do that, Jaska loves it, and it works!). I wish I had had my phone/camera with me. The toad was sitting, super still, eyes huge, probably enjoying the wet grass when I wasn't around!
So tell us about what's happening and what you are doing/learning today! And, of course, if you've anything about the Clintons and Trump!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Happy to hear all is well, cool mornings are the best
and we just had a couple here in Chitown. Now for a September heat
wave w/temps in the mid 90's for 5 days straight.
Orf loves taking the piss out of her heinous
I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish
"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"
Heard from Margaret Kimberley
September Heat Wave...
We might get one here too, but not like that. Mid 90's is record breaking, here. Ours will be more like low 80's, if it happens.
I really enjoy Orf's videos, so thanks for linking to them!
Have a good weekend, and I hope despite the coming heat wave, the mornings stay cool
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Golf.
(rant on) What a completely useless sport. It seems to be reserved primarily for those who have Made It, and therefore fall into the "I got mine, so fuck you" crowd. As my wife has said on more than one occasion: "You'll know it is really a drought when the golf courses turn brown". We will all have died of thirst by then, and the Made It golfers will still be putting away- and probably still wash their little cars after the round as well. (rant off)
My dad taught me everything I needed to know about the sport when I was 5. He said, "If someone would tech me how to cook those little white things after I'd killed them, I'd play the game".
Not a fan. However, standard disclaimers apply: no golfers were actually harmed in the writing of this comment.
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Golf...
I basically completely agree with you!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
It is all so fake,
it is like watching "reality" tv.
Politicians lie, cheat, and steal. They reach across the aisle, make sure the 99% are divided against each other.
They mandate jabs for us (as much as possible), but exempt themselves.
Now, Brits are being told not to run their heat at night. For the climate. At the same time, they are amassing military weapons and equipment, including nukes, that will destroy every living thing on earth.
I keep my focus on helping family and friends, trying to protect them from the harms done to us all by those lying, cheating, stealing pieces of shit.
Ok. Enough. I have a trial today that could go horribly wrong for a little girl likely being sexually assaulted by her Mom's bf. Send positive thoughts for 4 yr old Rosie. She could use them.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I hope things are going well for Rosie...
many good thoughts sent her, and your, way. Yes, I think it's all a big scam. 'Reality' TV indeed! Years ago, it was hard for me to accept that, but I think I can do that now.
I think your focus is a good one. I'm trying to do that now too!
Have a great weekend and, I really hope the results of the trail are good for Rosie!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
suspicious links left unspoken
clicked on that highlit link regarding the Clinton's encouragement encouragement of Trump to run. Vacuous to the point of listing a mutual friend or friends. no mention of Jeffrey.
Sorry about that, I was tired...
put the wrong link there. I've edited it to correct that. Here's the link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5653155/Bill-Clinton-DID-encour...
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
The Daily Mail has good coverage of the storm damage
.
In both S Carolina and Florida.
Imagine driving and a tornado lifts your car and sends it flying and spinning.
Make sure you scroll down to see the cool photo of the street lights reflections. Way cool!
Darn…I’ve already forgotten the name of the island just off the coast of Florida, but it’s said to be under water. Lots of people predicted that it would be.
So here is another weather emergency that will see lots of people lose everything and hope and pray that the government will help them recover. How many times did they going back to Katrina?
Hey don’t forget that Ghisele Maxwell, Epstein’s sidekick in crime was at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding. I wonder where Jeff was and if he got an invite too?
60 here and starting our cool down with rain on the way later this week. Labor Day will be soggy. Reminds me of one Labor Day decades ago when we were going boating somewhere and I had planned to soak up the sun and get burnt. I mentioned that to a group of people who thought I meant getting burnt out from drugs…lol these people had known me for years and they had never seen me tweak anything, but all of a sudden I’m a druggy. Back then I was a good catholic girl who had Mormon values. Yes they rubbed off on me.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
That photo of the light reflections was really
neat! And the video of the tornado flipping the car was very frightening. *shiver* I too, don't think much will be done to help people by the government. Maybe the local governments will help? Maybe Biden will send then all 700 bucks? *sarcasm*
I just realized, we got rain last night (wed night). I should have guessed, it was the night of the big ballyhooed blue moon, or whatever. We almost always have clouds when celestial events are happening, it's the way of the PacNW, I think :).
Have a good holiday weekend. I, myself, am staying at home. Might take a short drive with Jaska, the old doggy, because she likes them so much. But other than that, staying home!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
What do Slick and the Orange Fart Cloud have in common?
They are both good on television.
Trump is in the World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame:
If you take anything from this yo-yo seriously, he will scare you to death -- just as any other wrestling villain would.
In the weird universe of Pro Wrestling, the referees are always trying to control the villains with hapless remonstration that never phases the shameless villains. You see this timeless schtick being replayed in his political manifestation with multiple impeachments and prosecutions.
Hunter S Thompson wrote about pro wrestling and claimed that the people putting on the show looked at their audience as falling into two categories, the Marks and the Smarts. There are way too many Marks walking around in our society.
I cried when I wrote this song. Sue me if I play too long.
When you stop and think about it
Trump is a master of kayfabe.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
I had to look up the term on google
and you are spot on. Trump is a master at this format of fake hostility. A short step from coining the phrase, "fake news."
I cried when I wrote this song. Sue me if I play too long.
Slick and the Orange Fart Cloud...
great names for them. And sounds like a great name for a kinda punk, country, weirdo band!
I agree about the Marks and the Smarts, for sure. I have disliked Trump since, well since before the wrestling days, probably. And Clinton just as long. That was my first 'lesser evil' vote. And basically, my last.
Great comment on how they are two tv masters; it's very true! Thanks for stopping by!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning Sima et. al. Not sure I want to talk about
what's on my mind, who knows, maybe after I'm fed and fully awake.
Today is Overdose Awareness Day Awareness days are generally simply feel good days, we congratulate ourselves for acknowledging some issue or problem that we intend to do nothing about. In this case it seems to coincide with the announcement that Narcan (naloxone) will go OTC next week, so whoopie and wow, something positive.
FWIW, it is also trail mix, eat outside, and cabernet days (presumably cab sauv, because relatively few are hip to the existence of cab franc and far, far fewer bottle is as a varietal or drink it straight up.
It is Caligula's birthday, the emperor who set the stage for Claudius. Between them, they are our principal political archetypes, with Claudius currently predominant in the US.
Annnd, finally, Van Morrison's Birthday:
be well and have a good one
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 --
When that foghorn whistle blows
I'll be comin' home...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
Note that those are his "Greatest HITS",
not necessarily best songs / work.
be well and have a good one
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 --
Caligula's birthday...
somehow that fits right now. As for Claudius, I have, since a young adult in graduate school, called him ClaudiVs.. why? Because Romans used 'v' for a 'u' in their inscriptions.
To me, the Roman emperor that fits now, kinda, is Nero. Why? Fiddling while Rome burns. But Nero was far, far too young.
As for overdose day, they are going to make an anti-opiod OTC? But, what about all the money to be made???? Actually, I'm glad they are doing that, very glad.
Thanks for the Van Morrison music, and thanks for stopping by!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Into the Mystic
is a favorite in my family. Don't even know any historic or ancestral reason.
But maybe 10 years ago, I went to Ireland, got a real feel for his life and lyrics.
He is a treasure.
Many thanks.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Well, Vince Foster
was a good friend of the Clintons.
Almost as bad as being Obama's chef.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Or Putin's chef
s/
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Hahahahaha!
That made me laugh out loud. I'm such a bad person
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
I was suspicious from the start
Re: Trump running interference for Hillary in 2016. I knew they were close friends before.
And the MSM gave it away by focusing all airtime on Trump and his constant shenanigans sucking all the air out of the entire election season.
Clinton didn't campaign at all throughout the debacle, except to special interests.
By November 1st the world establishment thought Hillary was a shoo in.
But it backfired on her spectacularly.
November 8th brought shock around the world, including myself.
I was shocked that I could still laugh so hard as to create a bellyache.
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
2016 kicked off an important Political distortion
It was a breakout year for populism.
Once Bernie was out there was no question in my mind that that Trump would win in 2016. In the meantime I was dumfounded that the majority of the pollsters all got it wrong, continuously, right up to Election Day. It was quite bizarre. However, this was not just a US phenomenon, the populist trend held true in several countries that year, most famously in the UK — where Brexit jumped out of the cake and shocked everyone. The pollsters were 100 percent wrong there, as well.
In my view, 2020 continued the populist movement, but governments and exit pollsters got wise and did what they had to in order to suppress it. (From impeachments to pandemics.) I still get a laugh when I recall remember the hipster "Caucus App" that completely screwed up the Iowa primary vote count. Meanwhile, Neocon heads were exploding because Putin and Xi had gotten an encore extra term — also by popular demand. It made sense to me: It's not every day that highly gifted leaders come along.
I do expect that the spirt of populism will influence the 2024 election, as well. If anything, the anti-establishment mood is even more intense. I'm not sure how the election distortion will play out this time, in the US. The only thing that we can be certain of is that the candidates will be thoroughly unacceptable to anyone with a brain. Candidates typical in a failed state environment.
____________________
The political system is what it is because the People are who they are. — Plato
Maybe the pollsters got/get it wrong because...
they are questioning the wrong people? Or maybe people just tell the pollsters what they think they want and then do what THEY want? Or... I dunno.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Two quick comments about the Clintons
When I was a recent widow in the 1990's, trying to finish my degree and raising my kids on S.S. Survivor's benefits, Clinton's "welfare reform" cut off everything. There wasn't even a grace period. In fact, he made it retroactively, so you would have to pay back the benefits you already had received. He also cut all the funding for the county health departments. Suddenly, you couldn't go get a pap test or even be treated for the cold or flu.
A friend of mine was a long-haul truck driver. None of the drivers wanted to drive through Arkansas when Clinton was governor. They would get constantly stopped and be fined for the most mundane violations. Told me that he knew when old Slick Willie ran for president, that this country would go to crap if he won.
After the Clintons screwed me and millions of others over there was no way I would ever vote for her. The only good thing I can saw about Trump is that he saved us from that old witch.
Clinton's reform...
That was so awful. So awful. I was living in the ghetto in Philly for part of that time, I saw what it did there. I'm so sorry it hurt you too! I was in a kind of, unbelieving state. I couldn't believe a democrat could do what Clinton did. Now, I surely can.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
There is no doubt that global warming is real. LOL
I have been getting this for 2 days
I was able to post in the morning but then I just got this every time. I try again and still no luck. No message from the twit that I’ve been naughty either. Curious.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
I noticed that you were having issues.
@snoopydawg This was my first attempt to post a tweet since then but it seemed normal on my end. Perhaps you can try to duplicate the above tweet to see if the problem still exists.
ps.
I have run into the problem from certain individuals that hide some of their tweets from the public
I did try embedding this tweet
I thought that maybe because you could I would be able too. But alas I got the message. If I post something that the Twit gawd doesn’t like I have to delete it before I can post again. Awhile back I was stopped from posting articles from any source. Tis strange.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
I never comment on tweets and only on rare occasions add
a like. Perhaps your comments pissed off someone who reported you. Obviously I am just guessing.
PS: If if come across a tweet that you would like to share but twitter won't allow it you could include the individual source then copy and post it in a blockquote. I do that often when the tweet is cut short by the character limit.
I wondered about that
But in the past I have been notified that I broke some unwritten rule and I would have to delete the tweet before I could post anything again. Nada from Twit.
Would you mind posting this in the blues for me.
https://twitter.com/narrative_hole/status/1696213382943150182
Russia is letting the cannon fodder that they have choices.
I’ve been posting the 'see more' parts of the tweet, but I screwed if I want people to see the video. It’s the video in this one I hope people will watch.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
Consider it done. NT
Wow...
I clicked on your link, I'll watch it again in the Blues. Very, very moving.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Zelensky is never satisfied. He always wants MORE!
Heh….
Someone should ask Zelensky what happened to the plane supplies that NATO had built up for 8 years and then after they were destroyed what happened to the 2nd batch of planes that NATO sent? This goes for all the equipment that Ukraine started off with. And then after he answers they can ask if that’s the reason he has been begging for more since 2 months after the war started. And just to top it off they can ask him if he thinks more planes would be safe from Russia blowing them up? Then that person would probably be banned from the country or sent to prison.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
Your comment is spot on.
Spot on.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
No Difference
There is no functional difference between the two parties. Trump and Clinton and all the other D's and R's are class mercenaries waging war against the working classes since time immemorial. Just "ask" Eugene Debs.
Yep, I think it's gonna take a Bonus Army
or more, to get even a little bit of give from those bastards. Both parties, exactly the same.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so