Just yesterday, we talked about two more to fall. Now, we can add another one to the pile: Pennsylvania. No really, Pennsylvania is the latest state where a federal court struck down its marriage ban.
As we were discussing yesterday, marriage equality is increasingly becoming a legal reality for the entire nation. And it's only a matter of time before it arrives in Nevada.
When the US Supreme Court issued its US v. Windsor ruling, it made clear that anti-LGBTQ discrimination would no longer be welcomed there. And since that ruling, we've had this long string of federal judges issuing rulings in favor of equality. That's certainly not a coincidence. Lower federal courts tend to take their queues from "The Supremes".
And it's not a coincidence that Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto (D) & Governor Brian Sandoval (R) decided to drop their legal defense of marriage discrimination this past February. The original defendants in Sevcik v. Sandoval had tried to make their case in court, but that only blew up in their faces. They ultimately had to realize that they truly had no Constitutional ground to stand on, so they stood down.
It's no longer a question of if... But rather, when. When will Question 2 finally be tossed into the dustbin of history? When will Nevada's marriage ban be declared unconstitutional? When will marriage equality arrive in The Silver State?
Just two years ago, Sevcik v. Sandoval seemed like a long shot. But now, it's feeling more like a slam dunk. But really, this was bound to happen. Eventually, public opinion would catch up with Constitutional law.
And it's no longer a question of if it will arrive here... But when.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Charades
Who could have guessed? Who could have figured this would happen? Last year, Congressional Republican "leaders" seemed to be all on board for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). They even managed to finesse some Senate Republicans (including Nevada's Dean Heller) into voting for S 744.
Yet a strange thing happened as S 744 made its way to the House. Even before it passed the Senate, House Republicans passed an amendment to deport DREAMers. Seemingly "pro-reform House Republicans" (like Nevada's Joe Heck) ran away from legislation they seemed to support earlier in the year. When HR 15 was unveiled, only 3 House Republicans agreed to cosponsor it. And a number of allegedly "pro-reform Republicans" (such as Joe Heck) continue to oppose HR 15.
Earlier this year, House Democrats unveiled a discharge petition for HR 15. This was an actual, concrete way to ensure a floor vote on real CIR legislation. Yet again, those supposedly "pro-reform Republicans" failed to sign the discharge petition.
Last month, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) actually mocked his own caucus for failing to pass CIR. He basically called them cowards for playing games with such critical legislation for American families and the US economy. Yet when asked why he hasn't already allowed a floor vote on HR 15, Speaker Boehner reverted to the same answer he's been giving for nearly a year: "It's someone else's fault!"
For nearly a year, House Republicans have been playing this game of charades on immigration reform. They support it... Or do they? What do they mean by "support"? What do they mean by "reform"? Their calls for "immigration reform" always seem to be an enigma wrapped in a riddle covered with mystery veiled by confusion.
Early last year, some pundits were wondering whether CIR was ever truly viable in the G-O-TEA run House. Now, it looks like their doubts are being validated. House Republican "leaders" are just too afraid of their own 21st Century Know Nothing base to allow any CIR to pass the House.
So we're left with this game of charades. Will they or won't they? Who means what? Is there truly any there there?
Maybe there is something there there? One House Republican, Jeff Denham (R-California), has proposed the ENLIST Act to allow legal status for undocumented immigrants to serve in the military. But of course, Boehner and his lieutenants have pledged to kill this bill. And not even Rep. Denham has signed the discharge petition for the full CIR bill (HR 15) he cosponsors.
So is there any there there? Or is this just one sick game of charades? It remains to be seen when House Republicans will stop playing these games and start... You know, doing their job.
Yet a strange thing happened as S 744 made its way to the House. Even before it passed the Senate, House Republicans passed an amendment to deport DREAMers. Seemingly "pro-reform House Republicans" (like Nevada's Joe Heck) ran away from legislation they seemed to support earlier in the year. When HR 15 was unveiled, only 3 House Republicans agreed to cosponsor it. And a number of allegedly "pro-reform Republicans" (such as Joe Heck) continue to oppose HR 15.
Earlier this year, House Democrats unveiled a discharge petition for HR 15. This was an actual, concrete way to ensure a floor vote on real CIR legislation. Yet again, those supposedly "pro-reform Republicans" failed to sign the discharge petition.
Last month, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) actually mocked his own caucus for failing to pass CIR. He basically called them cowards for playing games with such critical legislation for American families and the US economy. Yet when asked why he hasn't already allowed a floor vote on HR 15, Speaker Boehner reverted to the same answer he's been giving for nearly a year: "It's someone else's fault!"
For nearly a year, House Republicans have been playing this game of charades on immigration reform. They support it... Or do they? What do they mean by "support"? What do they mean by "reform"? Their calls for "immigration reform" always seem to be an enigma wrapped in a riddle covered with mystery veiled by confusion.
Early last year, some pundits were wondering whether CIR was ever truly viable in the G-O-TEA run House. Now, it looks like their doubts are being validated. House Republican "leaders" are just too afraid of their own 21st Century Know Nothing base to allow any CIR to pass the House.
So we're left with this game of charades. Will they or won't they? Who means what? Is there truly any there there?
Maybe there is something there there? One House Republican, Jeff Denham (R-California), has proposed the ENLIST Act to allow legal status for undocumented immigrants to serve in the military. But of course, Boehner and his lieutenants have pledged to kill this bill. And not even Rep. Denham has signed the discharge petition for the full CIR bill (HR 15) he cosponsors.
So is there any there there? Or is this just one sick game of charades? It remains to be seen when House Republicans will stop playing these games and start... You know, doing their job.
Survival
Whatever you do, don't look behind the curtain. Don't notice the melting Antarctic Ice Sheet. Don't pay attention to the record heat. Don't bother examining the ongoing drought.
G-O-TEA politicians continue to deny the increasingly frightening reality of climate change. For them, it's about pandering to the 21st Century Know Nothings who comprise their political base. For them, it's all about political survival.
But for many in California, they're simply concerned about human survival. Last week, over 20,000 people were evacuated as wildfires emerged near Los Angeles and San Diego. We even saw a "firenado" form last week.
And it's not just California. Closer to home, the Hunter Falls Fire has burning in the Mount Rose wilderness area near Reno. It's now 47% contained. And while it may be fully contained by Friday, it's meant a rather early kickoff to Northern Nevada's wildfire season.
For many "TEA" flavored politicians & media personalities, climate change is merely a "distraction" from the pressing haute faux scandals of the day. But for those of us who have experienced wildfires, drought, and other effects of climate change, it's about survival. It's about our survival. It's about the survival of the human race.
Keep this in mind next time you see a "TEA" tinged politician engage in climate denial. They may be worried about their own near term political survival... But we need to be more concerned about longer term human survival.
G-O-TEA politicians continue to deny the increasingly frightening reality of climate change. For them, it's about pandering to the 21st Century Know Nothings who comprise their political base. For them, it's all about political survival.
But for many in California, they're simply concerned about human survival. Last week, over 20,000 people were evacuated as wildfires emerged near Los Angeles and San Diego. We even saw a "firenado" form last week.
And it's not just California. Closer to home, the Hunter Falls Fire has burning in the Mount Rose wilderness area near Reno. It's now 47% contained. And while it may be fully contained by Friday, it's meant a rather early kickoff to Northern Nevada's wildfire season.
For many "TEA" flavored politicians & media personalities, climate change is merely a "distraction" from the pressing haute faux scandals of the day. But for those of us who have experienced wildfires, drought, and other effects of climate change, it's about survival. It's about our survival. It's about the survival of the human race.
Keep this in mind next time you see a "TEA" tinged politician engage in climate denial. They may be worried about their own near term political survival... But we need to be more concerned about longer term human survival.
Losing Culture War
We told you this was coming. When the US Supreme Court issued its US v. Windsor ruling, we sensed this would only the beginning of more federal courts ruling in favor of marriage equality. And since then, we haven't been disappointed.
Just this month, we've had two more favorable rulings: Idaho and Oregon. Federal judges just knocked down two more state marriage bans. And now, it only seems to be a matter of time before Nevada is next.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R) is still trying to figure out how he really feels about it. Adam Laxalt is still promising to fight against it. Monte Neil Stewart is still trying to convince a judge that segregation should be legal. And Cresent Hardy is still explaining to anyone who will listen what he means by "segregation laws".
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? Georgia? Florida? Texas? Michigan? Nevada?
We sensed this was coming. G-O-TEA politicians across the nation are still in denial. Marriage equality is increasingly becoming the law of the land across this great land. Yet even as court after court strikes down more marriage bans, G-O-TEA politicians try harder to "rebrand" it away.
When will they finally realize they can't? Love is makes a family. All families deserve to be valued. And marriage is meant for loving families.
We told you this was coming. Marriage equality is increasingly becoming reality across the nation. It just remains to be seen how much longer G-O-TEA politicians want to continue fighting their losing "Culture War" to stop equality.
Just this month, we've had two more favorable rulings: Idaho and Oregon. Federal judges just knocked down two more state marriage bans. And now, it only seems to be a matter of time before Nevada is next.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R) is still trying to figure out how he really feels about it. Adam Laxalt is still promising to fight against it. Monte Neil Stewart is still trying to convince a judge that segregation should be legal. And Cresent Hardy is still explaining to anyone who will listen what he means by "segregation laws".
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? Georgia? Florida? Texas? Michigan? Nevada?
We sensed this was coming. G-O-TEA politicians across the nation are still in denial. Marriage equality is increasingly becoming the law of the land across this great land. Yet even as court after court strikes down more marriage bans, G-O-TEA politicians try harder to "rebrand" it away.
When will they finally realize they can't? Love is makes a family. All families deserve to be valued. And marriage is meant for loving families.
We told you this was coming. Marriage equality is increasingly becoming reality across the nation. It just remains to be seen how much longer G-O-TEA politicians want to continue fighting their losing "Culture War" to stop equality.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Who Will Be Metro's New Top Cop?
There may not be a dazzling "top of the ticket" this year, but that doesn't mean this election isn't important. Far from it, this election will determine the future of our state... And the future of Metro Police.
In recent years, Metro has been facing tough questions onpolice brutality officer involved shootings. Last August, Metro came under fire for allowing a police helicopter to be used by a Guns N Roses guitarist for his marriage proposal. More recently, Metro has been caught in a bizarre slut shaming incident where a uniformed police officer scared young girls with inaccurate information. And questions still surround Metro's handling of the Cliven Bundy "Range War" in the Bunkerville/Mesquite area. Why has a police department that's become notorious for "quick & decisive action" in the Las Vegas Valley been dragging its feet on #BundyRanch, allowing celebrities to use its equipment for publicity stunts, and engaging in counterproductive slut shaming of young girls in our community?
Last August, incumbent Sheriff Doug Gillespie dropped a political bomb when he announced he won't be running for a third term. It just so happened that his decision to retire was announced shortly after the Clark County Commission rejected the "More Cops" sales tax surcharge. The Commission rejected "More Cops" again in January. And now, Sheriff Gillespie is abandoning the tax proposal after three failed County Commission votes.
Gillespie now says Metro will have to endure painful budget cuts. Metro Police have already stopped responding to non-injury car accidents. Yet even as this is occurring, many members of the public and a few County Commissioners are still asking what Metro is doing with its current funding. And they're asking why Metro leaders are still refusing to hold anyone accountable for officer involved shootings.
Last summer, Ted Moody retired as Assistant Sheriff after Sheriff Gillespie failed to implement the recommendations of the task force he called to address officer involved shootings. He's now running for Sheriff. And in a rare display of solidarity, both Clark County Commissioner (& progressive favorite) Chris Giunchigliani (D) and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce have endorsed Moody.
Current Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo is also running for the top cop position. He's been endorsed by Gillespie, and he's been raising money from The Strip's top casino players.
Former Metro executive lieutenant Larry Burns is also running for Sheriff. He's gained the endorsement of the police unions. And while he's called for better relations with the wider community, neither he nor Lombardo has promised the kind of broad accountability that Moody is now campaigning on.
Six other candidates are also running for Clark County Sheriff, so this is truly a wide open race bursting with possibilities. And this truly is a race that will determine the future of Nevada's largest local law enforcement agency. Metro's new top cop will have to make decisions on how to curb officer involved shootings, whether to pursue the "More Cops" tax again, and simply how to improve troubled relations with the greater community. And we will be the ones deciding who that new top cop will be.
So make sure to vote this month... And choose wisely.
In recent years, Metro has been facing tough questions on
Last August, incumbent Sheriff Doug Gillespie dropped a political bomb when he announced he won't be running for a third term. It just so happened that his decision to retire was announced shortly after the Clark County Commission rejected the "More Cops" sales tax surcharge. The Commission rejected "More Cops" again in January. And now, Sheriff Gillespie is abandoning the tax proposal after three failed County Commission votes.
Gillespie now says Metro will have to endure painful budget cuts. Metro Police have already stopped responding to non-injury car accidents. Yet even as this is occurring, many members of the public and a few County Commissioners are still asking what Metro is doing with its current funding. And they're asking why Metro leaders are still refusing to hold anyone accountable for officer involved shootings.
Last summer, Ted Moody retired as Assistant Sheriff after Sheriff Gillespie failed to implement the recommendations of the task force he called to address officer involved shootings. He's now running for Sheriff. And in a rare display of solidarity, both Clark County Commissioner (& progressive favorite) Chris Giunchigliani (D) and the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce have endorsed Moody.
Current Assistant Sheriff Joe Lombardo is also running for the top cop position. He's been endorsed by Gillespie, and he's been raising money from The Strip's top casino players.
Former Metro executive lieutenant Larry Burns is also running for Sheriff. He's gained the endorsement of the police unions. And while he's called for better relations with the wider community, neither he nor Lombardo has promised the kind of broad accountability that Moody is now campaigning on.
Six other candidates are also running for Clark County Sheriff, so this is truly a wide open race bursting with possibilities. And this truly is a race that will determine the future of Nevada's largest local law enforcement agency. Metro's new top cop will have to make decisions on how to curb officer involved shootings, whether to pursue the "More Cops" tax again, and simply how to improve troubled relations with the greater community. And we will be the ones deciding who that new top cop will be.
So make sure to vote this month... And choose wisely.
A Way Out
Last Thursday, a number of local fast food workers took to the streets with community allies as a part of #FastFoodGlobal. These workers either make minimum wage or just above minimum wage. And they're struggling just to survive.
These low wage workers are merely asking for this: #MakeWorkPay. That's all. They're already working hard just to feed the kids and pay the bills. How are we really hurting anyone by ensuring people can actually work for a living?
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has yet to answer this question. He opposes increasing the minimum wage. And he opposes even sustaining social safety programs that actually work at reducing poverty. But now, we're supposed to believe that Rep. Paul Ryan wants to "fight poverty"?
How exactly does Rep. Ryan plan to "fight poverty" if he's constantly fighting against letting millions of workers work for a living wage? And how does he "fight poverty" by fighting to rip to shreds the social safety net that prevents millions of Americans from falling into deeper poverty? We can only wonder if any of the hedge fund executives who Ryan met at Bellagio. Did anyone address the glaring disparity between Ryan's rhetoric and his real policies during the pool side party or the Champagne mixer?
Economic inequality is not merely some philosophical conundrum in need of abstract concepts. It's a very real problem in America today. Real people are suffering. And they're not helped by empty rhetoric and counterproductive policies.
Here in Nevada and elsewhere throughout the nation, millions of Americans are merely asking for a way out. They don't want a handout. They just want a way out of the poverty cycle. Is this really too difficult for Paul Ryan and other Republican "leaders" to understand?
These low wage workers are merely asking for this: #MakeWorkPay. That's all. They're already working hard just to feed the kids and pay the bills. How are we really hurting anyone by ensuring people can actually work for a living?
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) has yet to answer this question. He opposes increasing the minimum wage. And he opposes even sustaining social safety programs that actually work at reducing poverty. But now, we're supposed to believe that Rep. Paul Ryan wants to "fight poverty"?
How exactly does Rep. Ryan plan to "fight poverty" if he's constantly fighting against letting millions of workers work for a living wage? And how does he "fight poverty" by fighting to rip to shreds the social safety net that prevents millions of Americans from falling into deeper poverty? We can only wonder if any of the hedge fund executives who Ryan met at Bellagio. Did anyone address the glaring disparity between Ryan's rhetoric and his real policies during the pool side party or the Champagne mixer?
Economic inequality is not merely some philosophical conundrum in need of abstract concepts. It's a very real problem in America today. Real people are suffering. And they're not helped by empty rhetoric and counterproductive policies.
Here in Nevada and elsewhere throughout the nation, millions of Americans are merely asking for a way out. They don't want a handout. They just want a way out of the poverty cycle. Is this really too difficult for Paul Ryan and other Republican "leaders" to understand?
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Loud & Clear
It's hard work. Try working all day, and possibly all night as well. And try working so hard... Only to be paid so little.
This isn't just a theoretical scenario for these workers. This is real life.
That's why they and some community friends stood outside a local McDonald's in Las Vegas today. They have been working hard for minimum wage and near minimum wage pay. And they're struggling to survive.
Minimum wage hasn't been enough for them to take care of their families. So they asked for a raise. And they weren't alone in doing so.
This was just one of many #FastFoodGlobal events across the nation... And around the world. They were simply asking for fair wages. They were asking for a chance to feed their families. And they were asking for a chance to improve our economy.
And they weren't alone today. State Senator Ruben Kihuen (D-Las Vegas), community activist Linda Turner, and many more community allies from PLAN, ProgressNow Nevada, SEIU, and elsewhere joined the protest.
For over an hour, they were all baking under the hot Southern Nevada sun. And this was just one of three #FastFoodGlobal events in the valley today. Local fast food workers really wanted to make sure their voices were heard today.
They can only hope they were heard loud & clear.
This isn't some theoretical argument over abstract numbers. This is real life. Real families here in Nevada are struggling, even as they're working as hard as they can to get by.
Can we hear them? We should. The message should be coming across loud & clear by now.
This isn't just a theoretical scenario for these workers. This is real life.
That's why they and some community friends stood outside a local McDonald's in Las Vegas today. They have been working hard for minimum wage and near minimum wage pay. And they're struggling to survive.
Minimum wage hasn't been enough for them to take care of their families. So they asked for a raise. And they weren't alone in doing so.
This was just one of many #FastFoodGlobal events across the nation... And around the world. They were simply asking for fair wages. They were asking for a chance to feed their families. And they were asking for a chance to improve our economy.
And they weren't alone today. State Senator Ruben Kihuen (D-Las Vegas), community activist Linda Turner, and many more community allies from PLAN, ProgressNow Nevada, SEIU, and elsewhere joined the protest.
For over an hour, they were all baking under the hot Southern Nevada sun. And this was just one of three #FastFoodGlobal events in the valley today. Local fast food workers really wanted to make sure their voices were heard today.
They can only hope they were heard loud & clear.
This isn't some theoretical argument over abstract numbers. This is real life. Real families here in Nevada are struggling, even as they're working as hard as they can to get by.
Can we hear them? We should. The message should be coming across loud & clear by now.
Who Expects This?
We were wondering when more folks would notice. Sure, Cliven Bundy became "old news" for national media pundits when he was revealed to be a racist fool. But for the poor residents of Bunkerville & Mesquite, the armed madness continued even after the national media cameras left.
But at least now, Salon's Paul Rosenberg is noticing. And even better, he put together the timeline of what's happened at #BundyRanch since the national media spotlight dimmed. That helps those who haven't been keeping up with the story here.
Yet now, the media spotlight seems to be returning... Or has #BundyRanch just moved to where the national media spotlight is now?
Remember when we discussed "Operation American Spring"? That's actually about to begin tomorrow. The "Patriot Movement" is hoping to take the mayhem it's unleashed on Nevada & Utah all the way to DC.
Meanwhile on this end of the continent, Gun Owners of America Director Larry Pratt is still encouraging the Bundy Gang to do whatever they can to stop federal authorities from enforcing federal law. And not only that, but he's proposing a nifty solution to the Great Western Drought: Just have California's county sheriffs point guns at federal officials to make them release water that California no longer has!
Wow. That makes plenty of sense. (/not)
But then again, none of this really does. Who expects local law enforcement agencies to prevent other law enforcement agencies from enforcing the law? Who expects 10 million people to descend upon the DC area to overthrow our duly elected government? Who expects license to trespass upon the American people's land without facing any consequences?
Who expects this? And who condones this? Think about it.
But at least now, Salon's Paul Rosenberg is noticing. And even better, he put together the timeline of what's happened at #BundyRanch since the national media spotlight dimmed. That helps those who haven't been keeping up with the story here.
Yet now, the media spotlight seems to be returning... Or has #BundyRanch just moved to where the national media spotlight is now?
Remember when we discussed "Operation American Spring"? That's actually about to begin tomorrow. The "Patriot Movement" is hoping to take the mayhem it's unleashed on Nevada & Utah all the way to DC.
Meanwhile on this end of the continent, Gun Owners of America Director Larry Pratt is still encouraging the Bundy Gang to do whatever they can to stop federal authorities from enforcing federal law. And not only that, but he's proposing a nifty solution to the Great Western Drought: Just have California's county sheriffs point guns at federal officials to make them release water that California no longer has!
Wow. That makes plenty of sense. (/not)
But then again, none of this really does. Who expects local law enforcement agencies to prevent other law enforcement agencies from enforcing the law? Who expects 10 million people to descend upon the DC area to overthrow our duly elected government? Who expects license to trespass upon the American people's land without facing any consequences?
Who expects this? And who condones this? Think about it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
No Rebranding That "TEA"
This should come as no surprise to faithful readers of this site. "Republican rebranding" has been nothing but a majorly EPIC FAIL. Republican "leaders" can try as much soft lighting as they want, but that doesn't change the hard reality of the state of their party in 2014.
Here in Nevada and across the nation, the Republican Party has merely "rebranded" the same crazy "TEA" it's been hawking for the past 5 years. Don't believe us? Believe those primary results.
Still don't believe us? Then turn on your gawd damned TV! Really, grrl. Don't tell us you haven't seen this yet. And don't tell us you still haven't clocked this yet.
Oh, and let's not forget this. Even though Cresent Hardy loves him some "segregation laws" and Cliven Bundy, it's still not enough for Niger Innis and his deep pocketed BFFs. And that may actually be enough for Niger Innis to win the NV-04 G-O-TEA primary!
Get it now? They still like their "TEA" brewed extra strong over in G-O-TEA Land. And the 21st Century Know Nothings the call the shots.
Republican "leaders" can "rebrand" all they want, but they can't make us forget reality. There's ultimately no way to "rebrand" the "TEA" that's come to define the Republican Party of 2014. There's only the choice they're making as to how much more they want to drink.
Here in Nevada and across the nation, the Republican Party has merely "rebranded" the same crazy "TEA" it's been hawking for the past 5 years. Don't believe us? Believe those primary results.
Still don't believe us? Then turn on your gawd damned TV! Really, grrl. Don't tell us you haven't seen this yet. And don't tell us you still haven't clocked this yet.
Oh, and let's not forget this. Even though Cresent Hardy loves him some "segregation laws" and Cliven Bundy, it's still not enough for Niger Innis and his deep pocketed BFFs. And that may actually be enough for Niger Innis to win the NV-04 G-O-TEA primary!
Get it now? They still like their "TEA" brewed extra strong over in G-O-TEA Land. And the 21st Century Know Nothings the call the shots.
Republican "leaders" can "rebrand" all they want, but they can't make us forget reality. There's ultimately no way to "rebrand" the "TEA" that's come to define the Republican Party of 2014. There's only the choice they're making as to how much more they want to drink.
Sashay Away
For some, too much is never enough. This definitely applies to Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys". For them, too much attention is never enough.
They loved it when national G-O-TEA politicians & pundits rushed to their aid. But when the Republican Party started "rebranding" its #BundyRanch involvement and the Kochs started to deny the existence of #BundyRanch, they had to rethink their media strategy.
So they started unleashing armed madness upon the Virgin Valley (and each other). They then proceeded to drive business away from the Mesquite area. And because it wasn't enough for them to damage Nevada's reputation, they then began making field trips to Utah to terrorize that state with their signature brand of lunacy.
Of course, "Free-dumb isn't free". That's why some Bundy Gang members have taken to GoFundMe to demandwelfare checks donations for continued wannabe insurrection shit whatever. Apparently, they're most in need of life advice from the very wise philosopher, Lohanthony.
Needless to say, "outlaw militia" crew at #BundyRanch are now running into some money trouble. Below is some exclusive footage of the Bundy Gang soliciting at GoFundMe.
(Obviously, not really. The Bundy crew wish they could be this sickening!)
But wait, there's more. The Bundy Gang may be busy soliciting funds, but they're never too busy to throw shade at elected officials. And this week, they're actually reading Governor Brian Sandoval (R) and Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie to filth for not supporting their law breaking ways. Apparently, they forgot when Brian Sandoval cheered them on... Or they remember that, and they're just wondering why he doesn't want to be caught anywhere near them any more.
Here's some helpful advice for the Bundy Crew. Remember the 5 G's: Good god, get a grip, girl!
Here's some more helpful advice for the Bundy Gang: Call it quits already. We know you feel very attacked, but that's no reason to take up arms against our elected government that's set up by the very Constitution you claim to know & love. It's just too much. And the last thing we need is a man-made disaster on your hands.
We can only hope Cliven Bundy and his outlaw gang can take this helpful advice from us, and from Mama Ru of course, before their delusions of grandeur land them into any more trouble. It's now time for them... To sashay away.
They loved it when national G-O-TEA politicians & pundits rushed to their aid. But when the Republican Party started "rebranding" its #BundyRanch involvement and the Kochs started to deny the existence of #BundyRanch, they had to rethink their media strategy.
So they started unleashing armed madness upon the Virgin Valley (and each other). They then proceeded to drive business away from the Mesquite area. And because it wasn't enough for them to damage Nevada's reputation, they then began making field trips to Utah to terrorize that state with their signature brand of lunacy.
Of course, "Free-dumb isn't free". That's why some Bundy Gang members have taken to GoFundMe to demand
Needless to say, "outlaw militia" crew at #BundyRanch are now running into some money trouble. Below is some exclusive footage of the Bundy Gang soliciting at GoFundMe.
(Obviously, not really. The Bundy crew wish they could be this sickening!)
But wait, there's more. The Bundy Gang may be busy soliciting funds, but they're never too busy to throw shade at elected officials. And this week, they're actually reading Governor Brian Sandoval (R) and Clark County Sheriff Doug Gillespie to filth for not supporting their law breaking ways. Apparently, they forgot when Brian Sandoval cheered them on... Or they remember that, and they're just wondering why he doesn't want to be caught anywhere near them any more.
Here's some helpful advice for the Bundy Crew. Remember the 5 G's: Good god, get a grip, girl!
Here's some more helpful advice for the Bundy Gang: Call it quits already. We know you feel very attacked, but that's no reason to take up arms against our elected government that's set up by the very Constitution you claim to know & love. It's just too much. And the last thing we need is a man-made disaster on your hands.
We can only hope Cliven Bundy and his outlaw gang can take this helpful advice from us, and from Mama Ru of course, before their delusions of grandeur land them into any more trouble. It's now time for them... To sashay away.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Principles v. Excuses
Principles are important. Principles indicate values. And principles form the foundation of something.
Early this year, House Republican leaders announced their "principles for immigration reform". This was nearly a year after they promised action on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). And this was after they began voting on "TEA" tinged legislation meant to derail CIR.
So far, those "principles for immigration reform" have taken them nowhere. They're still standing in the way of CIR. They won't even allow a simple floor vote for HR 15. All they've allowed for are worthless excuses.
Excuses are meaningless. Excuses indicate nothing (except perhaps sloth). And excuses form the foundation of nothing.
Perhaps that's why even the US Chamber of Commerce is admitting that the Republican Party it used to know & love (but now just uses whenever it's convenient) is likely screwed for 2016. By p**sing all over 21st century America, G-O-TEA politicians are only handicapping their next Presidential Nominee.
Of course, readers here already know this. And deep down, even House Speaker John Boehner (R-Which Way Is the Wind Blowing?) knows this. But because he's afraid to offend the 21st Century Know Nothings who comprise his party's base, he's stuck in this conundrum of his own making.
It doesn't have to be this way. All he has to do to break this synthetic logjam on CIR is to allow a mere floor vote on HR 15. If he's telling the truth about the "vast majority of Republicans" wanting CIR, then he should give them the chance to vote for HR 15. If he truly wants to give a helping hand to Rep. Joe Heck (R-??!!) and other supposed pro-CIR Republicans in his caucus, then he should give them the opportunity to vote for HR 15.
It's that simple. No really, it is. There's no need to complicate this.
Either House Republican "leaders" actually believe in their principles... Or they have nothing to offer but excuses. They can't have it both ways. And if they keep trying to have it both ways, they'll be the ones paying the price.
Early this year, House Republican leaders announced their "principles for immigration reform". This was nearly a year after they promised action on comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). And this was after they began voting on "TEA" tinged legislation meant to derail CIR.
So far, those "principles for immigration reform" have taken them nowhere. They're still standing in the way of CIR. They won't even allow a simple floor vote for HR 15. All they've allowed for are worthless excuses.
Excuses are meaningless. Excuses indicate nothing (except perhaps sloth). And excuses form the foundation of nothing.
Perhaps that's why even the US Chamber of Commerce is admitting that the Republican Party it used to know & love (but now just uses whenever it's convenient) is likely screwed for 2016. By p**sing all over 21st century America, G-O-TEA politicians are only handicapping their next Presidential Nominee.
Of course, readers here already know this. And deep down, even House Speaker John Boehner (R-Which Way Is the Wind Blowing?) knows this. But because he's afraid to offend the 21st Century Know Nothings who comprise his party's base, he's stuck in this conundrum of his own making.
It doesn't have to be this way. All he has to do to break this synthetic logjam on CIR is to allow a mere floor vote on HR 15. If he's telling the truth about the "vast majority of Republicans" wanting CIR, then he should give them the chance to vote for HR 15. If he truly wants to give a helping hand to Rep. Joe Heck (R-??!!) and other supposed pro-CIR Republicans in his caucus, then he should give them the opportunity to vote for HR 15.
It's that simple. No really, it is. There's no need to complicate this.
Either House Republican "leaders" actually believe in their principles... Or they have nothing to offer but excuses. They can't have it both ways. And if they keep trying to have it both ways, they'll be the ones paying the price.
Hot Scandal
Ready for some hot, hot, hot #Benghazi action? House Speaker John Boehner (R-Benghazi) most certainly is. And he doesn't care whether or not Democrats come along for the ride. He just wants to get his Benghazi on, baby!
Yet while he and the rest of his G-O-TEA acolytes (cough- Joe Heck -cough) prepare to take their Benghazimania to the next level, the rest of the nation keeps wondering why they're losing their s**t over this.
And why are they losing their s**t over this and not the greatest global security threat of our time? Why is it "overreaching" to talk about the very real threats posed by climate change?
While House Republicans are losing their s**t over a hashtag and some half-baked conspiracy theories, the rest of us are being scared s**tless by real life. And by real life, we mean the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. We've known for some time that the ice in Antarctica is melting faster than we're accustomed to. But now, we have confirmation that s**t is about to get awfully real far sooner than we had expected.
And no, we're not talking about "abstract models". We're talking about real life. We're talking about what we're already experiencing now. We're talking about our own future.
While G-O-TEA politicians obsess over their new favorite haute faux scandal, a very real scandal is unfolding before our eyes. This scandal is so real that the US Defense Department is now preparing for future climate relayed national security threats. What else do G-O-TEA politicians need to realize the actual hot scandal emerging just outside their front door?
For us here in Nevada, the Great Western Drought is already taking its toll. And for many other parts of the nation, this scandal has already reached a furious boiling point. So why can't Congress start investigating (and more importantly, acting upon) this very real & very hot scandal?
Yet while he and the rest of his G-O-TEA acolytes (cough- Joe Heck -cough) prepare to take their Benghazimania to the next level, the rest of the nation keeps wondering why they're losing their s**t over this.
And why are they losing their s**t over this and not the greatest global security threat of our time? Why is it "overreaching" to talk about the very real threats posed by climate change?
While House Republicans are losing their s**t over a hashtag and some half-baked conspiracy theories, the rest of us are being scared s**tless by real life. And by real life, we mean the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. We've known for some time that the ice in Antarctica is melting faster than we're accustomed to. But now, we have confirmation that s**t is about to get awfully real far sooner than we had expected.
And no, we're not talking about "abstract models". We're talking about real life. We're talking about what we're already experiencing now. We're talking about our own future.
While G-O-TEA politicians obsess over their new favorite haute faux scandal, a very real scandal is unfolding before our eyes. This scandal is so real that the US Defense Department is now preparing for future climate relayed national security threats. What else do G-O-TEA politicians need to realize the actual hot scandal emerging just outside their front door?
For us here in Nevada, the Great Western Drought is already taking its toll. And for many other parts of the nation, this scandal has already reached a furious boiling point. So why can't Congress start investigating (and more importantly, acting upon) this very real & very hot scandal?
Notice Anything Different?
Gotta love that "Republican rebranding". Late last month, G-O-TEA media personalities were rushing to defend embattled racist billionaire slumlord Donald Sterling soon after they finished their worship ceremony for embattled racist "welfare cowboy" Cliven Bundy.
But now, Donald Sterling is trying to defend himself. So he went on CNN yesterday. And he declared Magic Johnson is not "a good example for the children"...
Because he is HIV positive. Oh, yes. That's right. He went there. (/facepalm)
After all, abusing one's tenants is far more honorable than someone who actually puts his money where his mouth is. How dare that Magic Johnson give back to his community! What kind of example is he setting up for the children?
Oh, but he's HIV positive! Yes... So? A number of Americans are. And they go on to live their lives. HIV is not a crime.
Harrassing tenants, however, is. And being a negligent landlord most certainly is. And Donald Sterling is most certainly guilty on both counts.
And speaking of negligent, let's return to our favorite negligent "welfare cowboy".
As we mentioned yesterday, the BLM is pursuing another court challenge to make Cliven Bundy pay up. Yet somehow, not even this is stopping his fan club from making a pilgrimage to Salt Lake City tomorrow to demand the feds give up land that has been federal land ever since The West became US territory. After all, Cliven Bundy knows a thing or two about "proper stewardship"...
And about [redacted]. And now, Ann Coulter & Rush Limbaugh want to tell us something they know about First Lady Michelle Obama. Because she dared to go to Twitter to demand Boko Haram release the 300+ Nigerian school girls they kidnapped.
Apparently, screaming at Michael Sam and HGTV wasn't enough. So G-O-TEA Culture Warriors are now throwing shade at Michelle Obama for demanding the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls. And they're reading Magic Johnson to filth for giving back to his community. And of course, they're still lusting after that "Range War" Cliven Bundy promised them.
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? We're still wondering what's changed. Has the "brand" even been changed? We don't notice anything different.
But now, Donald Sterling is trying to defend himself. So he went on CNN yesterday. And he declared Magic Johnson is not "a good example for the children"...
Because he is HIV positive. Oh, yes. That's right. He went there. (/facepalm)
After all, abusing one's tenants is far more honorable than someone who actually puts his money where his mouth is. How dare that Magic Johnson give back to his community! What kind of example is he setting up for the children?
Oh, but he's HIV positive! Yes... So? A number of Americans are. And they go on to live their lives. HIV is not a crime.
Harrassing tenants, however, is. And being a negligent landlord most certainly is. And Donald Sterling is most certainly guilty on both counts.
And speaking of negligent, let's return to our favorite negligent "welfare cowboy".
As we mentioned yesterday, the BLM is pursuing another court challenge to make Cliven Bundy pay up. Yet somehow, not even this is stopping his fan club from making a pilgrimage to Salt Lake City tomorrow to demand the feds give up land that has been federal land ever since The West became US territory. After all, Cliven Bundy knows a thing or two about "proper stewardship"...
And about [redacted]. And now, Ann Coulter & Rush Limbaugh want to tell us something they know about First Lady Michelle Obama. Because she dared to go to Twitter to demand Boko Haram release the 300+ Nigerian school girls they kidnapped.
Apparently, screaming at Michael Sam and HGTV wasn't enough. So G-O-TEA Culture Warriors are now throwing shade at Michelle Obama for demanding the safe return of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls. And they're reading Magic Johnson to filth for giving back to his community. And of course, they're still lusting after that "Range War" Cliven Bundy promised them.
So how's that "Republican rebranding" coming along? We're still wondering what's changed. Has the "brand" even been changed? We don't notice anything different.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Hot Mess
So it's 3 steps forward, 2 steps back for "Governor Sunny"? Back in February, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) finally agreed to drop the state's legal fight against marriage equality by essentially dropping out of Sevcik v. Sandoval. That's why the remaining defendants are left presenting this in court.
We thought Governor Sandoval had finally fully evolved into the 21st century. But no, he's crawling backward again by backtracking on marriage. Oh yes, he still won't say he supports marriage equality... Even though he's admitted the state's legal argument against marriage equality has no leg left to stand on.
What's this about? Is Sandoval truly that confused? Or is this just his twisted way of providing cover for Mark Hutchison, Adam Laxalt, Joe Heck, Cresent Hardy, and all the other Nevada Republicans who refuse to acknowledge the existence of the 21st century? Whatever the case, all we have to say is this.
Queen, you're a hot mess!
But then again, the entire Republican Party has devolved into a total hot mess. They can't reconcile their alleged devotion to "FREEDOM!" with their resistance to granting all loving couples the freedom to marry. So they must twist & turn in all sorts of strange directions to make their "libertarian populism" sound coherent.
So what else are we supposed to say? What else can we add? Oh yes, this: Queen, you're a hot mess!
We thought Governor Sandoval had finally fully evolved into the 21st century. But no, he's crawling backward again by backtracking on marriage. Oh yes, he still won't say he supports marriage equality... Even though he's admitted the state's legal argument against marriage equality has no leg left to stand on.
What's this about? Is Sandoval truly that confused? Or is this just his twisted way of providing cover for Mark Hutchison, Adam Laxalt, Joe Heck, Cresent Hardy, and all the other Nevada Republicans who refuse to acknowledge the existence of the 21st century? Whatever the case, all we have to say is this.
Queen, you're a hot mess!
But then again, the entire Republican Party has devolved into a total hot mess. They can't reconcile their alleged devotion to "FREEDOM!" with their resistance to granting all loving couples the freedom to marry. So they must twist & turn in all sorts of strange directions to make their "libertarian populism" sound coherent.
So what else are we supposed to say? What else can we add? Oh yes, this: Queen, you're a hot mess!
Free-dumb
Might the armed madness finally be nearing an end? After over a month of Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" running rampant and unleashing mayhem upon Gold Butte and the Virgin Valley, law enforcement may finally step up to put an end to this. And we're not just talking about any law enforcement. Now, the FBI is starting to investigate #BundyRanch while the BLM is preparing to take Bundy (back) to court.
Yet as the Bundy Gang are starting to encounter consequences for their actions here in Nevada, that isn't stopping them from spreading their signature brand of armed madness into another state. Last week, they began making noises about BLM land in southeastern Utah. Apparently, they've been upset over the BLM restricting all terrain vehicle (ATV) use in Recapture Canyon, an area well known for Native American petroglyphs and sensitive riparian habitats.
Even before last week, Recapture Canyon had been subjected to repeated acts of vandalism. But last weekend, that vandalism reached new levels when the Bundy Gang decided to take an ATV joy ride through the area. Oh yeah, who cares about some silly birds and burial sites. The Bundy Gang only care about their Free-dumb!
And they're not alone. Since last month, a number of G-O-TEA politicians have joined the Koch funded AFP in encouraging this kind of armed rebellion. And even though they've been trying to avoid Bundy's racist comments, they've still been championing the extreme ideology behind those comments.
They may not be alone, but they are quite clearly in the wrong. The vast majority of Westerners don't condone this behavior. And perhaps more importantly, both state & federal law forbid it.
For all their talk of "loving the Constitution", these "Constitutional conservatives" seem to have no idea how the US Constitution actually works. And they seem to forget that the Constitution set up the very federal government that they oh so hate now.
So what are they fighting for? What are they demanding? What are they making the case for?
Apparently, free-dumb. They demand the free-dumb to vandalize and flat out destroy property that belongs to the American people. And they don't care who gets hurt in the process.
Here in America, these fringe characters have the freedom to be stupid. They just don't have the free-dumb to pee on our legs and tell us it's raining.
Yet as the Bundy Gang are starting to encounter consequences for their actions here in Nevada, that isn't stopping them from spreading their signature brand of armed madness into another state. Last week, they began making noises about BLM land in southeastern Utah. Apparently, they've been upset over the BLM restricting all terrain vehicle (ATV) use in Recapture Canyon, an area well known for Native American petroglyphs and sensitive riparian habitats.
Even before last week, Recapture Canyon had been subjected to repeated acts of vandalism. But last weekend, that vandalism reached new levels when the Bundy Gang decided to take an ATV joy ride through the area. Oh yeah, who cares about some silly birds and burial sites. The Bundy Gang only care about their Free-dumb!
And they're not alone. Since last month, a number of G-O-TEA politicians have joined the Koch funded AFP in encouraging this kind of armed rebellion. And even though they've been trying to avoid Bundy's racist comments, they've still been championing the extreme ideology behind those comments.
They may not be alone, but they are quite clearly in the wrong. The vast majority of Westerners don't condone this behavior. And perhaps more importantly, both state & federal law forbid it.
For all their talk of "loving the Constitution", these "Constitutional conservatives" seem to have no idea how the US Constitution actually works. And they seem to forget that the Constitution set up the very federal government that they oh so hate now.
So what are they fighting for? What are they demanding? What are they making the case for?
Apparently, free-dumb. They demand the free-dumb to vandalize and flat out destroy property that belongs to the American people. And they don't care who gets hurt in the process.
Here in America, these fringe characters have the freedom to be stupid. They just don't have the free-dumb to pee on our legs and tell us it's raining.
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