When a person begins an argument by palming a card or concealing an important fact it is natural to become suspicious. So what are we to make of the NY Times editorial and guest op-ed pieces about gun control today?
Here are the Times editors:
Congress Takes Up Gun Violence
Senate hearings on stronger gun controls are scheduled to begin on Wednesday before a divided Congress and a nation agonizing over how to prevent more of the carnage that killed 20 schoolchildren and six adults last month at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school. The gun lobby’s opposition to reasonable controls is already fierce, and political courage is, as ever, wavering in Congress. But this singular opportunity to curb the gun violence must not be wasted in more of the posturing in Washington that tolerates 30,000 gun deaths a year.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear a raft of proposals, including a vitally needed ban on fast-firing semiautomatic weapons, like the military-style Bushmaster assault rifle the Newtown gunman used in his killing spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The measure would also ban ammunition magazines that can hold more than 10 bullets, which have facilitated battlefield-scale killing of the innocent in the Newtown school, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and dozens of similar tragedies.
Making federal background checks universal, instead of limiting them to sales by licensed gun dealers, is no less vital, closing a loophole that lets 40 percent of firearm sales take place with no oversight. This proposal is the chief goal of many gun-control groups and has a different aim than the assault weapons ban: the proliferation of handguns that are used in most gun violence, particularly in cities.
30,000 deaths per year and we need to Act Now to prevent another Newtown!
Here are James Baker and John Dingell:
But the harsh truth is that too many Americans are dying from gun-related shootings — more than 30,000 each year and more than one million since 1960. Gun violence now rivals traffic accidents as the leading cause of death by injury in the United States. Quite simply, gun violence threatens to overwhelm us.
Americans are grappling for strategies to make sure that the horror that occurred in Newtown isn’t repeated. The White House has made suggestions, and many governors have offered theirs. The National Rifle Association has spelled out its proposals.
With the Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled today to hold the first congressional hearings on gun violence since the Newtown tragedy, we offer four general guidelines for a national dialogue on sensible solutions to this deadly malady.
First, any legislation that is suggested should be broad-gauged. There is no one single cause of gun violence and no single solution. That will mean determining if there is any reason for weapons to have magazines that hold 30 rounds or more. It will mean assessing whether armor-piercing bullets — opposed by police chiefs around the country — should be legal. And it will mean considering strengthening background checks.
30,000 deaths and we should Act Now!
The concealed fact is that of those 30,000 deaths, roughly 19,000 are suicides. Every suicide is regrettable and the case can be made that access to guns increases the overall suicide rate by increasing access to a highly lethal means of acting upon what is, in many cases, a transitory suicidal impulse.
However, the case has not been made that reducing access to semiautomatic rifles with high capacity magazines or armor piercing bullets will bring down the suicide rate. Unless we have an underreported national epidemic of people committing suicide by shooting themselves fifteen times and bleeding out, I think it is fair to say that linking the suicide rate with a need to regulate magazine capacity is a bit of a misdirection play.
If the Times editors believe in their argument they ought to go ahead and make it honestly. They could explain that their 30,000 deaths includes 19,000 suicides and, per the FBI Uniform Crime Reports, about 6,000 handgun homicides, 300-400 rifle homicides, and 1,500 uncategorized firearm homicides. Will readers take away from those statistics the idea that assault rifles are the key problem facing the nation as it confronts gun violence? Raymond Kelly, NYC Police Commissioner, didn't exactly make that case. Still, the Times editors should make the argument and find out.
HYPERBOLE WATCH: The Times editors include this (my emphasis):
The measure would also ban ammunition magazines that can hold more than 10 bullets, which have facilitated battlefield-scale killing of the innocent in the Newtown school, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and dozens of similar tragedies.
Dozens? Mother Jones, in reviewing their list of mass shootings in the US since 1980, found 31 that involved high capacity magazines (i.e., more than ten rounds).
And some of those 31 incidents would probably not have played out differently if the killer was limited to ten round magazines. The VaTech killer used ten and fifteen round magazines and the panel which investigated the incident concluded that the magazine size was not a factor. At Newtown, Adam Lanza ran out of time and targets, not bullets; he shot his victims three to eleven times each before killing himself.
Glancing at the Mother Jones list, I note that the Columbine killers used thirteen ten-round magazines. I count fourteen incidents involving semiautomatic handguns with the popular eleven-to-nineteen capacity (e.g., the Glock 19 with fifteen in the magazine). Are the Times editors confident that a semiautomatic Glock with fifteen in the magazine is capable of "battlefield-scale killing" that could be avoided if limited to ten in the magazine? Or by "dozens of similar tragedies" do they mean 'nearly two dozen in the last thirty years, maybe'?
We all await their ongoing contribution to a sensible national debate.
Lot of black on black gun murders. Lots and lots and lots. Why no mention??
Half of the gun murders in the U.S. annually are committed by 13% of the population and in fact, most are committed by young males making it less than 7% of the population committing approx 50% of gun murders. Fix that LIBTARDS, then get back to me. Then we'll discuss my 2nd Amendment rights.
Posted by: Gus | January 30, 2013 at 11:18 AM
All I know is, I feel extremely emotional and self-righteous when I speak out against guns. It's an easy, no-brainer way to get a sense of moral worth and seriousness into my life. I can stand up for victims of mass murderers and against selfish hunters, gun enthusiasts, Bible thumpers, and others who are the unpopular subjects of habitual, reflexive and ritualistic derision amongst my fellow Prius driving, wealthy snobs who don't live in dangerous neighborhoods or happen to enjoy hunting. It gives me almost as much sense of moral seriousness as my Prius does, and significantly more even than speaking out in favor of increased funding for school administrator salaries.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | January 30, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Ah, James Baker, his family's law firm, provides some use, on occasion, but he is no friend of Liberty, he's more like those old line Venetian
Doges,
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 11:22 AM
The phrase "gun violence" must focus-group really well.
However, notice that their efforts are limited to guns and not violence.
Posted by: Rob Crawford | January 30, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Plus, I can't take the reasoning behind the 2nd Amendment seriously because I'm in favor of absolute state dominion since it looks like it will be the good guys (Dems) at the helm from here on out, and why anyone would object to an enlightened dictatorship is beyond me.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | January 30, 2013 at 11:26 AM
Jim and Rob
heh
Posted by: Kat | January 30, 2013 at 11:28 AM
I'm speaking particularly of Gritti, who lost the battle of Agnadello, in 1509, and failed up wards. As I've pointed out, all these factoids, come from Soros's peanut gallery at Joyce, where
Obama did his best work.
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Well, Jim, I'm relieved that the people who were so convinced we were becoming a totalitarian state between 2001 and 2009 have now decided that the very idea is ridiculous.
(And how proud the Left must be that they can say Obama never "lied us into war". Not that he's ever asked us whether we want to be involved in one of his wars... he just "leads from behind" with our troops, somehow.)
Posted by: Rob Crawford | January 30, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Jim Ryan,
You neglected the thrill that comes from listening to a horde of Vulvarians shrieking about maintaining women's right to kill. I don't believe proper cognitive dissonance can be maintained without the appropriate juxtaposition of proposing denial of Second Amendment rights to save "innocent lives" while supporting howling Vulvarians waving bloody scissors.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | January 30, 2013 at 11:35 AM
Of course, the irony, Chief Kelly, is that they despise you, equally as much as any 'bitter clingers' out in the hinterlands. Local politicos have a way of being imminently too faced, even after they've sent their men on a 'war on crime.
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 11:44 AM
TomM continues to be radicalized-- by THE FACTS. What a concept.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM
I just read the most hysterically (as in funny) stupid letter to the editor over at Weasel Zippers. Some lofo Democrat is outraged that babies born via c-section are not considered "natural born" citizens.
Dear Lord!
Posted by: centralcal | January 30, 2013 at 11:50 AM
You understand TM, that the facts are not the point of the exercise, in fact they get in the way. Furthermore when someone warns of 'death panels' or the toll of QE 1- , it said to be uncooth. General McCrystal could have done better by not taking the Times at face value.
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 11:51 AM
Yes, Rick. Bloody scissors are fine with me because their continued existence give Bible thumpers enormous grief.
Posted by: Jim Ryan | January 30, 2013 at 11:54 AM
If Kathleen Parker were any dumber, they would have to water her, that's a general observation,
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 11:59 AM
--That will mean determining if there is any reason for weapons to have magazines that hold 30 rounds or more.--
These guys are living behind the looking glass, because all their logic is backwards.
Posted by: AliceH | January 30, 2013 at 12:00 PM
'Darmok at Tanagra, when the walls fell' makes as much sense as anything else.
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 12:02 PM
If you don't allow guns there will be no violence.
If you don't allow bloody scissors, there will be bloody coat hangers.
We must allow bloody scissors. They save lives.
Posted by: Gus | January 30, 2013 at 12:02 PM
No offense to the 2d Amendment or gun owners, but Narciso points to the ultimate issue here -- which is bigger than both. TomM rightly points out that the Gun Controller's claims are afactual and the legislation ("Assault Gunz ban") is in many ways COUNTERfactual. The powers that be are trying to cram through laws based on afactual reasons with irrational solutions. This is Monty Python weighing a witch and a duck-- this is medieval superstition and political alchemy. if the powere that be can do this-- they can make anything up and pass it. The Republic is in danger, and sorry but your guns and the 2d Amendment can't defend against an irrational state.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 12:08 PM
The "Nation", or at least what is left of it, is not "agonizing" over "reasonable gun control". In fact, the news cycle has moved on. In fact, The Nation does not want more laws, as illustrated by the fact that all of the major manufacturers have huge back orders at this time.
The MSM is "agonizing" over the prospect that their agit-prop perhaps did not work this time around.
The GOP, of course, will allow the Democrats to panic them into something and this will cost the GOP plenty next year. It, along with amnesty, may cost them the House irrespective of any vote fraud.
This the Democrats well know, and it is one of the reasons for this push.
If, on the other hand, the GOP could tell the Democrats to go pound sand, and they would win over more votes than they could possibly lose.
They will not, however, do this. The Stupid Party, indeed.
Posted by: squaredance | January 30, 2013 at 12:09 PM
J Ryan: And more milage too, I'd wager.
Posted by: squaredance | January 30, 2013 at 12:10 PM
So what do Oskeeter Bloomie, Rahm, Piers, Diane and all the other scaredy cat, hand wringer, fascist little gun grabbers do when the whole thing dies in the Senate under Dingy Harry's watch? Do they try plan B, blue state by blue state, which is fierce Gestapo like enforcement of all existing Federal gun laws and make life miserable for all the law-abiding but paperwork deficient owners?
I think that is the next step. You are going to see Gestapo like enforcement of every nitpicking little law the Feds can find plus lots of legal challenges to the 2nd Amendment's individual rights This is going to be a long running attack on the 2nd and the best way to do is violate the 1st, 4th and 5th while you're at it.
Oh, and while we are distracted defending gun rights, what the hell do you think Kerry, Brennan and Hagel will be up to?
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 30, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Surrender on every front,
Posted by: narciso | January 30, 2013 at 12:13 PM
NK, you simply don't "get it". We need to pass a gun ban bill, so we can find out what's in it.
Posted by: Gus | January 30, 2013 at 12:20 PM
Just wanted to note that my daughter turned her college internship into a permanent job starting in June.
Posted by: Neo | January 30, 2013 at 12:20 PM
Congrats to your daughter, Neo. What's the job?
Posted by: Thomas Collins | January 30, 2013 at 12:22 PM
"what the hell do you think Kerry, Brennan and Hagel will be up to?" they won't be doing Passover with Bibi, that's for sure. Barry I and the Jewish State-- see a patten here?
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Nice effort by her, Neo!
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 12:26 PM
42 Repuke Senators voted to confirm Lurch for Secretary of State and only 3 opposed him. Granted these aren't the same things but less than half of the voters chose him for President in 2004. And the party wonders why it's considered out of touch.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 30, 2013 at 12:27 PM
Congrats to your daughter, Neo.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 30, 2013 at 12:28 PM
SF Chronicle:
Posted by: Danube of Thought | January 30, 2013 at 12:31 PM
The day when mass shootings no longer occur on America's playgrounds but in its Capitol seems to be drawing closer.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 12:32 PM
John Dingell gets an A+ rating from the NRA. I believe he is a Life Member.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | January 30, 2013 at 12:33 PM
Congratulations, Neo. That's got to be a great feeling.
Posted by: Porchlight | January 30, 2013 at 12:37 PM
All Seattle denizens should check out the actions of their mayor regarding pension investments and climate.
Behind the FT paywall at present, unless it can be found elsewhere.
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 12:37 PM
The whole "loophole" thing is a scam--even the term is propaganda. Just what would these loopholes be, giving a gun to your son?
2) More background checks are not "reasonable". There would be none. It is just a slippery slope to registries and confiscation.
Leahy is not standing up to anything, and the GOP is being panicked in to more incrementalism towards the destruction of the 2nd amendment. Next time they will come back for more.
It is all just nonsense.
How sad that we are so cowardly that we cannot through our representatives speak this simple truth.
Posted by: squaredance | January 30, 2013 at 12:38 PM
For anyone at DHS who monitors JOM, Ig@ 12:32 was speaking metaphorically. You don't have to send a SWAT team over.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 12:39 PM
42 Repuke Senators voted to confirm Lurch for Secretary of State and only 3 opposed him.
I honestly do not understand this.
I get (although I disagree with this as well) why they didn't mount a full-throated opposition, and attempt to filibuster him. There would be political costs, and I understand the logic that you don't want to set a precedent like that that could be used against a Republican President and his nominees in the future.
But to actually vote FOR him? To say, "Yes, I believe that John F. Kerry is fully qualified to serve as Secretary of State, where he will be responsible for the conduct of our nation's foreign policy?"
Seriously?
The Republican Party is an embarrassment. "Stupid party" doesn't even begin to describe it.
Posted by: James D. | January 30, 2013 at 12:44 PM
No I wasn't.
The US engaged in mass shootings of British masters who were considerably less onerous and confiscatory than the ones we presently have; we celebrate it proudly as our Revolution.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM
--The Republican Party is an embarrassment. "Stupid party" doesn't even begin to describe it.--
Yeah, I had high hopes the dire circumstances we face fiscally and internationally and the stated intent of the Dems that they seek to destroy the GOP might have changed them for the better. It hasn't.
Suggest they drop the elephant and adopt Kipling's leopard as their mascot.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Ignatz, George Washington did not give up his gun.
Posted by: Gus | January 30, 2013 at 12:49 PM
I am curious to see what they do about Hagel. Sorry, Mitch McConnell is not stupid or an embarrassment. Yes he is a professional politician, but I think he detests the Obamaniacs as much as anyone here. Barry I appointed Hagel because even though he's a Jew Hater, he's a former Repub Senator, so Barry I thought that maybe he could sneak a Jew Hater with a bio like that through confirmation -- based on Senate Courtesy. I don't think that's going to happen-- I think McConnell and the few remaining sane Dem Senators are gonna filibuster Hagel. We'll see.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 12:50 PM
BlackOp helos over Ig's place in, 3...2...
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 12:52 PM
If an actual traitor like Kerry is not filibustered then I have no desire to see a mere nasty dumbass like Hagel given the treatment.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Why did the 42 vote for him? because they have neither honor, decency or principles is why.
And you expect them to protect the republic.
In a way they are worse than the Democrats. At least the Democrats believe in something--their believes are deeply evil, but they are beliefs nonetheless.
The GOP thinks the Democrats are as cynical as they are and thus do not understand who the Democrats really are.
The GOP is destroying itself, and doing it at the Democrats bidding and right out in the open in the full light of day.
Clowns.
Posted by: squaredance | January 30, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Guess I better order that semi auto Browning M2 and some tracers.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 12:53 PM
Draghi has been implicated in the near collapse of Banco de Monte de Paschi in Siena, during his tenure as head of the Bank of Italy.
In Italian, at present, but this has legs.
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Oh for Pete's sake! If they approve an open traitor like Kerry then Hagel is a shoe in.
You think McConnell will put of a fight for a fellow GOP "lawmaker"? What a laugh.
They just have to make those in the Jewish lobby that might care about it feel good about it by way of some manufactured resistance. What do you think, he will worry about the Jewish Vote?
McConnell most certainly is an embarrassment. Almost all of them are.
Posted by: squaredance | January 30, 2013 at 12:58 PM
The estimable Randy Barnett weighs in:
Posted by: Danube of Thought | January 30, 2013 at 12:59 PM
I propose we ban assault cats.
Surely we must do it for children of the billions of birds and small mammals, not to mention the innumerable disgusting lizards, these merciless high capacity feline killing machines prey upon.
Does anyone really need a cat, even for hunting?
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 01:01 PM
Why do politicians and rapists seem to be the most interested in "gun control"? LUN
(And are the two categories sufficiently distinct to tell the difference?)
Posted by: Rob Crawford | January 30, 2013 at 01:02 PM
Only four days to perhaps the worst half hour of television the world endures annually; Super Bowl halftime.
What's the opposite of Must See TV?
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 01:08 PM
Jim Ryan,
Diane Feinstein and her husband provide the perfect example of how true progressives deal with violent crime. In 1990, the total population of San Francisco was 724K of whom 79K (11%) were black. The homicide rate (not counting abortions) was 13.3. In 2010, the total population of San Francisco was 805K of whom 48K were black (6%). The homicide rate (not counting abortions) was 7.9.
The Feinstein/Blum apartheid drive South of Market in San Francisco succeeded in lowering the homicide rate by 40% in San Francisco by driving 38% of the black population beyond the city limits. San Francisco's Progresive Apartheid Project is rather unique in that most Progrssive Blue Hells require the maintenance of apartheid plantations in order to harvest the requisite numbers of votes necessary to maintain control during the period in which full indoctrination via the Commie Core standards is implemented. I've even noticed some lowering of pressure in the progressive Black Genocide program due to failure to achieve benchmarks in the Commie Core Five Year Plan.
There appear to be still far too many bitter clingers who just won't acknowledge the inevitable course of history. That, or perhaps the progressive baby killing has gotten a bit out of hand.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | January 30, 2013 at 01:10 PM
Broadcast? Network? Sports?
Posted by: Rob Crawford | January 30, 2013 at 01:10 PM
Proudly celebrating 120 hours of damage-free driving...
Posted by: Beasts of England | January 30, 2013 at 01:14 PM
If they approve an open traitor like Kerry then Hagel is a shoe in.
Maybe, just maybe, they are "keeping their powder dry" for Hagel. Perhaps for reasons that are not obvious, rejecting two nominees would be politically hazardous--they would be seen as obstructionist, etc.--but they can get away with rejecting one. We shall see.
Posted by: jimmyk | January 30, 2013 at 01:16 PM
They've been "keeping their powder" dry for decades.
I, for one, am sick of hearing about all the battles we MIGHT win in the future if we just give ground this time.
Posted by: Rob Crawford | January 30, 2013 at 01:17 PM
BoE-
Is that the end of your streak, or it's current clock?
(And are you ok?)
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 01:18 PM
The great Iowahawk--now on Breitbart --and his comments on the Chicago school simulated murder drill.
http://www.breitbart.com/InstaBlog/2013/01/30/Shot-for-Teacher
Posted by: Clarice | January 30, 2013 at 01:20 PM
I agree, Rob, I'm not holding out a lot of hope. A lot may hinge on whether the vaunted "Israel Lobby" goes all in against Hagel. I doubt the Republicans have the cajones to reject Hagel on principle alone.
Posted by: jimmyk | January 30, 2013 at 01:22 PM
Remember a few threads back, Daddy had a post up on the Old Believers in Alaska?
Well, this article from the Smithsonian Magazine has been making its rounds via twitter and NRO. An amazing story of human survival to the extent that this family lived for over 40 years in the Taiga of Siberia before any human contact with them. They actually sat out WW2 and never even knew it happened. Oll geologists found them in 1976.
Read the whole thing.
Heartwrenching in places.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 30, 2013 at 01:28 PM
BREAKING!
GZ to declare himself indigent and ask for a 6 month delay in trial. Getting this from local CF13 Brighthouse TV outlet in Orlando. Will try to find more.
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 30, 2013 at 01:35 PM
JiB, I read that via a couple of friends' Facebook pages this morning. It is truly incredible. I also thought of daddy's post.
Posted by: Porchlight | January 30, 2013 at 01:36 PM
The GZ story from CF13
Posted by: Jim Eagle | January 30, 2013 at 01:37 PM
In his 11:18, is Gus planting in the mind of LIBTARDS that they register blacks, even though photo IDs are racist?
Posted by: sbwaters | January 30, 2013 at 01:40 PM
DavidB is the great IowaHawk, as is bgates at JOM.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 01:45 PM
GZ-- just one more step to the great plea bargain charade conclusion. That's all the State prosecutor wanted from the beginning.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 01:51 PM
Tammy Bruce is talking about the contrast between Bolton's confirmation and Kerry's.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 30, 2013 at 01:51 PM
What is it with TV newsreporters who continually say "I can tell you" and then proceed with whatever it is they want to report? Does it make them feel more important that they have injected themselves into the story by implying that they have 'special knowledge' that they think no one else has?
The whole area is under a tornado warning with touchdowns and this reporter can personally tell me that there is damage. Duh.
Pet peeve of the week.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 30, 2013 at 02:01 PM
Wait. bgates = Dave Burge?
Posted by: Another Bob | January 30, 2013 at 02:08 PM
The "loyal opposition" could use more opposition and less loyalty. Of course Rule 1 for all politicians is to get elected next time. Unless we can make some headway in making these birds believe espousing our views are consistent with Rule 1, we will continue to be sorely disappointed in their performance.
The Tea Party was a start, but has become stagnated. Unless a grass roots effort can build on its foundation, our frustration will continue.
Where is that person that can provide the spark to make it happen?
Posted by: Jim Rhoads a/k/a vjnjagvet | January 30, 2013 at 02:08 PM
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | January 30, 2013 at 02:08 PM
BREAKING!
An octogenarian Gomer Pyle recently married a dude.
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | January 30, 2013 at 02:10 PM
Fed decision imminent!
Where's my pillow?
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 02:11 PM
NK:
DavidB is the great IowaHawk, as is bgates at JOM.
bgates is not IowaHawk.
Posted by: hit and run | January 30, 2013 at 02:12 PM
No, bgates : JOM as David Burge : Breitbart, i.e. the resident brilliant wit (among others).
Posted by: jimmyk | January 30, 2013 at 02:12 PM
I can tell you that letting JOMers in on your pet peeves can sometimes have unintended consequences.
Posted by: hit and run | January 30, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Jim Rhoads,
They all need primary challenges from the right to get them to pay attention. Looks like Cornyn may get one (which partially explains his Kerry no vote yesterday).
Posted by: Porchlight | January 30, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Becoming ever more impressed with Sen. Ted Cruz. Here is a link to his clear, simple, and factual statements at today's Senate hearing.
Introducing FACTS in a FACT FREE Zone
And he is one of the 3 Republicans who voted against John F'ing Kerry.
Posted by: centralcal | January 30, 2013 at 02:15 PM
Bgates-- yes Bgates is the resident JOM satirist -- he's great (but he's not Iowahawk.)
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 02:26 PM
Right now my conservative scorecard reads:
Ted Cruz = work horse;
Marco Rubio = show pony
we shall see.
Posted by: NK | January 30, 2013 at 02:28 PM
That is how I see it so far, NK.
Posted by: Porchlight | January 30, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Well if anyone wants a change in topic here you go
http://www.invisibleserfscollar.com/using-teacher-evals-to-coerce-irreversible-change-in-the-drive-towards-statism-globally/
And with baker being in on that op-ed is this yet another example of bipartisanship among the oligarchs without having everything in one name on the byline?
I did go to a very fun closing lunch one time at that firm.
Posted by: rse | January 30, 2013 at 02:31 PM
centralcal's link to Ted Cruz at the Senate hearings today is terrific.
Posted by: Porchlight | January 30, 2013 at 02:32 PM
LOL, hit. With all the 'on the ground' reporting today vis a vis the weather and the repeats of stories, I'm getting a little sensitive to the liberal reporters trying to outdo each other for who has the most amazing (another word overused today) and heartbreaking (groan) reporting to 'tell me.' A sufficiently empathizing tone is required to convey that the heartbreak is also required to be felt by me, of course.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 30, 2013 at 02:36 PM
George Neumayer at AmSpec on Barry's radicalism exceeding even the French Revolutionists.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 02:39 PM
Congratulations, Neo. That's got to be a great feeling.
All those chemical engineering courses finally paid off
Posted by: Neo | January 30, 2013 at 02:41 PM
I feel for you Stephanie. That's why I chose not to make a joke from your use of the word "touchdowns" at the Falcons expense.
Posted by: hit and run | January 30, 2013 at 02:43 PM
Larry Thornberry at AmSpec on Marco Rubio's Strange New Respect.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 02:43 PM
OT - Would you buy a used chakra from this a.k., er, man?
Which brings to mind the classic Leo Rosten joke in which a man rides a camel in a parade. He later identifies the camel as a male because he heard someone in the crowd shout, "Look at the shmuck on that camel!"
Posted by: Frau Lustig | January 30, 2013 at 02:44 PM
Tipper must be relieved to no longer have to be around that fat ignoramus.
Posted by: Captain Hate | January 30, 2013 at 02:48 PM
Neo, where is she going to work?
Posted by: DrJ | January 30, 2013 at 02:52 PM
--Tipper must be relieved to no longer have to be around that fat ignoramus.--
Be nice if he would quit trying to screw the rest of us someday.
Posted by: Ignatz Ratzkywatzky | January 30, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Menendez- FBI investigation/press allegations are politically motivated.
Keep at that chickin, Arbuckle.
Posted by: Melinda Romanoff | January 30, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Ouch. I can tell you that was conveyed with insufficient empathy for that heartbreak. Grief counselors are hard at work right now.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 30, 2013 at 02:56 PM
Scary - he was almost POTUS.
Posted by: fdcol63 | January 30, 2013 at 02:57 PM
Maybe ALL presidential candidates should have psych evals ..... for OUR protection.
Posted by: fdcol63 | January 30, 2013 at 03:01 PM
Some things are just so wonderful, they need to be shared:
Paperman
Posted by: centralcal | January 30, 2013 at 03:05 PM
If I had to choose-
Despite his political warts, I'd take Hagel over the traitorous Kerry whose guiding principle is "The United Nations and Uncle Soros über alles."
Right now, anti-Hagel ads are running on cable and I did not see a single one against that arrogant, useful idiot from MA.
Posted by: Frau Lustig | January 30, 2013 at 03:09 PM
"Several poultry homes were damaged today. " Wtf?
Chickens must be moving on up. The interior decorators must be devastated.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 30, 2013 at 03:10 PM