Trouble In Their Blue Heaven

Card carrying progressive John Judis warns his fellow travelers that the tax cut, although a likely long-term disaster, may not be a political albatross for Republicans in 2018 or 2020.

I have fading memories of Walter Mondale in 1984 railing against the Reagan tax cuts and insisting that given a big enough credit card he could artificially perk up the economy too. Hah! I also remember Mondale losing forty-nine states. A wave of blue swept the nation (on NBC anyway)  because this was before Bush-Gore 2000 and everything after when Republicans became Forever Red.

 

Comments

[exdemocrat]

winning?

[Frau Festina Lente]

Important request of the JOM Group Mind"

Mr. Frau is unable drink some--but not all-- red wines without dire reactions. I plan on cooking daube de boeuf provençal which calls for 2 cups of red wine. I have made the dish before *without* sending my loved one to the ER and would hope to keep it that way.

btw - I have his permission to cook this since it is very tasty.

What are good choices of red wine with low tannins(?) or whatever it is that produces the evil effect?

[exdemocrat]

on the past thread, someone (sorry, i forget who) took issue with an assumption that 'Russia' interfered in the election.
Didn't she do so by feeding lies to Steele/Ohr?

[daddy]

The finish from TM's link:

What I am suggesting is that during the campaign next year, the Republicans will not be at a huge, or perhaps even a significant, disadvantage because they passed this bill. If the economy is still perking, they might even be able to turn the bill into a net political plus. That doesn’t mean they won’t be in trouble in 2018, but it does mean that they won’t be in trouble because of this bill.

Somebody better get John Judis some Kool-aid quick!

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

Where the boeuf?

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

Oops;
Where's the boeuf?

[exdemocrat]

apologies if this has already been posted. the comments are excellent too:

https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-12-18/obama-s-alternative-facts-on-the-iran-nuclear-deal

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

Forrest, Davis Statues Whisked Away After Memphis Sells Public Parks.

The true story of Nathan Bedford Forrest; "an outspoken advocate for the civil rights of the freedmen in postwar Tennessee" who had almost nothing to do with the KKK and condemned it.

[Tom Bowler]

Mr. Frau is unable drink some--but not all-- red wines without dire reactions.

Maybe you could just ask Mr. Frau which ones he likes.

[narcisoyea]

From last night the fellow who didn't squeal.

http://curacaochronicle.com/tag/hugo-carvajal

And why they didn't:
https://www.insightcrime.org/venezuela-organized-crime-news/walid-makled/t

[daddy]

Where's the boeuf?

It's in Seoul.

[Comanche Voter]

This is the same group of clowns that thought Obamacare would be universally welcomed, and they'd ride to political glory on its coattails. Didn't work out so well for you Dims--did it?

[Clarice Feldman]

Frau festina you might look for non alcoholic red wine which does exist or unsweetened grape juice.

[Clarice Feldman]

https://www.finewineandgoodspirits.com/wcsstore/WineandSpirits/learnentertain/entertain/wine_sensitivities.html
lowest tannin red wines

[Extraneus]

Lyle recommended valpolicella in the last thread, which is also pretty tasty I might add.

[rse]

I was going to suggest a pinot noir or a grenache, but when I doublechecked that the latter was as low tannin as it tastes I found this. http://winefolly.com/tutorial/low-tannin-red-wines/

I would think espelt grenache would work well if they sell it where you live.

[daddy]

I'm going to transcribe this from the reporter on FOX explaining some important glitch preventing Trump from signing the Tax Bill in 2017 and if he has to wait and sign it in 2018 then the cuts don't kick in until 2019:

John Roberts: Getting this continuing resolution to fund Government is very important to the President because he would really like to sign that Tax Reform Bill tomorrow. Initially we thought it wasn't going to happen until the beginning of January, then next week, but now they seem to be speeding through the review process. The Bill may be available to be signed tomorrow but there's a catch. The President needs to have what are called "Pay-Go Waivers" in a continuing resolution in order to sign that Bill tomorrow. Under "Pay-Go," any increase in the deficit caused by either spending or tax cuts has to be paid for by cuts to entitlement programs like Medicare, Farm Subsidies, other things like that, so if the President does not get those "Pay-Go Waivers" he cannot sign the Bill in 2017 because those cuts would kick in almost immediately in 2018, but if he waits until January then those cuts do not kick in until 2019. So they are anxiously awaiting what is going up in Congress right now, to see if they can get a continuing resolution through, and get one through that including those "Pay-Go Waivers."
----------------------

I don't know if that effects any long term consequences.

[daddy]

After listening further to John Roberts it appears no long term consequences, just petty hassles such as the Dem's can now say Trump didn't get Tax Relief though in his first year. Roberts closing by wondering aloud if the Dem's "can be that petty?"

C'mon John, how long have you been in DC?

[Beasts of England]

I'm not putting the boeuf in the oven until about 5:30, Ig.

[The Frau Households Hunky Latin Pool Boy]

"*without* sending my loved one to the ER"

I can vouch for that statement.

[Tom R]

If the tax reform bill is not signed until 2018 and people don't seeing a bigger paycheck until 2019 then I assume that means the Democrats chances of winning the 2018 midterms will skyrocket since they can keep telling the lie that the tax cuts only benefit the wealthy.

Perhaps the Fox News reporter is just confused?

[daddy]

I wonder how long before Christopher Steele has a bout of amnesia?

Mr. Steele bragged to Mother Jones magazine that he started the Mueller investigation by convincing FBI agents that summer about the credibility of his dossier...

Now that Mr. Steele must defend those charges in a London courtroom, his confidence level has shifted down several notches.

Howie Carr ought to have a Call in Show on who's going to have Amnesia next?

[Frau Festina Lente]

"Maybe you could just ask Mr. Frau which ones he likes."
Tom - he doesn't choose (like) red wine. It's usually whatever lands in the cupboard. I use it for cooking.

Good references, Clarice and rse.
This has been our experience:

Since tannin is considered a positive trait in wine, making the finished product age-worthy, you’ll find that more expensive wines tend to have higher tannins.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Nikki Haley's group of countries who supported us with either an outright vote or an abstention:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DRl7o0HV4AA6Lhi.jpg

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--Since tannin is considered a positive trait in wine, making the finished product age-worthy, you’ll find that more expensive wines tend to have higher tannins.--

Sounds like a win/win for Frau.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Amother Wictor thread, this one about the Saudi success in Yemen:

https://twitter.com/ThomasWictor/status/943937033440976896

[lyle]

Which Shafer wine are you opening, Beasts? Hope it's a '02 Hillside Select!

[lyle]

Magnum!

[Frau Jägerin]

Iggy - time to check out Aldi's. They brag about their wines and so does Miss M.

It was a double hit of venison cooked in red wine and quality French red wine to go with it that delivered the message to Mr. Frau about red wine. Our German host bagged the deer and opened his special wine just for the occasion.

I hope GUS did not spoil Frazier with red wine.

[narciso]

Roberts is a blow dried idiot next question,

Massimo calabresi who pumped up the Plame matter to Hindenburg dimensions slobbers all over her mueller.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Alsi's has a very goof Merlot for 2.89. Now it's not at the level of some of the pricey wines, but as an everyday wine it is very good, and you sure can't beat the price! They also have a zinfandel and a cabernet savignon at the same price, but I haven't tried those.

[daddy]

Howie is doing a Death Pool, not an amnesia pool:(

My guess sadly is Track Palin. Local media is savaging the family as usual. He has been put in some sort of home arrest, ordered to stay away from his Father and I believe the rest of the Palin's, and required to undergo mandatory drug screenings 3 times a week. He has some real issues and sadly the Media up here loves broadcasting them each and every news break.

[Beasts of England]

It was a gift from the older Beastette, lyle, and she doesn't like me that much!! 😜

'14 Shafer N.V. Merlot

[Dave (in MA)]

Guy just picked "Robert Mug-a-Bee", daddy. Howie says it's a longshot because they have "world class health care" in Zimbabwe.

[daddy]

Magnum!

[narciso]

The emperor snoke of subsaharan Africa, yes along with the best monopoly money you can stuff in a freighter to buy bread sheesh.

[Beasts of England]

I just trimmed the foil off before opening it to breathe, and it has a composite cork!!

Sacre Bleu!

[Beasts of England]

You're the best, daddy!! 👊

[narciso]

What's the world coming to, beasts

[Buckeye]

Beasts, I had a knowledgeable winemaker tell me that the newer corks blow the real ones in the weeds.

Shouldn't be oxidized at least:)

[Robin, eff 'em all]

I FINALLY caught up after being at work all day. Thank you for the recommendations. Weirdly, $28 gave me the exact advice my boss did, who is also a raging liberal....could it be.....best be careful. $28, is your name Pete, by chance?

SBW, thank you and likewise if you’re down in Ithaca. Lots of lovely hikes with stunning waterfalls and terrific restaurants. We live about ten minutes from downtown, but it’s all fields and woods around here.

[Beasts of England]

I'll take a screw-top any day!! Seriously, corks are not an issue, except many often associate a fine, long cork with quality. Looking through my official cork bowl, the better French wines have luxurious corks, but Harlan Estate has them beat by about a 1/16". :)

[Extraneus]

Maybe the tide is turning.

http://dailycaller.com/2017/12/21/in-defense-of-glenn-thrush-he-deserves-better/

On a related note, I cut into an ongoing discussion today with an "Excuse me, I need to grope her for a second," in order to say goodbye to an engineer I hired several years ago who is retiring and whom I will probably never see again. Had a little hug, but I had witnesses! (Everyone laughed at the reference, btw.)

[jimmyk]

Frau, is it tannins or sulfites that cause problems? Sulfites are usually labeled.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Chris Sussdorf liked
Sarah Sanders
‏Verified account @PressSec
10m10 minutes ago

One of the most powerful moments of my life watching @POTUS give the Purple Heart to this American Hero. Amazed by the strength and resilience of the men and women in our Armed Forces.

[Buckeye]

Beasts, the only spoiled wines I have ever opened had a natural cork.

Can't say they were always stored correctly.

Mrs. Buckeye mostly drinks Sauv Blanc, she has same problem as Mr. Frau with red anymore, and almost all are screw top now.

They do a day in the fridge OK after opened.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Time traveler evidence:

[Tom R]

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2017/12/21/a-great-reckoning-is-visible-u-n-vote-against-america-begins-end-of-u-n-in-new-york/

After Saddam's Oil for Food scandal came to light I've seen little to no value for the US remaining in the corrupt United Nations. In my opinion there is no way for the UN to fulfill it's primary reason for existing (promoting peace) when its members can be bought off with bribes.

[Extraneus]

Fun letter, MM.

[Beasts of England]

I've had two 'corked' wines in my entire life, Buckeye. They were both really nice bottles, natch, and from Bordeaux. However, I'd estimate that I've pulled about four thousand corks in my life, so that ain't bad. :)

[Frau Jägerin]

Hard to tell, jimmyk. The articles listed by Clarice and rse point to other reasons as well such as oak casks.

[lyle]

I lurve Shafer Merlot. Haven't opened a '14 yet. The longest corks I've pulled out are Caymus SS.

Speaking of wine and dinner, I'm on for Christmas dinner and I'm in a bit of a conundrum wine-wise. It will be my MIL and the wife's sister and hubs. Everyone knows good juice but...no one ever springs for it. Should I downscale or be magnanimous?

[Robin, eff 'em all]

From the comments of MM’s twitter link:

Robert Forbes
@bob_forbes2
·
4h
7. One more thing.... I think it is also VERY interesting that McMullin also just happened to be the Senior Adviser on National Security Issues for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs which, coincidentally, lands him RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the Uranium One deal.

Thoughts?

[Frau Jägerin]

EXT - while groping, I hope you did not find her breasts had shifted all out of whack.

[lyle]

Only 4,000?!? 😎

[lyle]

Bet I've opened 50 corked wines. At least.

[Extraneus]

It's Christmas, lyle.

[Beasts of England]

That may be a low estimate, lyle - two per week for forty years. Okay, let's say 6,000... :)

Open the good stuff, Frack - YOLO!! 😵

[DebinGA]

I didn't see Puerto Rico on that list of countries voting with the U.S. at the UN re Jerusalem move.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Secretary Ryan Zinke
‏Verified account @SecretaryZinke
2h2 hours ago

Today I signed an order to begin the process of the first ever national geophysical survey of #CriticalMinerals Thx for the backup @lisamurkowski @SenDeanHeller @RepGosar @USGS
=====================

This is a good idea. We should know what we have and where it is.

[Extraneus]

[hanging my head]

[sad Charlie Brown music]

I don't get it, Frau!

[lyle]

Dang it, Ex! 😉

[daddy]

Speaking of Death Pools, anyone know how they pick McCain's successor? Appointee or Special Election, and if an appointee, anyone know who that might be? Please Lord don't let it be daughter Meghan,

[Extraneus]

Is PR a country?

[les nessman]

"If the economy is still perking, they might even be able to turn the bill into a net political plus."

With the weaponized deep-state cultists and their media allies, it's a given that all reporting will be negative regarding the economy.
What I worry about is someone with the actual power to do real damage out of spite. Could saboteurs in the Fed, IRS or elsewhere cause damage?

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

PR is a US territory, as I understand it.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

https://twitter.com/Scavino45/status/943963779657883648

Video of President Trump presenting the Purple Heart at the link.

[DebinGA]

So the U.S. vote represents PR? Did not know that.

[daddy]

McMullin also just happened to be the Senior Adviser on National Security Issues for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs which, coincidentally, lands him RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the Uranium One deal.

Thoughts?

Add another letter to #GrandUnifiedTheoryGATE.

[Disillusionist]

Ex - Steve Martin from "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" reference.

[BlueOx]

Woof, Huberman!

[DebinGA]

AZ's R Gov. would name McCain's replacement, who by law must be someone of the same party. No special election. Iirc McCain was reelected in 2016.

[jimmyk on iPhone]

"it's a given that all reporting will be negative"

Like this?

https://twitter.com/jamestaranto/status/943850056528072705

[GUS]

Frau, thus far I've had Frazier with onions and mushrooms, kosher salt, and peppercorn medley.

No Chianti or fava beans.

Ooooops, shouldn't I be addressing that last line to,,,,,,,,CLARICE!!

btw I've got a freezer full of Frazier...tenderloins on New Years Eve. I'll drink Stella

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

From ChiTown Lurker:

1. This morning Tillerson announces they will start confiscating assets of people involved in corruption and human rights violations.

2. Eric Schmidt of Alphabet steps down.

3. There are over 400 sealed indictments in Northern California.

[JimNorCal]

.

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

daddy,

I would like to see McMullin dragged into the scandal just in order to make certain people who told us he was a "principled conservative" to go pound sand.

I am mean-spirited that way, but Eggo has been insulting Trump and posing like one of the righteous for the last year and a half. I am sick of him.

[DebinGA]

USA Today compares tax bill's effect on 5 households.

[Beasts of England]

After the tax bill passed, Comcast announced a $50B infrastructure investment over the next five years. If loving tax cuts is wrong, I don't wanna be right... :)

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

I heard Juan Williams dismissing those $1000 bonuses, but those would be huge to most people in the Midwest. Would allow for a camping vacation, a new sofa, a new TV, a new stove, etc.

[rse]

VP pence is visiting the troops at bagram air base in afghanistan per radio as I was driving home. Apparently shrouded in secrecy until after he arrived per news reports.

Probably makes america feel a little less far away during the holidays.

[Tom R]

How should Trump's new EO be interpreted?

Does the corruption part only refer to corruption that takes place in support of human trafficking operations or is it a blanket statement for any kind of corruption (like Uranium One).

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-blocking-property-persons-involved-serious-human-rights-abuse-corruption/?utm_source=twitter

[exdemocrat]

a reminder of the UN's ultimate agenda:

http://www.apfn.org/apfn/plans.htm

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--Bet I've opened 50 corked wines. At least.--

Extrapolating from Beast's ratio, that indicates lyle has opened 100-150,000 bottles.
Not sure how many bottles per day that works out to but hope you've reserved a spot on the liver transplant list. :)

[JimNorCal]

Lots of support for US in UN by Eastern Europe from MissM's list

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Now Rep Jackie Speier is wearing a boot. ChiTown wonders if this is the new DC fashion.

[lyle]

1-2 a day for 30 years, Ig...🍷

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

I heard Juan Williams...and turned Albert King up...then I didn't hear Juan Williams.

[JimNorCal]

Christmas Spirit!

http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/12/21/venezuela-maduro-gifts-loyal-police-officers-5-christmas-bonus/
Venezuela: Maduro Gifts Loyal Police Officers $5 Christmas Bonus

[DebinGA]

Remember this pic of MOzo? I wonder if, in addition to Hezbollah's drug trafficking, they were also human trafficking? And BOzo facilitated both by shutting down Project Cassandra? Ugh.

[GUS]

That doesn't buy a roll of toilet paper JimNorCal

[GUS]

Deb any word on whether Mo-money got her girls back?

[exdemocrat]

All, i think, TomR

As I read it, Potus’ new Exec Order authroizes the freezing of:

“All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person of … any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, …. to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, ….. the misappropriation of state assets, the expropriation of private assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts, or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery, or the transfer or the facilitation of the transfer of the proceeds of corruption - that is conducted by a foreign person.”

Seems like that would cover Uranium One, no?

[Robin, eff 'em all]

Mexico and Canada abstained from the UN vote. That should make for interesting NAFTA negotiations.

[anonamom]

Speaking of wine and dinner, I'm on for Christmas dinner and I'm in a bit of a conundrum wine-wise. It will be my MIL and the wife's sister and hubs. Everyone knows good juice but...no one ever springs for it. Should I downscale or be magnanimous?

OK, are you saying these (I assume) frequent guests enjoy and appreciate the good wine you've shared with them over the years, but do NOT ever shell out the bucks to share comparably valuable wine with you, and can afford to do so?

If that is the case, get some ten and under bottles from Trader Joes and have a pleasant enough meal. Feel free to open some good stuff if you're alone doing the dishes while they are watching a movie afterwards--and you do not need to share.

They may be your wife's family, but they are also leeches if all that is true. People only take advantage of you to the degree you allow them to.
(Yes, I know it's Christmas--but this obviously bothers lyle. Giving my blessing to him to quit being a sucker is my gift to him.)
(Though I would keep this all to yourself lyle--your wife may not be quite so supportive or share my view of their behavior. ;-) )

[Miss Marple the Deplorable]

Robin,

I think we were OK with abstentions. Haley had them on the good guys list. Poland abstained as well.

[GUS]

Mrs Haley told the UN that we'd be taking names.

[Ignatz Ratzkiwatzki]

--Should I downscale or be magnanimous?--

Should have saved a couple of those corkers. :)

[Buckeye]

Lyle

I am going to take issue with Anonamom's advice.

The wine differential $$$ will be small consolation compared to the icy treatment you will get from Mrs. Lyle:)

[Robin, eff 'em all]

From the Donald:

“On the 9th day of Christmas the Donald gave to me:
9 storms a brewin’
8 anchors lyin’
7 years remaining
6 Dems a gropin’
5 Pepe memes!
4 Spicey tweets
3 fat koi
2 ice cream scoops
And no pardon for Hillary.”

Heh