All purpose news and politics thread part VI: This Is Not The Time For Posing

[aja_christopher]

Do we fail to call out white supremacists who want to change things by any means necessary?

Many Republicans don't.

Including you whenever the issue is raised and links and videos are posted to said behavior.

In fact you claimed it isn’t a serious problem — the same behavior you are criticizing now because "liberals" might behave in the same manner in return.

You've spent weeks avoiding answering questions and addressing information regarding white supremacist behavior -- you already know the answer to your own question based on your own actions as well as the actions of those you vote for and the actions of those in your party who are actual white supremacists.

Republicans blocked any investigation into white supremacist behavior in law enforcement and never discuss the issue even when it leads to mass shootings.

Likewise, many Republicans actively support the white supremacist agenda by promoting white nationalist talking points in their platforms and speeches.

You should stop using "we" when you ask these loaded questions -- it is not a neutral question ("we" can mean anyone you choose) and shows an obvious agenda.

[Spike-X]

Who are you talking about? I rate Trump on the bottom, but if I prefer someone to him it doesn't mean that person is my top choice.

Then I misunderstood your intent when you said you would prefer DeSantis to Trump.

Though I also am unaware of anyone close to Hitler or even Putin-level evil on the Republican side. And that honestly includes Trump.

I'm pretty sure Hitler didn't start out being Hitler-level evil.

What exactly does 'Never Again' mean to you?

[Mister Mets]

Then I misunderstood your intent when you said you would prefer DeSantis to Trump.



I'm pretty sure Hitler didn't start out being Hitler-level evil.

What exactly does 'Never Again' mean to you?

To be clear on my views on the Republican presidential primary, I prefer DeSantis to Trump and would consider voting for DeSantis in a general election. I prefer Sununu, Scott, Haley and Hutchinson over DeSantis, but New York is one of the later states, so I'm not sure who is going to be in the race at that point. I might very well vote for DeSantis if his performance in New York would affect Trump's odds of winning the nomination, or send any kind of anti-Trump signal.

I prefer DeSantis to Pence because Pence seems like an intellectual lightweight and too much of a holy-roller.

I kinda figured "never again" referred to genocide. I am against genocide.

[ed2962]

Honestly, Target is being ridiculous by caving into right-wingers here. This isn't a case of Target endorsing anything, they were just selling seasonal merchandise.

Target (like most massive stores) have invested millions in security and they can't protect their workers??? You have guys walk into stores and they harass staff and customers and call them satanists and pedophiles AND THESE are literally the people that Target is giving into. This is stupid and cowardly.

If companies cave into customers that disrupt stuff, then where does it stop? Do they close stores or remove merchandise where people shoplift? Where homeless people come in and try and sleep on the floors?

The guys behind this campaign literally said their goal is to make "pride" toxic, does this mean Target won't sell LGBTIQ themed stuff anymore??

Target said that they won't stop selling LGBT themed products ( they've been doing Pride for like 10yrs). I get the feeling they might move or stop the trans friendly bathing suit ( which social media hacks having been is for kids, it's not ) and their Pride displays might not be right at the entrance this year...

Most the harassers leave when a manager shows up or someone threatens to call the cops. I think Target is just trying to anticipate that on parade day there might be that one nut who tries to drive a truck in the front door. I think they are hoping it'll blow over in a month and things will go back to normal. Or least the extremists will find a new person or thing to pick on.

[Tendrin]

Look, these right wing terrorists -- let's make no mistake that this is what they are -- aren't boycotting or protesting. They are engaging in violent behavior in store and sending death threats to Target employees, managers, and executives. That Target is folding in the face of terrorism isn't surprising: it doesn't want to become ground zero for a mass shooting, but it does show how expendable LGBTQ people are and the fragility of rainbow capitalism.

But right-wing terrorism isn't a big deal, right guys?! Surely, the threat is exaggerated and stuff.

[Spike-X]

To be clear on my views on the Republican presidential primary, I prefer DeSantis to Trump and would consider voting for DeSantis in a general election. I prefer Sununu, Scott, Haley and Hutchinson over DeSantis, but New York is one of the later states, so I'm not sure who is going to be in the race at that point. I might very well vote for DeSantis if his performance in New York would affect Trump's odds of winning the nomination, or send any kind of anti-Trump signal.

I prefer DeSantis to Pence because Pence seems like an intellectual lightweight and too much of a holy-roller.

I kinda figured "never again" referred to genocide. I am against genocide.

Then why would you consider voting for someone who seems very keen on heading in that direction? Do you really hate poor people and minorities that much?

The fact that you're even entertaining the possibility of voting for someone like that absolutely destroys any credibility you might think you have as some kind of 'moderate' Republican. There's no such thing any more. Your party is the party of bigotry and intolerance and hate. You either support that or you don't. And you've just declared that you do. So to hell with you.

[Tendrin]

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton teetered on the brink of impeachment Thursday after years of scandal, criminal charges and corruption accusations that the state's Republican majority had largely met with silence until now.

In an unanimous decision, a Republican-led House investigative committee that spent months quietly looking into Paxton recommended impeaching the state's top lawyer on 20 articles, including bribery, unfitness for office and abuse of public trust. The House could vote on the recommendation as soon as Friday. If it impeaches Paxton, he would be forced to leave office immediately.

The move sets up what could be a remarkably sudden downfall for one of the GOP's most prominent legal combatants, who in 2020 asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn President Joe Biden's victory. Only two officials in Texas’ nearly 200-year history have been impeached.

Looks like AG Paxton's corruption has reached a point where even the Texas GOP can't fully turn a blind eye to it.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-law...213915012.html

[Tendrin]

It's not difficult to call out GOP transphobia if you're willing to look at the facts. Here's a Republican elected official doing just that in Louisiana.

The trend of banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth was gaining momentum in conservative-leaning states, leading many to fear that the entirety of the Southeastern United States would follow suit. However, on Wednesday, Louisiana bucked this trend. Louisiana became the only state in the Southeast and one of only four states with Republican trifectas to defeat such a ban in its legislature. This defeat provides transgender individuals, particularly those in neighboring states where such care is banned, with a vital source for their medical needs. Coupled with court blocks on similar bans in other Southeastern states, those who must cross state lines for their care likely feel a sense of relief. Without a doubt, transgender individuals in Louisiana are among those breathing easier.

House Bill 648, which had already passed the Louisiana House of Representatives with a 71-27 vote, faced strong opposition during the committee hearing. Aware that it could be their last opportunity to quash the bill, family members and allies delivered impassioned testimonies. Louisiana Trans Advocates played a crucial role in these efforts, holding private meetings with Senators to provide education on the treatment in question. The deciding moment arrived when Republican Senator Fred Mills broke ranks and voted against the bill. His unexpected decision prevented the bill from reaching the Senate floor for a full vote, surprising advocates across the nation and effectively halting the bill's progression.

When asked why he voted against the bill, he cited a Louisiana Department of Health report commissioned in 2022 and released earlier this year that returned strong findings in support of gender affirming care.

https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/b...-report-led-to

Good for Sen. Mills.

[JackDaw]

Then why would you consider voting for someone who seems very keen on heading in that direction? Do you really hate poor people and minorities that much?

The fact that you're even entertaining the possibility of voting for someone like that absolutely destroys any credibility you might think you have as some kind of 'moderate' Republican. There's no such thing any more. Your party is the party of bigotry and intolerance and hate. You either support that or you don't. And you've just declared that you do. So to hell with you.

US is a fabulously rich country. Not just in terms of economic wealth, but in the talent of its people, the beauty of its countryside, its cultural riches, your fertile and bountiful land.

Realistically US has every advantage going.

So how is it possible that it’s got to state that a party you (and many other regular posters here) believe is inherently and obviously evil can hold such significant sway?

(In UK, comparing our Conservatives and US Republicans is telling. Our recent political history is riven with mistakes, a fair amount of greed, and petty corruption. But…as a habitual Labour supporter…I’ve honestly never believed that the average British Conservative is a bad person.)

[Adam Allen]

US is a fabulously rich country. Not just in terms of economic wealth, but in the talent of its people, the beauty of its countryside, its cultural riches, your fertile and bountiful land.

Realistically US has every advantage going.

So how is it possible that it’s got to state that a party you (and many other regular posters here) believe is inherently and obviously evil can hold such significant sway?

(In UK, comparing our Conservatives and US Republicans is telling. Our recent political history is riven with mistakes, a fair amount of greed, and petty corruption. But…as a habitual Labour supporter…I’ve honestly never believed that the average British Conservative is a bad person.)

Capitalism.

[JackDaw]

Capitalism.

Didn't Churchill say something like "Capitalism, that inherently evil and selfish system. Its only benefit is that all other options are worse."

My own fear is that large majority of us are inherently selfish and greedy.

I have those characteristics , so not impossible I am projecting my own failings onto other people.

But I do fear that there is no really strong appetite anywhere to move to a more frugal lifestyle to preserve the worlds scarce resources. And no appetite in the worlds rich countries to share riches fairly across all countries. (And if there was such an appetite no reliable mechanism to achieve that end.)

Look at this thread. 99 percent of emphasis is how to improve USA life and conditions. Much less concern (apparently) on even greater troubles elsewhere.

[WestPhillyPunisher]

Look, these right wing terrorists -- let's make no mistake that this is what they are -- aren't boycotting or protesting. They are engaging in violent behavior in store and sending death threats to Target employees, managers, and executives. That Target is folding in the face of terrorism isn't surprising: it doesn't want to become ground zero for a mass shooting, but it does show how expendable LGBTQ people are and the fragility of rainbow capitalism.

But right-wing terrorism isn't a big deal, right guys?! Surely, the threat is exaggerated and stuff.

Let's hope and pray we don't have to find out. But, I fear that could happen, and, smartly, so did Target.

[WestPhillyPunisher]

Now THIS is a DAMN good question:

If Ron DeSantis Cares So Much About ‘Grooming’ Children, Why is Florida the Capital of Child Beauty Pageants?

[Tendrin]

Let's hope and pray we don't have to find out. But, I fear that could happen, and, smartly, so did Target.

There have been several white supremacist shootings, and more than one anti-gay one. It, sadly, only takes one lunatic prepared to do it, empowered by the likes of Crowder and Matt Walsh and LibsofTikTok.

[Gray Lensman]

Didn't Churchill say something like "Capitalism, that inherently evil and selfish system. Its only benefit is that all other options are worse."

My own fear is that large majority of us are inherently selfish and greedy.

I have those characteristics , so not impossible I am projecting my own failings onto other people.

But I do fear that there is no really strong appetite anywhere to move to a more frugal lifestyle to preserve the worlds scarce resources. And no appetite in the worlds rich countries to share riches fairly across all countries. (And if there was such an appetite no reliable mechanism to achieve that end.)

Look at this thread. 99 percent of emphasis is how to improve USA life and conditions. Much less concern (apparently) on even greater troubles elsewhere.

I thought he said that about Democracy: the absolute worst form of government, except for all the others we tried first.

But I don't doubt that he said something similar about capitalism considering the quote I am aware of.

The great evil of capitalism is the unequal distribution of wealth. The great evil of socialism is the equal distribution of misery.