I’m way pooped, but as always, I could not be more proud of my guys. We met with a dozen yesterday, and one of the things we discussed was how to deal with catastrophic life events. You’d be amazed how often such an event triggers a downward spiral of dysfunctional choices ending in prison. Their honesty and self-awareness was exciting. Three of them are up for decisions on parole, so please remember them, however you connect with the infinite. Critter sends greetings to Critter. I get to replies either later today, after I get some sleep, or tomorrow. Tomorrow appears routine.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 4:55 (average 5:33). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From MSNBC: Lawrence O’Donnell debunked Republican bullshitology on taxes.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Even ‘Iron Pants. Thatcher was far more generous to the 99% that today’s Republicans. Despite Republican claims, we are one of the least taxed nations in the industrialized world. That’s not so true for the 99%, but the 1% pays so much less that they pull the percentage of GDP down. Except for welfare for the 1%, we are one of the least industrialized nations in public services for the taxes we pay. That is the landscape in which Republicans are trying to reduce taxes and increase services for the 1%, while increasing taxes and reducing services for the 99%.
From The New Yorker: Senate Republicans today vowed to filibuster a controversial bill supporting the right not to get shot.
G.O.P. leaders lambasted the bill, arguing that the right to go to school, work, or one’s home without fear of being shot was not guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
“The Second Amendment makes it very clear,” said Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming). “The right to bear arms shall not be infringed by a tiny minority’s desire not to be shot.”
Once again Borowitz’ satire is as real as actuality.
From Think Progress: Late last month, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) filed a petition asking the full United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reinstate Virginia’s “Crimes Against Nature” law, which makes oral and anal sex a felony. A three-judge panel of that same court had struck down the law, noting that it cannot be squared the Supreme Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas, which prohibits laws criminalizing non-commercial sexual activity between consenting adults. Yesterday, the Fourth Circuit issued an order rejecting Cuccinelli’s request. Notably, not one of the court’s judges requested a poll of the court to consider Cuccinelli’s petition, so his petition received no support whatsoever from the court’s members.
Republicans want government too small to interfere with the corporate right to steal, but just big enough to put a cop in every bedroom. Perhaps sex that produces little Republicans should be a felony. 
Cartoon:
Animals are people too, and cat is where it’s at, but who let that dawg join?
Good night!
25 Responses to “Open Thread–4/10/2013”
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4:19 Pretty prickly.
I'm using my nephews Mac laptop now. Much better than my tablet on the train.
Monster Mashed me!
3:39 I managed to avoid the sharp ones. Watch out, Lynn! They will get you. Patty, I've tried to do the puzzle on a tablet and discovered that a finger is no replacement for a mouse when it comes to solving the puzzle. Even a touch pad doesn't work as well.
The touch pad doesn't bother me. I'm used to it now.
I have trouble consistently grabbing, moving, releasing the puzzle pieces with a touchpad.
Critter Cruched.
Me too Jerry.
4:03 I get your point Jerry!
MSNBC ~ Lawrence hit the nail on the head as usual. Oh dear, we can't have socialist policies in our country! The Republi-thugs will all get the vapors. The New Yorker ~ I can see us all now. Do you want to stage a sit-in in front of the Capitol to demand they make even less gun control laws so that our right to be shot is not infringed upon? Think Progress ~ You can't make this crap up. They are just too outre. Comedians love their stupid little party. Happy Anniversary ASPCA! Flourish for many more!
Amen X 4, Patty.
Happy birthday ASPCA and who let that cat in the picture?
Cats Rule!
Amen, Nameless!
BOOOOO!!!!! 😉
Darnright, catsrule!
Amen Edie!
Puzzle — 4:03 I get your point Jerry!
MSNBC — As I listened, the famous line from Dickens' Oliver Twist came to mind: "Please, sir, I want some more.". That so epitomises the actions of the Republican/Teabaggers and the 1%, but without the sympathy we would normally have for young Oliver. They want more taxes breaks, always more. And lower taxes.
The New Yorker — Andy is so spot on! You have to delight in his wit, humour and mastery of satire.
Think Progress — I think it is past time that someone, and not a Republican/Teabagger, check Cuccinelli's closet and thoroughly clean it out. He makes Puritans sound positively left of centre on these matters.
What people do in the privacy of their own homes with their significant others is none of the business of the state. This is sounding more and more like Orwell's 1984.
And how does Cuccinelli propose enforcing these sodomy laws — going door to door in the middle of the night and peaking through windows?
I can just hear Cuccinelli throwing a tantrum and crying "They rejected my idea!" What an idiot!
Cartoon — So THAT's a dawg! . . . that black pointy earred furball. Cat's rule! That's why I ended up on the floor last night. I was pushed out of my bed by 75 pounds for pussy cats who think the world is their oyster! Happy B Day ASPCA!
2nd again.
Bingo!
Very much so!
He's also the one behing the transvaginal ultrasound bill there.
The pussy posse gotcha! 😈
Oh No, the Bedroom Police…
…aka the GOPussyPosse. 🙁
Cats definitely rule – and every dog who lives in my household has to be gently and firmly introduced to that rule. My old German Shepherd, Ellie, went on hunger strike when my darling old cat had to have the dread (and final) visit from the vet after being very ill for too long – and Ellie refused to eat for days – during which I tried to find a cat for her while my heart was breaking. The very second Ellie set eyes on the rescue- kitten (Tabitha) her face was transformed by utter and complete JOY – and she decided to live again. THAT is why a GSD is in the picture, in my view!!!
Seriously – many congratulations to you and your guys for working so hard with difficult issues. Praying for your three up for parole.
Amen Pat!
Thanks!
What you're doing with those guys in prison sounds so rewarding, Tom. Kudos to you!
Thanks Angie. The kudos belong to my guys.
Cuccinelli is completely deranged – Oh, wait…then I guess he's your typical Teahadist lawyer. Would lib'ruls have to let the government install cameras in their bedrooms? I mean, the only people harping on bestiality ever are ….republicans. It's almost like they can't think of anything else. I think that definitely says something. You have to ask yourself why Cuccinelli has oral sex on the brain so much. And the answer that comes back (to me, anyway) is uproariously funny.
What a sad dipstick.
Speaking if dipsticks, I wish he'd mistakenly put a cattle prod instead of his ultrasound wand up his butt!