It’s a tired day here in the CatBox, but my pain level is better than it was yesterday. I think the Republicitis was exacerbating the pain. Tomorrow is a High Holy Day in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb. I will spend the late afternoon booing Josh Hawley and watching my Portland Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills for the NFC title. Tomorrow please expect no more than a Personal Update. I have a video meeting with prison volunteer coworkers and former prisoners. Have a fine weekend.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:06 (average 5:09). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Short Takes:
From Daily Kos: Seven Senate Democrats are demanding that the Senate Committee on Ethics open an investigation in the actions of Republican Sens. Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz for their actions related to the Jan. 6 violent insurrection against Congress.
The two “amplified claims of election fraud that had resulted in threats of violence against state and local officials around the country,” the Democrats write. The group—Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH)—notes that the Senate has the exclusive power to determine whether the members’ actions violated Senate ethics rules. They are asking the Ethics Committee to carry out a “thorough and fair investigation and consider any appropriate consequences based on the Committee’s findings.”
“When Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley announced they would object to the counting of state-certified electors on January 6, 2021, they amplified claims of election fraud that had resulted in threats of violence against state and local officials around the country,” the senators write. “While Congress was debating Senator Cruz’s objection, a violent mob stormed the Capitol. These insurrectionists ransacked the building, stole property, and openly threatened Members of Congress and the Vice President.” The two didn’t just help incite the riot, the Democrats wrote, but “[b]y proceeding with their objections to the electors after the violent attack, Senators Cruz and Hawley lent legitimacy to the mob’s cause and made future violence more likely.”
The senators write of their concern that members of Congress could have been involved in the coordination not just of the rally that preceded the attack on the Capitol, but the attack itself. They provide a detailed and well-researched account of the events of the day as well as the background to it, including the threats of violence that were leveled against officials prior to Jan. 6, threats incited by Trump’s fraud claims and reinforced by Hawley and Cruz, who “lent legitimacy to President Trump’s false statements about election fraud by announcing that they would object to the certification of electors on January 6.”
I fully support this move. If these RNP (Republican Nazi Party) traitors are allowed to get away with it, they and others will surely do it again. RESIST the Republican Reich!!
From YouTube (CNN Channel): Complete bunk’: Erin Burnett calls out Sen. Hawley’s explanation
As long as Biden agrees to the delay, it works for me. It also gives more time to gather evidence sufficiently obvious that it forces Republicans to either proclaim their own treason, like Cruz and Hawley, or to vote to convict. RESIST the Republican Reich!!
From YouTube (Bernie Sanders Channel): We Cannot Reach Out To Republicans Indefinitely.
I fully agree. Republicans are most adept at holding out a fair negotiated agreement as a promise to Democrats in order to gain an advantage, only to act like Lucy with a football. Give them a chance, but one only. RESIST the Republican Reich!!
From YouTube (a blast from the past): Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (Official Music Video)
Ah… the memories. We needed a landslide. We got one! RESIST the Republican Reich!!
Build the Future. It Belongs to YOU!
11 Responses to “Open Thread – 1/23/2021”
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Glad the pain is down some – that really helps. Rest today and enjoy your meeting tomorrow. (I wonder who will be happier – you to see them, or they to see you.)
Now that the Census is over for another ten years (OK, they start ramping up again in about six and a half), let’s look at what they will be doing (and what others will be doing) with that data going forward. My only request would be please pass this on to younger people as much as you can, to spread the knowledge of how important it is to have people who won’t screw us in office when it happens – and that applies to all levels of government.
I found this article very illuminating, but I must give a trigger warning with it, because it presents domestic abuse as an allegory of authoritarianism, and both are real (actually happened, and actually happening.) So it’s painful. But it is also strengthening.
DK – there are some – pardon my “french” – damned fine Senators in there, including IMO two, possibly three, who are Presidential material – though I respect their decisions not to run. Of course the Senate polices itself. The House has the Office of Congressional Ethics established as a permanent, separate body – and any citizen can make a complaint to it (providing evidence, of course.) I hope the Senate can make these charges stick.
CNN – Yes, it’s a BS request, But there’s at least a chance it will work in our favor. I do think we should try to get some concession in return.
Bernie – They so do not get it. Frankly, it burns my biscuits to see actual criminals demanding unity while assuming that anyone who doesn’t “look like them” must be criminals, no matter what.
Blast – I am not familiar with this one.
Cartoon: Ugh!
DK: They feel no shame, I hope that both are booted out and quickly! Can the mask, Cruz. It does you no good, though nothing you’ve ever done has helped the People or for your state of Texas. mho
CNN: Good video. I think having more time for investigating, and gathering evidence is good. Not to rush it, so that they can convict.
Bernie: Well said, I hope it works too.
BFTP: Such a sweet voice. Good song!
Glad to read that your pain is getting somewhat diminished for you. Best to you and your Chiefs for a successful game, and WIN ! Hope that you get your rest, take good, good care, and Thanks, Tom.
*This just in: “Ted Cruz tried to overturn the election. Cruz helped incite the attack on the Capitol and then he showed up to Biden’s inauguration. Wearing a ‘Come and take it’ mask.” ~ Sarah J. ~
2. “Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that she would ‘circle back’ on different questions as she wants to ensure that they are getting truthful answers.” ~ Shirley K. ~
3. “MAGA – Morons are getting arrested.” ~ Rolando S. ~
4. “You have to forgive Ted Cruz, he suffers from a mental condition called, ‘Being a Liar’.” ~ Trevor Noah ~
5. “Never ever forget that Communities of Color are the reasons we won’t have (at least) four more years of total facism.” ~ Rpbert Reich ~
TJI #2 – The thing she said at the first presser that melted all the journalists’ hearts was “I’d love to take your questions.”
TJI #5 – Unfortunately, we are very good at forgetting that. Communities of color (to steal a concept from Lewis Carroll) had to run so fast just to keep us in the same place. It will take a lot more running, and a lot faster, and lazy white folks doing it, if we want to get ahead.
TJI#2: Vive la difference! What a relief to see simple sanity.
TJI#5: Sooooo important!
TJI#’s 1 & 4: Sorry, there is no excuse for Ted Crapmouth!
Thanks TC–glad the pain is better and that you get to watch your team.
I also read that TX Representatives and others out of TX sent a request to the Senate to investigate Cruz for removal under the 14th Amendment. Top GOP Senator on that committee is one who decided not to object to the Electoral College votes after the invading insurrectionists were forced out of the capitol.And a similar request of all 127 in the House for ethics investigation of the same along with efforts in a couple of state legislatures since that amendment also includes state elected officials who also have an oath to the constitution.
‘Toon: Wouldn’t they just love that!
DK: As with Trump, there have to be serious consequences for these (French) bastards!
CNN: Hawley is full of what gives TC his Republicosis!
You go Bernie! But, I have to support Joanne, with characterizing the GOPIGGIES with the criminal title!
BFP: Wonderful!
Cartoon: Stinking rotten R’s. always up to deceitful deals.
DK: I hope they follow thru and come down hard on these evil creeps. They’ve stirred up so much violence and hated, hopefully they’ll be prosecuted and demoted from their seats. That goes for their buddies too.
CNN: I agree with you and others that they should take their time, so they can collect more evidence against hAwley, cRuz and other rotten R’s.
Bernie: I agree. hope it works.
BFTP: Great song. You said it, TC we needed it and thank goodness got it.
Happy to hear that your pain level has eased up some. Hope it continues getting better.
Hope you have a nice video meeting with the prison volunteer coworkers and former prisoners
Take care. Thanks TomCat
It’s good to hear you’ve recovered from the Republicitis and that this has brought your pain down to manageable levels, TomCat.
3:26 You may be entitled to, but I wouldn’t recommend eating your beautiful cousin.
Cartoon: Too bad Biden has made that impossible.
DK: Democrats should all fully support this. The time for accountability is now and Cruz has gotten away with far too much in the past when calling him out without repercussions only emboldened him and Hawley. If their actions are left unaccounted for, Republicans will shut down Congress or have it overrun whenever things don’t go their way and suffocating the democratic process until it is dead.
CNN: It looks very much like tomorrow never comes and policies delayed will be policies denied. By not moving forward Biden’s nominees, Republicans are already putting pressure on Democrats and, as expected, they have to make other choices. It looks like Trump is not going to be convicted because Republicans are not going to break ranks, i.e. remain loyal to Trump as their leader, which now puts McConnell in a precarious position.
Bernie Sanders: He’s absolutely right, but it should be one offer of reconciliation and one offer only. However, I’m very sceptical about this, I don’t think Democrats have learned their lesson well enough and Senators will not stand up aggressively enough to withstand the Republicans whose only skill is minority ruling. Forget about the next election, fight for the majority of Americans right now.
BFTP: Such a beautiful song and what a great live performance.
TC–I’m glad you have less pain today! I’ll bet that some time worshipping at the ellipsoid orb will be useful, too! Keep feeling better, TC!
Thanks and pooped Ellipsoid Orb Hugs to all! 🏈
thanks….