We need the laughs, because watching these people at work can almost make you cry. Toss in the likes of Cruz, or Gaetz, or Taylor-Green (and too many others), and you've got yourself a clown car of craziness on the right.
Problem is, the left has their laundry list of loons and self-obsessed narcissists too (we have two of them holding Senate seats up here in NYS, not to mention a number on the House side too).
For me, this becomes the only question worth asking: "Who isn't in it for themselves? Who deserves our trust?"
I don't know. Anarchists like Michael Malice seem to have a lot of fun just hating all of them. Maybe he's onto something.
Come on ... seriously ... when are the Trump Believers going to wake up and REALLY see this??? How can they NOT see it now??? My guess is this particular part of the GOP won't see it for another 50 years.
RE: "But this is not about me! It is about the people I serve..."
Sorry, Matt, but I've got a slightly different take on this Josh quote from your Road Runner homily here. That Hawley is exactly what he appears to be is not in dispute, by my dim lights: a liar and a big fat whopping ZERO in the character department. Though he certainly is a character of some sort. But regarding his statement about what "this" is about, Josh Hawley speaks the truth as surely as any ancient oracle or California Psychic trippin' on Pentothal.
Of course, Hawley is about nothing but Hawley. But at the macro level of "this" (hereinafter referred to as THIS), THIS isn't about Josh Hawley, or any of the other Hawleys slitherin' around the halls of power. Or, in Josh's case, momentarily scampering...I wouldn't call that 'sprinting' or full-on running. Note the upright posture, the relatively short stride, the lack of 'dig' and arm motion, due no doubt to having to carry that bundle of highly important documents relating to voter fraud; or maybe it was the slate for the alternate and real electors...wouldn't want to let any of that get lost in the hub-bub, would we? But I digress.
THIS, in the end, really *is* "about the people [they] serve", who are the people who voted for them. And who will continue to vote for them. And for worse than them. After all, these guys (and gals - wouldn't want to forget the gals, lest someone accuse me of being a male chauvinist pig or whatever they're calling guys like me these days) don't just appoint themselves to office. At least not yet anyway. So, in the end, THIS is about these folks' employers, the ones who do the hiring and firing every couple of years.
We can plant the litmus strip with the character question mark on Hawley's forehead, and it will not change shades one iota. But if a lack of character is to blame for something in producing democracy in our country, the real blame lies in the factory hiring office, not out on the production floor.
I think it only fair to give credit where credit is due, even to a sub-standard employee. So, I'm gonna' give this son of a bitch the credit he rightly deserves: Josh Hawley speaks the truth...1 1/2 sentences' worth.
Yes, Sage Trosino. I totally agree with your third paragraph. Or is it your fourth paragraph? I lose count sometimes. You write a lot of paragraphs - but I tend to like them all!
Great question. Better answer. You are on a journalistic roll with this one. Just superb Matt. The musical overlay Tweets were worth the annual price of admission. Perfect.
My hat is off to you. I would never have thought of your opening paragraph. So I guess I am directing this to the person who writes everything you write.
The thought of Bannon and his bunkmate are seeds of dreams. The only other thing I would enjoy more is DJT in an orange jumpsuit- it would compliment his canned tan. Then he could start enjoying his new relationship with a large, hairy man, a Trump supporter in so many ways.
What is so alarming is the large numbers of people who vote for Hawley and people like him. Even with Trump gone, which he will be someday, the people he empowered will still be here.
This is a similar situation faced by the people in England. Even with Boris gone, his supporters remain, and Labor is not successfully challenging their ability to cause havoc. In America, we have a Democratic party with no possible successor to Mr. Biden, who is proving to be a poor leader.
The public doesn't seem to know how difficult a situation is facing our democracy. I'm afraid it will be too late by the time they wake up, and the theocrats will be in power.
Cheer up Edward, we all just know Hillary will give it a go again to succeed Biden. I am being sarcastic as, like Biden and Trump, she is in her 70's and it is well past time to look to younger leadership. I say this as one nearing my 60's. I don't think it is good for the nation to continue to elect people whose age precludes a long-term view of where the nation will need to be in say, 5 or 10 years. This also goes for Schumer, Feinstein, Sanders, Cardin, King, Risch, McConnell, and too many to list in the House, but you get the point.
That said, I did have high hopes for Trump in that he was an outsider to the establishment, though having grown up in the NY metro area like I did, he was always a shameless self-promoter in the tabloids when I was young.
Whether he is convicted of 1/6 or not, I don't think this country elects him again. There are a ton of crazies in both parties, but I just don't think there are enough QAnons (and I met in person my first actually living QAnon'er by accident recently and am stunned at what he said and believes) or Christian conservatives to put Trump back in power.
And with that, the Republican Party better dial back on the crazies if it wants to offer any kind of meaningful opposition to the Democrats because one party rule generally does not work to the benefit of the people being governed.
As another older person, I'm 79; I agree we desperately need new, younger leadership in both parties. Among other attributes required are the belief in our democracy, an understanding of technology (from a lay person's viewpoint), the ability to grasp the idea of global warming, and empathy for the average American who tries to do their best regardless of color, etc. Both parties have sold out America to special interest groups and no longer care much about the average person's problems.
The Republicans seem to have captured the crazy, white supremacist group and have made sex into a culture war. The Democrats, who have some members, not in touch with reality, have no authentic leadership and look like someone is trying the herd cats.
We need a robust two-party system to make our democracy work and an educated and involved populace. The next elections will show just how entrenched the Trump symthpazers are and how many Americans vote for people who should be institutionalized and not in public office. Whoever runs, regardless of party - the defining question should be, "Does this person support our democracy?"
Well done, sir. I’ve been looking around today for my favorite tune to match the sprint of our protagonist. I saw one posted to Dell Shannon’s Runaway, but then I found this video which is a master anthropological study in its own right. I hope the link works. (Anybody who knows who Dell Shannon is, is liable to be functionally illiterate with this newfangled tool). https://youtu.be/wSWMJxbxj7c
I don't know about Hawley, but I don't think the late great(est ever guitar god) Eddie Van Halen - a better man than just about everyone in DC - should have his music associated with these cretins.
Fair enough. We all miss him. He was a guitar god. One not afraid to stick his live cigarette in his fret strings. Which could get him sent to Gitmo now.
While Hawley and his slimy doppelganger Rafael Cruz aren't delusional in the Giuliani/Powell/Flynn sense, they also live in an alternate reality. They've sold their souls (black and shriveled as they are), firmly convinced that one day they will be elevated to the POTUS big chair. Neither has a snowball's chance in Hell, which is where both will take up permanent residence in the afterlife.
We need the laughs, because watching these people at work can almost make you cry. Toss in the likes of Cruz, or Gaetz, or Taylor-Green (and too many others), and you've got yourself a clown car of craziness on the right.
Problem is, the left has their laundry list of loons and self-obsessed narcissists too (we have two of them holding Senate seats up here in NYS, not to mention a number on the House side too).
For me, this becomes the only question worth asking: "Who isn't in it for themselves? Who deserves our trust?"
I don't know. Anarchists like Michael Malice seem to have a lot of fun just hating all of them. Maybe he's onto something.
Come on ... seriously ... when are the Trump Believers going to wake up and REALLY see this??? How can they NOT see it now??? My guess is this particular part of the GOP won't see it for another 50 years.
Thanks for the laughs. As one of Hawley's constituents, I needed this. Very strong work Matt.
Thanks, and I feel for you Lynn, being one of Hawley's constituents.
One of your best. Thanks for the laughs!!
much respect to the Slack Tide's author whose writing demonstrates he is pro-democracy, anti-coup, and an American in good standing.
Thanks, High. Coups are bad for America. No matter who is conducting them. Down with coups.
RE: "But this is not about me! It is about the people I serve..."
Sorry, Matt, but I've got a slightly different take on this Josh quote from your Road Runner homily here. That Hawley is exactly what he appears to be is not in dispute, by my dim lights: a liar and a big fat whopping ZERO in the character department. Though he certainly is a character of some sort. But regarding his statement about what "this" is about, Josh Hawley speaks the truth as surely as any ancient oracle or California Psychic trippin' on Pentothal.
Of course, Hawley is about nothing but Hawley. But at the macro level of "this" (hereinafter referred to as THIS), THIS isn't about Josh Hawley, or any of the other Hawleys slitherin' around the halls of power. Or, in Josh's case, momentarily scampering...I wouldn't call that 'sprinting' or full-on running. Note the upright posture, the relatively short stride, the lack of 'dig' and arm motion, due no doubt to having to carry that bundle of highly important documents relating to voter fraud; or maybe it was the slate for the alternate and real electors...wouldn't want to let any of that get lost in the hub-bub, would we? But I digress.
THIS, in the end, really *is* "about the people [they] serve", who are the people who voted for them. And who will continue to vote for them. And for worse than them. After all, these guys (and gals - wouldn't want to forget the gals, lest someone accuse me of being a male chauvinist pig or whatever they're calling guys like me these days) don't just appoint themselves to office. At least not yet anyway. So, in the end, THIS is about these folks' employers, the ones who do the hiring and firing every couple of years.
We can plant the litmus strip with the character question mark on Hawley's forehead, and it will not change shades one iota. But if a lack of character is to blame for something in producing democracy in our country, the real blame lies in the factory hiring office, not out on the production floor.
I think it only fair to give credit where credit is due, even to a sub-standard employee. So, I'm gonna' give this son of a bitch the credit he rightly deserves: Josh Hawley speaks the truth...1 1/2 sentences' worth.
Yes, Sage Trosino. I totally agree with your third paragraph. Or is it your fourth paragraph? I lose count sometimes. You write a lot of paragraphs - but I tend to like them all!
How about Josh “feets don’t fail me now “Hawley
Underrated song!
Don’t the sunlight look so pretty?
Great question. Better answer. You are on a journalistic roll with this one. Just superb Matt. The musical overlay Tweets were worth the annual price of admission. Perfect.
My hat is off to you. I would never have thought of your opening paragraph. So I guess I am directing this to the person who writes everything you write.
The thought of Bannon and his bunkmate are seeds of dreams. The only other thing I would enjoy more is DJT in an orange jumpsuit- it would compliment his canned tan. Then he could start enjoying his new relationship with a large, hairy man, a Trump supporter in so many ways.
What is so alarming is the large numbers of people who vote for Hawley and people like him. Even with Trump gone, which he will be someday, the people he empowered will still be here.
This is a similar situation faced by the people in England. Even with Boris gone, his supporters remain, and Labor is not successfully challenging their ability to cause havoc. In America, we have a Democratic party with no possible successor to Mr. Biden, who is proving to be a poor leader.
The public doesn't seem to know how difficult a situation is facing our democracy. I'm afraid it will be too late by the time they wake up, and the theocrats will be in power.
Cheer up Edward, we all just know Hillary will give it a go again to succeed Biden. I am being sarcastic as, like Biden and Trump, she is in her 70's and it is well past time to look to younger leadership. I say this as one nearing my 60's. I don't think it is good for the nation to continue to elect people whose age precludes a long-term view of where the nation will need to be in say, 5 or 10 years. This also goes for Schumer, Feinstein, Sanders, Cardin, King, Risch, McConnell, and too many to list in the House, but you get the point.
That said, I did have high hopes for Trump in that he was an outsider to the establishment, though having grown up in the NY metro area like I did, he was always a shameless self-promoter in the tabloids when I was young.
Whether he is convicted of 1/6 or not, I don't think this country elects him again. There are a ton of crazies in both parties, but I just don't think there are enough QAnons (and I met in person my first actually living QAnon'er by accident recently and am stunned at what he said and believes) or Christian conservatives to put Trump back in power.
And with that, the Republican Party better dial back on the crazies if it wants to offer any kind of meaningful opposition to the Democrats because one party rule generally does not work to the benefit of the people being governed.
As another older person, I'm 79; I agree we desperately need new, younger leadership in both parties. Among other attributes required are the belief in our democracy, an understanding of technology (from a lay person's viewpoint), the ability to grasp the idea of global warming, and empathy for the average American who tries to do their best regardless of color, etc. Both parties have sold out America to special interest groups and no longer care much about the average person's problems.
The Republicans seem to have captured the crazy, white supremacist group and have made sex into a culture war. The Democrats, who have some members, not in touch with reality, have no authentic leadership and look like someone is trying the herd cats.
We need a robust two-party system to make our democracy work and an educated and involved populace. The next elections will show just how entrenched the Trump symthpazers are and how many Americans vote for people who should be institutionalized and not in public office. Whoever runs, regardless of party - the defining question should be, "Does this person support our democracy?"
Well done, sir. I’ve been looking around today for my favorite tune to match the sprint of our protagonist. I saw one posted to Dell Shannon’s Runaway, but then I found this video which is a master anthropological study in its own right. I hope the link works. (Anybody who knows who Dell Shannon is, is liable to be functionally illiterate with this newfangled tool). https://youtu.be/wSWMJxbxj7c
I don't know about Hawley, but I don't think the late great(est ever guitar god) Eddie Van Halen - a better man than just about everyone in DC - should have his music associated with these cretins.
Fair enough. We all miss him. He was a guitar god. One not afraid to stick his live cigarette in his fret strings. Which could get him sent to Gitmo now.
I was going to get knee jerk angry but you made me laugh. In addition, I now realize what a douche Hawley is. Thanks Matt, much needed levity.
“Josh Harley is a b**** and he runs like a b****.”
(sounds of heads exploding in Trumplandia AND Woke-landing at the same time)
(Me sipping ice tea like a Kermit the frog meme with smug satisfaction) 😎
FIRE🔥🔥🔥🔥
While Hawley and his slimy doppelganger Rafael Cruz aren't delusional in the Giuliani/Powell/Flynn sense, they also live in an alternate reality. They've sold their souls (black and shriveled as they are), firmly convinced that one day they will be elevated to the POTUS big chair. Neither has a snowball's chance in Hell, which is where both will take up permanent residence in the afterlife.
I’m old enough to remember a Raffy Cruz who called Drumpf “a pathological liar,” and told 2016 delegates, “Vote your conscience!”
Then again, I’m also old enough to remember Lady G warning us all — rightly — that nominating Trump would destroy the GOP.
So sad when Lady G turns out to be the voice of reason.
Ha, ,thanks for humor Matt, I needed it