delawareliberal--2020-09-16--Now THAT Was A Primary Night!

Now THAT Was A Primary Night!

Now THAT Was A Primary Night !
I ’ m writing this on very little sleep .
My mind churning all night .
Here are the results of those mind-churns : Jess Scarane deserves a lot of credit , not just for her run , but for using her campaign as a platform to feature many of the candidates who won last night as she had them join her on her social media .
She also contributed to many of their campaigns .
An incredibly generous soul .
Her kindness and progressive principles will be rewarded going forward .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy in a Democratic primary .
Unless you ’ re a gay white guy running against an opponent of LGBTQ rights .
Seriously , though , while it serves the greater good , it tends to limit chances for white male D ’ s , even good ones .
Of course , they ’ ve dominated in Delaware for far too long , so there ’ s that .
I can ’ t wait for everybody to get to know Marie Pinkney .
I ’ ve been around a long time .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be elected to office ( not yet , more on that in a second ) I ’ ve ever met .
She has a comprehensive grasp of the issues facing those who just don ’ t have power and connections .
She will be that connection .
Intelligence , empathy , and resolve .
After she defeats one Alexander Homich in November .
So .
She has a general election opponent : Memorandum to every Democratic Senator and every member of the Legislative Black Caucus : Cough up your $ 600 contributions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had the guts to stand up to the human legislative roadblock that was Dave McBride .
That goes double for Darius Brown and Melissa Minor-Brown : What did you hope to accomplish by cutting campaign spots for McBride ?
All you accomplished was to mark yourselves as hacks willing to sell out if there ’ s something in it for you .
Which there might be in 2022 : Primary challengers .
BTW , you know who did make contributions ?
Madinah Wilson-Anton .
And Jess Scarane .
The county races , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t expect .
Karen Hartley-Nagle reelected ?
Bill Bell reelected ?
Well , the second of these two illustrates a point that I obviously forgot : Every race has its own dynamic .
I lumped the Bell-Caneco race right in with the Powers-Carter race .
There ’ s one obvious difference .
Carter had a decades-long association with environmental advocacy .
Kevin was a first-time candidate .
I ’ m guessing that made the difference .
If I ’ m Matt Meyer , I ’ m making the construction trades and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s willing to toss their way .
And , if I ’ m a Delaware AFL-CIO member , I ’ m asking myself why James Maravelias is out there pursuing his own personal grudges at our expense .
I ’ m stunned at the size of Larry Lambert ’ s victory .
I guess we now know who would have won a two-way primary back in 2018 .
There ’ s another element : Ray Seigfried is a serious issues-oriented person .
Even though he did a great job on constituent issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a political sense .
There is a lot to be said for someone who is a better person than he is a politician .
Having said that , Larry can and will push police reform to a reluctant General Assembly .
Albeit a less reluctant General Assembly as a result of last night .
Sean Barney loses again ?
I ’ m almost starting to feel sorry for the guy .
One element he lacks is an outgoing personality .
Maybe that ’ s it .
Seriously , the only survivor among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My take is that voters wanted someone , even Trippi , as a check against Mayor Mike .
I ’ m sure Cassandra over at Blue Delaware will have a more nuanced take on the city races .
I never studied Abnormal Psychology , and don ’ t wish to start now .
The Rethugs ’ US Senate primary winner is a QAnon follower .
Meaning , I will actually have to vote for Coons this year .
Sucks .
The ‘ Wilson Dynasty ’ in Sussex County is over .
For now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussex County Council District 2 .
But guess who got a new lease on life ?
That cheatin ’ former Suh-myrna mayor Mark Schaeffer , who edged I. G. Burton in Council District 3 .
Finally , I haven ’ t been this happy on a Primary night in forever .
So many progressives won .
I thought we might be two years away .
I was as wrong on that as I was on my Scott Walker prediction .
Woo-hoo !
!
Back to sleep .
The Open Thread will be a @ @ @

I’m writing this on very little sleep. My mind churning all night. Here are the results of those mind-churns:
Jess Scarane deserves a lot of credit, not just for her run, but for using her campaign as a platform to feature many of the candidates who won last night as she had them join her on her social media. She also contributed to many of their campaigns. An incredibly generous soul. Her kindness and progressive principles will be rewarded going forward.
It’s tough running as a white guy in a Democratic primary. Unless you’re a gay white guy running against an opponent of LGBTQ rights. Seriously, though, while it serves the greater good, it tends to limit chances for white male D’s, even good ones. Of course, they’ve dominated in Delaware for far too long, so there’s that.
I can’t wait for everybody to get to know Marie Pinkney. I’ve been around a long time. She is one of the finest human beings to be elected to office (not yet, more on that in a second) I’ve ever met. She has a comprehensive grasp of the issues facing those who just don’t have power and connections. She will be that connection. Intelligence, empathy, and resolve. After she defeats one Alexander Homich in November. So. She has a general election opponent: Memorandum to every Democratic Senator and every member of the Legislative Black Caucus: Cough up your $600 contributions now. Not a single one of you had the guts to stand up to the human legislative roadblock that was Dave McBride. That goes double for Darius Brown and Melissa Minor-Brown: What did you hope to accomplish by cutting campaign spots for McBride? All you accomplished was to mark yourselves as hacks willing to sell out if there’s something in it for you. Which there might be in 2022: Primary challengers. BTW, you know who did make contributions? Madinah Wilson-Anton. And Jess Scarane.
The county races, in particular, delivered results I didn’t expect. Karen Hartley-Nagle reelected? Bill Bell reelected? Well, the second of these two illustrates a point that I obviously forgot: Every race has its own dynamic. I lumped the Bell-Caneco race right in with the Powers-Carter race. There’s one obvious difference. Carter had a decades-long association with environmental advocacy. Kevin was a first-time candidate. I’m guessing that made the difference.
If I’m Matt Meyer, I’m making the construction trades and the FOP beg for whatever crumbs he’s willing to toss their way. And, if I’m a Delaware AFL-CIO member, I’m asking myself why James Maravelias is out there pursuing his own personal grudges at our expense.
I’m stunned at the size of Larry Lambert’s victory. I guess we now know who would have won a two-way primary back in 2018. There’s another element: Ray Seigfried is a serious issues-oriented person. Even though he did a great job on constituent issues, he just isn’t a self-promoter in a political sense. There is a lot to be said for someone who is a better person than he is a politician. Having said that, Larry can and will push police reform to a reluctant General Assembly. Albeit a less reluctant General Assembly as a result of last night.
Sean Barney loses again? I’m almost starting to feel sorry for the guy. One element he lacks is an outgoing personality. Maybe that’s it.
Seriously, the only survivor among the Potter Gang is Trippi Congo? My take is that voters wanted someone, even Trippi, as a check against Mayor Mike. I’m sure Cassandra over at Blue Delaware will have a more nuanced take on the city races. I never studied Abnormal Psychology, and don’t wish to start now.
The Rethugs’ US Senate primary winner is a QAnon follower. Meaning, I will actually have to vote for Coons this year. Sucks.
The ‘Wilson Dynasty’ in Sussex County is over. For now. Cynthia Green won that three-way primary Sussex County Council District 2. But guess who got a new lease on life? That cheatin’ former Suh-myrna mayor Mark Schaeffer, who edged I. G. Burton in Council District 3.
Finally, I haven’t been this happy on a Primary night in forever. So many progressives won. I thought we might be two years away. I was as wrong on that as I was on my Scott Walker prediction. Woo-hoo!!
Back to sleep. The Open Thread will be a little delayed today…


delawareliberal--2020-09-16--Jess Scarane Fought the Good Fight in Spite of Very Long Odds

Jess Scarane Fought the Good Fight in Spite of Very Long Odds It is easy to see the vote margin and view the primary against Coons as misguided .
The primary put Coons on the record .
It is notice to any candidates for statewide office that Democrats expect Democrats to sound like Democrat ’ s and vote like Democrats .
Seeing Coons discover , during the campaign , that he is a Democrat was amusing but also somewhat gratifying .
Indeed , his statement ( see the comments section ) upon winning eschews his usual habit of jerking off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic message .
It may be short-lived , and Coons may very well go right back to his obsequious pandering to Republicans , but if he does it will be because he is a shit head , not because he thinks it is effective .
Also it is important to note that that Scarane ’ s campaign did not take place in a vacuum .
Overlapping progressive primaries twined together on Election Day and GOTV efforts bounce off each other and amplify the individual efforts .
The Leg Hall victories we enjoy today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s victories .
Her grassroots effort was impacted by having to campaign during Covid .
But Scarane showed the gasping-for-breath Democratic Party that progressives are willing to fight , that they not going away and will not be ignored .
This is not a race it is a movement .
And Scarane kept the pressure on this time .
It falls to all of us to ensure that we keep the pressure up and demand Coons and Carper represent actual Delawareans and not Delaware based companies .

It is easy to see the vote margin and view the primary against Coons as misguided.
It wasn’t.
The primary put Coons on the record. It is notice to any candidates for statewide office that Democrats expect Democrats to sound like Democrat’s and vote like Democrats. Seeing Coons discover, during the campaign, that he is a Democrat was amusing but also somewhat gratifying. Indeed, his statement (see the comments section) upon winning eschews his usual habit of jerking off Republicans in favor of promoting a genuinely Democratic message. It may be short-lived, and Coons may very well go right back to his obsequious pandering to Republicans, but if he does it will be because he is a shit head, not because he thinks it is effective.
Also it is important to note that that Scarane’s campaign did not take place in a vacuum. Overlapping progressive primaries twined together on Election Day and GOTV efforts bounce off each other and amplify the individual efforts. The Leg Hall victories we enjoy today are, in part, Scarane’s victories.
Her grassroots effort was impacted by having to campaign during Covid. But Scarane showed the gasping-for-breath Democratic Party that progressives are willing to fight, that they not going away and will not be ignored.
This is not a race it is a movement. And Scarane kept the pressure on this time. It falls to all of us to ensure that we keep the pressure up and demand Coons and Carper represent actual Delawareans and not Delaware based companies.


delawareliberal--2020-09-16--Progressive Wave Hits Delaware State House – A New Democratic Party Emerges

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delawareliberal--2020-09-15--DL Primary Night Open Thread

DL Primary Night Open Thread

If past is prologue , we can look for the first results around 8:30 .
Of course , with the @ @ @ @ @ may not be the case .
We ’ ll post results here as they come @ @ @ @ @ your feedback .
Of all of my dubious predictions , I ’ m becoming more @ @ @ @ @ win that GOP Gubernatorial nomination .
He ’ s won a statewide primary before , @ @ @ @ @ much the only Rethug candidate in NCC with any sign coverage .
Also think that @ @ @ @ @ Think I ’ ll do better on my R predictions than perhaps on my D @ @ @ @ @ ’ s talk once the polls are closed .
Or before , if you ’ @ @ @ @ @

If past is prologue, we can look for the first results around 8:30. Of course, with the new voting machines, that may not be the case. We’ll post results here as they come in, and we encourage your feedback. Of all of my dubious predictions, I’m becoming more convinced that Scott Walker will win that GOP Gubernatorial nomination. He’s won a statewide primary before, and he’s pretty much the only Rethug candidate in NCC with any sign coverage. Also think that Lauren Witzke will win. Think I’ll do better on my R predictions than perhaps on my D predictions.
Anyway, let’s talk once the polls are closed. Or before, if you’re in the mood.


delawareliberal--2020-09-15--Song of the Day 9/15: Brandi Carlile, “Madman Across the Water”

Song of the Day 9/15 : Brandi Carlile , “ Madman Across the Water ” After Elton John released the LP named for this song in 1971 , many Americans took to the theory that the title referenced Richard Nixon , a notion that bemused lyricist Bernie Taupin .
“ Back in the seventies , when people were saying that ‘ Madman Across the Water ’ was about Richard Nixon , I thought , That is genius .
I could never have thought of that.
” So I suppose Brandi Carlile couldn ’ t have been thinking about Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s NON-COMMvention in 2018 .
Whatever the song is about , it takes some serious pipes to sing it , and Carlile ’ s performance might outrank Sir Elton at his peak .
The problem with the Nixon theory is that people didn ’ t realize Nixon was cracking up until after the LP was released — and it wasn ’ t a new song when it was released .
John and Taupin originally intended it for the “ Tumbleweed Connection ” album , even recording it with Mick Ronson on guitar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expanded re-issues of that LP .
The song was re-recorded for its original release with Davey Johnstone on guitar , but it ’ s most notable for producer Gus Dudgeon ’ s forward placement of Paul Buckmaster ’ s string arrangement .

After Elton John released the LP named for this song in 1971, many Americans took to the theory that the title referenced Richard Nixon, a notion that bemused lyricist Bernie Taupin. “Back in the seventies, when people were saying that ‘Madman Across the Water’ was about Richard Nixon, I thought, That is genius. I could never have thought of that.”
So I suppose Brandi Carlile couldn’t have been thinking about Boris Johnson when she covered the tune at WXPN’s NON-COMMvention in 2018. Whatever the song is about, it takes some serious pipes to sing it, and Carlile’s performance might outrank Sir Elton at his peak.
The problem with the Nixon theory is that people didn’t realize Nixon was cracking up until after the LP was released — and it wasn’t a new song when it was released. John and Taupin originally intended it for the “Tumbleweed Connection” album, even recording it with Mick Ronson on guitar. This version was eventually released on expanded re-issues of that LP.
The song was re-recorded for its original release with Davey Johnstone on guitar, but it’s most notable for producer Gus Dudgeon’s forward placement of Paul Buckmaster’s string arrangement.


delawareliberal--2020-09-15--DL Open Thread Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

DL Open Thread Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

It ’ s primary day .
If you haven ’ t already , don ’ t forget to vote .
If you don ’ t know your polling location , you can look it up here .
A Trump-appointed federal judge has ruled that Pennsylvania ’ s shutdown of businesses and ban on large gatherings are unconstitutional .
Gov .
Tom Wolf plans to appeal .
It ’ s clear Donald Trump got his notions of presidenting from watching James Bond movies and studying the villains who wanted to rule the world .
It turns out that , two years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s book revealed that President Shitgibbon did indeed order Syria ’ s leader Bashar al-Assad assassinated .
Then-Secretary of Defense told Trump he would — then , when Trump left the room , Mattis told everyone to ignore it .
Boris Johnson , having fucked up Brexit as only a 21st-century buffoon fascist could , is now trying to get Parliament to modify the already-done deal , in violation of international law .
The bill passed its first hurdle , mainly because Johnson threatened to strip all power from any Tory who voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shitbag Trump put in charge of communications at the Department of Health and Human Services , has gone full whacko , complaining that career government scientists were engaging in “ sedition ” in their handling of the pandemic and that left-wing hit squads were preparing for armed insurrection after the election .
Yeah , right .
We should be so lucky .
New Castle County Council has cleared the way for development of what ’ s left of the Hercules Country Club .
As Al Czervik said , country clubs and cemeteries are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The floor is yours .

It’s primary day. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to vote. If you don’t know your polling location, you can look it up here.
A Trump-appointed federal judge has ruled that Pennsylvania’s shutdown of businesses and ban on large gatherings are unconstitutional. Gov. Tom Wolf plans to appeal.
It’s clear Donald Trump got his notions of presidenting from watching James Bond movies and studying the villains who wanted to rule the world. It turns out that, two years after denying it, Bob Woodward’s book revealed that President Shitgibbon did indeed order Syria’s leader Bashar al-Assad assassinated. Then-Secretary of Defense told Trump he would — then, when Trump left the room, Mattis told everyone to ignore it.
Boris Johnson, having fucked up Brexit as only a 21st-century buffoon fascist could, is now trying to get Parliament to modify the already-done deal, in violation of international law. The bill passed its first hurdle, mainly because Johnson threatened to strip all power from any Tory who voted against it.
Michael Caputo, the shitbag Trump put in charge of communications at the Department of Health and Human Services, has gone full whacko, complaining that career government scientists were engaging in “sedition” in their handling of the pandemic and that left-wing hit squads were preparing for armed insurrection after the election. Yeah, right. We should be so lucky.
New Castle County Council has cleared the way for development of what’s left of the Hercules Country Club. As Al Czervik said, country clubs and cemeteries are the biggest wasters of prime real estate.
The floor is yours.


delawareliberal--2020-09-18--Song of the Day 7/18: Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”

Song of the Day 7/18 : Twisted Sister , “ We ’ re Not Gon na Take It ” Let ’ s say you have two aging rock stars , one a legendary Irish R & B singer , the other a Long Island hair-metal has-been .
If I told you one was a virulent anti-masker , which would you think was more likely to be the selfish asshole ?
If you picked Dee Snider of Twister Sister , sorry , we don ’ t even have a home version of our game as a consolation prize .
The anti-masker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from high atop his dudgeon , that he has written three songs he ’ ll debut this month about the government overreach that prevents him from playing in front of live audiences .
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister , on the other hand , reacted quickly once that video of anti-maskers parading through a Florida Target store went viral .
He tweeted , “ No…these selfish assholes do not have my permission or blessing to use my song for their moronic cause.
” Which means that Van Morrison , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s ever met him , doesn ’ t have the common sense God gave to a man who filed his teeth to points so he ’ d look like a vampire .

Let’s say you have two aging rock stars, one a legendary Irish R&B singer, the other a Long Island hair-metal has-been. If I told you one was a virulent anti-masker, which would you think was more likely to be the selfish asshole?
If you picked Dee Snider of Twister Sister, sorry, we don’t even have a home version of our game as a consolation prize. The anti-masker is Van Morrison, who has declared, from high atop his dudgeon, that he has written three songs he’ll debut this month about the government overreach that prevents him from playing in front of live audiences.
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, on the other hand, reacted quickly once that video of anti-maskers parading through a Florida Target store went viral. He tweeted, “No…these selfish assholes do not have my permission or blessing to use my song for their moronic cause.”
Which means that Van Morrison, who has been called an asshole by just about everyone who’s ever met him, doesn’t have the common sense God gave to a man who filed his teeth to points so he’d look like a vampire.


delawareliberal--2020-09-18--DL Open Thread: Friday, September 18, 2020

Trump Thugs Literally Rewrote CDC Covid Guidelines .
Then dropped it onto the CDC website .
One more independent government agency destroyed .
NJ To Approve ‘ Millionaire ’ s Tax ’ .
If they did , we should be able to .
The impediment , I suspect ?
: John Carney , although he might be more receptive to it than Markell was .
But I think the new General Assembly may have the votes to do this .
C ’ mon , guv , you know we need the money .
Ex-Administration Aides Endorse Biden .
Olivia Troye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to do it .
Not in a book you ’ re saving for after the election .
Some Good Election Legal News For D ’ s : Pa. Supreme Court Deals Triple Blow To Rethugs .
Federal Judge Temporarily Stops Post Office Slowdown .
Due to a ‘ politically motivated attack ’ on the USPS .
The Pennsylvania rulings are huge .
Absentee ballots to go out as soon as they ’ re printed .
Trump Nixed USPS Plan To Send Masks To Key Covid Hot Spots .
Hey , more Covid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panic ’ .
FBI : Russia Actively Engaged In Misinformation Campaign Against Biden .
Also , Director Wray said that Antifa is not a terrorist organization .
It ’ s the 2020 version of ACORN .
Remember them ?
Trump ’ s War Against Universal Mail-In Voting Has Failed .
That ’ s why his new message is ‘ The election is rigged ’ .
His dismissal of early voting is a political gaffe of monumental proportions .
Texas is the lone key holdout .
Only a matter of time there , though… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Accuses council of ‘ dividing police and the community ’ .
No .
The FOP did that .
Endorsing Trump was a big FU to the people they ’ re sworn to protect .
Ray Seigfried Says What He Really Thinks .
While I voted for Larry Lambert , I retained a lot of respect for Ray .
I ’ ve just lost quite a bit of that respect .
From the linked article : “ They may have this ‘ it ’ s my way or the highway ’ attitude , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Rep. Raymond Seigfried , D-Brandywine Hundred , who lost his primary on Tuesday .
“ That will simply add to the chaos , similar to what we have in Washington .
We don ’ t need that here .
We really don ’ t. ” Wrong .
A first-term legislator lamenting a challenge to the Delaware Way ?
His lopsided loss to Larry was well deserved .
Especially when ‘ my way or the highway ’ applies to Speaker Pete and Our PAL Val far more than to any progressive legislator .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

Trump Thugs Literally Rewrote CDC Covid Guidelines. Then dropped it onto the CDC website. One more independent government agency destroyed.
NJ To Approve ‘Millionaire’s Tax’. If they did, we should be able to. The impediment, I suspect?: John Carney, although he might be more receptive to it than Markell was. But I think the new General Assembly may have the votes to do this. C’mon, guv, you know we need the money.
Ex-Administration Aides Endorse Biden. Olivia Troye. Josh Venable. This is the way to do it. Not in a book you’re saving for after the election.
Some Good Election Legal News For D’s: Pa. Supreme Court Deals Triple Blow To Rethugs. Federal Judge Temporarily Stops Post Office Slowdown. Due to a ‘politically motivated attack’ on the USPS. The Pennsylvania rulings are huge. Absentee ballots to go out as soon as they’re printed.
Trump Nixed USPS Plan To Send Masks To Key Covid Hot Spots. Hey, more Covid deaths were preferable to ‘causing a panic’.
FBI: Russia Actively Engaged In Misinformation Campaign Against Biden. Also, Director Wray said that Antifa is not a terrorist organization. It’s the 2020 version of ACORN. Remember them?
Meatpacking Industry Wrote Executive Order Requiring Plants To Stay Open. Talk about outsourcing…
Trump’s War Against Universal Mail-In Voting Has Failed. That’s why his new message is ‘The election is rigged’. His dismissal of early voting is a political gaffe of monumental proportions. Texas is the lone key holdout. Only a matter of time there, though…
NCC FOP President Rips County Council. Accuses council of ‘dividing police and the community’. No. The FOP did that. Endorsing Trump was a big FU to the people they’re sworn to protect.
Ray Seigfried Says What He Really Thinks. While I voted for Larry Lambert, I retained a lot of respect for Ray. I’ve just lost quite a bit of that respect. From the linked article:
“They may have this ‘it’s my way or the highway’ attitude, and that’s not helpful,” said Rep. Raymond Seigfried, D-Brandywine Hundred, who lost his primary on Tuesday. “That will simply add to the chaos, similar to what we have in Washington. We don’t need that here. We really don’t.”
Wrong. A first-term legislator lamenting a challenge to the Delaware Way? His lopsided loss to Larry was well deserved. Especially when ‘my way or the highway’ applies to Speaker Pete and Our PAL Val far more than to any progressive legislator.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-19--Our RBG Has Died

Our RBG Has Died

She tried so hard to make it through to the end of the Trump years .
Some of the most @ @ @ @ @ : Dems ’ Choice : Go Nuclear .
Yes .
This .
Rethugs : It @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court Now .
Yep , get covid off center stage .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ talk about today .
So this is the Open Thread as well .
Add your @ @ @ @ @ this thread .

She tried so hard to make it through to the end of the Trump years. Some of the most salient writing on her passing:
Justice Ginsberg’s History Of Striking Dissents.
RBG’s Thwarted Vision For America.
The Stakes For America.
Dems’ Choice: Go Nuclear. Yes. This.
Rethugs: It’s All About The Supreme Court Now. Yep, get covid off center stage.
There’s nothing else I want to talk about today. So this is the Open Thread as well. Add your thoughts and other articles to this thread.


delawareliberal--2020-09-19--Song of the Day 9/19: AI/DC, “Great Balls”

This is a few months old but I just found it the other day , and I still crack up when I listen to it .
Back in May some YouTuber who goes by Funk Turkey fed all AC/DC ’ s lyrics into a computer program that spit out a “ new ” AC/DC song that , despite having total nonsense for lyrics , sounds like it would fit on any of their non-Bon Scott albums .
Mr. Turkey ( if that ’ s his real name ) then cobbled together some Angus Young power chords and added the instruments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on the post , “ I put the lyrics of AC/DC into a bot and asked it to write a song .
Also , let me say that trying to sing like Brian Johnson is extremely hard.
” He pulls it off quite well .
Whoever this guy is , he ’ s a great vocal mimic .
He ’ s done the same stunt with a variety of classic-rock bands — Led Zeppelin , Metallica , Nirvana and more — and while they all sound like the bands being imitated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with AC/DC , because their lyrics are just a string of macho-strutting double-entendres in the first place .
It ’ s also the best in the series because of the comments .
The comments on most of the others are filled with fans who huff that it ’ s obviously a fake that ’ s far inferior to the real thing .
On “ Great Balls , ” listeners agree it sounds just like the band , they quote favorite lines and seem to have reached a rough consensus that the AI is @ @ @ @ @

This is a few months old but I just found it the other day, and I still crack up when I listen to it. Back in May some YouTuber who goes by Funk Turkey fed all AC/DC’s lyrics into a computer program that spit out a “new” AC/DC song that, despite having total nonsense for lyrics, sounds like it would fit on any of their non-Bon Scott albums.
Mr. Turkey (if that’s his real name) then cobbled together some Angus Young power chords and added the instruments and vocals himself. As he put it on the post, “I put the lyrics of AC/DC into a bot and asked it to write a song. Also, let me say that trying to sing like Brian Johnson is extremely hard.” He pulls it off quite well.
Whoever this guy is, he’s a great vocal mimic. He’s done the same stunt with a variety of classic-rock bands — Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Nirvana and more — and while they all sound like the bands being imitated, the lyrical tendency towards nonsense works best with AC/DC, because their lyrics are just a string of macho-strutting double-entendres in the first place.
It’s also the best in the series because of the comments. The comments on most of the others are filled with fans who huff that it’s obviously a fake that’s far inferior to the real thing. On “Great Balls,” listeners agree it sounds just like the band, they quote favorite lines and seem to have reached a rough consensus that the AI is writing about trans women.


delawareliberal--2020-09-19--DL Flashback: ” Q: Is Cathy Cloutier Pro-Choice Or Anti-Choice? A: BOTH!”

I first posted this in October of 2012 .
In the wake of RBG ’ s death , the post ’ s point is even more salient today : Cathy Cloutier will say anything to win the support of certain groups of voters .
Even when they are on diametric opposite sides of the same issue : Some things I simply can not make up .
I ’ ve written for some time that Cathy Cloutier has no core convictions or beliefs , and I ’ ve written that she will say anything to anybody ( usually in ‘ confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m really a Democrat ’ ) to get their vote .
I have now discovered that Cathy Cloutier has somehow been endorsed both by Planned Parenthood of Delaware and the virulently anti-choice A Rose and A Prayer .
You can ’ t earn Planned Parenthood ’ s endorsement if you oppose choice , and you can ’ t earn A Rose & A Prayer ’ s endorsement if you support choice .
( Captain Obvious . )
Let me just say that I consider this to be an ideological impossibility…unless someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fashion .
What ?
You say you don ’ t believe that Cloutier indeed WAS endorsed by both groups ?
OK , here : Why do I consider it an ideological impossibility that Cloutier could be endorsed by both groups ?
Uh , go to the Rose/Thorn website , and you ’ ll find out that virtually their entire agenda consists of blasting Planned Parenthood ’ s agenda .
Here ’ s but one example : BTW , did I mention that the President of this virulently anti-choice organization is now Delaware ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a coup engineered by John Sigler and Greg Lavelle , pro-choice committeewoman Priscilla Rakestraw was ousted in favor of Ellen Barrosse , president of A Rose and A Prayer .
Gee , I wonder which side Cloutier was on .
On that day , was she the ‘ Really A Democrat ’ Cloutier ’ or the ‘ Rose and a Thorn ’ Cloutier ?
Doesn ’ t matter , it ’ s not as if she acted on principle .
My point is simple : Whether you are pro-choice or anti-choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cloutier tells you .
She ’ s only telling you what you want to hear in order to get your vote .
When the chips are down , unless you ’ re the NRA , she won ’ t be there for you .
She ’ s earned your distrust .
She .
Will .
Disappear .
As she should in November .
She ’ s got her legislative pension .
Time for someone to , you know , actually be a Senator and stand for something .
Or at least show up @

I first posted this in October of 2012. In the wake of RBG’s death, the post’s point is even more salient today: Cathy Cloutier will say anything to win the support of certain groups of voters. Even when they are on diametric opposite sides of the same issue:
Some things I simply cannot make up. I’ve written for some time that Cathy Cloutier has no core convictions or beliefs, and I’ve written that she will say anything to anybody (usually in ‘confidence’, as in ‘nudge-nudge, I’m really a Democrat’) to get their vote.
I have now discovered that Cathy Cloutier has somehow been endorsed both by Planned Parenthood of Delaware and the virulently anti-choice A Rose and A Thorn Prayer. You can’t earn Planned Parenthood’s endorsement if you oppose choice, and you can’t earn A Rose & A Prayer’s endorsement if you support choice. (Captain Obvious.)
Let me just say that I consider this to be an ideological impossibility…unless someone responds to two different questionnaires in diametrically-opposite fashion. What? You say you don’t believe that Cloutier indeed WAS endorsed by both groups? OK, here:
http://www.araap.org/index.php/rosepac
http://www.pro-choicedelaware.org/assembly.html
Why do I consider it an ideological impossibility that Cloutier could be endorsed by both groups? Uh, go to the Rose/Thorn website, and you’ll find out that virtually their entire agenda consists of blasting Planned Parenthood’s agenda. Here’s but one example:
http://www.araap.org/index.php/getinformed/45-an-open-letter-to-our-legislators-refuting-planned-parenthoods-misstatements-about-hb-80
BTW, did I mention that the President of this virulently anti-choice organization is now Delaware’s Republican National Committeewoman? Yep, in a coup engineered by John Sigler and Greg Lavelle, pro-choice committeewoman Priscilla Rakestraw was ousted in favor of Ellen Barrosse, president of A Rose and A Prayer.
Gee, I wonder which side Cloutier was on. On that day, was she the ‘Really A Democrat’ Cloutier’ or the ‘Rose and a Thorn’ Cloutier? Doesn’t matter, it’s not as if she acted on principle.
My point is simple: Whether you are pro-choice or anti-choice, you cannot believe anything that Cathy Cloutier tells you. She’s only telling you what you want to hear in order to get your vote. When the chips are down, unless you’re the NRA, she won’t be there for you. She’s earned your distrust. She. Will. Disappear.
As she should in November. She’s got her legislative pension. Time for someone to, you know, actually be a Senator and stand for something. Or at least show up.


delawareliberal--2020-09-19--The Crushing Reality of Zoom School

The Crushing Reality of Zoom School

Zoom School is a complete disaster .
Of Course it is .
It was implemented by the grifters , frauds and charlatans posing as “ leadership ” in DC .
The first thing my five-year-old learned in kindergarten , set up at a tiny desk in the corner of our dining room , is to always stay muted .
It ’ s probably the wrong thing to teach a child , but not everyone remembers , and then life bleeds in .
Zoom school becomes a portal into worlds you never see as a parent making awkward smalltalk at pickup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a job doing collections for medical billing .
Call after call .
A dad who calls his sister on speakerphone .
They fight most days .
Grandparents asking how long it ’ s going to take .
There are babies wailing .
d “ Zoom school , ” the author writes , “ becomes a portal into worlds you never see as parent making awkward smalltalk at pickup.
” A student and his mom share the kitchen table .
TVs , so many TVs , an endless buzz of TVs .
The weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk shows .
Of course Zoom school is a nightmare—with the lack of time to properly plan and the lack of funds to make anything work , how was it going to be anything else ?
—but every school option right now is .
Depending on where you live , school has started as an endless navigation of web logins , unmutes , and dropped connections at home ; attempts at confusing part-time hybrid schedules that help only the calendar industry ; or the fuck it approach that has already lead to sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come .

Zoom School is a complete disaster. Of Course it is. It was implemented by the grifters, frauds and charlatans posing as “leadership” in DC.
“Are you muted?”
The first thing my five-year-old learned in kindergarten, set up at a tiny desk in the corner of our dining room, is to always stay muted. It’s probably the wrong thing to teach a child, but not everyone remembers, and then life bleeds in. Zoom school becomes a portal into worlds you never see as a parent making awkward smalltalk at pickup.
You can hear a mom working a job doing collections for medical billing. Call after call.
A dad who calls his sister on speakerphone. They fight most days.
Grandparents asking how long it’s going to take. There are babies wailing.
d
“Zoom school,” the author writes, “becomes a portal into worlds you never see as parent making awkward smalltalk at pickup.”
A student and his mom share the kitchen table. TVs, so many TVs, an endless buzz of TVs. The weather. The news. Game shows and talk shows.
Are you muted?
Of course Zoom school is a nightmare—with the lack of time to properly plan and the lack of funds to make anything work, how was it going to be anything else?—but every school option right now is. Depending on where you live, school has started as an endless navigation of web logins, unmutes, and dropped connections at home; attempts at confusing part-time hybrid schedules that help only the calendar industry; or the fuck it approach that has already lead to sick kids and teachers, with many more to come.


delawareliberal--2020-09-18--Song of the Day 9/18: Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”

Song of the Day 9/18 : Twisted Sister , “ We ’ re Not Gon na Take It ” Let ’ s say you have two aging rock stars , one a legendary Irish R & B singer , the other a Long Island hair-metal has-been .
If I told you one was a virulent anti-masker , which would you think was more likely to be the selfish asshole ?
If you picked Dee Snider of Twister Sister , sorry , we don ’ t even have a home version of our game as a consolation prize .
The anti-masker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from high atop his dudgeon , that he has written three songs he ’ ll debut this month about the government overreach that prevents him from playing in front of live audiences .
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister , on the other hand , reacted quickly once that video of anti-maskers parading through a Florida Target store went viral .
He tweeted , “ No…these selfish assholes do not have my permission or blessing to use my song for their moronic cause.
” Which means that Van Morrison , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ’ s ever met him , doesn ’ t have the common sense God gave to a man who filed his teeth to points so he ’ d look like a vampire .


delawareliberal--2020-09-21--Hey, Chris Coons, the Journos Are Onto Your Game

Hey , Chris Coons , the Journos Are Onto Your Game Sen. Chris Coons said something in a Fox News appearance that caught the attention of William Saletan of Slate .
Saletan tweeted : Sen. Coons ( D ) says he ’ ll appeal to his close relationships with Republicans : “ I ’ m going to be working this weekend , this week , to reach across the aisle and see if I can ’ t persuade some friends …to respect the precedent they set in 2016 and to let the voters decide.
” Adam Jentleson of Democracy Forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry Reid , responded ( emphasis mine ) : This is useful insofar as it will prove the uselessness of these relationships in the face of the larger forces of polarization and negative partisanship .
It ’ s fine to try it , but when it fails , it becomes Democrats ’ responsibility to recognize the failure and act accordingly .
He followed that up with ( emphasis again mine ) : It ’ s always useful to build relationships across the aisle .
But in the year 2020 , it is unforgivably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the structural forces shaping our politics .
And it ’ s an abdication of governing to not have a plan for when the relationships fail .

Sen. Chris Coons said something in a Fox News appearance that caught the attention of William Saletan of Slate. Saletan tweeted:
Sen. Coons (D) says he’ll appeal to his close relationships with Republicans: “I’m going to be working this weekend, this week, to reach across the aisle and see if I can’t persuade some friends …to respect the precedent they set in 2016 and to let the voters decide.”
Adam Jentleson of Democracy Forward, and a former chief aide to Harry Reid, responded (emphasis mine):
This is useful insofar as it will prove the uselessness of these relationships in the face of the larger forces of polarization and negative partisanship. It’s fine to try it, but when it fails, it becomes Democrats’ responsibility to recognize the failure and act accordingly.
He followed that up with (emphasis again mine):
It’s always useful to build relationships across the aisle. But in the year 2020, it is unforgivably naive to expect those relationships to overcome the structural forces shaping our politics. And it’s an abdication of governing to not have a plan for when the relationships fail.


delawareliberal--2020-09-21--Song of the Day 9/21: Bob Mould, “Siberian Butterfly”

Bob Mould released this a couple of week ago to preview his new album , “ Blue Hearts , ” @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a throwback to his Hüsker Dü days — fast , loud and short @ @ @ @ @ has changed , of course , but he ’ s the rare aging rocker who @ @ @ @ @


delawareliberal--2020-09-21--DL Open Thread: Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

DL Open Thread: Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

The Stark Difference Between US And European Energy Companies .
Euro companies divest themselves of oil fields , reduce emissions , and commit themselves to renewable energy .
US companies ?
Oil oil oil .
The Two Most Likely Trump Supreme Court Choices : Barbara Lagoa .
Amy Coney Barrett .
My imaginary money ’ s on Lagoa .
Why ?
Florida .
She may have an ethical issue , though .
Refused to recuse herself on a case she had previously participated in .
You know , she has ruled twice now on making it well nigh impossible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut both ways .
Hardly Anybody Wants Rethugs To Force Through A Supreme Court Confirmation .
A Reuters/IPSOS Poll : 62 % say that the Presidential winner should fill the vacancy , 23 % say it should be filled now .
50 % of R ’ s polled said the Senate should wait .
How $ 2 Trillion In Dirty Money Was Laundered Through US Financial System .
Paul Manafort was one of the ( alleged ) launderers .
US government knew .
Didn ’ t do anything about it .
Banks knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardian .
Per usual , the supposed enforcers of the law criticized the leak of the information .
Beats doing their jobs .
Conservative Groups Uncertain About Supreme Court Fight .
Might have the knives out for Lagoa .
Huge Slowdown In Mail Delivery .
Another venerated institution torched by Trump .
This Vash Turner…Cryptocurrency con man suing state over alleged ‘ irregularities ’ .
As if he was the only one who might have been impacted disproportionately by some late polling place changes .
When all else fails , the Potter Gang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As far as I know , he is the only R to call for Witzke to be removed from the R ticket : Republican state Sen. Anthony Delcollo posted a statement on his Facebook page Saturday calling for the suspension of Witzke ’ s campaign , citing Witzke being “ unfit to lead.
” He asked the Republican Party of Delaware to revoke its support of Witzke .
“ This post celebrated the death of a human being , who worked to comport herself with what she felt was right and good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and racist meme , ” Delcollo wrote .
“ Such conduct is emblematic of what is wrong with the politics of today ; we must not demonize one another even in the face of significant disagreements about important policy .
I immediately condemned this candidate ’ s post and demanded that she take it down and apologize.
” What do you want to talk about ?

The Stark Difference Between US And European Energy Companies. Euro companies divest themselves of oil fields, reduce emissions, and commit themselves to renewable energy. US companies? Oil oil oil.
The Two Most Likely Trump Supreme Court Choices: Barbara Lagoa. Amy Coney Barrett. My imaginary money’s on Lagoa. Why? Florida. She may have an ethical issue, though. Refused to recuse herself on a case she had previously participated in. You know, she has ruled twice now on making it well nigh impossible for felons in Florida to vote. Could cut both ways.
Hardly Anybody Wants Rethugs To Force Through A Supreme Court Confirmation. A Reuters/IPSOS Poll: 62% say that the Presidential winner should fill the vacancy, 23% say it should be filled now. 50% of R’s polled said the Senate should wait.
How $2 Trillion In Dirty Money Was Laundered Through US Financial System. Paul Manafort was one of the (alleged) launderers. US government knew. Didn’t do anything about it. Banks knew, too. Essential reporting from The Guardian. Per usual, the supposed enforcers of the law criticized the leak of the information. Beats doing their jobs.
Conservative Groups Uncertain About Supreme Court Fight. Might have the knives out for Lagoa.
Huge Slowdown In Mail Delivery. Another venerated institution torched by Trump.
This Vash Turner…Cryptocurrency con man suing state over alleged ‘irregularities’. As if he was the only one who might have been impacted disproportionately by some late polling place changes. When all else fails, the Potter Gang sues.
Shoutout To Anthony DelCollo. As far as I know, he is the only R to call for Witzke to be removed from the R ticket:
Republican state Sen. Anthony Delcollo posted a statement on his Facebook page Saturday calling for the suspension of Witzke’s campaign, citing Witzke being “unfit to lead.” He asked the Republican Party of Delaware to revoke its support of Witzke. “This post celebrated the death of a human being, who worked to comport herself with what she felt was right and good, with a vile, deeply repulsive, and racist meme,” Delcollo wrote. “Such conduct is emblematic of what is wrong with the politics of today; we must not demonize one another even in the face of significant disagreements about important policy. I immediately condemned this candidate’s post and demanded that she take it down and apologize.”
Amen.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-21--How do extreme Republicans win over public opinion in policy fights?

How do extreme Republicans win over public opinion in policy fights ?
Whether it is the Supreme Court , or tax sanity , Republicans win policy fights because they are always consistent , while democrats are always muddled and muddy in terms of strategy and desired outcomes .
It has nothing to do with the merit of the contending arguments .
Take an issue such as gun sanity .
Republicans messaging is always in line with the most conservative possible messaging .
Let ’ s put that coherent and consistent conservative massaging on a scale and call it C5 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of possible positions on any given issue running from C5 most conservative to L5 ( most liberal ) .
Eg .
“ C5 – C4 – C3 – C2 – CL1 – L2 – L3 – L4 – L5 ” On an issue such as such as gun sanity , for example , you will have Democrats and liberals taking every possible position from L5 to C4 .
This random hodgepodge of positions and opinions gives Republicans a huge advantage when every Republicans promotes the C5 positions over every media at all times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Democrats will never overcome .

Whether it is the Supreme Court, or tax sanity, Republicans win policy fights because they are always consistent, while democrats are always muddled and muddy in terms of strategy and desired outcomes. It has nothing to do with the merit of the contending arguments.
Take an issue such as gun sanity. Republicans messaging is always in line with the most conservative possible messaging. Let’s put that coherent and consistent conservative massaging on a scale and call it C5 (most conservative).
Imagine the range of possible positions on any given issue running from C5 most conservative to L5 (most liberal). Eg. “C5 – C4 – C3 – C2 – CL1 – L2 – L3 – L4 – L5”
On an issue such as such as gun sanity, for example, you will have Democrats and liberals taking every possible position from L5 to C4. This random hodgepodge of positions and opinions gives Republicans a huge advantage when every Republicans promotes the C5 positions over every media at all times.
It is a built in advantage that Democrats will never overcome.


delawareliberal--2020-09-20--Song of the Day 9/20: Bruce Springsteen, “Letter to You”

Song of the Day 9/20 : Bruce Springsteen , “ Letter to You ” Bruce Springsteen dropped a new single Sept. 10 , the title track to an upcoming album with the E Street Band recorded live in Springsteen ’ s home studio , no overdubs , in just five days last December .
When I heard it the day it was released I was underwhelmed .
It ’ s mid-tempo , soft-rocking and musically basic , nothing rousing or anthemic about it — like a lot of the music Springsteen has released in the past 20 years , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I ’ ve heard it a few times since and it ’ s grown on me .
It scans like a survivor ’ s testament , and Springsteen puts some sincerity into his delivery .
Due for Oct. 23 release , the album just might be the right Springsteen for the moment .
For all his success , Springsteen has not had a gold album in the US since 2009 ’ s “ Working on a Dream , ” and as an indication of his intent to end that streak he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his earliest days but have never been officially released .
More on that soon .

Bruce Springsteen dropped a new single Sept. 10, the title track to an upcoming album with the E Street Band recorded live in Springsteen’s home studio, no overdubs, in just five days last December.
When I heard it the day it was released I was underwhelmed. It’s mid-tempo, soft-rocking and musically basic, nothing rousing or anthemic about it — like a lot of the music Springsteen has released in the past 20 years, it struck me as generic and forgettable. But I’ve heard it a few times since and it’s grown on me. It scans like a survivor’s testament, and Springsteen puts some sincerity into his delivery. Due for Oct. 23 release, the album just might be the right Springsteen for the moment.
For all his success, Springsteen has not had a gold album in the US since 2009’s “Working on a Dream,” and as an indication of his intent to end that streak he’s re-recorded three songs that date to his earliest days but have never been officially released. More on that soon.


delawareliberal--2020-09-20--DL Open Thread: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020

Trump To Announce Supreme Court Nominee This Week .
The process makes it very difficult to even reach a vote by Election Day .
Meaning , the process must be done away with .
There ’ s no point in pointing out hypocrisy and inconsistency .
The rules are whatever Trump and McConnell want .
As well as… .
David Frum offers a glimmer of hope .
Jane Mayer ’ s scenario .
Biden ’ s Plan To Address The Nomination .
BTW , you will note in the article that Biden is taking most of the next week off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People are already voting , and his nose is gon na be in briefing books ?
?
?
?
( I rarely use multiple anythings , but Biden ’ s driving me to it . )
Man , this campaign… Virginia MAGAts Block Early Voters .
Fairfax County in northern Virginia .
Used to be an R stronghold .
Now , it ’ s solidly blue , with a huge number of voters .
Why weren ’ t they all arrested ?
Communities Sue Croda For Damages .
We ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have to work so I don ’ t have time today .
This is one area where the Delaware Way has sucked forever–dumping cancer-inducing plants into communities of color and/or economic distress .
By consensus .
Nobody says a word .
Jobs uber alles .
Turns out that Croda was spewing this crap long before it even got a permit to do it .
A permit that also defines the Delaware Way .
This is where progressive election victories could make a huge difference .
Marie Pinkney and Larry Lambert , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental justice .
I support this suit 100 % , and I especially want to see the General Assembly attack this issue .
For once .
BTW , here ’ s another lawsuit I support .
Susan Collins Didn ’ t Say What You Think She Said .
And she won ’ t do what you think she said she ’ d do .
Are she and Cathy Cloutier sisters ?
How RBG ’ s Death Could Impact Election Legal Battles This Year .
It never ends , does it ?
What do @ @ @ @ @ @

Trump To Announce Supreme Court Nominee This Week. The process makes it very difficult to even reach a vote by Election Day. Meaning, the process must be done away with. There’s no point in pointing out hypocrisy and inconsistency. The rules are whatever Trump and McConnell want. As well as…. David Frum offers a glimmer of hope. Jane Mayer’s scenario.
Biden’s Plan To Address The Nomination. BTW, you will note in the article that Biden is taking most of the next week off the trail to prepare for the debate. People are already voting, and his nose is gonna be in briefing books???? (I rarely use multiple anythings, but Biden’s driving me to it.) Man, this campaign…
Virginia MAGAts Block Early Voters. Fairfax County in northern Virginia. Used to be an R stronghold. Now, it’s solidly blue, with a huge number of voters. Why weren’t they all arrested?
Communities Sue Croda For Damages. We’ll be returning to this issue later, but I have to work so I don’t have time today. This is one area where the Delaware Way has sucked forever–dumping cancer-inducing plants into communities of color and/or economic distress. By consensus. Nobody says a word. Jobs uber alles. Turns out that Croda was spewing this crap long before it even got a permit to do it. A permit that also defines the Delaware Way. This is where progressive election victories could make a huge difference. Marie Pinkney and Larry Lambert, in particular, ran on the issue of environmental justice. I support this suit 100%, and I especially want to see the General Assembly attack this issue. For once. BTW, here’s another lawsuit I support.
Susan Collins Didn’t Say What You Think She Said. And she won’t do what you think she said she’d do. Are she and Cathy Cloutier sisters?
How RBG’s Death Could Impact Election Legal Battles This Year. It never ends, does it?
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-22--Song of the Day 9/22: Bruce Springsteen, “If I Was the Priest”

Song of the Day 9/22 : Bruce Springsteen , “ If I Was the Priest ” I mentioned the other day that Bruce Springsteen ’ s upcoming album will feature new recordings of three songs from his earliest back catalog that have never seen official release .
This is , to a large extent , a case of scraping the barrel bottom .
“ If I Was the Priest , ” “ Song for Orphans ” and “ Janey Needs a Shooter ” all date to the time of his 1972 audition tape for John Hammond and were considered for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asbury Park , N.J. , ” the one that played up his “ new Dylan ” bona fides but ignored his raucous concert energy .
All have been available on bootlegs for decades , and none was included on “ Tracks , ” Springsteen ’ s 66-song collection of demos , outtakes and B-sides .
“ If I Was the Priest ” wears its Dylan influences stapled to its chest , but in Springsteen ’ s case the vaguely allegorical poetry has a decidedly Catholic bent .
This is the Hammond tape version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greetings ” would have been a better album if this song had replaced “ Mary Queen of Arkansas.
” Allan Clarke , lead singer for the Hollies , heard the demo and recorded the song for his 1974 self-titled solo album .
It should be interesting to hear the new version when “ Letter to You ” is released next month .
The only remaining member of the early E Street Band is bassist Garry Tallent .

I mentioned the other day that Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming album will feature new recordings of three songs from his earliest back catalog that have never seen official release. This is, to a large extent, a case of scraping the barrel bottom.
“If I Was the Priest,” “Song for Orphans” and “Janey Needs a Shooter” all date to the time of his 1972 audition tape for John Hammond and were considered for his first album, “Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.,” the one that played up his “new Dylan” bona fides but ignored his raucous concert energy. All have been available on bootlegs for decades, and none was included on “Tracks,” Springsteen’s 66-song collection of demos, outtakes and B-sides.
“If I Was the Priest” wears its Dylan influences stapled to its chest, but in Springsteen’s case the vaguely allegorical poetry has a decidedly Catholic bent. This is the Hammond tape version, and I’d argue “Greetings” would have been a better album if this song had replaced “Mary Queen of Arkansas.”
Allan Clarke, lead singer for the Hollies, heard the demo and recorded the song for his 1974 self-titled solo album.
It should be interesting to hear the new version when “Letter to You” is released next month. The only remaining member of the early E Street Band is bassist Garry Tallent.


delawareliberal--2020-09-22--A Great Man Just Died. You Never Heard Of Him

A Great Man Just Died .
You Never Heard Of Him I wouldn ’ t have known of him either but for…wait , I ’ m getting ahead of myself .
His name was Robert S. Graetz .
He was a white pastor to an all-Black congregation .
He was a civil rights champion , and willingly risked physical harm to make a difference .
Fair use prevents me from quoting the entire NYTimes obituary , but I will test the limits of that fair use : As a young Lutheran minister in Alabama in the 1950s , the Rev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his driving routes to thwart attackers .
He once measured a 15-inch-deep crater left by a bomb that had targeted his home in Montgomery .
And to shield his young children from fear — and the shards of glass that would follow another explosion — he would play a “ game ” with them in which they would crawl behind a couch when there was a suspicious sound outside .
Defying the menacing of the Ku Klux Klan , intimidation by the authorities and isolation among fellow clergymen , Mr. Graetz remained a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white people in Alabama , supporting the Montgomery bus boycott that transformed the nation ’ s budding civil rights movement… …The boycott , first planned as a one-day event on Dec. 5 , 1955 , lasted more than a year , and Mr. Graetz continued to drive Black residents to and from work .
Some white ministers privately endorsed the desegregation effort but dared not speak publicly for fear of being condemned by their congregations .
Not Mr. Graetz .
Wearing a cross that read “ Father , Forgive Them , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — captured in a photograph on the front page of The New York Times — and became so well known that The Montgomery Advertiser asked him what it was like to live as a pariah .
“ I don ’ t know any pariahs , ” he replied .
Please read the entire article or , if you don ’ t have a subscription , read this one in USA Today .
This captures the bravery of Graetz and his family in facing down the racist threats against them : Montgomery ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As they endured vandalism and verbal harassment , Robert and Jeannie received notes suggesting that their young children could be shot while playing outside .
Family members suggested sending the children out of state ; they refused .
Law enforcement also targeted the minister .
On Dec. 19 , 1955 , while picking up five passengers , Graetz was stopped by Montgomery County Sheriff Mac Sim Butler and accused of picking up passengers in a taxi zone .
The sheriff ordered him to follow him to the county jail , where Graetz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s office .
A person who Graetz assumed was a deputy sheriff told him , “ We like things the way they are here .
We don ’ t want anybody trying to change them.
” Robert Graetz dedicated his life to changing the way things are .
He played a key role in moving the civil rights movement forward .
He made the world a better place .
So .
How do I know of him ?
He was my son-in-law ’ s grandfather .
I am so proud that my son-in-law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s commitment to justice for all .
We should all aspire to emulate the courage of Robert Graetz .
Can you imagine how much better this country would be for everyone if we did ?

I wouldn’t have known of him either but for…wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.
His name was Robert S. Graetz. He was a white pastor to an all-Black congregation. He was a civil rights champion, and willingly risked physical harm to make a difference. Fair use prevents me from quoting the entire NYTimes obituary, but I will test the limits of that fair use:
As a young Lutheran minister in Alabama in the 1950s, the Rev. Robert S. Graetz Jr. would alternate his driving routes to thwart attackers. He once measured a 15-inch-deep crater left by a bomb that had targeted his home in Montgomery. And to shield his young children from fear — and the shards of glass that would follow another explosion — he would play a “game” with them in which they would crawl behind a couch when there was a suspicious sound outside. Defying the menacing of the Ku Klux Klan, intimidation by the authorities and isolation among fellow clergymen, Mr. Graetz remained a rare, unbowed voice for desegregation among white people in Alabama, supporting the Montgomery bus boycott that transformed the nation’s budding civil rights movement… …The boycott, first planned as a one-day event on Dec. 5, 1955, lasted more than a year, and Mr. Graetz continued to drive Black residents to and from work. Some white ministers privately endorsed the desegregation effort but dared not speak publicly for fear of being condemned by their congregations. Not Mr. Graetz. Wearing a cross that read “Father, Forgive Them,” he appeared at the courthouse with Dr. King — captured in a photograph on the front page of The New York Times — and became so well known that The Montgomery Advertiser asked him what it was like to live as a pariah. “I don’t know any pariahs,” he replied.
Please read the entire article or, if you don’t have a subscription, read this one in USA Today. This captures the bravery of Graetz and his family in facing down the racist threats against them:
Montgomery’s larger white community also shunned the Graetzes. As they endured vandalism and verbal harassment, Robert and Jeannie received notes suggesting that their young children could be shot while playing outside. Family members suggested sending the children out of state; they refused. Law enforcement also targeted the minister. On Dec. 19, 1955, while picking up five passengers, Graetz was stopped by Montgomery County Sheriff Mac Sim Butler and accused of picking up passengers in a taxi zone. The sheriff ordered him to follow him to the county jail, where Graetz was placed in a deputy sheriff’s office. A person who Graetz assumed was a deputy sheriff told him, “We like things the way they are here. We don’t want anybody trying to change them.”
Robert Graetz dedicated his life to changing the way things are. He played a key role in moving the civil rights movement forward. He made the world a better place.
So. How do I know of him? He was my son-in-law’s grandfather. I am so proud that my son-in-law and my two daughters share Robert Graetz’s commitment to justice for all. We should all aspire to emulate the courage of Robert Graetz. Can you imagine how much better this country would be for everyone if we did?


delawareliberal--2020-09-22--DL Open Thread: Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Rethugs Have Votes To Confirm Supreme Court Justice .
Cory Gardner signs his political death warrant rather than doing the right thing .
Biden Doesn ’ t Mention Supreme Court Vacancy At Campaign Stop .
Most feckless Democrat of all the feckless Democrats .
More proof of his fecklessness .
Need Encouraging News ?
Absentee Ballot Requests Is ( Are ? )
Your Manna .
Explains why Trump will declare victory before they ’ re all counted .
Trump , His Company , Being Investigated For Tax Fraud .
Needs all the corrupt judges he can get .
CIA : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Anti-Biden Campaign .
This isn ’ t a bigger story , um , why ?
Huge Victory For North Carolina Nurses .
Overcome union-busters , win lopsided unionization vote .
The company ?
Previously owned by Rick Scott .
That Rick Scott .
How Nursing Home Entrepreneur Ripped Off Taxpayers For $ 76 Million .
The entire industry is corrupt .
Rot .
Exploiting vulnerable citizens for profit .
Time For D ’ s To Divorce Building Trades .
The building trades have already divorced themselves from the Democratic Party .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept Blacks out of the trades for decades .
What do you want to talk about ?

Rethugs Have Votes To Confirm Supreme Court Justice. Cory Gardner signs his political death warrant rather than doing the right thing.
Biden Doesn’t Mention Supreme Court Vacancy At Campaign Stop. Most feckless Democrat of all the feckless Democrats. More proof of his fecklessness.
Need Encouraging News? Absentee Ballot Requests Is (Are?) Your Manna. Explains why Trump will declare victory before they’re all counted.
Trump, His Company, Being Investigated For Tax Fraud. Needs all the corrupt judges he can get.
CIA: Putin ‘Probably Directing’ Russia’s Anti-Biden Campaign. This isn’t a bigger story, um, why?
Huge Victory For North Carolina Nurses. Overcome union-busters, win lopsided unionization vote. The company? Previously owned by Rick Scott. That Rick Scott.
How Nursing Home Entrepreneur Ripped Off Taxpayers For $76 Million. The entire industry is corrupt. Rot. Exploiting vulnerable citizens for profit.
Time For D’s To Divorce Building Trades. The building trades have already divorced themselves from the Democratic Party. They are led by white racists who have kept Blacks out of the trades for decades.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-23--Song of the Day 9/23: Robert Hazard, “Change Reaction”

Forty years ago , Robert Hazard was the biggest thing on Philadelphia ’ s music scene .
Hazard , born @ @ @ @ @ tenor who lived in Delaware County , played folk , country and even reggae before @ @ @ @ @ music in the late ’ 70s and assembling a backing band , the Heroes , @ @ @ @ @ of the time .
They proved their popularity when their self-released eponymous EP topped 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ s most famous song , the only one to reach the national charts , was @ @ @ @ @ ” which had a killer hook and a danceable groove , but Hazard sang it @ @ @ @ @ baritone that I thought it was a novelty record .
This song also made the @ @ @ @ @ reflects what the band sounded like .
Hooters drummer David Uosikkinen re-recorded the song with @ @ @ @ @ collection of Philly musicians who play music from their past projects .
Hazard died in @ @ @ @ @ in a Boston hospital after an operation for pancreatic cancer .

Forty years ago, Robert Hazard was the biggest thing on Philadelphia’s music scene. Hazard, born Robert Rimato to an operatic tenor who lived in Delaware County, played folk, country and even reggae before turning to electro-pop New Wave music in the late ’70s and assembling a backing band, the Heroes, who adopted the matching-suit-skinny-tie style of the time. They proved their popularity when their self-released eponymous EP topped 100,000 in sales.
Hazard’s most famous song, the only one to reach the national charts, was “Escalator of Life,” which had a killer hook and a danceable groove, but Hazard sang it with such a Bowie/Brian Ferry-inflected baritone that I thought it was a novelty record. This song also made the MTV playlist, and better reflects what the band sounded like.
Hooters drummer David Uosikkinen re-recorded the song with In the Pocket, a collection of Philly musicians who play music from their past projects.
Hazard died in 2008, age 59, in a Boston hospital after an operation for pancreatic cancer.


delawareliberal--2020-09-23--DL Open Thread: Weds., September 23, 2020

Rethugs Unite To Destroy Obamacare , Roe V. Wade .
Any name will do .
Purists vs. ‘ Pragmatists ’ .
Coons reaches across the aisle to do nothing .
Possibly the worst D senator in the entire body .
Which reminds me… Feckless Dems–Feck .
They won ’ t even get rid of the filibuster .
Which the R ’ s already got rid of .
Bloomberg .
LeBron , Paying Off Florida Felons ’ Debts .
Pretty strategic targeting as well : The Bloomberg memo pointed out that the 31,790 targeted voters , including 25,548 who are Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by which Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) won election in 2018 , and about three times as big as the margin that elected Sen. Rick Scott ( R-Fla. ) that same year .
Another US Covid Spike .
22 states report rises this week .
Only 9 states had spikes the week before .
You may have missed it with the Supreme Court coverage : Over 200,000 Americans have officially died of the disease .
The subject has been changed .
Jersey Criminal Cops Often Walk Free .
Could this change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Texas .
Will Biden or Harris show up ?
The First Post-Primary Delaware Debates .
Nobody said anything surprising .
Although I ’ m liking LBR a little more than before .
Writer ’ s Note : I ’ m using a more economical style on the Open Thread .
Trying to become a better writer ( insert joke here ) by making my point as concisely as possible .
I think it gives more room for commenters to fill in the blanks .
May work , may not .
I like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to talk about ?

Rethugs Unite To Destroy Obamacare, Roe V. Wade. Any name will do. Purists vs. ‘Pragmatists’. Coons reaches across the aisle to do nothing. Possibly the worst D senator in the entire body. Which reminds me…
Feckless Dems–Feck. They won’t even get rid of the filibuster. Which the R’s already got rid of.
Covid-Denier, Former Legislator, Dies Of Covid. Submitted w/o comment.
Bloomberg. LeBron, Paying Off Florida Felons’ Debts. Pretty strategic targeting as well:
The Bloomberg memo pointed out that the 31,790 targeted voters, including 25,548 who are Black, are nearly equivalent to the margin by which Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) won election in 2018, and about three times as big as the margin that elected Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) that same year.
Another US Covid Spike. 22 states report rises this week. Only 9 states had spikes the week before. You may have missed it with the Supreme Court coverage: Over 200,000 Americans have officially died of the disease. The subject has been changed.
Jersey Criminal Cops Often Walk Free. Could this change?
O’Rourke Going All Out In Texas. Will Biden or Harris show up?
The First Post-Primary Delaware Debates. Nobody said anything surprising. Although I’m liking LBR a little more than before.
Writer’s Note: I’m using a more economical style on the Open Thread. Trying to become a better writer (insert joke here) by making my point as concisely as possible. I think it gives more room for commenters to fill in the blanks. May work, may not. I like it so far.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-24--Biden needs a landslide, but is running a 1980’s style 50% plus 1 campaign

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delawareliberal--2020-09-24--Song of the Day 9/24: The Clash, “The Guns of Brixton”

Song of the Day 9/24 : The Clash , “ The Guns of Brixton ” Set aside all your anxiety about Trump ’ s assault on American democracy .
If you think we ’ re headed for civil war and a breakdown of social order , the question becomes as simple as the one Paul Simonon asks here : When they kick at your front door , how you gon na come ?
Though on one level it ’ s a song of resistance , Simonon , who was born in Brixton , was writing about the Jamaican inhabitants of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London ’ s most violent neighborhoods and a powder keg of unrest because of police brutality .
That ’ s clear from the second verse , which name-checks Ivanhoe Martin , the Jamaican criminal whose story forms the basis for the Jimmy Cliff-starring film “ The Harder They Fall.
” Simonon was tapping into the truth : He wrote this in 1979 and the Clash recorded it for “ London Calling , ” which came out that December .
Race riots broke out in Brixton months later .
The song , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an audience favorite in concert .
Simonon originally wanted Joe Strummer to sing it , but Strummer insisted the bassist should sing his own song .
Simonon , who had auditioned to be the Clash ’ s lead singer , learned to play his instrument on the job , and couldn ’ t play the song ’ s distinctive bass line while he was singing .
So he and Strummer always swapped instruments for the song .
The song has been covered by several artists , most notably by Jimmy Cliff for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Set aside all your anxiety about Trump’s assault on American democracy. If you think we’re headed for civil war and a breakdown of social order, the question becomes as simple as the one Paul Simonon asks here: When they kick at your front door, how you gonna come?
Though on one level it’s a song of resistance, Simonon, who was born in Brixton, was writing about the Jamaican inhabitants of what was at the time one of London’s most violent neighborhoods and a powder keg of unrest because of police brutality. That’s clear from the second verse, which name-checks Ivanhoe Martin, the Jamaican criminal whose story forms the basis for the Jimmy Cliff-starring film “The Harder They Fall.” Simonon was tapping into the truth: He wrote this in 1979 and the Clash recorded it for “London Calling,” which came out that December. Race riots broke out in Brixton months later.
The song, the first one Simonon ever wrote, quickly became an audience favorite in concert. Simonon originally wanted Joe Strummer to sing it, but Strummer insisted the bassist should sing his own song. Simonon, who had auditioned to be the Clash’s lead singer, learned to play his instrument on the job, and couldn’t play the song’s distinctive bass line while he was singing. So he and Strummer always swapped instruments for the song.
The song has been covered by several artists, most notably by Jimmy Cliff for his “Sacred Fire” EP in 2011.


delawareliberal--2020-09-24--Wake Up, Worriers, You’re Being Played by Trump and the Media

Wake Up , Worriers , You ’ re Being Played by Trump and the Media The media bombardment is neverending .
Trump is going to steal the election .
Be afraid , be very afraid !
Rachel Maddow intoned last night , “ What will you do for your country when it needs you ?
” It ’ s time to defend American democracy , she said .
She offered exactly zero ideas for what actual people should actually do .
A headline at Slate : “ I ’ ve Never Been More Worried About American Democracy.
” And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , really .
Because the fate of American democracy — as if it still existed in the first place — does not lie in our hands .
You are being played , people .
Left-leaning media is full of these stories because they are preying on your anxiety to rack up clicks .
Yes , Trump and the Republicans will try to steal the election .
So what ?
There ’ s not much , if anything , you can do about it .
Worrying about it accomplishes nothing beyond demoralizing you — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bullies don ’ t do their work by beating you up .
They do it by making you fear getting beaten up .
Trump ’ s blustering and bullshit are reaching a crescendo because , as I said somewhere in a comment , he can ’ t win a fair election , and he can ’ t win even an unfair election if Republicans only use their tried-and-true voter suppression tactics .
What you hear are the flailing last words of a criminal — “ You ’ ll never get me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected only its sufferers , it would be bad enough .
But by spreading their anxiety all over social media , liberals are basically doing Trump ’ s work for him .
If you ’ re worried about civil war , the only question is whether you intend to fight in it .
If you do , make whatever preparations you deem necessary .
Otherwise , just knock it off .
If you ’ re that anxious , buy yourself a binky , but stop demoralizing your own side with your premonitions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it does actual harm .

The media bombardment is neverending. Trump is going to steal the election. Be afraid, be very afraid!
Rachel Maddow intoned last night, “What will you do for your country when it needs you?” It’s time to defend American democracy, she said. She offered exactly zero ideas for what actual people should actually do.
A headline at Slate: “I’ve Never Been More Worried About American Democracy.” And that worry translates into what action? None, really. Because the fate of American democracy — as if it still existed in the first place — does not lie in our hands.
You are being played, people. Left-leaning media is full of these stories because they are preying on your anxiety to rack up clicks.
Yes, Trump and the Republicans will try to steal the election. So what? There’s not much, if anything, you can do about it. Worrying about it accomplishes nothing beyond demoralizing you — which is precisely Trump’s goal.
Bullies don’t do their work by beating you up. They do it by making you fear getting beaten up. Trump’s blustering and bullshit are reaching a crescendo because, as I said somewhere in a comment, he can’t win a fair election, and he can’t win even an unfair election if Republicans only use their tried-and-true voter suppression tactics. What you hear are the flailing last words of a criminal — “You’ll never get me, coppers!”
If all this worrying affected only its sufferers, it would be bad enough. But by spreading their anxiety all over social media, liberals are basically doing Trump’s work for him.
If you’re worried about civil war, the only question is whether you intend to fight in it. If you do, make whatever preparations you deem necessary.
Otherwise, just knock it off. If you’re that anxious, buy yourself a binky, but stop demoralizing your own side with your premonitions of doom. It does no good, and it does actual harm.


delawareliberal--2020-09-24--Cathy Cloutier ‘Can’t Be Bought And Won’t Be Bossed’. Nope. Just Extorted

Cathy Cloutier ‘ Can ’ t Be Bought And Won ’ t Be Bossed ’ .
Nope .
Just Extorted For a ‘ nice lady ’ , she sure prevaricates a lot .
The quote above is from her latest lit piece .
Time for a shot of the truth .
Fact : Cloutier voted to bury some pretty modest gun safety bills in the Senate Executive Committee .
Fact : Cloutier confided that she had to do vote that way , or she would have lost the support of the construction trade unions .
( A quick search of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction trade union support . )
Opinion : Seems like she was both bought AND bossed to me .
Demonstrable Lie : In her latest piece where Cathy is said to ( I ’ m not making this up ) ‘ define ( s ) common sense when politics needs more of it ’ , Cathy claims to support : For the demonstrable lie , see above .
How can you support something when you voted against it ?
Because she is a ‘ nice lady ’ , it ’ s easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She may literally be the only elected official in Delaware history to have been pro-choice and anti-choice at the same time .
That isn ’ t even a litmus test of where she stands on the issue .
It ’ s a litmus test on whether she is truthful .
Taking diametric opposite positions on the same issue for two different groups conclusively labels her as untruthful .
How can you trust anything she says ?
One last slightly off-topic point .
Her campaign appears to be suffused with nostalgia for a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( like Phil Cloutier ) worked for DuPont , were moderate on social issues , and toed the Chamber line on stuff like workers ’ rights , decent pay , and the like .
My proof ?
Here is the front-page tagline from her latest piece : In a district with 5000 more registered D ’ s than R ’ s , that ’ s the last thing we need .
Not to mention , that time wasn ’ t so great at all .
Yo , Cathy , if you ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to why you ’ re claiming to support gun safety legislation while voting to bury it in committee , we have space for you .
If you ’ d like , I ’ ll even close your response to ‘ nasty ’ comments .
Time ’ s yours .
I ’ ll give you 15 minutes .

For a ‘nice lady’, she sure prevaricates a lot. The quote above is from her latest lit piece. Time for a shot of the truth.
Fact: Cloutier voted to bury some pretty modest gun safety bills in the Senate Executive Committee.
Fact: Cloutier confided that she had to do vote that way, or she would have lost the support of the construction trade unions. ( A quick search of her campaign finance reports reveals lots of construction trade union support.)
Opinion: Seems like she was both bought AND bossed to me.
Demonstrable Lie: In her latest piece where Cathy is said to (I’m not making this up) ‘define(s) common sense when politics needs more of it’, Cathy claims to support:
Practical gun control: laws that make us all safer.
For the demonstrable lie, see above. How can you support something when you voted against it?
Because she is a ‘nice lady’, it’s easy to overlook her history of on-the-record lies. She may literally be the only elected official in Delaware history to have been pro-choice and anti-choice at the same time. That isn’t even a litmus test of where she stands on the issue. It’s a litmus test on whether she is truthful. Taking diametric opposite positions on the same issue for two different groups conclusively labels her as untruthful. How can you trust anything she says?
One last slightly off-topic point. Her campaign appears to be suffused with nostalgia for a time when so many people in Brandywine Hundred (like Phil Cloutier) worked for DuPont, were moderate on social issues, and toed the Chamber line on stuff like workers’ rights, decent pay, and the like. My proof? Here is the front-page tagline from her latest piece:
We need her independent, bipartisan leadership now, (sic) more than ever.
In a district with 5000 more registered D’s than R’s, that’s the last thing we need. Not to mention, that time wasn’t so great at all.
Yo, Cathy, if you’d like to respond to the question as to why you’re claiming to support gun safety legislation while voting to bury it in committee, we have space for you. If you’d like, I’ll even close your response to ‘nasty’ comments. Time’s yours. I’ll give you 15 minutes.


delawareliberal--2020-09-24--DL Open Thread: Thurs., Sept. 24, 2020

DL Open Thread: Thurs., Sept. 24, 2020

Democracy In Peril .
Trump won ’ t commit to peaceful transfer of power : “ Get rid of the ballots and you ’ ll have a very peaceful — there won ’ t be a transfer , frankly .
There will be a continuation , ” the president said .
That was an apparent reference to mail-in ballots , which for months he has railed against , without evidence , as rife with fraud and likely to produce a delayed , tainted or outright illegitimate election result .
Florida AG Goes After Bloomberg .
They really don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy : Create a poll tax , ensure that the poll tax , in the form of requiring they pay their debts , do not get paid .
Hence , no votes .
The criminals are in charge .
The lawsuit bashes Gov .
Greg Abbott ( R ) for signing an emergency COVID-19 measure that increased by a week the time offered for early in-person voting .
It alleges that , by implementing the order , Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughes is violating the state ’ s election code .
Rethug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Destroying Roe V. Wade .
Cotton and Hawley .
Betcha they don ’ t follow thru .
Court To Eric Trump : Sit , Boy , Sit .
‘ Too busy working on Dad ’ s election ’ is not a legit excuse .
What do you want to talk about ?

Democracy In Peril. Trump won’t commit to peaceful transfer of power:
“Get rid of the ballots and you’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation,” the president said. That was an apparent reference to mail-in ballots, which for months he has railed against, without evidence, as rife with fraud and likely to produce a delayed, tainted or outright illegitimate election result.
Cops Killed Breonna Taylor. Get Off. Dog bites man.
Florida AG Goes After Bloomberg. They really don’t want these ex-felons to vote. Simple strategy: Create a poll tax, ensure that the poll tax, in the form of requiring they pay their debts, do not get paid. Hence, no votes. The criminals are in charge.
Rethugs Sue–TX Gov. Greg Abbott? For greenlighting minimal expanded early voting:
The lawsuit bashes Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for signing an emergency COVID-19 measure that increased by a week the time offered for early in-person voting. It alleges that, by implementing the order, Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughes is violating the state’s election code.
Seeing a trend here?
Rethug Senators Insist That Supreme Court Nominee Commits To Destroying Roe V. Wade. Cotton and Hawley. Betcha they don’t follow thru.
Court To Eric Trump: Sit, Boy, Sit. ‘Too busy working on Dad’s election’ is not a legit excuse.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-25--Song of the Day 9/25: Patti Smith, “People Have the Power”

Song of the Day 9/25 : Patti Smith , “ People Have the Power ” I ’ m looking to @ @ @ @ @ gloom that pervades progressive spaces these days , so here ’ s an anthem by @ @ @ @ @ Sonic ” Smith from her 1988 LP “ Dream of Life.
” The tune has @ @ @ @ @ U2 covered it on their 2015-16 tour — and at their Paris concert , they @ @ @ @ @ Metal on stage to perform it .
It was EDM ’ s first public appearance @ @ @ @ @ their concert at the Bataclan club in Paris the previous November .
Muslim terrorists struck @ @ @ @ @ four people , two seriously , in a meat-cleaver attack outside what used to the @ @ @ @ @ magazine Charlie Hebdo .

I’m looking to dispel the air of doomed gloom that pervades progressive spaces these days, so here’s an anthem by Patti Smith and Fred “Sonic” Smith from her 1988 LP “Dream of Life.”
The tune has special resonance today, because U2 covered it on their 2015-16 tour — and at their Paris concert, they invited the Eagles of Death Metal on stage to perform it. It was EDM’s first public appearance after the terrorist attack on their concert at the Bataclan club in Paris the previous November. Muslim terrorists struck Paris again today, injuring four people, two seriously, in a meat-cleaver attack outside what used to the the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.


delawareliberal--2020-09-25--DL Open Thread: Friday, Sept. 25, 2020

DL Open Thread: Friday, Sept. 25, 2020

Delaware Rethugs Sue To Have Mail-In Ballots Tossed .
A 50-state strategy that may end up in the Supreme Court .
Judge not buying it : Glasscock asserted that Republicans do not appear concerned about disenfranchisement , given their remedy is to toss out “ 100 percent ” of ballots sent through the new vote by mail system .
“ What you ’ re concerned about is not that people will not be able to have their votes counted – you ’ re quite willing to have people ’ s votes not recorded , ” he said .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself in the abstract .
This is not about voting rights.
” Klein refuted the assertion , stating her clients care about the sanctity of votes , but also about protections to ensure there is a reliable vote tally .
Such protections “ are not existent in the vote by mail ” system , she claimed .
How To Debate Someone Who Lies All The Time .
Debate strategies Biden can use .
Will This Non-Recusal Hurt , Or Help , Barbara Lagoa ’ s SC Chances ?
Refused to recuse herself from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after having ruled on it on a lower court .
Post Office To Reverse DeJoy Policies ?
Yes , according to this story .
Judges made ’ em do it .
DeJoy says they can ’ t comply–already stripped sorting machines for parts .
Psychologists : Prez Is A Psychopath .
So many examples to enumerate .
The article enumerates them .
Death Rattle Of The Republican Party ?
Fact : It ’ s already died in Delaware .
For those who can ’ t share Alby ’ s view , this might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us hope that there is some succor born every minute .
Rethugs Seek To Drain D Governors ’ Power .
In Louisiana and elsewhere .
Including Delaware .
Chamber Skews D. Bad for R ’ s , bad for D ’ s .
We ’ ve seen its malevolent powers on full display here .
The Delaware Way goes national ?
( It already has . )
Excellent article , BTW .
‘ Absurd Legal Maneuvering ’ : How Breonna Taylor was denied justice , before and after the fact .
The bullet-riddled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bullet-riddled corpse .
UD Bleeding Money , Makes Cuts .
Every higher education institution in America faces this same threat .
Some schools won ’ t survive .
What do you want to talk about ?

Delaware Rethugs Sue To Have Mail-In Ballots Tossed. A 50-state strategy that may end up in the Supreme Court. Judge not buying it:
Glasscock asserted that Republicans do not appear concerned about disenfranchisement, given their remedy is to toss out “100 percent” of ballots sent through the new vote by mail system. “What you’re concerned about is not that people will not be able to have their votes counted – you’re quite willing to have people’s votes not recorded,” he said. “You’re trying to vindicate the Constitution itself in the abstract. This is not about voting rights.” Klein refuted the assertion, stating her clients care about the sanctity of votes, but also about protections to ensure there is a reliable vote tally. Such protections “are not existent in the vote by mail” system, she claimed.
How To Debate Someone Who Lies All The Time. Debate strategies Biden can use.
Will This Non-Recusal Hurt, Or Help, Barbara Lagoa’s SC Chances? Refused to recuse herself from the Florida felons’ voting rights case after having ruled on it on a lower court.
Post Office To Reverse DeJoy Policies? Yes, according to this story. Judges made ’em do it. DeJoy says they can’t comply–already stripped sorting machines for parts.
Psychologists: Prez Is A Psychopath. So many examples to enumerate. The article enumerates them.
Death Rattle Of The Republican Party? Fact: It’s already died in Delaware. For those who can’t share Alby’s view, this might at least provide some succor. Let us hope that there is some succor born every minute.
Rethugs Seek To Drain D Governors’ Power. In Louisiana and elsewhere. Including Delaware.
Chamber Skews D. Bad for R’s, bad for D’s. We’ve seen its malevolent powers on full display here. The Delaware Way goes national? (It already has.) Excellent article, BTW.
‘Absurd Legal Maneuvering’: How Breonna Taylor was denied justice, before and after the fact. The bullet-riddled walls were legally more important than Breonna’s bullet-riddled corpse.
UD Bleeding Money, Makes Cuts. Every higher education institution in America faces this same threat. Some schools won’t survive.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-09-27--BREAKING: NYTimes Releases Trump’s Tax Returns…


delawareliberal--2020-09-27--Song of the Day 9/27: Kurt Vile and John Prine, “How Lucky”

Philly native Kurt Vile has a new EP out , highlighted by this duet with one of his musical heroes @ @ @ @ @ recorded it last year when Vile was in a Nashville studio .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ Vile said , “ The truth is John was my hero for a long time @ @ @ @ @ Butcher Shoppe to recut one of his deepest classics with me .
And , man @ @ @ @ @ flying and I couldn ’ t hear anything he told me while he was there @ @ @ @ @ for the night .
“ A couple nights later we were playing “ How Lucky @ @ @ @ @ time onstage at the Grand Ole Opry on New Year ’ s Eve at the @ @ @ @ @ like seeing John and his band of musical brothers and family and friends playing into @ @ @ @ @ of an adoring audience on that stage in Nashville , Tennessee… and , yup , @ @ @ @ @ lucky we all got that night .
”

Philly native Kurt Vile has a new EP out, highlighted by this duet with one of his musical heroes, John Prine. They recorded it last year when Vile was in a Nashville studio. In a statement released with the song, Vile said,
“The truth is John was my hero for a long time when he came into The Butcher Shoppe to recut one of his deepest classics with me. And, man, I was floating and flying and I couldn’t hear anything he told me while he was there till after he was gone for the night.
“A couple nights later we were playing “How Lucky” together again; this time onstage at the Grand Ole Opry on New Year’s Eve at the turn of 2020. Nothing like seeing John and his band of musical brothers and family and friends playing into the new decade in front of an adoring audience on that stage in Nashville, Tennessee… and, yup, that’s just how lucky we all got that night.”