The Politics Thread

[Vee]

 

I think it's going to implode for a lot of reasons. Trump was never prepared to go all the way and he doesn't like the responsibility, the pressure, the need for money, the concept of losing or having his failures magnified for the next several months. Even the convention is basically being thrown together with whoever he can found, including (let's say it) F-list soap stars.

Edited July 16, 2016 by Vee

[DramatistDreamer]

Fun Times continue for Chris Christie, who continues to be a laughingstock.

 

Chris Christie Lost Out on the Job He Wanted. And His Bad Year Got Worse.

 

 

[Juliajms]

I was watching people talk about the open carry rules at the convention. I really hope this convention comes and goes without a shooting. Just so much crazy going on.

[DramatistDreamer]

One thing I'm wondering about the tragedy in Nice, perhaps someone can answer this:

 

Did local officials close of automobile traffic at the Promenade des Anglais? 

 

The times that I've gone to see the Macys Fireworks display in NYC, all traffic except pedestrian traffic was closed off. Entire streets were blocked off.  If they don't do this in Nice, I'm wondering why not?

[DRW50]

The Turkey situation makes me very nervous, especially as they are trying to say the US has a role in the coup (I tend to believe those who think Erdogan may have staged it all), and they are so intertwined with efforts against ISIS. 

 

If only anyone in power in recent years had realized the devastating consequences of playing silly macho games and colonialism delusions with the Middle East.

[DramatistDreamer]

Well, in terms of whether Erdogan may have staged it, it can't be ruled out, sadly, as he has been looking for ways to stay in power past his term limit, including ammending the constitution to allow him to do this. 

 

Unfortunately, the military, or the segment of the military that staged the coup, (as I understand that many in the military were said to oppose the coup) just proved that they are willing to subvert the democratic will by trying to force out a democratically elected official. Coups and military skirmishes in Turkey have occurred with amazing frequency as it seems that neither respecting term limits nor separation of powers has become a staple of Turkey rule of law.  

 

In many countries, Turkey included, the military has an outsize influence, to the point where they feel they can come in an oust a leader who is democratically elected (however well meaning) and in Turkey and many other countries, Presidents and Prime Ministers can feel that they are under no obligation to observe the rule of law or carry out the will of the people who elected them- they are open to manipulating their Constitution to serve their personal needs, being chauvinistic and egotistical enough to believe that they are they the only ones capable of running the country and they are not above schemes, manipulation or strong-armed maneuvers to achieve this goal.

[Vee]

Trump is denied Don King at the RNC. 

[Vee]

Trump can never let go of anything or anyone: He is still taking advice from Corey Lewandowski.

 

This is going to get so much worse for the GOP and I am loving it.

[Vee]

Trump's longtime ghostwriter rips him to shreds.

[Juliajms]

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/07/antonio-sabato-trump-225718

 

I feel like General Hospital is being treated unfairly here. This guy hasn't been it's star in 20 years. I'm only kind of kidding.

 

A few years ago I decided to stop using the world "surreal" because it had become so overused, but I feel like this election is getting more surreal by the day.  It's really shaken my view of the US as a stable country.

[Vee]

The convention floor is already chaos, FYI.

[GMac]

So this is popping up on my FB feed.  I haven't researched to determine the spin on this or any bias involved, but it's troubling regardless of your take of BLM and their impact on the recent violence against the police.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dAu44wVgb58&feature=youtu.be

[Soapsuds]

CNN just said that the speakers tonight are "Where are they now 80's and 90's has beens….LOL

[Vee]

Well, so far the Lone Survivor seemed coked out or loaded and this poor soldier's mom is... not well.

 

These jamokes from Benghazi are just rambling on.

 

And Trump is - yes - ON FOX NEWS. Calling in for an interview during the convention!

Edited July 19, 2016 by Vee

[Vee]

Antonio Sabato is up and he mentioned Jesus within about 1:30. "That's right!"