Arkansas Blog

Dd you think he could take a few million from his campaign and pay for this program? Thank God for Republicans who believe in smaller government.

Dear Trolls
Dear Trolls:

It's been interesting having you around lately. You seem to be a very loyal breed of trolling sheep, willing to follow your leaders with an unusual lack of critical thought. In some ways, when it's seen for what it really is, it's amusing watching you bleat the talking points of the day thinking it's effective rebuttal even though much of it is nonsense. So mostly it's been fun.

This is what I find perplexing, well, one of the things anyway. After not having any power in the House and Senate to speak of for years and years, you finally get control. Contract with America and all that convinces voters to give you a chance. Since that time, you've done nothing but ruin the institutions of government you profess so much pride in. Slowly but surely you've eroded the constitutional foundation of this country.

Your patriotism has been on vivid display beginning with the attack on Clinton and more recently with your undying support of a president who has grabbed unprecedented power with little or no respect for constitutional boundaries, a president with some of the lowest approval ratings ever. It would be hard to drag down the office of the president much further. Face it, you ruined the presidency and waved flags while you did it. The respect for the office is gone and it will take a long time for it to recover, if it can. Nice going. Nixonian even.

The House and Senate have some of the lowest public approval ratings in memory as well. You ruined those institutions too. I don't think there are very many people who feel government cares much about their lives, only about stuffing the pockets of their cronies and crying class warfare if anyone dares point out the abuses of power.

The Supreme Court, you ruined that too, with the latest attacks a prime example. How dare the Supreme Court decide against your side at Guantanamo? Take them down and teach them a lesson. Never mind about tearing down respect for the institutions of government in the process, all that matters is getting your way.

Such patriots you are as you try to justify your selfishness through an intellectually false appeal to the ideas of Adam Smith. Who cares about such things as the first amendment, freedom from government intrusion, states rights, the rule of law, and so on -- the list is long -- so long as you get more for yourself. Yet with all the obvious failings you strut around in the right-wing echo chamber with your chests all puffed out patting each other on the back like you've accomplished something. In your dreams.

Your days are numbered. Enjoy them while they last.

Troll, here's the money
We who are regulars, salute you. Well said and a reality they cannot accept.

Well said troll basher. I wouldn't mind seeing posts from conservatives on this site if they were well thought out arguments. However, most of the posts from so-called conservatives on this site, as well as others, are dripping with hypocrisy. The neo-cons have abandoned the only plank of tRepublican platform that made any sense. Smaller government and less government intrusion, sadly enough, are only talked about by the right when it fits their social agenda. Dear old Ronnie, god rest his soul, would damn these people and the views they extol. Civil liberties have never in the history of our country been so encroached upon. Borrow and spend Republicans, hopefully, have a limited time left in this man's government. Let us all hope and pray that there is some shred of a country left to salvage when they are gone. Speaking of Nixon, I did some research on him and I would dare say that his policy practices and ideas would have easily labeled him a liberal in this most recent political climate. Furthermore, the crimes that he committed against the U.S., pale in comparison to the treasonous behavior of our current administration. Just an example of how far to the right George et al have taken us. I found myself watching a panel of talking heads a couple days ago and the only voice of reason was Pat Buchanan. Yes, I said it, Pat Buchanan, former Nixon speach righter and hater of the left, was the only voice of reason. You know things are getting out of hand when Pat is the man making any sense.

Yes, thanks for posting that one from EconomistsView. The trolls aren't going to like it one bit. Our Republican masters have committed lots more offenses against American than those listed, so there's still lots of material for similar posts in the future!

I think this will explain why trolls are vicious and without any content in their posts. From Conservatives without Conscience:

No question hovered at the front of my mind more, reading through Altemeyer's studies of authoritarian behavior, than, why are right-wingers often malicious, mean-spirited, and disrespectful of even the basic codes of civility?

Social science has discovered these forms of behavior can be rather easily explained as a form of aggression....Altemeyer discovered that the aggression of the right-wingers seems to be not merely instrumental---that is, expressed for some political purpose----but engaged in for the pure pleasure of it.....he found it difficult for most right-wingers to talk about any subject about which they felt strongly without attacking others.

Right-wing authoritarians, are motivated by their fear of a dangerous world, whereas social dominators have an ever-present desire to dominate. The factor that makes right-wingers faster than most people to attack others, and that seems to keep them living in "attack mode," is their remarkable self-righteousness.

They are so sure they are not only right, but holy and pure, that they are bursting with indignation and a desire to smite down their enemies.

Just the mention of Al Franken seems to have inspired the highest level of consciousness on this blog.

Well said all. It is good to keep this all in mind when dealing with a troll. Never stoop to their level.

"freedom from government intrusion"

Except for the Clean Indoor Air Act, right Max?

DBI's post on social science and right-wing authoritarians and social dominators is most interesting, and kind of ties in with my post last night on Maslow and self-actualization.

The trolls are trapped at a level below self-actualization.

Right-wing authoritarians, are motivated by their fear of a dangerous world...

This describes Dr. StrangeLove who was obviously intelligent, but his fear of a dangerous world (and Mexicans) overwhelmed the logic most of us apply to the world scene.

A good read for all of you left wing nuts is Lies We Live By: The Art of Self Deception by Giannetti.

No matter though, spirit's dialectic nonsense of self actualization can be duplicated by some really good acid for those of you who can't read so well.

In his day, Adam Smith was known as a liberal. The greatest but unintended compliment that liberals paid those who believe in economic freedom is by usurping our name.

O' Repent:
You just proved all of the above posts.
Thank you

This describes Dr. StrangeLove...

And hunahillbilly and Keyhotey and redticker and...

This describes Dr. StrangeLove...
And hunahillbilly and Keyhotey and redticker and...
Posted by: Anonymous

Oh, no, I must disagree. StrangeLove was cerebral, though unstable. Those others are troglodytes in comparison.

OK, I'll admit that, while still a troll, Keyhotay is not a trog. But hunk and red are. There, I have spoken.

OK, I read too fast. Sorry. Yes, it describes them all as to being "Right-wing authoritarians". That they are.

The others just don't match Strangelove on the level of apparent wit and intelligence.

Gee. I can't figure out if I am a trog or a troll. I know - maybe I am a trollog.

I guess I am being insulted although Spirit's comment was somewhat uplifting.

Fortunately, since I am not cerebral and am lacking in wit and intelligence, I find it easy to let this just sail over my head.

Meanwhile, I will quietly sit over here behind my rock until I can figure this one out.

Hmmmmm.

I am sure there is a snippy comment that should be made about having to give away 150 ticlkets so Franken will have 150 people in his audience but, tactful person that I am, I won't make that observation.

I can't figure out if I am a trog or a troll.
Posted by: Don Keyhotay

In my estimation, as I said, "while still a troll, Keyhotay is not a trog". Yes, that was something of a compliment and as much as you're likely to get from me!

Fortunately, since I am not cerebral and am lacking in wit and intelligence...

I didn't say you lack wit or intelligence, just that I haven't yet seen those attributes quite to the level of Dr. S. I guess I admire him because he made me laugh a few times (with him, not at him), and because we sparred quite a bit for a while before he disappeared in total frustration, perhaps because I said the men in white coats would be arriving soon to gently coax him into their nice straight jacket.

I am sure there is a snippy comment that should be made about having to give away 150 ticlkets...
Posted by: Don Keyhotay

Your observation is not without merit.

I'm sure The Political Animals Club of Little Rock is not limited to liberal animals. You might join then apply for a ticket. Maybe you'll learn something of value. Personally, I've not been impressed with Franken. I'd rather listen to Joe Biden.

Ack....Spirit...Biden? And I must say I think the length of time that Hunk has been absent is messing with your memories of him. I thought he was thick as a brick. Had an aunt like that, no one liked her until she had been dead for a few years.

I've seen Franken live and he's brilliant, though I can't handle Talk America. I don't think most liberals can take that preaching to the choir crap all day on the radio. Makes me nuts listening to Air America, I am Charles Manson after 5 minutes of Rush. I like the way Franken, at least as far as his books goes, checks and rechecks to make sure he has his facts correct.

My beef with Biden is he's in love with his own voice, always sounds like he's going to kick butt and then votes with the Republicans far too often. Not as bad as Pryor or Lincoln, but too often for making so much noise.

Re: Air America radio broadcast

While visiting in Dallas recently, I stumbled onto an Air America broadcast - something I would not waste my time with here at home.

Quite a revelation - I was quickly repulsed at the vitriolic bile that was being spewed by the host (not Franken but someone else just as mindless). It really didn't matter whether some of the points he made had some fragmented basis in truth or whether the comments were off base somewhere way out in far left field, they were just so transparently pandering to the unthinking, rabid left that I turned it off after about two minutes. I'll listen to fingernails on a chalkboard before I listen to that again.

If Air America is meant to persuade anyone on the right, it does the opposite. If it is meant to whip the lemming left into a frenzy, I guess it does.

Then, the AHA! revelatory moment - this is probably how a Limbaugh, Hannity, etc, broadcast impacts the typical AT blogger - no persuasion occurs, it just p***** them off. These broadcasts (AA as well as Rush, etc.) just spew blood in the water to stir up the feeding piranhas. What a waste.

So, I now understand why some AT bloggers are so unconvinced and unexplainably incensed by Limbaugh.

But Rush is still better than Franken.

Al Franken is a comedian who he's a comedian...but he usually has his facts straight. Limbaugh rarely has his facts straight and believes he's governing alongside Cheney (well...never mind). He's a successful entertainer for the rabid right who takes himself way too seriously.

And I must say I think the length of time that Hunk has been absent is messing with your memories of him.
Posted by: Deathbyinches

No, I said he was a troglodyte and that's as low as I can put someone and still admit they can reproduce with cro magnons.

I only elevated Don K. and Dr. S. above that level, certainly not Hunk.

My beef with Biden is he's in love with his own voice...and...votes with the Republicans far too often

I'm trying to be a realist. They're all in love with their own voice, aren't they? And I've got to admit that a balance must be played in order to be electable. I don't have the luxury of being an all-or-nothing idealist. Once we pass 50 it's important to actually win some final vote counts.

I must say that Biden deserves to be President as much as Beebe deserves to be governor. He's put in his dues and he'll do a credible job, much better than the current office holder. I like him when I hear him speak and at this point that's good enough for me.

I am a fan of Al and he is right on the money in analizing the absolute morass (i.e. quicksand) that these neo-con, ham handed foriegn policy decision makers have gotten our country into ever since "in over his head" "W" was sworn in back in 2001. However, Max you and Warwick have lapsed into what I would call LR speak here....where and what is Rumba Revolution?.. if I wanted to go, which I don't.

But Rush is still better than Franken.
Posted by: Don Keyhotay

Agree (but only as an entertainer). But I haven't had DBI's pleasure of seeing Franken live. DBI says he's brilliant and I believe him.

But if you want to compare entertainers, nobody on earth can compare with Jon Stewart. He's a god and Colbert is an archangel. Rush is, yes, a troglodyte next to them.

When it comes time to breathe my last, I'll hang on long enough to see that day's Daily Show and Colbert Report.

Sorry Spirit, I see now you were talking about Strangelove who did appear to have a few more years of schooling than Hunk. Sorry I mixed them up.

And mega thumbs up super dildoes or whatever Rush says, about Stewart & Colbert....they are the only thing that keeps me from thinking the party's over and Bush-Cheney won.

Surely as squarely as they punch the Bush administration in the nose with their own deeds every night Bush must be bleeding from the behind by now. Amazing how they can make political facts and failure so entertaining. The Right-wingers will never equal them....bite me Dennis Miller...big loser.

And yes Don, what Air America does to your ears, Rush & Company and Fox News does to mine. Unbearable for even a second. I've figured out how to use my parental block on my TVs to total lock out the Fox News channel, just to be safe.

I'm so sorry Reagan killed the Fairness Doctrine and that the FCCs current hobby is dirty words for profit.

I was just reading DBI's current URL of choice, http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Video_50_year_study_says_conservatives_0711.html

I saw John Dean on the Daily Show a few nights ago and was interested to seem him place himself just left of center in the current world, calling himself a Goldwater Republican. I also place myself just left of center, calling myself a Clinton Democrat. Interesting.

I think the extremists are killing, KILLING, the Republican Party, just as surely as extremists have weakened the Democratic Party. Average people are, once they wake up, turned off by extremists.

Near-center is the place to be, folks! The three Rs: reasonable, responsible, realistic.

I'm still voting against Blanche and for the estate tax. That's a promise. Call me an estate tax extremist. Moderation in all things, including in moderation.

Al Franken is a comedian who he's a comedian...but he usually has his facts straight. Limbaugh rarely has his facts straight and believes he's governing alongside Cheney (well...never mind). He's a successful entertainer for the rabid right who takes himself way too seriously.
Posted by: zelda
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Sorry Zelda, you are right that Rush is an entertainer but otherwise, I disagree. In his act, he constantly puffs himself up and brags on himself too much to be taken as a serious commentator. His act has never changed - He brags on himself - because it makes liberals mad. In his schtick, he usually has facts on his side, although they are the selective facts that make his point. He is not a comedian (other than making fun of himself), but he is an entertainer - no more, no less.

Franken, like most Hollywood types, doesn't claim to be a comedian when he goes political - like most actors, he somehow thinks that he has words of wisdom just because just he is a public person (like the Baldwin brothers) that used to be funny. It is a sad sight when a comedian becomes bitter and incorporates it into his act. No longer funny, just mean spirited.

I find it less distressing if I ignore them both and instead enjoy soft music for awhile. I think I will do that right now.

Next to being a civilian in Iraq or Lebanon or Israel right now, being a comedian in 2006 is nearly impossible. Look around, what's so funny? I loved the Jack Benny movie about outsmarting the Nazis, but even in that farce Jack Benny wasn't funny all the time.

It's damn hard to be funny when the White House is full of neo-con killers. Congress is full of crooks who willingly gave all their power over to the White House. The Supreme Court licking the religious right now and then while taking good care of big business at all times. And then there is war. War everywhere. It was not funny watching TV just before bed last night. Scenes of Israel's air force using American built Warthog aircraft to bomb the bejesus out of women and children. Did ya know Fort Smith is the new home of the Warhog!

Then CNN switched to death and plenty of it inside Israel. And then to the "worthless as tits on a bore hog" summit in Rome where the warring parties refused to show up. Just more stall tactics so Israel can do more ethnic cleansing in Lebanon.

How about high gas prices, energy prices, big big money for the oil companies. The continuous misery of Katrina and the neo-con's efforts to keep the poor and the black from returning. It's hard to be funny when votes don't count any more. When Congress spends all it's time ignoring the important stuff, ignoring the Bush evil that is transpiring and spends days talking about and voting on flag-burning and gay marriage.

It's an old trick, I keep you busy while my partner slips in your back door. Again, watch Condi in Rome and pay no attention to the full scale war going on in Lebanon. Want to buy a Rolex?

So, forgive Al Franken for not being his funniest these days, forgive me too. It's hard to crack jokes beside a death bed or at a funeral. Maybe in a few years I'll laugh at Laura's joke about George masturbating a bull.

"Thank God for Republicans who believe in smaller government."

That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.............
LOL

The scariest thing I find about the authoritarians is that you might think they are friends, or they are family, but if their authority figure says to torture and kill you their eyes will glaze over in a trance, and it's as though they don't know you at all. You become something else in their minds. THEY become rabid pit bulls that only live to mangle.

They are very dangerous, and shouldn't be in control of anything.