“It cost me $80 to fill a tank of gas!” Your answer: "Might be a good time to trade that beast in for an EV." That would be sure to make the MAGAts see red.
My response: Wow, how big is your gas tank? Gas is $2.50 a gallon in Denver right now - your tank must hold 32 gallons. What kind of a whaleboat are you driving?
No, no, no. They don't like to be questioned on anything. Just like the guy who said he paid $90 for a turkey because of Bidenomics. But at $1.25 per pound (43 cents less than last year), his turkey would have weighed a massive 72 pounds. They live in a LaLaLand where they can and will complain about everything and blame it on Biden.
They live on Earth 2. The ENTIRE GOP m.o. is to create outrage fictions, and relentlessly pound it thru "conservative" tin foul hats. And it works, for their declining number of supporters and voters...and clearly influences legacy/mainstream media reporting.
My relatives are now few, and they’re all on the Blue team. But this advice will come in handy next week, when friends and I will be at the house of our one Red friend. Thank you! We try to not discuss politics, but words slip out.
Where do these people come from? What was their upbringing like? The MAGAs I know, take away that obvious depravity, are all fine people. Only differences I see are they and parents have always voted Republican and they watch no news but Fox.
SOME are fine people. Some aren’t all that fine, once one goes beyond the politeness, even friendliness and warmth. Supporting a fascist shows bad values, even that that “nice” person may be dangerous. I’m not lecturing you (or anyone), but Trumpists scare and infuriate me.
And old-time Republicans are, as we know, nothing like these Republicans. In my long life, I’ve voted for only one Republican, but I think they weren’t actual fascists or traitors. Different situation now.
That gas price topic is a loser argument anyway. Gas prices may be down a bit, but gas above $4 (in San Diego) is still an astronomical price. Especially considering that the last time crude oil prices were at today's level, gas was just a tad above $2.
Yes, Kevin. So why are the heads of the gasoline refineries/suppliers keeping prices up so they can make huge bonuses? It's called greed, or capitalism for the rich, or whatever you can get away with as long as you keep handing over millions to your puppets in Congress.
Agreed, but I suspect there is a second reason behind it. The gas companies want to get people to get used to higher fuel prices so when the inevitable change to synthetic fuels happens in a few years, there won't be a sticker shock.
I’m still waiting for the state’s new oil refineries watchdog regulator report on the mysterious party that paid an above market price for a huge amount of refined gasoline several months ago that locked in high gas prices near term and for several following months. Reminds me of the days when SDG&E owned their own power plants and always waited for market highs to sign long term contracts for natural gas and fuel oil.
I asked Bard, Google's AI, to provide me with a brief discussion of the errors involved in claiming that the US is a "Constitutional Republic not a Democracy." The answer is not all that brief, but very useful.
"The statement "The United States is a republic, not a democracy" is a simplification and often misconstrued. Here's why:
1. Misinterpreting "democracy":
The statement often conflates "democracy" with "direct democracy," where citizens vote directly on every issue. This type of democracy is impractical for large, modern nations.
However, "democracy" can also encompass representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the system employed by the US, making it a democratic republic.
2. Oversimplifying "republic":
A republic focuses on the distribution of power, ensuring it doesn't reside solely with the majority. This protects individual rights and liberties from the "tyranny of the majority."
However, this protection doesn't negate the democratic elements of the US system. Elected officials are ultimately accountable to the people and derive their legitimacy from popular consent.
3. Intertwined concepts:
In reality, the US system is a blend of both republic and democracy. The Constitution establishes a framework for representative government (democracy) with checks and balances (republic) to safeguard individual rights.
Both elements are crucial for the functioning of the US government.
Therefore, the statement is misleading because:
It misinterprets "democracy" as solely direct democracy.
It oversimplifies "republic" by ignoring the democratic elements.
It fails to acknowledge the intertwined nature of both concepts in the US system.
A more accurate description of the US government would be a "democratic republic," reflecting its blend of representative democracy and safeguards for individual rights."
And when they say, "Sure do!", then I burst into laughter. Uncontrollable giggle fit. "That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard!" Every time they start to say it again, giggle fit! 😂😂😂
The uncontrollable laughter tactic has successfully diverted MAGA friends and family at several functions. I'm not trying to change minds (pointless endeavor), just change the conversation. YMMV
Anything--ANYTHING--but calling their words “outrageous” and demanding apologies. That’s exactly what they want. It’s what they live for.
One of the most persistent lies of the past 40 years is the notion that they’re the normal Americans and we’re the weirdos whose feelings are always getting hurt. It’s precisely the opposite, and I can’t more highly recommend that people act like it.
My mom was a psych nurse. At one point there was a local flasher in the news. My mom said if women would just laugh rather than be shocked, that would be the end of flashing.
One of my absolute favorite animals in the entire world.
150 lbs. of mouse. They eat vegetables, so no animals fear them. They weigh 150 lbs., so they have few predators.
As a result, they get along great with other animals, including fellow house pets, and make great pets, if you provide them with a pond to swim in and regular vegetable salad. They love people. That's why this guy happily posed in glasses, reading a book....when people on the Internet ask for a photo of me, that's what I send them.
Fantastic answers Jay! But most of my "trumpy" relatives avoid me, and those that don't don't bring him up. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but it's good for my blood pressure.
It’s also amusing how many examples I could think of, for example about courts deciding elections and letting voters decide (popular vote vs electoral college)
You could also point out that Trump was leader of the conservative effort to get Obama thrown out of office for supposedly not being born here* even though he was elected with a solid majority (something Trump will never have).
*(And don’t even get me started on what a slender reed they had even if he were)
If Obama's birth comes up as a topic, two more talking points: first, his opponent, John McCain, really *was* born outside the USA (he was born in Panama, and probably not even in the military hospital as that wasn't built yet at the time). And second, even if Obama really was born in Kenya, he'd still be eligible for the Presidency. He would have inherited US citizenship from his mother.
Oh these are so brilliant! Now I almost wish I was enjoying the holidays with my ULTRA MAGA relatives but they don’t associate my progressive immediate family and friends. Sucks to be them! Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
"How can a bunch of unelected judges in Colorado decide who can be on the ballot? Your answer: "Probably the same way that a bunch of unelected judges on the U.S. Supreme Court are going to do it soon, just as they decided who won the 2020 presidential election."
Take a bow, Jay! These replies to abject ignorance are 👏 worthy. Brilliant to employ the agreement-turnaround tactic on them. Not sure they will understand what you did there, or that it will change their pointy little heads, but we sure enjoyed your genius!!
Hard to imagine having a real discussion with Melania about what she thinks about anything. But I doubt that she questions that her husband will fuck anything with a pulse (and that may be overstating matters).
I will have to write down your brilliant responses and read them to whomever word for word! Love to shake up the conversation! Happy holidays to all xo
We have family members who, while watching last year's Macy's parade, pitched a fit because some of the performers were drag queens and said we should do to them what they do in Russia. I am bisexual. I grew up in the Soviet Union. My parents are in Ukraine - 20 kilometers north of the front line. So... when they said that, I couldn't help but have an acute trauma response. To their credit, the rest of the family told them to shut up and then leave, but I now have a mini-PTSD every time I see them.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know it is a risk so doing. Yet, hearing such stories helps me see your plight more real (and thus, giving depth to the issue of equality).
“It cost me $80 to fill a tank of gas!” Your answer: "Might be a good time to trade that beast in for an EV." That would be sure to make the MAGAts see red.
My response: Wow, how big is your gas tank? Gas is $2.50 a gallon in Denver right now - your tank must hold 32 gallons. What kind of a whaleboat are you driving?
You expect them to whine AND do math at the same time? ;-)
I was told there would be no math! ;-)
Or a more deadpan variety of the same thing: "Yes, I once had a car like that, too".
Winner.
No, no, no. They don't like to be questioned on anything. Just like the guy who said he paid $90 for a turkey because of Bidenomics. But at $1.25 per pound (43 cents less than last year), his turkey would have weighed a massive 72 pounds. They live in a LaLaLand where they can and will complain about everything and blame it on Biden.
Then there is David Brooks liquor tab and hamburger...And he's one of the more reasonable Republicans.
Once again:
There.
Are.
No.
Good.
Ones.
No, there aren't, but Brooks likes to pretend and he got caught.
They live on Earth 2. The ENTIRE GOP m.o. is to create outrage fictions, and relentlessly pound it thru "conservative" tin foul hats. And it works, for their declining number of supporters and voters...and clearly influences legacy/mainstream media reporting.
My relatives are now few, and they’re all on the Blue team. But this advice will come in handy next week, when friends and I will be at the house of our one Red friend. Thank you! We try to not discuss politics, but words slip out.
If he's outnumbered he'll be careful.
She and he (married hetero couple).
Where do these people come from? What was their upbringing like? The MAGAs I know, take away that obvious depravity, are all fine people. Only differences I see are they and parents have always voted Republican and they watch no news but Fox.
SOME are fine people. Some aren’t all that fine, once one goes beyond the politeness, even friendliness and warmth. Supporting a fascist shows bad values, even that that “nice” person may be dangerous. I’m not lecturing you (or anyone), but Trumpists scare and infuriate me.
And old-time Republicans are, as we know, nothing like these Republicans. In my long life, I’ve voted for only one Republican, but I think they weren’t actual fascists or traitors. Different situation now.
You could also say: why didn't you take Amtrak or the subway? $2.90 gets you from Rockaway to Inwood on the A Train.
I like that comeback!
That gas price topic is a loser argument anyway. Gas prices may be down a bit, but gas above $4 (in San Diego) is still an astronomical price. Especially considering that the last time crude oil prices were at today's level, gas was just a tad above $2.
Yes, Kevin. So why are the heads of the gasoline refineries/suppliers keeping prices up so they can make huge bonuses? It's called greed, or capitalism for the rich, or whatever you can get away with as long as you keep handing over millions to your puppets in Congress.
Agreed, but I suspect there is a second reason behind it. The gas companies want to get people to get used to higher fuel prices so when the inevitable change to synthetic fuels happens in a few years, there won't be a sticker shock.
And remember that the House introduced a Gas Gouge Act that would have decreased the oil company corporations ability to randomly raise gas prices.
All GOP members rejected the proposal.
Wonder why?
CA voters are partly to blame.
CA lawmakers passed SB1 in 2017 adding taxes to gas that was to be distributed to DMV and roads.
CA voters had a chance to repeal SB1 in 2018. But they did not.
So when SB1 was put into effect it added .11 per gallon. As gas prices went up, so did the tax. It was probably .70 per gallon at its height.
Today it is probably .40 per gallon.
That adds up real quick!
I’m still waiting for the state’s new oil refineries watchdog regulator report on the mysterious party that paid an above market price for a huge amount of refined gasoline several months ago that locked in high gas prices near term and for several following months. Reminds me of the days when SDG&E owned their own power plants and always waited for market highs to sign long term contracts for natural gas and fuel oil.
Funny thing is most Ford gas pickups land anywhere from $50-$70K!
I asked Bard, Google's AI, to provide me with a brief discussion of the errors involved in claiming that the US is a "Constitutional Republic not a Democracy." The answer is not all that brief, but very useful.
"The statement "The United States is a republic, not a democracy" is a simplification and often misconstrued. Here's why:
1. Misinterpreting "democracy":
The statement often conflates "democracy" with "direct democracy," where citizens vote directly on every issue. This type of democracy is impractical for large, modern nations.
However, "democracy" can also encompass representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. This is the system employed by the US, making it a democratic republic.
2. Oversimplifying "republic":
A republic focuses on the distribution of power, ensuring it doesn't reside solely with the majority. This protects individual rights and liberties from the "tyranny of the majority."
However, this protection doesn't negate the democratic elements of the US system. Elected officials are ultimately accountable to the people and derive their legitimacy from popular consent.
3. Intertwined concepts:
In reality, the US system is a blend of both republic and democracy. The Constitution establishes a framework for representative government (democracy) with checks and balances (republic) to safeguard individual rights.
Both elements are crucial for the functioning of the US government.
Therefore, the statement is misleading because:
It misinterprets "democracy" as solely direct democracy.
It oversimplifies "republic" by ignoring the democratic elements.
It fails to acknowledge the intertwined nature of both concepts in the US system.
A more accurate description of the US government would be a "democratic republic," reflecting its blend of representative democracy and safeguards for individual rights."
https://g.co/bard/share/3121372c7add
Your gun-luvin' Uncle Lou: at least Trump won't be coming for my guns!
YOU: sure. And maybe he can help you recover all those firearms Obama took from you.
Or Biden. Or Clinton. Or Carter. Or Johnson. Or JFK. Or Truman. Or FDR. Or Wilson....
If you can’t remember all these, I’ve found squinting and saying “You REALLY think that?” has a kryptonite effect.
And when they say, "Sure do!", then I burst into laughter. Uncontrollable giggle fit. "That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard!" Every time they start to say it again, giggle fit! 😂😂😂
The uncontrollable laughter tactic has successfully diverted MAGA friends and family at several functions. I'm not trying to change minds (pointless endeavor), just change the conversation. YMMV
Anything--ANYTHING--but calling their words “outrageous” and demanding apologies. That’s exactly what they want. It’s what they live for.
One of the most persistent lies of the past 40 years is the notion that they’re the normal Americans and we’re the weirdos whose feelings are always getting hurt. It’s precisely the opposite, and I can’t more highly recommend that people act like it.
My mom was a psych nurse. At one point there was a local flasher in the news. My mom said if women would just laugh rather than be shocked, that would be the end of flashing.
One of my female friends faced a flasher, pointed, and said, "You call THAT a penis?" Then she burst out laughing.
Love the capybara!
One of my absolute favorite animals in the entire world.
150 lbs. of mouse. They eat vegetables, so no animals fear them. They weigh 150 lbs., so they have few predators.
As a result, they get along great with other animals, including fellow house pets, and make great pets, if you provide them with a pond to swim in and regular vegetable salad. They love people. That's why this guy happily posed in glasses, reading a book....when people on the Internet ask for a photo of me, that's what I send them.
Fantastic answers Jay! But most of my "trumpy" relatives avoid me, and those that don't don't bring him up. I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but it's good for my blood pressure.
Great work, Jay. Thankfully, I won’t have to use this material with my dearest ones. But it may come in handy in the wider world.
The two t-shirts I’ll be wearing to family and office Holiday gatherings:
1)
“Trump is a Nazi
Trump is a Racist
Trump is a Disgrace
Trump is the Most Disgusting Fraud on Planet Earth”
2)
“Protect and Defend Women’s Rights
Defend and Preserve Democracy
Vote ONLY for Democrats”
I’ll change shirts every hour.
Happy Holidays!
It’s also amusing how many examples I could think of, for example about courts deciding elections and letting voters decide (popular vote vs electoral college)
The hypocrisy runs deep
You could also point out that Trump was leader of the conservative effort to get Obama thrown out of office for supposedly not being born here* even though he was elected with a solid majority (something Trump will never have).
*(And don’t even get me started on what a slender reed they had even if he were)
If Obama's birth comes up as a topic, two more talking points: first, his opponent, John McCain, really *was* born outside the USA (he was born in Panama, and probably not even in the military hospital as that wasn't built yet at the time). And second, even if Obama really was born in Kenya, he'd still be eligible for the Presidency. He would have inherited US citizenship from his mother.
Oh these are so brilliant! Now I almost wish I was enjoying the holidays with my ULTRA MAGA relatives but they don’t associate my progressive immediate family and friends. Sucks to be them! Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
"How can a bunch of unelected judges in Colorado decide who can be on the ballot? Your answer: "Probably the same way that a bunch of unelected judges on the U.S. Supreme Court are going to do it soon, just as they decided who won the 2020 presidential election."
And the 2004 election...
Take a bow, Jay! These replies to abject ignorance are 👏 worthy. Brilliant to employ the agreement-turnaround tactic on them. Not sure they will understand what you did there, or that it will change their pointy little heads, but we sure enjoyed your genius!!
..immigrant motherS...
And, “Hey, I thought you were against immigration! How do you explain his three wives?
Not to quibble, but only two of his wives were immigrants.
But he still has 4 kids by those two.
Wonder how Melania feels when she hears her hubby talk about poisoned blood?
Hard to imagine having a real discussion with Melania about what she thinks about anything. But I doubt that she questions that her husband will fuck anything with a pulse (and that may be overstating matters).
Oops. Wasn’t thinking.
Her ancestors have been rich and powerful for longer than the U.S. has been a nation.
She does not GAF.
Once he gets sued and has to pay a sum like Rudy (and files for bankruptcy, again), watch how fast it becomes Ex-wiveS...
Use the three wives to address "family values," too.
I will have to write down your brilliant responses and read them to whomever word for word! Love to shake up the conversation! Happy holidays to all xo
We have family members who, while watching last year's Macy's parade, pitched a fit because some of the performers were drag queens and said we should do to them what they do in Russia. I am bisexual. I grew up in the Soviet Union. My parents are in Ukraine - 20 kilometers north of the front line. So... when they said that, I couldn't help but have an acute trauma response. To their credit, the rest of the family told them to shut up and then leave, but I now have a mini-PTSD every time I see them.
Horrifying
I'm so sorry you had to deal with these unkind people. Be well. 😘
Thank you for sharing your story. I know it is a risk so doing. Yet, hearing such stories helps me see your plight more real (and thus, giving depth to the issue of equality).
🫣😢
Any idea why I can't like this comment? It's sure likeworthy!
Did they leave? Did they apologize?
They did leave that one time. But they never apologized.
Figures. Their glorious leader never apologizes, either.
Yes! I’m going to an anti-Trump holiday, but this was so snappy and right-on. Love it, Jay!
Wow, I almost wish I had some MAGA asshats in my family so I could try this out. Happy holidays!