President Donald J. Trump

[PKaiser]

You're pretty blasé, but then you're too young to remember 1968. It's all fun and games until the shit hits the fan. IOW, this is not a reality show, this is reality.

I am old enough to remember 1968, and I also remember it was the same sort of liberal know-nothings that were starting trouble with their own Democrat party. 1968 Chicago was all about the Dems and libtards. Geniuses all!

[onan]

Perhaps I was a bit harsh, but Goddamnit why do they only bring up the right wing money people when there are plenty on the left too? Soros is a nasty sore on our ass, yet onan didn't think to include him in his criticisms and I just get tired of my side always being criticized!

How's that?

First off, and I am guilty as well, calling it "our side" might be problematic in the overall. Second, I have a bias, I openly and often, express that bias. You guys do it too and you are not nearly as open about your bias.

So, lets look at Soros and the Koch brothers.

According to OpenSecrets.org:

When it comes to the combination of institutional lobbying, 527 group donations and PAC expenditures, Koch Industries far out-spends Soros’ hedge fund and think tank, $57.4 million to $12.8 million. Most of this money is attributable to lobbying expenditures.

Individual donations to federal candidates, parties and political action committees (1989 to 2010)
Koch Brothers: $2.58 million
George Soros: $1.74 million

David Koch: $2,224,170

    $667,500 â€" National Republican Congressional Committee
    $555,000 â€" Republican National Committee
    $191,400 â€" National Republican Senatorial Committee

Charles G. Koch: $363,100

    $58,900 â€" National Republican Senatorial Committee
    $50,000 â€" Republican National Committee

George Soros: $1,748,627

    $252,670 â€" Democratic National Committee
    $147,216 â€" Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
    $259,716 â€" Democratic Congressional Campaign Committe

Soros certainly wins the 527 group spending battle, beating the Koch brothers $32.5 million to $1.5 million.

Soros rules this category, having poured more than $34.2 million into political channels, compared to $4.06 million for the Koch brothers.

And to add:

Both the Koch brothers and Soros have given generously to nonpartisan charitable organizations. David Koch, who is still receiving treatment for prostate cancer has donated $120 million to cancer research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, $40 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, $100 million to renovating New York City Ballet and Opera Theater, and $20 million to the American Museum of Natural History, among other donations. Soros recently pledged $100 million to Human Rights Watch, and he has made many other charitable donations such as $50 million for the Millennium Promise initiative to eradicate extreme poverty in Africa. In 2003, PBS estimated Soros had donated more than $4 billion since the 1980s.

This next Image is certainly biased but it does show some difference in ideologies:




So, yeah, we can demonize our "opponents" all day long. To my point of view Soros is guilty of large money invested in politics. We can argue forever about the intentions but we will probably never agree.

[Jesus Undercarriage]

http://hyperallergic.com/282740/drawing-of-donald-trump-with-a-micropenis-might-get-artist-banned-for-life-from-facebook-nsfw/

[PKaiser]

First off, and I am guilty as well, calling it "our side" might be problematic in the overall. Second, I have a bias, I openly and often, express that bias. You guys do it too and you are not nearly as open about your bias.

So, lets look at Soros and the Koch brothers.

According to OpenSecrets.org:




And to add:


This next Image is certainly biased but it does show some difference in ideologies:




So, yeah, we can demonize our "opponents" all day long. To my point of view Soros is guilty of large money invested in politics. We can argue forever about the intentions but we will probably never agree.

Onan, I wear my biases on my sleeve. I'm an unabashed constitutionalist and have been all my life. My first presidential vote was in 1980 when I couldn't WAIT to pull that lever for Ronald Wilson Reagan. I cannot stand what liberal progressives have done to my fine country over the past century and have had enough! I went through our hideous schools filled with awful teachers who care only about tenure and the new deck they are building. Oh, here is where I should mention I was a school teacher for a year and a half after going through one of our wretched liberal run universities. I cannot stand them (teachers), for they are some of the most ill-educated people I've ever known.

That being said, again, the Koch brothers are US CITIZENS (in case you missed that) with skin in the game who use their fortunes to elect candidates of their choosing, not to incite violence, riots and the eventual overthrow of our country. George Soros, on the other hand is NOT a US citizen and is using his fortune to attack my country, incite violence against people he doesn't agree with and stated this past weekend he is planning more, so he can help along the downfall of my great country! There is no moral equivalence between the two, and I'm shocked someone as intelligent sounding as you are would even come on here and try to tell us that one is just as bad as the other when they clearly are NOT.

C'mon, onan, at least be for real here....

[onan]

Onan, I wear my biases on my sleeve. I'm an unabashed constitutionalist and have been all my life. My first presidential vote was in 1980 when I couldn't WAIT to pull that lever for Ronald Wilson Reagan. I cannot stand what liberal progressives have done to my fine country over the past century and have had enough! I went through our hideous schools filled with awful teachers who care only about tenure and the new deck they are building. Oh, here is where I should mention I was a school teacher for a year and a half after going through one of our wretched liberal run universities. I cannot stand them (teachers), for they are some of the most ill-educated people I've ever known.

That being said, again, the Koch brothers are US CITIZENS (in case you missed that) with skin in the game who use their fortunes to elect candidates of their choosing, not to incite violence, riots and the eventual overthrow of our country. George Soros, on the other hand is NOT a US citizen and is using his fortune to attack my country, incite violence against people he doesn't agree with and stated this past weekend he is planning more, so he can help along the downfall of my great country! There is no moral equivalence between the two, and I'm shocked someone as intelligent sounding as you are would even come on here and try to tell us that one is just as bad as the other when they clearly are NOT.

C'mon, onan, at least be for real here....

We see it differently. It isn't just your country. It is mine as well. I don't like what your guys are doing to my country.
I brought up Soros because you expressed displeasure because I didn't in my original post.

I pointed out that both parties are guilty of spending a bunch of money to manipulate politics.

Now you accuse me of not being real.

You're right however, there is no equivalency between the Koch brothers and George Soros.

[PKaiser]

We see it differently. It isn't just your country. It is mine as well. I don't like what your guys are doing to my country.
I brought up Soros because you expressed displeasure because I didn't in my original post.

I pointed out that both parties are guilty of spending a bunch of money to manipulate politics.

Now you accuse me of not being real.

You're right however, there is no equivalency between the Koch brothers and George Soros.

I must say you are at the least reasonable and respectful in your responses to me which engenders my respect.

I suppose I must trot out the cliché "we can agree to disagree." My sincerest of apologies for the "be for real" comment. It's early here, lol 😊

[GravitySucks]

We see it differently. It isn't just your country. It is mine as well. I don't like what your guys are doing to my country.
I brought up Soros because you expressed displeasure because I didn't in my original post.

I pointed out that both parties are guilty of spending a bunch of money to manipulate politics.

Now you accuse me of not being real.

You're right however, there is no equivalency between the Koch brothers and George Soros.

LOL - onan, you keep forgetting to use the [sarcasm] tag.

[VtaGeezer]

Soros has been an American citizen since 1961.  But I hear he smells of sulphur and brimstone. 

[Ms. C]

Hahahaha ...  This is great, thanks!   

[SredniVashtar]

If it weren't for the United States coming over in 1917-18 and 1942-45 and bailing your pansy asses out your little island would've been swallowed up and spit out. Thank God we were there to fight and die for you people or we would have never had The Beatles, the greatest, most influential band in the history of music. 😀

You're only a drummer, don't go pretending you know anything about music. I bet you think a semibreve is some sort of underwear. I could get a coked-up gibbon to do much the same thing as you. And he wouldn't be such a pain in the arse, either.

In both cases, the wars had been going on for several years, while you lot had your thumbs securely parked wondering whether Western civliisation was worth saving. We had done all the heavy lifting with the Battle of Britain. You lot wandered in with your chewing gum and beastly accents and were more interested in low-lying manoeuvres over our women than doing any actual fighting. Hitler would have come for you soon enough, don't pretend you were doing us any favours.

Oh well, I have just ticked off "number 1" on the "Things That All Americans Say to Brits" list. I hope you don't disappoint me and forget to mention bad teeth and the War of Independence next.

[MV/Liberace!]

You're pretty blasé, but then you're too young to remember 1968. It's all fun and games until the shit hits the fan. IOW, this is not a reality show, this is reality.

true.  i'm totally unaware of history prior to october 1979.

what you don't get is that a candidate who doesn't stir up emotions or get people worked up is a candidate who will deliver more of the same and accomplish nothing.

[chefist]

I think the reason Trump is getting so many supporters is that he is saying the things many want to hear...for quite a while now, politicians have been telling people what to think, not asking what their actual concerns are...

Interesting to see the bias in the media...if anyone called Obama a foreigner or a communist, CNN and the others would go out of their way to make those people look like loons...now, if you call Trump a nazi, you are given multi-page coverage on how that is a rational viewpoint...just amazing! The next few months are going to be really fun!

[SredniVashtar]

I think the reason Trump is getting so many supporters is that he is saying the things many want to hear...for quite a while now, politicians have been telling people what to think, not asking what their actual concerns are...

Interesting to see the bias in the media...if anyone called Obama a foreigner or a communist, CNN and the others would go out of their way to make those people look like loons...now, if you call Trump a nazi, you are given multi-page coverage on how that is a rational viewpoint...just amazing! The next few months are going to be really fun!

Trump isn't coherent enough to be called a Nazi, but he certainly has fascist inclinations. Despite scoffing from the right, the Hitler parallels are pretty sound. Both used out-groups as a platform for their rhetoric: in Hitler's case it was Jews and Communists, with Trump it's Mexicans and Muslims. They can then portray them as the reason that their respective countries are being held back. The problem with fascists is that their way of running things can work for a while, before they run everything into a ditch. You've gotta love the way Trump does that thing with his mouth when he is being asked a question. I wonder how long he practiced that in front of the mirror? He probably thinks it makes him look presidential, but really he just looks like he is waiting to leave the stage so he can take an extra-large shit.

[chefist]

Trump isn't coherent enough to be called a Nazi, but he certainly has fascist inclinations. Despite scoffing from the right, the Hitler parallels are pretty sound. Both used out-groups as a platform for their rhetoric: in Hitler's case it was Jews and Communists, with Trump it's Mexicans and Muslims. They can then portray them as the reason that their respective countries are being held back. The problem with fascists is that their way of running things can work for a while, before they run everything into a ditch. You've gotta love the way Trump does that thing with his mouth when he is being asked a question. I wonder how long he practiced that in front of the mirror? He probably thinks it makes him look presidential, but really he just looks like he is waiting to leave the stage so he can take an extra-large shit.

Righties call the left commies...Lefties call the right nazies...each feel there are compelling arguments/evidence for their point of view...it just the same form of fear that each side uses to manipulate the voters...

[PKaiser]

You're only a drummer, don't go pretending you know anything about music.

Hey Sredni, good to see you!

Perhaps you missed the part where I let everyone know that my avatar is actually me, or maybe you have difficulties telling drums and guitars apart, hmmm?

Wanna know what I know about music? Have the guts to go to

www.reverbnation.com/philkaiser

Listen to the first three songs, and if you're real bold the first five. I wrote them all, played all the instruments, sang all the parts, and recorded them in my home studio. I'm completely self taught and cannot read or write music. I can pick up any instrument and play it for some reason, it's my gift. Might peruse the videos too, where I'm singing on the Bob & Tom Show with guys like Lou Gramm of Foreigner and Dennis DeYoung if Styx live on the radio, something amateurs don't get to do. C'mon Sred, I dare you. Of course I would love to read your honest opinion of my original music because, while I don't agree with you much I can read that you are a very intelligent man.

I truly wish I didn't get off on the wrong foot with you because folks hold you in high esteem here and for good reason.

Give it a go and get back to me, won't you?

Phil

EDIT: I don't make a penny from it, just wanted the stuff out there....

[SredniVashtar]

I truly wish I didn't get off on the wrong foot with you because folks hold you in high esteem here and for good reason.

Me am only teasing you, don't take I seriously. 

[The General]

because only men enjoy sex, and women are doing us a big favor when having it with us.

I know you're being sarcastic but this is the story of my life.

[PKaiser]

Me am only teasing you, don't take I seriously. 

Are you shitting me???

Son of a bitch I've been had!  You naughty Brits, you! I will try to keep this in mind going forward. 😀

[PKaiser]

Excuse me, General, but I just wanted to tell you that I love your avatar!

[GravitySucks]

Are you shitting me???

Son of a bitch I've been had!  You naughty Brits, you! I will try to keep this in mind going forward. 😀

[PKaiser]

Thanks for the chuckle GS!

[SciFiAuthor]

Are you shitting me???

Son of a bitch I've been had!  You naughty Brits, you! I will try to keep this in mind going forward. 😀

It's really best to just spray him with pepper spray when he makes his advances. He enjoys it and it makes for less typing.

[SredniVashtar]

Are you shitting me???

Son of a bitch I've been had!  You naughty Brits, you! I will try to keep this in mind going forward. 😀

I had a months long 'feud' with Inglorious Bitch that people assumed was genuine, but we were friends the whole time. It was only when I went on the GabCast that I realised that people thought  I was being serious rather than just having fun. You can say what you like to me because I won't take offence. I can't remember ever being deliberately mean on here, it's all just a game as far as I'm concerned.

[PKaiser]

It's really best to just spray him with pepper spray when he makes his advances. He enjoys it and it makes for less typing.

Could've used that advice a couple of days ago.

Someone else PMed me and told me that Sred gets off on this and is usually pulling your leg, but I guess I had to learn it on my own. Should've listened to them!

[PKaiser]

I had a months long 'feud' with Inglorious Bitch that people assumed was genuine, but we were friends the whole time. It was only when I went on the GabCast that I realised that people thought  I was being serious rather than just having fun. You can say what you like to me because I won't take offence. I can't remember ever being deliberately mean on here, it's all just a game as far as I'm concerned.

Oh for crying out loud! Man, you do know how to work it, don't you? I'd see your avatar (looks so familiar to me but I can't place him) and I'd start thinking "shit, is this the time he's gonna rip me to shreds?" And to think all of the other bellgabbers reading this while trying to stifle a full on laugh because most of them are in on it....

Man, I just want to crawl back under my rock!

[GravitySucks]

I had a months long 'feud' with Inglorious Bitch that people assumed was genuine, but we were friends the whole time. It was only when I went on the GabCast that I realised that people thought  I was being serious rather than just having fun. You can say what you like to me because I won't take offence. I can't remember ever being deliberately mean on here, it's all just a game as far as I'm concerned.

It's Incorrigible Bitch that you have to watch out for. We used to think she was nice. Until we found out about what she buried in her back yard.

But she is a Trump supporter, so we tolerate her.

[Yorkshire pud]

You're only a drummer, don't go pretending you know anything about music. I bet you think a semibreve is some sort of underwear. I could get a coked-up gibbon to do much the same thing as you. And he wouldn't be such a pain in the arse, either.

In both cases, the wars had been going on for several years, while you lot had your thumbs securely parked wondering whether Western civliisation was worth saving. We had done all the heavy lifting with the Battle of Britain. You lot wandered in with your chewing gum and beastly accents and were more interested in low-lying manoeuvres over our women than doing any actual fighting. Hitler would have come for you soon enough, don't pretend you were doing us any favours.

Oh well, I have just ticked off "number 1" on the "Things That All Americans Say to Brits" list. I hope you don't disappoint me and forget to mention bad teeth and the War of Independence next.

Nor has there been any mention about the Florida gun advocating mum who was safely shot in the back by her safe four year old son using her safe .45 handgun. Safely, and with a certain poetic irony if it wasn't for the horrible prospect it could have been someone else; or someone elses child. All this Trump worship drumming up the natives against Johnny Foreigner and his evil ways; more people are killed by toddlers with guns in the US than by terrorists. Don't mention that SV.

[Yorkshire pud]

I had a months long 'feud' with Inglorious Bitch that people assumed was genuine, but we were friends the whole time. It was only when I went on the GabCast that I realised that people thought  I was being serious rather than just having fun. You can say what you like to me because I won't take offence. I can't remember ever being deliberately mean on here, it's all just a game as far as I'm concerned.

Excuse me!!! I didn't get that memo about you not being deliberately mean.

[SciFiAuthor]

Could've used that advice a couple of days ago.

Someone else PMed me and told me that Sred gets off on this and is usually pulling your leg, but I guess I had to learn it on my own. Should've listened to them!

I once did a gabcast with him. I thought beforehand that it was an ambush and he was going to demonstrate what it sounds like to give someone a Columbian necktie on the air. Instead, he asked my opinion of Star Wars and we had a delightful chat. The Columbian necktie happened afterwards, but thankfully I recovered after a hospital stay.

[Lt.Uhura]

Wanna know what I know about music? Have the guts to go to
www.reverbnation.com/philkaiser

Listen to the first three songs, and if you're real bold the first five. I wrote them all, played all the instruments, sang all the parts, and recorded them in my home studio. I'm completely self taught and cannot read or write music. I can pick up any instrument and play it for some reason, it's my gift. Might peruse the videos too, where I'm singing on the Bob & Tom Show with guys like Lou Gramm of Foreigner and Dennis DeYoung if Styx live on the radio, something amateurs don't get to do. C'mon Sred, I dare you...
Give it a go and get back to me, won't you?
Phil
EDIT: I don't make a penny from it, just wanted the stuff out there....

Reported for shameless self-promotion in the Donald Trump thread.