3689

I found this an interesting read on the current state of the GOP, its development over the decades, and the historical perspective on current affairs

3690

I wonder if the GOPs gravitation towards despotism has to do with their realization that their core platform is designed to benefit a small minority of wealthy people?

In other words, their goals aren’t really goals that will benefit the masses, as in the voters, so a more acceptable form of government to them is simply to one that allows them to rule without worrying about elections.

3691

Demographic trends are causing the GOP to choose between democracy and retaining power. They’ve therefore abandoned democracy.

3692

“Maybe you do not care much about the future of the Republican Party. You should. Conservatives will always be with us. If conservatives become convinced that they can not win democratically, they will not abandon conservatism. The will reject democracy.”

― David Frum, Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic

3693

You don’t have to care about the future of the GOP in order to have a spot for Conservatives. They can make a new party that is
 actually about conservatism and not the homophobic, misogynist, racist and anti-immigration mess that the Republican Party is today.

What a stupid selling point for saving the Republican Party.

3694

Frum gonna frum.

3695

There’s no greater indictment of the racism, cultural bigotry and misogyny of the Republican Party than that simple demographics make them think they’re facing their electoral doom.

3696

I mean, they could redefine the word conservatism to reflect other values, but who would be left to join them?

3697

I don’t follow conservative media but from somewhere is this “new” narrative being trotted out that we’re not a Democracy (thank god!) but a Republic, and that Democrats want to turn us into a Democracy. What about the 49%? Who will represent them?

Literally this was a converation i had with not one, but two civilians yesterday and a congressional candidate knocking on my door this afternoon in the rain. He began his schtick about how dangerous the era we lived in now. But looking at his policy positions his campaign is to become the most Scottish Republican of all.

It’s just crazy that this is becoming the campaign position for the GOP - as a permanent and shrinking minority trying to twist the country’s political system to keep Them out of power. I suppose this is a pale shadow of places like South Africa back in the day.

3698

When you’re a garbage person, sometimes the best you can hope for is a 20-year-old serial liar as a spokesperson.

3699

I’m pretty sure serial liar was in the job description.

3700
3701

Every day I’m learning that enough anger can make you physically sick.

3702

Good. Good. Let the hate flow through you. Then, let enough of it escape in the form of bilious vomit to remain conscious. Conscious. . . of your hate.

3703

What do I need to do to get that Force choking power? There are a lot of people I want to choke!

3704

I’m still seeking the ancient holocrons, my young apprentice.

Nevermind that I’m probably 20 years the junior of 95% of this forum. My young apprentice.

3705

Dude, I’m already on your side. Preaching to the choir and all that. Now where’s my buspirone and omeprazole?

3706

Apparently this stuff can lead to bone frailty if taken for long enough. Something my doctor didn’t disclose to me after prescribing me an ultra-high dose “indefinitely until your stomach isn’t an asshole anymore.”

Finally quit after two years, taking my stomach pains back up from “well this fucking sucks” to “I long for the sweet release of death”

3707

Yeah. I cut down from one a day to one when the acid starts creeping up my throat. And it usually takes 24 hours to kick in. So at least one night of pain.

3708

There are significant risks, and you need to have an excellent surgeon, but look into Nissen fundoplication type surgery. It has been a Godsend to me. I had such bad reflux I’d wake up some nights vomiting as the stomach contents were up in my chest. Now - I have not had a single smidge of heartburn since the surgery. I could literally eat all my food in bed, prone with no issues at all (had to use a wedge before and still couldn’t keep the food and acid down from normal table meals). But if you have a crappy surgeon it could ruin your life. But it is so nice
 if I are even a tiny bit of raw onion I’d be dying for days, now I could eat a whole onion like an apple with no ill effects.