patrick.net

The Russians should pick on the Obese gay people, then that way they'll get the American Liberal support they so desperately crave.

Automan Empire says

It is a world superpower; no, one of THE superpowers, and all eyes are upon it because of the olympics. ... gay people (who flock to places like Los Angeles where I live, and their gayness is no big deal FFS) Russia needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century in social matters.

Now I see just the kind of voters these silly issues become priorities...

marcus says

You're such a simpleton. You really think that that story was because of liberals ?

Of course because of liberals. Mr. EmptySuit isn't talking to an empty room out there when he is addressing the nation. He is catering to his liberal left, that got screws loose in their heads.

It's your "Democratic" political party that gave up on trying to fix the economy, and just refocused itself on political BS. Just wait till the drums of your ficticious war on women start up again, we get that at least every other day on CNN.

FortWayne says

Now I see just the kind of voters these silly issues become priorities...

Funny the way conservatives tell "voters like me" to go to Russia if I don't like it here.

FortWayne says

Now I see just the kind of voters these silly issues become priorities...

And therein lies the fault with your entire argument- if you had any to start with. You are calling one group of American's access to equal treatment as "Silly". Is that really what you think? You think that if someone is denied the same rights as other that its a "Silly" issue?

You keep posting this absurd and ridiculous posts about this same topic and are wrong as soon as its posted. What if I were to come on here and make a post that everyone deserved access to free speech except for conservatives? What if I called that issue "silly"? I ask because what you are calling silly is the same thing.

Your entire little debate here is in itself assassin.

FortWayne says

It's your "Democratic" political party that gave up on trying to fix the economy, and just refocused itself on political BS.

Your party was responsible for the economy Obama inherited and considering how royally they messed things up, the success Obama has had at turning things around is nothing short of a miracle especially considering he had to deal with a bunch of whining, immature Republicans who decided to waste taxpayer dollars by not doing their jobs and sitting on their hands from day one.

edvard2 says

sitting on their hands from day one.

It's not that they were doing nothing, it's that they were spending most of their day running their thoughts/ideas by mark levine to make sure that he don't drop the stalinist purge on them....

edvard2 says

You think that if someone is denied the same rights as other that its a "Silly" issue?

Yes I think you liberals are very "silly", and I'm being polite. What kind of people prioritize stray cats, or random crap in foreign nations over their nations internal needs. Economy... silence. Unemployment... silence. Growing welfare state... silence. But stray dogs in Sochi, and homeless cats in LA, or Gays in Russia.... IMMEDIATE ATTENTION EVERYONE!

You people are something. Priorities of a 15 year old.

FortWayne says

Yes I think you liberals are very "silly", and I'm being polite. What kind of people prioritize stray cats, or random crap in foreign nations over their nations internal needs. Economy... silence. Unemployment... silence. Growing welfare state... silence. But stray dogs in Sochi, and homeless cats in LA, or Gays in Russia.... IMMEDIATE ATTENTION EVERYONE!

You people are something. Priorities of a 15 year old.

This whole post was based on some bullshit assertion made that has no bearing in reality, and yet somehow being passed off as fact. So we can stop right there. The comment about Democrats not paying attention to the economy and unemployment is ridiculous. I NEVER remember Bush EVER going on tour to talk to people in factories, schools, and job fairs. He was sooooo busy telling us the " the economy was strong" or some other nonsense. Meanwhile the US deficit grew at the fastest rate under his admin than at any other tiem in US history because of his admin's decision to enact irresponsible tax initiatives.

Obama is on a plane practically every week doing those things, visiting with real people, and making real progress. But in regards to what the the GOP has done, well they succeeded in shutting down the government which in effect cost the US over 5.5 billion dollars and caused 100's of thousands of people to be furloughed.

Liberal doublespeak explained.

Bringing gay rights into the 21st century costs nothing and brings immeasurable happiness to a measurable percentage of the population.

There is no reason for this to be conditional upon ANYTHING happening first. Especially when it's really down to waiting for an old intolerant generation to die off.

If the economy was as easy to fix as this issue, what a wonderful world it would be.

FortWayne says

Yes I think you liberals are very "silly", and I'm being polite. What kind of people prioritize stray cats, or random crap in foreign nations over their nations internal needs.

If Russia was still cracking down on Christianity rather than cracking down on gays because of Christianity, I suspect that FortWayne wouldn't consider the outrage to be so "silly".

Furthermore, there is no competition between U.S. citizens being outraged and vocal about Putin's human rights violations and being outraged and vocal about all the economic problems caused by our government, primarily Republicans.

By the way, we all know exactly how the hell to fix the economy. It's not rocket science. We have to undo all the policies implemented by Reagan and his successors. We need to
1. Enforce anti-trust laws. Without them there is no competition, including competition for workers.
2. Stop taxing the rich, owner class less than the wealth-producing middle class. In fact, don't tax productivity; tax rent-collection. Tax money created by owning things.
3. Support the middle class worker (and that means UNIONS) because they key to economic prosperity is the virtuous cycle of increasing wages causing increasing consumption causing increasing production causing increasing wages. This has always been and will always be the ONLY path to economic prosperity.
4. And that means higher wages including a living minimum wage.
5. Eliminate H1B Visas, outsourcing, and shipping industries to third world nations.

So, if you want to bitch and moan about the economy all day, don't forget that Reaganomics is exactly what got us into this position.

And contrary to all Republican philosophy, a strong, prosperous economy and a safe, healthy society requires a large degree of equality.

http://new.ted.com/talks/richard_wilkinson

http://www.youtube.com/embed/cZ7LzE3u7Bw

Russia has morphed from a left wing dictatorship to a right wing dictatorship. It is interesting that now they have orthodox crosses on their uniforms while not too long in soviet union the churches were essentially banned.

I guess I haven't been paying attention, but what exactly are the rights not afforded to homosexuals? How are they being discriminated against?

Dan8267 says

1. Enforce anti-trust laws. Without them there is no competition, including competition for workers.

2. Stop taxing the rich, owner class less than the wealth-producing middle class. In fact, don't tax productivity; tax rent-collection. Tax money created by owning things.

3. Support the middle class worker (and that means UNIONS) because they key to economic prosperity is the virtuous cycle of increasing wages causing increasing consumption causing increasing production causing increasing wages. This has always been and will always be the ONLY path to economic prosperity.

4. And that means higher wages including a living minimum wage.

5. Eliminate H1B Visas, outsourcing, and shipping industries to third world nations.

1) Whats stopping Obama now? He is in completely charge of enforcement. But I guess he is no Teddy Roosevelt.

2) But Obama is just too busy sending IRS against 501C's to actually worry about real tax changes.

3) Whats stopping Obama here?

4) Wishing higher wages doesn't make them happen, just increases entry barrier, since most people will still hire Mexicans and pay under the table anyway.

5) What's stopping Obama here?

FortWayne says

What kind of people prioritize stray cats, or random crap in foreign nations over their nations internal needs.

Just how stupid does one have to be to equate a story in the paper (not even a liberal paper - but sure also that commie rag the NYT) about Putin making some shocking statements about gays in the olympics,...

TO IT BEING A LIBERAL PRIORITY ?

Pardon my yelling, but dude, you are outdoing yourself here.

How can a human be as stupid as you ?

Please back up your statement with a shred of evidence, or throw us a tiny indication that you have an IQ above 75.

Liberals don't hate homes, and they say live and let live when it comes to sexual preference. Therefore in your sorry excuse for a mind, gay rights are a liberal priority ??

Wtf ?

For each single bill having to do with gay rights introduced by democrats that has been rejected by the right wing of congress or which has not been allowed to even brought up for a vote, there have to be at least 100 having to do with economics.

What the hell are you even talking about ? Presumably you think that if you say gay rights are a liberal priority above things like jobs that it will become a new RW talking point or something ?

Sorry, but even most of the normal republicans reading this think you are a moron. That's all you have proven. Not that it's the first time.

I can hardly believe this thread has got so many comments. I saw it as another misplaced rant by the OP, and thought it would go away, but no, it keeps coming up on the home page.

First of all, the OP premise is false, and merely a projection of his complaint that he is frightened by too many black people on his TV - and now too many gay people. The media aren't even really liberal, but the OP calls them that because some of the TV shows are integrated.

Second, if you look at what the media are actually reporting about Russia, the place is a possibly collapsing superpower with nuclear weapons that is allegedly controlled by organized crime. Since his divorce, Putin has forged an unholy alliance with the Russian Orthodox church, and is becoming more like Henry VIII. Remember that Ivan the Terrible became terrible after gaining too much power; previously, he had been Ivan the Great. Putin is becoming potentially a Napoleonic figure, and that causes concerns around the world, in particular his manipulation of Ukraine and Europe.

In answer to errc's question, Russia discriminates against homosexuals in several ways. Most obvious is discrimination in the marriage laws, i.e. homosexual couples are denied the same legal rights that heterosexual couples take for granted. The most recent legislation prohibits "propaganda" but is written so broadly that anyone could potentially be arrested (see the 60 Minutes report about alleged corruption in the police) for holding hands or wearing a T-shirt; even Madonna was fined and threatened with arrest for saying something nice on stage about marriage equality. There is also violence, because Putin has installed mayors who allow (maybe even encourage) violence directed against gay people, although that isn't codified in legislation (yet). Putin's comments about protecting children seemed to be code going back to Russian pogroms against Jews who were also scapegoated as a threat to children. The Putin network is based on the KGB and organized crime, and their tactics reflect that context; people get killed, even a Russian in London was poisoned with polonium (and the poisoners spilled radioactive polonium all over town) and a president of Ukraine was also poisoned. Because gay Russians tend to be associated with the political opposition to Putin's junta, they can become targets as well. Forthood sounds like a coal miner complaining that "liberals" are paying too much attention to the canary being asphyxiated, claiming they should concentrate solely on the coal.

BTW, unlike Larry Craig, Putin doesn't seem to be secretly homosexual. He's left his wife, reportedly for another woman, but Putin likes horses. He's even been photographed half naked with one, returning from the woods together after one of their trysts. She's a mare of course; nothing queer about Vladimir.

curious2 says

Putin likes horses. He's even been photographed half naked with one

Yeah, that picture of a shirtless Putin on a horse in a raging river was passed around from conservative to conservative, who breathlessly said, now THERE'S a LEADER! I think he gave each and every one of them wood, and they probably fap to it before going online to bash 'the liberals."

Dan8267 says

zzyzzx says

Automan Empire says

Russia needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century in social matters.

Why should they not be allowed to evolve at their own rate?

For the same reason Nazi Germany was not allowed to "evolve at its own rate". Human rights trumps the laziness of bigots. No one should suffer crimes against their person in order to give the criminal "time to change".

I take it you were a big fan of Bush and his foreign policies for trying to drag the 1000X worse Muslim/Arab world into the 21st century on "social matters" by beating the love of Jesus into them?

Iran openly hangs gay children and the US under Obama is currently relaxing sanctions and negotiating with the Iranian nutters on nukes.

Looks like some social issues get trumped depending on circumstances - right?

I think Putin was just mad that the two chicks on the side picked the chick in the middle over him.

socal2 says

Bush and his foreign policies for trying to drag the 1000X worse Muslim/Arab
world into the 21st century on "social matters"

I've heard many justifications for those wars, but this is a new one on me.

errc says

I guess I haven't been paying attention, but what exactly are the rights not afforded to homosexuals? How are they being discriminated against?

From what I've seen on television, I can't tell if there is a problem, nor I care. Liberals can't coherently explain anything here. They can't even think why this 2 minute hate is supposed to be more important than addressing our economic concerns.

They just parot what MSNBC and Obama tells them to. Anything to avoid talking about economy, or why Obama keeps bailing out the bankers, or why Snowden ran from Obama.

FortWayne says

From what I've seen on television, I can't tell if there is a problem, nor I
care.

So why do you think gay peoples' lives should be meddled with and discriminated against? If you really didn't care, you'd get out of their way. You must care for some deeply personal reason, and this is standing in the way of millions living their lives. Whatever that personal reason is, confront it within yourself, instead of waging a proxy battle against several percent of the population.

For the record, Obama has never addressed me personally, much less told me what to say ever. That just further shows the straw man nature of an anti-gay position.

Liberal Priorities:
Do everything possible to piss off conservatives & continually point out how stupid they are, which takes very little effort.

All this post represents is the frustration conservatives are feeling since the way they think things " Aught to be" or should be is slipping from their fingers. The more their ideology gets shuffled into oblivious antiquity, the louder they whine and complain because there isn't a thing they can do about it. Too bad, So sad...

Automan Empire says

So why do you think gay peoples' lives should be meddled with and discriminated against?

Way to go prove me wrong there about your clown party priorities...

dublin hillz says

Russia has morphed from a left wing dictatorship to a right wing dictatorship. It is interesting that now they have orthodox crosses on their uniforms while not too long in soviet union the churches were essentially banned.

Stalin considered the church to be a political competitor. Putin considers the church to be a political tool. It's all about power. Right wing / left wing doesn't matter. They are the same.

errc says

I guess I haven't been paying attention, but what exactly are the rights not afforded to homosexuals? How are they being discriminated against?

If anyone even speaks of homosexuality or gay rights, they can be arrested. It's worse than segregation was in the 1950s U.S.

FortWayne says

Whats stopping Obama now?

Obama is a Republican in everything but name and skin color. Sure, he could work to reinstate enforcement of anti-trust laws. Republicans, and many Democrats, would strongly oppose him. However, Obama won't. He sucks.

Even his economic policies suck ass. However, his human rights and civil rights records is so abysmal that the economic issues don't even come up on radar. They are dwarfed by torture, assassinations of U.S. citizens including minors, killing of children of all ages with drone strikes, and much more.

Nonetheless, Obama is only one person in Washington. We need a lot of politicians kicked out of office with the message "if you don't support anti-trust laws, you don't have a job". Basically, we need Elizabeth Warren to win the next election in a landslide to send a message to Washington, D.C. Electing Hilary, the defacto next president, is a vote for the status quo. And no, no Republican even Christie is going to beat Hilary next election.

Consider Obama a loss and concentrate on getting Warren elected and filling Congress with Warren-like people who actually care about the middle class.

curious2 says

Since his divorce, Putin has forged an unholy alliance with the Russian Orthodox church

Putin's alliance reminds me of the Republican's Southern Strategy.

socal2 says

I take it you were a big fan of Bush and his foreign policies for trying to drag the 1000X worse Muslim/Arab world into the 21st century on "social matters" by beating the love of Jesus into them?

1. The Middle Eastern Islamic world does need to be dragged into the 21st century.
2. Using violence and 1st century religion is NOT the way to bring them into the 21st century.
3. The way to bring the M.E. into the 21st century is through
- Open communication especially Internet-related
- Transparent government, both in the U.S. and in their nations
- Promotion of women's rights.
- An end to all selfish manipulation of their countries and land by the U.S. and its corporations.
- Education for the masses, particularly in science, math, and logic. Science kills the evil of religion.
- Investment in infrastructure and getting the masses our of abject poverty.
4. Bush did not give a rat's ass about the people in the M.E. Like our troops, they were just cannon fodder for Bush.
5. Intentions matter. You cannot build a good society on evil intentions. One cannot serve two masters: democracy and profit-seeking.

Automan Empire says

socal2 says

Bush and his foreign policies for trying to drag the 1000X worse Muslim/Arab

world into the 21st century on "social matters"

I've heard many justifications for those wars, but this is a new one on me.

Well, god did tell Bush to invade Iraq according to Bush himself. So either Bush is a liar on the same level as a 5-year-old or he's fucking crazy. Take your pick. Just remember that this idiot had the nuclear codes the next time you wonder whether or not religion is harmful.

FortWayne says

Liberals can't coherently explain anything here.

I call bullshit. I am the quintessential definition of liberal. Point out one thing that I have failed to explained coherently. Any subject.

Call it Crazy says

Dan8267 says

Point out one thing that I have failed to explained coherently. Any subject.

We don't have the weeks to list them all.....

Translation: I can't think of any, so I'll lie and imply that there are a lot while failing to list even one.

As a Liberal, it's not a situation that is first thing on my mind when I wake up every day. Yes it's a serious matter. But I don't control what is "hot news" any more than you do.

On the other hand, if this were the 1960's would you be arguing that we shouldn't report on civil rights marches and so on, because that's not about the economy which is all important? Human rights is a valid issue.

Everybody has a beef with something that is reported. I despise all the celebrity crap, but somebody else is really into it, so they make good money reporting what Bieber and Cyrus are up to right?

Vicente says

On the other hand, if this were the 1960's would you be arguing that we shouldn't report on civil rights marches and so on, because that's not about the economy which is all important?

Until the economy is perfect, only economic news should be reported. Oh yeah, and the War on Christmas. And how many babies die in abortion clinics. And how Obama bowed to a Saudi King. And most of all, Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi!

But nothing else. Nothing else at all!

Dan8267 says

Well, god did tell Bush to invade Iraq according to Bush himself.

More incoherence.

You do realize that this quote came from the Palestinian Authority President Minister Abu Abbas who is currently serving his 10th year of his 4 year elected term?

You believe the shit Putin and Kim-Jong Un say too?

socal2 says

Why did you say Russia need to be dragged into the 21st century based on their policies against gays?

I didn't. Automan Empire did.

Russia needs to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century in social matters.

I know I look a lot like Hello Kitty, but do try to distinguish between us.

Nonetheless, I agree with Empire's statement. It is extremely dangerous to allow that nutcase Putin to reinstate a Dark Age in Russia, turning the population and its state into a tyrannical theocracy. The Middle Ages proved that Christianity is every bit as dangerous as Islam. The only reason that Christianity does not do as much harm today is because hard-core atheists and rationalists like me have managed to fight the religious every time they violate separation of church and state. We don't always win those battle, but the mere fight keeps the Christian nutjobs in check.

If Putin does in Russia what Fox News wants to do in America, turn it into a Christian theocracy, then Russia will be every bit as bad as the Middle East. Same for America.

And just remember, the combination of religious fever and nuclear weapons is incompatible with continued human existence.

Dan8267 says

1. The Middle Eastern Islamic world does need to be dragged into the 21st
century.
2. Using violence and 1st century religion is NOT the way to bring
them into the 21st century.

Well - based on the massive death toll in Syria (which is now higher than Iraqi in 3 short years) and increasing strength of Al Qaeda in the Region since Obama pulled all US troops from Iraq - I think it is going to take more than the internet or finger wagging from the West on the other side of the planet to modernize the Muslim/Arab world.

I think many people foolishly assume that all civilizations progress by force of nature or over time.

But look at how much more modern places like Egypt and even Afghanistan were to women and non-Muslim minorities in the 1970's. Much of the Muslim/Arab world have gone backwards in the last 4 decades and are even more extreme today. More women are wearing burqas today than in the 1970's and virtually every last Jew, Christian, Hindu and Bahai have been forced out of the Region by threat of violence from extremist Muslims.

How does the civilized world address this type of violence, bigotry and cultural devolution?

socal2 says

I think it is going to take more than the internet or finger wagging from the West on the other side of the planet to modernize the Muslim/Arab world.

No shit, but don't underestimate the power of media. It's not a coincidence that the progressive movement and the woman's suffrage movement happened after the invention of the radio; that the civil rights and anti-war movement happened after the invention of the television; and that the Arab spring happened after the invention of the Internet.

The more ideas are exchanged freely across political boundaries, the harder it is for tyrants to remain in power and the harder it is for governments to suppress huge sections of their populations for any reason. History has clearly demonstrated this.

socal2 says

How does the civilized world address this type of violence, bigotry and cultural devolution?

- Science education
- Telecommunications
- Fair trade
- Link trade with human rights
- Stop using the military for selfish interests