Jane!

hiya jane!

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 2

hiya jane!

Happy Halloween, Cassie.

Jane Hamsher @ 3

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 2

hiya jane!

Happy Halloween, Cassie.

Wearing a costume?

So is Cole really a dem now or is it just his costume?

Lol;

** Update ***

Christ. Jane at FDL says basically the same damned thing at roughly the same time. I guess I am one of the Jane Hamsher’s of the left now and the assimilation was quicker and less painful than I thought it would be. I need a drink.

http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=8974

Poor John. He should realize that it’s extremely difficult to get out ahead of the “Foul mouthed Fems” in the blogosphere.

Anyone who is in the democratic primary who is NOT Hillary needs to start attacking her pronto- or they might as well find something better to do with their year.

it occurs to me The Boys knew they were almost out of time to get their last hits in so they just picked Something, ANYTHING just to break out the cudgels…

I’m liking it less and less…

Welcome to the Democratic Party, Mr. Cole.

Assimilation Complete.

I admit to ignorance…Who is John Cole?

Downloading Left Wing Agenda.

beautiful photo…ill have one please

You and Cole are ’saying the same thing at the same time‘?

‘Behold, the Apocalypse‘

;>)

Cheers, Juan…

CTuttle @ 14

Cheers, Juan…

Oops, John… 8~)

Steve-AR @ 10

I admit to ignorance…Who is John Cole?

Yeah, who is he? And why should we care?

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 4

Jane Hamsher @ 3

Happy Halloween, Cassie.

Wearing a costume?

So is Cole really a dem now or is it just his costume?

He says a Dem:

. . .I want to send a message, and as small as this gesture (which should appropriately be interpreted as a middle finger to the GOP and not as a sloppy wet kiss to Nancy Pelosi) is, I want it to mean as much as possible. There is now one less Republican in WV, and one more Democrat.

Long story short, I got up there to register as an independent, said “Fuck it,” and now I am a Democrat. I certainly don’t agree with all their positions, but they are not bat-shit crazy like the GOP. That has to count for something. Additionally, I no longer have to read posts by the 24% crowd calling me a “true conservative” with quotes o’sarcasm (you know who they are). Not any more, bitches. I repudiate you, your party, and whatever the fuck it is you are currently pretending is “conservatism.” It isn’t.

Now send me my check from Soros and the 40 virgins.

I haven’t gotten my check yet, so I’m guessing there’s a long line.

I guess Jane gets to teach him the secret handshake now.

I’m opposed to the Hillary-nuclear-Bilderberg-pantsuit geek/Elliot-Lucky Larry-brigade.

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

The message we want to impart is to deny Republican WH residence in 2009. Are we beginning to support a particular Democratic candidate for president?

Peterr @ 17

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 4

Wearing a costume?

So is Cole really a dem now or is it just his costume?

He says a Dem:

. . .I want to send a message, and as small as this gesture (which should appropriately be interpreted as a middle finger to the GOP and not as a sloppy wet kiss to Nancy Pelosi) is, I want it to mean as much as possible. There is now one less Republican in WV, and one more Democrat.

Long story short, I got up there to register as an independent, said “Fuck it,” and now I am a Democrat. I certainly don’t agree with all their positions, but they are not bat-shit crazy like the GOP. That has to count for something. Additionally, I no longer have to read posts by the 24% crowd calling me a “true conservative” with quotes o’sarcasm (you know who they are). Not any more, bitches. I repudiate you, your party, and whatever the fuck it is you are currently pretending is “conservatism.” It isn’t.

Now send me my check from Soros and the 40 virgins.

I haven’t gotten my check yet, so I’m guessing there’s a long line.

Heh, I thought it was 72 virgins… ;-)

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Welcome – join the madness that is the Dem party.

Welcome, John.

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Hi John.

Gotta buy all blue stuff now.

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Welcome, John.

Bustednuckles @ 5

Lol;

** Update ***

Christ. Jane at FDL says basically the same damned thing at roughly the same time. I guess I am one of the Jane Hamsher’s of the left now and the assimilation was quicker and less painful than I thought it would be. I need a drink.

http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=8974

I’m confused. John Cole and Juan Cole are different, aren’t they? I think I know who Juan is but not John.

Will someone introduce him for the otherwise clueless folks like me?

Bob in HI

Jane, Couldn’t you find a drink with a large umbrella? *s*

Mr. Cole. How do you stand on the issues?

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

If it’s the real one may be some day the Real Rs will be back and you could return. Until then welcome.
jo6pac

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 30

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

Party favors.

How do you explain republicans? John, you were one of them? They seem batshit crazy to us over here and we don’t like all the dems either. But man, look at that crew in the GOP… they’re mean, their greedy, they’re pervs and hypocrites, and their not even conservative. Oh yea, they are good at cronyism. I forget.

They have umbrellas so when you take them to go, they don’t get diluted in the rain, silly.

OT..

Clinton would cream Giuliani, poll finds

Politico

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 30

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

Geez, Cassie, there you go again, challenging our assumptions :-)
I suppose its because
(a) that’s the way bartenders have been taught to make them, or
(b) so that people who are otherwise snokkered can tell what they’re drinking, or
(c) so that people who favor this drink will have something to play with while their brain cells are being destroyed?

Um, sorry, I guess I’m just clueless and don’t know.

Bob in HI

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Good for you, John. You know what they say, Keep on the Sunny Side!

Hey, John…
We tend not to attack children, raid the Treasury or wipe our feet on the Constitution.

I only wish we Democrats had a more courageous brand of Senator or Representative to offer you. But we’re working very hard on it.
Welcome.

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Are you still a loudmouth?

Oklahoma kiddo @ 21

The message we want to impart is to deny Republican WH residence in 2009. Are we beginning to support a particular Democratic candidate for president?

Yes. Reconfirmed last night. *g*

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 30

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

To keep them from getting wet.

Republicans can’t be trusted with our children, our money, or our defense.

That’s a platform to run on, folks, and John Cole gets it.

loudmouth is the best kind to be

Confusion you feel?
Not confusion, epiphany.
Always, critical think you must.

Ummmmm, strong the Force is here.

eCAHNomics @ 41

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 30

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

To keep them from getting wet.

Brilliant!

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 43

loudmouth is the best kind to be

Sometimes.

Are you still a loudmouth?

When I think I am right.

At what point did you have your coming to Christ moment and realize that Bush is the worst President in our history?

John Cole @ 47

Are you still a loudmouth?

When I think I am right.

And what do you think you are right about?

John Cole @ 47

Are you still a loudmouth?

When I think I am right.

What % of the time are you right, and what are the issues on which you’re sure you’re right? Speak LOUDLY.

John Cole @ 47

Are you still a loudmouth?

When I think I am right.

I think you mean to say CORRECT. Some of us avoid that “r” word.

John Cole @ 47

Are you still a loudmouth?

When I think I am right correct.

Just a little leftwing editing help . . .

http://www.scifi.com

Heh…interactive ghostbusters…Halloween fun!!!!!

Peterr JINX!

Slightly OT-
Wouldn’t it have been better if the SJC asked Mukasey if waterboarding was torture when it was done to U.S. soldiers?

Loo Hoo. @ 45

eCAHNomics @ 41

To keep them from getting wet.

Brilliant!

But why do they waste perfectly good pineapples…? ;-)

Welcome!

What can we do to bring around some of former political pals?

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Jeebus! Quick everybody, get yer best tie-dyed tees on, polish those sandals and spritz yerself with some of this here patchouli oil, we got company.

Uhmmmm…Hi John…uhmmmm…ya’ wanna toke?

Oklahoma kiddo @ 39

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Are you still a loudmouth?

You mean Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid haven’t called us that yet? Now I am pissed!! ;-)

Ooh, WA State Rep Curtis has resigned…!

First John Dean comes by the ‘Lake, and now John Cole. Who’s next — John Ashcroft?

Welcome, John Cole. Hopefully, this moment of clarity will extend to a better time and place for civilized discourse among those who differ philosophically.

wecome john.

Peterr @ 61

First John Dean comes by the ‘Lake, and now John Cole. Who’s next — John Ashcroft?

Certainly not King John. We don’t allow no habeas in this country anymore.

Will you have you get new pajamas and do you live in an early primary state?

There’s just something icky about a Clinton “creaming” anybody.

Hi John. You need to get your Soros brain implant now.

What? Nobody told you before you registered?

eCAHNomics @ 55

Slightly OT-
Wouldn’t it have been better if the SJC asked Mukasey if waterboarding was torture when it was done to U.S. soldiers?

Or they could ask him if he is willing to submit to waterboarding on the senate floor.

I think Mukasey should have a trial at water boarding and then report his findings. While he’s at it he could try out some of the other enhanced techniques and report back. He could be questioned by the SJC using all the enhanced techniques and see what sort of BS he would spew.

darkblack @ 62

Welcome, John Cole. Hopefully, this moment of clarity will extend to a better time and place for civilized discourse among those who differ philosophically.

amen to that.

and, for personal clarification, civilized doesn’t not preclude the use of vulgar language and loud mouths… respect for each other, for the truth and for trying to make sense is my idea of civilized.

oh, and no waterboarding.

SanderO @ 68

I think Mukasey should have a trial at water boarding and then report his findings. While he’s at it he could try out some of the other enhanced techniques and report back. He could be questioned by the SJC using all the enhanced techniques and see what sort of BS he would spew.

First hand research is always the best.

CTuttle @ 60

Ooh, WA State Rep Curtis has resigned…!

Why? Repugnant?

eCAHNomics @ 70

SanderO @ 68

I think Mukasey should have a trial at water boarding and then report his findings. While he’s at it he could try out some of the other enhanced techniques and report back. He could be questioned by the SJC using all the enhanced techniques and see what sort of BS he would spew.

First hand research is always the best.

Can they do Cheney next?

SanderO @ 68

I think Mukasey should have a trial at water boarding and then report his findings. While he’s at it he could try out some of the other enhanced techniques and report back. He could be questioned by the SJC using all the enhanced techniques and see what sort of BS he would spew.

He would just tell us what he thinks we want to hear.

Loo Hoo. @ 71

CTuttle @ 60

Ooh, WA State Rep Curtis has resigned…!

Why? Repugnant?

Hypocrisy, pure and simple…

mc @ 73

SanderO @ 68

I think Mukasey should have a trial at water boarding and then report his findings. While he’s at it he could try out some of the other enhanced techniques and report back. He could be questioned by the SJC using all the enhanced techniques and see what sort of BS he would spew.

He would just tell us what he thinks we want to hear.

Exactly.

Loo Hoo. @ 71

CTuttle @ 60

Ooh, WA State Rep Curtis has resigned…!

Why? Repugnant?

Same sex date that went bad, real bad.

Welcome to the club, John. The water’s warm, the conversation is lively, and we mix a better dry martini…

I remain ignorant of Mr. Cole’s position on the major issues that face us today.

CTuttle @ 22

Peterr @ 17

He says a Dem:

I haven’t gotten my check yet, so I’m guessing there’s a long line.

Heh, I thought it was 72 virgins… ;-)

That`s all you get with the devalued dollar.

I voted dem in my first election when I was 4 or 5 days old. Been a dem ever since.

Loo Hoo. @ 71

CTuttle @ 60

Ooh, WA State Rep Curtis has resigned…!

Why? Repugnant?

havin’ a little integrity problem.

On the other hand recall the words of Will Rogers: “I don’t belong to any organized political party, I’m a democrat.”

Christy Hardin Smith @ 77

Welcome to the club, John. The water’s warm, the conversation is lively, and we mix a better dry martini…

“I’d like a dry martini, Mr. Quoc, a very dry martini. A very dry, arrid, barren, desiccated, veritable dustbowel of a martini. I want a martini that could be declared a disaster area. Mix me just such a martini.”

Hawkeye Pierce

Who is John Cole??? Sorry John Cole…just asking….

Now, Juan Cole…I know who he is….

English b*ok*e just dropped odds from 66-1 to 12-1 that Ron Paul takes the White House.

Power to the Internet.

At this point I know two things about John Cole. He is a former Republican and remains a loudmouth. Are there additional things or attributes about this man which would be cause for admiration?

Mr. John (Loudmouth) Cole seems a little quiet.

Is this a joke?

Welcome and good evening, John. Welcome to the party of rationality and live-and-let-live.
We can be a disorganized bunch, though.

BTW…Happy Halloween, SnarkaPumpkin.

eCAHNomics @ 75

mc @ 73

He would just tell us what he thinks we want to hear.

Exactly.

Vote coming up on Tuesday according to Leahy. Get out those keyboards !

LS @ 84

Who is John Cole??? Sorry John Cole…just asking….

Now, Juan Cole…I know who he is….

Juan Cole and Noam Chomsky. Does it get any better?

I hope he doesn’t get a case of buyer’s remorse when he finds out that Demos are purchased people, just like Repugs. But in the case of Repugs, they feel free to slice the throats of their supporters, whereas Demos feel that they’ve been honestly bought, and must therefore support and defend their purchasers.

(Sorry, it’s the single malt scotch. Shoulda hada margarita I guess).

happy halloween ron D

Mr. Cole’s conversion will only be complete if and/or when “Balloon Juice” is added to the blogroll.

i am not on the blogroll and i have been here since april!

Should I be caring about what John Cole has to say???

I have no idea who he is.

Is he a ghost???

Why should I care???

Somebody help me!! *G*

Oklahoma kiddo @ 90

LS @ 84

Who is John Cole??? Sorry John Cole…just asking….

Now, Juan Cole…I know who he is….

Juan Cole and Noam Chomsky. Does it get any better?

Not for me.

extending a somewhat skeptical hand to john cole….nevertheless you’ll find a more inclusive and civil liberties loving group gathered here on the lake!!

Are we being ‘had’? Like in trick or treaters.

boooo!

LS

OT- Loo Hoo- I left a comment at the end of the last thread re: the drivers license issue, and I’d really like to get your take.

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 94

i am not on the blogroll and i have been here since april!

I’ll bet you are in disguise….

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 94

i am not on the blogroll and i have been here since april!

A simple oversight to be corrected in due time, I’m sure. ;-)

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 99

boooo!

LS

What??? What did I do??? Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

For those who are wondering who John Cole is, a good first step might be clicking the link that Jane put in her post…which takes you to John’s blog, Balloon Juice. And from there, you can read his many posts and get a feel for how his views are at the moment.

We’ve had quite a bit of back and forth with him (and Tim!) for a while now. He holds strong opinions, writes some good snark, disagrees with Jane on occasion, and at the moment is altogether disgusted with the current incarnation of the GOP.

OldCoastie @ 81

havin’ a little integrity problem.

‘I enjoy unprotected back door lovin’ with rent boys, but I’m NOT GAY!’

;>)

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 94

i am not on the blogroll and i have been here since april!

It’s ok, Cassie, I’ve been here about a year and a half and don’t even know what “the blogroll” is…

Just how big is this fucking tent and how many of these crazy ex-pajama-istas do we have to make room for? Will TRex have to cozy up to Malkkkin? Will Pach have to fit Sully’s snoremask? Will PW have to serve tea and crumpets to Coulter?

Will I have to be nice to Tucker?

I mean, can’t we still have standards? Or is this tent accommodating of all who see the light? Guidance, please….

Hi, OKK.
I don’t presume to speak for Mr. Cole, but from having often read his site, I will tell you that Mr. Cole is an intelligent, rational, traditional conservative of the old school. While I have not always agreed with him, I have found his site to be very thought-provoking and the product of a very worthwhile intellect, and we are lucky to have him as a Democrat, IMHO.

I ate all the mini: Snickers, Nestle’s crunch, Baby Ruths…there’s nothing left, and I’m in sugar shock…

The “real” incentive for trick or treating….

LS @ 110

I ate all the mini: Snickers, Nestle’s crunch, Baby Ruths…there’s nothing left, and I’m in sugar shock…

The “real” incentive for trick or treating….

lmao

TeddySanFran @ 107

Will I have to be nice to Tucker?

As if

;>)

RonD @ 108

Hi, OKK.
I don’t presume to speak for Mr. Cole, but from having often read his site, I will tell you that Mr. Cole is an intelligent, rational, traditional conservative of the old school. While I have not always agreed with him, I have found his site to be very thought-provoking and the product of a very worthwhile intellect, and we are lucky to have him as a loudmouth Democrat, IMHO.

LS I have a bunch left. come here.

Christy Hardin Smith @ 104

For those who are wondering who John Cole is, a good first step might be clicking the link that Jane put in her post…which take’s you to John’s blog, Balloon Juice. And from there, you can read his many posts and get a feel for how his views are at the moment.

We’ve had quite a bit of back and forth with him (and Tim!) for a while now. He holds strong opinions, writes some good snark, disagrees with Jane on occasion, and at the moment is altogether disgusted with the current incarnation of the GOP.

Thank you! Ummmmm….I’m glad he’s disgusted…Maybe a compatriot?!

RonD @ 109

Hi, OKK.
I don’t presume to speak for Mr. Cole, but from having often read his site, I will tell you that Mr. Cole is an intelligent, rational, traditional conservative of the old school. While I have not always agreed with him, I have found his site to be very thought-provoking and the product of a very worthwhile intellect, and we are lucky to have him as a Democrat, IMHO.

I’ll take a peek at this guy. On your rec. ;0)

TeddySanFran @ 107

Just how big is this fucking tent and how many of these crazy ex-pajama-istas do we have to make room for? Will TRex have to cozy up to Malkkkin? Will Pach have to fit Sully’s snoremask? Will PW have to serve tea and crumpets to Coulter?

Will I have to be nice to Tucker?

I mean, can’t we still have standards? Or is this tent accommodating of all who see the light? Guidance, please….

Don’t worry Teddy, Tuckery is so far gone, no one has to be nice to him.

I think any former Repubelickin that changes to a Democrat needs to prove it’s for real.

A good way to do that is to go right now and donate to Donna Edwards, as she takes on the establishment Dem candidate Al Wynn. And to top it off, by doing so, you still get to indulge your inner Repube and give a big F.U. to Nancy Pelosi, since Pelosi is supporting the poser Dem Wynn.

What leadership sounds like. (youtube)

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 113

LS I have a bunch left. come here.

*G*

Evidently one martini knocks him out. /s

Welcome to the herd of rabid lambs John.

I remain ignorant of Mr. Cole’s position on the major issues that face us today.

On many issues, you will probably think of me as a corporatist centrist Democrat you would like to have dragged down the street behind a bus.

On what I think are the most important issues of our time, the foundational issues on which I think our country depends upon to remain orderly, and well, America- domestic surveillance, torture, issues of individual liberty and privacy, basic concepts of fairness and the notion of an open and accountable government, and so on, I am probably in 100% agreement with Jane, Trex, and others. in fact, I know I am.

As to other issues, I am pro-choice as I don’t think it is the government’s business, I am vehemently anti-death penalty as I do not think the state should have that sort of power (along with other issues, I am pro-science and detest the anti-science jihad the Republican party has gone on for two decades, I think we need a serious overhaul of our prison systems and we need to decriminalize marijuana as well as change the focus of drug abuse from incarceration to treatment and rehabilitation.

And so on. If there is something specific, I may have an answer.

And yeah. I don’t know why the fuck I was a Republican, either.

I saw something interesting today…

It was a calendar, counting down to the end of Chimpy’s presidency. It had daily pages all the way to the 20th of January, 2009. Now, on the internet and linked to FDL, I wouldn’t find it unusual.

But I found this at Wal-Mart, in Mid-Missouri. That’s interesting.

Soooo… John Cole. As a newly minted Democrat; do you think we must, above all else, move a Dem into the WH in 2009? And if so, who?

The bell rang and Mr. Cole walked in. Welcome!

John Cole @ 121

I remain ignorant of Mr. Cole’s position on the major issues that face us today.

On many issues, you will probably think of me as a corporatist centrist Democrat you would like to have dragged down the street behind a bus.

On what I think are the most important issues of our time, the foundational issues on which I think our country depends upon to remain orderly, and well, America- domestic surveillance, torture, issues of individual liberty and privacy, basic concepts of fairness and the notion of an open and accountable government, and so on, I am probably in 100% agreement with Jane, Trex, and others. in fact, I know I am.

As to other issues, I am pro-choice as I don’t think it is the government’s business, I am vehemently anti-death penalty as I do not think the state should have that sort of power (along with other issues, I am pro-science and detest the anti-science jihad the Republican party has gone on for two decades, I think we need a serious overhaul of our prison systems and we need to decriminalize marijuana as well as change the focus of drug abuse from incarceration to treatment and rehabilitation.

And so on. If there is something specific, I may have an answer.

And yeah. I don’t know why the fuck I was a Republican, either.

Oh… I’ve got lots of specifics. If you want to hear them. You just let me know. Anytime.

NZ Expat, now in KS @ 124

The bell rang and Mr. Cole walked in. Welcome!

Another Dirty. Fucking. Hippie.

Yay!

A friend just sent his note to me:

So far I’ve had 3 Hillary masks show up. They get the cheap hard candy.

Shadowstalker @ 122

I saw something interesting today…

It was a calendar, counting down to the end of Chimpy’s presidency. It had daily pages all the way to the 20th of January, 2009. Now, on the internet and linked to FDL, I wouldn’t find it unusual.

But I found this at Wal-Mart, in Mid-Missouri. That’s interesting.

My sister sent me one of those, along with an 01/29/09 ‘fridge magnet.

John@120

You sound OK.

I hate to admit it, but I liked Goldwater. Didn’t agree with him, mind you, but thought he had integrity, and thus, a True American.

(unlike the current crop of Repugs)

I expect this quote from a comment thread at Balloon Juice may well go down in blog history. From a post announcing a cruise offer from Mr Hewitt:

Of course, with all those social conservatives in one place, it’ll probably sound like Riverdance in the bathrooms.

linky

P.S.

You’re gonna have to talk nice to the OK Kiddo…if you can convince him, I’ll buy in.

Will TRex have to cozy up to Malkkkin?

Just trying to get her into striking distance of The Tail.

**THWACK!!!**

itwasntme @ 129

John@120

You sound OK.

I hate to admit it, but I liked Goldwater. Didn’t agree with him, mind you, but thought he had integrity, and thus, a True American.

(unlike the current crop of Repugs)

Brings back fond memories of the “Daisy”ad.

John Cole- speaking as a scientist, I have to say Bush has done his best to wreck science and scientific research in this country.

On many issues, you will probably think of me as a corporatist centrist Democrat you would like to have dragged down the street behind a bus.

I beg to differ, I’d like to throw ‘em under the bus! ;-)

John sounds like a good egg. Welcome.

New thread.

FYI, Burglary upstairs

John Cole @ 121

If there is something specific, I may have an answer.

Give me your best “guess” on the percentage of “sane” folks who were or are still Republicans (perhaps in name only) that will jump ship for 08.

And will that play out at local, state and national elective offices?

new thread

Lemme give a better example of where I am politically. The SCHIP debate.

I am not necessarily convinced an expansion was necessary. It does seem like a sort of a backdoor step to single-payer. So I basically was, on an instinctive level opposed to it. If we are going to move to single-payer (and I think we are in the next 20 years, big business wants it- watch them throw up the signals every time GM tries to negotiate with their unions), let’s just do it, and do it right. The worst-case scenario is a singlepayer system that looks like the IRS, slapped together peice-meal with all sorts of conflicting stupid rules designed to protect individual fiefdoms, that turns out to be a disaster.

So I basically was instinctively opposed to it, but what flabbergasted me was the visceral reaction of the lunatics on the right. I simply could not believe they were going after the Frost family. It was stunning. Even more so when you consider that the Republicans had basically surrendered their right to oppose these matters when they passed the half trilliong big pharm giveaway known as the prescription drug bill.

I simply couldn’t believe they went after that family the way they did, and this is on the heels of Beauchamp and a whole litany of things that started with Schiavo. And these are the same folks pushing torture and unlimited executive power and domestic surveillance. I had to get out.

So I did.

Valley Girl. Saw your comment last thread and will respond next thread after #30. (Isn’t that protocol?)

Welcome, John.

For those who don’t know him, John is, or rather, was, one of the few, sane rational Republican/conservative bloggers out there. He reminds me a lot of the sort of Republicans my parents were (one’s dead, the other joined me on the left a back in the 1990s). You could disagree with him at times, but you could at least respect him for being at least as well reasoned in his beliefs as you were.

John’s exactly the sort of conservative we need to really help steer this country back on track.

If we are going to move to single-payer (and I think we are in the next 20 years, big business wants it- watch them throw up the signals every time GM tries to negotiate with their unions), let’s just do it, and do it right.

My bold added.

Amen, my fellow progressive, amen.

Loo Hoo. @ 142

Valley Girl. Saw your comment last thread and will respond next thread after #30. (Isn’t that protocol?)

Or on last thread?

John Cole, I criticize 12 yr old boys also.

Click here.

lectric lady Says:

Welcome to the “other side”, John~
I left this message on your blog, but will say it here as well:

It could not have happened to a better man. We really need your excellent brain!

I know you will be tough on us, but that you will be fair, especially re: Hillary.

The ManSide will go to all lengths to trash her, but something tells me you will be fair. That is all I ask.

Loo Hoo. @ 67

eCAHNomics @ 55

Slightly OT-
Wouldn’t it have been better if the SJC asked Mukasey if waterboarding was torture when it was done to U.S. soldiers?

Or they could ask him if he is willing to submit to waterboarding on the senate floor.

Great responses.

Loo Hoo. @ 37

John Cole @ 20

Thanks, Jane.

Who am I? No one, really. Just a loudmouth former Republican.

Good for you, John. You know what they say, Keep on the Sunny Side!

LooHoo – love the linky – saw her live in Memphis twice and Nashville once long ago. Never heard an unkind word about her despite the faux sophistication of music mad adolescence in the midsouth of the era. Elvis, Jerry Lee and Wink Martindale. ;~)

wow
i wasn’t the only one annoyed with Dodd last night
“A driver’s license isn’t a right; its a priviledge”
Bullshit!
It’s a license.

Welcome to the lake John Cole.

John Cole
Welcome to the reality based community.
The Republican party has flipped out so far that the Democrats are the closest to any semblence of fiscal responsibility.
Without even really trying.

Hey John – what part of the country do you live – Cole is an old family name and the sur-name of my son. Unusual to find the name in republican circles or so I thought.

West Virginia

John — OMG, are you kidding me? We have got to get some coffee sometime. I had no idea…

itwasntme @ 92

I hope he doesn’t get a case of buyer’s remorse when he finds out that Demos are purchased people, just like Repugs. But in the case of Repugs, they feel free to slice the throats of their supporters, whereas Demos feel that they’ve been honestly bought, and must therefore support and defend their purchasers.

(Sorry, it’s the single malt scotch. Shoulda hada margarita I guess).

The other day Andy Stern asked me who I was supporting for President, and I said I really don’t support any of them. The way I look at it is, “who do I want to fight for the next 8 years.” Each candidate would represent a different battle, but I think we’ll be fighting any of them.

He laughed and thought that was a good way to look at it.

Welcome, John Cole! I wanted to thank you for the bold step … and for a few years ago, being one of the first bloggers to delve into the religious controversy at the Air Force Academy and come out swinging for the value of a coercion-free military.

The redefinition of the political landscape continues to be fascinating … especially as one party contracts and distills into something very different from what it once claimed to be.

Well, it’s Halloween and I’m a little distracted. Just in case John is still hanging around, I wanted to say hello and welcome.

My name is dosido and I too am a former Republican. My family is still republican and quite rabid. I just quit the GOP recently, although I have described myself as an independent for years.

I registered this year as a Dem at a recent Farmer’s Market in SLO and felt reborn. I have all the zeal of someone who has recently quit smoking, which is to say I want to go out and encourage everyone to register in the reality party.

Anyway, happy recovery.

I’ve been watching John Cole’s metamorphosis for some time now, and it’s been very gratifying. I agree with Desert Rat — we need people like him to help get this country back on track.

And as I commented at his site, he couldn’t have chosen anyone better to assimilate with/to than Jane!

SnarkaPUMPKIN Cassie @ 30

Why do drinks have umbrellas?

In case it rains.

Welcome John. I sometimes think the Democratic Party is less of a “Big Tent” than a “Big Top” (as in circus) but it’s the closest thing we got to a party that gives a sh*t about the principles that separated this nation from the rest of the pack in the last century. I can’t believe we’re even discussing things like the legitimacy of waterboarding and retroactive immunity for telcos.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 21

The message we want to impart is to deny Republican WH residence in 2009. Are we beginning to support a particular Democratic candidate for president?

No, the primary’s have NOT been held, the voting has NOT started, and well . . . NO!

Although, many folks would like us to believe it’s over. And HRC is a victim . . . . pure elitist fuckery.

Hillary’s position is quite unclear. When called on it she tries to slither out of it with confusing doublespeak. The other democratic candidates need to remain in ‘attack mode’ for the sake of the country. For the sake of all that’s good, will someone put the country first.

What is there about the word NO that Hillary refuses to understand?

Uh er hmm. . . ., while I was stuck handing candy out to kids, you guys were . . . trick or treating with John Cole?

Welcome, John!