Contemplating Divided Government [Part 1]
[Program Note: I had to split today's column into two parts, because it ran so long. When I started writing it, I didn't realize how much ground I was going to have to cover. So today's installment will first take a look at the historical context, and then there's a little rundown on some current Republican candidates at the end. Tomorrow's conclusion will examine in depth exactly what might be expected to happen next year. I suppose it's entirely appropriate for an article on divided government to be presented in a divided fashion, right?]
As distasteful as it may be, it seems like a good time to consider what divided government next year would look like, and what might happen in such a scenario. Of course, nobody knows what the outcome of the midterm congressional election will be, and as Ukraine should have taught us, sometimes crises pop up that aren't a part of the American political cycle at all. So we have no idea right now what the most important issue facing the voters will be in November. It could very well be something that isn't even on anyone's radar at the current moment. But just for the sake of argument, let's assume that Republicans win control back of both the House and the Senate. This would give President Joe Biden a hostile Congress for the remaining two years of his first term.
We seem to be in an extended period of divided government, as this Wikipedia chart clearly shows. Our modern era followed a very long period of extended Democratic control of Congress -- a period that lasted 48 years in the Senate and a whopping 62 years in the House. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt's time forward, Republicans only had two really good elections in Congress, both at the start of the Cold War period. Other than those two brief 2-year interruptions though, Democrats dominated both houses of Congress for decades. During this time Democrats also mostly dominated the White House. Only Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon won the Oval Office during all this time, but to their credit they did both win re-election (although Nixon's second term was completed by Gerald Ford, of course).
Then came the Reagan Revolution, which not only led to landslide presidential victories but also control of the Senate. This lasted six years, but Democrats won control back for another eight years immediately afterwards.
Then came Newt Gingrich, who really has to be seen as the father of the "let's throw red meat to the crazies" method of Republican campaigning. Long before there was Sarah Palin or Donald Trump, there was "bomb-thrower" Newt Gingrich, teaching Republicans a different and more visceral way to rile up their base.
The next notable milestone on the amping up of grievance politics in the Republican Party was what might now be called "the Tea Party era." This wasn't just Newt Gingrich and his fellow Republican politicians ranting and raving, it was driven largely by base voters doing the ranting and raving. Savvy Republican politicians echoed the chants of the crowds and rode this wave into office -- and into control of first the House and then the Senate.
This, however, led to an interesting dynamic. The Tea Partiers were absolute purists and simply would not compromise, even with their fellow Republicans. This era could have led to a reshaping of federal law in a much more conservative vein, but it mostly didn't -- because the Tea Partiers blocked any bill they felt didn't 100 percent fit in with their demands. About the only thing the entire Republican caucus could agree on was passing some more tax cuts for the wealthy -- pretty much everything else on their agenda died a legislative death of a thousand cuts. But, crucially, the Tea Partiers had no strong national leader dominating the political conversation. There were leaders of their own movement, but none of them was a truly national figure with an iron grip on the Republican Party. So while the Tea Partiers served as spoilers within their own party, they did not actually wrest party control away from the establishment Republicans.
Since the mid-1990s, control of the Senate has flipped five times, while control of the House has flipped three times. That, as you can see on the chart, is more contentiously divided a period than has happened in over a century. And we might be heading for another one of those flips.
What I wonder, however, is whether Republicans will generate a backlash that loses them power just as fast as they gained it. It might be easier for Democrats to win in 2024 if Republicans win this year, to put this another way. Because listening to them campaign, one has to wonder what they'd actually do if they regained control. And whether the public at large would approve of their agenda or recoil from actually seeing any of it enacted.
The Republican Party's problem is, of course, that they have mainstreamed craziness. There is no position so extreme that it gets you expelled from the party, or even shunned by most Republicans. Candidates running for all kinds of office right now are proving this on a regular basis, in fact (emphasis in original):
But in this year's Republican primaries, things have truly gone off the rails. And this raises an important question: What exactly do Republican voters think they're going to get from the collection of clowns they're nominating for office this year?
Let's take a brief tour:
- Georgia: While Gov. Brian Kemp looks to be holding off a primary challenge from former senator David Perdue, whose entire case is that Kemp failed to steal the 2020 election, the story is quite different on the rest of the ballot. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is in a neck-and-neck race with another [Donald] Trump lickspittle, Rep. Jody Hice. Herschel Walker, a walking collection of scandals whose deep thoughts about policy start and end with his football career decades ago, will almost undoubtedly be the party's nominee for Senate.
- Arizona: The likely gubernatorial candidate, Kari Lake, is an election denialist who has proposed imprisoning the leading Democrat, who is currently secretary of state. The Republican who might take that office and run the state's elections, Mark Finchem, is a QAnon conspiracy theorist and self-proclaimed member of the far-right Oath Keepers.
- Pennsylvania: A leading candidate for governor, Doug Mastriano, recently appeared at a QAnon-style gathering at which the "global satanic blood cult" was explored. The organizers presented Mastriano with a sword, which he accepted with the words "Oh yeah." A recent debate among GOP Senate candidates featured so much embarrassing praise for Trump that it was a wonder none stopped the proceedings to get Trump's name tattooed across their chest.
- Ohio: In the Senate race, Trump endorsed author J.D. Vance, who recently said that if Trump becomes president again after 2024, he should "Fire every single mid-level bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state" and "replace them with our people." So he envisions some kind of authoritarian coup? He says that to accomplish the right's goals, "we're going to have to get pretty wild, and pretty far out there." With Trump's endorsement, Vance has vaulted to the head of the field.
- Wisconsin: Republicans there are still investigating the 2020 election despite turning up nothing; their probe was scheduled to end, but after Trump threatened the speaker of the assembly with a primary challenge, he quickly announced that it would continue.
- Michigan: Republicans just chose Matt DePerno and Kristina Karamo as nominees for attorney general and secretary of state. Both are vigorous election deniers, and Karamo has identified Beyoncé, Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, and the practice of yoga as tools of satanic influence in America today.
All this creates a deranged atmosphere, in which the looniest candidates rise to the top and extremism prevails.
The article concludes with an observation about what these characters might do if they actually do get elected:
When you wade into the mire of Trump tributes and culture war signaling in Republican candidates' ads, you can discern some things you might call "issues" -- there's mention of immigration, and gun rights, and gas prices. But the real common thread is fighting: GOP candidates want primary voters to know that they'll fight and fight and fight.
They'll fight Biden, they'll fight the "radical left," they'll fight socialism. Governing is not a matter of solving problems, but of battling enemies. Will that unending struggle make anyone's lives better? The question seems almost beside the point; what matters is whether the candidates hate the same things and the same people you do, and will bring that hatred to the state capital or to Washington.
If that's what Republican politics is about, then there really isn't a line a candidate can cross beyond which they become too extreme. Instead, extremism is proof of their willingness to wage unending war, which is what they think their voters want. That's not to say the most extreme candidate always wins, but extremism is no bar to success.
And what all of them appear to be promising is a politics of unending opposition, even when it's their turn to govern. If they have control of a governor's office or Congress, their primary goal will be fighting the libs, always and forever.
This reveals a longstanding truth about Republicans -- they are always more comfortable being the opposition party (the "outs") than they are about actually governing. It's a lot easier to reflexively be against what the Democrats are proposing than it is to come up with your own ideas, plain and simple.
[Join us back here tomorrow for the conclusion of this article...]
-- Chris Weigant
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
Narrator: he was wrong.
So Don, has your profanity ever worked on anyone to change their minds?
Don, that's some USDA grade A prime red card material you are spewing. Now if we could only get a ref in here...
Time to shut down the commemts sections, perhaps?
Not because of the foul language or the tedium that has enveloped this place (or my penchant for, ah, censorship! Heh) but for the paucity of intelligent discussion, no matter the topic.
All of which amounts to a total waste of time. Kind of like watching the mainstream media or following social media.
Hope a shut down of any kind doesn't happen as it would be a real shame. Because the trend most of us have been on here of late was a good and encouraging one.
News Flash ... this place ain't about you, Don, and neither was my comment. ;)
And, who do you think is to blame for that?
Then came the Reagan Revolution, which not only led to landslide presidential victories but also control of the Senate. This lasted six years, but Democrats won control back for another eight years immediately afterwards.
Then came Newt Gingrich, who really has to be seen as the father of the "let's throw red meat to the crazies" method of Republican campaigning. Long before there was Sarah Palin or Donald Trump, there was "bomb-thrower" Newt Gingrich, teaching Republicans a different and more visceral way to rile up their base.
Good Lord, you got that right!
Too bad triangulatin' fucking Dims# bought in to the Reagan *cough* cut taxes on the rich no matter what*cough* Revolution.
Which coincidentally benefitted the Democratic donor class. Ahem.
IMO if the Dems didn't abandon representing We the People and if only Murica hadn't decided to punish Carter because...
(wait for it)
I can't get a gallon of gas (2:43) they would have maintained their Legislative dominance. Sad.
#Yo Michale and Don. I call them devils Repugs but not many people know that devils afflict both CMPs. Oh and that besides the Nazis on one side and the pedophiles on the other side, there are fine people on both sides.
So in the interest of fair and balanced I hearby do grant myself -- and Ye who would dare follow -- permission to diss the Tweedle Dee (or Dum as the case may be) Dims as needed.
Kids, do not try this at home.
And Newt is in the Rupert Murdoch Hall of Traitors for using the power of fear for evil rather than good. Murdoch is a compelling example that shit comes from non-shithole countries, eh?
K, CW.
I finished your column and IMO two things render all such handwringing prognostications less useful than our political polling industry of late. (FYI that was supposed to be an insult.)
AND I mean the handwringers in both parties.
First, Trump disruptedness along the accelerating pace of change* means that the slow motion largely formulaic politics as usual doesn't work nowadays. Um, Bernie...Trump... get it?
*FUTURE SHOCK/Alvin Toffler was a seminal book for me.
Number two, there are a great number of moving parts: Ukraine, the J6 public hearings, other accountability for the Seditiinists, Covid, does inflation subside, the economy and [fl in the blank(s).] Anybody think that none of these things will rock the casbah?
Stay tuned. Nothing is a fine deal until somebody gives up.
[8]
Don, that's some USDA grade A prime red card material you are spewing. Now if we could only get a ref in here...
Never a Cop when you need one.
[9]
but for the paucity of intelligent discussion, no matter the topic.
...
Hope a shut down of any kind doesn't happen as it would be a real shame. Because the trend most of us have been on here of late was a good and encouraging one.
I have a better idea. Why don't you STFU and let us adults handle this business? It's not you've contributed any intelligent discussion of late particularly regarding Ukraine. I'ma school your ignorant ass first thing. God knows I've sure researched this shit...
2022 at 19:01 ]
[13] Elizabeth Miller wrote:
News Flash ... this place ain't about you, Don, and neither was my comment. ;)
So who are you referring to if not the Fredo spewing profanity?
COMMERCIAL INTERRUPTION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You've never seen anything like it! (2:11)
*
The sequel, starring George Clooney (with pie)... Really! (1:20)
WOW....
Demorats are REALLY going off the deep end over losing control of their number 1 propaganda outlet.. :D
What *IS* it about Democrats that they simply can't handle the facts??
Donald Trump (not Junior) testified regarding his fear of being hit with tomatoes... and other fruit, including but not limited to bananas.
*
I can't stop laughing. The things we learn under penalty of perjury. Turns out, I'm growing projectile produce right now. Full confession: I never thought of them as weaponry, but I am a good aim.
Michale
23
The Open Markets Institute isn't exactly a group of Democrats. They are a non-profit that take issue with Amazon/Bezos, Google, Facebook and multiple other "big tech" firms they deem qualify as "monopolies" under antitrust statutes.
Am I surprised that Fox News would float the claim that they're Democrats who are deathly afraid?
*laughs* Nope. :)
Democrats are losing their fraking minds!! One would think that Armageddon has just been announced..
Well, considering that Democrats are losing their control over one of world’s most important platforms for public communications and debate, I guess that IS Armageddon for Democrats.. :D
It's going to be a LOT of fun to see the meltdown in the run-up to Elon taking over at Titter.. :D
Which, ironically enough, will ALSO be about the time that Democrats get their arses handed to them by the GOP in the mid-terms.. :D
WOW.. So much awesomeness on the way!! :D
Kick,
Thank you for your input.. As always, it's most appreciated.. Sincerely..
It's well documented that OMI is a liberal Left Wing think-tank.. The fact that it goes up against other liberal Left Wing organizations does not refute or disprove OMI's Democrat bona fides..
In fact, it simply re-enforces the fractured uncivil war that is going on within the Democrat Party..
But your comments are noted and most appreciated.. :D
Kudos...
I think the realization is beginning to sink in..
Democrats will lose Congress.. The facts that support this are well documented..
But, as MC has pointed out, things are very fluid and a lot of things can happen..
And reality has shown that, yes.. A LOT of things are happening..
But it's ALL been bad for Democrats..
Let's take a look...
The Hunter Biden Laptop information HAS BEEN CONFIRMED... Big Tech and Big Media have BOTH accepted that the Hunter Biden Laptop is fact and all the criminality and unethical actions of Hunter and the "Big Guy" is coming out and it's ALL bad for Democrats..
The Russia Collusion Delusion is heating up and it's ALL bad for Democrats.. The lengths that Team Hillary went to, both illegal and unethical are coming out in a fast and furious orgy of incriminating FACTS that's going to BURY Democrats...
And Democrats won't even be able to count on controlling the narrative by controlling Titter... The "world’s most important platform for public communications and debate" will now be turned over to someone who will not KowTow to Democrat Party agenda or priorities..
The Southern Border is again heating up and again dominating the news.. And it's DEMOCRATS who are leading the charge in trying to stop Biden's gross mismanagement of our Southern Border..
No matter which way one turns, it's ALL bad news for Democrats..
The *ONLY* question that is up in the air is how BAD Democrats are going to lose...
If things go the way the trend has been lately???
Democrats will be lucky to win the County Dog Catcher elections...
And let's not forget.. The DEFUND, DEMORALIZE, DEMONIZE THE POLICE policies of the Democrats is STILL a drag on the entire Party..
‘Defund the police’ still haunts Democrats
Polling shows this intraparty fight could hurt them in the midterms
https://rollcall.com/2022/04/27/defund-the-police-still-haunts-democrats/
Even though some Democrats are giving lip service to LEO support, repercussions are still being felt in communities across the country... And it's still going to drag Democrats down in the mid-terms..
Fair or unfair, the American people still believe that the Democrat Party is the DEFUND, DEMORALIZE, DEMONIZE THE POLICE Party...
Why can't Democrats get their Progressives under control??
Do Democrats REALLY want to stem the Anti-America Anti-Cop rhetoric of the Progressives??
Doesn't appear so...
If Democrats want ANY chance of minimizing their losses in November, they need to silence their radical progressives..
Failure to do so will simply result in more hemorrhaging and bigger losses for Democrats in November..
Whoever thought of the idea that DEFUND, DEMORALIZE, DEMONIZE THE POLICE policy was a great policy for Democrats to rally around should be tarred and feathered, eh!!???
Amiright??? :D
MC
FPC
}}}}WOOT!!! :D
I am now the proud owner of a 256GB Oculus Quest 2!!! :D{{{{{
Okay, call me Huckleberry,
Michale. Rather than use left-wing Google to look it up I'd like to know from vous WTF this is?
Is it a handgun, perchance? Good stopping power but easy to conceal for the School Board meeting?
Signed --
Curious Libtard Hillbilly
I am still playing with the Oculus so things are kinda skewed..
http://mfccfl.us/WeigantiaVR.jpg
But that's me sitting in the ICARUS Space Station reading the Weigantia forum..
:D
MtnCaddy,
I'll wait patiently for class to begin. Ahem.
JL
yes, as liz says, that's a valid point. if a massive, bernie-esque tuition giveback were undertaken, i'd see that as a plausible result. however, i don't think some modest needs-based debt forgiveness (which is biden's actual proposal) would anger graduates such as myself who are all paid up, at least not so much so that it would result in losing their votes. not everyone is a malcontent who flings epithets any time someone else gets attention and they don't.
Yea, there will be those few who, for the sake of Party cohesion, will overlook the blatantly unfair treatment..
But, like the tens of thousands of hispanic Americans who are pissed that illegals are getting a free pass, I am thinking this is simply another frak-up in a Party that is replete with frak-ups in the here and now.
In other words, I don't believe young Democrats, who are already pissed about the Biden Administration's total incompetence, are willing to give the Party any goodwill or the benefit of any doubt...
Don,
Both. :)
CW
The Republican Party's problem is, of course, that they have mainstreamed craziness. There is no position so extreme that it gets you expelled from the party, or even shunned by most Republicans.
I can think of a few:
(1) Speaking truth to power.
(2) Having the courage of your convictions.
(3) Holding those to account who were involved in the conspiracy to subvert the Constitution.
Big picture stuff. :)
Elon Musk's criticism of Twitter staff sparks backlash
Elon Musk's criticism of Twitter Inc TWTR.N sparked a barrage of abusive tweets against the company's top lawyer on Wednesday, raising questions about his compliance with a non-disparagement agreement and the tone that the social media platform's incoming owner will set for its users.
https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20220428-elon-musk-s-criticism-of-twitter-staff-sparks-backlash
It's funny...
Democrats/Left Wingers are the biggest bullies on Titter...
Then they turn around and whine and cry when the facts are used against them.. :^/
Hypocrisy.. It's not a bug in Democrat programming. It's a feature.
What *IS* it about Demcorat so-called "journalists" that they are Democrat activists first and journalists a very VERY distant 2nd???
"Your're happy that Musk bought Twitter because you are privileged and entitled"
-Trump/America hater
"Yes.. I am privileged to live in a country where I am entitled to Free Speech"
-Patriotic American
Word...
@m[37],
it's not unfair treatment to forgive SOME college debt for those who haven't been fortunate enough to be ABLE to pay it off. the idea you're buying into is a strawman argument, and not too many successful college graduates will buy it.
JL
https://media.townhall.com/Townhall/Car/b/mc-TwitterBuy-web20220427010903.jpg
Hehe.... It's SOO MUCH FUN in the here and now, eh?? :D
it's not unfair treatment to forgive SOME college debt for those who haven't been fortunate enough to be ABLE to pay it off.
Sure it is... Explain exactly how it's fair that people of integrity like YOU were able to pay off their debt just fine, while the lazy just get a free pass..
It's the very definition of unfair..
the idea you're buying into is a strawman argument, and not too many successful college graduates will buy it.
Yea.. And hispanic Americans are not walking away from the Democrat Party by the tens of thousands.. :D
Of course, we'll have to see if Biden actually follows thru.. This could be just a trial balloon leak by Biden's Puppet Masters to stem the tanking of Biden's approval numbers..
https://media.townhall.com/Townhall/Car/b/afb042522dAPR20220425034505.jpg
THAT sums things up perfectly.. :D
[47]iewwww.
@m[46],
that's the definition of unequal, NOT unfair. they are not the same thing. not all people saddled with college debt got there by being lazy or foolish. you're presuming something that isn't necessarily the case.
BIDEN'S TANKING RECOVERY
Economy hits worst quarter in two years as record-high inflation and labor shortages weighed on growth
US economy shrank 1.4% at beginning of 2022, marking worst quarter in 2 years
Economists expected the economy to expand by 1.1%, a marked slowdown from 2021
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/us-economic-growth-gdp-first-quarter
All the news coming down the pipe is BAD news for Democrats..
So, Re. the war in Ukraine, it's looking very much like the US and its allies see an opportunity - handed to them on a silver platter, I might add, by Putin - to finally weaken Russia through a prolonged war in Ukraine. Just as clear is that they are quite willing to sacrifice the entire Ukrainian nation to achieve that goal. Anyone wish to talk about genocide?
The US and NATO are supplying Ukraine with just enough continuing military support to keep the war going indefinitely. It's not unreasonable to ponder whether the US even wanted to prevent this war in the first place. They certainly didn't do anything to avoid this disastrous situation and, in fact, acted in such a way as to invite conflict. For what? To keep Ukraine's futile hope for NATO membership alive?
Does anyone here think that a US proxy war just a few hundred miles away from Moscow is a good idea!?
Disney special district says 'we don't know where we are going' after DeSantis signs law
The Reedy Creek Improvement District's board of supervisors is stumped as far as what new legislation will mean for its financial obligations
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/disney-special-district-in-dark-desantis-signs-law
Maybe Disney should have thought things thru before they butt'ed in to the affairs of the State Of FL..
The majority of Democrats in Florida SUPPORT the FL AntiGroomer law...
Disney thought it was smarter to listen to a vocal bitchy minority and not to the majority of Democrats in FL..
"{Disney} chose... poorly."
Liz,
The US and NATO are supplying Ukraine with just enough continuing military support to keep the war going indefinitely. It's not unreasonable to ponder whether the US even wanted to prevent this war in the first place.
No.. Not unreasonable at all.. I believe it was a crass political act by Biden's handlers to bring up Biden's sagging approval numbers..
The plan failed.. EPIC'LY failed..
Does anyone here think that a US proxy war just a few hundred miles away from Moscow is a good idea!?
Sound military strategy dictates it is unwise to start a war if there is no political will to WIN the war..
Michale,
No.. Not unreasonable at all.. I believe it was a crass political act by Biden's handlers to bring up Biden's sagging approval numbers..
When it comes to foreign policy and geopolitics, Biden has forgotten more than the people you call his 'handlers' have ever known or will ever know, so...
As someone who has been fairly closely following Biden's political career since 1987, I find that whole 'handler' narrative to be compelely non-serious.
What is in the water in Kenosha??
Kenosha meeting discussing memorial for man shot by Rittenhouse gets heated: 'Like a lunatic'
An opponent of the proposal worries the city will pass it quietly in the future
https://www.foxnews.com/us/kenosha-tables-proposal-for-memorial-to-man-shot-by-rittenhouse-after-community-outrage
Kenosha wants to "honor" a thug/criminal woman abuser who's SOLE claim to fame is bringing a skateboard to a gun fight.. :^/
THIS is what passes for smarts in today's Democrat Party... :^/
Michale,
Sound military strategy dictates it is unwise to start a war if there is no political will to WIN the war..
But, I wasn't asking about war, in general, where what you say is true.
I was asking about a US proxy war and, not just any US proxy war, even but, one that is just a few hundred miles away from Moscow!!! Hello! lol
Liz,
When it comes to foreign policy and geopolitics, Biden has forgotten more than the people you call his 'handlers' have ever known or will ever know, so...
I put to you that Biden himself has probably forgotten ALL he knew about foreign policy..
The debacle in Afghanistan proves that beyond ANY doubt..
As someone who has been fairly closely following Biden's political career since 1987, I find that whole 'handler' narrative to be compelely non-serious.
I know.. But the facts that support the handler claim are as pervasive and plentiful as they are conclusive..
It's a medical condition, Liz.. It doesn't indicate any lack of character or integrity on Biden's part..
Just on the part of his handlers..
I was asking about a US proxy war and, not just any US proxy war, even but, one that is just a few hundred miles away from Moscow!!! Hello! lol
Yea, it's a pretty bonehead move...
One really has to wonder why Biden insists on dragging this out..
Anyone else getting Trek's A PRIVATE LITTLE WAR vibe here??
One really has to wonder why Biden insists on dragging this out..
Didn't I just lizplain that? :)
Leave it to Democrats to make Orwell's 1984 a reality... :^/
Funny how Demcorats take this step immediately after it becomes apparent that Democrats will lose control of their censorship ability on one of world’s most important platforms for public communications and debate...
Coincidence???? Doubtful...
Let's face the facts here, people.. Democrats LOVE disinformation..
As long as it's THEIR disinformation.. Recent history is REPLETE with examples that prove this..
Didn't I just lizplain that? :)
I dunno....
Russia was already weak.. That much is apparent and BECAME readily apparent in the first few weeks..
Once this became obvious to all the trade off doesn't seem logical or rational...
By trade-off, I mean all the lives wasted in Ukraine and the utter decimation of Ukraine's infrastructure..
Unless the goal was to weaken Ukraine as well, it doesn't make much sense..
"Is there anything more dystopian than a Disinformation Governance Board run by the federal government?"
-Dr. Willie J. Montague
I think the goal may be more than just weaken Russia but to keep it in that state long enough for, you know, regime change.
Considering how adept the US/NATO is at regime change, good luck with that.
That is part and parcel of what makes this war so bloody unnecessary. It may, in the end (if we're all still around) make the US war in Iraq look like the proverbial walk in the park and lose its ranking on the list of greatest US foreign policy debacles of all time.
But, hay, not to worry about Ukraine ... everything is going according to plan. Ukraine can win! Ukraine will win! ;)
Michale,
Once this became obvious to all the trade off doesn't seem logical or rational...By trade-off, I mean all the lives wasted in Ukraine and the utter decimation of Ukraine's infrastructure..
I know what you're saying.
I think the goal may be more than just weaken Russia but to keep it in that state long enough for, you know, regime change.
Considering how adept the US/NATO is at regime change, good luck with that.
That is part and parcel of what makes this war so bloody unnecessary. It may, in the end (if we're all still around) make the US war in Iraq look like the proverbial walk in the park and lose its ranking on the list of greatest US foreign policy debacles of all time.
But, hay, not to worry about Ukraine ... everything is going according to plan. Ukraine can win! Ukraine will win! ;)
Babylon Bee skit mocks Twitter employees as sensitive, gets flagged by Twitter for ‘sensitive content’
The Babylon Bee has been locked out of their Twitter account for 'hateful content' since mid March
https://www.foxnews.com/media/babylon-bee-skit-twitter-employees-flagged-sensitive-content
Once again..
Proof positive that Democrats can dish it out but they can't take it..
https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2021/01/1862/1048/Rachel-Levine-Biden-assistant-health-secretary-AP.jpg?ve=1&tl=1
"Dude looks like a lady"
-Dean Winchester
:^/
[42]
Some people live so far up their own rear end that they’ve gone full circle, with their heads back up their own heads again.
Classic, simply classic. Gonna borrow this from ya.
But, hay, not to worry about Ukraine ... everything is going according to plan. Ukraine can win! Ukraine will win! ;)
I think it's clear to ANYONE with more than two brain cells to rub together, that Ukraine has already lost...
Regardless of the outcome of this war.. :^/
One has to wonder if Democrats are getting tired of losing?? :D
If it weren't for bad luck, Democrats would have no luck at all.. :D
I am still playing with the Oculus so things are kinda skewed..
Definitely try Beat Saber. I think the Oculus comes with a demo or easy download. Meta bought the company, so I assume they are pushing it. I found the fidelity on Beat Saber was better on the PS4/psvr even though it's much older hardware. Probably hard to power/cool a real video card in a headset. I think you can use the Oculus as output to a gaming PC if you need more power. Also check out Catch and Release if you want a super chill fishing experience. Just you rowing around a lake fishing but the VR implementation and fishing model is very good.
Illinois school district unveils curriculum teaching preschoolers about sexual orientation, gender identity
Lessons include teaching pre-K students vocabulary words such as ‘non-binary'
https://www.foxnews.com/us/illinois-school-district-unveils-curriculum-teaching-preschoolers-about-sexual-orientation-gender-identity
This is exactly why Florida's Anti-Groomer law is so necessary...
Definitely try Beat Saber. I think the Oculus comes with a demo or easy download. Meta bought the company, so I assume they are pushing it. I found the fidelity on Beat Saber was better on the PS4/psvr even though it's much older hardware. Probably hard to power/cool a real video card in a headset. I think you can use the Oculus as output to a gaming PC if you need more power. Also check out Catch and Release if you want a super chill fishing experience. Just you rowing around a lake fishing but the VR implementation and fishing model is very good.
Yea, I already got Beat Saber.. I accidentally CAST the OCULUS to my TV while I was playing it.. Freaked the wife out.. :D
I Tried CREED boxing this morning and got a pretty hefty workout.. in addition to getting my ass whupped! :D
I also tried that ECHO ARENA game.. It was killer!! Actually grabbing on to things with your VR hands and throwing a VR Frisbee around.. Reminded me of BSG's PYRAMID.. :D
I have it linked to my PC (11th Gen Core i5 with a RTX 3060ti) but I haven't been able to take full advantage of the combo yet. Still learning..
I'll get Catch N Release when I get home..
I also tried META's HORIZONS... There was this one kid in the lobby screaming at the top of his lungs..
Scared the ever lovin' SHIT out of me!!
And another guy kept following me around asking what school I go to... Major Creepy...
Michale,
I think it's clear to ANYONE with more than two brain cells to rub together, that Ukraine has already lost...
I was being a bit facetious about how the media keep thinking and saying that Ukraine will win and then get a puzzeled look when some analyst or other gives them the real state of play.
I have found that they have not quite figured out walking. Basic walking like movement causes nausea after a while, so there is a teleportation movement system to reduce that but it feels forced. On the other hand flying and driving are great. If you have never played No Mans Sky, quite the good game if you like Star Trek like exploration of never before visited planets. I generally play it on a normal monitor but flying the ships in VR is really good.
Creeps and squeakers. The fun of multiplayer. If you get a good group it's good, but playing with randoms is hit or miss, usually miss. I finally had to turn off all other players in GTA as it was a constant racist profanity battle between the hicks and the brothers...
Michale
28
It's well documented that OMI is a liberal Left Wing think-tank.. The fact that it goes up against other liberal Left Wing organizations does not refute or disprove OMI's Democrat bona fides..
I obviously didn't do a very good job of getting my point across.
I'ma try again.
The Open Markets Institute isn't exactly an exclusive group of Democrats. They are a non-profit that take issue with Amazon/Bezos, Google, Facebook and multiple other "big tech" firms they deem qualify as "monopolies" under antitrust statutes, not unlike the neo-populists on the Right.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/republicans-and-democrats-increasingly-agree-big-tech-is-too-powerful/
Am I surprised that Fox News would float the claim that they're Democrats who are suddenly deathly afraid?
*laughs* Nope. :)
Meaning: The group they're attempting to paint as freaking out about Twitter has been sounding off against "Big Tech" monopolies (including Twitter) for quite awhile already. They're not a group that is new to opposing Twitter and haven't suddenly freaked out.
In fact, it simply re-enforces the fractured uncivil war that is going on within the Democrat Party..
Over "big tech"? I don't see it. It's actually refreshing to see more bipartisanship on that particular issue... even if it is for different reasons. :)
Kick,
Thanx for the info... Very much appreciated..
And I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to dumb it down for me.. I find that economic stuff usually bores me and I usually don't pay attention much.. But you made it easier to understand..
Thanx :D
What's yer thoughts on Musk taking over Twitter??
Don Harris
41
I would not characterize speaking truth to power, having the courage of your convictions or holding people to account as extreme positions.
I understand why you would say that; there was a time I would have agreed with your sentiment, but we're talking today's so-called GOP.
So what we've got us here is an issue regarding "context." Those Republicans who hold those positions are most definitely furthest from the center and meet that definition.
Even rare here as there is often little if any truth in many comments, no courage of conviction as demonstrated by the dodges and refusing to display conviction with rational argument and very little holding anyone accountable.
You must divest yourself of the ridiculous notion that everything posted on this forum somehow pertains to you personally. My post to CW wasn't about you; it had that in common with the article from which it was quoted. :)
"I'm also sending to Congress a comprehensive package of that will enhance our underlying effort to accommodate the Russian oligarchs and make sure we take their - take their ill begotten gains. We're going to accommodate them. We're going to seize their yachts, their luxury homes and all their ill-begotten gains of Putin’s kleptocri- k- yeah, kleptocracy- klep- — the guys who are the kleptocracies. Ha. Ha. Ha. But these are bad guys."
-Joe Biden...
Ex-squeeze me??? Baking powder???
Seriously, people?? Democrats went absolutely bat-shit crazy over 'covfefe'....
But THIS^^^ THIS is "normal"?? :^/
Michale
82
Thanx for the info... Very much appreciated..
Again with the "thanx"? *sigh* Merry Xmas. :)
And I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to dumb it down for me..
That's not what I was doing.
Thanx :D
Heh.
What's yer thoughts on Musk taking over Twitter??
My thoughts regarding Musk purchasing Twitter are primarily financial since I purchased a hefty chunk of TWTR in November 2017 around the time they doubled from 140 to 280 characters allowed per twit/tweet (whatever).
That's the financial side.
As for the platform itself? I don't agree that Twitter is all that suppressive of free speech. The Righties who are screaming the loudest about having had their "free speech" suppressed by Twitter have generally been able to tweet whatever they wished.
The tweets to and from Mark Meadows are a perfect example of what I'm referring. I would wager there are quite a few Righties who will wish their tweets hadn't been so free once they're revealed in the public forum. :)
Twitter already barely censors anything. They've taken a tiny scalpel to their algorithms to limit hate speech and bots and the like, but anyone who is truly concerned about the mental health of America's K-12 school children might want to take a second look at what's happening right now in America. We've got Righties gleefully banning books and using the levers of state government to control an ideologically slanted curriculum that whitewashes history to suit their agenda. Meanwhile, the same Righties are screaming at the top of their lungs for uncensored free speech.
Imagine authors who are free to publish their otherwise banned works on their uncensored Twitter accounts. Who's going to stop them? Truly unfettered "free speech" comes with a price. :)
Okay, Elizabeth here's your original statement two or three weeks into the war, as memory serves. Please include any paragraph I may have missed and I'll address it, deal?
I'll follow by responding bit by bit to the whole magnificent effort. You deserve a reply.
MtnCaddy and Friends,
Lizsplaining 101 - the Russian War in Ukraine
Okay, I’m going to explain why I think this war could have and certainly should have been avoided and who I think is to blame for inviting the start of it.
But, first, to be clear and for the record, Putin and Russia are solely responsible for starting this ridiculously unnecessary and unjustified war against Ukraine, for the death of civilians and for committing obvious war crimes about which the ICC is investigating and rightly so. Such a declaration, here in Weigantia and among friends, should go without saying.
Now, you will recall that when the Berlin wall fell and the disintegration of the USSR began, NATO, which was set up to counter the Soviet Union, began “assessing” that it would be a good idea to expand to ensure the continuing security of Europe.
For one brief shining moment, the Yeltsin government in Moscow entertained the idea of Russia joining this strategic security arrangement, in some form or fashion. I even recall advocating for the same during the very early nineties when NATO began in earnest to consider expanding its security zone across Europe and, indeed, its sphere of influence. However, old ideas and patterns die hard sometimes and the Russians didn’t pursue joining NATO.
As Russia embarked on its fledgling democracy, there were many Russians who felt a distinct sense of humiliation in the aftermath of the break-up of the Soviet Union. It was, after all, quite a shock to the system. And, in this environment when Russia was down and out and trying to emerge from a yolk of totalitarianism and economic hardship, NATO decides that this would be an opportune time to expand and, eventually, right up to Russia’s border.
For thirty years, Russia has declared that Ukraine is a red line for them in terms of NATO expansion. Why would NATO wish to welcome Ukraine into the fold and have NATO forces just hundreds of miles from Moscow? Why, indeed. I would argue that Ukraine provides a security buffer for both Russia and NATO and space for continuing dialogue on the security concerns of both parties, especially given the nature of nuclear arms control negotiations that have been ongoing for decades, not to mention the general dynamics of the Cold War.
So, knowing and understanding the real and ultimately manageable security concerns of Russia in the midst of NATO expansion up to its border, the US and NATO open the door to the possibility of Ukraine membership, leaving NATO's muscular force structure and weaponry, thanks to the US, right at Russia’s doorstep, only a few hundred miles from the heart of Moscow. Ukraine, in a move that helped to seal its current fate, enshrined in its constitution an aspirational intent to become a NATO member and all that is entailed with entering into such a security arrangement.
Despite clear and consistent messaging from the Kremlin - over the course of the last thirty years, no less - the West refused to take Russia's security concerns seriously and Putin moved to recapture Crimea. Studying the history of this parcel of land, by the way, is instructive but, I will leave that complicated story to others.
Later, with Ukraine, the US and NATO still stubbornly clinging to the notion that their public stance remain open to Ukrainian membership (“sovereign nations have the right to choose their alliances”, never mind the fact that NATO also has the right to choose its members and there was no logical reason nor realistic chance that Ukraine would ever actually be admitted) Putin moves to control the separatist regions of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine, thus creating facts on the ground to counter the real and imagined NATO threat.
Fast forward to February 2022 and the amassing of Russian troops along its western border with Ukraine and in Belarus. And, still, Ukraine and the US and NATO refuse to accept reality on the ground or even discuss the real and manageable security concerns of Russia that have led to this troop build-up.
In fact, Biden, in a historically stubborn and obtuse move, publicly declares that the idea of Ukrainian membership in NATO is sacrosanct and, as such, is off the negotiating table to diffuse the potential crisis. Which, of course, is all about NATO expansion into Ukraine. Adding fuel to the flames would be an apt phrase to describe this wholly irresponsible behavior on the part of an American president, NATO and Ukraine, who should all know better.
And, here we are.
***
We've got Righties using the levers of state government to control an ideologically slanted curriculum that whitewashes history to suit their agenda.
Except it doesn't happen happen whatsoever..
The Righties who are screaming the loudest about having had their "free speech" suppressed by Twitter have generally been able to tweet whatever they wished.
Yea?? Tell that to the Babylon Bee... Tell that to the NY Post.. :D
Even Jack Dorsey said that banning the NY POST over the Hunter Laptop facts was a "huge mistake".. Of course, he can say that now after it accomplished what it was meant to do.. Allow Biden to be elected POTUS...
But, again.. Thanx so much for your input.. As always, it is more than appreciated.. :D
MC,
OK.. Just so we're clear..
#87 is what LIZ posted???
Elizabeth, please assume that I agree with everything you said that doesn't show up down here.
As Russia embarked on its fledgling democracy, there were many Russians who felt a distinct sense of humiliation in the aftermath of the break-up of the Soviet Union. It was, after all, quite a shock to the system. And, in this environment when Russia was down and out and trying to emerge from a yolk of totalitarianism and economic hardship, NATO decides that this would be an opportune time to expand and, eventually, right up to Russia’s border...
And why not expand NATO right up to Russia's border? Poland, the Baltics and Ukraine are sovereign states, as sovereign as is your Canada. And as free to chose the best course for their respective countries as is Canada.
The whole point of our NATO
military alliance is to prevent Soviet/Russian agression.
The European Union is an economic alliance.
Both get stronger and make more money the bigger the Party is.
[90]
For thirty years, Russia has declared that Ukraine is a red line for them in terms of NATO expansion. Why would NATO wish to welcome Ukraine into the fold and have NATO forces just hundreds of miles from Moscow? Why, indeed. I would argue that Ukraine provides a security buffer for both Russia and NATO and space for continuing dialogue on the security concerns of both parties, especially given the nature of nuclear arms control negotiations that have been ongoing for decades, not to mention the general dynamics of the Cold War.
It goes back a little longer than that. Like back to the Mongols in 1237.
Long and flat, Russia has no geographical barriers on its borders and throughout history has been constantly invaded. They understandably hate instability and aversion and that's why the Romanovs were installed.
Catherine the Great started the Russian drive to surround itself with buffer states. Others followed and the extra space saved Russia first from Napoleon, then Hitler and most recently, NATO.
[89]
Yes! I decided to reprint the whole thing because it was written to be read in one sitting.
Sucks, I can't get quotebox to work.
knowing and understanding the real and ultimately manageable security concerns of Russia...
They're not real. In this age of nuclear triads and mechanized warfare things don't work like they did when throughout history invading armies had to walk (and walk...and walk...) into Russia. Borders aren't nearly as important.
Did I mention that their 6,000 warheads guarantee sovereignty even better than North Korea's 50 do?
And manageable implies making Putin's wishes more important than those of the peoples of the former Soviet Union...
Michale
88
Except it doesn't happen happen whatsoever..
It does in Texas.
https://www.texastribune.org/2015/10/05/controversial-social-studies-textbooks-under-fire-/
A textbook by McGraw-Hill classifying African Americans as being "immigrants" and "workers." The whitewashing of history.
Your talking about double Russia's rapidly declining population of roughly 140M. You would throw them all to the wolves why?
THIS invasion was always going to happen no matter what Biden and NATO did...
[87] et al
Russia is losing population and it's fossil fuel resources are falling out of style so this was simply Putin's last chance to expand back at least into Ukraine.
[89] et al
In fact, Biden, in a historically stubborn and obtuse move, publicly declares that the idea of Ukrainian membership in NATO is sacrosanct and, as such, is off the negotiating table to diffuse the potential crisis. Which, of course, is all about NATO expansion into Ukraine. Adding fuel to the flames would be an apt phrase to describe this wholly irresponsible behavior on the part of an American president, NATO and Ukraine, who should all know better.
And, here we are.
***
Abandoning a single square meter of a free people's territory when there is no reason to do so would be appeasement.
And appeasement wouldn't have stopped Putin even if Ukraine immediately collapsef. He would have to
1- swallow Moldova
2-conquer Poland
3- conquer the Baltic States
...to give himself the space he wants and that Russian geopolitics used to demand.
It does in Texas.
It DID in Texas.. 8 years ago with ONE book..
Hardly conclusive.. :D
Yes, I grant you.. In the past mistakes were made.. But in the here and now??
I believe that is factually not accurate..
But again, thanx for the great info.. It's very much appreciated.. :D
[87] et al
MY PREDICTION that Putin wouldn't invade was wrong. But I don't feel bad because I knew it probably would end badly for Mother Russia and I simply overestimated Putin.
***SIDEBAR***
***
DOES ANYONE ELSE see parallels between Putin's invasion and the 1938-39 Russo-Finnish War aka The Winter War?
Parallels to Winter War.
Stalin officer purges v. Putin's cocoon of yes-men, both resulting in prioritizing loyalty over ability.
Overconfidence in their own military and it's will to fight. Inefficiencies and corruption in both the Soviet system and today's Russia manifesting in performance problems.
Underestimating the opposition's military along with it's will to fight.
Horrendous casualties for little gain.
World condemnation of naked aggression. Alas, this is already hurting today's Russia far more than back in the late 30s.
Pushing the target countries firmly into the Nazi/NATO camp along with other border states (Then: Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
Now: Ukraine, Finland, Sweden etc.)
So, we're in agreement on the other part???
About how Twitter does in fact censor Right Wing and not Left Wing? About how "Righties" are not allowed to post whatever they wish?? :D
[89] et al
Yes, so much winning:
1- failing to conquer Ukraine. Everybody expected the Warsaw Pact to just show up and crush Ukraine but it turns out only the Warsaw Pact weapons showed up. Heh.
AND with enough (delighted, we assure you!) Western support Ukraine may, at length, even push Russia out.
THAT IS if Putin and/or Russia doesn't succumb to the sanctions imposed by a...
2- NATO more united than since Soviet Times. Even effing Germany, kind of sort of.
Willing to take an economic hit to make full use of this golden opportunity to perform the payback is a motherfucker function on Vlad.
***SIDEBAR***
Bad news!
Masha Gessen addresses whether the truth penetrating Russia
would turn hearts and minds against Putin.(8:54)
She notes that it's now a totalitarian society and,
it's a matter of survival for the Russian people to buy into the government line. To actually give up their ability to form their own opinion.
So that this idea that if you somehow just got somebody to see something [that] it would magically do something to the Putin regime is a misunderstanding of how the country works.
I love this gal. I'm starting to plow through these Putin Files on YouTube where various Putin experts dive deep. Here's her's.(1:58:24)
[89] et al
You subsequently posted some things:
Again, Russia has been doing this for centuries, this is the last time she'll have the young manpower and economic ability to even try this invasion and after twelve years of Murican weakness under Obama and Trump, Vladimir guessed that old Cold War hand Joe probably wasn't going to be that kind of pussy.
[89] et al
Idid, and yes, it's bad. As in Russia is the only European country more corrupt than Ukraine bad.
This is not news as Ukrainians experienced the same corrupt post-Soviet oligarch system process as did Russia.
Wisely, IMF loans and candidacy for NATO are predicated on anti-corruption reforms so it's undeniably a work in progress at best.
Meanwhile, fix up some popcorn and watch The Corruption Games.
THUS FAR -- less corrupt Ukraine is ahead of more corrupt Russia on the Judge's scorecards. :D
***
has it's own corruption problem.
BESIDES, the West
Neo-Nazis? Every European country has them. And Canada and 'Murica together have them in greater numbers than Ukraine due to having eight times the population. So, before you cast stones...
[89] et al
Here, you may be partially right. :D
WHILE the West did not want nor did it goad Russia into war (too tough on the world economy, duh) understanding the correct meaning of national interests suggests that the best possible result for the West is continued low-level war in Donbas only, which gets the grain and fossil fuels moving to ease inflation while keeping the Rooskies from being able pursue military adventurism elsewhere.
It doesn't matter. The sanctions will almost certainly cost Putin his life and cause the Rooskies to withdraw.
And Zelensky couldn't politically surrender a single square meter of pre-2014 territory even if he lost his mind and wanted to.
I'm Ukrainian- Murican and trust me, the Ukrainians would fight with sticks and rocks against the Russians before they'd ever surrender. (See: Mariupol)
What's my basis for these beliefs?
A lot of research into the various relevant topics such as geopolitics, demographics, history, 20th century warfare, economics, wartime production and more. I'm talking down in the weeds, bitches, but I eat this stuff up.
And, I look forward to putting in similar efforts along with Michale regarding law enforcement.
Elizabeth please tell me what you would do in this hypothetical situation:
***America invades Ontario!***
Although the damned Yankees expected to roll right over most of the Province t,he Canucks fight hard and Windsor is the largest city that falls to us Yanks before the front lines stabilize. America's military proves to be a corrupt shell of it's former self and the rest of the world gladly seeks payback for decades of American adventurism, pumping weapons to the tenacious Canadian defenders. At best, the Muricans can make costly yet very incremental gains, but Toronto is no longer in danger. At worst, worldwide sanctions will overturn the government if the Canadians don't win the war first.
So, would you have your government stop fighting when you're about to win?
Or would you agree that a bad peace is not a real peace it's just a timeout? (See: Versailles Treaty)
Abadeebada abadeebada -- that's all, folks!
Look forward to your detailed response if I haven't completely win you over, Elizabeth.
***SIDEBAR***
Russian nukes?
Researched that also and three people are needed to launch their missles: Putin, the Minister of Defense and the Army Chief of Staff.
Sure, Putin could replace them if they won't cooperate but considering that launching guarantees the death of their replacements along with Mother Russia I'm confident that Putin is more likely to get a bullet in his head than he is of launching.
Putin rattling his nuclear a sword is old news. He already has nukes near Finland and Sweden so that's a big nothingburger. Ain't no nukes honna fly, Michale
K, guys, I'm pretty wiped so I'm off to watch the NFL Draft -- our Murican Yuletide in April!
My being in the Army is meaningless, for I was a REMF* and performed something of the Radar function in M*A*S*H. I was the treasured Prince of Paperwork.
Michale of the Air Force was undoubtedly a REMF as well (because only pilots and their version of Military Police handling drunk Airmen aren't REMFs in the Air Force haha ;D
Anyways, I got into military history especially 20th Century way back in High School. I enjoyed hundreds of hours playing cardboard and paper Wargames, including running the Soviet Production System in a simulation of WWII on the Divisional level. I always knew more about the combat stuff than any of the peeps I served with.
*Rear
Echelon
Mother
Bleepers
Michale
88
Apologies. Got called away.
Yea?? Tell that to the Babylon Bee... Tell that to the NY Post.. :D
The Babylon Bee is satire that describes itself as "fake news." I cannot fathom why they'd be censored unless somebody confused satire with actual news. Who among the Righties hasn't done that? Just kidding... mostly. As for the NY Post, like I said, Hamilton would turn in his grave. As I have explained to you, Fox News also passed on that Hunter Biden story because they doubted the veracity of its source:
http://www.chrisweigant.com/2022/04/25/utah-democrats-to-try-a-political-experiment/#comment-190549
So the Post broke Rudy's unvetted story and then blamed all the media outlets who wouldn't cover it unvetted... except their own network, of course. Then the frothy right talking heads on Fox opinion propaganda news whined incessantly that it was a coverup. Grievance politics for the clueless masses. Oh, the outrage! Lather, rinse, repeat.
Even Jack Dorsey said that banning the NY POST over the Hunter Laptop facts was a "huge mistake"..
Hindsight is 20/20, and Rudy Giuliani is still being investigated for violations of election law and FARA.
Of course, he can say that now after it accomplished what it was meant to do.. Allow Biden to be elected POTUS...
Hunter Biden wasn't on my ballot... or anyone else's.
Michale
99
It DID in Texas.. 8 years ago with ONE book..
Hardly conclusive.. :D
One book!? Me giving you one example is NOT the equivalent of this only happening in one book... and you know that.
Yes, I grant you.. In the past mistakes were made.. But in the here and now??
I believe that is factually not accurate..
I believe you believe that... but selective book editing and book banning are nothing new to those who know history: It's the inevitable reaction to social advances... always has been. :)
Michale
102
So, we're in agreement on the other part???
I got called away. See above.
About how Twitter does in fact censor Right Wing and not Left Wing?
Only a fool would claim that there's equal representation on any platform (or in any institution) wherein humans with biases are making judgment calls. We could definitely agree on that. :)