Patterico's Pontifications

1/19/2017

Inaugurations Are Stupid: A Contrarian’s Position

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 9:30 pm



As we head into the glorious day of inauguration, allow me to pee in everyone’s cornflakes with a contrarian position:

Inaugurations are stupid.

Yeah, yeah, I get that we have to have a ceremony to commemorate the peaceful transition of power, yada yada yada. But goodness gracious, the level of ceremony that goes into it, and all the emotion and crowds and pomp not to mention the circumstance . . . it’s too much for me.

It seems royalist. Like we’re crowning a king.

But we’re not. It’s just a guy (not a very bright one at that) taking his place in a position with waaaaay too much power.

I don’t feel like making a big deal out of it. I won’t be watching it. I don’t plan to talk about it all day. Maybe I’ll watch a YouTube clip later on, for a minute. And then I’ll go on with my day.

Hey, I become similarly misanthropic during the Oscars, the Grammys . . . pretty much any self-congratulatory ceremony you could name.

Plus I just don’t like Donald Trump as a person, so the less I see of that guy, the better.

Look, I’m a grump, OK?

It’s not you. It’s me.

[Cross-posted at RedState.]

311 Responses to “Inaugurations Are Stupid: A Contrarian’s Position”

  1. I’ve been complaining about the ceremonial side of the presidency since I was in high school. Presidents IMHO should not be squandering time reading to kindergarten classes, meeting with spelling bee winners, going to funerals, etc, etc, etc. The same goes for inauguration day. I don’t begrudge some ceremony (I rather like the wreath-laying at Arlington as a measure of respect for our fallen) and the swearing in and speech, but all these balls, the parade (a security nightmare!) and all the rest.. The cost is enormous, and often paid for by big donors (great, more influence peddling).

    I applaud that Trump cut it down a bit, but I’d sure like to see it cut more (every day, not just inauguration day).

    Arizona CJ (191c8a)

  2. I hear your pal Jim Hoft just got White House press credentials.

    School Marm (a0af8c)

  3. Did Red State? Asking for a friend…

    School Marm (a0af8c)

  4. Hoft must be devastated. Not even a deputy assistant White House doorman job, when Steve Bannon got a top spot?

    nk (dbc370)

  5. Look at the bright side, the media is going to hate it.

    AZ Bob (f7a491)

  6. You know what’s even more stupid than the inauguration? The State of the Union Address. If I were advising the new President, I would suggest to him that in odd years he simply send it in printed form to be read by the Speaker of the House to the Joint Session of Congress, and in even years he can show up and deliver it himself, but it ought to be entirely a campaign launching speech. And if his approval rating is above 55% then he ought to skip it in the even years too. The hell with the rest of the falderal that surrounds that useless event.

    JVW (6e49ce)

  7. I hear your pal Jim Hoft just got White House press credentials.

    Are you hoping to be Hoft’s date to the White House Correspondents Dinner (another event to which the new President should send his regrets), School Marm?

    JVW (6e49ce)

  8. “We salute the rank, not the man.” – Maj. Dick Winters [Damian Lewis] ‘Band of Brothers’ HBO TV, 2001

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  9. I think that Presidents should be CONSTANTLY reminded of the position they hold and their duty to the office and to the people.

    Every time they enter a room, everyone stands.

    When he appears in public, they play “Hail to the Chief” as if it were sovereign honors.

    When abroad, he IS the United States of America.

    It’s “Mr President”, not “Don”, even to people he’s known all his life.

    So, YES to pomp and ceremony. Unrelenting pomp and ceremony. To the point where even the most vain and egotistical person — and the office has had several — has to be humbled by it.

    The danger is that he forgets.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  10. I hear your pal Jim Hoft just got White House press credentials.

    I hope they frisk him every time.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  11. The State of the Union Address.

    Remember when a Congressman said “You lie!” when Obama talked about Obamacare? Boy did the sh1t hit the fan. (Note: I sent the guy a donation the next day.)

    Well, watch what happens in a week or two when Trump goes up to the Hill. And the media will let them get away with it, too.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  12. An excellent guide to the incoming cabinet:

    http://www.marieclaire.com/politics/a23922/donald-trump-cabinet-appointments/

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  13. Look who’s grumpy.

    I have a full day planned, which doesn’t include inauguration viewing, as well.
    Incidental contact at best. If it’s just the Instapundit recap, that will have to do.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  14. Seen at Instapundit.

    MSNBC journalists on Thursday whined about the treatment they were getting from Americans visiting Washington D.C. for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Cal Perry reported live from the inaugural concert. He complained, “…There is a pervasive, sort of, heckling that goes on towards the media that we’ve seen today, consistently not just from the crowds but also the volunteers.”

    After walking around the crowd, Perry lamented, “This is certainly a divided nation and this idea that the Trump supporters have seems to be that, if you are not with Trump, you are dead-set against him. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground.”

    Love my country. Love my fellow trumpettes.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  15. “It’s just a guy (not a very bright one at that) taking his place in a position with waaaaay too much power.”

    Wow. You really are one bitter, petty, small-minded SOB, aren’t you?? You can’t even muster a touch of grace or well wishes TODAY?

    This would be one thing if the enemy were being inaugurated today. But, despite your ceaseless venom and skepticism, we are swearing in THIS guy.

    http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/17/william-pryor-judge-supreme-court-shortlist-meets-/

    http://hotair.com/archives/2017/01/19/oh-baby-dramatic-cuts-are-coming-to-federal-government/

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2017-01-19/mnuchin-tax-reform-major-component-of-economic-plan

    After all of your predictions he was going to be a closet Northeastern liberal, some cross between Mike Bloomberg and Susan Collins, how many additional times do you need to be proven wrong?

    Oh, but I get it, there might be a (shudder!) tariff! What a freedom hater, right?

    Jared Nelson (3f05fe)

  16. it’s not like we get the day off

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  17. Aw fer …. If President of the United States were not the highest honor a human being could achieve, then we wouldn’t care which “guy (not a very bright one at that) [took] his place in a position with waaaaay too much power”. But it is (the highest Earthly honor) and should be celebrated with all the pomp and ceremony the country can stomach. That it is an honor bestowed by operation of the laws of the United States, and not by “accident of birth”, does not diminish it. It magnifies it.

    nk (dbc370)

  18. I’m still taking my car for an oil change, though.

    nk (dbc370)

  19. This inauguration would have been a perfect time to showcase soem real class, by cutting the inagural balls to one or two very simple events. The pomp & pagentry is quite frankly egotism and insulting to me and to most of the general public.

    Joe (debac0)

  20. where dem pups

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  21. 10. Thats what ges counting on.
    18. If its a foreign made car, get it done before noon, b.c. of the new upcharge.
    All in all hopefully, Stephen Green does a drunkblog, but thats about all ill do.

    urbanleftbehind (1ae0bb)

  22. The inauguration is a circus, and probably serves to allow the leaving President to slip out of town before any of he idiots he’s annoyed in the last few years can do something about him. Pity that Jug Ears doesn’t seem inclined to be that smart.

    C. S. P. Schofield (99bd37)

  23. A story here?

    “THIS SEEMS AWFULLY ONE-SIDED: Lawyer Presidential Campaign Contributions: 97% To Clinton, 3% To Trump.”

    https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/255059/

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  24. That last one shall heretofore remain evergreen…

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  25. I seem to recall some kind of absurd tent palace thing when Obama was inaugurated. At least this is the last day of the Obama administration. Finally.

    Dustin (ba94b2)

  26. Joe @ 19 — There are only 3 official inaugural balls. Can’t do anything about private balls sponsored by others.

    Obama had 13 official inaugural balls.

    So, if “showing some class” included reducing the number, then Trump did so.

    shipwreckedcrew (56b591)

  27. One of the humorous parts of the departure of the outgoing Pres. is that when they head over to Andrews AFB to take their ride out of town, they have to look over at the big blue AF One sitting there, which has been their only transportation for 8 years, and realized they never get to fly on that again. Instead they get on some smaller AF jet without all the luxury inside, and fly like almost normal people again for the first time.

    And there won’t be 25 cars in the motorcade when he gets off at the other end. Usually 3-4 will be enough.

    And they have to sit in traffic now.

    shipwreckedcrew (56b591)

  28. Gotta agree. Its way too much for me. Of course, I think the presidency is way too powerful.

    Patrick Henry, the 2nd (e04f50)

  29. Love Trump, hate him, be ambivalent about him, I think the issues are two:

    1) The Presidency has grown in power over the years. In the previous term, it reached the point where the President had no problems ruling by executive order, just as if he were a king. If we’re installing a new king, why not do the whole nine yards. At least there’s no throne or crown jewels at the inauguration ceremony.

    2) We as humans love ritual and ceremony. Anything we do enough times will accumulate layers of rules, etiquette, ritual, and ceremony. Thus, (as mentioned above) the State of the Union Address becomes a major dramatic event, coordinated with both houses of Congress and the media, and televised for the world to see. Quite a change from a requirement to “from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient”. This makes a prime time news event of something that could be handled in an occasional email (or tweet).

    I suspect any attempt to roll back the pomp and ceremony will meet with more than a little resistance from all the parties who have parts to play in the ceremony, and aren’t willing to sacrifice their claims to the spotlight.

    Karl Lembke (e37f42)

  30. And frankly, if the inauguration ceremony is this administration’s “peak stupidity”, I’ll be thrilled.

    Karl Lembke (e37f42)

  31. It’s a schadenbonery Friday!

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  32. I’m with JVW, get rid of the State of the Union too. These guys are employees, not our sovereigns. We are not a ruled people living under tutelage.

    Gabriel Hanna (61adec)

  33. I voted for Trump, but I despised him until he won. He is problematic, but I am grateful for his win. Romney was a milk toast and listening to McCain during the debates was painful. Maybe Hillary and Obama were so awful that maybe anyone could have beaten her, but it was still thrilling to see Hillary and Obama’s legacy get what they deserve.

    Tony (ff2fe4)

  34. “The “CNN list [or plagiarized passages] was misleadingly long, possibly a calculated attempt to condemn her with manufactured, but false, bulk.”

    Chu also revealed that CNN had deliberately misrepresented evidence. In two dozen of the supposed examples of plagiarism cited by the cable TV network, “CNN hid from readers that her footnotes gave proper credit to the source,” she said.

    “I came away impressed by the very high quality and care taken by Ms. Crowley in her writing, scholarship and research overall,” Chu said. There were “relatively few examples of unsourced copying” that should simply “be corrected, and not allowed to besmirch Ms. Crowley’s reputation.”

    At first glance, the case CNN’s Kaczynski makes against Crowley in his Jan. 7 article seems damning.

    Kaczynski writes:

    The review of Crowley’s June 2012 book, “What The (Bleep) Just Happened,” found upwards of 50 examples of plagiarism from numerous sources, including the copying with minor changes of news articles, other columnists, think tanks, and Wikipedia. The New York Times bestseller, published by the HarperCollins imprint Broadside Books, contains no notes or bibliography.

    He continues:

    Sections of her book are repeatedly lifted from articles by National Review author Andrew C. McCarthy, who is a friend of Crowley’s. Lines in her book also match word-for-word the work of other columnists, including National Review’s Rich Lowry, Michelle Malkin, conservative economist Stephen Moore, Karl Rove, and Ramesh Ponnuru of Bloomberg View.

    Crowley also lifted word-for-word phrases from the Associated Press, the New York Times, Politico, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, the BBC, and Yahoo News.

    But closer examination reveals Kaczynski to be at best a hairsplitter, and at worst, a liar.”

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  35. 15. Jared Nelson

    As of right now it’s all talk. Let’s slow down on the celebratory high fives until Trump actually does what everyone else is saying he’ll do.

    Sean (1d5074)

  36. The public display of the peaceful transfer of power is a YUGE deal because that’s not the reality of much of the world.
    Maybe the aspirations of people residing in Tehran, Havana, or Harare will be piqued when they watch clips of the inauguration on youtube.

    America really is unique, and I know that many left wingers fail to grasp that concept. I occasionally wonder if some of our libertarian/right friends fail to appreciate America’s uniqueness in the world, too.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  37. You remind me of a medieval monk, who when presented with a banquet of wonderful foods, chooses instead to have only a dry crust and a cup of water. And who then goes and beats himself with a branch to prove his piety.

    When life offers you joy, revel in the joy, man! Life has enough downtimes already, we don’t need to make more just to tell ourselves how much better we are than the riotous sinners out there cheering in the streets.

    Tom Servo (4f4685)

  38. 19.This inauguration would have been a perfect time to showcase soem real class, by cutting the inagural balls to one or two very simple events. The pomp & pagentry is quite frankly egotism and insulting to me and to most of the general public.
    Joe (debac0) — 1/20/2017 @ 5:20 am

    I don’t know where you come from Joe, but in society there is nothing which showcases “real class” better than a White Tie Ball. The official balls are about three, I believe so you are advocating cutting them to what? Or do you want to cut the private formal balls by friends and supporters?

    You say pomp and pageantry are “egotism” which they may be but a ball is a party, a Coronation is pomp and pageantry. If you are insulted by someone having a party there is something wrong with you and you are in no position to say what is insulting to the general public. You sound like a leftist projecting their own prejudices on to others.

    I guess since it’s Trump anything better than getting liquored up at a bonfire in a trailer park is too good for him.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  39. I’ll read that later. I do not trust Matthew Vadum, though. Years ago I was researching allegations of voter fraud and Vadum had cited a particular case. I learned he had gotten it wrong and wrote him to tell him so. He never responded or corrected the error.

    Is the claim that she repeatedly lifted long passages without quotation marks but gave citations for some of them? If so, color me unimpressed. IF it’s true that CNN did not disclose that she gave citations when she did, though, that is a serious omission.

    Patterico (5e9fda)

  40. Speaking of fires, Hoagie, you are on.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  41. The person who checked into (Chu) it gave numerous examples of why it shouldn’t have been characterized as such, Patterico.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  42. Explained it pretty well.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  43. I’ll go with FrontPage over CNN any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  44. I hear your pal Jim Hoft just got White House press credentials.

    Yup. Post coming later about that.

    With more exclamation points and less regard for the truth, I too could have said credentials. Unlike School Mark, I think there are more important things in life than access to a clown.

    Patterico (5e9fda)

  45. Like I said, I’ll look at it, but I have distrusted Vadum for years.

    Patterico (5e9fda)

  46. Many of the protestors in the streets holding “rise and resist!” signs look as if they could use a shower, a haircut, a nice bowl of vegetable soup, a hug from Mother, and maybe a trip to the Salvation Army for some new clothes!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  47. 41, then what the hell was the inauguration team doing trying getting these “mainstream-approved pop”, milquetoast country and high brow performers for the events? Seems as though they should just went more in the vein of a suburban County Fair and satisfied both the country wing and the hard rock/power ballad wing of the changed party.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  48. I heard there has been vandalism. Thugs.

    Patterico (5e9fda)

  49. Hoorah for The Donald! Hoorah for Uncle Sam! Hoorah for all of us!

    Embrace all the Inauguration Ceremonies. Celebrate the nation’s salvation. Our long national nightmare is over.

    Hail to our new president. And thank you to all the voters who had the strength of character and independence of thought to resist the unending string of lies and propaganda stunts of the naysayers and group thinkers. Our nation once again belongs to the American People. Rejoice!

    ropelight (82fc11)

  50. It seems royalist. Like we’re crowning a king.

    Not really. Compared to the coronation of a British monarch or their annual Trooping of the Colour (a beautiful, majestic yet royally tedious event to sit through BTW) the inauguration of a U.S. president is quick, coarse and fairly bland.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  51. Melania is rockin’ what might be characterized as a mid-century modern style outfit, while Michelle looks like an extra dressed up for church on an episode of Little House on the Prairie.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  52. Barron Trump really looks like the kind of kid who aches to blow spitballs at the old farts in the crowd.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  53. @54. That golden gown last night wasn’t off the rack, either. Lookin’ a little Jackie-O. Standing near Hillary it brings to mind images of her radiating luster over Nikita’s toad.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  54. “Melania is rockin’ what might be characterized as a mid-century modern style outfit, while Michelle looks like an extra dressed up for church on an episode of Little House on the Prairie.”

    – Cruz Supporter

    Really? ISIS is beheading people left and right, and you can’t find anything to talk about but Melania Trump’s “mid-century modern style outfit”? C’mon man, get serious LOL

    Leviticus (efada1)

  55. Trump probably doesn’t realize the crowd isn’t there for him, but to honor the office and witness the peaceful transfer of power.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  56. Metro Ridership: As of 11am, 193k trips taken so far today. (11am 1/20/13 = 317k, 11am 1/20/09 = 513k, 11am 1/20/05 = 197k) #wmata

    Man, even the Metro getting in on it. Savage.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  57. On the capitol stage Roy Blunt just gave a very good overview on why every inauguration is both commonplace and miraculous, and why inaugurations are important for our country. I could use a bit shorter version of it perhaps, but each one is a meaningful rite of passage that rocks.

    I agree on nuking the State of the Union address, tho. It is pure, unnecessary, gag-inducing political theater.

    elissa (486444)

  58. Patterico, this mornings tantrums are courtesy of the BLM. So much cognitive dissonce in that community. They in a passive way elected Trump (not showing up to vote in Rust Belt ghettoes), they have potentially the most to gain from protectionist business practices and immigration restriction, and are probably #3 in terms of being hated groups to be honest about it (they should put James Naismith and Walter Camp next to the Jesus Christ frame)….and still this crap.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  59. On Inauguration days TCM seems to be in the habit of airing one of the best movies ever made on the dangers of the media creating populist demagogues in pursuit of ratings, A Face in the Crowd. I remember tuning it in over Obama’s inaugural address in 2009. It will be aired at 6 pm EST tonight.

    TCM claims the movie is on today’s schedule because January 20 was actress Patricia Neal’s birthday. I have to wonder if they also like the warning in the movie that one must look behind media created images.

    NC Mountain Girl (eaf922)

  60. NOGGERATE GOOD TIMES CMON!

    let’s noggerate!

    happyfeet (a037ad)

  61. Are we there yet?

    Pinandpuller (476527)

  62. I proposeds, Sears disposeds. There was a TV in the waiting room. Watched it from Michelle’s entrance to the swearing in with a guy named Rocco.

    Melania looked stunning. Take that, attention-whoring leftie dress designers!

    Trump looked like he shared Patterico’s opinion of inaugurations. Ha,ha,ha,ha!

    nk (dbc370)

  63. That dude wants to sign stuff and pound. I though Trump should have worn the Kellyanne coat, though.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  64. I’ve been busy, but my wife tells me it was a good speech by Trump and that Michelle Obama scowled thru the whole enchilada.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  65. #62… HowDEE!

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  66. @67 Colonel Haiku

    72 out of work aides are probably down filing for unemployment.

    Pinandpuller (476527)

  67. #62
    Oscar-nominated actor (A Face in the Crowd) Andy Griffith was from NC!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  68. Maybe for his re-election the thrice married POTUS will elope with CJ Roberts.

    Pinandpuller (476527)

  69. @70 Cruz Supporter

    You mean Obamacare Hack, Andy Griffith?

    Yeah, too bad Matlock ain’t around to solve the mystery of who kilt it.

    Pinandpuller (476527)

  70. The news reports are that Obama wrote a letter to Trump, which he left in the office desk drawer. Obama’s letter is said to read, “When you get into a situation you can’t get out of, blame George W. Bush. When you get yourself into a similar situation, blame George W. Bush. When you get yourself into any situation you can’t get out of after that, blame Fox News.”

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  71. Matlock was the last vestige of the Carter-Turner New South.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  72. #72 Yeah, wasn’t that commercial he cut for ObamaCare disappointing and embarrassing? I think his mind had deteriorated by that point.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  73. You never tire of being wrong, do you Patterico?

    EV (272395)

  74. Are you suggesting that “these “mainstream-approved pop”, milquetoast country and high brow performers for the events” constitute an air of pomp and pageantry at an inauguration ball, urbanleftbehind? What is the objection to an inauguration and a ball? When the phuk did America lose the ability to party and have fun? As I recall there were something like 35 or so white tie and/or formal balls depending on the time of day for Obama and it was probably the first time he ever wore tails in his life. At least Trump is the kind of man who doesn’t have to rent a suit for a party.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  75. @62- Would you have preferred ‘Seven Days In May’ ?

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  76. I’m not saying anything about quantity of ballroom events, pomp or expense of said events. It is probably more of why did the planning team invite entertainers whom mainstream-media-influenced conventional wisdom suggests you should invite. Good on any of those performers who decide to give it an open-minded shot, but the likelihood of them saying yes was practically nil. You could have the same # events, comparable sound systems, venues but just with groups that cover additional genres or genres typically sneered at, but held dear to your core supporters.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  77. Preach it, Reverend Hoagie!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  78. “At least Trump is the kind of man who doesn’t have to rent a suit for a party.”

    – Rev. Hoagie

    He sticks to renting a date. Way classier, right?

    Leviticus (efada1)

  79. I watched some of it, including the behind the scenes clip of Trump coming down the inside stairs of the Capitol, before he came out. When he was looking directly at the camera, he made sure to smile, but the rest of the time he had the expression of someone realizing he’s deep in trouble, or someone who suddenly finds the weight of the world on their shoulders. Which is almost literally true now.

    His speech struck me as full of what I hope was blather. I’d rather not find out that the will of the American people is the will of Donald John Trump, or that any dissent from his program is evidence of unpatriotic feelings.

    But what struck me was how among the promises there was an arrogant claim of Divine protection, and other references to God, but not the humility to say that whatever needs doing will require Divine Help to get done.

    kishnevi (870883)

  80. CNN reports Nancy Sinatra is “livid” that Trump was playing her Dad’s “My Way”.

    Nancy Sinatra tweeted that she didn’t care. THAT… is cnn.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  81. “Sand in New Mexican manginas” Friday!!!

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  82. Watching CSPAN as the kiss-azz pols lining up, haggling for free pens as Trump signs papers.

    If only the government pens at post offices worked as well.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  83. At least Trump is the kind of man who doesn’t have to rent a suit for a party.

    Which is why his claim to represent the majority of Americans who do need to rent a tux for parties, and who may only wear tuxes when they are part of a wedding (and even that is a declining tradition), rings hollow.

    I had a tux in college because I wore for Glee Club concerts. I’ve never worn one since.

    kishnevi (870883)

  84. I’m still taking my car for an oil change, though.

    I was going to, but it’s raining again here in drought-stricken Southern Cal.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  85. Once again, I completely agree Patterico.

    But you might be missing out on documenting the reaction to it. E.g.:

    David Frum, Dubya’s former speachwriter tweets:

    Tillman (a95660)

  86. Sorry, I accidentally pushed Enter.

    David Frum tweets:

    The System has failed.

    The worst human being ever to enter the presidency, and I include all the slaveholders.

    Tillman (a95660)

  87. Poor George Stephanopoulos was still masturbating to the wholly suspect polling that “Obama leaves at 60% approval, Trump takes office with the lowest approval in history” mantra as the former prez’ helicopter was taking off from the Capitol grounds. Sad.

    elissa (486444)

  88. You’ll always have Frum, Tilly.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  89. So refreshing to hear a president talk about we the people instead of himself over and over and over and over and over and over……..

    Harkin (0aee87)

  90. It seems royalist. Like we’re crowning a king.

    But we’re not. It’s just a guy [snip] taking his place in a position with waaaaay too much power.

    And this is a point to be driven home with liberals. We have given the executive, and the federal government generally, way too much power. A hundred years ago, most citizens had little interaction with the feds. Now, we seem to be affected by it on a daily basis.

    And, oddly, Donald Trump seems to get this, or at least his speech suggested he did.

    So, perhaps this is a perfect storm, where the small-government right and the fearful-of-Trump left can come together and cut this government down to size.

    “They say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.”

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  91. Men in classically tailored tuxedos (like the one Reagan wore– not blue ones or grey ones with strange cummerbunds worn for H.S. proms) turn.me.on.

    elissa (486444)

  92. Which is why his claim to represent the majority of Americans who do need to rent a tux for parties, and who may only wear tuxes when they are part of a wedding (and even that is a declining tradition), rings hollow.

    Because a guy owns his own tux he’s “out of touch”? Then I must be on Mars, I own a black and a winter white one. Even though wearing a tux at a wedding is a declining tradition (what isn’t in a world of political correctness and feminism?) now that gays are getting married I’m sure the idea of “dress-up” will once again become “fabulous”. In fact, I can see a resurgence of pastel blue and pink with ruffled shirts instead of pleats.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  93. So you’re saying it’s gay to wear a tux? I’m confused. People can wear what they want, Trump’s still a short-fingered vulgarian.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  94. Harkin (0aee87) — 1/20/2017 @ 10:35 am

    Indeed! I may have missed one somewhere, but as far as I remember from the telecast the only “I” he used was in the formal oath of office.

    elissa (486444)

  95. 95…. note to self…

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  96. @Tillman: David Frum is not a name to sway conservatives with and has not been for a very long time.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  97. #91 elissa, Barack is so popular that his party lost the White House, the Senate, the House, numerous governor’s mansions, and 900 state legislative seats. That’s how America expresses its approval for his policies! (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  98. I just left the inaugural lunch as the speaker began the obligatory recollection of slavery and by inference the evils of America and specifically white America past. One cannot have any public pronouncements, activities or speeches post Obama without the head nod to the constant din if white racism. These bastards with their white privilege.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  99. “the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.

    When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.”

    – Donald Trump

    What do y’all think of this? Curious.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  100. The worst human being ever to enter the presidency, and I include all the slaveholders.

    Did you know that Jimmy Carter won his governorship by painting his opponent as being friendly with Negroes? HE also praised outgoing segregationist Governor Lester Maddox, who had endorsed him.

    http://www.sfexaminer.com/jimmy-carters-racist-campaign-of-1970/

    Or perhaps James Buchanan, who talked the Supreme Court into its Dredd Scott decision so as to settle the slavery question forever by using the Constitution to make slavery legal in all states.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  101. @Leviticus:What do y’all think of this? Curious.

    Boilerplate, which you will not be able to convincingly convert to “Ein Reich, ein Volk, ein Fuehrer”.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  102. Tillman, the worst human being to ever be President of Cuba just died a couple months ago, and all the lefties cried their eyes out.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  103. Dipped into MSNBC coverage for a few minutes… Maddow, breathlessly complaining… is having a cow.

    How appropriate.

    Moo.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  104. @Leviticus: I’ve heard progressives describe Chelsea (Bradley) Manning as a true patriot who acted out of true loyalty to the real America. Loyalty to America is a pretty vague concept which can easily be adapted to whatever.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  105. @Leviticus: But you will never hear any politician not give lip service to it, and you will hear no American with mainstream politics say that disloyalty to America is ever okay.

    What exactly that means, well that’s what makes a horserace.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  106. David Frum tweets:

    The System has failed.

    The worst human being ever to enter the presidency, and I include all the slaveholders.

    Even Frum can’t tweet without mentioning those damn slaveholders! And Trump is worse than they!! Liberals are really idiots. They say something a stupid as that and wonder why they lose.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  107. “Boilerplate, which you will not be able to convincingly convert to “Ein Reich, ein Volk, ein Fuehrer”.

    – Gabriel Hanna

    Who said anything about that? Interesting that you thought of it, though.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  108. Or Woodrow Wilson who resegregated the dc schools who made birth of a nation possible, did he go to Yale?

    narciso (d1f714)

  109. @103 What do y’all think of this? Curious.

    Mel Brooks, of course!

    “Springtime for Hitler and Germany; winter for Poland and France…” – ‘The Producers’ 1968

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  110. Leviticus —

    I listened to the speech and found it a strong and clear announcement of his objectives. He framed it as the common folk taking power back from the DC elites. Katniss could not have been more proud.

    The line that hit me was that we had been defending the borders of countries throughout the world while refusing to defend our own.

    And some will call what he is doing “protectionism” when to me it seems more like negotiating trade agreements to favor the interests of American citizens as opposed to the interests of American corporations. Until someone can find me a trade agreement where all tariffs and barriers are completely withdrawn, it’s just negotiated reductions in protection. Which is fine, but the negotiations ought to have one’s citizens in mind, not just GM, Fox or Apple’s bottom line.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  111. From I was referencing.

    narciso (d1f714)

  112. Who said anything about that? Interesting that you thought of it, though.

    There was a different line that recalled that, for those that wanted to recall that.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  113. Maybe we should compare with other inauguration speeches before rushing to freak out:

    Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.

    So it has been; so it must be with this generation of Americans.

    That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many — and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet…

    The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

    Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched. But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

    Huh. The date on this one is January 2009. And yet such a huge overlap. Talk of crisis, a bleak picture of the present, dark threats of shadowy enemies, the government was letting the powerful exploit you but we’re going to fix it…

    Hmm, sounds like these are pretty vague and adaptable sentiments stereotypical on this occasion, not signifying much.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  114. Oh goodie, leave it to MSNBC to find a riot and police/protest clashing for the teevee cameras.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  115. Oh goodie, leave it to MSNBC to find a riot and police/protest clashing for the teevee cameras.

    “Find”? I bet you they had it on their schedule.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  116. @73 Colonel Haiku

    I bet a bunch of glitter fell out of it.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  117. @Leviticus: Interesting that you thought of it, though.

    In what way? In that I expected people who disapprove of Trump to make the comparison, which is made about every Republican president in my lifetime so far?

    Yes, it says something very interesting about the nature of our political discourse, that it’s governed by Godwin’s Law.

    Why, why did you think it was “interesting that I thought of it”. You should come out and say what you mean, so we don’t risk misunderstandings based on faulty assumptions about what we think.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  118. Hmm, sounds like these are pretty vague and adaptable sentiments stereotypical on this occasion, not signifying much.

    There are only two campaign themes:

    “Back to basics” and

    “A brand new day”

    Trump and Obama both opted for the latter.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  119. “He framed it as the common folk taking power back from the DC elites.”

    – Kevin M

    The internet is having a good time pointing out that Trump lifted one of his lines directly from Bane’s speech in The Dark Knight Rises.

    Guess it runs in the family.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  120. @75 Cruz Supporter

    What it was…was pitiful.

    No Time for Partisans.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  121. “Why, why did you think it was “interesting that I thought of it”. You should come out and say what you mean, so we don’t risk misunderstandings based on faulty assumptions about what we think.”

    – Gabriel Hanna

    Oh, now you want to talk about ideas again? Let’s finish one conversation before starting another.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  122. @119- Kevin, do you finds a breathless Rachel Maddow speculating on possible gunfire a turn on? 😉

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  123. @Leviticus: Bane’s speech in The Dark Knight Rises.

    The Internet, being a mile wide and an inch deep, probably thinks Michelle Obama came up with “my word is my bond” too. But I saw it in Hook nearly 20 years before that.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  124. Hail to the Leader!

    It's Done. He Has Power and Will Consolidate More, Quickly. Let the Purges Commence! (fc93b3)

  125. @Leviticus:Oh, now you want to talk about ideas again

    That you chose not to explain what you meant is very very interesting.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  126. You know exactly what I meant. Despite your insistence that no one can know such things.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  127. Someone needs to explain to me why we tolerate people protesting and rioting wearing face masks? Wouldn’t the wearing of a mask indicate illegal activity and thwart racial recognition and therefore public safety?

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  128. @Leviticus: But I’m not going to say why it’s interesting or what I think interesting means in this context, because I will let the readers of my comment fill in for themselves what I’m insinuating by this, and then I can disclaim all responsibility for any misunderstandings or erroneous conclusions.

    What you said is very interesting to me, indeed.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  129. That was “FACIAL'” not racial recognition. I denounce myself for a subliminal raaacist typo.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  130. I’m sitting here at Starbucks with a lefty sociologist international relations professor and author whose wife is in Washington, protesting.

    Fun.

    It's Done. He Has Power and Will Consolidate More, Quickly. Let the Purges Commence! (fc93b3)

  131. “Someone needs to explain to me why we tolerate people protesting and rioting wearing face masks? Wouldn’t the wearing of a mask indicate illegal activity and thwart racial recognition and therefore public safety?”

    – Rev. Hoagie

    Because this is still America and there is no law against wearing masks.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  132. “I denounce myself for a subliminal raaacist typo.”

    Nothing wrong with acknowledging both the reality and importance of race.

    It's Done. He Has Power and Will Consolidate More, Quickly. Let the Purges Commence! (fc93b3)

  133. Because this is still America and there is no law against wearing masks.

    Doesn’t mean the police can’t club lefties in masks for sh*ts and giggles. At least, I wouldn’t object.

    It's Done. He Has Power and Will Consolidate More, Quickly. Let the Purges Commence! (fc93b3)

  134. @Leviticus: You know exactly what I meant.

    wink wink, nudge nudge, amirite? we all know.

    Despite your insistence that no one can know such things.

    I have said nothing of the sort.

    Just saying, I see what you did there. It was very interesting, amirite?

    Why don;t you say what you think about the line in question, instead of making vague insinuations about what other people thought? We could try that, you know, saying what we think as best we can express it.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  135. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.”
    As a statement of an American ideal, it’s short and clear, and ought to be listed as Trump’s first memorable quote as POTUS.

    The problem, as I adverted to above, is how one defines being patriotic, and who gets to define it.

    kishnevi (870883)

  136. @It’s Done. He Has Power and Will Consolidate More, Quickly. Let the Purges Commence!:

    I don’t care for mobys or trolling, and I don’t think you’re going to get any bites.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  137. Didn’t some places outlaw masks as a way of curbing the KKK?

    kishnevi (870883)

  138. Trump Derangement Syndrome is strong.

    LOL, this dude gets done even 25% of what he says — would make him the most Conservative “Producing” POTUS in the History of the US.

    Blah Blah (44eaa0)

  139. #124 Pinandpuller, I caught your references to What it was … was football and No Time for Sergeants — very nice!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  140. @kishnevi:The problem, as I adverted to above, is how one defines being patriotic, and who gets to define it.

    True that. Every traitor, cheat, and tyrant thinks themselves a true patriot, making a hard choice for the real benefit of everyone if only they knew the real facts and were wise to their real interests.

    That’s why Dr Johnson said patriotism was the “last refuge of a scoundrel”. He was not saying that patriots are really scoundrels, but that scoundrels when having run out of excuses plead patriotism.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  141. “Moses and the Hebrewites think they can outwit us my father!”-Donald Trump Jr

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  142. Hey Leviticus, you do realize that Reagan lifted his,”Where’s the beef?” line, right? I think he threw in some Clint Eastwood as well.

    If I was paying attention I could probably cite some Obama feat Jay Z as well.

    It’s how presidents show they are “with it”.

    Can you dig it? Do you know what I am saying?

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  143. Trump’s address stuck it to everyone seated behind him. This inauguration was not stupid.

    AZ Bob (f7a491)

  144. @Pinandpuller: Don’t tell Leviticus about Martin Luther King Jr.

    None of which detracts a whit from who he was or what he did for America. Completely original oratory and writing were not among those things, however.

    Gabriel Hanna (64d4e1)

  145. I was just listening to ex-CIA operative Mike Baker on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He basically said that all countries look out for their own self-interest, but America seems to be the only one willing to apologize for doing so.

    Until now.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  146. @148 Gabriel Hanna

    Now now! There’s actually a long tradition in Blues of stealing riffs and royalties so it was probably reparations or something.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  147. Think it’s safe to say, no more low-life rappers on the WH grounds, which, in itself, is a gale of fresh air.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  148. “Because this is still America and there is no law against wearing masks.”

    It’s codified in the Bill of Rights.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  149. Lots of great images today but the protester getting his hand singed while placing an American flag on the protest fire is right up there.

    Harkin (0aee87)

  150. Nope, from now on strictly Illuminati type rappers/moguls like P-Diddy and Jay-Z when he’s on the outs with Beyonce. No hyphies like Lil Wayne or drill thugs like Chief Keef.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  151. @123 Leviticus

    “To my enemies and detractors, I make to you this offer: come with me if you want to live!”

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  152. With those knee-high black boots, Jill Biden looked like she was on her way to a night of karaoke, where after a couple of gin and tonics, she’s belt out These Boots are Made for Walkin’.
    Okay, or maybe she’s just ready for an evening of escorting.

    Sheesh, lady, an inauguration is an elegant formal occasion.
    At least match your gloves to your dress, as Melania Trump did.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  153. @134

    IOW a stay at home dad who just put down a million dollar LI policy on his wife.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  154. You stay classy, Trump Supporter.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  155. There are banks around here that won’t let you walk in wearing a hat and sunglasses. I think it’s enforced under a municipal ordinance. Of course that’s private property.

    At my local CU I’m all hat and sunglasses and CCW but it’s more laid back in the country.

    When I’m at the gas station filling up and I see NJ plates I like to open carry to show them two things they can’t do at home.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  156. @135 Leviticus

    Except at the DMV getting your ‘pitcher’ made, for now…

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  157. The internet is having a good time pointing out that Trump lifted one of his lines directly from Bane’s speech in The Dark Knight Rises.

    One line? If I went through all Presidential speeches and tried to find a single line in each that was identical to some other line somewhere else, I have no doubt I would always succeed. Infinite monkeys.

    This is the opening shot of the MSM/Deep State alliance.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  158. What they should outlaw in public is Green Bay Packers fans in bodypaint.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  159. 119- Kevin, do you finds a breathless Rachel Maddow speculating on possible gunfire a turn on

    There are so many things wrong with that, staring with watching MSNBC. It’s not even selected as an available channel on my DVR.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  160. “One line? If I went through all Presidential speeches and tried to find a single line in each that was identical to some other line somewhere else, I have no doubt I would always succeed. Infinite monkeys.”

    – Kevin M

    I know, I know. It’s not a serious criticism. It’s just funny that it happened to be Bane.

    Leviticus (efada1)

  161. NO low-life rappers, urbanleftbehind. A ton o’Benjamins won’t elevate the d-baggers.

    Colonel Haiku (603887)

  162. “Someone needs to explain to me why we tolerate people protesting and rioting wearing face masks? Wouldn’t the wearing of a mask indicate illegal activity and thwart racial recognition and therefore public safety?”

    – Rev. Hoagie

    For the same reason we still allow people to rant on the Interwebs using silly handles.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  163. I wonder what kind of music Donald Trump likes? Three Doors Down, I guess? By default?

    Leviticus (efada1)

  164. That is what is called fake news, if anything commissioner Gordon would be more in keeping.

    narciso (d1f714)

  165. I’m going to wear a mask and march in front of the local abortion clinic while burning a rainbow flag. Will report back Monday after I make bail.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  166. Leviticus

    A guy I used to work with, his best friend was killed by Three Doors Down’s bass player in a DUI.

    So probably not.

    Pinandpuller (9e4e0f)

  167. @167- Likely any tunes that get Melania in motion. She is easy on the eyes walkin’ the walk today.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  168. One good way to get leftie heads exploding is to compare Melania to Jackie. She certainly carried it off well today. GREAT outfit — simple, classy and elegant.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  169. @172- Yeah, and it was nice to just watch her walking and see a First Lady who is at least easy on the eyes and doesn’t look like a librarian, a cabbage patch doll, a wookie or a fire plug.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  170. Her gloves were faaaaabuloooouuussss!

    My stars!

    Leviticus (cd73e7)

  171. I so want to do a post about couture, Melania’s sartorial selections couture and the timeless beauty of understated elegance. But, somehow, I just don’t think this is the right crowd for that…

    But yes, definite style points for today’s selection.

    Dana (023079)

  172. @174. That’s riiiiiight. Quite the fashion plate. And the country will eat it up.

    Because as you should know by now, Americans don’t want to be governed, they wish to be entertained.

    “Let meeee, en-ter-tain you…” – Gypsy Rose Lee [Natalie Wood] ‘Gypsy’ 1962

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  173. @175. Save it, Dana. They’ve already dug up images of Jackie Kennedy from 56 years ago decked out almost exactly the same and had it up on one of the cablers. But it’s hard not to acknowledge how good it all looked in color, and in HDTV.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  174. # 172, And just like Jackie O, Melania has been bought and paid for by a rich adulterous lout. I have no respect for any woman who stand by men like JFK or Donald Trump. They aren’t First Lady material because they are not ladies. They are concubines.

    NC Mountain Girl (eaf922)

  175. > Remember when a Congressman said “You lie!” when Obama talked about Obamacare? Boy did the sh1t hit the fan. (Note: I sent the guy a donation the next day.)

    > Well, watch what happens in a week or two when Trump goes up to the Hill. And the media will let them get away with it, too.

    The hypocrisy on this goes both ways – people who complained about that rudeness and who don’t complain about the coming rudeness are hypocrites; but if you rewarded that rudeness and complain about the coming rudeness, then you’re acting hypocritically, as well — unless the principle is “it’s ok to heckle when it’s my guy doing the heckling and your guy being heckled, but not vice-versa”.

    aphrael (e0cdc9)

  176. As I recall, John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford all had ‘inaugurations’ of far less pomp and circumstance, yet it didn’t make any of them somehow less a President.

    I agree with our esteemed host that the current ceremony is way, way, way too much. Nevertheless, its magnitude certainly helped incense the left even more, so it did have a very positive impact.

    The historian Dana (1b79fa)

  177. democrats should just keep doing whatever feels good

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  178. DCSCA wrote:

    She is easy on the eyes walkin’ the walk today.

    I can just hear her thinking, “When can I get out of these damned stilettos?”

    The podiatrist Dana (1b79fa)

  179. And just like Jackie O, Melania has been bought and paid for by a rich adulterous lout.

    This is not true Mr. Trump is a gentleman and a good leadership. Ever since he been president it’s been so good.

    I love it!

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  180. #178 NC Mountain Girl, the truth is you don’t know what the dynamics are between Mr Donald and Melania. Spouses have a relationship which exists outside the public eye, and that’s not just in regards to celebrities — it also applies to Mr and Mrs Smith who live down the street from you.

    It’s one thing to judge a politician’s policies.
    But it’s a totally different ball of wax to be judging his marriage. Again, 99% of their marriage takes place behind closed doors.

    Besides, you don’t want people mocking you for marrying your second cousin, do you, NC Mountain Girl? (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  181. @182– LOL Yeah, thought the same thing.

    I was expecting her to sit out the streetwalking in the Beast… but then, it was a chance for her to do some legitimate streetwalking.

    I’m not big of the Barbie doll look unless you can pull it off right but you gotta believe ever guy perched on a bar stool in the Rustbelt would have traded a months pay to have her on their arm. Sure as hell kept me watching for longer than I’d planned. But then, her job is to look good. And she definitely made America look great again.

    http://www.tmz.com/2017/01/20/jackie-kennedy-melania-trump-blue-dress-inauguration

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  182. 178… HowDEEEEEEE!!! that’s a little harsh, missy.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  183. oh excuse me I mean EX president obama

    how you like them eggs on that grand slam?

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  184. A spoonful of sugar will make those sour grapes go down better. In those twenty minutes or so, from walking out on the arm of that soldier to holding the Bible for her husband to be sworn, she was as nearly perfect as a woman and wife could be.

    nk (dbc370)

  185. You were whistling a different tune when your Pa tried to marry you oft to Ernest T. Bass, NC Mountain Girl!

    http://youtu.be/MJUmIuc1X5s

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  186. @180- I agree with our esteemed host that the current ceremony is way, way, way too much.

    Think so? This one was pretty well scaled back as they go in this day and age. And compared to the coronations of crowns in other lands, particular Britain, American ceremonies are fairly brief, coarse around the edges and generally bland in content.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  187. you are possessed of a singular graciousness Mr. nk

    nicely said

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  188. Yeah, nk, have you ever tried walking up and down all those stairs in 3 inch spike heels? I mean, it’s a bitch!!

    elissa (f1aad3)

  189. Elissa: all the more reason to not wear spike heels.

    aphrael (e0cdc9)

  190. Just giving the lady her due, happyfeet.

    nk (dbc370)

  191. @192.Yeah, nk, have you ever tried walking up and down all those stairs in 3 inch spike heels? I mean, it’s a bitch!!

    Who knows, elissa. He may just have. And she very well may be.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  192. @193.Elissa: all the more reason to not wear spike heels.

    Aphrel must be a pantsuit man. Hillary was there in a white one– looking like a sack of flour from 1975.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  193. I’m generally of the opinion that one should dress for comfort, not for style.

    aphrael (e0cdc9)

  194. “Someone needs to explain to me why we tolerate people protesting and rioting wearing face masks? Wouldn’t the wearing of a mask indicate illegal activity and thwart racial recognition and therefore public safety?”

    – Rev. Hoagie

    For the same reason we still allow people to rant on the Interwebs using silly handles.
    Kevin M (25bbee) — 1/20/2017 @ 12:05 pm

    Well that sure explains it all, Kevin M. you are so clever and insightful. Only I’ve had my nickname Hoagie since 1976 long before interwebs and commenting on a web is not burning flags, setting cars on fire, smashing police cars or destroying private businesses. So I ask again and this time I’d really appreciate an adult answer: Why do they get away with wearing masks? How has it become okay to break the law wearing masks in public? You can be as snarhy as you want but please esslpane.

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  195. In the background while doing other things I am listening to/ watching the 2 plus hours of election night coverage from ABC. It is not crazy beans like some of the other coverage of the night such as MSNBC or Young Turks. But it is very fun to once again watch their astonishment as the results come in (particularly as Mi and WI start to fall) especially since we already know the denouement. That is about the same time they start to realize the downstate races are going R across the country, too.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIc6K0ZCrRk

    elissa (f1aad3)

  196. As the clock wound down on Barack Obama’s presidency, an Air Force B-52 bomber carried out a punishing airstrike against a training camp of Al Qaeda in Syria, the Pentagon said Friday.

    if i ever buy a slut i want a slut that puts out like the new york times

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  197. Hoagie, in most jurisdictions, it is not illegal to wear a mask in public.

    aphrael (e0cdc9)

  198. Because the Warren Court struck down a lot of the state and local anti-Ku Klu Klan laws, which made it illegal to parade in public in masks, Hoagie. They violated the First Amendment or something. When you see such a law now, it will also have the provision “while armed”.

    nk (dbc370)

  199. The video of Bill Clinton being caught ogling Ivanka by Hillary has gone viral. Watching that, I almost felt bad for her… for a nanosecond.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  200. My Mrs. Was quite impressed by the glamour of our new First Lady and Ivanka. She said MIchelle Obama looked PO’d and frumpy.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  201. “It’s one thing to judge a politician’s policies.
    But it’s a totally different ball of wax to be judging his marriage.”

    – Trump Supporter

    You are such an ass. You brought this up by making a stupid crack about Jill Biden.

    Leviticus (772e9e)

  202. Thank you for the combined answers nk and aphrael. Then my next question would be why is it so hard for people to realize wearing a mask in public to Trick or Treat is not the same as wearing one to rob someone, riot or thwart facial recognition to perform acts of terrorism and adjust the laws accordingly? Funny how they can manage carve outs and exceptions for Obamacare so they can shove it down everybody’s throat but a law to expose the identity of lawbreakers can’t be done because KKK. Nobody is stopping the KKK from marching, just don’t wear a hood in public, save it for your little meetings. Is that so friggin’ hard?

    Rev. Hoagie® (785e38)

  203. A spoonful of sugar will make those sour grapes go down better. In those twenty minutes or so, from walking out on the arm of that soldier to holding the Bible for her husband to be sworn, she was as nearly perfect as a woman and wife could be.
    nk (dbc370) — 1/20/2017 @ 5:20 pm

    nk, you plagiarizing bastard! That is from Mary Poppins.

    felipe (023cc9)

  204. [channeling the great JD]

    I don’t care if she wears spiked heals or not, as long as she brings me my sammich!

    [Or was that another?]

    felipe (023cc9)

  205. that was Mr. daley i think

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  206. The video of Bill Clinton being caught ogling Ivanka by Hillary has gone viral. Watching that, I almost felt bad for her… for a nanosecond.

    Funny. Of course the notion that it is Ivanka he is ogling is made up. Nobody has any idea. But made-up stuff we like is cool!

    Patterico (115b1f)

  207. Once the Supreme Court says something is a First Amendment right, it’s almost impossible to pass a law against it. In instances of prior restraint, the test is clear and present danger. In instances of punishing it after the fact, it’s not much easier. Compelling (or important depending on the Court’s state of digestion) governmental interest; least restrictive means; no vagueness or overbreadth.

    nk (dbc370)

  208. Rev. Hoagie® (785e38) — 1/20/2017 @ 5:44 pm

    Dammmmm! (can I say that on TV?)

    That is gonna leave a mark.

    felipe (023cc9)

  209. Yes that makes no practical sense, did general hafter ask them ‘bring the rain’doubtful

    narciso (d1f714)

  210. If burning the flag is protected speech … well, you understand how it goes.

    nk (dbc370)

  211. ==MIchelle Obama looked PO’d and frumpy.==

    I really don’t mean to pile on but I agree that Michelle’s choice of dress and hair style today was ….interesting. One of my oldest girl friends emailed me this morning to say “what was she thinking!!!” I do believe Michelle was making some sort of political or personal statement but I ‘ll be damned if I can figure out what it was.

    (This is the same concerned fashionisa friend who emailed me a few years ago to ask “say, isn’t this the fabric on your summer cottage couch?” when Michelle wore this:

    https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/44/84/45/44844517f68f2e534a0ba6191bb9ec12.jpg

    (It wasn’t, but it was close.)

    elissa (69344e)

  212. The Internet, being a mile wide and an inch deep, probably thinks Michelle Obama came up with “my word is my bond” too. But I saw it in Hook nearly 20 years before that.

    Yup. Of course Melania lifted an awful lot more than that from Michelle, and all in the same order too. But you know that.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  213. Patterico (115b1f) — 1/20/2017 @ 6:22 pm

    Don’t fell bad for her, since she likely didb’t feel bad for herself. I base this remark on my lip-reading of her comment (in the video) of “oh brother.” She knows that dog won’t hunt.

    felipe (023cc9)

  214. Well who was in razorbacks line of sight, reasonable surmise.

    narciso (d1f714)

  215. elissa (69344e) — 1/20/2017 @ 6:25 pm

    Ha! Burn.

    felipe (023cc9)

  216. “my word is my bond.”

    Is that also in Dune?

    felipe (023cc9)

  217. I retract my earlier statement about ABC’s election night coverage not being crazy beans. As they have accepted the inevitability, and are waiting for Mrs. Clinton to concede, they are definitely crazy beans.

    elissa (69344e)

  218. If we’re gonna talk about the Bane thing, we gotta watch the video. Made me laugh.

    https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/status/822495850899374080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

    Patterico (115b1f)

  219. it’s not like Michelle wrote her own crap

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  220. as wearing one to rob someone, riot or thwart facial recognition to perform acts of terrorism and adjust the laws accordingly?

    It’s the same reason why hate crimes are bad laws.
    If you are robbing, rioting, and terrorizing, then you are already breaking the law.

    Kishnevi (7bc26d)

  221. Leviticus (772e9e) — 1/20/2017 @ 6:15 pm

    (in a sing-song voice)

    Peanut gallery: Leviticus loves Jill!

    Happyfeet: No he doesn’t!

    Peanut gallery: Happyfeet loves Leviticus!

    Cruz Supporter: No he doesn’t!

    felipe (023cc9)

  222. That really is a stretch, the bulk of banes speech is more akin to Obama, re gitmo, or warren.

    narciso (d1f714)

  223. there’s a lotta love in the room tonight

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  224. “Funny. Of course the notion that it is Ivanka he is ogling is made up. Nobody has any idea. But made-up stuff we like is cool”

    Yep, probably true. But just as factual as the crap recently posted here from CNN.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  225. Bane shmane!

    What about McBane?

    felipe (023cc9)

  226. Elissa– rampant speculation on my part, but she was
    1) dressed to travel just after the ceremony
    2) reminding Melania that to be FLOTUS requires more than being a fashion plate
    3) people will remember Michelle’s frumpy outfit more than Melania’s classy outfit.
    Besides, if you want to heckle bad fashion sense, Hillary’s outfit is the one to heckle.

    Kishnevi (7bc26d)

  227. Yep, probably true. But just as factual as the crap recently posted here from CNN.

    That’s totally false, but it’s good to know you’re fine with bullshit as long as it’s bullshit that scratches your partisan itch.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  228. At least there’s a smidgen of a chance it’s true. So there’s that. Speaking of CNN, how’s that review of Front Page’s thing on Crowley’s alleged plagiarism going?

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  229. The lines about black gate prison, fit denunciations and Abe ghraib, there are some echoes about the corrupt.

    narciso (d1f714)

  230. @215. I do believe Michelle was making some sort of political or personal statement but I ‘ll be damned if I can figure out what it was.

    Eissa, her message was muddy clear given the color scheme: “Sh-t on all of you.”

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  231. I call Bullsh*t

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  232. CNN is craptastic, Patterico. I know it, you know it, and the American smart set know it.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  233. @228- There’s 200,000 tuna in town tomorrow for him to troll. His rod and spiel are rigged and ready.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  234. being FLOTUS requires nothing least of all a brain

    look at Nancy Reagan

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  235. Speaking of CNN, how’s that review of Front Page’s thing on Crowley’s alleged plagiarism going?

    I’ll tell you how it’s going. I got home from work and made dinner. Then I ate dinner.

    Then I read your comment, and decided I probably won’t bother.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  236. I dunno, the innernetz seems to be split whether Clinton was leering at Ivanka or our new FLOTUS. But it is definitely a thing.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  237. Oh boy. Another one of those moods. Cheer up, it’s the weekend.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  238. Yeah, I read yours, Mr. Chuckles. From out of left field.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  239. @238- After today’s helping of eye-candy, who’d bother to look at Nancy Reagan.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  240. “It’s not you, it’s me”

    And man enough to admit it.

    J Cass (5a4596)

  241. I’m not sure, either. It could have been Mrs. Pence. But, for sure, it was not a leer. It was a wistful, sad, borderline depressed expression. I probably had the same look too.

    nk (dbc370)

  242. not me

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  243. I dunno, the innernetz seems to be split whether Clinton was leering at Ivanka or our new FLOTUS. But it is definitely a thing.

    Yup. The Internet is split between one made-up story and another made-up story.

    Maybe Jim Hoft can break the tie. He has press credentials!

    Patterico (115b1f)

  244. stop trying to make Clinton happen

    he’s not a thing anymore

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  245. Oh boy. Another one of those moods. Cheer up, it’s the weekend.

    Yay. Now I can work without all the interruptions that happen at the office.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  246. Mr. Trump is gonna get rid of the gangs and the carnage

    that should free up your weekends quite a bit no?

    grateful much?

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  247. Hey, that was unfair of me. You’ve had a rough week. My dog has been frigging losing her mind over some squirrel or stray cat that has unwisely entered her sacred grounds and she’s driving me nuts. Just a case of poor timing.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  248. McBane (a blatant amalgam of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis) would have been out before Super Tuesday and propped up the mailman. I dont think our president would lift a single line.

    urbanleftbehind (1ae0bb)

  249. @240.I dunno, the innernetz seems to be split whether Clinton was leering at Ivanka or our new FLOTUS.

    Hell, every pipefitter perched on a bar stool between Altoona, Akron and Ft. Wayne was leering at Mattel’s new Barbie FLOTUS today.

    “And loving it.” – Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 [Don Adams] ‘Get Smart’ NBC TV

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  250. Hes got better insulation in RPV than we do in the Chicago northside.

    urbanleftbehind (1ae0bb)

  251. Yes, I know the feeling. Getting work done on the weekend, without phone calls, people coming into the office, instant messaging, emails piling up. I’m growing angry just thinking about it.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  252. “It was a wistful, sad, borderline depressed expression.”

    nk,

    Hillary is going to be spending a lot more time at home. The suicide hotline in Chappaqua better be well prepared and heavily staffed.

    Rick Ballard (1c0700)

  253. But… but… it could be true, just like CNN.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  254. Dang it… our new FLOTUS vavavoom! She is stunningly beautiful tonight.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  255. I LOVE this photo. One intrepid lady says, “I paid big bucks for this cool outfit and I’ll be damned if I’m going to cover it up with a rain poncho like all you wusses.

    https://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/img/photo/2017/01/photos-of-the-inauguration-of-presi/t20_632199124/main_1200.jpg?1484942286

    elissa (69344e)

  256. #189 Colonel, you played the Ernest T. Bass card! Well done!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  257. she’s awesome

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  258. @ Elissa,

    I really don’t mean to pile on but I agree that Michelle’s choice of dress and hair style today was ….interesting. One of my oldest girl friends emailed me this morning to say “what was she thinking!!!” I do believe Michelle was making some sort of political or personal statement but I ‘ll be damned if I can figure out what…

    I can’t decide: Either it was a catty and intentional dismissiveness of the new First Lady. Women, especially women like Mrs. Obama, who have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of high fashion, have personal stylists and designers tailor-making elegant gowns and garments for them know exactly the outfit such a day demands. (See Jill Biden). Unfortunately, her hair looked like mine does when it’s pulled up in a scrunchy on a 100 degree day.

    OTOH, perhaps she didn’t want to show up the new First Lady. And she is no longer expected to represent on the public stage. But she did have on terrific black heels, aside from the dowdy dress…

    More revealing about her attitude, IMO, was her seeming lack of graciousness when presented with a gift from Mrs. Trump. She appeared surprisingly rude.

    Dana (023079)

  259. Hey, that was unfair of me. You’ve had a rough week. My dog has been frigging losing her mind over some squirrel or stray cat that has unwisely entered her sacred grounds and she’s driving me nuts. Just a case of poor timing.

    No problem. Barking dogs can be maddening, for sure.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  260. ==Hillary is going to be spending a lot more time at home.==

    No Rick, she’s running for mayor of New York!

    elissa (69344e)

  261. #259 elissa, that’s fantastic!
    Trump is making America well-dressed again!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  262. And EFF the partisan itch, that was a funny-bone tickler!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  263. Well she” no ‘longer proud of her country’ and we want ‘be changing our history’ and we can ‘choose to be uninvolved’

    narciso (d1f714)

  264. “And loving it.” – Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 [Don Adams] ‘Get Smart’ NBC TV
    DCSCA (797bc0) — 1/20/2017 @ 7:04 pm

    That, right there, is pure Mel Brooks.

    felipe (023cc9)

  265. See Dana, there’s a lot of interest. You should have posted an Inauguration fashion thread.

    elissa (69344e)

  266. Elissa @ 259,

    Can’t wait for Robin Gihvan to throw in a sly “obviously a subtle nod to Russia there, and is anyone surprised…” when she catches a glimpse of this chick and includes her in her Inauguration Day fashion review.

    Dana (023079)

  267. . Unfortunately, her hair looked like mine does when it’s pulled up in a scrunchy on a 100 degree day.

    Dana! Low self-esteem?
    (not a typo, think aorism)

    felipe (023cc9)

  268. ==#259 elissa, that’s fantastic!==

    Cruz supporter I keep looking at that photo and thinking what a great jigsaw puzzle it would make.

    elissa (69344e)

  269. elissa (69344e) — 1/20/2017 @ 7:16 pm
    IN opposition of myself, I say, Right on!

    felipe (023cc9)

  270. Dana, you could still post an inauguration fashion thread. There’s the balls tonite, and people will likely be discussing the photos all weekend. That type of thread would be a nice diversion from politics. You could even include a few photos of early 20th century Presidents who wore top hats while riding in open cars to the swearing-in ceremony.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  271. #272 elissa, or even a Where’s Waldo? puzzle!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  272. Cruz, you bastard, I read your book!
    (if you don’t know what I am talking about, that makes two of us)

    felipe (023cc9)

  273. George c Scott as Patton (1970) referring to rommel.

    narciso (d1f714)

  274. Well, yeah. So you are self identifying?

    [this is what I love about you, narciso]

    felipe (023cc9)

  275. Yes fashion xampolit givhan has long since passed her expiration date forvfresh insight if it was ever thus.

    narciso (d1f714)

  276. @270– Dana, Colbert already said Thursday night that when she deplaned off that Air Force jet in a dark outfit with sunglasses that she was dressed like a Russian spy. Looked more like Jackie Onassis to me.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  277. “Same as it ever was, same as it ever was…”

    felipe (023cc9)

  278. In someways, the warrior monk is a throw back to the likes of Patton, bevayse if you don’t your adversary you can never hope to defeat him.
    An example on the otherside was yamamoto, who fullwell knew America’s industrial prowess and the people’s will to fight.

    narciso (d1f714)

  279. Avoid rather than check;
    Check rather than hurt;
    Hurt rather than maim;
    Maim rather then kill;
    All life is precious nor can it be replaced.

    – Master Kahn

    felipe (023cc9)

  280. Time is up. “Kung Fu”

    felipe (023cc9)

  281. Hm, giving more thought to the perplexing fashion decision of Mrs Obama today, and knowing that she is wearing one of her faves, designer Jason Wu, I’m going with an understated utilitarian practicality. Her public life, for the moment anyway, is done, so keeping it simple makes sense. But that doesn’t excuse the not-nice side-eye she shot at receiving the Tiffany gift box.

    Dana (023079)

  282. Dana, you sound like my sister. That is a compliment.

    felipe (023cc9)

  283. Dog gone it! I am being made to “go to bed!” ah, to be loved so…

    felipe (023cc9)

  284. Ah camelbett, will CBS find some way to exercise their option and give him the heave who.

    narciso (d1f714)

  285. If anybody’s interested, on 20/20 ABC they are covering the inauguration balls and just said that Bob Woodward is there and president and first lady are very shortly going to be entering the Armed Services Ball. Trump will be making brief remarks to troops around the globe which he can see and vice versa via large video screens. Then they will dance.

    elissa (69344e)

  286. ==Hm, giving more thought to the perplexing fashion decision of Mrs Obama today, and knowing that she is wearing one of her faves, designer Jason Wu, I’m going with an understated utilitarian practicality. ==

    Dana, that still not explain her hair.

    elissa (69344e)

  287. I say Michelle raided Caroline Ingalls’ closet!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  288. Glad I worked all day. Also glad for the executive orders today.

    NJRob (43d957)

  289. BTW,

    Michelle Obama’s sourpuss face on receiving the gift is because it was unexpected and she didn’t have anything to return in kind.

    You can hear her exclaim, “you brought us gifts?” right before she gets the present.

    She’s frustrated that she got something and didn’t have the opportunity to do the same. I won’t presume to guess why it bothered her so much.

    NJRob (43d957)

  290. So guess which rabidly pro female organization is a sponsor for tomorrow’s march, if you answered cair, you win the case of ricearoni,

    narciso (d1f714)

  291. 290.. Reeeeoowwwwwww!… saucer of milk for two at table 3.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  292. Strike that… table 290…

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  293. Wow, that cowardly Barack made one last regulation as he turned out the lights and exited the building, proving literally that the left wingers are attracted to the darkness.

    http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/with-midnight-regulation-obama-energy-department-just-outlawed-your-three-way-bulb/article/2612397#.WIGiDgyRzYU.twitter

    Fortunately, Mr Rick Perry will be heading the Department of Energy. He’ll likely see to it that we’ll have bright enough lamps to read by at night.
    Again, Barack didn’t have the courage to pull this stunt before an election, because he knew everyone would have mocked him.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  294. Shirley he can’t be serious.

    narciso (d1f714)

  295. @297. Perry majored in animal husbandry and ‘shirley’ knows how to screw in a three-way.

    “Kinky!” – Hedley Lamarr [Harvey Korman] ‘Blazing Saddles’ 1974

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  296. Bill Clinton’s going to be upset to learn that three-ways are being outlawed!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  297. Civility is going be something to be explored one of theses days.

    narciso (d1f714)

  298. Civility would certainly be nice, narciso, but it’s really hard to find people (on either side of the aisle) willing to practice it.

    aphrael (3f0569)

  299. “FAKE NEWS: Valerie Jarrett’s daughter will cover Justice Department for CNN.”

    https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/255139/

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  300. Re baron a it was with romneys or the huntress or w’s ids

    narciso (d1f714)

  301. DCSCA wrote:

    I agree with our esteemed host that the current ceremony is way, way, way too much.

    Think so? This one was pretty well scaled back as they go in this day and age. And compared to the coronations of crowns in other lands, particular Britain, American ceremonies are fairly brief, coarse around the edges and generally bland in content.

    I’d point out that Queen Elizabeth’s coronation was 63 years ago; Her Majesty has been the Queen for longer than I have been alive, and I’m an old man.

    It is somewhat amusing to watch videos of Her Majesty as the national anthem is being sung. She remains silent whilst all about her are singing “God Save the Queen“. I s’pose singing “God Save Me” might seem a touch on the tacky side.

    The elderly Anglophile Dana (1b79fa)

  302. elissa wrote:

    I really don’t mean to pile on but I agree that Michelle’s choice of dress and hair style today was ….interesting. One of my oldest girl friends emailed me this morning to say “what was she thinking!!!” I do believe Michelle was making some sort of political or personal statement but I ‘ll be damned if I can figure out what it was.

    Despite the attempts of the left to say that the former First Lady was a fashion icon of style and grace, well, no, she wasn’t. Mrs Obama was not blessed with what would normally be considered an attractive face, and while Melania Trump and she are the same height, 5’11”, Mrs Obama’s figure would not be considered as feminine and attractive as that of her successor as First Lady. Mrs Obama’s style choices have been somewhat limited by her inability to really carry off high fashion.

    As long as Mrs Obama was attractive to her husband, I suppose that’s all that matters, but it has been funny to see the left-wing media tripping all over themselves to tell us what a beauty Mrs Obama was, when anyone could see that no, she wasn’t. ‘Twas odd, of course, that the same media weren’t so impressed by Laura Bush, who, if not a real beauty herself, is still more attractive than Mrs Obama.

    The Dana who can see (1b79fa)

  303. “Fascism is always descending on the right, but landing in the progressive left.”

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  304. ==The Dana who can see (1b79fa) —01/21/2017 @ 6:35 am==
    Regurgitation Trigger warning: Do not, repeat DO NOT read this treacle immediately after eating breakfast!

    This Might Be the Most Powerful Red Dress Michelle Obama’s Ever Worn
    Michelle’s outfit, which came complete with a matching coat, was nothing if not sophisticated, but it was when she stood by Melania, the new first lady in blue, that we recognized the former FLOTUS’s style note. Joined by their husbands, Michelle and Melania were wearing the colors of the Republican and Democratic parties, respectively. It is interesting to call out that Michelle opted for red and Melania blue, perhaps suggesting that when it comes to representing a united nation, it can be useful to consider all sides of the story, no matter where you stand.

    As Hillary Clinton arrived in a white pantsuit — which has undoubtedly become her signature — we thought immediately of the American flag and the way in which all three ladies used their clothing to paint that picture for us.

    http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Michelle-Obama-Red-Dress-Inauguration-2017-43028369#photo-43028369

    elissa (69344e)

  305. #308 elissa, thanks for the warning! Popsugar.com’s Orwellian celebration of Michelle’s potato sack dress reminds me of what Pee Wee Herman used to say every time he made a mistake;
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hNIX7V21pU

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  306. Elissa, I do have a particularly strong stomach, so ’twas never a worry for me. As for reading the left’s sycophancy, I’ve become quite used to that over the past eight years.

    The Dana who already et breakfast (1b79fa)

  307. Hoagie – while it’s true that wearing a mask in public to trick or treat, or to be part of an acting troupe, or to perform a ritual which requires the wearing of a mask, is not the same as wearing a mask to rob someone, riot, or thwart recognition to perform acts of terrorism. Nobody thinks it is.

    What we do think is that it means you cannot infer ill itnent simply from the wearing of a mask, and that because you can’t assume ill intent simply from the wearing of a mask, you can’t criminalize the wearing of a mask per se.

    I would note that one of the first acts of the American revolution involved people wearing costumes to hide their identities, so I think that hiding your identity is a traditional part of political protest; and that’s not surprising, given that the mere act of protesting can bring social and economic repercussions.

    aphrael (3f0569)


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