Patterico's Pontifications

2/27/2018

It’s Wrong for Georgia to Use Delta’s Speech as a Reason to Give or Withhold Tax Breaks

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 9:00 am



Yesterday it became news that the government of Georgia is considering rescinding a special tax break for Delta, specifically because Delta is crusading against the NRA. Joe Cunningham wrote about it yesterday in this post, and the Washington Post reports it this way today:

Days after Delta Air Lines announced it would stop offering discounted fares to National Rifle Association members, a top Georgia Republican retaliated, vowing to kill legislation that would hand the airline a lucrative tax break.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle (R), who leads the Georgia State Senate, demanded on Monday that Atlanta-based Delta, one of the state’s largest employers, make a choice: Stop punishing the NRA, or watch Republican lawmakers strike down a $50 million sales tax exemption on jet fuel, of which Delta would be the primary beneficiary.

Here’s Cagle on Twitter, blatantly tying the tax break to Delta’s stance on the NRA:

Some folks are applauding this, because Georgia is sticking it to Delta and backing the NRA. I don’t share this opinion.

My argument is not that Delta must be given the tax break. My argument is that we should not have such tax breaks at all, in part because government will use them to enforce restrictions on corporations’ speech — as this episode illustrates.

If the words “kill any tax legislation that benefits” in the above tweet were replaced with the word “boycott” I could approve this sentiment. I wouldn’t necessarily engage in a boycott myself — I tend to fly the airline where I can get the best deal, and the airlines’ politics do not matter to that equation — but I have nothing at all negative to say about anyone who wants to say: “I will boycott Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with the NRA.” That is everyone’s right as a citizen: to choose who they deal with in the marketplace.

Similarly, I could sign onto the Lt. Governor’s tweet if he had said: “I will kill any tax legislation that benefits Delta because crony capitalism is wrong.” In his post, Joe Cunningham asked: “why do we continue to give major special tax breaks to big companies?” and I think it’s a fair question. I would ask the same question about small companies, or any companies. Giving special treatment to one company is crony capitalism. Conservatives should oppose that, everywhere and always.

But when government is doling out favors based on the political views of a company, that’s where I get off the train. I agree with Charlie C.W. Cooke when he says:

I’ll leave it to First Amendment experts as to whether this is an actual First Amendment violation. It certainly looks like viewpoint discrimination to me, but there could be technical arguments that it isn’t, as a legal matter. Companies are not entitled to tax breaks — especially targeted ones not generally available — and governments are able to accomplish many goals with tax policy that they could not otherwise accomplish. (That’s not necessarily a good thing, by the way; it’s just a description of the state of the law.)

But even if the Georgia legislature can do this legally, citizens should find it repulsive to this country’s principles when the government picks winners and losers based on private speech about a matter of public importance.

Imagine a scenario in which a blue state tells Hobby Lobby, for example, that their access to a tax break is dependent on whether the company publicly supports Planned Parenthood. Give Planned Parenthood employees and donors a special deal on your arts and crafts, and we’ll give you that tax break. Refuse to give them a deal, and no tax break for you! On what principled basis could you object to that, if you’re applauding Georgia’s threats to Delta here? Your only argument would be: Planned Parenthood bad, NRA good. And that’s not a principled argument. Any argument you could make that it’s wrong to use government for such purposes would lose all force, as people could easily point to your approval of Georgia’s actions here.

And this illustrates the corrosive nature of these tax breaks to begin with. If government has a power like that, it’s a given that government will abuse it.

Any time government is allowed any special authority to exercise control over particular corporations, government will try to use that authority to influence the corporation’s speech. If government has the authority to grant or withhold an FCC license, for example, government officials will abuse that authority and try to prevent speech they dislike. We have seen it happen time and time again. The same is true here. When government is in the business of giving tax breaks to particular companies, there should be no surprise when government uses that power to enforce its preferred political orthodoxy.

It’s fine and even laudable for citizens to engage in viewpoint discrimination against Delta. Boycott to your heart’s content. But viewpoint discrimination by government is different.

We should not be surprised that government does this. But neither should we be applauding it.

UPDATE: Technically the tax break would not be “rescinded” — an expired tax break would not be renewed.

[Cross-posted at RedState and The Jury Talks Back.]

350 Responses to “It’s Wrong for Georgia to Use Delta’s Speech as a Reason to Give or Withhold Tax Breaks”

  1. it’s a heavy weapon in the arsenal, but the left is using corporations through the bogus Hamilton 68 study about Russian trolls, to suppress speech, through media matters to force govts to adopt ssm and everyone of their wishlists, they will likely retaliate by pulling film shoots in the state, like increasingly sjw marvel and the ncaa has done in the past

    narciso (d1f714)

  2. Why should I subsidize any for profit corporation who lives by the sword of capitalism, much less for jet fuel? Teleconference, like watching Superbowl from my living room is better on so many levels than Being There

    https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0078841/

    Ben burn (39368b)

  3. Did you miss the ‘spontaneous’ campaign against any company that deigns support the nra,

    narciso (d1f714)

  4. You don’t think that politicians heard from their voters? Removing crony capitalism is a good thing, isn’t it?

    NJRob (b00189)

  5. What’s your opinion on the drinking age being 21, enforced by the usual pressure?

    NJRob (b00189)

  6. Have to love that a-hole Jake Tapper using kids as a human shield during the townhall meeting. What a disgraceful hack.

    mg (9e54f8)

  7. the elected officials have to represent their constituents

    if Georgians really really want to give tax breaks to fascist David Hogg trash like Delta Air Lines this will sort itself out in due course

    nothing wrong with letting the process play out

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  8. Isn’t there a famous Supreme Court case that conncerns Louisiana, at a time when Huey Long was Governor? (I think a newspaper tax)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grosjean_v._American_Press_Co. 297 U.S. 233 (1936)

    Specifically, the court found the law similar to the British Stamp Act of 1712 in that it would it suppress free speech through taxation and allowing a similar law would be against the clear Founders’ Intent of the Bill of Rights. Justice George Sutherland wrote that “the revolution really began when, in 1765, that government sent stamps for newspaper duties to the American colonies.” [1]

    The case is often cited because it defined corporations as “persons” for purposes of analysis under the Equal Protection clause.

    It was a 2% gross recipts tax on newspapers with a circulation over 20,000. There were 13 of them and 12 were Long critics, most notably the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

    Sammy Finkelman (02a146)

  9. The left forces businesses, including the Little Sisters of the Poor, to engage in their Moloch sacrament, and you claim we should imagine a hypothetical of how we’d feel if the shoe was on the other foot? We’ve lived it for years and just sat back and shrugged. Now the gloves are coming off and we’re returning the favor.

    Remind me how NYC and other liberal areas have banned Walmart and Chick-Fil-A.

    The way to stop a bully is to fight back. Keep taking the abuse and it will keep happening.

    NJRob (b00189)

  10. We are in reprisals territory here. That covers many distasteful, even horrendous responses to opponents who ignore the rules. Or, we can say “Oh, jolly good show! Looks like you’ve got us!”.

    phunctor (1812bd)

  11. “Removing crony capitalism is a good thing, isn’t it?”

    Yes, if that is what you are really doing. Removing crony capitalism means no special breaks for anyone, whether they are your political friends or not.

    Special breaks for your friends (real or ideological) but no special breaks for your enemies IS the very definition of crony capitalism.

    Bored Lawyer (998177)

  12. Sammy:

    That’s kinda mission creep but I see a thin connection.

    Is there Citizens United case for NRA?
    Doubtful..

    Ben burn (39368b)

  13. Can a federal judge enjoin the Georgia legislature? Didn’t a court somewhere rule taxes had to be raised over a legislature’s objections?

    Pinandpuller (238426)

  14. The problem with you Patterico, is that you want neutral principles to control the government.

    The credo of the day, however, is “what helps me and mine” controls the government. Principles are for losers.

    [Remove tongue from cheek.]

    Bored Lawyer (998177)

  15. If you want free speech don’t take their money. Hillsdale College 101.

    Pinandpuller (238426)

  16. How is this any different than California cutting off current and construction contracts for companies that bid on or build the US-Mexico wall?

    RobertSabatini (0e6466)

  17. When you play politics, you get politics…

    Unless, of course, the politics is right-leaning and then it’s wrong, wrong, wrong…correct?

    MJN1957 (6f981a)

  18. the elected officials have to represent their constituents

    Exactly. If Delta wants Casey Cagle to be its special friend and give it tax breaks, it shouldn’t kick his other friends, gun owners, in the teeth.

    nk (dbc370)

  19. But, but but Gorsuch!

    This means that the outcome in Janus’ case could hinge on the vote of the court’s newest justice, Neil Gorsuch.

    The case hinges on the opinion of the guy who once argued that a company was within its rights to fire a dude who chose to survive rather than freeze to death in his broken-down big rig. I’m certainly optimistic.

    https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a18728630/supreme-court-unions-case/

    Ben burn (39368b)

  20. We need more corporate protectors in gubmint.

    Ben burn (39368b)

  21. I think in the context that a corporation takes the view to take away our civil rights, it’s not retaliation to take away a special privilege bestowed upon them at the expense of the taxpayers

    EPWJ (4dc563)

  22. NJRob (b00189) — 2/27/2018 @ 9:46 am

    Remind me how NYC and other liberal areas have banned Walmart and Chick-Fil-A.

    On a case by case basis, mostly using zoning laws.

    Sammy Finkelman (02a146)

  23. Delta caved into pressure. Now its getting oressure from the other side.

    What’s an appeaser to do?

    They’ll have to evaluate which side will cost them more money.

    Sammy Finkelman (02a146)

  24. Trump/Pruitt thank you for your service.

    As many as a million people stationed at the Marine base from 1953 to 1987 became part of one of the darkest chapters in the Corps’ history. Toxins linked to miscarriages, birth defects, cancers and neurological behaviors polluted the drinking water. Those exposed not only drank the poison water, they used it to bathe, swim, cook, wash clothes — and mix baby formula. Georgia now has one of the largest concentrations of Lejeune veterans and dependents in the country with 10,561 on a national registry of those exposed to the contamination. Nearly 259,000 men and women across the country have joined the list.

    https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a18753348/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/

    Ben burn (39368b)

  25. Georgia needs Delta more than Delta needs Georgia.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  26. If Delta wants Casey Cagle to be its special friend and give it tax breaks, it shouldn’t kick his other friends, gun owners, in the teeth.

    Mr. Cagle is due the benefit of the doubt I think.

    It’s safe for now, barring any new information, to assume that Mr. Cagle doesn’t want to be the guy who gave tax breaks to a fascist freedom-hating company like Delta Air lines, why?

    Because his constituents would disapprove of that, and would elect someone in his stead who would enact their desired policies.

    On the other hand, if Mr. Cagle’s constituents feel that Georgia should reward fascist civil rights abusing slut companies like Delta Air Lines, then they can elect someone who will do that for them.

    The wheels of justice in these matters may grind slowly, but justice will ultimately prevail that’s for sure.

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  27. The silver lining is that people will begin to understand power can be used against them as well as others.

    SarahW (3164f0)

  28. “Principles are for losers.”

    Yep, they’re gonna hate playing by their New Rules.

    phunctor (b2de2c)

  29. Delta would be the main beneficiary, since its HQ is in Atlanta, but wouldn’t other airlines be impacted by the same tax break?

    I took a quick look. There’s five million or so NRA members. Delta apparently flies one hundred million or more passengers a year. Delta may have simply decided that offering a special discount to five percent of its passengers–who may not take advantage of the discount and who may have other discounts programs available to use–was not worth the media pressure. (I realize that possibly a considerable number of those hundred million are actually passengers using the airline for more than one trip, so the real figure is less than one hundred million. But one can assume the same proportion carries over to those who take advantage of the NRA discount.)

    kishnevi (bb03e6)

  30. Today I learned that eliminating a group discount makes someone “fascist” and “civil rights abusing”.

    And a slut too, I guess.

    Davethulhu (fab944)

  31. Sigh. Yet another “Let’s put toothpaste back in the tube” post.

    random viking (6a54c2)

  32. No to tailored tax breaks and no to the actions of Delta and other corporations that allow themselves to be coerced by the Leftwing activists into denouncing organizations.

    Colonel Haiku (bd4dc3)

  33. The NRA did not shoot those kids. If Delta wants to signal virtue, it should refuse to sell tickets to Broward County residents who elected an incompetent school board and an incompetent sheriff.

    But kishnevi has the right of it. It’s just picking one niche market (gun owners) over another (idiots).

    nk (dbc370)

  34. Stand against activist bullying.

    Colonel Haiku (bd4dc3)

  35. Or is it “picking one niche market (idiots) over another (gun owners)”?

    nk (dbc370)

  36. it’s no different than how the googlesluts are deplatforming conservatives on youtube

    you have a business model

    one is based on ad revenue sharing in the case of the googlesluts

    one is based on extending discounts to members of large organizations in exchange for certain promotion considerations (Deltaslut Air Lines)

    in both cases these corporations have decided that conservatives are ineligible to participate

    this is no good, and I abjure it

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  37. When government is in the business of giving tax breaks to particular companies, there should be no surprise when government uses that power to enforce its preferred political orthodoxy.

    Texas Business Incentives Highest in Nation – NYTimes.com

    http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/us/winners-and-losers-in-texas.html

    ____

    Tax incentives to attract businesses to a city or state and/or to keep them there is competitive; it kept NBC from moving to the NJ Meadowlands out of Manhattan’s 30 Rock; it enticed Panasonic to leave NY for NJ years ago; after decades in Seattle, Boeing selected Chicago as site for its new headquarters over Dallas and Denver after it was promised tax breaks and incentives. The list goes on and on.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  38. speaking of boycotts

    Virulent Fascist David Hogg Wants Tourists to Boycott Florida for Spring Break

    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 9:53 am

    Welcome back BTW.

    So are the media staying in GA and AL and driving in to interview him every day or are they on remote like Ben said? Or is David on tour? Will he be on Real Time? Madame Secretary?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  39. I think you’re all missing the purpose of the post, which is not to call out Georgia, Casey Cagle or viewpoint discrimination.

    The purpose of the post is to remind y’all how our host is more principled than you.

    random viking (6a54c2)

  40. Based on the posts so far in this thread, our host is correct.

    Davethulhu (fab944)

  41. I would prefer to say the host is dead right.

    random viking (6a54c2)

  42. @ #2:

    The stadium where that game was played was partially funded by taxpayer money, via bonds, to the tune of nearly $500mil, just short of half of the out-the-door cost of the thing. I think you will agree that the NFL, as well as the participating teams, are profitable capitalist entities. I think that a roughly 50% subsidy for their “workplace” sounds like “crony capitalism”.

    If you actually did watch it on TV (I did not) you supported the project as you are included in the viewer numbers that dictate how much the NFL charges for advertising, thus you boosted their income.

    Its harder than it looks to escape this sh!t.

    Gramps (cecc77)

  43. The case hinges on the opinion of the guy who once argued that a company was within its rights to fire a dude who chose to survive rather than freeze to death in his broken-down big rig. I’m certainly optimistic.

    https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a18728630/supreme-court-unions-case/

    Ben burn (39368b) — 2/27/2018 @ 10:09 am

    I worked for this company for a while that didn’t invest much in maintenance. One day the drive shaft fell off my truck and spun into the ditch like a PT boat torpedo. If the family behind me hadn’t passed me seconds before they might have been killed. My manager actually asked me to go look for it the next day lol. Another time the transmission on my truck was leaking so bad I stopped in Worland and bought every quart of tranny fluid off the shelf and pulled over every five miles on the way home to fill it back up. I would have loved for them to fire me but I quit on my own not long after that.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  44. @31.Delta would be the main beneficiary, since its HQ is in Atlanta, but wouldn’t other airlines be impacted by the same tax break?

    Delta can always ‘fly away,’ too; Georgia needs them more than they need Georgia. Delta has big ops in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Back in the day, before it flew into history, US Airways moved its long time hub from Pittsburgh over tax incentives and other issues and left a huge hole in the local Pgh economy. As with any corporation– they can always pack up and leave for fairer skies in America– or elsewhere.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  45. bought every quart of tranny fluid off the shelf

    Careful, you might accidently set off a Happyfeet alarm.

    kishnevi (bb03e6)

  46. 48
    More likely, Delta is making it quite clear to a number of legislators that they can donate to their opponents if they slip the leash too often.

    kishnevi (bb03e6)

  47. “The purpose of the post is to remind y’all how our host is more principled than you.”

    And that’s an admirable thing in a prosecutor.

    I didn’t choose culture war, and I didn’t choose these rules. Both were forced on me. And so be it. HAVOC!

    phunctor (034f5b)

  48. Close call pin, but good one.

    Ben burn (39368b)

  49. thanks Mr. Puller! I went to Florida had a wonderful time. I did Disney and Orlando and SeaWorld. The new Pandora thing is disappointing but i didn’t get to ride the flagship ride there cause of it was too many popular. The one I did get to ride – this one where you ride a boat through Pandora – was kinda silly, but we didn’t wait much for it cause it was a fastpass. From what I saw they really skimped on the whole project, financially and creatively, and I wonder what that means for the Star Wars endeavor.

    Found a really fun restaurant in Orlando called The Rusty Spoon. Casual but very earnest about the foozles, and with a credible cocktail menu as well. It’s close to Lake Eola, which is worth a visit. Kids got a kick out of the swans, which nest right alongside the path around the lake. There is many turtles and also they put art here and there.

    SeaWorld was almost flawless. In many ways it’s better kept-up and better executed than Disney. The ceo resigned today, which is too bad cause there’s a lot to recommend the place he’s leaving behind. The animal shows are super gay – too much awkward dancing and eco-smarm I think.

    Getting out of Orlando International’s become a nightmare.

    This is the story of my vacation.

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  50. @50. Cagle’s running for governor, too, so this is likely more heat than light in the lon run, but it would be enlightening to learn how much in contributions the Georgia state GOP gets from the NRA and if the NRA pressured the Georgia state GOP to do its bidding; or if Georgia’s senators telegraphed the NRA’s displeasure from Washington to the state house as they get hefty NRA contributions as it is.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  51. More likely Cagle did this on his own. There are more than enough 2A fundamentalists in Georgia to whom this would be obvious honey.

    kishnevi (bb03e6)

  52. 55.More likely Cagle did this on his own. There are more than enough 2A fundamentalists in Georgia to whom this would be obvious honey.

    Hope the ones who work ground and maintenance for Delta at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International keep the ‘honey’ out of the fan jet assemblies and landing gear.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  53. Taking a break from gutting a friend’s house that was flooded during Hurricane Harvey* and I thought to myself I don’t care if Delta wants to cancel their NRA discount or not. Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever taken advantage of any discounts offered because the discount often is more expensive than the better deal I can find on my own. But tax breaks? Nothing but a subsidy that ends up costing the consumer one way or another. The businesses that get these tax breaks though do it through coercion and threats… want a stadium and the income that comes from it in your city? Give us a tax break. Want our corporate headquarters or a hub in your city? Give us a tax break. Give me a break. The government shouldn’t be in the business of picking and choosing the winners. No difference between this and subsidizing one energy source over another. The real problem is politicians think the average person is an idiot. Maybe we are.

    In the meantime as people gripe and complain about politics I see people still struggling to just put life together again without the help of any government (and they don’t want it to tell the truth). Just puts it all in perspective for me.

    * yes folks, there are STILL people gutting houses and in temporary lodging in Houston…. a note to all curious… home insurance you think insures you and your house… not so, it insures the mortgage company and some of those mortgage companies are fighting tooth and toenail to keep the money until they see the house fixed despite it supposedly being for the rebuilding of the damaged property…. My friend is being told she has to use her money to repair her house on her dime and she will get reimbursed by the mortgage company when she presents her paid bills for the reconstruction. All the while still paying regular bills and the mortgage payment for the non-livable house… but she doesn’t have the money to rebuild without the insurance that they hold. She has a replacement value policy so they want to see the exact costs before they pay out. So buyer beware, or be aware of your policy payouts and your mortgage company’s practices concerning insurance

    Marci (e5bb26)

  54. Visa versa too. Atlanta is the home to CNN. I imagine the network designing the narrative had troops on the ground to badger the Delta public relations office into a hasty position, and the aparatus to make sure the hasty position was widely publicized before sober reflection could be made.

    So what Cagel is doing is offering Delta a face saving opportunity to pull up their pants after the finger diddling they took at the hands of CNN.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  55. Marci: I’m sorry you have to live in Texas

    Ben burn (39368b)

  56. bought every quart of tranny fluid off the shelf

    Careful, you might accidently set off a Happyfeet alarm.

    kishnevi (bb03e6) — 2/27/2018 @ 11:35 am

    You can’t psychologically help a truck that doesn’t want to change.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  57. A controversial new law, officially part of the Safe Carry Protection Act of 2014 but known by opponents as the “guns everywhere law,” went into effect in Georgia today. The law, which has been called “a historic victory for the Second Amendment” by the National Rifle Association, allows people with concealed-carry permits to enter bars, nightclubs, unsecured government buildings, and public terminals in airports while armed.

    School districts may now elect to arm teachers and administrators after they undergo training, though thus far none of the state’s school districts have chosen to do so. People are not allowed to bring firearms into religious establishments such as churches, but individual establishments can opt in and allow them.

    Some local governments in the state are reportedly considering installing security systems in government buildings in order to keep out those carrying weapons; under the law, people with concealed-c

    Carry permits can bring firearms into only government buildings that do not have security systems.

    Vice

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  58. @57. Hang in there Marci. Have long time friends in Toms River, NJ near Seaside Heights and on Long Beach Island, NJ who are still dickering w/insurance and mortgage firms, FEMA and the like while making repairs from Superstorm Sandy. Salt water damage in places you’d not expect; it’s unforgiving and a PITA to clean up and repair.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  59. She has a replacement value policy so they want to see the exact costs before they pay out. So buyer beware, or be aware of your policy payouts and your mortgage company’s practices concerning insurance.

    Tell your contractor. He’s might work with you, front loading the bill.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  60. Hey! I lived in former Forked River NJ when you could get cherrystone clams for 80 cents dozen in Seaside before Springsteen could afford two dozenm

    Ben burn (39368b)

  61. WTH FBI?

    A former FBI translator who held a top-secret security clearance fled to Syria and married the Islamic State fighter she had been tasked with investigating. For this, she was sentenced to just two years in prison.

    That’s according to redacted documents released Monday by a federal court in Washington, D.C., which describe the bizarre saga of Czech-born Daniela Greene, who lived in the U.S. and worked as a contract translator at the FBI. She was tasked with keeping tabs on Denis Cuspert (pictured above in 2005), a German rapper turned ISIS fighter, but instead she snuck into Syria, alerted him to the FBI’s investigation, and married him.

    On June 11, 2014, Green told her FBI supervisor in Indianapolis that she was heading to Germany to visit family. She then boarded an Air Canada flight bound for Turkey and proceeded to slip across the border into Syria. A month later, she married Cuspert and told him “that she was employed by the FBI and that the FBI had an open investigation into his activities,” according to court records.

    CNN, which first reported Green’s case, said it had been able to confirm with a source close to the investigation that the ISIS fighter Greene married was, in fact, Cuspert, a German national who previously performed as Deso Dogg and once toured with DMX. According to the State Department, Cuspert now goes by the the name Abu Talha al-Almani and is an ISIS recruiter who has been instrumental in the drive to persuade Westerners to join the militant group.

    Vice

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  62. Yikes Marci, I didn’t realize it,was that had

    Agent Greene is the real life version of Carrie from homeland

    narciso (e8c05d)

  63. @64. Ben- hopefully not the ones near the nuclea power plant. Hot sauce or hot butter– we’d steam them on the grill or w/a lobster in a pot. As kids we’d get a clamming license and paid a dime a clam, cherrystones preferred, from the Beach Haven Fishery– it was like picking up free money from the bottom of the bay– but it was tiring work.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  64. 53, in what sense is getting out of MCO a nightmare – I always felt it was a snap to board, since its TSA was rather close to the checking-in areas and trams to the gate concourses followed (as in Las Vegas). Tampa has the departing passenger board the tram, then go through security.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  65. CNN is reporting Delta is already getting ‘suitors’ pitching woo to make a HQ move.

    Love it.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  66. The point is ‘ They will not let you be uninvolved, there is only one viewpoint, and it is enforced like religious dogma

    narciso (e8c05d)

  67. Thousands standing around, really have served no purpose:

    narciso (e8c05d)

  68. This is the story of my vacation.

    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 11:45 am

    Some girl on Snapchat named Sahit posted a lot of stuff from Disneyworld. It looked pretty cool.

    Did you see Anderson Cooper or David Hogg?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  69. Marci: I’m sorry you have to live in Texas
    Ben burn

    Not me. No complaints with Texas except we have the distinction of being home to the Honorable Shirley Jackson Lee.

    I’ve lived in seven states so it’s not like I’m blind to other options or truth of the location I live in. Every single state and place I’ve lived, from cities to a rural Mennonite community have had real positives and great people. If you focus on the bad you get the bad and miss what is out there. If you look for the good you will find some awesome gems hidden in the most unexpected places, even in Houston. I have been blessed to have called Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois home and each one has been a great place to live. I have to admit that for me where I live now is the best because I have the blessing of having all 13 of my grandchildren living within 15 miles of me (even though none of my children were raised in this state!). And boy-howdy, Leviticus may be in awe of his little Shirley but grandkids… they are truly the best!

    And thus ends your feel good moment. Back to politics as usual. 🙂 I’m going back to scraping a floor.

    Marci (e5bb26)

  70. my flight started boarding at 5:15 am and the security line was 40 minutes

    this was no good

    then you have to get on the silly thingthing

    i just expected an easier time of it on an early Monday morning

    next year I’m a fly out Tuesday i think

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  71. MCO carries a lot of traffic from Europeans visiting Disney and cruise passengers going and coming from cruises out of Port Canaveral (and sometimes Tampa). So the day of the week and the time of day can make a difference.

    Just imagine being in a TSA line with a whole bunch of Brits fueling up for the long ride home.

    kishnevi (bb03e6)

  72. Delta sucks. You’d be better off riding a Delta Faucet.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  73. She’s forty-one and her daddy still calls her, ‘baby’
    All the folks around Brownsville say she’s crazy
    ‘Cause she walks down town with a suitcase in her hand
    Looking for a mysterious dark-haired man

    In her younger days they called her Delta Dawn
    Prettiest woman you ever laid eyes on
    Then a man of low degree stood by her side
    And promised her he’d take her for his bride

    Delta Dawn, what’s that flower you have on
    Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
    And did I hear you say he was a-meeting you here today
    To take you to his mansion in the sky?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  74. Yikes Marci, I didn’t realize it,was that had

    Agent Greene is the real life version of Carrie from homeland
    narciso

    The houses have been “gutted” as in moldy sheetrock and stuff removed, but many are still just studs. My friend’s house has to have some walls redone because the flood warped the studs and her floors have to be scraped clean in prep for putting something down. Plus now she’s dealing with cracks in her upstairs because the house is settling due to all the water. Life is “back to normal” but there are still people in hotels and temp housing and rentals while they go slowly through the process. Contractors are swamped. We have sheetrock that we removed in our garage (6″ in garage but house is 4′ up so we lost nothing as I moved everything up) and to do a 2′ strip of sheetrock around a 2 car garage is being quoted at $2500 and the wait time in months unless you go with a handyman off the street (take your chances with that one)… we’re staying with studs until we can get to it ourselves. We did not claim on insurance so no issues.

    Marci (e5bb26)

  75. Did you see Anderson Cooper or David Hogg?

    i didn’t see nobody at all i can think of

    i look for Kay Panabaker sometimes when i go to Animal Kingdom but no luck so far on that, but i don’t usually go to that Rafiki Planet Watch place anymore cause he’s too preachy

    yucky stupid al gore baboon

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  76. There are three chicks-fil-a in manhattan, and one in queens. hardly a *ban*.

    https://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Browse/NY

    WalMart, you have a better case, although I don’t think that’s expressly about the Waltons’ politics in the same way that opposition to chick-fil-a was about the company’s owner’s politics.

    aphrael (e0cdc9)

  77. TOUCHE! Marci!

    I love it!

    I too have experienced good people in Texas.

    Hardly my point.

    Texas is kinda like SOUTHWEST AIRLINES whose motto as a mission statement should be…”We love our employees: Hate our customers”

    Can you see the distinction I am making?

    Ben burn (39368b)

  78. 67

    I thought I had a few too many RADS?

    You? I fear kernel will exploit..

    Ben burn (39368b)

  79. On point:

    Conservatism is not a suicide pact, and our principles are not a mandate to unilaterally disarm. We need to make them hate the new rules. Maybe they won’t learn anything, but at least they won’t win by cheating.

    The liberal elite is using its social and cultural ties to those at the helm of big companies to essentially blacklist the NRA, and thereby the tens of millions of Americans who support gun rights. But oppression is oppression whether it’s done by a government bureaucrat or a corporate one, and our principle of non-interference in business assumes business stays out of politics. But now National, Hertz, and others are cutting ties to the NRA, and liberals are advocating banks do the same. Their intent is clear – what they can’t do in politics they will simply do by not allowing the representatives of people whose politics they don’t like access to the infrastructure of society. And we’re not supposed to do anything about it because, you know, free enterprise and stuff. You know, our principles.

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  80. War is peace.
    Freedom is slavery.
    Ignorance is strength.

    Ben burn (39368b)

  81. or Kay Panabaker sometimes when i go to Animal Kingdom but no luck so far on that, but i don’t usually go to that Rafiki Planet Watch place anymore cause he’s too preachy

    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 12:38 pm

    Is she related to Danielle Panabaker?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  82. yes yes she’s the younger one

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  83. a 2 car garage is being quoted at $2500 and the wait time in months unless you go with a handyman off the street (take your chances with that one)… we’re staying with studs until we can get to it ourselves. We did not claim on insurance so no issues.

    Marci (e5bb26) — 2/27/2018 @ 12:36 pm

    It shouldn’t be that hard to DIY. Just shim it 1/2 inch at the bottom while you screw it on. How stocked are Lowe’s and Home Depot?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  84. Thats weird, my exwife who is very wayciss in the Norman Lear sense, thought that the Delta staff at Hartsfield (and many of the others in the greater ATL, particularly McDonough Co.) were the nicest you-know-whats, not “grossero” like the ones from Chicago. She noted that seemed to change once you snaked out of Chattanooga up to Nashville (same trip as the Trinity Rd story).

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  85. yes yes she’s the younger one

    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 1:16 pm

    She’s a former actress and zookeeper? WTH? I just saw her in something.

    Jared Padalecki couldn’t keep her sister alive. He couldn’t do it. What a waste. But he helps Stephen Amell make wine so there’s that.

    If you want to see embryonic Stephen Amell he was in this lifetime movie The House Next Door with the new Maytag Repair Man and Lara Flynn Boyle-who looks like she could be Ellen Pompeo’s sister. Check it out if you don’t believe me. She sounds like her too. Oh and Mark Paul Gosseler is in it too.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  86. Most TSA east of the Mississippi seems to be Big Momma Got It All Madea Martin Lawrence etc.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  87. Patterico,

    A year ago, 10 years ago, even 20 years ago I would have agreed with you. I have come to the opinion that since progressive politicians have weaponized government and many corporations, we have to fight fire with fire. Conservative politicians have to fight back against progressives. I agree that there shouldn’t be any tax breaks or crony capitalism, but in the real world I would rather see them push back against these progressives. They want to boycott the NRA for no other reason than to accede to progressive pressure. Our conservative politicians should apply pressure against this and actually represent conservatives. For too long we’ve been losing, with grim smiles of satisfaction at keeping to our principles, instead of slapping down these would-be tyrants.

    They set the rules. The progressive politicians have been doing things like this for decades, from schools to immigration to guns… and we should make them pay using the rules they’ve established. Sanctuary cities want to obstruct justice? Fine, jail anyone caught aiding illegals, from employers to officials. Withhold federal funds. Defy due process in Title IX cases? Fine, take them to criminal court for violation of civil rights. Any time a corporation or official attacks a conservative position, make it hurt.

    When they’re ready to go back to the old rules, we can do that. Until they stop with the Alinsky tactics, well, their rule was “punch back twice as hard” right? Fine, let’s go with that.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  88. We need more Drjs and Marcies commentating along with the male members worth measuring.

    Ben burn (39368b)

  89. Progressives: the True Enemy (self awareness, much?) of man/womankind!!!

    Eh?

    Ben burn (39368b)

  90. i’m stuck on Altered Carbon right now it’s really pretty

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  91. Let’s play Jeopardy.

    Alex, I’d like “corporate welfare” for $100.

    Answer: Atlanta Police Department CNN Center Precinct [google map]

    Question: Why doesn’t CNN, a notorious anti-American propaganda arm of the Democratic Party, spewing bile and hate for the country that succors them all over the world, fear being disarmed?

    Judges? [YouTube]

    papertiger (c8116c)

  92. Progressives: The current enemy of freedom. They really believe that when their revolution is done, they will be one of the bosses. The “alternatives” will be some of the first to go.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  93. feets,

    Altered Carbon was really good. Almost didn’t watch it because I figured it would be more of the same drivel that’s come out recently.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  94. Its puts the hyper in hyperviolent, that was from the book.

    narciso (d1f714)

  95. I’ll stick with it for sure then

    i have a lot of half-finished stuff right now

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  96. Pistachio:

    You’re nutz..

    Ben burn (39368b)

  97. You have moderation privileges?

    Holy Sh’t!

    Ben burn (39368b)

  98. http://team.georgia.gov/discounts

    The Official website for Georgia’s state employees – provided by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services.

    ◾Atlanta Braves
    ◾Atlanta Hawks
    ◾Atlanta United F C
    ◾Atlanta Motor Speedway
    ◾Callaway Gardens
    ◾City Pass
    ◾Dollywood
    ◾Georgia Aquariu
    ◾Georgia State Parks Golf Courses
    ◾Orlando Theme Park Discounts
    ◾Six Flags over Georgia
    ◾Stone Mountain
    ◾UniverSoul Circus
    ◾Zoo Atlanta

    Discount Networks and Discount Cards

    ◾PerksCard
    ◾Tickets At Work
    ◾WeSave

    Shopping

    ◾BJ’s
    ◾Cherry Moon Farms
    ◾CorporateShopping
    ◾From You Flowers
    ◾Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
    ◾Liberty Mutual Insurance
    ◾Personal Creations
    ◾Shari’s Berries
    ◾Simply Unique Baby Gifts

    Technology and Wireless

    ◾AT&T
    ◾Dell Computers
    ◾HP Computers
    ◾Microsoft (Not all agencies participate in the Microsoft Home Use Program. Please contact your local IT department to inquire about eligibility)
    ◾Sprint
    ◾T-Mobile
    ◾Verizon

    Travel

    ◾AAA
    ◾Avis
    ◾Budget
    ◾Enterprise
    ◾Hertz
    ◾InterContinental Hotels Group
    ◾La Quinta Inns & Suites
    ◾Orlando Vacation Discounts
    ◾The Parking Spot(Save 25% on regular daily rates at the Atlanta airport)
    ◾Wyndham Hotels
    ◾Hotels.com (10% off of Hotel bookings)

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  99. Let’s play Jeopardy.

    Alex, I’d like “Government Bennies for Corporations” for $100.

    Answer: Atlanta Police Department CNN Center Precinct [google map]

    papertiger (c8116c)

  100. You have moderation privileges?
    Holy Sh’t!
    Ben burn (39368b) — 2/27/2018 @ 2:03 pm

    Who farted?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  101. They made substantial changes from the book, takeshi for instance was a fmr rebel who became an envoy.

    narciso (d1f714)

  102. i think they say he was a mercenary then an envoy

    but i might have gotten that wrong

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  103. i read the book but it’s all jarbled up in my head with sterling and gibson

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  104. You have an incurable germ that’s killing you slowly which you contracted totally no [edit] fault of your own in the course of your profession.

    Do you wear mask and gloves in public, for the rest of our safety?

    If you cut a fart is there a biohazard risk for people in the generl area?

    papertiger (c8116c)

  105. Nothing stinkier than nutfart.

    Ben burn (39368b)

  106. We need more Drjs and Marcies commentating along with the male members worth measuring.

    Ben burn (39368b) — 2/27/2018 @ 1:43 pm

    You went full Flo n’ Eddie. You NEVER go full Flo n’ Eddie.

    Colonel Haiku (bd4dc3)

  107. Humm, there seems to be significant clarification on the story as reported here.

    From Eric Erickson no less (via Ace):

    Lots of misreporting on the @Delta issue in Georgia. Let me explain. During the recession, Georgi restructured its gas tax and other taxes. In the process, the legislature got rid of a benefit to Delta. The state had exempted jet fuel from the sales tax.

    A tax bill that would have restored the sales tax exemption sailed through the Georgia House of Representatives late last week. It would have passed the Senate tomorrow. But it is now on hold.

    Thanks to @delta deciding to treat gun owners as pariahs, the Georgia State Senate will now not restore a jet fuel tax exemption designed to benefit Delta. So, if anything, Delta’s actions against the @NRA have struck a blow against crony capitalism in Georgia.

    So, as Ace says,

    They want to know what “right” the NRA has to discounts afforded to other organizations. Well, none — which is the precise same level of right that Delta has to untaxed jet fuel.

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  108. @91: “but in the real world…”

    Ah, there’s your problem.

    random viking (6a54c2)

  109. Why does CNN want the public disarmed?

    Because sometimes they have to leave police headquarters, where they work, and go home.

    Not that they have anything to fear from law abiding citizens.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  110. Dammit Patterico. I want to celebrate this as standing up to Delta who caved to the political correctness of the last couple days.

    But, you raise good points! Stop making me think!

    Ryan (35b687)

  111. @110

    If it clarifies anything, it’s the title of this thread:

    It’s Wrong for Georgia to Use Delta’s Speech as a Reason to Give or Withhold Tax Breaks

    Davethulhu (fab944)

  112. Ben burn (39368b) — 2/27/2018 @ 2:21 pm

    Voice of experience, sounds like.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  113. @ 110

    A happy coincidence for a tax break that needed to expire then?

    Synchronicity.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  114. @91. …progressive politicians have weaponized government…

    Apparently you slept through the Nixon years.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  115. Does Altered Carbon have Taco Bell?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  116. i read the book but it’s all jarbled up in my head with sterling and gibson

    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 2:18 pm

    Sterling, Gibson and Denny Crane?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  117. Are they saying Jet A is like farm diesel? This jet isn’t using GA roads?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  118. Apparently you slept through the Nixon years.

    Have they awakened?

    Ben burn (39368b)

  119. Delta had lobbied for this change in the fuel tax

    Neo (d1c681)

  120. Its less cyber than the first two, although takeshi does resemble Armitage from necromancer, persons consciousness is uploaded and then transmitter into a new body of sleeve, rich people get many sleeves poor shmicks get one

    narciso (d1f714)

  121. 55. More likely Cagle did this on his own.

    Sorry, K. Don’t believe Cagle went after Delta– Georgia’s largest employer, w/30,000 employees in Atlanta– in a fit of pique ‘on his own.’ It’s counter-productive to the economic interests of the state he wants to govern. This has the ham-handed fingerprints of contributor pressures from NRA all over it.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  122. What, no witty quote from Delta Burke, ASPCA? You’re slipping.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  123. @110. They want to know what “right” the NRA has to discounts afforded to other organizations. Well, none — which is the precise same level of right that Delta has to untaxed jet fuel.

    It’s not a ‘rights’ thing– the fuel tax break will be open to all airlines in Georgia– Delta– the states’ largest employer- just happens to benefit from it the most as Atlanta is the HQ/hub [for now.] The numbers suggest the tax break would be $50 million– $40 million of which would break Delta’s way given its size and amoun of aviation fuel usage. Apparently Georgia’s fuel tax is high, too, compared to neighboring states. Besides, these ‘discounts’ squawks aren’t anything unique to NRA members; similar travel ‘deals’ can be accessed by AARP members and through many credit card reward plans and so on.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  124. 124
    You underestimate the stupidity quotient of state legislators. If he was pressured by anyone, it would be his own constituents.

    Kishnevi (5b662e)

  125. “CNN is reporting Delta is already getting ‘suitors’ pitching woo to make a HQ move.” CNN can always be counted on for comedy gold. If you find a move at all credible, let me talk to you about Florida real estate…

    RNB (e3cee5)

  126. @127. We’ll see. It’s sure to all come out eventually.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  127. “And boy-howdy, Leviticus may be in awe of his little Shirley but grandkids… they are truly the best.”

    Yes… they are!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  128. K, keep in mind Enterprise, etc., have terminated travel discount benefits through the NRA as well- but if you read the list of discounts offered Georgia state employees @101, they’re still available to Cagle and other Georgia state employees through their state employee ‘discount’ plan. We’ll see if he calls out any of those corporations on the list which have nulled their ties to the NRA and demands the end of any bennies for state employees.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  129. Don’t both CNN and Delta belong to Hanoi Jane’s ex?

    nk (dbc370)

  130. What, no witty quote from Delta Burke, ASPCA? You’re slipping.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0) — 2/27/2018 @ 4:50 pm

    He did say ham handed.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  131. 135, maybe not per primogeniture, but ok Ted was “pushed out” around 2012 http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/02/22/blame-jane-ted-turners-son-says-fonda-made-dad-lib.html

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  132. The nice thing about Georgia is if you don’t have a GA handgun permit or a reciprocal license you can just leave your gun in plain view like on the passenger seat or dashboard. Maybe you can buy a leash for it. Georgia also has a weapons permit that covers knives longer than five inches. If your knife isn’t that long I recommend more reps.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  133. This is just as wrong as California refusing to pay for official travel to __________ because they don’t have unisex bathrooms in that state, or to putting a company that does business with __________ on a blacklist.

    But they do it. Nobody in Georgia invented this crap. The also write laws that favor “anyone” who meets quite particular criteria that in effect only benefits a single entity.

    Still, I wish they wouldn’t. I don’t think it’s justiciable.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  134. @128. That sounds a little like whistling past the graveyard. American Airlines was once headquartered in NYC. In 1979, American moved its headquarters to Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, affecting around 1,300 jobs in Manhattan– hardly the largest employer in the city or state. Delta employs 30,000 in Atlanta and is Gorgia’s largest employer. But if you believe tweaking the nose of your state’s largest employer makes for savvy economic planning and smart politics, have at it. The bottom line is a corporation like Delta is always looking to improve the ‘bottom line.’

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  135. Andrew Cuomo
    @NYGovCuomo
    .@Delta, if Georgia politicians disagree with your stand against gun violence, we invite you to move your headquarters to New York.

    Think anyone will tell him?

    …..according to How Money Walks, people are leaving New York for states such as Florida (gained almost $20 billion in New York AGI), New Jersey (over $12 billion), Connecticut ($6 billion), North Carolina (almost $5 billion), and California ($3 billion). And with all this money moving out of the Empire State, author Travis Brown states, “A New York minute now costs $7,100.””

    http://www.howmoneywalks.com/why-is-leaving-new-york-the-latest-trend/

    harkin (f22a59)

  136. Near as I can tell, legislators can vote any whichway they want, for any reason (other than bribery). They will, of course, have to defend that vote at the polls, and trashing the state’s largest employer might not be the best move.

    Kevin M (752a26)

  137. And……

    Benny
    @bennyjohnson
    TRANSLATION: Hey! @Delta, Ya know how you’re trying to pay less in taxes? Come to NY & light your money on 🔥 for SJW feels

    harkin (f22a59)

  138. @138. It’s in the ball park, though. This is the operative line from the piece: Sales for Papa John’s were down 3.9 percent across the country from October through December versus the same time period a year before, the company announced Tuesday, due to promotions that didn’t pan out and negative consumer perception. So which product changed; the pizza or the players? Take a knee and think about it.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  139. Fort Benning is Georgia’s largest employer. That’s just one base. There are several.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  140. Here.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  141. For private employers, WalMart has 51,000 in the state. Much higher than Delta. Again, repeating a talking point that Delta is the largest employer in the state does not make it true.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  142. @140. Yes but professionals are well compensated to endure the joys and burdens of NY. The real kicker is quality of life. Past a certain age it’s not a whole lot of fun to suit up and commute on the LIRR or NJT or chase a cross town bus or pack into a F-train in rush hours, blizzard after blizzard. As the article notes, ‘New Yorkers are moving for several reasons. For one, they’re looking to get away from harsh winters.’ It’s why we left and we do not miss the snow. Ever.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  143. 10. Georgia
    With nearly 51,000 employees, Wal-Mart is the largest employer in Georgia. The company operated more than 200 stores in the state, 150 of which are supercenters.

    Here.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  144. I’m surprised that NJ/CT/CA took anything from another state.

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  145. @147. You’re right. So it’s in the top-five. Which doesn’t change the fact that if they flew away, they’d leave a helluva hole in the Georgia economy.

    1 The Home Depot Atlanta 406,000
    2 UPS Atlanta 204,986
    3 Randstad USA Atlanta 125,000
    4 The Coca-Cola Atlanta 100,300
    5 Delta Air Lines Atlanta 87,263

    https://www.zippa.com/advice/largest-companies-in-georgia/

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  146. That’s the DCSCA I know and remember. Prove him wrong and he’s still right. Delta isn’t moving… they haven’t had this tax break for a while and didn’t move. Not getting it back right now is not going to change anything. They will bide their time, lobby some more, and hopefully backtrack on their advocacy. This won’t make them move though.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  147. @154. Don’t bet on it. The bottom line is the bottom line for any good corporation. If they’re offered a sweeter deal, they’ll fly away, just like American Airlines.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  148. Home Depot has 406,000 employees in Georgia? Wow! When that William Tecumseh Sherman devastates a state, he really devastates a state. But do they really drink all that much Coke, and what do 205,000 UPS employees deliver to them?

    nk (dbc370)

  149. i don’t like Delta Air Lines anymore

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  150. i don’t like Delta Air Lines anymore
    happyfeet (28a91b) — 2/27/2018 @ 6:43 pm

    feets,
    This being in agreement thing is becoming a trend. Not sure how that happened.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  151. Coca Cola was founded by a Georgian, made a giant by another, and remains headquartered in Atlanta. My alma mater was essentially built with Coca Cola. Which is why, when you visit Emory, you’ll see the names Candler and Woodruff on several important buildings. And more recently the name Gouizeta.

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  152. @156. Georgia pine, lots of gas, bubble wrap, styrafoamed, salted an unsalted peanuts.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  153. UPDATE: Technically the tax break would not be “rescinded” — an expired tax break would not be renewed.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  154. @157-Don’t think it was ever as good as the Trump Shuttle, Mr. Feet!

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  155. Who went to my original high schools original campus ’49, but what does that have to do with the price of apples.

    narciso (d1f714)

  156. Look high and low on Emory’s campus, you will never find a Pepsi. A rebellious student would have to go off campus to buy one.

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  157. The bottom line is the bottom line for any good corporation. If they’re offered a sweeter deal, they’ll fly away, just like American Airlines.

    The sweeter deals are invariably in states like Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, etc. Meaning, states that are as pro-NRA as Georgia. Hence, the bottom line is that they’re not moving.

    random viking (6a54c2)

  158. 163
    Nothing, but the price of rum is a different story.

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  159. Sigh. Those are the total numbers of those companies’ employees worldwide. The number actually in Georgia are a small percentage of that.

    nk (dbc370)

  160. Ah the little lie ‘rum and coke, what others call the Cuba libre

    narciso (d1f714)

  161. nk,

    My numbers are for Georgia. Just saying. 😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  162. @164. K- Beer we got by the keg but back in ’74, our frat house still had one of those red, nickel-a-bottle Coca-Cola machines for those smaller bottles. The local distributor still carried the refills and filled it each Monday and it was always empty by Sunday nights.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  163. I know, Stashiu. DCSCA has no point. UPS, for example, likely employees ten times as many people in the Chicago area as it does in the Atlanta area.

    nk (dbc370)

  164. Even the numbers he pulled from his fourth point of contact proved his original point wrong. Yet, somehow he’s still right. The more things change….

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  165. Hahaha.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  166. @171. Yes, there’s no point kicking top employers in your state in the balls.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  167. They were promising 1,500 but back to Delta…what airline has whole cloth moved from its main hub to a city with a minimal gate presence (i.e. Chicago where Delta had maybe 4 customer service counters and a third of Terminal ).

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  168. Sure there is. When they misbehave.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  169. Does it work out financially to buy fuel in say Greenville SC, Knoxville TN, or Opelika-auburn AL and transport it to Hartsfield?

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  170. Maybe DCSCA means Atlanta’s biggest employer.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  171. @165. The sweeter deals are invariably in states like Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, etc. Meaning, states that are as pro-NRA as Georgia. Hence, the bottom line is that they’re not moving.

    It’s not an absolute or given. Offered a good incentive package, the bottom line is a corporation will move in the best interests of its bottom line. Boeing was in Seattle for decades but moved HQ to Chicago over Denver and Dallas. The list goes on and on… w/nothing to do w/anything NRA, just the incentives package.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  172. DCSCA

    My wife wants you to guess her weight now if you were that far off Delta.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  173. There’s a whole conspiracy theory about how New Coke was rolled out so when Coke dropped real sugar people wouldn’t notice.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  174. Probably not. Plus there are FAA safety regulations that may limit what airlines can do.

    If you stir your memories, you may remember me complaining about three years ago about a halacious airport delay I suffered in Richmond Va on an American Airlines flight.

    The cause was a malfunctioning battery. No replacement was available locally. It had to be brought in from American’s hub in Charlotte NC. FAA regs required it to be transported by ground, meaning it had to be brought by truck or car. It could not be flown.

    I imagine the FAA is at least as struct about fuel.

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  175. Me at 182 was replying to ulb at 177.
    And struct=strict.

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  176. Kishnevi (5faaf8) — 2/27/2018 @ 7:47 pm

    You’re assuming a government agency has a consistent internal logic. Assumes facts not in evidence. 😉

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  177. @180. Delta refers to change in mathematical calculations. Accordingly, her weight has its ups and downs.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  178. When they misbehave.

    Besides disrespecting the NRA, what are some other examples of corporate misbehavior?

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  179. DCSCA

    I looked all over YouTube for your symposium with Paul Erlich and Al Gore but I can’t find it. Link?

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  180. @180. Delta refers to change in mathematical calculations. Accordingly, her weight has its ups and downs.

    DCSCA (797bc0) — 2/27/2018 @ 7:55 pm

    She’s flying out United tomorrow so hopefully they do their maths right.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5)

  181. @177. Does it work out financially to buy fuel in say Greenville SC, Knoxville TN, or Opelika-auburn AL and transport it to Hartsfield?

    It certainly would be less costly fueling directly there given Georgia’s fuel tax, but there’s likely rules and regs on transporting product and given the quantities of fuel in the mix– Delta alone was going to save $40 million annually of the $50 million tax deal on the fuel– it doesn’t seem likely they’d save anything by trucking it in.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  182. @188. Remember: “Delta, Is Ready, When You Arrrrrre.”

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  183. Davethulhu,

    Do you mean by Delta? Or corporations in general? And the word disrespecting misrepresents the situation very smoothly. But we’ll let that slide for now. If you’re asking for misbehavior towards conservatives by Delta, do your own research. For me, kicking them in the balls (as DCSCA put it) for a first offense is appropriate. A second offense would call for harsher methods. We should play by progressive rules.

    If you’re asking for misbehavior by other corporations, why? If you have a specific example you want addressed, put it out there and someone may respond to it. Might even be me. Might not.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  184. Stashiu @ 184
    There is truth in that..

    Kishnevi (5faaf8)

  185. There are a lot more gun owners than there are NRA members. And they’ll side with the organization that wants them to keep their guns, not the one that wants them taken away. I foresee a big increase in NRA membership out of this. Bigger than an increase in ticket sales for Delta.

    nk (dbc370)

  186. Delta would have one helluva time moving. First, they would have to find an airport that had the massive number of gates to handle their fleet and whichever passengers they could keep, which may not be many who will switch to another airline(s) swooping in to grab the gates at Hartsfield. (Gates are one of the most precious resources to airlines — the larger the share, the more easily an airline can raise its margins.)

    Since that excess capacity of gates does not exist anywhere, they’d have to wait until another city built what would be required. And don’t think the incumbents in another city won’t have some say in the matter.

    Then Delta’s feeder and route system would have to be completely revamped, which would have a cascading negative effect as they tried to bring customers with them and understand the travel requirements for new markets and its customers. Their fleet would have to be re-jiggered as well. All of this would adversely affect their logistical systems, which you’d basically have to rebuild.

    Not going to happen.

    Lenny (5ea732)

  187. nk,

    There is also this.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  188. I left the NRA when they endorsed Harry Reid. I won’t go back, but nk is right about who will choose what side.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  189. Damn it, Stashiu, you are in fine form. Someone just had to say it.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  190. We should play by progressive rules.

    Hmmm.

    Et Tu, Delta? Shakespeare in the Park Sponsors Withdraw From Trump-Like ‘Julius Caesar’

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/11/arts/delta-airline-trump-public-theater-julius-caesar.html

    Who knew NY’s Public Theatre was a conservative enclave.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  191. Stashiu, I don’t know if you visit SayUncle (you should), but he is constantly showing that gun support is real grassroots and gun control is mainly astroturf. Americans want guns.

    nk (dbc370)

  192. DCSCA,

    So they’re far-left as opposed to extremely far-left? So what? We’re only kicking them once. So far.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  193. @194. No they wouldn’t. ‘If you build it they will come.’ Pgh expanded its airport and terminal services back in the day to keep it as USAirways hub and they still flew away for right incentives package.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  194. Cold, dead hands, nk. Cold, dead hands.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  195. DCSCA,

    Empty threat and everyone knows it. They won’t move.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  196. Example 34,621 of the rules liberals live by…scientists and curators at Natural History Museum are demanding Rebekah Mercer be booted from the board:

    https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/amnh-rebekah-mercer-nyc_us_5a6a6815e4b06e2532661b9c

    Lenny (5ea732)

  197. Lenny,

    4.1 million in four years and they want her gone, hahaha. She should say “Fine, refund my donations if you hate me that much.”

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  198. It was an unoriginal production, try brought back David raache who was last seen in barbarians at the gate in the early 90s playing yes forstman

    narciso (d1f714)

  199. “Revolting Lesbians”? Well, okay, then.

    nk (dbc370)

  200. Err, ahem ladies, maybe if you used a feminine wash …?

    nk (dbc370)

  201. @201 – you have been mischaracterizing US Air’s move this entire thread. US Air had hubs in Charlotte, Wash DC, Philly, and Phoenix in addition to Pittsburgh. When US Air was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy in the early 2000s due to 9/11 (as were many airlines), they attempted to renegotiate their fees with the Pitt Airport Authority. The latter couldn’t legally lower US Air’s fees without doing the same for all the other airlines that used the airport. Since they had a big nut to pay down, the Authority said no. US Air said fine, we’ll move operations to our other hubs….but about a year later, they merged with American West due to their precarious financial position and would have concentrated their operations elsewhere anyway.

    No city was “wooing” US Air —- remember what that time was like for the airlines in the early aughts.

    Lenny (5ea732)

  202. @203. Everyone knows the threat lay in threatening a corporation– the bottom line for any corporation is its bottom line. Screw with that enough and for a sweet incentives package any firm will move its HQ to fairer skies– be it in the U.S.– or out of it.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  203. @205 – you know, I think she has said that. We’ll see if the board has the wherewithal to deal with both sides. It’s fun to watch, regardless.

    Lenny (5ea732)

  204. DCSCA,

    That’s why Korean Air Lines is such a domestic powerhouse here in the U.S., right? Out of the U.S., you’re off the rails again.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  205. Delta airlines, is beside the point, the objective is alibskys fifth precept

    narciso (d1f714)

  206. @210. It’s main hub was Pgh and the biggest user at Greater Pgh Int’l was USAirways. Family and friend worked there through that mess; the Pgh Port denied USAirways so they moved the HQ hub and the hole in the local economy was left w/t empty gates.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  207. Colonel Haiku,

    Since so many of them get most of their money under the table, they don’t see the appeal.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  208. @191

    “Do you mean by Delta? Or corporations in general? And the word disrespecting misrepresents the situation very smoothly. But we’ll let that slide for now.”

    I would hate to misrepresent the situation. What word would you use?

    “If you’re asking for misbehavior towards conservatives by Delta, do your own research.”

    I’m quoting you. You characterized Delta dropping a benefit provided to the NRA as misbehaving.

    “For me, kicking them in the balls (as DCSCA put it) for a first offense is appropriate. A second offense would call for harsher methods. We should play by progressive rules.”

    To avoid misrepresenting things in the future, I would like to be clear what exactly the offense is here. And what “progressive rules” you think are applying?

    “If you’re asking for misbehavior by other corporations, why? If you have a specific example you want addressed, put it out there and someone may respond to it. Might even be me. Might not.”

    No specific examples, I’m just trying to get a gauge on what level of government intervention you think is allowable.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  209. @215 – those gates would have become empty anyway, due to the economy. Pittsburgh and US Air’s situation was not analogous to Atlanta and Delta. I had an inside view of what was happening with US Air at the time.

    By the way, Pittsburgh is a vibrant, thriving city and the impact of US Air moving some operations away was short-lived.

    Lenny (5ea732)

  210. Dave @218- “I’m just trying to get a gauge on what level of government intervention you think is allowable.”

    Just spitballing here you understand, but I think if you count NOT giving multi national corporations tax breaks as government intervention, I’m going to go ahead and say it allowable all the time.

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  211. @203- So you expect Cagle to push to remove Avis, Enterprise, Hertz or any other corporate entity believed to have dissed conservatives and the NRA from the Georgia state employees discount program, as listed @101. then we’ll see if he’s an empty threat or just full of it.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  212. You know I went to knows much about Pittsburgh. As those who watches match wanted to know about Toledo:
    http://www.showbiz411.com/2018/02/27/searing-big-screen-chappaquidick-thriller-mary-jo-kopechne-as-first-metoo-victim-of-kennedy-family-money-power-and-corruption

    narciso (d1f714)

  213. What word would you use?

    How about “misbehave”? You know, the actual word I used. It’s English, so fair game I assume.

    I’m quoting you. You characterized Delta dropping a benefit provided to the NRA as misbehaving.

    Since I already gave the example, why would I repeat it? I assumed you were referring to further misbehaviors. I don’t need any more examples for punishment to have been earned.

    To avoid misrepresenting things in the future, I would like to be clear what exactly the offense is here. And what “progressive rules” you think are applying?

    The offense is using a school shooting to target an organization that has done nothing wrong just because you don’t like them (or guns.) The rules I refer to are clear to anyone with a brain. Using courts and government to force people to act against their beliefs. Punitive taxes on gun stores to try and force them out of business. There are dozens of examples, if not hundreds (or even thousands) nationwide, where progressives target conservative businesses and individuals. Time for us to punch back twice as hard.

    No specific examples, I’m just trying to get a gauge on what level of government intervention you think is allowable.

    As long as it’s against progressives, from now on, as much as possible. Understand now? You wanted war. I say, war it is. Whatever level is used against us should be used by us. Take it as high as you like. Since some of the left are already using guns and bombs, I’d say we’re being restrained so far.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  214. @220

    That’s not what’s happening here, though. It’s saying “we’re fine with giving you a tax break as long as you play nice with the NRA”.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  215. @223

    Thanks for your response. My assumption was that “party of small government”, “party of personal responsibility”, and “party of the free market” were empty rhetoric, and you’ve helped show that I was correct.

    “Party of opposing progressives” doesn’t roll off the tongue though.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  216. What party do you speak of?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  217. By the way, Pittsburgh is a vibrant, thriving city and the impact of US Air moving some operations away was short-lived.

    Depends on your POV– family experience was decidedly different– losing USAir was just one of many hits- lots of gov’t cheese and food stamps for Pgh residents for a time before new industries- medical, university and research firms, small manufacturers began to flourish again– but yes, absolutely, Pgh is today a thriving town w/clean air and loyal sports fans to their teams (a ball game in Forbes Field could never be topped)– but it took nearly 35 years to turn ‘Steel Town’ around from the Rustbelt Days after the mills closed down. There were nearly two lost generations for those who stayed but money could go far there- $50K could find you a high ceiling, turn-of-the-20th century-house w/an acre of land and front porch. It’s always been very fine country.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  218. Shows what you don’t know I guess. I’m not in any political party and haven’t been for over 10 years.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  219. Is this where you do the “I’m not a Republican, I’m a Conservative” thing?

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  220. Oh hey how about that.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  221. @224. That’s not what’s happening here, though. It’s saying “we’re fine with giving you a tax break as long as you play nice with the NRA”.

    Yep.

    The Georgia state employee discount program offers ‘deals’ from national firms who’ve disassociated themselves from the NRA similarly to Delta so we can expect Cagle and the Georgia state legislators to jettison those firms from their employee discount program, right?!

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  222. “I yam what I yam.”
    Popeye

    Oh hey, how about that. Fold your labels until they’re all sharp edges… now stuff them.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  223. My assumption was that “party of small government”, “party of personal responsibility”, and “party of the free market” were empty rhetoric, and you’ve helped show that I was correct.

    Oh? How does refusing to give a special business interest a special tax break because it unjustly blames a First Amendment organization (peacefully to assemble and petition for redress of grievances) for a crime it did not commit contradict any of those labels?

    nk (dbc370)

  224. DCSCA,

    One thing at a time. Neither he, nor we, move to your drum. Don’t like it, too bad.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  225. @234. We’ll see… most likely, nothing. After all, Cagle’s a state employee eligible for those discounts.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  226. @233

    Where did Delta blame the NRA for a crime it didn’t commit?

    Here’s their press release, perhaps you could identify the offending statement: http://news.delta.com/update-delta-ends-nra-discount-annual-meeting

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  227. Perhaps.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  228. The action belies the words.

    nk (dbc370)

  229. Feels before reals.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  230. nk,

    Aaaayup. Bored with him now. Either too gullible or too dishonest to have a real conversation with.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  231. But let’s go around one more time.

    How does refusing to give a special business interest a special tax break because it unjustly blames a First Amendment organization (peacefully to assemble and petition for redress of grievances) for a crime it did not commit, for a good reason, a bad reason, or no reason at all, contradict any of those labels?

    nk (dbc370)

  232. “It’s saying “we’re fine with giving you a tax break as long as you play nice with the NRA”.”

    A tax break with strings attached?! An outrage! What kind of entitlement is that?!!

    When companies start playing partisan politics, they shouldn’t be too surprised when there are political consequences.

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  233. DCSCA

    My wife wants you to guess her weight now if you were that far off Delta.

    Pinandpuller (16b0b5) — 2/27/2018 @ 7:43 pm

    Wouldn’t recommend that. He went heavy, badly. Might say she weighs 2 tons.

    NJRob (b00189)

  234. “Delta informed the National Rifle Association Saturday that the airline will end its contract for discounted fares for travel to the association’s 2018 annual meeting. The company requested that the NRA remove Delta’s information from its meeting website.

    Delta’s decision reflects the airline’s neutral status in the current national debate over gun control amid recent school shootings. Out of respect for our customers and employees on both sides, Delta has taken this action to refrain from entering this debate and focus on its business. Delta continues to support the 2nd Amendment.

    This is not the first time Delta has withdrawn support over a politically and emotionally charged issue. Last year, Delta withdrew its sponsorship of a theater that staged a graphic interpretation of “Julius Caesar” depicting the assassination of President Trump. Delta supports all of its customers but will not support organizations on any side of any highly charged political issue that divides our nation.

    Shame on the governor for not denying Delta landing rights at LaGuardia, eh.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  235. DCSCA,

    You had to one-up him, eh? Gullible, dishonest, AND an idiot. Nicely done.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  236. Comparing the NRA to a theater group. Rather disproportionate, wouldn’t you say? How Delta spins it makes no difference to me. Like I said, we’re only kicking them in the balls once. So far.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  237. @241

    I’ll quote the tweet in the middle of our hosts’s OP:

    https://twitter.com/charlescwcooke/status/968210104234512384

    This is a bad idea. Delta and the NRA are both private organizations; the state should not be taking sides on the basis of elected officials’ opinions about their private arrangements. This is viewpoint discrimination.

    It’s not small government, it’s the government penalizing “unacceptable” speech and rewarding “acceptable” speech.
    It’s not personal responsibility, it’s the government stepping between two private parties and favoring one of them
    It’s not free market, which would be purchasers of Delta’s services deciding to support or oppose Delta’s decision.

    Davethulhu (99cc74)

  238. If President Trump were as bad as they say, the airlines would have been nationalized already, along with the media and energy companies. Hmm… Trump Airlines, TBC, and TP&E.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  239. 246. Comparing the NRA to a theater group. Rather disproportionate, wouldn’t you say?

    Given the theatrics of LaPierre and Loesch it’s rather spot on.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  240. And if the left didn’t already engage in this, I’d agree. Not anymore. War.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  241. DCSCA (797bc0) — 2/27/2018 @ 10:08 pm

    Sorry, your lisp and limp wrist distracted me. What were you saying?

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  242. We could reach back to the theatrics of Chuck Heston– but then, he’s dead.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  243. The only thing you’ve ever been spot on with was a newspaper on the floor, and I’m certain that was random chance after many, many misses.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  244. Stashiu,

    I’ve said it before, but it deserves to be said again, welcome back.

    Thank you for taking the time to smack our trolls around. You are a saint for doing so and educating those who don’t take the time to post, but read the comments.

    NJRob (b00189)

  245. 250- exactly.

    Just bake the d@mned cake Delta!

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  246. DCSCA (797bc0) — 2/27/2018 @ 10:12 pm

    Yep, and still a better man today than you.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  247. NJRob,

    Kind words Sir. My thanks.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  248. DCSCA thinks he’s such an expert, but here is what will happen. Either Delta will quietly reinstate their NRA ties (unlikely, they are afraid of progressive retaliation) or (more likely) they will raise fares slightly in off-book collusion with the other airlines who will also raise their fares just a tad, at least for a while. Then, they’ll wait to see what the fallout is with the larger national debate and adjust accordingly. Bet on it.

    They won’t move. Not going to happen.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  249. 232.“I yam what I yam.” Popeye

    A cartoon. More theatrics.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  250. That lisp again. I just can’t get past it.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  251. @258- They won’t move. Not going to happen.

    It’s a corporation and the bottom line is its bottom line. Delta management has a responsibility to its stockholders and employees and isn’t going to overlook this- nor should they. Particularly if they’re further made to feel unwelcome in Georgia and welcomed in another state. They may stay, but this incident doesn’t fall on that side of the ledger. W/t right set of incentives and at a time of their choosing, Delta can fly away. Other corporations have done it; Delta is no different.

    But you’re missing the point our host has made in agreement w/Charlie Cooke:

    “This is a bad idea. Delta and the NRA are both private organizations; the state should not be taking sides on the basis of elected officials’ opinions about their private arrangements. This is viewpoint discrimination.”

    It’s a valid POV.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  252. This seems like an awful idea to me, but getting rid of some piggy piggy at the govt trough ain’t so bad. I can’t seem to find it inme to get worked u over it, since the left has laid waste to business after business, and more commonly tries to weaponized politics against companies.

    JD (ec3581)

  253. mg

    Hey have you ever heard of a guy named Randall Saito? He’s what you call an unwitting Hawaiian Prison System reformer. Speaking of airlines and such:

    An escaped Hawaii man who “fits the criteria of a classic serial killer” was arrested in Northern California Wednesday after he caught a flight from Maui Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

    Randall Saito, who was acquitted of murder in 1981 after pleading insanity, escaped Hawaii State Hospital at 9 a.m. Sunday, according to the Honolulu Police Department. He was taken into custody in San Joaquin County, Calif. after a four-day manhunt.

    Saito made it from Hawaii to San Jose two hours before hospital staff reported him missing, according to the Associated Press.

    Saito, who police describe as “extremely dangerous,” had an elaborate escape plan involving cash, supplies, and a scheduled chartered plane.

    Saito was known at the psychiatric hospital as a master manipulator who is good “at getting people to do what he wants,” a staff member told Hawaii News Now. He previously had sexual relations with at least three staff members, according to 1993 documents obtained by Hawaii News Now.

    He left the hospital empty-handed without sounding any alarm, The Washington Post reported. Saito then walked a mile to a community park where he called a cab and got in a cab with a backpack filled with supplies, including a phone.

    Surveillance footage showed Saito texting on the phone in the cab on the way to the airport, Hawaii News Now reports.

    SacBee

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  254. I left the NRA when they endorsed Harry Reid. I won’t go back, but nk is right about who will choose what side.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf) — 2/27/2018 @ 8:24 pm

    Harry Reid lost the coveted Thighmaster endorsement.

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  255. Cold, dead hands, nk. Cold, dead hands.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf) — 2/27/2018 @ 8:32 pm

    A guy I graduated with died in a rock climbing accident. Rumor has it when they X Rayed his body he was still clinging tightly to a beer coozy.

    I like beer ok, but I love guns. And I’m not so hot on rock climbing anymore.

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  256. It was only a discount to fly to the national convention?

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  257. Comparing the NRA to a theater group. Rather disproportionate, wouldn’t you say? How Delta spins it makes no difference to me. Like I said, we’re only kicking them in the balls once. So far.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf) — 2/27/2018 @ 10:01 pm

    They don’t support gun or knife false flag operations and crisis actors.

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  258. it’s the government stepping between two private parties and favoring one of them
    It’s not free market, which would be purchasers of Delta’s services deciding to support or oppose Delta’s decision.

    Davethulhu (99cc74) — 2/27/2018 @ 10:02 pm

    Stepping between two private parties? That’s not the government I know.

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  259. LOS ANGELES — Prager University (PragerU) has filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California to stop Google and YouTube from unlawfully censoring its educational videos and discriminating against its right to freedom of speech.

    The lawsuit cites more than 50 PragerU videos which have either been “restricted” or “demonetized” by Google/YouTube. The PragerU videos range on various subjects presenting a conservative point of view, and include a video by noted Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz on the founding of Israel. PragerU previously compiled a complete list of their restricted videos here, which includes: “Why America Must Lead,” “The Ten Commandments: Do Not Murder,” “Why Did America Fight the Korean War,” and “The World’s Most Persecuted Minority: Christians.”

    In correspondence cited in the filing, Google/YouTube made it clear that the censorship of certain videos was because they were deemed “inappropriate” for younger audiences.

    “Watch any one of our videos and you’ll immediately realize that Google/YouTube censorship is entirely ideologically driven. For the record, our videos are presented by some of the finest minds in the Western world, including four Pulitzer Prize winners, former prime ministers, and professors from the most prestigious universities in America,” stated PragerU founder Dennis Prager.

    Prager added, “They are engaging in an arbitrary and capricious use of their ‘restricted mode’ and ‘demonetization’ to restrict non-left political thought. Their censorship is profoundly damaging because Google and YouTube own and control the largest forum for public participation in video-based speech in not only California, but the United States, and the world.”

    PragerU

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  260. @269. Meanwhile at Amazon…

    Atlanta is one of 20 cities on Amazon’s short list for locating their new corporate facilities; lots of jobs and capital investment at stake and the moves by Cagle and the legislators w/corporate citizen Delta may have hurt Georgia’s chances w/Bezos and the Amazon search committee. It certainly doesn’t help.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  261. Well now…

    “No-go areas” do exist in Germany, Angela Merkel admitted in an interview, adding that the arrival of “so many refugees” in the country “has raised multiple questions.”
    Speaking with RTL, Merkel acknowledged that there are areas in Germany where people cannot feel safe. She also made it clear that it’s time for the authorities to do something in order to ensure public safety.
    “It’s always a point to me that [ensuring] domestic security is the state’s obligation, the state has the monopoly of power, the state has to make sure that people have the right to it whenever they meet and move in a public space,” Merkel argued.

    She then took aim at “no-go areas,” which gained notoriety all across Europe during the refugee influx that reached its peak in 2015. Merkel bluntly dismissed the claim that ‘no-go areas’ are non-existent in Germany, stressing instead that “there are such spaces, and you have to call that by name and you have to do something about it.”

    Merkel, who is steps away from her official fourth term as the Germany chancellor, said her government had a “tough time” in the past. She then referred to harsh criticism over her “open-door policy” and her reluctance to set an upper limit for the new refugee arrivals: “Of course, the arrival of so many refugees has raised multiple questions.”

    RT Oh Noes

    Pinandpuller (22b896)

  262. Dick’s Sporting Goods announces it will no longer sell guns, assault rifles to people under 21. Plan your boycotts accordingly. And so it goes…

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  263. Dick’s Sporting Goods announces it will no longer sell guns, assault rifles to people under 21. Plan your boycotts accordingly.

    That’s for people between 18 and 21 to decide, and get their older friends and relatives to support them. “Hey, kids, there’s lots of other places where you can find everything Dick’s carries, but if you don’t care why should I?”

    nk (dbc370)

  264. Dick’s is a dead zone at our local mall anyway. Hard to boycott where I don’t go anyway. They’re overpriced and rude.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  265. Here are the guns Dick’s sells. Ha, ha, ha!

    In other news, Victoria’s Secret announced it will no longer sell gasoline powered lawn mowers.

    nk (dbc370)

  266. That’s hilarious. Virtue-signaling at its finest.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  267. Free publicity. It got its name in the news.

    Dick’s has a very aggressive marketing strategy. I have never bought anything from Dick’s, but I had from Sports Authority. After Dick’s acquired SA’s customer lists, I’ve been getting two or three spam emails a day from it.

    nk (dbc370)

  268. Lots of Sportsmart to MC Mages to Sports Authority to Dicks buildings in greater Chicagoland. I remember when Cabelas first opened around hear, they had the nads to advertise handguns in their Wednesday circular.

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  269. By doing this, Tait discovered that the hidden number in this sentence was four, meaning the FBI was already looking into four individuals associated with the Trump campaign, including Page, in September 2016. This is significant to the argument Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is making in his memo because it shows this was all taking place before the FBI’s counterintelligence team even had Steele’s reporting.

    https://www.justsecurity.org/53102/whats-redacted-schiff-memo/

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  270. Dicks has dick for firearms and supplies. Don’t even carry Red Dot but lotsa paintball gear.

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  271. ABC News: In an open letter to consumers, Stack outlined the new four-point policy for the chain’s 700-plus stores, which is as follows:

    – Assault-style rifles, also referred to as modern sporting rifles, will no longer be sold. Stacks noted that the company had already removed them from all Dick’s stores after the Sandy Hook massacre, but they will now be removed from all 35 Field & Stream stores.

    – Firearms will no longer be sold to anyone under the age of 21.

    – High capacity magazines will no longer be sold.

    – And finally, “We never have and never will sell bump stocks that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly.

    And gun fetishists gnash their teeth, bewail, and/or whistle past the cemetery, at the insane and unjust enormity of such perfidy!

    Q! (86710c)

  272. Q!

    You think it will really help or is it just Dr. Feelgood?

    Or is it a notch in the anti-gun movement?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  273. The 5-3 decision sending the case back to the Ninth Circuit and written by Justice Samuel Alito essentially says that people so detained can be held in custody indefinitely without even a head-fake toward due process. For these people, no matter how they came into this country, the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments do not exist. (Rodriguez, who was brought here as an infant, has been a legal resident of the United States since 1987.) From NPR:

    ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

    It’s a profound loss for those immigrants appealing what are sometimes indefinite detentions by the government. Many are held for long periods of time — on average, 13 months — after being picked up for things as minor as joyriding. Some are held even longer…But the court wrote in its 5-3 opinion Tuesday, “Immigration officials are authorized to detain certain aliens in the course of immigration proceedings while they determine whether those aliens may be lawfully present in the country.”

    https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/a18813120/ice-arrests/

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  274. Sorry to say it but when a neighbor who’s a principled non- owner finds himself under attack I will be protecting my own family just like cops.

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  275. Or maybe it’s a way to shed an underperforming product category while combining it with publicity of Or the signaling. I knew about Cabelas, Bass Pro and Gander Mountain, but never about Field and Stream being other than a magazine.

    urbanleftbehind (60b5be)

  276. This is America.

    Every man, woman and child for yourself.

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  277. And gun grabbers gnash their teeth, bewail, and/or whistle past the cemetery. FIFY

    Their ratchet has not worked. So-called assault rifle ban repealed. So-called high capacity magazine ban repealed. Brady Bunch attempts to outlaw handguns culminated in all fifty states having concealed carry, forty (that’s 40) “shall issue”, and thirteen (that’s 13) of those with no permit required.

    And on top of that, the campaign to protect teenagers from eating Tide pods seems to have stalled.

    nk (dbc370)

  278. matt tait, formerly of google zero, and ghcq, was probably fronting the operation for the latter,

    narciso (d1f714)

  279. meanwhile ghcq wasn’t keeping an eye on the Westminster Leicester crew, or the subsequent ones re Manchester,

    narciso (d1f714)

  280. I know it’s not in keeping with the narrative,

    http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/02/27/poll-americans-blame-school-shooting-government-not-guns/

    when did this tide pods thing surface, even my puppy knows better

    narciso (d1f714)

  281. Q!

    I’ve noticed you don’t remain for responses…drive-by shooting?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  282. 291, so whats the deal with the recent single building market explosion in Leceister?

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  283. I have seen headlines about Tide Pods, but I can honestly say my life is better for never having read an article about it. Let Darwin proceed.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  284. Ben burn,

    Yes, he is a drive-by. Good catch. He throws poo and runs.

    Stashiu3 (466cdf)

  285. what happens in Leicester, stays in Leicester, btw what’s with that name and worchestershire,

    narciso (d1f714)

  286. yes, that one pretends to be a Irishman, with a hiphop fixation,

    narciso (d1f714)

  287. Its a snap decision by the locals, in parts of Ahia, Bellefontaine was pronounced “Bell-font” and Lancaster “Lank-ster”. In northeastern O-hi-o, they say all the syllables.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  288. crazy rich people, who fund nazguls who torment our host:

    http://variety.com/2018/film/news/barbra-streisand-oscars-sexism-in-hollywood-clone-dogs-1202710585/

    except for lois chiles debut, what was good about ‘the way we were’

    narciso (d1f714)

  289. I knew she (Lois Chiles) was Texan by appearance before I looked it up on Wikipedia…I wonder if any of that bureau knows her

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  290. Well I wish he would extend his remarks, stash. It’s a worthy discussion.

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  291. it was her major big break, then way and great Gatsby, I have found neither the 1973 version, nor the decaprio one, were faithful representations,

    narciso (d1f714)

  292. The snowflakes keep framing it like they’ll be forced…just hide under a desk..https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/02/27/arm-qualified-willing-teachers-and-staff-editorials-and-debates/378812002/

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  293. If I was a student at that school, I wouldn’t go back, I might transfer to coral springs, because at least the police there will have my back,

    narciso (d1f714)

  294. @302 Well I wish he would extend his remarks, stash. It’s a worthy discussion.

    Heaven’s above! I’ll take the bait: What in heaven’s name is there that’s really open for discussion? That’s “worthy” that is?

    Q! (86710c)

  295. just start the gnashing of teeth now,

    https://newrepublic.com/article/147119/trump-wins-reelection

    narciso (d1f714)

  296. I asked a question. Is it a hard one?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  297. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2018-02-28/how-defective-guns-became-the-only-product-that-can-t-be-recalled

    The weapon in question is semi-auto but they have revolvers pictured. Why?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  298. Q!

    You think it will really help or is it just Dr. Feelgood?

    Or is it a notch in the anti-gun movement?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  299. Q! You think [1] it will really help or is it just Dr. Feelgood? Or [2] is it a notch in the anti-gun movement?

    (1) Yes. Possibly. In a smallish way, at best. (2) I don’t really know what the “anti-gun movement” means (to you, example). Vague (or super-vague) terms don’t tend to foster such discussion that can even potentially be evaluated as worthy or not. So, I guess perhaps the clearest, most direct response to your “query” / assertion is “huh?”. I fail to see much “worthiness” of discussion so far.

    Q! (86710c)

  300. How are you doing dobbie

    narciso (d1f714)

  301. Anti-gun I thought was clear but I guess it is composed along the lines of UK laws which are severe. You think all the AR15 opponents want to stop at that? Or are some using this proposal for a greater agenda, like banning all but double-barrel shotguns..mebbe even those?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  302. Wikipedia

    Anthony Edward Martin (born c. 1944)[1] is a farmer from Norfolk, England, who shot a burglar dead in his home in August 1999. Martin was convicted of murder, later reduced to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, and served three years in prison, having been denied parole. He has since lived at a secret address.

    More current cases but this one is famous

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  303. Anti-gun I thought was clear but I guess it is composed along the lines of UK laws which are severe. You think all the AR15 opponents want to stop at that? Or are some using this proposal for a greater agenda, like banning all but double-barrel shotguns..mebbe even those?

    Who cares? Opposition to assault-styled weapons and (for example) the retail policy of Dicks (and something along those lines being fashioned into law) are independent questions. About which most everyone but the gun fetishist (and/or the extremely greedy -slash- contumaciously self-indulgent individualist and/or most craven of politicians) can recognize fairly quickly the right answer to. At least under current circumstances.

    Q! (86710c)

  304. In the latest development Martin, now 71, was arrested on New Year’s Eve on suspicion of possessing an illegal firearm.

    His car was impounded and he was questioned by officers before arrest.

    Detective Chief Inspector Andy Coller, of Norfolk Police, said: “Following the arrest a thorough search was conducted and officers seized a firearm, which was believed to be an air weapon.

    “However following further enquiries, it was deemed not to be a viable weapon due to its condition.”

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/12153570/Norfolk-farmer-Tony-Martin-who-shot-burglar-dead-will-face-no-new-gun-charges.html

    broke-ada gun

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  305. “Who cares?”

    You’re correct. You aren’t worthy.

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  306. Clearly few people have clarified their own position in firearms, even to themselves

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  307. Leicestershire explosion a gas leak?

    Imagine how Jihadists can exploit heating fuels.

    Shall UK ban all such instruments of death?

    Kitchen knives and 18 wheelers must go as well

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  308. No that actually happened under Jerry brown, try again

    narciso (d1f714)

  309. That may have started under whoever was between Earl Warren and Pat Brown, if we are to take when the policy moving away from hospitalization was initiated. It does invite the question would Dick Nixon, had he been elected to the CA governorship in 1962 have stood athwart and said stop to this? The next generation of care providers had gotten into both Reagan and Jerry B’s coffers.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  310. Since the lefties on here love their push polls and posting them, I thought I’d share one pertinent to the situation at hand.

    https://hotair.com/archives/2018/02/28/consumers-thumbs-corporations-cut-ties-nra/

    Good job ticking off half the country guys. Real smart.

    NJRob (b00189)

  311. And I noticed Burnie Boy and co are no longer posting the President’s approval rating.

    Wonder why that is? Hmm.

    NJRob (b00189)

  312. It was Earl Warren, but as Chief Justice of the Warren Court, which court ruled that it is unconstitutional to involuntarily commit the mentally ill simply for being mentally ill. They need to commit a crime for which they can be imprisoned. If they are found not guilty by reason of insanity, they are committed to a mental institution for an indeterminate term. Like Hinkley. If they are found guilty but mentally ill they are sent to prison for the authorized term of sentence where they may or may not receive treatment until their sentence expires.

    nk (dbc370)

  313. I don’t think this is a First Amendment violation, but that’s a long discussion that has more to do with the jurisprudence of one branch of government (the judicial) appointing itself the moral guardian of another (the legislative, or possibly both it and the executive) by second-guessing motivations (even when they’re trumpeted quite clearly, as here).

    I agree entirely with our host on this:

    My argument is that we should not have such tax breaks at all, in part because government will use them to enforce restrictions on corporations’ speech — as this episode illustrates.

    And Twitter delenda est.

    Beldar (fa637a)

  314. A nice essay on the “gun culture”.

    TheBas (3bcea0)

  315. Open carry has some issues but usually because culture has changed since 19th century.
    http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/the-perils-of-open-carry

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  316. All this talk about guns and nk posts the real issue. I mean no more gasoline powered lawn mowers by Victoria’s Secret? You mean we ladies are stuck with the stupid pink electric ones now? Next thing you know VS is going to specialize in Over the Shoulder Boulder Holders and nothing else….. it’s a sad sad tale.

    Here are the guns Dick’s sells. Ha, ha, ha!

    In other news, Victoria’s Secret announced it will no longer sell gasoline powered lawn mowers.
    nk

    Okay, has anyone actually ever gone to Dick’s for a gun? It’s a joke. I’m not sure anybody there even knows how to shoot.

    marci (98fec4)

  317. I was in the Mall already so went in for some Red Dot. Looked at me with vacant eyes. You mean ammo?

    Ben burn (b3d5ab)

  318. It was Earl Warren, but as Chief Justice of the Warren Court, which court ruled that it is unconstitutional to involuntarily commit the mentally ill simply for being mentally ill. They need to commit a crime for which they can be imprisoned.

    We could make posting on Twitter a crime, and arrest them for that – killing two birds with one stone, as it were.

    Sure, you might sweep up a tiny handful of people who *aren’t* insane, but nevertheless post on Twitter, but trade-offs are inevitable…

    Dave (0160d2)

  319. “We could make posting on Twitter a crime”

    Nice hyperbole for selective enforcement

    Any perps you have in mind?

    Ben burn (abbb2c)

  320. Probably not, so the crown protective service didn’t hesitate in charging tony martin, this is why we don’t trust them.

    narciso (d1f714)

  321. Gee, who could fill those gates and HQ in the soon-to-be renamed John Hancock Tower, although it would cannabalize Minnedishu St. Paul and Detroit’s mini-hubs:
    http://abc7chicago.com/travel/american-airlines-says-it-wont-renew-ohare-lease/3152759/

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  322. Breaking– Walmart announces it will no longer sell guns, ammunition to persons under the age of 21. And so it goes…

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  323. And while many fetishists will likely continue to fume, some others will likely pause and actually and honestly reconsider their choices and stances … wapo:

    “In a statement on Wednesday, Walmart said that it would raise the minimum age required to buy a firearm from it to 21 from 18, a decision it said it made ‘in light of recent events’ *** Earlier in the day, Dick’s Sporting Goods, announced that it would stop selling assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, and raise the minimum age it requires to buy a gun to 21.***Though Walmart had stopped selling assault-style rifles in 2015, it said it would remove guns that resemble the weapons — such as airsoft guns and toys — from its website.”

    Q! (86710c)

  324. And we saw the slippery slope from hungerford to dunblane, but terrorist can plot with practically any tool, and it’s just the price of living in a diverse city.

    narciso (d1f714)

  325. @342. Walmartyrs.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  326. Kroger’s, which (horrors!! perfidy!!) stopped selling assault-style rifles at Fred Meyer locations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington several years ago, now joins Dicks and Wal-Mart in further gun-grabbing insanity! Kroger’s! Jeez … a fetishist’s gonna need a sophisticated semi-automatic app just to keep up on the boycotting.

    Q! (86710c)

  327. i like guns cause they’re so handy during mass shooter incidents like the one in florida

    this is not an endorsement of guns but they’re really good

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  328. Turned out he used 10 magazine clips, that’s about standard.

    narciso (d1f714)


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