2022 Midterm Elections

[AlmostSavedAtTacoBell]

10 hours ago, Smash! said:

What people like @Travlr98 don‘t understand is that Trump style Republicans won‘t stop at banning abortion or same sex marriage. They will eventually come after ordinary people, for example for not believing in the right flavor of Christianity.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

 

Exactly. There’s a scene in the movie “The Seventh Sign” where a young Jewish scholar is speaking with a priest. He asks who will get into Heaven, pointing out that all the different religions don’t think it will be the other religions. Instead of answering with sincerity, the priest laughs and says in a joking manner, “My god, what if it’s the Jehovah’s Witnesses?” I have already posted in this Quiver along these lines but I really cannot understand being so determined to declare that others won’t get into Heaven but I am Jesus’ favorite. To then use that as a basis to be hateful to others is even more appalling. You are spot on, @Smash!, that so many of those people who are praising these exclusionary and horrid ways are going to be very shocked when it is their religion or their racial background or their profession/job or some other arbitrary factor that those who are angling to stay on top choose to keep themselves in power and subjugate everyone else. It’s part of why we fight for the rights of people even if we are not in that “group”- we know how fascism works. But the bigger reason is that we genuinely care about other humans, want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect, and have basic human needs met. We don’t care about skin color, sexuality, preferred pronouns, religions or lack of religion, age, education level, or any other factor. I just don’t see how it’s difficult to understand. 

[libgirl2]

14 minutes ago, AlmostSavedAtTacoBell said:

Exactly. There’s a scene in the movie “The Seventh Sign” where a young Jewish scholar is speaking with a priest. He asks who will get into Heaven, pointing out that all the different religions don’t think it will be the other religions. Instead of answering with sincerity, the priest laughs and says in a joking manner, “My god, what if it’s the Jehovah’s Witnesses?” I have already posted in this Quiver along these lines but I really cannot understand being so determined to declare that others won’t get into Heaven but I am Jesus’ favorite. To then use that as a basis to be hateful to others is even more appalling. You are spot on, @Smash!, that so many of those people who are praising these exclusionary and horrid ways are going to be very shocked when it is their religion or their racial background or their profession/job or some other arbitrary factor that those who are angling to stay on top choose to keep themselves in power and subjugate everyone else. It’s part of why we fight for the rights of people even if we are not in that “group”- we know how fascism works. But the bigger reason is that we genuinely care about other humans, want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect, and have basic human needs met. We don’t care about skin color, sexuality, preferred pronouns, religions or lack of religion, age, education level, or any other factor. I just don’t see how it’s difficult to understand. 

Years ago, I saw a skit with Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean). He was directing people to two lines one for hell and one for heaven. If I remember correctly he announced all the born again Christians or something like that and had them get in the hell line. 

[47of74]

A soon to be former Representative and Branch Trumpvidian  has a sad

Quote

Republican Representative Mayra Flores lashed out at GOP voters for failing to make the projected "red wave" Republican legislators and pollsters were counting on to regain control of Congress following the midterm elections.

At this moment, control of Congress hangs in the balance and will come down to contests in Nevada, Arizona and Georgia, where some races are still too close to call.

These developments angered Flores, who lost her seat to Democrat Vicente Gonzales and complained the "RED WAVE did not happen" because "Republicans and Independents stayed home."

 

[AnywhereButHere]

https://apple.news/Ac-Vr_-CZSMOJweJsGAGS6A

It’s refreshing that there haven’t  been many (if any) pushback against the election results. It’s hellishly depressing that the bare minimum of decency is considered a win, but I’ll take it! 
 

Quote

The losers of this year’s midterm elections are winning praise for doing something that would be entirely unremarkable in another era — admitting defeat.

From Maine to Michigan, Senate to state legislature, Republican to Democrat, most high-profile candidates who fell short in the 2022 midterm elections are offering quick concessions and gracious congratulations to their opponents. They include candidates who earned endorsements from former President Donald Trump by embracing his false claims that elections are rigged against Republicans.

“I know it’s a low bar, I really do, but: I am heartened by the number of defeated Republicans who are conceding and congratulating their opponents,” tweeted Josh Chafetz, a constitutional law professor at Georgetown University.

Of course, dozens of Republican candidates who questioned the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s election won Tuesday and will end up in Congress, including J.D. Vance of Ohio, who won a Senate seat. And some, like Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, haven't seen their races called yet and have hinted at invoking baseless claims of fraud.

But most of those who lost ended up not following Trump’s playbook.

Also in the article is the fact that Fox called the elections without rousing rabbles. Please let this be a sign of calmer heads prevailing…

[GreyhoundFan]

More good news:

 

[SassyPants]

22 hours ago, AlmostSavedAtTacoBell said:

Exactly. There’s a scene in the movie “The Seventh Sign” where a young Jewish scholar is speaking with a priest. He asks who will get into Heaven, pointing out that all the different religions don’t think it will be the other religions. Instead of answering with sincerity, the priest laughs and says in a joking manner, “My god, what if it’s the Jehovah’s Witnesses?” I have already posted in this Quiver along these lines but I really cannot understand being so determined to declare that others won’t get into Heaven but I am Jesus’ favorite. To then use that as a basis to be hateful to others is even more appalling. You are spot on, @Smash!, that so many of those people who are praising these exclusionary and horrid ways are going to be very shocked when it is their religion or their racial background or their profession/job or some other arbitrary factor that those who are angling to stay on top choose to keep themselves in power and subjugate everyone else. It’s part of why we fight for the rights of people even if we are not in that “group”- we know how fascism works. But the bigger reason is that we genuinely care about other humans, want everyone to be treated with dignity and respect, and have basic human needs met. We don’t care about skin color, sexuality, preferred pronouns, religions or lack of religion, age, education level, or any other factor. I just don’t see how it’s difficult to understand. 

I am especially bothered by Christians (I am one), who constantly talk about their values, morals, Jesus as a way to justify their shitty words and behaviors. I had to tell someone on Reddit this week when they referenced something Jesus said or did ..”great, but you’re not Jesus.”

[AlmostSavedAtTacoBell]

3 hours ago, SassyPants said:

I am especially bothered by Christians (I am one), who constantly talk about their values, morals, Jesus as a way to justify their shitty words and behaviors. I had to tell someone on Reddit this week when they referenced something Jesus said or did ..”great, but you’re not Jesus.”

First, excellent response! Please accept my applause! Second, what in the hell kind of twisted logic would somebody need to use to use Jesus as a basis for horrible words and behavior? I know, I know, we see it all the time (looking at you, JRod and DRod among others!) but I just come back to the basics: Jesus chose the Apostles not from the wealthy, noble, and powerful but from the poor, marginalized, working class, and even previously derelict; He remained humble and instead of exalting Himself walked with the cast-outs; He preached that we should care most for those who are in most need including those in prison and who are destitute; He taught we should attend to our own sins rather than pointing out the sins of others; He chose as his most trusted woman follower besides his mother a woman who was not respected by the community (there is a question whether she was actually a prostitute) and moreso, made clear that women have a very important place in society and religion thus erasing the idea of women being “lesser than” men; and most of all, He made clear we are to love one another. I stand by what I say- if you are treating anyone else badly or hatefully in the name of Jesus or God, you’re doing it wrong. 

[libgirl2]

1 hour ago, AlmostSavedAtTacoBell said:

First, excellent response! Please accept my applause! Second, what in the hell kind of twisted logic would somebody need to use to use Jesus as a basis for horrible words and behavior? I know, I know, we see it all the time (looking at you, JRod and DRod among others!) but I just come back to the basics: Jesus chose the Apostles not from the wealthy, noble, and powerful but from the poor, marginalized, working class, and even previously derelict; He remained humble and instead of exalting Himself walked with the cast-outs; He preached that we should care most for those who are in most need including those in prison and who are destitute; He taught we should attend to our own sins rather than pointing out the sins of others; He chose as his most trusted woman follower besides his mother a woman who was not respected by the community (there is a question whether she was actually a prostitute) and moreso, made clear that women have a very important place in society and religion thus erasing the idea of women being “lesser than” men; and most of all, He made clear we are to love one another. I stand by what I say- if you are treating anyone else badly or hatefully in the name of Jesus or God, you’re doing it wrong. 

Whatsoever you do to the least of my brother, that you do unto me. 

[GreyhoundFan]

More good news:

 

[CTRLZero]

On 10/11/2022 at 5:55 PM, Audrey2 said:

I don't live in his district, but when I was at Mount Rainier over the summer I saw more Kent signs than I'd like to see which is really scary. I'm just glad that Eastern Washington defeated Culp which would have been another scary MAGAt.

Just a quick update that Joe Kent (MAGA extremist) is currently behind in a tight race.  Here’s a snippet from the Seattle Times.  I thought it was of interest that he wants to “cure” defective ballots, when republicans in other states have gone to court to exclude them. 
 

Spoiler

In a statement Friday night, Gluesenkamp Perez political consultant Sandeep Kaushik hailed the new totals, saying Kent “once again fell short of the gains he needed in order to change the outcome of this race.”

He added: “It’s clear that the voters of the 3rd Congressional District are choosing Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s approach of moderation and pragmatism over Joe Kent’s toxic politics of extremism and division.”

Asked whether the Kent campaign had any comment on the latest numbers, Kent’s campaign manager Ozzie Gonzalez replied in a text message: “Nope.”

Kent earlier in the day appeared on former Trump adviser Steve Bannon’s podcast, urging supporters to ensure their ballots have been accepted. He said the campaign had teams ready to “cure” disputed ballots that have been challenged, adding: “We’re already lawyering up for the fight ahead.”

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, was ousted in the August primary by Republican voters angered by her vote to impeach Trump after the Capitol assault last year by a mob of his supporters.

That left Kent, who had Trump’s endorsement and plentiful Fox News and other media exposure, facing Gluesenkamp Perez, a virtually unknown candidate only a few months ago.

 

[GreyhoundFan]

 

[ADoyle90815]

Rowan Atkinson Toby routine

Still a classic, as not only does he say that Christians go to the hell line, but also Americans which now would really offend the Branch Trumpvidians.

Edited November 12, 2022 by ADoyle90815

[GreyhoundFan]

YES! Dems are keeping the senate!

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/democrats-keep-control-senate-rcna55118

[yeahthatsme74]

5 minutes ago, GreyhoundFan said:

YES! Dems are keeping the senate!

https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/democrats-keep-control-senate-rcna55118

Was coming here to post this! 💙

[Xan]

I wonder about Trump's big announcement next week.  Was he timing it so that the election results would be in?  Did he honestly think that the Republicans would control both the House and the Senate and that he could do a rage-filled rant about how they were going to prosecute Democrats, news organizations, and tech companies?

[GreyhoundFan]

More good news!

 

[GreyhoundFan]

More good news!

 

[GreyhoundFan]

 

[GreyhoundFan]

Love Obama:

 

[onekidanddone]

It is time for McConnell to go spend more time with his family. He most know now he will never be majority leader ever again 

[Xan]

1 hour ago, onekidanddone said:

It is time for McConnell to go spend more time with his family. He most know now he will never be majority leader ever again 

He shouldn't have stolen that Supreme Court seat.  It was the beginning of the end for him.

[onekidanddone]

1 hour ago, Xan said:

He shouldn't have stolen that Supreme Court seat.  It was the beginning of the end for him.

How so? I’d think it was good for him as it helped pave the way for decimating Roe v Wade. 
 

ETA: Not being snarky just curious 

Edited November 13, 2022 by onekidanddone

[Xan]

2 hours ago, onekidanddone said:

How so? I’d think it was good for him as it helped pave the way for decimating Roe v Wade. 
 

ETA: Not being snarky just curious 

Decimating Roe v. Wade was what got younger women out in record numbers to vote for Democrats.  Nearly 3/4 of women 18-39 voted for Democrats.  It's a bit like the dog that chased the car and finally got one.  Once McConnell caught it, he couldn't handle it.  If they'd listened to Chief Justice Roberts, they'd have slow-walked overturning R v. W and slid it past a lot of the voters.  Unfortunately for Mitch, the rightwing branch of the court ran with it.  And he's the one who helped get those Federalist judges seated.

There's also a strong feeling out there that the Republicans don't play by the rules and haven't in quite some time.  The high voting numbers demonstrate that people are tired of the Repub antics and Trump in particular.

[Smash!]

4 hours ago, Xan said:

There's also a strong feeling out there that the Republicans don't play by the rules and haven't in quite some time.  The high voting numbers demonstrate that people are tired of the Repub antics and Trump in particular

There are signs that the midterms weakened Trump. I‘m wondering if that leads to the death of the MAGA cult or if the new kings will be more clever at playing the fascist playbook (looking at you Ron DeSantis).

[AlmostSavedAtTacoBell]

I am thoroughly enjoying watching Sad Turtle’s dirty politics bite him in the ass. Yeah, he got the Dobbs ruling but it has caused some things those against abortion didn’t expect. Women started to talk about their abortions, putting faces and names to “those women” which made people realize “those women” were coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family. The women began to say why they had abortions which made people see that abortions happen for many reasons, all of them valid. People heard for the first time about someone they highly respect in a profession getting unexpectedly pregnant during her educational years and choosing to terminate so she could continue her path. People heard for the first time about someone they love getting pregnant far too young or far too poor or far too overwhelmed. People heard for the first time how that woman they thought had a charmed and perfect life had been raped by three men and got pregnant. People heard for the first time the woman in the apartment down the hall who always brings them cookies when she bakes was a victim of incest and impregnated more than once. People found out that abortions are sometimes needed because a pregnancy isn’t viable or a much-wanted baby is suffering in the womb or if born, will have a very short agony-filled life so the merciful act, as much as it is devastating to the baby’s parents, is an abortion. People found out that grade school children are impregnated. And people got angry. People got even angrier when a ten year old child had to travel to another state to get needed medical intervention for a pregnancy her body wasn’t ready to handle that was the result of a rape by an adult. People who had been “pro-life” found themselves denied therapeutic abortions and started realizing that their years of voting for the “pro-life” candidate had just caused a serious medical problem. People got involved. People got mobilized. People got vocal. 
 

People got out and voted. 

And to add to my glee, Mitch used Trump as his puppet to seat 3 people on the SCOTUS. But those 3 often rule against Trump. And Trump is the other big reason Sad Turtle has to sit and seethe while the Dems get things done.