Political Randomness

[Blackhawk]

If one wears a red baseball cap does that mean that people's first reaction is that one is a MAGA supporter?

Pretty much. It's not a good thing, but it became such a symbol that it's impossible to unlink it at this point.

[Unagi]

If one wears a red baseball cap does that mean that people's first reaction is that one is a MAGA supporter?

Pretty much. It's not a good thing, but it became such a symbol that it's impossible to unlink it at this point.

I'd say that people (on both sides) look for a professional/college sport-team emblem quickly - and want to verify/clarify.

[Jaymann]

It has put a damper on my Angels hat, but there is always the Padres.

[Kraken]

If one wears a red baseball cap does that mean that people's first reaction is that one is a MAGA supporter?
Of course after they see the front they realize it's not MAGA hat but still................

It's sort of suspect. I have a red cap from Red Hat software that I don't wear lest people mistake it for hate speech. But I've never seen an actual MAGA hat in the wild around here. It would be considered more offensive than a confederate flag but not as bad as a swastika.

[Hipolito]

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

[Kurth]

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

That is sad.

[Kraken]

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

Me, too. My tree-hating neighbor cut down a sycamore to erect a spotlighted flagpole flying Old Glory, and although we've never discussed anything political I know where he stands. But this is not a symbol that we can concede to the fascists. We can thwart them by claiming it as ours. If I felt even a little patriotic, I'd totally do that.

[Unagi]

I think for a while I saw it trending that way a bit, but mercifully they seem to embrace the black-n-blue flag nowadays over the red-white-n-blue.

[Carpet_pissr]

I think for a while I saw it trending that way a bit, but mercifully they seem to embrace the black-n-blue flag nowadays over the red-white-n-blue.

FWIW my previously QAnon flag flying neighbor behind me has replaced that flag (it got very faded) with the blue line flag in addition to an American flag.

[Blackhawk]

If one wears a red baseball cap does that mean that people's first reaction is that one is a MAGA supporter?
Of course after they see the front they realize it's not MAGA hat but still................

It's sort of suspect. I have a red cap from Red Hat software that I don't wear lest people mistake it for hate speech. But I've never seen an actual MAGA hat in the wild around here. It would be considered more offensive than a confederate flag but not as bad as a swastika.

That would be a good comparison. If one wears a red armband, does that mean that people's first reaction is that one is a Nazi supporter? Admittedly, there are more non-evil red hats than armbands (and this isn't an attempt at a MAGA = Nazi comment), but it still causes an instinctive reaction in some people when they see it from behind.

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

I had something similar in my post that I removed before I submitted. Something like, "I feel the same way anytime I see someone with an American flag that is oversized or displayed a little too in-your-face."

The simple fact is that the hard right co-opted the concept of 'patriotism' for their own ends, pushing the narrative that they're the only true Americans. It's given the word "patriot" and the associated symbols a black eye.

[LordMortis]

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

That is sad.

It is and yet when I see individuals and small businesses flag waving my first thunk is SUS, behaviors, often overlapping with a WELCOME sign. Example, on my walks, people who park their cars over the sidewalks inevitably hang US flags. In the ven diagram one circle would be fully contained in the other.

Other SUS things, anything named liberty or freedom. If your business has those things in its name then I'll be desperate before I walk in the door. Same thing if I see Member of the Chamber of Commerce on your front door.

I think for a while I saw it trending that way a bit, but mercifully they seem to embrace the black-n-blue flag nowadays over the red-white-n-blue.

Aye, it's moving that way. Black, Blue, and Blue Line US flags aren't just SUS, they're written off.

[Hipolito]

Sadly, I've come to see the American flag the same way.

Me, too. My tree-hating neighbor cut down a sycamore to erect a spotlighted flagpole flying Old Glory, and although we've never discussed anything political I know where he stands. But this is not a symbol that we can concede to the fascists. We can thwart them by claiming it as ours. If I felt even a little patriotic, I'd totally do that.

You're right, we do have to take it back. And I have to remember my very leftist/progressive neighbor who flies the flag, and the countless servicemembers who wear the flag on their uniforms so they can fight for real values, not for white supremacy, christian chauvinism, or the fossil fuel industry.

We should pair the flag with BLM, environmentalism, pro-LGBT, pro-choice, and pro-gun-control sentiments until conservatives gag whenever they see stars and stripes.

[Isgrimnur]

I stopped frequenting a BBQ place because, among other decor choices, they had a rack by the door for the Christian Yellow Pages.

[Hipolito]

I stopped frequenting a BBQ place because, among other decor choices, they had a rack by the door for the Christian Yellow Pages.

Maybe you can insert a business card for Satan's Woke Bed & Breakfast.

[Isgrimnur]

Or some Good Without a God flyers.

[stessier]

I stopped frequenting a BBQ place because, among other decor choices, they had a rack by the door for the Christian Yellow Pages.

If it was just the rack by the door, I would overlook it. Decor choices could push me in the other direction depending on how prominent they were.

[Isgrimnur]

I stopped frequenting a BBQ place because, among other decor choices, they had a rack by the door for the Christian Yellow Pages.

If it was just the rack by the door, I would overlook it. Decor choices could push me in the other direction depending on how prominent they were.

Oh, the shift was obvious, including one of those very thoughtful "politically incorrect" signs directly behind the counter.

[malchior]

How are any of those things politically incorrect? Fucking knobs. I totally get why someone wouldn't want to frequent an establishment run by people who want to play this bs victim game.

[Isgrimnur]

ikr?

[GreenGoo]

How are any of those things politically incorrect? Fucking knobs. I totally get why someone wouldn't want to frequent an establishment run by people who want to play this bs victim game.

Hah. I'd respond (or imagine I would) to each of those points in turn and see who the offended ones turn out to be.

I'm guessing it wouldn't be me.

edit: Wait, are you supposed to salute the flag? Is that a thing? Is that so you can raise your visor and identify yourself as a non-enemy to the flag?

[stessier]

I stopped frequenting a BBQ place because, among other decor choices, they had a rack by the door for the Christian Yellow Pages.

If it was just the rack by the door, I would overlook it. Decor choices could push me in the other direction depending on how prominent they were.

Oh, the shift was obvious, including one of those very thoughtful "politically incorrect" signs directly behind the counter.

Ah, yeah. I'd move on too.

[Dramatist]

Around here we have both the University of Houston and the Rockets that use Red and White so I don’t usually have equate red caps with MAGA. I don’t think I’ve seen a MAGA cap on anyone in the wild for bit around here anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LordMortis]

There are plenty of reasons to have a red hat that isn't MAGA. But I will confess, if I see a red hat, I'll double take to see if it is MAGA, to know if it's a warning sign to stay away.

[coopasonic]

edit: Wait, are you supposed to salute the flag? Is that a thing? Is that so you can raise your visor and identify yourself as a non-enemy to the flag?

We do not salute the flag, unless we are in uniform as a member of the armed forces.

[LawBeefaroni]

edit: Wait, are you supposed to salute the flag? Is that a thing? Is that so you can raise your visor and identify yourself as a non-enemy to the flag?

We do not salute the flag, unless we are in uniform as a member of the armed forces.

Armchair patriots don't know that.

I had some guy yell at me to take off my hat during "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch (remember those days?). I told him I only did that for the Anthem and he yelled back that "this is the Anthem now!"

[Isgrimnur]

[Holman]

In Philadelphia, I've learned to recognize the subtle distinction between Phillies red caps (common) and MAGA red caps (rare).

[Kasey Chang]

(Via ComicSands.com and George Takei)

Tiktoker Hit with death threats after proving Jason Aldeans's music video isn't all "Real News Footage"

Tiktoker Destinee Stark took Aldean to task after he claimed 'there isn't a single video clip' in his "Try That in a Small Town' that isn't real news footage. Just within the first few seconds, there are at least two stock footage clips used, as they aren't even filmed in the US, much less riots! One's a May Day celebration in Germany, not a riot, and the second is a commercial shoot in Bulgaria, just with rudimentary Google image search and sense of curiosity.

For this, she's received death threats, doxing, slander, accusations of fraud, and more. Clearly, Aldean's fallen into the MAGA camp and his fans can't believe the truth about their "country star".

[Kurth]

(Via ComicSands.com and George Takei)

Tiktoker Hit with death threats after proving Jason Aldeans's music video isn't all "Real News Footage"

Tiktoker Destinee Stark took Aldean to task after he claimed 'there isn't a single video clip' in his "Try That in a Small Town' that isn't real news footage. Just within the first few seconds, there are at least two stock footage clips used, as they aren't even filmed in the US, much less riots! One's a May Day celebration in Germany, not a riot, and the second is a commercial shoot in Bulgaria, just with rudimentary Google image search and sense of curiosity.

For this, she's received death threats, doxing, slander, accusations of fraud, and more. Clearly, Aldean's fallen into the MAGA camp and his fans can't believe the truth about their "country star".

On a related note, just read a surprisingly decent article on CNN about Aldean and also Luke Combs: Country music is at a crossroads. Two of its most viral songs show why.

People — non-country lovers specifically — like to joke that modern country music is a repetitive incantation of beer, trucks, girls and American flags, with the occasional sprinkling of Copenhagen or MultiCam thrown in. (And, for the women, there’s an extra dash of marital homicide.)

That’s all part of it, for certain. But a longer pause on the radio dial, or a deeper dive into the genre’s roots, reveals far more variation — different traditions and cultures calling to each other, answering and reinventing themselves as they go.

The struggle for the soul of country music is on full display now as two very different songs have been making headlines. Jason Aldean, one of country music’s biggest stars, has been embroiled in controversy over his single “Try That in a Small Town.” The song contains what critics say are racially charged lyrics, and scenes from the music video were shot in front of a courthouse that was the site of an infamous lynching in the 1920s. The backlash was so complete, CMT removed Aldean’s video from its rotation and the original YouTube version was edited to remove several seconds of protest footage.

Meanwhile, fellow country star Luke Combs has been going viral on social media with his platinum cover of “Fast Car” by famed singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. Some of the attention has been positive, praising his rendition of the famous ballad and discussing the impact of his homage to Chapman who, as a Black woman and queer icon, is a triple whammy of underrepresentation in country music.

[Smoove_B]

Totally normal

https://twitter.com/tjortenzi/status/16 ... 2950816768

NYT: Diane Feinstein's daughter has power of attorney over her mother, a sitting senator

[Isgrimnur]

Would that extend to Senate duties?

[Smoove_B]

Who the hell knows anymore? Apparently someone can have power of attorney over someone that is currently serving in an important national political capacity. Happens all the time, right?

Can't make legal decisions for yourself, but can totally participate in the national legislative process. America!

[Holman]

I totally agree that Feinstein isn't fully there (although I also know that she needs to stay in place because Republicans would thwart a replacement).

But a child having power of attorney for an elderly adult doesn't imply incompetence by itself. My older sister has power of attorney for my mother (82). Mom is still sharp as a tack, but the POA is there just in case of sudden stroke or other incapacitation. Better to have it already before it is urgently needed.

[LawBeefaroni]

It's because the daughter is suing Diane's late husband's estate for funds to pay for the senator's medical treatment(s).

[GreenGoo]

But a child having power of attorney for an elderly adult doesn't imply incompetence by itself. My older sister has power of attorney for my mother (82). Mom is still sharp as a tack, but the POA is there just in case of sudden stroke or other incapacitation. Better to have it already before it is urgently needed.

It absolutely does imply incompetency, but as you point out, doesn't have to actually mean incompetence.

[Isgrimnur]

'Sound of Freedom' Funder Fabian Marta Charged With Felony Child Kidnapping

The latest thing to make you go hmmmm involving this movie and the people who helped bring it to the public is the recent arrest of Fabian Marta, who bragged about helping fund the movie after Disney shelved it. According to the Missouri Courts website, Marta was charged July 21 with child kidnapping, a felony. According to Newsweek, which published his mugshot, Marta was arrested on July 23. “A person commits the offense of child kidnapping if he or she is not a relative of the child within the third degree and, knowing he or she has no right to do so, removes a child under the age of fourteen without consent of the child’s parents or guardian, or confines such child for a substantial period of time without such consent,” is how Marta’s charge is defined on the Missouri Revisor of Statutes.

[malchior]

No - it's called shunning and a free people are allowed to do it when you're a despicable lowlife. Beyond defending Trump and making excuses for coups and sedition at one time or another he took trips with Jeffrey Epstein. Though to be fair he did promise us he kept his underwear on. Not selling books is a pleasant alternative to what he should be doing - hard time.

https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1687587697081106434

Dershowitz: I am probably the man who's written more books than any person in the history of Martha's Vineyard… but I've been canceled. My books are not allowed to be sold at the Martha's Vineyard Book Fair because I defended Trump

[Isgrimnur]

He can cry himself at night, wrapped in his "integrity".

[GreenGoo]

Who's "not allowing" the books to be sold? Is there a book fair dictator that vets all books being sold?

And for a guy who doesn't care about his books being sold at Martha's Vineyard, he sure seems to care about his books *not* being sold there.

[Isgrimnur]

USPS faces bipartisan pushback as it ramps up consolidation efforts

The U.S. Postal Service is facing intensifying pressure as it prepares to significantly scale up its efforts to consolidate mail sorting into fewer facilities, with lawmakers in both parties and employees warning of the unintended consequences of the plan.

A Republican lawmaker, Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., recently questioned the consolidation plan's impact on his district, saying it lacked transparency and would have negative impacts on mailers. His letter followed one last month from Rep. Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., who said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was "sadly mistaken" if he thought he could "mess with post offices" in his Hudson Valley district.
...
The changes, which USPS has slowly rolled out in recent months and will accelerate later this year and in early 2024, will mean letter carriers no longer go to their local facility to pick up mail for their route, instead traveling farther distances after starting at a consolidated location. The impacted post offices will still conduct their retail operations, but a lot of the back-end functions will be stripped away and relocated.