Jace, Extat

Well, I think you're right. Folks feel there's been a hollowing-out of opportunities to get high paying jobs or own a house, especially for those without college degrees. I know you'll say this is a consequence of capitalism - I only say that it's real, this feeling.

Tell it again!

So I watched his victory speech. We're in trouble. The motherfucker looks good. Y'know, for him. And when his opponent is, well... Also, he's gotten better at this. He opened up by calling for unity between Democrats and Republicans, talking up his opponents instead of tearing them down. It's a little like watching a snake sing a birthday song, but I'll be goddamned if he ain't being GRACIOUS in triumph. I had to go smoke a cigarette. At one point he was having a discussion with his dead mother-in-law and... it went over better than you'd think. He's somehow managed to maintain his manic energy but learned how to stick to talking points and prescribed attitudes. Real fucking problem! He didn't shriek or shake or scream. His cadence was steady. Calm, except for when he wanted to get a little excited. I hadn't heard him speak in so long, it's actually disturbing. Of course he's still spouting lies. He doesn't want unity, we all know that. But his bit about election interference was actually pretty short. He stated that he's gonna get Putin and Zelensky in a room and end that war = he's gonna stop aid and lean on Ukraine hard. Says Israel would not have been attacked if he was still president, blamed Iran = Full backing of Israel He's got his boogeyman in Iran. Call backs to his travel ban. He invited a guy dressed like a wall up on stage and, again, it's all in purpose of a hideous design but... I mean, can you imagine Joe Biden picking someone out of the crowd to join him on stage? No Democrat has that kind of stage presence, and Trump just does. God, I'd hoped he'd be a dribbling moron by now but he's grown as a political advertiser, not diminished. FUCK!!!

Ran, I'm seeing a realpolitik side of you I didn't know existed... Meanwhile, I agree with this completely. Here's what's gonna happen: Eventually Trump is gonna realize he can call the left antisemitic, his base will love having a new cudgel, and Biden will be punished for standing with an ally by his own base. Trump'll additionally start calling Ukraine a lost cause and a black hole of aid money. So it should surprise no one that current trends hold the rest of the year. No new aid to Ukraine, support for Israel.

They're kicking it!!??!! Classic Mike McCarthy.

They gonna get stoffle flomped next week, but it's always fun to watch a Dallas playoff implosion.

Oh god, what a terrible thing to bring back The Mythbusters for.

Ahhhhhhhh... ... ... hhhhh... ... ... hhh-whaaaaaaa?

Son, are you saying that the heads of the United States government are involved in a slavery industry?

What is, zero? Your Honor. Zero Jews? Nicht. Da ist nitchte die juden der auf Nahe Osten. Nicht draußen Israel.

Gimme the Browns over the Texans. Chiefs over Dolphins Steelers beat the Bills Cowboys will beat the Packers Lions over the Rams And give me the Bucs over the Iggles

Yeah 2023 was a dumpster year for me too. Here's to a better 2024!

Baaaaah! You got me! Although mine is really just technical in nature. Unless you're saying that there's something... special... and conspiratorial about the U.S.'s actions? Some... factor... that wasn't at play with the Somali pirates??

Calling them pirates or terrorists allows for use of military force without getting the congress involved, at least in America.

Bolding added. That sounds to me like they're suggesting it's not "random" at all.

Yeah, I know that. But @polishgenius and @Conflicting Thought make it sound like there's conspiracy afoot. Spill! Spill! Spill!

Gimme a day to set up a new account. It tastes sweeter to know I'm taking it from Ty.

Wait, what's the emphasis on "random" ???

*GASP* The Prince of Thieves has come again!

I have on no less than 4 occassions reinstalled DA:I, got a few hours in, and then uninstalled. It's just so fucking... Man DA:O was the best. I'll never forget my first playthrough as a mage, realizing that I was getting a Dune ending because I'd romanced that derp Alistair. He married Anora, but I owned that D. Of course in all subsequent playthroughs I was of correct stature to become the Queen and hero of Ferelden

At least until a new doctrine is developed. As-is combined arms is no longer viable. Tanks are deathtraps, too easily vulnerable to handheld anti-tank weapons. And even the most (almost) modern planes are no match for modern anti-air. Add to the fact that the whole battlefield is visible from drones... This one is tough. I worry about Trump taking office and leaning on Zelensky to make peace under hard terms a year from now. The Ukrainians are not going to be able to mount any kind of summer offensive that achieves a breakthrough in 2024.

He's Trump, dawg. He'll loom over her at a podium and shout "Look at my Indian American!" And that'll be that. I'm graspin' at straws, sister The hour grows late.

You're not wrong, but at this point I'm just desperate that there be someone with access to him who isn't utterly deranged or sycophantic.

So do we think Haley is Trump's VP? There might actually be an argument that she should take the gig if he offers it to eventually protect the republic from him. Pence didn't save the country or anything on Jan. 6th, but he did the right things and helped facilitate the transfer of power as was his duty.

I love you too, commie.