By Flatus, a Trail Mix Contributor
You were a school kid whose family had pooled their funds in order to send you and your sibs to Washington, DC to confront your government about the murder of school children in our country? Murders caused by lack of meaningful and effective laws protecting your classmates from mayhem never envisioned by the Founders when they crafted the 2nd Amendment?
How would you feel, this morning, when you arrived in the District of Columbia and found:
–Our President gone for the weekend.
–Both Houses of Congress boarded up because the members left yesterday on ten days vacation.
I KNOW HOW I FEEL AND IT ISN’T NICE!
More Posts by Flatus
I hope a few of the congressional types stayed in town. The local DMV people do live close enough that taking a day to address the marchers would not be a problem. That SFB left is why he is a coward. The good part is that he left alone, Mrs #3 seems to be touchy about being seen in public with the creepy man-child.
This is another march that is taking over DC since SFB showed up. He has done a lot to bring people together. Hopefully in a way that empties out the garbage that has taken over the Congress and WH.
Something that has been an underlying talk, which started immediately as soon as the students from Florida slaughter began taking advantage of media interviews to promote gun control, is how the people who do not want gun control are being “oppressed” or their views are being “suppressed”. BS. Those views have subsumed the control voices up until now. Even now the “conservative” view is promoted from the WashPo to faux snooze and other places. What is causing panic in the NRA is that it is a full month since the massacre and the March is gaining in size and coverage.
Although SFB split for his super secret (don’t tell anyone) hideaway in Florida, there is no way he can avoid seeing or hearing about what is happening. Even though most congressional members have split, there is no way they can avoid coverage of the marches and protests around their districts and states. And wait for the crowd size comparisons to the moron inauguration get together, can’t really call it a crowd if it numbers in the thousands in D.C. Crowds are big, his gathering was really tiny.
flatus, thank you. was afraid the thread today wouldn’t be about the march. it is a harbinger and won’t take much of an oracle to read what 2018 elections may wrought. if the march is a major and bigger than expected success so will be the election. if not and if a pathetic paltry turnout featuring only the fringe of both sides so will be the election and continuation to the bottom.
“Simutaneously adorable and horrifying that you good people think that the fascists in power will allow another free and fair Presidential election. They’d blow up the whole planet before they’d do that, and might, anyway, just because they can.”
bink, they’ll certainly try. aside from hordes of voters coming forth in retaliation, what’s the solution?
another version of the “evil eye” gloves the congressional critters will see staring at them today.
from wiki: The evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, usually given to a person when they are unaware. Many cultures believe that receiving the evil eye will cause misfortune or injury. Talismans created to protect against the evil eye are also frequently called “evil eyes”
Music to march by
There are marches throughout the country today. I sure hope one of them is right in front of Mar a large go…
republicans are such cowards… who now deserve to be the ones called snowflakes…
If a tree falls & no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
If a march happens & the Critterz head for the hills, will it make a noise? YES! The absence of elected officials speaks volumes, too. They are either taking blood-money from the NRA or they are afraid to take a stand.
I’m glad Trumpsky is gone. He would try to glom on to the march to get attention for himself. He will try with a series of incoherent tweets, but he should be ignored this weekend. And if he never wants to go back to DC, fine by me. Let him retire to his golfing and his fast food.
These young folks are the future & the future starts TODAY! They are already leading the nation.
The eyes of the world are upon them as they stare down the lawmakers…who didn’t have the balls to even be in town.
bwuaack bwuaack
chicken congress and their chosen leader
some idiot in a red hat carrying a neon bright sign saying “abolish the 2nd amendent” keeps showing up behind interviewers both on cnn and msnbc. bet he’s been paid to be there by either Russians or nra or both just to stir up the trumpian base.
hope someone finds and exposes him before he does more damage…. photo shots with him in it most likely will be used in upcoming ads.
The day after 9-11 I was in a city office applying for a business license renewal, . I walked into the office and stood at the counter. Old tired guy sitting at his desk shuffling papers, ignoring me, so while I’m waiting patiently, I’m watching the small black and white TV the man has on a shelf over his head and a big choir is singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic…….bout in the middle of it the guy half-stands, reaches up and SLAPS the TV off.
“I HATE that song!” he says, and sits back down.
I keep thinking that the Iranian indictments are a message to some quarters which perhaps might be whizzing over my head.
Sturg, the USC women are going up against Buffalo in the Sweet 16. Starting now ESPN from Albany. I’ve had season tickets for USC the last four seasons–they are a wonderful group of women.
Mr. C and I are watching the marches. (we feel we have marched our share) The students from Parkland are amazing.
Their actions are a demonstration of leadership with a lasting impact.
Gee I wonder if the Iranians will hire Vicky and Joey to say that the FBI is framing them
So the list from yesterday had Eric Garcetti on it. WTF? But if you are going to include mayors that opens the door to a very diverse group.
In spite of the NRA and far right meme about how they are being suppressed and raise the false question about why there are so many following the “rich white privileged children” instead of the black children or those who question whether there was a shooting, this march is great.
I keep feeling better and better about this gaining strength leading to the ousting of the greedy old perverts this fall and in 2020.
Many of us old timers have been pushing for the draft to be reinstated in the hope that it would be the catalyst to bringing young people into a force of change. We could never have forecast this movement. It is not the foreign wars destruction doing the work, it is the domestic destruction that is doing it. But it is the same in one way, the slaughter of the innocent.
BB
I would rather it be two years of community service rather than the draft. Military service could be an option but not the only one.
Edna Chavez speaking about South LA. This is giving a voice to so many shootings that weren’t big enough to get national attention. Her speech is amazing!
Flatus, the lady gamecocks are looking good.
Not sure why the march was scheduled the day after Congress recessed for the Easter break.
BiD, Edna Chavez speech brought tears to my eyes and from what I saw of the audience a lot of them were teary too.
Eleven, and he has more to say than politicians holding office.
I hope they are doing a voter registration drive and giving info to those for whom voting is years away.
Jamie, one of the student speakers Delaney Tarr looks straight out of “les miserable” ….wind blown hair and all
“Spread the word…a great generation”! Yes, indeed.
another one of ms. Delaney stirring the masses
Do you suppose Critterz are a little scared by chants of “vote them out”? They should be very afraid.
Smart of Miley to hold a sign; I’m guessing no audio because of song rights.
I think the march scheduling is okay–if anything it makes the Congress look bad by not sticking around. Fear of the Autumn elections will have more to do with evolving legislation than anything else.
The Gamecocks looked good in their 79-63 victory. Next game will be against Duke or UConn tomorrow evening
wapo: Andrew McCabe: Not in my worst nightmares did I dream my FBI career would end this way
On March 16, I spent the day with my family waiting to hear whether I would be fired, after 21 years in the FBI and one day before I qualified for my long-planned, earned retirement.
As day turned to night, I had a lot of time to reflect on how it would feel to be separated from the organization I loved — and led — and the mission that has been the central focus of my professional life. Despite all the preparation for the worst-case scenario, I still felt disoriented and sick to my stomach. Around 10 p.m., a friend called to tell me that CNN was reporting that I had been fired. She read me the attorney general’s statement.
So, after two decades of public service, I found out that I had been fired in the most disembodied, impersonal way — third-hand, based on a news account. Shortly after getting word, I noticed an email from a Justice Department official in my work account, telling me that I had been “removed from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the civil service.”
I have been accused of “lack of candor.” That is not true. I did not knowingly mislead or lie to investigators. When asked about contacts with a reporter that were fully within my power to authorize as deputy director, and amid the chaos that surrounded me, I answered questions as completely and accurately as I could. And when I realized that some of my answers were not fully accurate or may have been misunderstood, I took the initiative to correct them. At worst, I was not clear in my responses, and because of what was going on around me may well have been confused and distracted — and for that I take full responsibility. But that is not a lack of candor. And under no circumstances could it ever serve as the basis for the very public and extended humiliation of my family and me that the administration, and the president personally, have engaged in over the past year.
Not in my worst nightmares did I ever dream my FBI career would end this way.
The next day I woke to find the president of the United States celebrating my punishment: “Andrew McCabe FIRED, a great day for the hard working men and women of the FBI — A great day for Democracy.” I was sad, but not surprised, to see that such unhinged public attacks on me would continue into my life after my service to the FBI. President Trump’s cruelty reminded me of the days immediately following the firing of James B. Comey, as the White House desperately tried to push the falsehood that people in the FBI were celebrating the loss of our director. The president’s comments about me were equally hurtful and false, which shows that he has no idea how FBI people feel about their leaders.
[…continues…]
Amazing
I’m watching CNN,
It feels new , it feels real, it is fresh. Not the old stale stuff we always hear.
It is pitch perfect
Wow
Jack
If the NRA-backed cowards and so-called religious right try to use abortion as a wedge issue (and they will), they need to be asked why they don’t care if kids are murdered in classrooms. They need to be asked how old a human has to be for it to be OK for them to be killed with an assault weapon which has the one use of killing and maiming many in a short period of time.
btw, one of the suggested last thread to run, nola mayor mitch Landrieu, was also on bill maher last night
No one should be surprised that SFB thought it was a good idea to disqualify McCabe for his pension. Cheating people is a way of life for him.
Great sign at a march in Madrid:
”Your right to guns. My right to life. Choose.”
The Dems need to use that when the Repugz try to siphon off votes with the abortion wedge.
They did it. Bob Dylan…..”The Times They are a’changing. ”
I’ve been waiting for it.
What an amazing thing to witness from those who witnessed such horrible things.
The establishment’s worst nightmare: an energized and informed group of new voters on the horizon. Crawl back into your hidey-holes Critterz…or, step up and do the right thing, despite what your corporate overlords are paying you to do.
It was nice of the kids to throw in something for gram and gramps to sing along to. ;-0
Jack
Did some reading about the counter-protesters and their idiocy. I am positive the nra does see this happening. The fervent nra cult group are similar to the SFB cult, they are not a majority, they are a minority of voters and the public. A difficult chore will be keeping the media from creating an equivalence.
This year requires activist thinking on everybody’s part to get the change of gun laws and tossing the greedy old perverts.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6
Shame they didn’t get much of a turnout.
Jack
Another old geezer named Paul Mc something showed up as well. Seems he knew someone who had been killed with a gun.
wonder how the crowd size compares with twit’s inaugural crowd. certainly more colorful, joyful and energetic.
Let’s see how much coverage this gets from the MSM beyond a blurb on tonight’s news and the Sunday shows.
If the MSM is worth their salt, they will dedicate weekly, on-going newsmagazines to this issue. If they are worried about ratings, a) shame on them and b) don’t worry. If they take they the time to produce and air a thoughtful show, there will be an audience. And, many will be young, not the aging market they don’t care about anyway.
Of course, the MSM is seldom thoughtful. Why would they air crime shows, real or dramatized, and, show ads for those horrorfests during a sit-com or music/dance show. Why is killing being produced as entertainment? I keep seeing an ad for a show about a kill room and they are trying to be funny about it, but it’s just gruesome and low-brow.
MEDIA OUTLETS, BE BETTER! These young folks are leading the way and you fail them when you act irresponsibly.
If you air garbage, folks will watch garbage; it will be ingested and it will show up in society.
The media can help with the mental health aspect of violence. I’m not saying media causes mental illness, but sometimes it feeds it. Try feeding your viewing audience something healthy, something productive, something more than the violent drivel that they’ve made their bread and butter.
watching these kids speak gives me faith our country is going to be ok
The pics of the turnout in Dallas looked small; probably because it’s not safe downtown, nor is it safe to take public transportation to get there. Ft. Worth seems to be doing a better job.
Colorado at bat.
coloradoceasefire.org
my favorite will be the girl who threw up and the woman who helped her go on
The NRA has their propaganda wagon rolling. They can’t stop this movement. No amount of ad dollars is going to stop what’s happening. The NRA is a dinosaur.
The hateful mockery of the NRA only shows their desperation, their weakness, their imminent demise.
I remember the yanquis coming down from upnorte complaining about the Florida school taxes they had to pay, “We already paid back home!” We would challenge that with questioning where they live now? Florida. Why? it’s warm, the cost-of-living is low, there’s no income tax. Well, if you don’t pay for the schools, where are the skilled people going to come from to take care of you when you are decrepit? I dunno. Pay your damn school taxes or go back north. but..but..but.snivel
Well, I don’t think any candidates will need to employ unscrupulous data miners to figure out how folks are going to vote.
I have seen my share of Washington DC rallies. But this one takes the cake.
Maddie King from Stoneman Douglas was in Colorado & made another powerful speech.
Do you think network news would dare to air Emma Gonzales’ speech which was largely silence? The loudest silence I’ve heard.
Do you think they will air Edna Chavez’ speech, or those of any of the other speakers, in tact?
Timer is on the evening news for coverage time.
It’s clear to me after listening to the kids’ speeches and seeing their demeanor, that Parkland has fine schools that have helped produce exceptional children. And, recognizing that they were just a small fraction of the well over 500,000 Florida educated children in attendance, the state should be proud.
Wow, six minutes and now they are onto the NRA and their propaganda machine. Ca-Ching!
I don’t watch “the evening news” and I’d wager most of those kids don’t either.
Another march at the NRA convention in Dallas. A walkout on April 20th. Hey, NRA! Doesn’t it just suck for you that there are so many anniversaries of mass shootings? This isn’t going away.
For those to whom it might be of interest, Imus will be on CBS Sunday Morning.
He’s been speaking very highly of the kids, and is adamant that no one needs an assault rifle, or large magazines, and what on earth could be wrong with stiffer background checks….
Last show is Thursday.
Oh,BS on the local ABC affiliate who just showed a video of the history of school shootings in the US. Massaging the criteria for the numbers to go down until they end in the graphic & words that it is “rare.”
It wasn’t rare enough for the folks directly impacted in schools and other places for them to be alive to watch that piece of NRA propaganda.
Scum of the earth!
The local stations are being invaded by the ultra right wing……they have become or are in process of becoming Foxist.
Shun them.
For protest rallies to be effective, they have to inconvenience a lot of people, for a long time. Start scheduling them for Monday morning rush-hour.
And if your local paper is a right wing rag, like the Charleston Post and Courier, stop buying that, too…..I did a long time ago, and every now and then I let them know.
“I haven’t bought a copy of your paper for the last ten years, because you let it become a right-wing rag.”
I tick off the years for them as if it were a sobriety chip from AA.
Also, a good legislative objective towards the goal of reducing gun violence would be a ban on the sale of assembled ammunition.
Let’s hear a pro-2nd Amendment constitutional scholar argue against that!
To shun something properly, you have to let them know they’re being shunned………I think that’s how it works……
Like, f’instance I shun the Occupant…….but he doesn’t know it.
If he did know it, he wouldn’t care……but at least he’d know it.
The federal government has the power to shut down any kind of weapon they desire to.
Case in Point: Thompson Sub-Machine guns. Sawed-off shot guns.
Just try fucking around in WalMart with a tommy gun, or a sawed-off and see how fast your check is mated.
If I were to go duck hunting with my Belgium-made Browning .12 gauge………I’d have to put a special stick into the magazine to keep from being able to load more than 3 shells in there. It’s the law.
If a game warden cotches me and I don’t have no stick……we tawkin big bucks.
The federal government can declare war on a gaggle of states who wish to leave the union……and they can’t outlaw something?
Pish, I say…..Pish and twaddle.
Hunters have to buy—wait for it—- Hunting Licenses—–in order to go hunting.
We can protect the little duckies, but we can’t protect the children.
I’d be willing to almost wager that when Cheney shot that feller, he didnt have a plug in his shotgun.
Hey yo….. Light Bulb—– Maybe if we declare the children to be an Endangered Species……
That Time cover looks like a sad Norman Rockwell.
Another Repug (Costello of PA) is dropping his bid for re-election.
Nice post, flatus. These kids have never known a US not at war. Their parents, their lives always impacted by war and the effects of war and too many guns. As an old peacenik, it made me feel good to watch the marches. Such a peaceful and passionate crowd. Many future democrats in that crowd.
Last time I checked, mine holds 8 with 1 in the chamber
but, it’s not designed for birds
The Russians at the time favored the Browning .12 for street fighting after Stalingrad…….
Thank you, BW. The old Strategic Air Command (SAC) had the tag line “Peace is Our Profession.”
You see…..I trust me or Flatus, and several others, with any kind of weapon there might exist…….but Jimmie, Jack, and Joe up the street who’s just gun-stupid and wants to get drunk, or bummed out, or what the hell ever and go out and shoot at stuff or people?
there has to be a line.
I wonder, if I walked into Taco Bell with my shotgun…..would the cop who came to check it out ax me if I had a plug in the magazine?
Does Taco Bell serve alcohol? No guns.
Scene: Local Taco Bell
( the cops know me from past infractions)
I walk in with shotgun at the ready.
cop responds to call, enters Taco Bell confronts me, and demands to see one of my shells.
Now Sturgeone, you know good and well it’s illegal to have Double-ought buckshot in here…..Nothing over 4-ought birdshot allowed in Taco Bell…..you try to pull this again we’re gonna have to issue a citation…..
Taco heaven don’t do alcohol
Just shitty tacos.
I mean, shitty unless you’re just desperate for a taco……any taco.
I’ve got 00 in mine. I hope the laser pointer will dissuade a jerk saving a messy clean-up.
If clean up is needed call Harvey Keitel. Number one clean-up man………
I only own 3 shells for the Browning……….double ought.
8 bullets for the .38 special.
i have a great big canvas bag of .22 long rifle for the JC Higgins .22
The .22 shells may have gotten wet.
of course, I live in a gated community.
News of actor Harvey Keitel’s death spread quickly earlier this week causing concern among fans across the world. However the March 2018 report has now been confirmed as a complete hoax and just the latest in a string of fake celebrity death reports. Thankfully, the actor best known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs, Thelma & Louise, Taxi Driver or Mean Streets is alive and well
I have 1,000s, but then I have weapons that need breaking-in. .380 .38 .40 .45
Sometimes I make even myself laugh.
They left out Pulp Fiction where he was the Clean-Up man
Can I borrow a few .12 gauge bucks? Maybe like 6 or 7.?
With that, I’m going to hit the sack. Nite!
I’ll give em back if I don’t use em……..I have, however, been known to shoot at tree limbs when in the mood.
Sleep, that knits the raveled sleeve of care.
Ok… Since Flate has hit the rac I’m going to do this one again……It’s ethereal.
I’m not alone on this:
http://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/hardware-ammunition/ammunition-regulation/
A ban on the sale of assembled ammunition would slow potential aggressors down and maybe even discourage them altogether. If not, it least it imposes another step for them and while allowing others to identify potential dangerous behavior and possibly prevent it.
Assembling your own ammo is cheaper, and a lot of sport and recreational shooters do it, anyway, so it’s not an alien concept. One’s “right” to bear arms isn’t infringed if they have to do a little more work to provide themselves with ammuntion.
An earnest attempt to regulate ammo more strictly in a coordinated, semi-national level would ineveitably go to SCOTUS, now packed with Cons, but it’s worth a try, imo.
Real men don’t shoot up schools or neighborhoods. Real men shoot nra and armalite executives.
“Do you think they will air Edna Chavez’ speech,…”
BiD, I saw her whole speech broadcast live on tv (CNN or MSNBC, forgot which) and then some bits replayed on cbs and nbc networks later. so how did you get to hear it in dallas?