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NEVERENDING ♾️ The NEVERENDING Political Discussion Thread

fringe said:
UK prime minister is a colored man!
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confused GIF
 
Will be early voting today. I'm in a strongly blue state and about the bluest county in the country.

Regardless, we all need to actively participate by voting.

DVD said:
Okay so the young people are fighting back by wearing stupid costumes to mock the ballot box watchers. They walk up all creepy like they're doing something wrong. I love people.
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A good disguise is good.

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The state announced that they finally had enough poll workers and will start training next week. Just in time to have everyone vote between 7-7 on election day. We try to make it as hard as possible to vote. And we also like to complain about people not voting when 15% show up.
 
So J. Clarence Thomas put a hold on Sen. Lindsay Graham testifying in Georgia? No conflict of interest there.
 
John Fetterman is running in PA for the Senate. However there has been questions regarding his ability be successful in the position being that he had a stroke not too long ago and now requires additional assistance with a teleprompter and has had difficulties communicating effectively. While I don't know much but his position on topics, from what I understand he is recovering and the stroke has not had an impact on his mental capacity and the communication issues can be overcome. I personally disagree with the idea that he is not able to serve in that role.

Having said that, I do not have that same opinion about Biden. I think his recent issues is much more than the DNC is willing to admit and I really hope that they find someone else to run.
 
I would agree with you. I think Fetterman's cognitive abilities are just fine. But he's having real troubling with his motor skills. That has to be so frustrating knowing what you want to say but can't get it out.

On the other hand Biden is going to be 80 in less than a month I think. I don't now nor have I ever thought Joe Biden was not bright. But it's pretty apparent to me that he is definitely not always engaged like he should be and struggles to keep up. If the Democrats don't put up someone who is somewhat moderate and doesn't completely pander to the far left then I think it's almost a lock that DeSantis will be the next POTUS.
 
I am voting early during my lunch break today. I don't understand why the GOP is so against making it easier to vote. However, I do still believe that you should show ID to vote. After all, you need an ID to register to vote.
 
michaelskis said:
I am voting early during my lunch break today. I don't understand why the GOP is so against making it easier to vote. However, I do still believe that you should show ID to vote. After all, you need an ID to register to vote.
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I don't disagree with you on this point. I've never understood the opposition to showing a valid ID to vote. And do not come at me with nonsense like it's too expensive, it's hard to get etc. Democracy requires participation and if you want to participate get a freaking ID.
 
michaelskis said:
I am voting early during my lunch break today. I don't understand why the GOP is so against making it easier to vote. However, I do still believe that you should show ID to vote. After all, you need an ID to register to vote.
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You're still laboring under that idea that everyone should do their civic duty to vote no matter what party they think is right. You've got to get with the new idea that came out of an old idea. If voting is easy, then everyone will do it and we don't want that because most people don't vote the way we want them to.

MD Planner said:
I don't disagree with you on this point. I've never understood the opposition to showing a valid ID to vote. And do not come at me with nonsense like it's too expensive, it's hard to get etc. Democracy requires participation and if you want to participate get a freaking ID.
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My example: Arizona tribal land. Low access to cars, no bus service, long distances to anything.
Another example, pool people in rural communities. Pretty much same example as above.
Also goes back to anything that makes it harder for people to vote.
 
DVD said:
My example: Arizona tribal land. Low access to cars, no bus service, long distances to anything.
Another example, pool people in rural communities. Pretty much same example as above.
Also goes back to anything that makes it harder for people to vote.
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Sorry, that doesn't fly with me. Make an effort to participate. Not just in voting but in life. Look, the GOP (primarily) makes this such a big deal about voter fraud. I don't think it happens on any kind of large scale but a pretty easy way to assure the public that voting is above board is to say, "yep, we checked IDs and all is good".
 
DVD said:
My example: Arizona tribal land. Low access to cars, no bus service, long distances to anything.
Another example, pool people in rural communities. Pretty much same example as above.
Also goes back to anything that makes it harder for people to vote.
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Do you need an ID to register to vote in AZ?

I 100% agree that we should make it easier for people to get to a poling location and things like early voting help create options for people. But flashing the same ID that you used to register to vote is not being overly burdensome.
 
michaelskis said:
Do you need an ID to register to vote in AZ?

I 100% agree that we should make it easier for people to get to a poling location and things like early voting help create options for people. But flashing the same ID that you used to register to vote is not being overly burdensome.
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Gotta show my license in AZ or in my case it's mail in and I just need to sign. They want to pass a law requiring all your life's info on your mail in ballot. Bad idea.

What's wrong with voter ID is the next step. No big deal to show ID. Next step, close half the license centers so you need to drive an hour or more just to get an ID.

In the case of the tribal land, it takes about 2 hours to get to Flagstaff where the state offices are to 2nd Mesa or 3rd Mesa. Winslow might have a DMV, but the problem up there is super rural population spread over a large area with no access to transportation. They have their ways to organize voting drives and getting IDs if they need them, but we keep repressing those efforts with things like no ballot harvesting laws.

I really have no problem with the ID laws because I can do it. It's the sinister reasoning behind them I don't like. We're trying to get voting back to land owning white men by putting hurdles in the way. Next thing you know I've got to repeat the constitution in order to prove I'm 'Mercian enough.
 
DVD said:
Gotta show my license in AZ or in my case it's mail in and I just need to sign. They want to pass a law requiring all your life's info on your mail in ballot. Bad idea.

What's wrong with voter ID is the next step. No big deal to show ID. Next step, close half the license centers so you need to drive an hour or more just to get an ID.

In the case of the tribal land, it takes about 2 hours to get to Flagstaff where the state offices are to 2nd Mesa or 3rd Mesa. Winslow might have a DMV, but the problem up there is super rural population spread over a large area with no access to transportation. They have their ways to organize voting drives and getting IDs if they need them, but we keep repressing those efforts with things like no ballot harvesting laws.

I really have no problem with the ID laws because I can do it. It's the sinister reasoning behind them I don't like. We're trying to get voting back to land owning white men by putting hurdles in the way. Next thing you know I've got to repeat the constitution in order to prove I'm 'Mercian enough.
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Once again, do you need an ID to register to vote? (BTW, the answer is yes, you do)

As for the bill showing your life's history, what bill is that? I can't seem to find it. I found proposition 309, but that looks like they give you a range of options to prove identity.
Prop 309 said:
Any of the following could be used as the voter identification number for mail-in ballots under the measure:[2]
  • a driver's license or nonoperating identification license number,
  • the last four digits of a social security number,
  • a unique identifying number provided by the secretary of state for voter registration purposes
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Tell you what, how about just stepping back and letting a Trump supporter say that they are you on the paper forms, sign your name and send it in. After all, it sounds like you are not worried about it.

However, if I am understanding the your statement correctly, you are concerned not what it is (just showing a license) but what it could be in the future if there is profound government overreach... where have I heard this before...
 
Just a reminder of civil rights and our history. We have a pattern of finding ways to disenfranchise selected populations. Oh, you need to own land or recite sections or the entire constitution or have proper ID to vote. All in the name of proving you are a citizen. That is what I'm seeing in the "voter protection" laws that are trying to be enacted. Do what we can to reduce the number of voters on the other team. Those voters happen to by minorities in my state or just generally poor. They should have the same easy access to vote that I do. I just happen to be privileged to own a car in a state that needs a car to get anywhere.

Prop 309 is trash when you get to the local politics of it. #1, I'm not putting any personal information on a ballot so some scum can steal my identify. It already has my name and address. One more piece of personal information makes the trifecta thieves need. So fuck the legislatures on that one. FYI, our mail in ballots work through a signature verification process. You would have to know the signature I used to register to vote to steal my ballot. No exactly easy. Plus, go back to the hoard of GOP idiots railing on all this voter fraud yet no one has proved it even after this giant investigation here. If you can't claim more than a fraction of percent error in voting I'm not up for fixing the problem that doesn't exist.

Personally, I still have no big issue with having an ID for myself, it's others. Maybe we can make it easier for them to get an ID so it's not another hurdle in their path to vote. I would actually take it further and require people to serve their country in some manner before getting a right to vote. It might eliminate a lot of this vote for a cult of personality crap, but that not how this country works and my ideas and just crazy.

Sorry, ranting on BS Arizona politics.
 
MD Planner said:
I don't disagree with you on this point. I've never understood the opposition to showing a valid ID to vote. And do not come at me with nonsense like it's too expensive, it's hard to get etc. Democracy requires participation and if you want to participate get a freaking ID.
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In AL there is no early voting and of course no time off for voting. Voting by mail can only be done through an absentee ballot, although they are pretty lax about it. Voting wait time is much higher in areas with minority voters. The state has gerrymandered voting wards to reduce minority representation. In the Black Belt, the average trip to get an id is over 50 miles. Almost 9% of the states voting age population is prohibited from voting due to conviction and having not provided full restitution to their victims or the state.

I wouldn't have an issue with ID if it weren't done solely to try to reduce voting by certain people. State GOP Chair voted with a homemade state agency ID and pressed the local worker to sign an affidavit for his relatives that don't believe in having their photo taken. Then had the guy fired when the poll worker told the chairman the next time he wouldn't lie on an affidavit.

The state has made efforts to help people get free voter ids. To get a free voter id you have to be a registered voter and have no other acceptable form of photo id. Then you go to a location that's open sporadically and get your voter id. To register to vote you have to have a photo id. This means that you are likely already disqualified from getting a free voter id (or even need one.) There are a few documents like a medical insurance card or W-2 that can be used with enough documents to meet the standard. Things like a public housing, nursing home, hospital or high school id would not work.
 
DVD said:
Personally, I still have no big issue with having an ID for myself, it's others. Maybe we can make it easier for them to get an ID so it's not another hurdle in their path to vote. I would actually take it further and require people to serve their country in some manner before getting a right to vote. It might eliminate a lot of this vote for a cult of personality crap, but that not how this country works and my ideas and just crazy.
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I am sorry, but I am very confused now. Are you saying it is ok to require an ID to register to vote but that it is unreasonable to ask for that same ID when you actually show up to vote? How hard is it to get an ID in AZ? I know here and in the other two states that I have lived it was VERY easy for people to get a government issued ID, even if it wasn't a driver's license.

I am fully aware of the history and voter suppression, but I think it is absolutely ridiculous to say that showing an ID to vote is discrimination. Heck, I need to show an ID for the following:
  • Pick up my kid from school
  • Buy types of over the counter medications or a prescription
  • Get a beer at a bar
  • Buy a car
  • Buy a house
  • Apply for a job
  • Open a bank account
  • Get on an airplane
  • Get married
  • Buy a gun
  • Adopt a dog
  • Rent a hotel or a car
  • Apply for a hunting license
  • Buy a cell phone
  • Gamble in a Casino
  • Donate Blood
  • Buy "mature" video games
But you are saying it is unreasonable to ask for an ID to vote?

Frustrated Come On GIF by Saturday Night Live
 
michaelskis said:
I am sorry, but I am very confused now. Are you saying it is ok to require an ID to register to vote but that it is unreasonable to ask for that same ID when you actually show up to vote? How hard is it to get an ID in AZ? I know here and in the other two states that I have lived it was VERY easy for people to get a government issued ID, even if it wasn't a driver's license.

I am fully aware of the history and voter suppression, but I think it is absolutely ridiculous to say that showing an ID to vote is discrimination. Heck, I need to show an ID for the following:
  • Pick up my kid from school
  • Buy types of over the counter medications or a prescription
  • Get a beer at a bar
  • Buy a car
  • Buy a house
  • Apply for a job
  • Open a bank account
  • Get on an airplane
  • Get married
  • Buy a gun
  • Adopt a dog
  • Rent a hotel or a car
  • Apply for a hunting license
  • Buy a cell phone
  • Gamble in a Casino
  • Donate Blood
  • Buy "mature" video games
But you are saying it is unreasonable to ask for an ID to vote?

Frustrated Come On GIF by Saturday Night Live
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Sadly, I'm old enough that I haven't been carded in years. The cashiers at most will ask my birthday. Other than a hotel room or get on an airplane, I haven't had to use my ID for any of those since well before COVID. Both of those things are luxuries that a lot of people don't have to do.

There are a lot of people that aren't as integrated into society. There a tons of people who buy goods with cash including guns, cars, and dogs. There are a lot of old people that live in nursing homes that don't have licenses anymore, lost documents in the transition, or have much use for them other than to vote every other year. There are cultures and religions that don't believe in photo ids. I'm sure there are ways to make reasonable accommodations for people. The problem is that we use these rules to make it harder for people we don't want to vote, to not be able to vote.
 
I'm a confusing person. I have no issue with showing ID because I have one. I just don't like the requirement because of the intent behind it. It's not there to prove I'm who I am. It's there to prevent that person from voting. If we're going to have ID laws then we should make them really easy to get. If you live in rural Arizona it's a 2 hour drive to civilization where you can get an ID. For people who don't have a car, that's not possible unless you get a friend to drive you. Then we need to start talking cost of gas, time spent on the road and at the DMV, and all the other costs that make people just say no, I don't need an ID, I don't need to vote.

If I think in terms of me, If l lost all my ID, I would order a birth certificate online - rural communities are lucky to have any kind of internet access. I would also need to go around the corner to my DMV with that birth certificate and maybe a social security card to get a photo ID - rural communities would take a day trip for that part. It's a lot of work to get ID.
 
DVD said:
I'm a confusing person. I have no issue with showing ID because I have one. I just don't like the requirement because of the intent behind it. It's not there to prove I'm who I am. It's there to prevent that person from voting. If we're going to have ID laws then we should make them really easy to get. If you live in rural Arizona it's a 2 hour drive to civilization where you can get an ID. For people who don't have a car, that's not possible unless you get a friend to drive you. Then we need to start talking cost of gas, time spent on the road and at the DMV, and all the other costs that make people just say no, I don't need an ID, I don't need to vote.

If I think in terms of me, If l lost all my ID, I would order a birth certificate online - rural communities are lucky to have any kind of internet access. I would also need to go around the corner to my DMV with that birth certificate and maybe a social security card to get a photo ID - rural communities would take a day trip for that part. It's a lot of work to get ID.
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You should try living in rural Michigan in late January…
 
I can't believe the things that are being said by right-wingers on the Paul Pelosi attack. I can hear them right now screaming ANTIFA if Ginni Thomas was attacked with a full government investigation.

Well actually it not a surprise anymore. There's no decorum left.
 
Planit said:
I can't believe the things that are being said by right-wingers on the Paul Pelosi attack. I can hear them right now screaming ANTIFA if Ginni Thomas was attacked with a full government investigation.

Well actually it not a surprise anymore. There's no decorum left.
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I agree. It is sickening.

Personally, I am surprised to hear how well he is doing and that he is expected to make a full recovery.
 
Ok... I have had it with our federal government. They have had 100 changes to do the right thing, but here we are again, trying to understand why. Sure, change is hard, but when it comes to something that 70% of Americans agree on, why shouldn't they take action end the sins of the past? This is something that goes way beyond politics. Everyone of us has been effected by this, some indirectly, but the majority it has been a direct impact on our health and well being. NOW is the time to act. Stand with me and contact your elected officials and demand that they step forth to evoke reach change. Now is the time to end daylight savings time.
 
michaelskis said:
Ok... I have had it with our federal government. They have had 100 changes to do the right thing, but here we are again, trying to understand why. Sure, change is hard, but when it comes to something that 70% of Americans agree on, why shouldn't they take action end the sins of the past? This is something that goes way beyond politics. Everyone of us has been effected by this, some indirectly, but the majority it has been a direct impact on our health and well being. NOW is the time to act. Stand with me and contact your elected officials and demand that they step forth to evoke reach change. Now is the time to end daylight savings time.
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Jake Gyllenhaal Reaction GIF
 
DVD said:
As someone who doesn't have to deal with daylight savings...what's going on now?
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Fall back this coming Saturday night into Sunday.

More morning daylight, but, especially for us at the east edge of a time zone, it starts getting dark at ~4:30p.

/sadface
 
Politicians can find an excuse to get out of anything - except office.

Stop repeat criminals—don't reelect them!
 
New level of pissed off this morning. My middle son is playing the game Minion Run on his iPad, and every time he finishes a level a campaign add plays on it. He is 10…
 
michaelskis said:
New level of pissed off this morning. My middle son is playing the game Minion Run on his iPad, and every time he finishes a level a campaign add plays on it. He is 10…
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I hate these ads when I'm trying to play a stupid game. My daughter gets them all the time on Spotify. She is demanding to have her alcohol ads back/

The best ad...talking about how the senator isn't really supporting the boarder. It shows a video of a guy in jungle camo repelling down the boarder wall. When he looks in the camera the guy is whiter than me. So:
1. I don't know many immigrants wearing camo, but it could happen.
2. If you're trying to cross the desert wouldn't you go for desert camo?
3. I know there are white immigrants out there, but I'm just not buying what you're selling.
4. You just proved the boarder wall is useless. I thought that was part of your sides position.
 
I think that the Governor's election in Michigan should be interesting. A buddy from HS who voted for the current governor took to FB this weekend to encourage people to not vote her her. He cited her response to COVID and how he believes she was trying to use it as a platform to be Biden's VP. BTW, he is an avid fisherman and was furious because his new boat arrived in early 2020 and stat in his garage for more than a year.

Depending on what polls you look at, it might be a super close race.
 
DVD said:
The best ad...
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Saw an ad for a conservative State candidate this week-end where the camera follows a thirty-something white mom through her house where she talks about about how the liberal candidate doesn't know how to address kitchen table issues. If you take your eyes off her, you can notice her house is well-appointed, probably decorated by the builder's favorite local furniture store owner, and as you think about how the camera follows her, not only is the house spic-and-span, but the number of rooms and halls they go through makes it feel like a 4,000-square foot house, probably costing $495,000 in today's market.

Now, if a liberal made this ad, the family would be multi-racial, living in a duplex, the kids would be in the back throwing a tennis ball to the dog, dishes would be stacked in the sink, and the car in the driveway would be an old Saturn Vue. And maybe dad is out back grilling burgers?
 
michaelskis said:
He cited her response to COVID...
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I heard ads where Toots is saying the same thing. What I don't understand is how Toots is going to win the Seniors vote in Michigan. So many Seniors that I know appreciated Gretch's resolve to keep the Covid restrictions in place for as long as she did.
 
Wannaplan? said:
I heard ads where Toots is saying the same thing. What I don't understand is how Toots is going to win the Seniors vote in Michigan. So many Seniors that I know appreciated Gretch's resolve to keep the Covid restrictions in place for as long as she did.
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The number one thing damaging Dixon's chances is her hard line stand on abortion - outlaw all abortions, even in cases of incest and rape.
 
Maister said:
The number one thing damaging Dixon's chances is her hard line stand on abortion - outlaw all abortions, even in cases of incest and rape.
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On a side note I keep hearing that referenced in political adds down here. At least half of them... What percentage of abortions are because of incest or rape? Just wondering.

But back to Michigan. Do you think that Michigan had the most restrictive COVID regulations in the US? Do you think the Governor went too far? I have heard stories, but I want to know what you think.
 
michaelskis said:
But back to Michigan. Do you think that Michigan had the most restrictive COVID regulations in the US? Do you think the Governor went too far? I have heard stories, but I want to know what you think.
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Basically, she copied Dewine's execution in OH and having lived through the OH version, there was no real lockdown.

Talk to the Italians and/or Chinese to understand real lockdowns.
 
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