You know, if the recall effort ends up replacing Gray Davis with a guy who's admitted to having sex with a chicken, I will probably rupture my spleen due to several weeks of uninterrupted gut-laughing.
"I'm a little dyslexic......earlier, I freed my ass, and I'm hoping that my mind will follow." -- Moon Zappa
Him and the other 203 people who've gotten the paperwork...
EDIT: Of course what the hell, like he do any worse than Gray Davis. Why doesn't Hugh Hufner jump in too...
(edited by Grimis on 1.8.03 1054) "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin, 1759
I mean, sure, the whole recall election is a slap in the face to the democratic process, but I'll be goddamned if it isn't going to be entertaining. Especially if Arnold decides to run. Hell, I hope he wins - won't affect me none. I just hope they televise the Schwartzenegger/Flynt debate.
"So, we've got Uday and Qusay. Now, how about the eapons-way of ass-may estruction-day?" ---The Onion, What Do You Think?, 7.30.03
And finally, New Rule: No do-overs. Once you elect an official, unless he runs off with public funds or gets caught with kiddie-porn, you're stuck with him. He's the governor, not some dude you married in Las Vegas. [applause]
Now, what is going on here in California, if you're lucky enough not to have been following this, is that the economy turned, so we're getting rid of the governor. But what if we drive him out of office and the economy still doesn't get better? I guess we'll have to burn him. [laughter] And if that doesn't work, we'll kill his dog. [laughter]
Yes, in baseball, when the team stinks, you fire the manager. But you don't fire him because it rains. And you don't fire him between innings and replace him with a Viennese weightlifter. [laughter] [applause]
Here's why the economy turned. The dot-com bubble burst. Obviously on the orders of Gray Davis. [laughter] The airline industry collapsed. Just as Gray Davis planned. [laughter] We fought two wars overseas, playing right into Gray Davis' hands. [laughter]
And Dick Cheney's friends at Enron gamed the energy market and ripped the state off for billions. So you can see the problem: Gray Davis. [laughter]
And the obvious solution? A Viennese weightlifter. [laughter] [applause]
Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Finally a candidate who can explain the administration's positions on civil liberties in the original German. [laughter] [applause] [groans]
Not that I'm saying I love Gray Davis. Being enthusiastic about Gray Davis would be like saying your favorite food is straw. [laughter] [applause]
But he fought for his country in Vietnam and won a fair election. And he's entitled to his term. Maybe he's a crappy governor, but he was the one elected by voters who bothered to show up at the polls. [applause] Their efforts should not be undone by disgruntled shoppers signing a petition on their way out of Target. [applause]
Look, there's still a lot of Democrats with sour grapes over the last presidential election. But they're not collecting petitions to replace George Bush with Bernie Mac! [laughter] [applause]
So while we're trying to export representative democracy to Baghdad, it's time we started believing it in Brentwood. Because that -[mock choking up]-my fellow Americans, is what Jessica Lynch was fighting for!! [applause]
"So, we've got Uday and Qusay. Now, how about the eapons-way of ass-may estruction-day?" ---The Onion, What Do You Think?, 7.30.03
I, personally, fail to see how something that is outlined in the state constitution, which is brought about by signing petitions and a direct election by the people is a slap in the face to the democratic process.
The Democrats have a stranglehold on this state. The problem is, none of them are really decent people. They are all wacked out far left wing freaks. When government spending (40% increase) is almost twice population grown and inflation over the course of Davis's term, and we are running this bad of a deficit when state revenues have gone up 28% over the last 4 years (pop. growth and inflation comes to 21%, so it is IMPOSSIBLE to blame the economy), something has to be done.
If a CEO mismanaged their company this atrociously, you better believe his ass would be gone. This is a severe case of misplaced party loyalty. Davis is a corrupt, inept governor. He needs to be replaced, and as long as he is replaced by someone with a backbone, with some integrity, who is going to control the states spending (a desire to have illegal immigration controlled would be a BIG plus)... I don't care if they are Democrat. Hell, a Democrat might even be more efficient than a Republican, considering the state of the rest of California's elected offices.
Personally I think the Democrats need to quit backing this loser of a governor, and put forward some canditates of their own. Yeah, I am likely to vote Republican, but considering the make-up of this state, party wise, Democrats should be on the ballot. And time is running out...
Originally posted by Pool-BoyThe Democrats have a stranglehold on this state. The problem is, none of them are really decent people. They are all wacked out far left wing freaks.
Leave it to Pool-Boy to be the voice of dispassionate reason.
"I'm a little dyslexic......earlier, I freed my ass, and I'm hoping that my mind will follow." -- Moon Zappa
Bill Maher proved once again how far out there he really is. The dot-com bubble had something to do with the problems, but when you sign a ludicrous iron-clad contract with energy companies at ridiculous pricesm then refuse to cut spending to avoid a budget disaster, the blame tends to fall back to Davis. Additionally, Pool-Boy hit it on the head; it's in the state Constitution. It's perfectly legal for them to do that. Davis has been a cesspool of malfeasance and misfeasance since day one, at it looks like his latest budget broke the camels back. End of story.
And yes this is similar to some Dems bitching about the 2000 election.
Originally posted by Bill MaherYes, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Finally a candidate who can explain the administration's positions on civil liberties in the original German.
Bill Maher's obvious class strikes again. He's out there with Moore and Coulter.
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Ben Franklin, 1759
Originally posted by GrimisAdditionally, Pool-Boy hit it on the head; it's in the state Constitution. It's perfectly legal for them to do that.
I think that most objectors have accepted the fact that the recall _is_ legal. That doesn't make its actual workings seem logical or particularly fair when the process is invoked.
Davis won with a clear plurality in 2002, 47% to 42%. Only about one-third of the LOSING side was required to sign petitions to call for this do-over, however, and that same one-third of the losing side could end up being enough to win the governorship if Davis fails to get the required 50% on the first half of the ballot. It's conceivable that Davis could get MORE votes than he did in 2002, yet still be removed, and a Republican challenger could be elected with far fewer votes than were insufficient to win in 2002.
Sure, it's legal, but doesn't that sound... odd? (What'll be interesting is to see how many other states have similar provisions, and what groups are licking their chops to pull such a stunt elsewhere once they see how this turns out.)
Of course, the Democrats are merrily shooting themselves in the foot by refusing to endorse any candidates on part two of the ballot. Any Democrat besides Davis can benefit from the same plurality rules, and it wouldn't take a brain surgeon to concoct a "We have TWO fine candidates; vote for Davis on Part 1, and ___ on Part 2" publicity blitz. Going all-or-nothing with Davis's support virtually concedes the governorship if the recall succeeds.
"I'm a little dyslexic......earlier, I freed my ass, and I'm hoping that my mind will follow." -- Moon Zappa
Originally posted by vspSure, it's legal, but doesn't that sound... odd?
The number of signatures doesn't bother me, but the mere pluraity to win the election, while entertaining, is complete asinine.
The thing about the recall that never gets mentioned is that this isn't the first time a recall has been tried in California, its just the first time it actually succeeded. 31 straight years there have been recall efforts (which encompasses Republican and Democratic governors), and only the ineptitude of Gray Davis brought forth enough momentum to actually get enough votes for a recall election. And, has there been a decision yet on whether the Wienerboard members will be taking a field trip to California to stuff the ballot box for CRZ yet? And, the most positive thing about the recall election: It'll be alot more entertaining that the '5 months until Iowa and New Hampshire political coverage' that we'd be stuck with. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they had a write in campaign to get Kobe elected governor out there.
Cubs, White Sox and Red Sox fans unite. Its time to overthrow the German Government and re-install our beloved Kaiser. Remember, Kaiser ='s World Series victories.
Originally posted by Pool-BoyThe Democrats have a stranglehold on this state. The problem is, none of them are really decent people. They are all wacked out far left wing freaks.
Such a "stranglehold", in fact, that since 1943 - 3 of the 8 governors elected in California have been Democrats (including Davis):
With regards Senate, 7 of 15 within the same timeframe have been Republican - so there you may have a point, although by no means a stranglehold (the last decade has been more Republican than Democrat):
So in Presidential elections the state leans to the Democratic (and please stop calling the Democrats the left - they haven't been anything but moderates since the 1980s - it insults those of us actually on the left). Anyway - they hardly have a stranglehold.
"It's hard to be a prophet and still make a profit." - Da Bush Babees
"Finally, a candidate who can explain the current administration's position on civil liberties in the original German." - Bill Maher on Arnold Schwarzenneger
I'll call the Democrats the left if I want to. You're not the left; you're red.
And while I do jest, I also resent the implication that the Democrats are the moderates - because it implies anyone to the right of the Democrats (like myself) is some sort of dangerous wacko.
"Georgie Porgie, he might buy the whole league, but he doesn't have enough money to buy fear to put in my heart." Pedro Martinez
Originally posted by PalpatineWAnd while I do jest, I also resent the implication that the Democrats are the moderates - because it implies anyone to the right of the Democrats (like myself) is some sort of dangerous wacko.
Can I make that my .sig file? Please? :)
"So, we've got Uday and Qusay. Now, how about the eapons-way of ass-may estruction-day?" ---The Onion, What Do You Think?, 7.30.03
I'll call the Democrats the left if I want to. You're not the left; you're red.
And while I do jest, I also resent the implication that the Democrats are the moderates - because it implies anyone to the right of the Democrats (like myself) is some sort of dangerous wacko.
Well, you might not be a "dangerous wacko", but that's essentially what is happening. Things are getting pulled farther and farther to the right - and I think this re-call is evident of that, as are things like Fox News, etc. Not to bring up the media bias debate again, but CNN doesn't represent my views - not even close (and I am not a communist, not even in jest). And yet time and time again on this board I hear how left-wng they are (I think Grimis called CNN Communist at one point, although he may have been joking).
I say, look at the policies of the recent Democrats - socially liberal, but in terms of foriegn and economic policies they are conservative - and I think that's why they are having such trouble right now - no one can distinguish them from the right (except the right).
I have no problem with conservatives - some of my best friends are conservatives - and I don't mind having a debate on the issues. But there are very specific things that make something left - not liberal, but leftist - and 95% of Democrats do not fall in that category.
"It's hard to be a prophet and still make a profit." - Da Bush Babees
"Finally, a candidate who can explain the current administration's position on civil liberties in the original German." - Bill Maher on Arnold Schwarzenneger
Originally posted by vsp Davis won with a clear plurality in 2002, 47% to 42%. Only about one-third of the LOSING side was required to sign petitions to call for this do-over, however, and that same one-third of the losing side could end up being enough to win the governorship if Davis fails to get the required 50% on the first half of the ballot. It's conceivable that Davis could get MORE votes than he did in 2002, yet still be removed, and a Republican challenger could be elected with far fewer votes than were insufficient to win in 2002.
Did you see the stiff that was running against Davis?
Baseball's Sad Lexicon
These are the saddest of possible words: "Tinker to Evers to Chance." Trio of bear cubs, and fleeter than birds, Tinker and Evers and Chance. Ruthlessly pricking our gonfalon bubble, Making a Giant hit into a double- Words that are heavy with nothing but trouble: "Tinker to Evers to Chance."
There's so much about this recall that I don't get at all.
#1 - what genius decided to have the election to replace the governor the same day as the recall? What's so hard about if the recall succeeds, the Lt. Gov's in charge until a special election in 90 days or whatever? Wouldn't that make more sense?
#2 - why the hell doesn't Grey Davis just fall on his sword at this point? It's not like the Dems don't have enough politicians in California that could run for Governor. And California is still a very Democratic state. A decently popular Dem with no baggage beats anything but a brilliantly run centrist GOP campaign statewide, head to head - which brings me to my third point
#3 why the hell doesn't the GOP run ONE candidate, probably Dick Reardon, and just put this one in the bag. The Dems have already given them a huge opening by rallying round an unpopular choice (Davis). All the GOP has to do is run ONE candidate with not a lot of baggage that to the left of Bill Simon, and they're good to go. And the GOP is the party that is usually really good at avoiding dissention in the ranks, not the Dems. Instead they seem determined to split the vote 3 or 4 ways, allowing Davis to get recalled, and then win the election again with 30% of the vote. Unless that's the plan all along, make Davis even weaker than he already is and keep him as an issue for 2004.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think I was going to talk about 'man on dog' with a United States Senator. It's sort of freaking me out."
Associated Press interview with Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), 04-07-2003.
Well, through all this it is true that the price ceilings set for the energy companys is what screwed over Californians and caused the rolling blackouts and all that good stuff.
Rorschach: "None of you understand. I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me."
You know, if the recall effort ends up replacing Gray Davis with a guy who's admitted to having sex with a chicken, I will probably rupture my spleen due to several weeks of uninterrupted gut-laughing.
You know he'd win in Minnesota.
Washington Huskies, 2003 Pac-10 football champs. Coming soon.
OK, so Clinton had a little on the side. And the Republican mind benders, seeing their main chance to really yank the chain of the average red blooded American male, decided to impeach him. Too bad Clinton was just an average American instead of royalty like Reagan and Bush. Now Bush doesn't need any on the side, since he is putting up the a.. of all those red blooded American males who make less than $350K. Meanwhile, he has increased the deficit to half a trillion this year, so far. Who is paying for that weenies? Yup, your 15% SS tax, not paid for by those who get their check in the mail, ie dividends, interest and capital gains where SS has never tred. And which is therefore not counted in the tax cut analysis. Who is going to pay to rebuild the slums of Bagdad. Yup, the same poor slobs. Who reaps the profits? Officers and board members of Halliburton, Bechtel and Lockheed. Did you know that the top 400 personal income tax returns in the US last year had an average annual income of $175 mil. Yes the lottery every year, year in year out, year after year. And these are the folks who got the tax cut. It is Bush's way of saying thank you for getting him elected. Do you for one second think that these folks give a half a second's thought for your well being? Did you know that if you earn more than $85K, you don't pay SS on the balance. No? WHY THE HELL NOT?
What is wacked out about the CA recall election? It is the brainchild of a former car thief and inventor of the Viper car alarm system. One rich thief who saw a way to get richer by becoming governor HIMSELF on the cheap. It only cost him $1Mil to dupe angry Californians into scape goating Davis. Wake up and figure out that if the Republican continue to rule, there will be no decent paying jobs in the US in the next 20 years. Lettuce picking anyone?
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vsp: He wasn't just describing his own race. He was describing us whiteys as being unable to stand the heat. That being said, I don't think it was racist. It was, however, really stupid: