United States Politics Thread 47

[Travis B.]

And it's unfortunate that given the current political system we are stuck with, the only rational choice may be to vote for someone I despise (Gavin Newsom) -- and that anyone who doesn't vote for them in a general election, given the opportunity to do so, must be considered a fascist regardless of whatever they may happen to call themselves.

[MysteryMan23]

And it's unfortunate that given the current political system we are stuck with, the only rational choice may be to vote for someone I despise (Gavin Newsom) -- and that anyone who doesn't vote for them in a general election, given the opportunity to do so, must be considered a fascist regardless of whatever they may happen to call themselves.

I don't know about considering people fascist for not voting for a candidate they honestly can't bring themselves to. That's honestly a bit close to "you're evil commie bastards just because you don't believe in trickle-down economics."

It is unfortunate to have to vote for a candidate other than the one you really wanted, simply because of how the system works. But I don't think voting against Newsom in the Democratic presidential primary counts against "vote blue no matter who". And that's not for another two years.

[Travis B.]

And it's unfortunate that given the current political system we are stuck with, the only rational choice may be to vote for someone I despise (Gavin Newsom) -- and that anyone who doesn't vote for them in a general election, given the opportunity to do so, must be considered a fascist regardless of whatever they may happen to call themselves.

I don't know about considering people fascist for not voting for a candidate they honestly can't bring themselves to. That's honestly a bit close to "you're evil commie bastards just because you don't believe in trickle-down economics."

We are this close to the Republicans turning the US into a fascist dictatorship -- anyone who can vote who doesn't vote for their only viable opposition in a general election really is no better than the fascists. That you "can't bring yourself to" is not an excuse. And yes, I personally blame each and every person who could have voted for Kamala in the general election who didn't for Trump and everything he has done since then or threatens to do. Your "principles" are not an excuse.

It is unfortunate to have to vote for a candidate other than the one you really wanted, simply because of how the system works. But I don't think voting against Newsom in the Democratic presidential primary counts against "vote blue no matter who". And that's not for another two years.

I said general election, and no, I wouldn't vote for Newsom in a primary myself.

[zompist]

We are this close to the Republicans turning the US into a fascist dictatorship -- anyone who can vote who doesn't vote for their only viable opposition in a general election really is no better than the fascists. That you "can't bring yourself to" is not an excuse. And yes, I personally blame each and every person who could have voted for Kamala in the general election who didn't for Trump and everything he has done since then or threatens to do. Your "principles" are not an excuse.

You've made your point, several times. In general you're right, but carrying on a feud with Emily helps no one. She said herself that she's from California, which went 58% to 38% for Harris last time; California voters are not bringing in fascism.

[MysteryMan23]

And it's unfortunate that given the current political system we are stuck with, the only rational choice may be to vote for someone I despise (Gavin Newsom) -- and that anyone who doesn't vote for them in a general election, given the opportunity to do so, must be considered a fascist regardless of whatever they may happen to call themselves.

I don't know about considering people fascist for not voting for a candidate they honestly can't bring themselves to. That's honestly a bit close to "you're evil commie bastards just because you don't believe in trickle-down economics."

We are this close to the Republicans turning the US into a fascist dictatorship -- anyone who can vote who doesn't vote for their only viable opposition in a general election really is no better than the fascists. That you "can't bring yourself to" is not an excuse. And yes, I personally blame each and every person who could have voted for Kamala in the general election who didn't for Trump and everything he has done since then or threatens to do. Your "principles" are not an excuse.

Well, that's fair. I just feel like "actual fascist" and "not fascist but unwilling to do what's needed" is still an important distinction. Especially if you're actually talking to the latter.

I did vote for Kamala, BTW. And for Hillary. And Joe Biden, of course. And if I have to vote for Newsom in the general, I will.

It is unfortunate to have to vote for a candidate other than the one you really wanted, simply because of how the system works. But I don't think voting against Newsom in the Democratic presidential primary counts against "vote blue no matter who". And that's not for another two years.

I said general election, and no, I wouldn't vote for Newsom in a primary myself.

That's fair too. Maybe I should have read closer.

And honestly, I'd rather vote for AOC than Newsom in any election.

[Travis B.]

I said general election, and no, I wouldn't vote for Newsom in a primary myself.

That's fair too. Maybe I should have read closer.

And honestly, I'd rather vote for AOC than Newsom in any election.

AOC is pretty much the closest thing to my ideal Democratic presidential candidate that I can reasonably hope for.

[jcb]

A marine veteran got his arm broken by police and a senator while being thrown out of the capitol for protesting the war with Iran. (Don't watch the video in the second link if you're squeamish.)
- https://www.9news.com.au/world/tim-shee ... 95c7c6628f
- https://bsky.app/profile/clairezagorski ... bc3vruoc2e

[jcb]

Also, I forgot to mention, American troops are being told by their commanders that the war with Iran is a holy war that will help "cause Armageddon".
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVOVqG6Mh40

Evangelion IRL, here we come!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X9RUOEOoNQ

[zompist]

I don't know Evangelion, but I feel like the end goal is more Warhammer.

[jcb]

I don't know Evangelion, but I feel like the end goal is more Warhammer.

And I don't know Warhammer.

I recommend watching the anime, because it's fun and a classic, but for those who don't want to, I will explain the analogy. (spoilers, obviously):

More: show

In Evangelion, there's an organization called SEELE (analogous to America), which funds NERV (Israel), which is fighting against the Angels (Iran), which are trying to invade NERV headquarters to start the Third Impact (Armageddon), but SEELE also secretly wants to start the Third Impact themselves, because whoever starts it gets to control the outcome.

Just as SEELE is using NERV while trying to start the Third Impact themselves, American Evangelicals are using Israel to start Armageddon. Don't be fooled by their friendliness to Israel; They still fervently believe that the Jews are Wrong, and during Armageddon Jesus will return and set everybody and everything straight, which is the ultimate goal.

[zompist]

And I don't know Warhammer.

It's a tabletop RPG set in a grimdark future 40,000 years from now. The description may ring some bells...

The Imperium of Man is described as an authoritarian techno-feudal theocratic human empire that comprises approximately 1 million worlds and has existed for over 10,000 years. The faction abhors aliens to the point that associating with aliens is a capital offence. The state religion of the Imperium is centred around its founder, the Emperor of Mankind, who united humanity millennia earlier. Although the Emperor is its nominal ruler, he was mortally wounded in battle and lives on life support in a vegetative state. Despite his condition, his mind still generates a psychic beacon called "the Astronomican" by which starships navigate the Warp. Although the Imperium has highly advanced technology, most of its technologies have not improved for thousands of years due to religious taboos against science and innovation.

[Travis B.]

Note in particular the term 'God Emperor' to refer to Trump...

[/ˌnɐ.ˈɾɛn.dɚ.ˌduːd/]

... Evangelion ...

I find myself wondering how a political discussion has reminded me to finish re-watching Neon Genesis.

[zompist]

Also, I forgot to mention, American troops are being told by their commanders that the war with Iran is a holy war that will help "cause Armageddon".
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVOVqG6Mh40

I accepted that story at face value too, but it turns out to be thinly sourced and impossible to verify.

[jcb]

Also, I forgot to mention, American troops are being told by their commanders that the war with Iran is a holy war that will help "cause Armageddon".
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVOVqG6Mh40

I accepted that story at face value too, but it turns out to be thinly sourced and impossible to verify.

That's unfortunate.

Even if this instance is phony, which it seems it is, my comparison of Evangelicals to Evangelion still stands.

[jcb]

... Evangelion ...

I find myself wondering how a political discussion has reminded me to finish re-watching Neon Genesis.

Or watch the Michael Bay version!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FckkZihQUaU

[malloc]

Considering all that has happened over the past year, I am surprised the department of agriculture hasn't recommended irrigating crops with energy drinks.

[MacAnDàil]

Considering all that has happened over the past year, I am surprised the department of agriculture hasn't recommended irrigating crops with energy drinks.

The department of agriculture is more interested under Brooke Rollins by building roads in forests and preventing animal welfare.

[WeepingElf]

Considering all that has happened over the past year, I am surprised the department of agriculture hasn't recommended irrigating crops with energy drinks.

That's a good one. It shows that you have humor - which is good for coping with things.

[Raphael]

Considering all that has happened over the past year, I am surprised the department of agriculture hasn't recommended irrigating crops with energy drinks.

That's a good one. It shows that you have humor - which is good for coping with things.

Seconded. And give it time, malloc.