US Elections 2020 (geopolitics, informed debate, no ad hominems)

Biden

14 (66.7%)

Trump

7 (33.3%)

Total Members Voted: 21

Voting closed: November 02, 2020, 06:25:59 pm

[John Camp]

There's a pretty coherent stream of thought that Roe v. Wade was not a good decision for women's rights advocates or the Democratic Party. This stream would argue that states were slowly, one by one, allowing abortion, and that at the time of Roe v. Wade some 20 states allowed some forms of abortion for some reasons (New York allowed them purely as a choice.) There wasn't a legal question as to whether this was permissible -- it was seen as something the states could permit if they chose. By passing Roe v. Wade, conservative politicians were given a shield to hide behind -- "We're against abortion, but what can we do after the Supreme Court has spoken?" So abortion became a practical non-issue for female voters, while remaining important for a group of single-issue voters who attached themselves to the Republicans who promoted the "We're against it, but what can we do?" line. If the Republicans had had to deal with the issue straight up -- vote for it or against it -- they may have had to face the wrath of large numbers of normally Republican suburban women. But, they didn't have to deal with the issue. If the new Court overthrows Roe v. Wade, there's going to be hell to pay in narrowly divided states where Republicans will be forced to choose between going with their anti-abortion base and offending large numbers of smart women voters.

[Alan Klein]

Not going to lie though, it is amazing how expensive radiators are.  A new radiator cost me $700, and that is not including the installation cost. 

When I was a kid living in The Bronx on the top floor of a 6 floor apartment building, we had one pipe steam radiators.  Since it was often colder on the top floor because the steam had trouble getting up there due to low pressure, you'd take a hammer and bang on the radiator to signal the superintendent in the basement that you're cold.  He'd turn up the heat by adding more coal to the boiler.  My friend's father who lived next door, used to put a saucepan with water heating in it up on top of the radiator to help add humidity to the dry apartment air. Air conditioning was a 24" exhaust fan and a window open at the other end of the apartment. Now we got a 7 day 24 hour thermostat automatically controlling a ducted HVAC heating and cooling system and my wife complains when the temperature dips a degree or two. 

But I still use film. 

[Alan Klein]

I have a Trane dual stage system with a humidifier.  I’ve never measured  the humidity.  Higher humidity might help with keeping COVID away.  Sorry wrong thread.  A new tax package from whoever wins the election for more humidifiers would be a good thing 😎

Yes.  If you want free humidification, you have to vote for Biden.  Go Green.   

[JoeKitchen]

When I was a kid living in The Bronx on the top floor of a 6 floor apartment building, we had one pipe steam radiators.  Since it was often colder on the top floor because the steam had trouble getting up there due to low pressure, you'd take a hammer and bang on the radiator to signal the superintendent in the basement that you're cold.  He'd turn up the heat by adding more coal to the boiler.  My friend's father who lived next door, used to put a saucepan with water heating in it up on top of the radiator to help add humidity to the dry apartment air. Air conditioning was a 24" exhaust fan and a window open at the other end of the apartment. Now we got a 7 day 24 hour thermostat automatically controlling a ducted HVAC heating and cooling system and my wife complains when the temperature dips a degree or two. 

But I still use film. 

I grew up with forced hot air, but then lived with radiator heat starting at 18.  When my wife and I bought out house, we had so much stuff done to i we could not live in it for the first three months and stayed with my in-laws.  This was from October to January, and they have forced hot air.  It was like moving into a dessert.  I don't know how you do it! 

Waking up in the middle of the night with dry throats and noses completely crusted inside, skin that was lacking of any moisture. 

If given the choice between central a/c in the summer or radiators in the winter, I'd take the latter every day of the year. 

[Alan Klein]

Another tangent.  Do you know why England drives on the left?  It is due to sword fights.

You see, if you are fighting with swords, it is best to march past an opposing army on the left side.  This is because you draw with your right hand from your left side in the direction of your right side.  So, if you are marching on the left and need to fight a passing army on the right, you can draw your sword and slash your enemy in one continuous motion.  So, when everyone fought with swords, people always passed on the left. 

Then rifles became commonplace. 

You see, if you are fighting with a rifle over our right shoulder and needed to attack on the fly, you would drop the rifle stock into your left hand, put your right hand around the trigger and pull the butt up to your right shoulder.  Doing this in a fluid motion would have you aiming to your left at first.  So, Napoleon eventually realized that switching the side an army marched on would give him a tactical advantage, and eventually every army followed suit, except England.  England, being sea locked, never had a large army and relied on its navy for protection, so there was no point in adopting it.  Then cars were invented. 

I also just found out why men stopped wearing dresses (everyone wore dresses at first) and started wearing pants.  That's quite interesting too, with war and religion mixed in. 

I didn't know knights drove cars in England.

On another note, if knights marched on the left, why did they charge their horses at each other on the right when jousting?  What if they had to switch to swords right in the middle?

In any case, I think Biden and Trump should have a sword fight to see who becomes president.  We'd all save a lot of money and aggravation and years of campaigning putting everyone on edge.  The only problem I see is they'll have to use 6 foot swords which might be  a little heavy for two old men.

[Alan Klein]

I grew up with forced hot air, but then lived with radiator heat starting at 18.  When my wife and I bought out house, we had so much stuff done to i we could not live in it for the first three months and stayed with my in-laws.  This was from October to January, and they have forced hot air.  It was like moving into a dessert.  I don't know how you do it! 

Waking up in the middle of the night with dry throats and noses completely crusted inside, skin that was lacking of any moisture. 

If given the choice between central a/c in the summer or radiators in the winter, I'd take the latter every day of the year. 

And I thought my skin was looking like crepe paper because I'm getting old.   I think I'll have to borrow my wife's skin cream.

[JoeKitchen]

I didn't know knights drove cars in England.

On another note, if knights marched on the left, why did they charge their horses at each other on the right when jousting?  What if they had to switch to swords right in the middle?

In any case, I think Biden and Trump should have a sword fight to see who becomes president.  We'd all save a lot of money and aggravation and years of campaigning putting everyone on edge.  The only problem I see is they'll have to use 6 foot swords which might be  a little heavy for two old men.

If you are right handed, you hold the joust with your right hand and shield with your left.  You cant protect yourself if you pass someone on the left since your shield would be opposite your opponent.  So it was better to pass them on the right so as to be able to actually use your shield. 

[Alan Klein]

If you are right handed, you hold the joust with your right hand and shield with your left.  You cant protect yourself if you pass someone on the left since your shield would be opposite your opponent.  So it was better to pass them on the right so as to be able to actually use your shield. 

Ah.  That makes sense.  But why doesn't the same thing apply to knights with a sword and shield?  Same difference.  The shield would be on the left and wrong side if they marched on the left.

I think I'd rather see Biden and Trump jousting on horses.  This reminds me of a great scene in the movie, Patton.  The famous WWII American general and tank commander was in Africa in the desert.  I think he was talking to his chief of staff explaining how wars were sometimes fought in antiquity.  He said the leaders of both sides would fight each other to the death as their armies watched and the winner's side would win the war.  So he told his chief of staff that what he would like is to fight the German tank commander General Rommel to the death.  Each of them would lock themselves up in their tanks and fight to the death and WWII would be decided on the outcome.  Very romantic general.  I think he was reincarnated from one of those knights in armor.  Biden and Trump doing something like that would be great.  Who needs elections?

[Alan Klein]

Biden needs Pennsylvania and this doesn't help him.

‘A Total Loss’: Looting Continues For 2nd Night In Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Following Fatal Police Shooting Of Walter Wallace Jr.
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/10/27/looting-continues-for-2nd-night-in-philadelphia-following-fatal-police-shooting-of-walter-wallace-jr/

[Alan Klein]

Some articles about the swing state of Pennsylvania and looting.




Philadelphia police arrest 91 people during violent riots after shooting of armed Black man; 30 cops hurt
The fatal police shooting of a Black man allegedly armed with a knife in the western side of Philadelphia sparked violent protests overnight, with 91 people ...
22 hours ago
Sharif Proctor lifts his hands up in front of the police line during a Monday night protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Police Department will increase its presence Tuesday night in anticipation of possible unrest. (Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

National Guard deployed to Philadelphia
Authorities in Philidelphia were bracing for a second night of protests Tuesday following violent confrontations between angry demonstrators and police hours ...
4 hours ago


Sputnik International
Live Updates: Unrest Continues in Philadelphia, Police Warn About Looting
The protests started on Monday following the fatal shooting of a black citizen, and quickly grew into riots, with vandalism, looting, and clashes with police forces...
5 hours ago
International


Fox Business
Philadelphia stores closing early Tuesday amid unrest over police shooting
Stores across Philadelphia are closing early Tuesday to prepare for another night of unrest following the shooting of Walter Wallace, a 27-year-old Black man ...
3 hours ago


Pennsylvania Governor Orders National Guard to Philadelphia after Riots
Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf ordered National Guardsmen to Philadelphia on Tuesday, following a night of riots that left 30 police officers injured and ...
5 hours ago
play_arrowOfficers observe a demonstration against racism and police violence taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 3. On Tuesday, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the department will not release names of officers involved in the shooting that led to 27-year-old Walter Wallace's death until a "threat assessment" is conducted.

Police Won't Release Names of Officers Involved in Walter Wallace Shooting Until 'Threat Assessment' Conducted
Philadelphia's police commissioner said the department plans to release the officers' names as long as doing so does not put their "safety at risk."
7 hours ago


The Post Millennial
BREAKING: National Guard mobilized amid Philadelphia riots
The National Guard is being mobilized amid the riots and civil unrest that have rocked Philadelphia since Monday night after the shooting death of Walter ...
5 hours ago
International


Trump ready to help Philadelphia police after 30 officers injured in riots: White House
President Trump is prepared to order federal intervention in Philadelphia after rioting erupted over a police shooting of a Black man wielding a knife, White ...
14 hours ago
https://news.google.com/stories/CAAqhQEICiJ_Q0JJU1dUb0pjM1J2Y25rdE16WXdTa3dLRVFqMThydU1rWUFNRWJfcU5sbTNQNUtRRWpkUWNtOTBaWE4wY3lCaWNtVmhheUJ2ZFhRZ2IzWmxjaUJ3YjJ4cFkyVWdjMmh2YjNScGJtY2dhVzRnVUdocGJHRmtaV3h3YUdsaEtBQVAB?hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen

[faberryman]

It’s real, IMO.  If it’s not for you, more power to you.

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what "it" turns out to be.

[faberryman]

I had serious doubts I could accomplish the feat, but I finished watching the Borat movie. It probably will not be up for an Oscar. I was only interested in it for Giuliani's starring role, which was mercifully brief. Unfortunately, he did not make his appearance until near the end, so some suffering was involved. Somehow, the director was able to sucker Giuliani into giving an interview about Trump's response to the coronavirus to a 24 year old actress playing the role of a 15 year old reporter for some unspecified foreign news agency who barely speaks English. Giuliani fell for it hook, line and sinker. Think about that for a minute. The interview took place in a hotel suite. Giuliani's demeanor and behavior during the interview portion of the scene can best be described as nauseating. Then, the interview was cut short, supposedly due to difficulties with the sound, and Giuliani and the 15 year old reporter adjourn to the adjacent bedroom, glasses of whiskey in hand. Giuliani ends up lying on the bed on his back with his hand down his pants. There is some dispute about what he was actually doing with his hand. At this point, the leading man jumps out of the armoire in what is perhaps some sort of transvestite or fetish outfit, I couldn't exactly say, and yells to Giuliani words to the effect of no, she's my 15 year old daughter, she's too old for you. Giuliani, befuddled, is helped off the bed and lead out of the suite where he is reunited with bodyguard (or whatever) who was standing guard in the hallway. Thus ends Giuliani's role. The scene cuts to the leading man and the 15 year old reporter exiting the hotel and running down the street. Did I mention the part about Giuliani thinking the above described scene was real, and not a scene from a farcical movie. I think I may have previously expressed my belief that Giuliani is whackadoodle. After watching this live action drama unfold, I can only say that I believe Giuliani is even whackadoodlier than I initially thought, or worse. No one in his right mind would ever take Giuliani seriously again, if they have done so before. As best as I can tell, Giuliani has been in hiding since the movie was released last week, working on an innocent explanation. He may be in hiding for a while. Unless, of course, in the interim his family has him committed.

[Robert Roaldi]

Finally some good news, the pandemic is over, https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/white-house-science-reporting-ending-pandemic_n_5f984ac2c5b66a9e1892a9b3.

We can breathe easy again. 

(I thought the thread needed a change from a discussion of heating systems.)

[Robert Roaldi]

As media headlines go, this is screamingly funny, https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/10/28/trump-wild-transition-433025.

What?  Trump, do something weird? 

[JoeKitchen]

Biden needs Pennsylvania and this doesn't help him.

‘A Total Loss’: Looting Continues For 2nd Night In Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Following Fatal Police Shooting Of Walter Wallace Jr.
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/10/27/looting-continues-for-2nd-night-in-philadelphia-following-fatal-police-shooting-of-walter-wallace-jr/

What drives me insane about this, is there are so many self aggrandized left wingers who think they are helping people by stoking the fires of the riots.  They will insist it is for the good of the community, but really they are just there to get their latest euphoric rush that comes from destroying things.  That's it; they are just there to revel in the sadistic pleasure of distruction. 

Then, a week or two later, when the real misery starts and the neighborhood drops dead, stores move out with burnt out business left in the wake, residents suffering from not being to shop anymore for needed supplies, these woke white liberals are nowhere to be found. 

They just move onto another neighborhood to burn never realizing the people they said they went to help are now eminently worse off then if they never showed up. 

[Robert Roaldi]

Here's some more about Hunter, https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/28/trump-conspiracy-theoryhunter-biden-433131.

The implicit question in the article is a fair one to ask. It's suspicious that the narrative has now switched to the alleged "cover-up" instead of the real story. If Rudy or others have a smoking gun, why isn't it out there? For what are they waiting, the 2024 election? a slow news day?

[faberryman]

Here's some more about Hunter, https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/28/trump-conspiracy-theoryhunter-biden-433131.

The implicit question in the article is a fair one to ask. It's suspicious that the narrative has now switched to the alleged "cover-up" instead of the real story. If Rudy or others have a smoking gun, why isn't it out there? For what are they waiting, the 2024 election? a slow news day?

Some already believe that it is an open and shut case, and the Bidens should be locked up. Trump is encouraging chants to that effect at his rallies. If Trump wins, we will probably be having years of investigations, which is why if that occurs I will be cancelling my cable TV and moving to a cabin in the woods. 

[Craig Lamson]

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what "it" turns out to be.

Bobulinski told us last night exactly what "it" is.  Watch the youtube of Tucker from last night

[Craig Lamson]

Here's some more about Hunter, https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/28/trump-conspiracy-theoryhunter-biden-433131.

The implicit question in the article is a fair one to ask. It's suspicious that the narrative has now switched to the alleged "cover-up" instead of the real story. If Rudy or others have a smoking gun, why isn't it out there? For what are they waiting, the 2024 election? a slow news day?

Actually I feel the supression is a far bigger story and it should worry every thinking American.  Biden is a crook, but whats new, it appears most politicians are. 

The news media trying to bury this to get Biden over the finish line is not a good thing for America.  IMO

[Alan Goldhammer]

I think they requested it and he said he would not give it to them but would make it available for them to see.  It appears they chose not to do that.

Quite frankly I would not give them the drive either.  But that’s just me because I would not trust them as far as I could throw their buildings.

To me it implies Rudy didn’t  trust them either.  Other outlets got access to the drive.

Why not just post everything on a website and let everyone examine it?  Where is Wikileaks when we really need them?  Why wouldn't you want full disclosure?  this smacks of hypocrisy.