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I, for one, cannot help but wonder about the consequences of electric cars on the "national power grid." If all Americans were to buy electric cars and all electric car owners (of which I am not one) plugged in their vehicles to charge car batteries at the same time -- say, between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. . . . To quote H. Ross Perot out of context, "you're going to hear a giant sucking sound" . . . followed by The Big Blackout.

They are splitting hairs and arguing in bad faith about distinctions about whether a few years either way makes any difference at all, in the law and the facts of an illegal, immoral, and unfair power imbalance between a child and an adult in a sexual situation. Period... Also, the fact that a man, including Epstein, prefers sex with girls close enough to legal consent age, at least in how they appear to onlookers, still makes them a creepy scumbag and a pedo, a criminal, and an adult man who has no business having sex with them. Those men are merely trying to look more respectable than they are, and to minimize or reduce their vulnerability to being condemned by the public and their peers..

Yes, Megyn Kelly can do basic math. As far as common sense goes umm 0. Whether a child is five or 15 they are still considered a minor. When a person of any age does not consent to sex and it is then forced on them, that is rape. Rape of a minor makes you a pedophile. PERIOD.

i fear that the bad news is already baked into his stock price and the bar has already been lowered to dirt level. i mean, he bragged about grabbing women by the cat hairs, is already a felon and adjudicated rapist, blew up 20 boats carrying 79 people on spec, hoped for his VP to be hanged, and buried his ex-wife on his golf course for the tax break!

I can only speak for myself. If I was a celebrity, I would feel obligated to speak out. It would be a gift to be able to do the moral and ethical thing in such a potentially impactful way.

I am suspicious of MTG’s motives. At first I felt she feared for her life with all the death threats but now thinking she resigned for selfish motives (money) after reading AOC’s comments.

I believe she has a plan, I’m just not sure what it is just yet, but her whole rebranding tour has something behind it. I don’t trust that the leopard has changed her spots!

“She’s carefully timing her departure just 1–2 days after her pension kicks in and after making millions of dollars insider trading stocks for weapons manufacturers and others while in office.” “She is saying a lot but her ACTIONS have not backed up the rhetoric. For all her talk, she’s STILL voting with them to gut healthcare and advance self-dealing corruption schemes!” - AOC

It's my belief that MTG looked at the polls and decided she was on the wrong side of the Epstein fallout. How soon we forget her rants and antics against the left. Her current behavior is just cleaning up the image for her next gig.

I agree, resigning because of someone you oppose, might be better for your own life and welfare, but it does nothing to stop the 🧻hole you oppose. If anything, it gives them a win, and makes them look and feel stronger... To me, the congress critters who start finally opposing THE LYIN' KING before they resign, are not profiles in courage, rather they are cowards. I have more respect for a Liz Cheney, who stand and fight, all the way to being defeated at the polls, compared to those who virtue signal thru resigning, rather than staying on and fighting, down to the last election they face..

just because someone is nutty, it doesn't mean that we can't trust the emotions they're presenting. We know she's never liked Democrats. She's been saying she doesn't like some of the things going on in her Party, especially the Epstein coverup. And she expressed how she felt about the prez attacking her and the threats she received. So, resigning makes sense. She may have had bigger aspirations, but i don't think she has them now. She'll probably miss the spotlight. If the king goes down in disgrace -- she might take the opportunity to resurface as someone who got it right. But if he goes down because of political pressure his voters will see her as someone to blame. it probably would have been better for the left if she stayed as a cog in the works even before he took office, the trend has been to resign if you oppose him. that's not helpful.

When asked about a woman becoming president of the United States of America, Former First Lady Michelle Obama bluntly stated, "We ain't ready." "Well, as we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready. That’s why I’m, like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not! So don't waste my time. You know, we got a lot of growing up to do, and there are still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it."

Agreed. Like I said, we will have a woman president eventually, assuming we keep having any sort of free and fair elections, which is still an if, in my mind. But even then, the first woman president will be a right wing, hawkish Republican candidate, simply because that will be the necessary pedigree to get most men, and even women, to feel safe and comfortable enough about voting for her. Because otherwise, both men and women voters are still too biased in thinking any Dem woman candidate is not tough or strong enough to handle the job.

They get feed 24/7 right wing propaganda coming in nBP is not gonna change it. Need to have a news feed out there to change their perspective.

Let’s see how he does in NY💙‼️

He was the “right” black man only because he was a “safe” black man (not radical, not militant, not aggressive, not forceful — unlike the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue) for a segment of the electorate. For me, Barack Obama was not the right black man. America needed — and still needs — a “person of color” who didn’t — and doesn’t — play it safe. Perhaps that man is Zohran Mamdani.

Follow-up Poll: Which Woman Do You Think Would Make an Ideal President? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, because her spunk, Democratic Socialist ideals, and (unfortunately rejected) "Green New Deal" legislation are the types of "breath of fresh air" that are desperately needed in America. Summer Lee, because, just like fellow "Squad" member AOC, she is fighting for the kind of future for America that I want. Kristi Noem, because America is going to the dogs, and this b*tch knows how to pop a cap on that problem! Rachel Maddow, because America would still be able to have a First Lady. Caitlyn Jenner, because she's got balls! RuPaul, because why not?! "Sissy that walk, Grrrl!" Write-in Candidate

I don’t know why I am consistently shocked every time I hear the Piggy Prez be so incredibly disrespectful and condescending to reporters. He is especially awful to the women. He’s behavior yesterday to reporter Mary Bruce made me sick. She was so brave to ask the Saudi Prince about Jamal Kashoggi. THE LYIN' KING unleashed his fury on her. Called insubordinate, disrespectful to his guest, a terrible reporter from a terrible Station and so on. I realize he is becoming completely unhinged but it’s truly hard for me to understand how any of his female voters could ever have considered him anything but a misogynistic narcissist, who absolutely has no respect for women whatsoever. Sorry for the rant. I’m pissed.

The large-scale Northeast blackout that caused significant multi-day disruptions occurred on August 14, 2003. A cascading failure starting in Ohio knocked out power for about 50 million people across eight U.S. states and parts of Canada, with power taking as long as two days to be fully restored for some areas. It was very scary and isolating. While it only lasted a few days, it was shocking to realize how much we are completely dependent on electrical power. I definitely believe it’s not a matter of if but of when. A cyber attack would be devastating and we need to be as prepared as possible. This was an informative article offering several affordable options for backup power. This is something we always put off. Thanks to this administration the sooner we are prepared the better.

That people get history and economics lessons from a 'toon exemplifies one reason why I despair for the future of America. Here are (IMO) more intellectually nutritious, more educational, more adult, and more valuable explanations of Capitalism and Socialism.

Well said, capitalism is anything but a fair and victimless system. In fact, it has millions of victims, who usually end up blaming themselves, rather than the system, for their suffering..

Yes, macphysto, I've encountered many admitted non voters over the years, and their answers always boil down to saying voting doesn't really matter, because it either doesn't change anything or that the major parties are too much the same, for it to make any difference. I still vote, even if every general election vote for statewide or federal elections always turns out to be a vote for the lesser evil, or even a vote that won't matter, since I live in a red state, where voting blue is itself a wasted vote most of the time in statewide or fed elections. But I always vote in the primaries, because that is where my vote usually matters the most and where I can actually vote for my hopes, and for someone I actually support, rather than just a lesser evil..

"Edgy" perfectly described Bill Hicks who, alas, is now either playing the main room in The Celestial Comedy Club or roasting a packed house of Republicans in the stygian Eternal Night Club. I am not smart enough to devise machinations and I am too irrational to be logical. I think the best fit, mac-wise, for me would be macaroni and cheese -- my favorite dish. It's also my "safe word." But, we won't go into that.

did y'all catch what happened yesterday? after weeks of not swearing in the last Epstein file voter, as soon as the vote happened and more damning dirt came out, the President of the United States ordered the, by definition, impartial Attorney General of the United States to investigate only Democratic Party parties in the Epstein file, despite him calling it a hoax, because... THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CAN NOW STOP THE EXPOSURE OF THE EPSTEIN FILE BECAUSE IT IS PART OF AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION!

It's esp., been true since the early 1970s, when the SC began ruling that campaign money was protected speech, and therefore couldn't be limited or regulated. This was long before their Citizen's United decision, which was more of a final nail in the coffin. It's really interesting to me, that the corporate media will occasionally mention how high our rate of non voting is in elections, compared to other developed democracies. But at the same time, the corporate media never does any studies, research, or analysis of why that is, esp. when it comes to asking registered voters why they don't vote. My take is that those voters see no real diff between the two major parties, esp. on economic issues and policy, and that's why they don't bother voting, esp. in fed elections. But the corporate media doesn't want to admit that, much less let those voters ever know about any third party or independent candidates, that offer a real option for voting outside the duopoly, and someone who isn't bought, because those parties and candidates don't have the money to buy ads in the corporate media, so the corporate media protects their big money clients, the major parties. And so it goes, on and on...

I'm with Lindy and macphysto, in really missing George Carlin. He was my hero and was also my generation's Lenny Bruce, when Carlin got older and his commentary got edgier and angrier.. I love the T-shirt with him and the quote, " Never underestimate the power of stupidity in large groups of people"...

Interesting discussion here! Seems that the root problem has always been that this country is just too vastly geographically big, to manage as one entity. In that sense it is similar to Russia or China…..

case in point, Megyn Kelly just lowered the bar to suggest, it's not like the young girls he was interested in were under 10, and "there's a big difference between a 15 year old and a 5 year old."

. . . to his eternal damnation, as far as I am concerned. Exactly! America does not have to exactly and slavishly copy the single-payer/universal healthcare models in other countries. Customization and optimization should be the strategy! Adopt what would work in America. Jettison what would not work.

No comprendo. But, that's okay. I don't need to understand everything. The last time that I dined with carnivores (during a business luncheon), pre-pandemic, I was asked the reason why I am a vegetarian. I recited the answer that had inspired me: "I don't want to eat anything that has to die to satisfy my appetite." . . . which initially caused an uncomfortable, squirming silence at the lunch table -- followed by my coworkers eagerly and hungrily tucking in on their burgers, steaks, and baby back ribs. I don't proselytize because, in my cynical opinion, proselytism -- aggressively trying to change people's minds -- not only doesn't work, it puts some people on the defensive and, in extreme cases, the offensive. If a meat-eater is considering "going veggie" and asks me how to do that, I'll offer recommendations. But, I will not militantly try to convert a flesh-eater to my lifestyle and my way of thinking. My philosophy is, everyone becomes "enlightened" at his/her own pace and in his/her own way. Tossing slavery into the discussion is not a persuasive argument for me. Lumping and equating any or all bad behaviors is too broad a generalization. I prefer to consider the sins of Man on a case-by-case basis. Pardon my compartmentalization . . . or don't. Bon appétit!

i like your out-of-the box thinking but it gets even more complicated. What if some southern states choose to go back to slavery? only men voting. No gay rights. One religion? Texas only sells oil to red states but pollutes the skies of a dozen states with their unregulated pollution, etc..

Hi Ben. Welcome to Newbl. Truly I feel for all of the federal workers not getting paid and all of the people not getting food money. It's especially difficult this time of year with the holidays upon us. I feel like we finally had some leverage to work with. It would have at least secured ACA . I fear the whole shutdown was for nothing and people suffered needlessly if we get nothing out of it. Unfortunately, we can only assume at this point the Republicans will renege on their promise, as we have learned their promises are just lies to advance whatever outcome they desire. We definitely have more fighting to do. I believe there will be a huge protest at the Capital on 11/22 thru 11/25. On 11/28 the Blackout begins and ends on 12/5. No Black Friday or Cyber Monday participation. (lol that will be difficult but I will do my part). You are right, our focus now has to be on winning the midterms. It's our only hope at this point. Although, I am hoping for an opening of the Epstein Files Christmas miracle.

lions and tigers and bears, oh my! i just watched Jon Stewart and he was way ahead of my curve. he suggests Schumer set up the cave-in with Senators who weren't up for re-election https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFI6MwlLJ08 conspiracy theorists, or any garden-variety citizen who knows who owns politicians, could take it one step further. perhaps the cave-in wasn't because, as one Senate caver said, "the stand-off wasn't working." It was precisely because, as the election proved, the stand-off WAS working!

There’s no place like Rome. There’s no place like Rome. Start packing.

yes. it appears they will vote against it. ok, i'm flexible enough to admit, at 9pm, that what i said at 5pm was wrong. i was focused on the blame game, rather than results the truth is if what really matters is cutting healthcare costs this was our only chance (for anything soon). even if we have a great election in one year we won't have all 3 branches we had him, and them, on the ropes. the voters spoke last week. they did their part now all we can do is brace for the flying monkees...

I think it is especially important for comedians to speak out. They are the ones who call out nonsense, piffle, lies, hypocrisy and utter bull💩. We depend on them to remind us of reality.

With fame comes responsibility.

I believe it's ok for celebrities to voice their opinions, just as it is ok for anyone to do so. But people must keep in mind that they are just individuals voicing an opinion.

interesting and complicated, Toledo. I suppose voting rights was a way to put an end to the violence. But now, between Musk, the King and all the king's men, they're doing all they can to take away the voting rights of others.

I applaud the celebrities that speak out and donate to causes they believe in. These are not normal times. When you have billionaires buying elections, we need all the help we can get. As for JK Rowling, I never was a Harry Potter fan but my daughter was. She was extremely disappointed in Rowling as a person but respects her writing.

I miss George Carlin. That speech could have been spoken today. I know it has always been this way but we have reached new heights of greed and power. They don’t even bother to hide it anymore. It’s a huge FU to the American people. I wish George Carlin was alive. His material could basically write itself as he reminds us I told you so.

I stopped watching Real Time with Bill Maher years ago only because I cancelled my HBO subscription -- and his show was the only reason that I subscribed to HBO. If he has become more conservative in his politics, that is, I think, a shame. Reportedly, comedian Dennis Miller (who was never on my radar) underwent a similar transformation. The maxim "If you are young and not liberal, then you have no heart; but if you are old and not conservative, then you have no brain" is one possible explanation. But I have always regarded that adage as specious. It certainly does not apply in my case . . . . . . nor in the case of this guy:

The reason I voted no is that during this past year when I have had discussions with conservatives online it has ended up becoming a nasty shouting match. I would prefer this to be a safe space with minded people.

to be clear, there's some talk about about dividing the country into 2 countries like the division of North Korea and a South Korea. Or some other configuration that would allow America's right-wing to do their things. Indeed, very complicated, but it deserves some contemplation given the extreme direction they're taking the whole country right now. off the top of my head, i think there may be some semi-reasonable options. Something that might take affect in, like a decade. Hell, i'd move to get out of hell if my state goes their way.