Awww. I have always been adverse to seeing people die. In this case I’d would love to witness McConnell (and Trump) expire on camera. Looking to seeing Trump keeling over while celebrating the 250 of our country. I might be punished myself by being hit by lightning on 7/4 but I am willing to sacrifice my life for my country.
Witnessing the transparency of the Mamdani administration has reminded me of just how much we, the constituents, have been excluded from every conversation.
As a guy who is going to retire within a year I’m baffled by this incredible reticence to acknowledge aging of any kind for any reason. Why WOULDNT a 65-70 year old someone in Congress be itching to retire? They’ve set themselves up for the cushiest of cushy walks off into the sunset for precisely that, haven’t they?
Reading your last several comments and replies to others here I don't understand any of your comments/replies. I have no idea of what points you are trying to make other than you are having trouble understanding what others are saying.
I’m 83, and I still remember how happy I was the day I retired. But here’s the difference between us and members of Congress: I worked like hell for years and was exhausted. They, on the other hand, have the cushiest job imaginable. They technically “work” six months a year, but I recommend spending a few days watching C-SPAN to see what actually happens most days. I can’t forget the day I listened to good ol’ boy Buddy Carter eulogize what seemed to be half of Georgia to a chamber that was basically empty. Or when they debated the merits of an obscure bat in the midst of shutdown threats, again to an empty chamber. So why not hang onto one’s seat like grim death, literally? It’s retirement without retiring.
"On a lighter note, enjoy your holiday weekend. I suspect we have a funny Trump tweet saying sayonara to McConnell to look forward to."
Well, Ken, thank you for the wish, but on a counter-lighter note, I hope the guy - McConnell, that is - hangs on for quite a while longer. How does that line from the James Bond movie "Thunderball" go? "May his death be a particularly painful one." Something like that. I'd say "prolonged and nasty," along those lines. Really, he deserves it, and then some. A fitting obituary would read, "Did more than his fair share of damage to the nation."
Or as Gore Vidal said upon learning of William F. Buckley's death, "I thought hell is bound to be a livelier place, as he joins forever those whom he served in life, applauding their prejudices and fanning their hatred."
"So, yes, I do not wish him well: He has done too much harm to this country to feel bad about his upcoming death, which cannot come soon enough."
Well done recap of his long career - and careen - in the Senate. All credit and condemnation should be given him. I just disagree with the closing few words. Let him suffer long and grievously for all that he's done, and undone, to the nation.
"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1796
Here you go - Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representative Maxine Waters, and yes, of course Representative Nancy Pelosi!? And I’ll add Susan Collins, as the youngster of the group.
"As with the gerontocracy in general, the problem is symptomatic of the fact that Congress doesn’t respect us."
I'd tend to say this is an effect of (bourgeois) hierarchy: How _dare_ you, The Worker/Little Person, think yourself my equal as to ask after my/The Boss's/Owner's/Big Important Person's absences . . . .
I do not wish ill of anyone; it’s just not in my nature. That does not mean I need to boost or support someone’s legacy when they’re gone. McConnell knows that he has screwed himself in that regard. If he’d retired 10 years ago - different story. Now, most Republicans hate him as much as liberals always have. He’s unlikely to get that State funeral when he is days are done.
Sure, he’s gone on to try to salvage his reputation by opposing Trump now and then. But that’s why his own party hates him now. He thinks he can pull a Mike Pence, but he’s simply not that guy. I probably disagree with Pence on 9 out of 10 issues, but he’s not a man drunk on wielding authoritarian power and disregarding democratic norms.
These men are concerned about their legacy. So I’m content knowing that McConnell knows deep down that he really screwed the pooch in this regard.
One can only hope.
It's insane. From both parties.
totally bipartisan problem
Awww. I have always been adverse to seeing people die. In this case I’d would love to witness McConnell (and Trump) expire on camera. Looking to seeing Trump keeling over while celebrating the 250 of our country. I might be punished myself by being hit by lightning on 7/4 but I am willing to sacrifice my life for my country.
I want Trump to stroke out while ranting on stage mainly to cut down on the conspiracy theories.
Your country dear Sharon has waged war consistently. on other countries.....I would not be so proud if I was YOU.
Witnessing the transparency of the Mamdani administration has reminded me of just how much we, the constituents, have been excluded from every conversation.
I was thinking the same thing !
As a guy who is going to retire within a year I’m baffled by this incredible reticence to acknowledge aging of any kind for any reason. Why WOULDNT a 65-70 year old someone in Congress be itching to retire? They’ve set themselves up for the cushiest of cushy walks off into the sunset for precisely that, haven’t they?
Because their families hate them and they have no friends. This is all they have
Whoa. I never thought that they might have families that hate them. How incredibly sad for them and then for us all.
I’m sure there’s exceptions but I’ve seen this is often the case. Pursuit of power leaves little time for family
Agreed. Unfortunately not unique to politicians either-anyone with a massive (insecure) ego is hard to live with.
I wondered. 🤔
I really do not understand this comment Ken.
"Their families hate them?"
Strange statement.
Many politicians do not have good relationships with their families. That may be why so many refuse to retire.
This is not fact Ken?
I understand your thought process BUT I will not condone this until I know for sure.
I know of many examples personally
Release them? You are a brave man and my hero.
Reading your last several comments and replies to others here I don't understand any of your comments/replies. I have no idea of what points you are trying to make other than you are having trouble understanding what others are saying.
I’m 83, and I still remember how happy I was the day I retired. But here’s the difference between us and members of Congress: I worked like hell for years and was exhausted. They, on the other hand, have the cushiest job imaginable. They technically “work” six months a year, but I recommend spending a few days watching C-SPAN to see what actually happens most days. I can’t forget the day I listened to good ol’ boy Buddy Carter eulogize what seemed to be half of Georgia to a chamber that was basically empty. Or when they debated the merits of an obscure bat in the midst of shutdown threats, again to an empty chamber. So why not hang onto one’s seat like grim death, literally? It’s retirement without retiring.
"On a lighter note, enjoy your holiday weekend. I suspect we have a funny Trump tweet saying sayonara to McConnell to look forward to."
Well, Ken, thank you for the wish, but on a counter-lighter note, I hope the guy - McConnell, that is - hangs on for quite a while longer. How does that line from the James Bond movie "Thunderball" go? "May his death be a particularly painful one." Something like that. I'd say "prolonged and nasty," along those lines. Really, he deserves it, and then some. A fitting obituary would read, "Did more than his fair share of damage to the nation."
Or as Gore Vidal said upon learning of William F. Buckley's death, "I thought hell is bound to be a livelier place, as he joins forever those whom he served in life, applauding their prejudices and fanning their hatred."
He stole 2 Scotus seats: one from Obama and one from Joe Biden.
He packed the federal judiciary for Trump with white men, many of them unqualified.
He vowed to obstruct Obama.
He vowed to obstruct Biden.
He made the debt ceiling a permanent hostage starting in 2011.
He turned the filibuster into a weapon.
He voted to acquit Trump after the Jan. 6 insurrection.
He built a career, (and a big campaign nest egg), fighting gun safety regulations.
He destroyed campaign finance reform and filibustered any effort to get money out of politics.
He blocked votes to save the Voting Rights Act.
He tried to kill Obamacare—but failed.
He blew off coal miners with black lung disease from his own state.
He’s working with the Trump campaign RIGHT NOW to endorse Trump for another term.
He named himself the “Grim Reaper,” vowing to kill any Progressive legislation and expand Medicare.
He took this infamous picture in front of a Confederate flag at a meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. And no, he isn’t sorry.
He tried to silence Sen. Elizabeth Warren. It backfired.
So, yes, I do not wish him well: He has done too much harm to this country to feel bad about his upcoming death, which cannot come soon enough
"So, yes, I do not wish him well: He has done too much harm to this country to feel bad about his upcoming death, which cannot come soon enough."
Well done recap of his long career - and careen - in the Senate. All credit and condemnation should be given him. I just disagree with the closing few words. Let him suffer long and grievously for all that he's done, and undone, to the nation.
"However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS | SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1796
Marian. I like your comment but ONLY men?
Nancy Pelosi!
Here you go - Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representative Maxine Waters, and yes, of course Representative Nancy Pelosi!? And I’ll add Susan Collins, as the youngster of the group.
Susan Collins a youngster? I really am getting old!
Thanks
I’m 70. It was a rare moment of sarcasm. And I love Graham Platner.
She’s in her 5th term in office! She’s 73. Why not retire?
A nobody.......yes retire.
I do believe he passed away a few years ago.
I love this.
"As with the gerontocracy in general, the problem is symptomatic of the fact that Congress doesn’t respect us."
I'd tend to say this is an effect of (bourgeois) hierarchy: How _dare_ you, The Worker/Little Person, think yourself my equal as to ask after my/The Boss's/Owner's/Big Important Person's absences . . . .
At some point you have to just say to yourself, this is just stupid and corrupt, all at once.
Yep!
“Terrarium” 🤣🤣
I believe the McConnell EMS call happened on June 14th, not May 14th.
I do not wish ill of anyone; it’s just not in my nature. That does not mean I need to boost or support someone’s legacy when they’re gone. McConnell knows that he has screwed himself in that regard. If he’d retired 10 years ago - different story. Now, most Republicans hate him as much as liberals always have. He’s unlikely to get that State funeral when he is days are done.
Sure, he’s gone on to try to salvage his reputation by opposing Trump now and then. But that’s why his own party hates him now. He thinks he can pull a Mike Pence, but he’s simply not that guy. I probably disagree with Pence on 9 out of 10 issues, but he’s not a man drunk on wielding authoritarian power and disregarding democratic norms.
These men are concerned about their legacy. So I’m content knowing that McConnell knows deep down that he really screwed the pooch in this regard.
Please?!
There’s a lower age limit; I feel like there ought to be an upper one