(Tom Toles via GoComics.com)
Another potential Romney VP candidate jumps off the bus, per Doghouse Riley:
SO the once-scintillating sputter, petty thievery, and massive PR flummery that was the political career of Mitch “Spud” Daniels, one-time Governor of Indiana, grinds to a much-needed halt tomorrow, as the Trustees of Purdue University, the majority of whom were appointed by Mitch Daniels, announce their choice for the next President of the state’s largest Ag college: Governor Mitch Daniels.
This is a choice which makes a whole lot of sense, assuming you’re Mitch Daniels, or a Trustee of Purdue University….
In other words, Mitch Daniels got the brush from the Romney campaign, which possibly explains his “brave” criticism of Romney, one day after belatedly endorsing him, for not running the sort of campaign Mitch Daniels refused to run. Explains it to everyone but the Beltway press, I mean.
The bad news for the rest of us, I suppose, is that “President” Mitch Daniels will now be available for service aboard the next “wholly bipartisan” Simpson Bowles Cat Food Commission for Deficit Reduction, Plutocracy Tax Cuts & Slashing Social Security.
Wonkette reports that the Romney campaign has consoled itself (assuming consolation were necessary) with a “new goon to love“:
News that the Romney campaign has taken on top gun “electoral strategist” Nathan Sproul gets unsurprisingly little attention. Distinguishing this Sproul from other vague shapes now buzzing the Citizen’s United honeywagon are long-buried reports of behavior that gives oppressive right-wing polluter-friendly theocracy a bad name…
Sproul’s labors across several states on behalf of the G.O.P. are said to have included throwing away registration forms, altering election documents and firing workers who registered Democrats. The Dubya-era Justice Department passed on investigating Sproul, whose Lincoln Strategy Group went on to cuddle up to Big Coal. Democrats, even heavyweights like Ted Kennedy and John Conyers, complained early and often, but few in the media listened and none remembered once James O’Keefe concocted the ACORN scandal…
Indeed, some Republicans are uneasy with Sproul, perhaps understanding in their very dim way that the party’s persistent need for such operators doesn’t say much for the vaunted superiority of conservative “ideas” in a supposedly free marketplace. Former Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) noted “the difference between ACORN and Sproul is that ACORN doesn’t throw away or change registration documents after they have been filled out.” The reported $71,391 forked over by Romney is small change compared to $8.5 million Sproul & Associates reportedly got out of the Bush-era G.O.P. As early as 2004, Salon.com’s Farhad Manjoo asked “Doesn’t the Republican Party fear being associated so closely with a man, and a firm, whose record is less than fully aboveboard?”…
Silly Mr. Manjoo! The Romney campaign, mirroring its leader, prefers to hire proven operatives with a resume of results-driven performance. Ethics are… well, not for winners. Willard’s running for president, for Pete’s sake!
Speaking of “winners”, GOProud does not seem to be clear on the concept. Per Paul Constant at Seattle’s Stranger:
Mitt Romney won’t fight for gay people. He’s against gay marriage, he’s said that he will allow DADT to stand if he becomes president though he wasn’t “comfortable” with it, and he won’t stand up for his gay employees when they are targeted by religious conservative groups. But it looks like gay Republicans will fight for Mitt Romney. Last night, GOProud voted to endorse him in the 2012 presidential race…
Apart from being grateful we’re not Republicans, what’s on the agenda today?
Patricia Kayden
What is GOProud’s agenda? How can a gay group support a political party which is against equal rights?
Pat In Massachusetts
“Ethics are… well, not for winners.” This reminds me of the Business Ethics course I took at my junior college. Now that I am moving on to the UNIVERSITY, I discovered that not only is ethics not for winners it is not transferable for credit either! That was a damned hard course, but in the end my Federal Financial Aid dollars were wasted on ethics.
So it does seem America frowns on ethics.
Raven
@Pat In Massachusetts: I just spent three days at a conference that, in part, discussed the issues involved with course credit transferability. I wonder if there is any kind of appeal process at your new institution?
Schlemizel
Got another job interview this afternoon. The permanent offer from my current gig is stuck in HR, they insist on an internal hire despite having none available to fill the roll.
I used to enjoy job interviews but lately they are just a drag. Too few managers have any idea what they are looking for. And this one is downtown near rush hour so parking is going to be a nightmare.
The ol enthusiasm tank is pretty empty.
Raven
@Schlemizel: Come on Dawg, get on up!
Baud
@Schlemizel: Good luck! Job seeking is one of the worst things in life. Hope it ends well for you soon.
Corbin Dallas Multipass
@Pat In Massachusetts: I honestly think that would make for a great letter to the editor to your local paper.
Female on the Beach
Having morning cuppa joe whilst kitteh rips up paper and is now hiding in a giant plastic shoe store bag. We have finally found a place she likes as much as the upstairs breezeway. Just for the record, this playful little thing is 16 y.o.!
harlana
@Schlemizel: Oh man, I went on so many effing interviews. It can wear you down after a while. Best of luck to you.
And, no, they have no fucking idea what they are looking for. None. The one good thing they are good at is completely discounting over 15 years of experience in your field.
harlana
@Patricia Kayden: That is fucked, that is totally fucked. I guess they will be “paid” well and that is the only fucking thing they care about.
They’re no better than republican women stabbing other women in the back over contraception, while those same republican women “abort” fetuses every day with those wicked birth control pills. Traitors, every one of them. Just not as many.
JPL
This morning I woke at 5:30 with a knot in my stomach. Will today be the day the Supremes use their power to overturn the commerce clause? Fortunately I won’t be near a tv at ten when/if the ruling comes down. Yesterday they voted to hold the Atty. Gen in contempt although the President claimed executive privilege and today the Supremes could overturn ACA.
What’s next, they don’t raise the debt ceiling? UGH
Linda Featheringill
Birthday. Woke up after midnight with a new pain, in a new place. I guess that’s my present. Phooey.
On the other hand, I’m a bit surprised to still be here. I guess I haven’t caused enough trouble and have more hell raising to do. I wonder if there is a conservative I can piss off today? Hmmm.
Hal
Is Mitch Daniels the one with the horrible comb around? He reminds me a Mister Burns in his younger days.
NotMax
Once again, let’s hear it for The Ocean State:
Rhode Island’s Homeless Bill of Rights
Linda Featheringill
@JPL: #11
Things might not be that bad. Both Holder and Obama are tough cookies and can do a lot to defend themselves. And I have long thought that the ACA would wind up before the Supremes. We have 4 judges and the insurance companies on our side.
Hang in there.
JoyfulA
I just requested a prescription renewal by going to the patient portal on my family doctor’s website, clicking “medication list,” clicking the med in question, and clicking “renew.”
Wow, is that easier than the old phone call method that would end up taking 15 minutes.
Probably everybody else has been doing this for a decade, but I’m still delighted.
NotMax
@Schlemizel
Strongest possible empathy waves headed your way.
Trust me, could be much worse. Try looking for someone to hire a 60-year-old (me) with a Master’s Degree.
Oh, for even part-time work on the computer at home proofreading/editing gig. Without benefits would be just fine.
JoyfulA
@NotMax: Bravo, Rhode Island!
WereBear
I’m always grateful we’re not Republicans!
We had a lovely Solstice which included like-minded people in a sincere wish for all those troubled to heal their spirit. If you agree; wish with us!
If you feel better; you’re welcome.
If you are Republican; you can get better.
NotMax
Oh, my.
“A nuke on Baghdad, that could be pretty tricky.” Source
Hard to fathom how close we actually may have been to Armageddon.
Phylllis
Last day of work for the week, and only about another half-day of work to go to wrap up this school year. Put together a Title I* application yesterday that was more or less fiction, since the SC legislature refuses to wrap up their budget work.
*Major pot of federal funds for poverty schools & at-risk students
JPL
@Linda Featheringill: Although your attitude is refreshing, we need more than four judges.
Is GOProud made up of members who prefer the closet?
kc
So Daniels got himself a gubmint job.
JoyfulA
@NotMax: If you have experience and/or skill in proofreading and/or copyediting, there is work around. Email a short resume and cover letter to every publisher of the kind of work you want to do (especially those that publish in the field of your master’s), and ask for their test.
You may be lucky and immediately trip over a desperate publisher. What’s wonderful, though, is the work offers years later from people you don’t remember ever contacting; they didn’t need you when you applied, but they’ve kept your information and now they do need you.
NotMax
(channeling best Claude Rains impression) I’m shocked – shocked – that a group with GOP in its name would endorse the presumptive Republican nominee.
In other breaking news, Sun rises in East.
NotMax
Cheney a brazen world-class liar? You betcha.
Declassified document contradicts Cheney’s claim of Iraqi connection to 9/11
NotMax
Link fixed )fingers crossed).
Declassified document contradicts Cheney’s claim of Iraqi connection to 9/11
JGabriel
Ron Garmon @ Wonkette:
Now that just COMPLETELY misunderstands the Republican value system!
If Conservatives ideals are premised upon greed, cheating, disregard for the law, and sociopathy, then it’s only right to act upon those ideals in their campaign! The media is the message.
And when conservatives win through greed, cheating, law-breaking, and sociopathy, that proves, by their measure, the superiority of conservative ideas. All who are less than Conservative, who are less pure, shall bow before the Conservative Übermensch, and suffer the laments of their women and the wails of their children.
Only a libtard would think such a world inferior!
.
Insomniac
@Linda Featheringill: Happy Birthday, Linda! Hope it’s a great one and that you have many more!
Keith
Gotta love that Dan Savage is calling GOProud a bunch of “house faggots”. The man is absolutely fearless.
jefft452
@Schlemizel: Good Luck!
JPL
@Linda Featheringill: The Supremes wouldn’t dare overturn ACA on such an important day!
Will there be cake?
Snarki, child of Loki
Yeah, I just wonder if “Rhymes with Rich” Daniels is actually going to live in West Laffalot, Indiana.
Couldn’t wish it on a more deserving person.
JGabriel
__
__
Hal:
A man with a horrible comb-around in the GOP?
I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific.
I mean, I could say yes, but that only narrows it down to 90% of the party.
.
arguingwithsignposts
1) Happy birthday, Linda Feathergill.
2) I am amazed they would so brazenly appoint Daniels while he’s still governor and technically their boss in some ways.
3)
LOOOOOOOL!
ETA: @JPL: I have been informed by reliable sources that the cake is a lie.
Walker
I know several people at Purdue. I feel bad for them. Incompetent presidents can cause a lot of damage at a university.
amk
@Linda Featheringill: Happy b’day. They are a PITA, ain’t they ?
Josie
@Linda Featheringill: Happy Birthday! Have a good day causing trouble and pissing off conservatives. Being able to do those kinds of things with impunity are our reward for putting up with our elderly status.
jeffreyw
@Linda Featheringill: Birfday needs cake!
The Red Pen
Nowhere is this more abundantly apparent than the pages of Free Republic. Minor gaffes by Democrats are elevated to Constitutional crises regularly. When Shellie Zimmerman was hauled in for lying in court, well, she was justified because the government is full of liars and the whole trial is just a fraud being performed for the benefit of Al Sharpton (I’m not exaggerating or inventing any of these claims).
Elizabelle
@Walker:
And University of Virginia had a good president and a shambles of a Board of Visitors. (Now with 60% more “strategic dynamism”.)
Bring back President Theresa Sullivan! Good governance over sloganeering!
WaPost released the emails between board members plotting the Sullivan coup.
Raven
Here’s a clouds at sunrise over Savannah for you!
rikyrah
Daniels was never running for anything.
rikyrah
@Elizabelle:
thanks for the link to the emails
Mino
@Elizabelle: Be interesting to see if this works out like the Khomen thing or if the Republicans succeed.
Mino
@Walker: I wonder what their on-line plans just happen to be.
Davis X. Machina
@JoyfulA: @NotMax:
Don’t know if this is helpful to editors/proofreaders who are ‘between engagements’.
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Read a blog post this morning about a self-published author who has his proofreading done through the service.
It’s virtual piecework, but it might keep gas in the car and food in the cats.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@Linda Featheringill: Happy birthday! And many more, without worry of legal decision announcements.
Hill Dweller
So, the 4 week average for first time unemployment claims is now the highest it has been in 7 months. Job growth has stalled.
The House is sitting on the Senate’s bipartisan transportation bill(and has been for months) that would create 1.9 million jobs. They’ve been blocking Obama’s jobs bill since last year. The public sector is shrinking at a rate not seen since the demobilization of the Korean War, almost entirely due to the Republican morons at the state level that think they can cut their way to growth. State aid would go a long way to solving this problem, but Republicans in congress aren’t down for that. The Republicans are also cutting food stamps and unemployment benefits, the two most efficiently stimulative polices the government can employ.
What more will it take for the media to get a f’n clue about the Republicans blatant economic sabotage? When will it be OK for someone outside the media to point this out without being shouted down for their tone?
GregB
GOProud=Fear and Self-Loathing.
jonas
@JPL:
No, just a bunch of extremely privileged guys who are somehow convinced that if the rich paid lower taxes, the free market would somehow grant gays more civil rights. Or something.
NancyDarling
Might Ariel Sharon have used nuclear blackmail to force George W Bush into invading Iraq? Juan Cole has a few tidbits from Alastair Campbell’s memoirs which suggest that is the case. He quotes Bush at a 2002 NATO summit, “A nuke on Baghdad, that could be pretty tricky.”
Is Bebe Netanyahu doing the same thing now regarding Iran? Or is he biding his time until November, hoping for an administration with a foreign policy team weighted with neocon retreads?
http://www.juancole.com/2012/06/campbell-israeli-pm-sharon-threatened-bush-with-nuking-iraq-mearsheimber-walt-vindicated.html
h/t to TPM for the link.
NancyDarling
Might Ariel Sharon have used nuclear blackmail to force George W Bush into invading Iraq? Juan Cole has a few tidbits from Alastair Campbell’s memoirs which suggest that is the case. He quotes Bush at a 2002 NATO summit, “A nuke on Baghdad, that could be pretty tricky.”
Is Bebe Netanyahu doing the same thing now regarding Iran? Or is he biding his time until November, hoping for an administration with a foreign policy team weighted with neocon retreads?
http://www.juancole.com/2012/06/campbell-israeli-pm-sharon-threatened-bush-with-nuking-iraq-mearsheimber-walt-vindicated.html
h/t to TPM for the link.
NancyDarling
Might Ariel Sharon have used nuclear blackmail to force George W Bush into invading Iraq? Juan Cole has a few tidbits from Alastair Campbell’s memoirs which suggest that is the case. He quotes Bush at a 2002 NATO summit, “A nuke on Baghdad, that could be pretty tricky.”
Is Bebe Netanyahu doing the same thing now regarding Iran? Or is he biding his time until November, hoping for an administration with a foreign policy team weighted with neocon retreads?
http://www.juancole.com/2012/06/campbell-israeli-pm-sharon-threatened-bush-with-nuking-iraq-mearsheimber-walt-vindicated.html
h/t to TPM for the link.
John of Indiana
It’s no longer a poorly squelched rumour.
Mich Daniels is now the Head Boilermaker.
Gawd help us all.
NancyDarling
Actually the h/t goes to notmax at # 20, not TPM. I’m addled this morning, but then I’m even older than Linda. My 69th is coming up in a few days. Happy birthday, Linda. It’s all good!
As if I am not already addled enough, WordPress is messing with my mind. Is a triple post a record? The story does bear repeating.
Capri
@Snarki, child of Loki:
Well, he gets an official residence, so no need to call a realtor. As an employee of Purdue University, I think I speak for my fellow faculty members as being a bit apprehensive about our new leader. On the one hand, he’s slashed state funding for education and hasn’t exactly been a friend to higher education. On the other hand, Purdue, like every other large University has experienced a huge increase in the number of middle management and administrative positions and costs at the expense of the mission. If he streamlines that, it will be welcome.
At least they won’t have to create a make-work administrative post (with a salary north of $100,000) for his spouse like they did with our current pres.
J.W. Hamner
I think I’m going to make this Three Pepper Gazpacho Recipe for dinner tonight… does anybody have suggestions for garnishes if I’m not going to do the suggested shrimp so it is vegetarian? I’m going to do cucumber, basil chiffonade, and crema… but I feel like it could use something else… any thoughts?
Yutsano
@Linda Featheringill: JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE!!
@NotMax: I was saving this for the next open jobs thread but think this will give you a good boost:
http://www.flexjobs.com
They deal in home based work. They screen out all the scams and deal with legitimate companies in a large variety of fields. They do charge a fee to do full searches but it’s not much. Hope this helps!
Skerry
@Snarki, child of Loki: He won’t move out of his mansion in Indy. His wife won’t allow it. They don’t live in the Governor’s house.
Brachiator
@WereBear:
What I love best about the Solstice is the goat sacrifice.
cckids
@Linda Featheringill: I know I’m late, but Happy B-Day! Enjoy whatever you enjoy.
handsmile
@Linda Featheringill: (#12)
I hope I didn’t miss you blowing out the candles!
A Joyful Birthday to you, and best wishes for a year of good health and happiness.
You really are a lovely and gracious presence here.
Ruckus
@NotMax:
Try being a 60+ without that masters.
And still being over qualified for entry level.
Ruckus
@jonas:
just a bunch of extremely privileged guys who are somehow convinced that if the rich paid lower taxes, the free market would somehow grant gays more civil rights. Or something
Being that rich probably means the need to be civil about rights is somehow trumped.