#moderate libertarian

[vintageseawitch]

this cannot be said enough: even if you voted for trump in both 2016 & 2020, but you're voting for Harris/Walz this year, YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME HERE. we need all the help we can get. if you've voted Republican for MULTIPLE decades but you plan on voting for Harris/Walz this year, YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME HERE.

centrists, moderates, libertarians, liberals, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, even if you consider yourself far left, no matter how you politically identify but plan to make sure trump doesn't win: YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME HERE.

PLEASE DON'T BE AN ERNST THÄLMANN. DON'T STOP TALKING ABOUT PROJECT 2025/AGENDA 47. you're ALL welcome here if you want to fight for our democracy. check your voter registration status often (as many times as possible) & vote early if you can. talk to friends, make a day of it. LET'S DO THIS!!

[animentality]

[tomorrowusa]

Nikki Haley intentionally contorts her positions in order to keep voters from knowing where she really stands.

Nobel economics laureate Paul Krugman in the New York Times had a good column about Haley this week.

So it seems worth looking at what Haley stands for. From a political point of view, one answer might be: nothing. A recent Times profile described her as having “an ability to calibrate her message to the moment.” A less euphemistic way to put this is that she seems willing to say whatever might work to her political advantage. “Flip-flopping” doesn’t really convey the sheer cynicism with which she has shifted her rhetoric and changed her positions on everything from abortion rights to immigration to whether it’s OK to try overturning a national election. And anyone hoping that she would govern as a moderate if she should somehow make it to the White House is surely delusional. Haley has never really shown a willingness to stand up to Republican extremists — and at this point the whole G.O.P. has been taken over by extremists.

We pointed out about 10 days ago that Haley is just as anti-abortion as the other GOP candidates. As president, she would appoint justices to the US Supreme Court just like the Republican justices who struck down Roe v. Wade.

She is consistently with the radical right when it comes to economics and income equality.

Haley has shown some consistency on issues of economic and fiscal policy. And what you should know is that her positions on these issues are pretty far to the right. In particular, she seems exceptionally explicit, even among would-be Republican nominees, in calling for an increase in the age at which Americans become eligible for Social Security — a bad idea that seems to be experiencing a revival.

Do you wish to end up having to support your parents because President Haley got a Republican Congress to raise the retirement age to 70?

Republicans say there's a funding gap when it comes to Social Security. But instead of raising the disproportionately low taxes paid by their billionaire donors, they want to slash benefits.

[T]he system would need additional revenue to continue paying scheduled benefits in full. But the extra revenue required would be smaller than you probably think. The most recent long-term projections from the Congressional Budget Office show Social Security outlays rising to 6.2 percent of gross domestic product in 2053 from 5.1 percent this year, not exactly an earth-shattering increase. [ ... ] Anyone who says, as Haley does, that the retirement age should rise in line with increasing life expectancy is being oblivious, perhaps willfully, to the grim inequality of modern America. Until Covid struck, average life expectancy at 65, the relevant number, was indeed rising. But these gains were concentrated among Americans with relatively high incomes. Less affluent Americans — those who depend most on Social Security — have seen little rise in life expectancy, and in some cases actual declines.

Not only would Haley not raise taxes on her billionaire buddies, she would cut them even further.

Haley, of course, wants to cut income taxes. My guess is that none of this will be relevant, that Trump will be the nominee. But if he stumbles, I would beg political reporters not to focus on Haley’s personal affect, which can seem moderate, but rather on her policies. On social issues and the fate of democracy, she appears to be a pure weather vane, turning with the political winds. On fiscal and economic policy, she’s a hard-right advocate of tax cuts for the rich and benefit cuts for the working class.

The libertarian extremist Koch network has endorsed Nikki Haley. That's further proof that she's no moderate.

Koch family-backed PAC endorses Nikki Haley for president

Nikki Haley, a onetime member of the Trump administration, is little more than a more socially acceptable version of Trump. That does not make her moderate. She is to the right of George W. Bush who appointed Samuel Alito, the architect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision which killed Roe v. Wade, to the Supreme Court.

As Tara Setmayer indicated in that video, just saying that somebody is better than Trump is a very low bar. A snake could walk over that bar.

Don't confuse what Paul Krugman calls Nikki Haley's "personal effect" with her actual far right views. We're voting for a President, not Ms. Personality.

[compacflt]

Okay, so I was re-reading your Slider one-shot for like the twentieth time, and what really struck me (beyond the brilliance of your writing, and the way you’ve presented the disillusionment of growing up, expecting the world to be a certain way, only to realize that life doesn’t quite work out the way you think it will, when you’re seventeen), is the casual sexism just tossed ‘round by our main characters!! :o We have canonical evidence of both Ice and Mav being pretty sexist (what with “the plaque for the alternates is in the ladies’ room” and the downright stalker-ish behavior exhibited by Mav at the O-club…), but it still surprised me a lil’ when twenty-y/o Ice was just like: “The Soviet Union did the impossible and taught women to drive” —and I realized that ah, he truly was born in 1959, or something. There’s little scenes throughout your story where I find myself wondering, which one of them is better, in this sense: When Ice tells Mav that Sarah isn’t talking to him ‘cause of his combat kills, justifies it by saying: “You know how women are”, and Mav tells him all women aren’t the same… I thought that maybe, it was Mav; but then later, Ice shows a distinctive amount of empathy for Juno, sees and respects her for the skilled pilot that she is… and I thought that maybe, it’s Ice after all—he does seem to be more progressive and accepting than Mav, in general? It also made me wonder, that if either of them had been a woman, would they even have respected the other person enough to consider them to be a rival??—or would it have a been a mildly-amusing circus side show for them, to have a female pilot at TOPGUN?

Ty for the ask anon!! ice is more socially progressive than mav yes.

But—maybe this is my experience growing up in one of the bluest counties in Commiefornia and then going to one of the most leftist-coded colleges in one of the most leftist-coded cities in The World; uhh, even if a white man votes D all the time & has professional respect for women/minorities to their faces etc, get him in a room with a bunch of other white men, especially in a masculine and competitive environment like the gym or the navy, and uh. progressive or not, what you get is a lot of “The Soviet Union did the impossible & taught women to drive.”

And it was the 1980s. (As a reminder, in top gun’s 1986, less than 45% of Americans even approved of interracial marriage.) It sucks to say it, but if Ice was making fun of Cougar for quitting the navy cause of his psych issues such as they may be, and openly calling bullshit on Maverick’s MiG story in front of everyone, I am quite confident in saying he Would Not respect a female pilot to her face—if they were the same rank. At the same rank, it’s a competition. All weaknesses, even perceived biological ones, are to be exploited and called to attention. —But, once he’s advanced in rank, proven his own superiority, he’s more inclined to favor a meritocratic “sex doesn’t matter just fly good” attitude, ergo his relationship w/ “Juno” (she’s just a literary symbol to show that Ice may have respect for other minorities in the Navy “your career speaks for itself” but NOT FOR HIMSELF as a closeted man). This “who cares about gender/race just fly good” attitude is probably where 50s+ Maverick lands too, which is why no issues with Phoenix.

but jesus GOD maverick is a sexist in the original Top Gun. That’s why I wrote the prologue to WWGATTAI—a part of me definitely believes both he and Ice are definitively queer, but a part of me also wonders, are they just also conditioned to dismiss women as intellectual/societal equals because of their time in the 1980s male-dominated Navy? CAN they really only have a truly equal relationship with another man? I have no idea what my Ice’s sexual orientation is for exactly this reason. Yes, he’s functionally gay by the end of it, and that’s what I keep calling him—but sexuality is fluid & complicated. It’s definitely more-than possible he’s mostly straight and it’s just the circumstances of his wildly intense trauma-bond relationship with Maverick that led to their relationship as I wrote it. If you don’t LIKE/understand/respect women, and only feel at home/excited by committing acts of male-typified violence with the few men you respect, how does that bend your definition of the word straight? ...its still straight, but only straight-ish!

not to take it a step further, but WHY ELSE is canon maverick single in TGM? he canonically can’t make it work with women until he retires from the navy!!! he doesnt know how!!! His military environment is not conducive to normal long-term relationships with civilian women!!!

[pcwpolwrestling]

1/22-PCW Extreme Political TV

Last Week on PCW Extreme Political TV -MATCH #1: the decision of the Derek Tran/Adam Gray (Progressive Alliance) defeated Michelle Steel/John Duarte (American Patriots) in a State of California rules that took place on Extreme Election Night 2024. -10-Bell Salute to Jimmy Carter -MATCH #2-NON-TITLE: PCW Women’s Champion Catherine Cline defeated South Side Homeowners Association President Suzanne Allen-Hapsley -New State of California Commercial with Gavin Newsom -PCW Invades the Golden Globes -Incoming CEO of PCW Donald Trump has a ‘talk’ with American Patriots leaders Mike Johnson and John Thune -MAIN EVENT: The MAGA-Powers (Starz N. Stripes and ‘Anti-Hollywood One Man A-List’ Stone Chism) defeated The Canadian Connection (Jack Fraiser w/his Oootlander Blaire Rendell and Carl McKenzie-Bob and Doug McKenzie’s long lost brother w/Canadian PM Justin Trudeau) -Pulp Fictions videos: ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, PCW champion Charlie Blackwell, 9-year-old Gracie McAvay’s “How Dare You?”, and Jamie Raskin.

Political Championship Wrestling Extreme Political TV D.C. Armory Taped Monday January 20th, 2025 Wednesday January 22nd, 2025

‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder ‘Low-Level New York Times Reporter Trying to Make a Name for Herself’

PCW Champion: Charlie Blackwell (American Heartland) Since 2/10/2024 Contenders: ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels (Progressive Alliance) Neal Conn (American Patriots) Mike the Mechanic (Main Street USA)

PCW Women's Champion: Catherine Cline (Independent) Since 9/21/2024 Contenders: Kathryn Randall Collins (Progressive Alliance) Laura Brobert (American Patriots) ‘American Girl’ Sarah Mae Smith (Main Street USA)

PCW Tag Team Champions: The MAGA-Powers: Starz N. Stripes and ‘The One-Man Anti-Hollywood A-List’ Stone Chism- Since 3/3/2024 (American Patriots)

Contenders: The Green World Order: GreenPete/’Extreme Vegan’ Brock Cole Lee (Progressive Alliance) The Sports Entertainment Corporation: Gator Bates/The Alabama Kid Bi-Partisan Dream Team: Blue Dog D/RINO Main Street USA: Ken Worth-American Trucker/Farmer John Deer Wall Street World: Kirk Walstreit/P.M.C. Banks

The camera pans through the Washington, DC crowd.

Crowd: PCW… PCW… PCW…

Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder stand in the ring. 

Johnny Suave: HELLO! And welcome to PCW Extreme Political TV!

Crowd: PCW… PCW… PCW…

Johnny Suave: I am ‘The Voice of PCW’ Johnny Suave and she is a ‘Low-Level Reporter at the New York Times Trying to Make a Name for Herself’- Colleen Crowder.

Colleen has a pained expression on her face.

Colleen Crowder: Why do you have to say it like that?

Johnny Suave: We are live from the DC Armory where, tonight, Donald J. Trump will officially take power and become the new CEO of PCW.  Also tonight, we’ve got a PCW Title match between PCW champion Charlie Blackwell and the number one contender for the PCW title, ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels.  Last week on Extreme Political TV… we heard from Blackwell and Daniels and here’s what they had to say.

(LAST WEEK ON PCW EXTREME POLITICAL TV) The camera pans across a lavishly decorated dressing room, settling on ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels adjusting his designer suit in a full-length mirror. The Skanky Rich Bimbos, Paris and Nicole, flank him, their skin-tight dresses sparkling under the vanity lights.

Paris twirls a strand of platinum blonde hair.

Paris: Kevin, darling, do we look fabulous enough for you?

Nicole pouts her collagen-enhanced lips.

Nicole: Yeah, are we Hollywood enough?

Kevin barely glances at them, his eyes fixed on his own reflection.

Kevin Daniels: Ladies, there’s only one thing on my mind right now…

Paris and Nicole lean in eagerly, their eyes widening with anticipation.

Kevin Daniels: The PCW Title!

Kevin’s voice drips with self-importance. The bimbos deflate visibly, their shoulders slumping in disappointment.

Kevin continues, oblivious to their reaction.

Kevin Daniels: And that means you, Charlie Blackwell. You backwoods, cattle-wrangling excuse for a champion. Your days are numbered.

In the background, Taylor Switt strums her guitar, providing a melodic backdrop to Kevin’s monologue. The pop starlet’s eyes never leave Kevin, a mixture of adoration and calculation in her gaze.

Kevin Daniels: It’s my birthright.  I’m Hollywood royalty.  You rubes don’t understand true star power. I vow to win that title.

Kevin strikes a dramatic pose.

Kevin Daniels: So PCW will finally have a champion worthy of the bright lights and red carpets!

Paris and Nicole, having recovered from their initial disappointment, begin preening again, adjusting their hair and makeup as if preparing for a photo shoot.

SFX-the screen goes static and crackling.

The scene abruptly cuts to a close-up of PCW Champion Charlie Blackwell’s (American Heartland Coalition) weathered face. His steely eyes bore into the camera, his Texas twang thick with disgust.

Charlie Blackwell: For the past four years, the Progressive Alliance have been actin’ like a bunch of entitled brats throwin’ a kegger while Momma and Daddy are out of town.

He spits to the side, his lip curling in contempt.

Charlie Blackwell: But let me tell you somethin’.

Charlie leans in closer.

Charlie Blackwell: The party’s over. The adults are comin’ home, and there’s gonna be hell to pay.

The camera pans back, revealing Charlie’s impressive physique and the gleaming PCW Championship belt draped over his shoulder.

Charlie Blackwell: Kevin Daniels and those coastal elites think they can run roughshod over real Americans. I’m fixin’ to teach ’em a lesson they won’t soon forget.

Charlie’s fingers tighten around the title belt.

Charlie Blackwell: Momma and Daddy are comin’ home, and your ass is mine.

(END VIDEO)

***

Victoria McGill: What the *BLEEP*?

The once pristine space looks like it’s been hit by a category five hurricane of incompetence. Papers litter every surface, empty pizza boxes form precarious towers, and is that… a cardboard cutout of Kamala Harris grinning maniacally from behind an overturned desk?

Incoming CEO of PCW Donald Trump sidles up beside her, his signature coif somehow remaining perfectly in place despite the chaos.

Donald Trump: Looks like Sleepy Joe left us a little welcome gift, doesn’t it?

Tori’s jaw clenches, her statuesque body trembling with barely contained rage. She stalks into the room, designer heels crunching over what appears to be shredded classified documents.

Victoria McGill: Little? This is a *BLEEP*-damn disaster zone!  

She kicks aside a discarded “I’m Speaking” mug. Her eyes narrow as she spots a pile of “Kamala for CEO” posters.

And what’s this bull-*BLEEP*?

Tori’s mind races, calculating the cost of this mess. The cleanup alone will set PCW back thousands, not to mention the potential security breaches. She can feel a migraine building behind her eyes.

Trump nods sagely, reaching out to pat her shoulder.

Donald Trump: Don’t worry, we’ll make PCW great again. Believe me.

Tori shrugs off his touch, her patience wearing thin. She turns to face him, her imposing height allowing her to look down at the former president.

Victoria McGill: Just… start cleaning. I need some air before I snap and put someone through a table.

With that, she storms out, leaving Trump to survey the wreckage of Biden’s tenure. As the door slams behind her, Tori can’t help but wonder if she’s just traded one circus for another. Her heels click aggressively against the floor as she marches towards the reception area. Her eyes lock onto the overflowing mailbox, and she lets out an exasperated sigh.

Victoria McGill: Let’s see what other surprises those clowns left behind. 

She snatches up the stack of envelopes.

As she rips open the first bill, her eyes widen in disbelief. “What the actual hell?” she exclaims, her voice echoing through the trashed office.

Victoria McGill: Five thousand dollars for… custom-made ‘Dark Overlord’ robes? You’ve got to be kidding me!

She tears through envelope after envelope, her fury building with each unauthorized expense.

Victoria McGill: Hair plugs… ice cream socials… chin-up bars for the Oval Office?

Tori’s face flushes red with anger, her statuesque frame trembling with rage.

Victoria McGill: These idiots have been treating PCW like their personal piggy bank! We’re on the hook for…

She pauses, mental calculator whirring.

Victoria McGill: …over a hundred grand in unauthorized expenses!

Her mind races, imagining the hit to PCW’s bottom line. This could set back their expansion plans, maybe even force budget cuts. The thought of having to scale back production values or talent contracts makes her blood boil.

Victoria McGill: ARRRGHHHHHHH!

She storms towards the exit, her long legs eating up the distance in powerful strides. She pushes through the door, leaving a wake of tension and unpaid bills behind her. As it slams shut, the sound reverberates through the office.

***

JETFUEL EXTREME DO IT YOURSELF TAX COMMERCIAL SCENE: the back yard.

A man holds a garden hose in his right hand and is filling up his above ground pool with water. In his other hand, he holds his cell phone and looks down at it- seemingly confused and perplexed.]

Announcer: This is Tim. He thinks you have to be a mastermind to figure out how to do his own taxes.

A large brown wooden fence encloses the yard. The right wooden gate opens up and pro wrestling manager, ‘No Frills’ Chris Escondido, enters Tim’s back yard.

(GRAPHIC: “’No Frills’ Chris Escondido, professional wrestler manager)

Announcer: So we flew in pro wrestling mastermind ‘No Frill’s’ Chris Escondido to help him.

Escondido peers over Tim’s shoulder to look at his cell phone.

Escondido: Dude. What does it say there?

Close up of Tim’s phone. ‘Did you buy a home?’ Press here.

Tim: It says…did you buy a home?

Escondido: Did you buy a home?

Tim: Ummm…

Out of nowhere, PCW champion Charlie Blackwell runs in and whacks Tim in the back with a Singapore cane.

Tim: OWWW!   YES! YES! I BOUGHT A HOUSE!

Escondido: Then I’d press there.

Tim: There?

*WHACK*

Tim: AARGGHH! THERE! OKAY, OKAY…I’M PRESSING THE BUTTON!

Tim, in immense pain and anguish, presses the button. The display turns to a green check mark to indicate that he was successful and a message appears that reads: ‘Congrats, you get a big tax break…and a trip to the emergency room.

Tim: Huh?

*THWACK*

Tim: AAARGHHHHH!

Escondido nods down at Tim who’s fallen to his knees in excruciating pain.

Escondido: Okay then.

He then turns and walks away.

(Graphic on screen: ‘It doesn’t take a f@#$ing genius to do your taxes’)

Tim looks down at his phone and winces in pain from the Singapore caneshots.

Announcer: Jetfuel Extreme Do It Yourself Tax. Taxes done to the extreme.

*THWACK*

Tim’s voice: ARGGHHHH! OKAY! STOP! PLEASE!

***

Commercial Break The ground trembles as a thunderous explosion rocks the air. The acrid smell of smoke fills Johnny Suave’s nostrils as he grips his microphone tighter, his voice booming with unbridled enthusiasm, his eyes wide with excitement.

Johnny Suave: Are you ready for some REAL AMERICAN BEER?

The camera pans across a scene of beautiful chaos. An American Jeep bursts from the belly of a transport helicopter, crushing smaller vehicles beneath its massive tires. At the wheel sits PCW champion Charlie Blackwell, his 6’4″ frame barely contained by the driver’s seat.

Charlie’s mind races. This is his moment. Time to show these coastal elites what a real Texan can do.

With a practiced motion, Charlie cracks open a Bud Light. Foam erupts from the can, spraying in all directions like a geyser of patriotism. The cool liquid hits his throat as he takes a long swig, savoring the taste of victory.

“BUD LIGHT- *BLEEP* YEAH!” A chorus of voices rings out, punctuating the mayhem.

‘American Girl’ Sarah Mae Smith

Sarah Mae’s heart pounds. This is more than just a commercial; it’s a battle for the soul of America. She shouts, her voice carrying the weight of her Midwestern roots.

Sarah Mae Smith: Bud Light – for the heartland heroes!

Bullets whiz past as Sarah Mae and Catherine engage in a fierce firefight against unseen foes. The staccato of gunfire mixes with the sound of shattering glass and crunching metal.

Catherine’s eyes narrow as she takes aim. She’s fought hard for her championship, and she’ll be damned if she lets anyone take it from her now.

Sarah Mae ducks behind a burned-out car, her mind racing. This is their chance to make things right.

Sarah Mae Smith: We’re reclaiming this beer for Main Street USA!

As if in response, the chorus swells once more: “BUD LIGHT- *BLEEP* YEAH!”

Johnny Suave: Bud Light – now with 200% more FREEDOM!

Stone Chism, the ‘Anti-Hollywood A-Lister’, emerges from the smoke, his muscles rippling under his shirt. He locks eyes with his tag team partner, Starz N. Stripes, and they nod in unison. This is their moment to shine, to show these Hollywood elites what real American strength looks like.

“Let’s show ’em how we do it in the heartland, partner,” Starz drawls, his Iowa accent thick with pride.

They stride towards two massive kegs of Bud Light, each easily weighing hundreds of pounds. Stone flexes his biceps, thinking, ‘This’ll put those sissy craft beers to shame.’

With a grunt, they hoist the kegs overhead as if they were made of styrofoam. Beer sloshes out, raining down on them like liquid gold. The crowd goes wild, their cheers drowning out the gunfire.

“BUD LIGHT- *BLEEP* YEAH!” The singers’ voices reach a fever pitch.

Suddenly, a shadow passes overhead. Stone looks up, his heart swelling with patriotic fervor. A formation of majestic bald eagles soars across the sky, their wings spread wide against the backdrop of chaos.

The air crackles with anticipation as fireworks explode overhead, spelling out “BUD LIGHT” in bold red, white, and blue letters. The spectacle is so bright it nearly blinds Sarah Mae, but she can’t look away.

In perfect synchronization, Charlie, Sarah Mae, Starz, and Stone face the camera. Their eyes gleam with the fire of true American spirit as they shout in unison:

“BUD LIGHT – *BLEEP* YEAH!”

The words echo across the battlefield, a rallying cry for the heartland, a middle finger to the coastal elites. As the commercial fades to black, the wrestlers stand tall, champions not just of the ring, but of the American way of life.

***

Donald Trump Becomes the New CEO of PCW Back from commercial, the arena erupts in a cacophony of cheers and boos as the ringside area begins to fill with PCW’s most notorious personalities. Johnny Suave leans into his microphone, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Johnny Suave: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time.

Colleen Crowder: I can’t believe this is actually happening.

Johnny Suave: In just mere moments, Donald Trump will become the new CEO of PCW… again.

Colleen sighs.

Colleen Crowder: Yay.

Former PCW CEO enter and walk down the ramp towards the ring.  Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush and his wife Laura, and Barack Obama.

Johnny Suave: The stars are aligning at ringside!  Look who else is coming down that aisle- PCW Women’s Champion, Catherine Cline!

Cline struts down the aisle, basking in the adoration of her loyal fans, especially the young girls who eagerly reach out for high-fives and selfies with their idol.

Colleen Crowder rolls her eyes and adjusts her glasses, her lips curling into a smirk.

Colleen Crowder: Oh joy, another cheap ploy to win over the fan’s hearts. I’m sure the crowd will eat it up like the sheep they are.

Johnny shoots her a look but presses on.

Johnny Suave: Also here… the Tag Team Champions, The MAGA-Powers! Talk about a star-spangled spectacle!

‘The Original Rookie Sensation’ all those years ago, Starz N. Stripes flexes his muscles, basking in the mixed reaction from the crowd. Johnny can’t help but admire the sheer presence of the man.

Johnny Suave: You’ve got to hand it to them, Colleen. They know how to work a crowd.”

Colleen rolls her eyes.

Colleen Crowder: If by ‘work’ you mean pander to the lowest common denominator, then sure, they’re masters of their craft.

As Stone Chism makes his way to ringside, Johnny’s excitement reaches a fever pitch.

Johnny Suave: And his tag team partner… the ‘Anti-Hollywood One Man A-List’ himself, Stone Chism!

Colleen Crowder: Because nothing says ‘anti-Hollywood’ like a guy who looks like he just stepped off an action movie set.

Johnny ignores her jab, focusing on the next group approaching.

Johnny Suave: And now, Colleen, feast your eyes on the American Heartland coalition. PCW Champion Charlie Blackwell, the ‘Prairie Populist’ William Daniels Bryan, and newcomer Dave Paul, surrounded by their loyal supporters.

Colleen leans forward, her interest piqued despite herself.

Colleen Crowder: I have to admit, there’s something compelling about their everyman appeal. It’s almost as if they’ve tapped into a vein of authenticity that’s been sorely lacking in this circus.

Johnny Suave: It’s certainly missing within the Progressive Alliance. 

Colleen Crowder: Johnny, that’s misinformation and I won’t stand for it.  Did you not hear Gavin Newsom advocating to Joe Biden about misinformation about the LA fires?

Johnny Suave: What… that a reservoir wasn’t filled up during a record rainfall year or brush that should have been cleared out before a fire took place wasn’t cleared out and provided more fuel for the wildfire or that the LA Fire Department budget was slashed last year? 

Colleen Crowder: Yes.  The LA mayor has called for unity at this time of crisis and for everyone to come together and that’s what we should do.

Johnny Suave: I’m sure holding hands and singing kumbaya will rebuild all the buildings that have been burnt down. Next, the mayor will suggest we all hug it out with criminals and crime will then go down. Brilliant idea, truly.

The camera pans to the Progressive Alliance box, revealing a scene that’s more ghost town than grand gathering. Johnny Suave’s voice drops an octave, his usual enthusiasm dampened.

Johnny Suave: There’s more tumbleweeds than attendees in that desolate wasteland of a box. Even my silky smooth voice can’t lift the lifelessness in the air. Looks like the Progressive Alliance party is a little lacking in popularity tonight.

Colleen Crowder: I think you’re exaggerating it just a little.

Johnny Suave: I’ve witnessed a bigger turnout at a vegan cooking class in remote Texas.

The camera zooms in on Charles Robinson-Richards, Esq., his polished exterior at odds with the glum expression on his face. He’s surrounded by a handful of Hollywood stars, their designer outfits a stark contrast to the empty seats around them.

Johnny clears his throat.

Johnny Suave: That’s Charles Robinson-Richards, leader of the Progressive Alliance, looking about as happy as a cat in a dog show.

The scene shifts abruptly, and Johnny’s voice rises with renewed energy.

Johnny Suave: Meanwhile in the American Patriots’ box…

The camera pans across a sea of animated faces. RFK Jr. is engaged in an intense discussion with Tulsi Gabbard, while Elon Musk tinkers with what appears to be a miniature rocket.

Johnny Suave: …it’s absolutely buzzing!

Colleen Crowder: Johnny, their guy is about to become CEO of PCW.  There’s nothing more than…

Colleen’s eyes narrow as she spots a familiar face.

Colleen Crowder: …what the hell?  Is that… Lindy Li? What’s she doing there?”

Johnny nods, his voice tinged with excitement.

Johnny Suave: That’s right, Colleen. Looks like the American Patriots have a new finance guru.

Colleen’s face darkens.

Colleen Crowder; Unbelievable. She was supposed to be one of us. The voice of reason in a sea of populist madness. And now look at her, rubbing elbows with… with…

Johnny Suave: With people who actually show up and don’t call her the c-word and other over-the-top epithets because she had the nerve to question how the Progressive Alliance handled their money in the Kamala Harris campaign.

Johnny earns a death glare from Colleen.

The camera settles on Steve ‘The Elk’ Elkins… the leader of the American Patriots… holding court in the center of the box. He’s gesticulating wildly, his booming laughter carrying even over the crowd noise.

Johnny leans back, a smirk playing on his lips.

Johnny Suave: Say what you will about the American Patriots, but they know how to throw a party. It’s like a political rock concert over there.

Colleen’s jaw tightens and she bites back a response.

Johnny Suave: Oh hey look.  CNN’s here!

The camera cuts to the CNN box.  There’s just one person in there.

Johnny Suave: Oh wait!  That’s Zachary Young.  He’s the guy who just won a five-million-dollar defamation lawsuit against CNN. 

Colleen Crowder: It’s a sad commentary when the media is under attack.

Johnny Suave: It’s a sadder commentary when the media can’t even handle a little criticism without crying foul… especially when they run hit pieces against people on the flimsiest of pretexts.

The arena lights dim, and a hush falls over the crowd. Suddenly, Victoria McGill emerges from behind the curtain, her statuesque figure commanding attention as she strides towards the ring.

Johnny Suave’s voice crackles with excitement.

Johnny Suave: Here comes the boss lady herself, Tori McGill! And boy, does she look ready for business!

Kimber Marshall also walks down to ringside.

Victoria’s eyes blaze with determination as she climbs the steel steps, her mind racing. This is it. The moment of truth. She can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread.

As she enters the ring, Kimber’s voice booms through the arena.

Kimber Marshall: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the owner of PCW, Victoria McGill!

The crowd erupts in a mix of cheers and boos. Victoria grabs the microphone, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.

Victoria McGill: PCW Universe, are you ready for a change?

Before the audience can fully react, the opening notes of the Imperial Death March thunder through the arena. The crowd goes wild, chanting “Trump! Trump! Trump!” in perfect rhythm with the music.

Colleen Crowder’s voice drips with sarcasm.

Colleen Crowder: Oh joy, here comes the orange messiah himself.

Johnny ignores her, his voice rising with the crowd’s energy.

Johnny Suave: Love him or hate him, you can’t deny the electricity in this place right now!

Donald Trump emerges, his signature red tie flapping as he marches towards the ring.

As Trump enters the ring, he and Victoria lock eyes. Suddenly, the lights flicker and die. A sinister laugh echoes through the darkness.

Johnny’s voice drops to a whisper.

Johnny Suave: And here comes the Supreme Dark Overlord of PCW, Joe Biden.

The Supreme Dark Overlord of PCW Joe Biden

Jill Biden appears beside him, guiding him down the ramp. As they near the ring, Biden trips. His sunglasses slip, revealing glowing yellow eyes. Before anyone can react, bolts of blue lightning shoot from his eyes and incinerates a hot dog vendor in the front row.

The crowd screams in horror and delight as the vendor’s reduced to ashes on the steps.

Johnny’s voice cracks with disbelief.

Johnny Suave: Ladies and gentlemen, I… I don’t even know what to say. The Supreme Dark Overlord just barbecued a hot dog guy!

The ring is bathed in an eerie glow as Victoria McGill, Donald Trump, and the Bidens face off. The tension is palpable, electric.

Trump steps forward, his face a mask of determination. Biden’s lips curl into a sneer. Victoria clears her throat, her voice cutting through the tension.

Victoria McGill: Gentlemen, shall we proceed?

As she speaks, J.D. Vance climbs into the ring, carrying a golden briefcase.

Johnny Suave: Folks, we’re witnessing history in the making. The transfer of power from one CEO to another.

Trump reaches for the briefcase, but Biden’s hand shoots out, gripping Trump’s wrist. For a moment, it seems like another lightning strike might be imminent.

Suddenly, Biden releases Trump and steps back.

Joe Biden: It’s yours.

As Trump opens the briefcase, he sees the CEO contract inside. 

Johnny Suave: He’s done it! Donald Trump is officially the new CEO of PCW!

Colleen Crowder: God help us all.

Victoria watches as Trump signs the contract with a flourish, J.D. Vance beaming at his side. She can’t help but wonder what this new era will bring to PCW.

Johnny Suave: Back with more after these messages.

***

PCW Pulp Fiction Video The camera pans across a dimly lit parking lot outside the arena, settling on Paul Finebaum’s haggard face. His eyes are wide with disbelief, hands trembling as he clutches a crumpled newspaper. The headline screams: “Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23, The Buckeyes claim National Title!”

Paul mutters to himself, his voice cracking.

Paul Finebaum: This can’t be happening. It’s a nightmare. The SEC… we’re unstoppable. We’re…

He trails off, sinking to his knees on the cold asphalt. The sound of distant cheers from inside the arena makes him wince.

Paul Finebaum: How?

Paul’s mind races with images of Alabama and Ole Miss not even making the playoffs… Tennessee’s humiliation at the hands of Ohio State… Georgia going down to Notre Dame.  Ohio State eliminating Texas in the semi-finals. Each memory is a dagger to his SEC-loving heart. Even worse, Ohio State and Penn State both made the final four!

Paul’s head snaps up, eyes narrowing.

Paul Finebaum: Two Big Ten teams in the final four? What’s happening to the natural order of things?

He stumbles to his feet, wobbling like a punch-drunk wrestler.

Paul Finebaum: We were supposed to be invincible. 

His voice is a mix of anger and despair.

Paul Finebaum: The SEC was built for this. We live and breathe college football.  Dammit, in the SEC… it just means more!  How could the Big Ten, of all conferences, outshine us?

Paul’s fists clench as he stares at the arena’s bright lights. The camera zooms in on Paul Finebaum’s trembling hands as he clutches his SEC-branded microphone. His eyes, wide with disbelief, dart around the empty parking lot outside the arena.

Paul Finebaum: It’s… it’s impossible,” he mutters, his voice cracking. “The SEC… we’re supposed to be invincible.  The Big Ten is better than the SEC?

Finebaum stumbles forward, his normally impeccable suit now disheveled. He catches a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby car window and barely recognizes himself.

Paul Finebaum: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

He takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself.

As he walks away from the arena, each step feels heavier than the last. The weight of the SEC’s failure presses down on his shoulders.

Paul Finebaum: I need to find answers. This isn’t over. The SEC will rise again. We’ll be back.

With that, Finebaum disappears into the night, leaving behind only the faint echo of his final words and the lingering scent of defeat.

***

COMMERCIAL The camera pans across a warehouse filled with racks of identical hooded sweatshirts and basketball shorts. John Fetterman, towering at 6’8″ and sporting his signature bald head and goatee, stands center frame in a black hoodie and cargo shorts.

Fetterman grins at the camera.

John Fetterman: Most men think it makes more sense to rent a tuxedo than to buy one for formal occasions… but not me.

He gestures expansively at the sea of casual wear behind him.

John Fetterman: Welcome to John Fetterman’s Wearhouse, where comfort meets class.

He grabs a measuring tape and approaches a customer,.

John Fetterman: Everyone needs a good hoodie. Or ten.

As he measures, Fetterman continues his pitch.

John Fetterman: You can wear these clothes over and over again. They’re durable, versatile, and most importantly- comfortable.

Main Street USA’s Farmer John Deer walks in, looking bewildered.

John Deer: What in tarnation is going on here?

Fetterman’s eyes light up.

John Fetterman: Perfect timing! Let’s get you fitted.

He bustles over to John, measuring tape at the ready. John looks around, confused but too polite to object as Fetterman measures John’s inseam.

John Fetterman: Now, these outfits are 100% fitted to you perfectly and cost little in these inflationary times.

John nods slowly, still unsure.

John Deer: Well, I reckon that’s important. Times are tough on the farm.

Fetterman beams, handing John a set of shorts and a hoodie.

John Fetterman: Try these on. You’ll feel like you’re wearing a cloud.

As John hesitantly takes the clothes to a changing room, Stone shakes his head.

Stone Chism: This is ridiculous. You can’t seriously think people will buy this gimmick?

Fetterman just smiles.

John Fetterman: In politics and fashion, my friend, never underestimate the power of comfort.

The changing room curtain swishes open, revealing John Deer decked out in Fetterman’s signature hoodie and shorts combo. He steps out, tugging at the unfamiliar attire, a mix of confusion and unexpected comfort on his face, rotating his shoulders.

John Deer:  Well, I’ll be. It’s like wearing a field of cotton.

Fetterman beams, clapping John on the back.

John Fetterman: See? Comfort meets practicality!

A stream of satisfied customers flows past, all sporting various shades of hoodies and shorts. They high-five Fetterman as they exit, grinning from ear to ear.

John Fetterman: The best thing about it is you know exactly who wore it last.”

John’s eyebrows shoot up.

John Deer: Come again?

But before Fetterman can elaborate, a booming voice cuts through the air. It’s Johnny Suave, PCW’s play-by-play announcer, suddenly appearing in frame.

Johnny Suave: John Fetterman’s Wearhouse! Where comfort meets… whatever this is!

John Deer stands in the middle of the store, still tugging at his new outfit, muttering to himself…

John Deer: Well, I reckon it beats overalls in August…

Fetterman turns to the camera, his grin wide and slightly manic.

John Fetterman: I guarantee you’re going to like the way you look.

As the commercial fades to black…

John Fetterman: Or at least, you’ll be too comfortable to care!

***

MAIN EVENT-PCW TITLE MATCH: Charlie Blackwell (American Heartland) © vs. ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels The scene abruptly cuts to the announce table, where Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder sit poised for action.

Johnny Suave: Welcome back, folks! It’s time for our main event!

Colleen adjusts her glasses, a hint of disdain in her voice.

Colleen Crowder: Let’s see if the ‘Hollywood elite’ can score a win for us tonight and rescue something out of the 2024 debacle.

The arena erupts as “Mr. Hollywood” Kevin Daniels struts down the entrance ramp, flanked by the Skanky Rich Bimbos, Paris and Nicole. Taylor Switt saunters behind them, cradling a suspiciously bulky guitar.

Johnny Suave: And here comes the challenger.  Look at this entourage, more silicone than a computer factory!

Colleen rolls her eyes.

Colleen Crowder: At least they have star power, unlike the Heartland ‘down-home’ talent around here.

As Daniels preens for the crowd, he can’t help but smirk. These rubes don’t know real talent when they see it. I’ll show them what a true champion looks like.

Taylor Switt strums her guitar, sending a puff of white powder into the air. The crowd goes wild, not realizing the sinister implications of the ‘special effects.’

Johnny Suave: As usual, Taylor Switt has her loaded guitar with her.

Colleen shrugs.

Colleen Crowder: It’s all part of the show, Johnny. Don’t be such a square.

The scene fades out as Daniels climbs into the ring, ready to face his opponent in what promises to be a politically charged battle for the PCW title.

The arena suddenly darkens, and a thunderous roar erupts as Carrie Underwood’s acapella version of “America the Beautiful” blares through the speakers.

Charlie Blackwell emerges, the PCW title belt held high above his head, its golden shine catching the spotlight.

Johnny Suave: And here comes the PCW champion!

Colleen scoffs. 

Colleen Crowder: If you can call him that. More like a relic of a bygone era.

Blackwell marches down the ramp, his steely gaze fixed on the ring. These coastal elites think they can waltz in and take what’s mine? Not on my watch.

Ring announcer Kimber Marshall’s voice echoes through the arena.

Kimber Marshall: Introducing first, representing the Progressive Alliance, from New York City, New York, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds… ‘Mr. Hollywood’ Kevin Daniels!

The crowd’s reaction is mixed, with cheers and boos battling for dominance.

Kimber Marshall: And his opponent, representing the American Heartland Coalition, from New Braunfels, Texas, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 215 pounds… he is the reigning PCW Champion… Charlie Blackwell!

As Blackwell enters the ring, Suave comments,

Johnny Suave: This is a clash of ideologies if I’ve ever seen one, folks!

Colleen Crowder: More like the future versus the past.

The bell rings, and Daniels immediately dives for Blackwell’s legs, taking him down.

Johnny Suave: Daniels with a quick takedown!

Colleen chimes in.

Colleen Crowder: See? That’s how progressive thinking works for you!

Daniels twists Blackwell’s arm, applying pressure to the joint. Blackwell grits his teeth. Suddenly, Blackwell drives his knee into Daniels’ groin, eliciting a collective gasp from the crowd.

Johnny Suave: Oh! Low blow from Blackwell!

Colleen Crowder: Typical dirty tactic from the so-called champion.

Johnny Suave: It’s PCW… the rules tend to be more like suggestions.

Blackwell shoves Daniels into the corner and charges, connecting with a high elbow. He goes for the cover…

“One… Two…” The referee counts, but Daniels kicks out.

Johnny Suave: Daniels showing some resilience there.

Colleen nods. 

Colleen Crowder: Of course. You can’t keep a good progressive down.

Daniels, dazed but determined, climbs to the top rope. He’s going for broke.

Johnny Suave: What’s this? Daniels is taking a big risk here!

Daniels launches into a moonsault, but Blackwell is ready. He catches Daniels mid-air with a devastating superkick.

Johnny Suave: HOLY CRAP!  Superkick out of nowhere!

Colleen gasps.

Colleen Crowder: Nooooo!

Daniels staggers, barely conscious, and tumbles out of the ring. Blackwell, sensing victory, prepares to dive after him.

Johnny Suave: Blackwell’s going for a dive!

But before he can launch, Paris and Nicole position themselves in front of Daniels, blocking Blackwell’s path.

Johnny Suave: The Skanky Rich Bimbos are interfering!

Colleen Crowder: They’re just putting their bodies on the line to protect their investment, Johnny. It’s called strategy.

As the crowd roars its disapproval, Blackwell glares at the interfering entourage. This ain’t over yet, Hollywood. Not by a long shot.

Daniels, seizing the moment of distraction, slides back into the ring and catches Blackwell off-guard with a vicious forearm shot to the back of the head. The PCW champion staggers, his vision blurring.

Johnny Suave: Cheap shot from Daniels!

Colleen Crowder: It’s called seizing an opportunity, Johnny. Maybe if Blackwell wasn’t so busy ogling those ladies…

Daniels, a smirk playing on his lips, grabs Blackwell and executes a textbook release suplex. The champion’s body arcs through the air before crashing to the mat.

Johnny Suave: Textbook suplex from Mr. Hollywood!

Daniels, relentless in his assault, grabs Blackwell’s hand and starts stomping on it mercilessly.

Colleen Crowder: Look at that! Daniels is targeting the champion’s hand. That’s strategy, folks!”

Blackwell grits his teeth, fighting back a cry of pain.  But before he can retaliate, Daniels rolls him back into the ring and applies a brutal armbar, dropping his knee onto Blackwell’s elbow.

Johnny Suave: Oh! Vicious armbar by Daniels!

Blackwell, his face contorted in agony, tries to fight back, but Daniels shuts him down with a swift kick to the chest.

Kevin Daniels: Stay down, you backwater hick!

Colleen barely contains her glee.

Colleen Crowder: Did you hear that, Johnny? Daniels is really giving it to him!

Daniels, not content with his advantage, ties Blackwell in the ropes and starts kicking away at him like a soccer ball.

As the crowd boos, Blackwell’s eyes narrow. With a burst of strength, Blackwell breaks free from the ropes. Daniels, surprised by the sudden reversal, hesitates for a split second – and that’s all Blackwell needs. He lunges forward, taking Daniels down with a thunderous tackle.

Johnny Suave: Blackwell’s free! And he’s not happy!

The tide of the match has turned, and the real fight is about to begin.

Blackwell, his eyes blazing with Texas-sized fury, catches Daniels off-guard with a devastating superkick. The sound of boot meeting jaw echoes through the arena.

Johnny Suave: HOLY CRAP! SUPERKICK! “Blackwell’s fighting back with everything he’s got!

Not wasting a moment, Blackwell hoists Daniels onto his shoulders. The crowd rises to its feet, sensing what’s coming. With a grunt, Blackwell executes a flawless Canadian Destroyer, flipping Daniels head over heels onto the mat.

Johnny Suave: CANADIAN DESTROYER! 

Blackwell goes for the cover, but the Skanky Rich Bimbos leap onto the apron, distracting the referee.

Johnny Suave: And the Skanky Rich Bimbos have the referee’s attention.  Look at this blatant interference.

Colleen Crowder: Behind every great man there’s at least one woman… sometimes two.

Daniels, seizing the opportunity, pokes Blackwell in the eyes and shoves him towards the corner where Taylor Switt waits, guitar at the ready.

Johnny Suave: TAYLOR SWITT!

Switt swings her loaded guitar, aiming for Blackwell’s head. But in a twist of fate, she connects with Daniels instead. The resounding *BOOM* is followed by a cloud of white powder.

Johnny Suave: HOLY CRAP! Taylor Switt just took out her own guy!

Colleen Crowder: I don’t *BLEEP*-ing believe it.

Daniels drops to the mat, dazed and covered in white powder.

Johnny Suave:  Blackwell, seeing his chance, pounces.  He’s saying this ends now.

He locks in the Katahajime, his signature submission hold.

Johnny Suave: KATAHAJIME! 

Daniels, still reeling from the guitar shot, taps out almost immediately.

Johnny Suave: And Charlie Blackwell retains!”

The bell rings.

Colleen, visibly deflated, sighs.

Colleen Crowder: Well, folks, it looks like the American Heartland Coalition keeps the gold tonight… sigh.   Johnny, your thoughts on this… controversial finish?

Johnny Suave: Taylor Switt tried to take out Charlie Blackwell and instead took out her own man.  Karma’s a bitch sometimes. 

Colleen sighs.

The camera pans back to the announce table, where Johnny Suave and Colleen Crowder sit, their faces a mixture of shock and excitement.

Johnny Suave: Charlie Blackwell retains the PCW Championship in a match that can only be described as absolute chaos!

Blackwell climbs the turnbuckles and raises the PCW title belt as the rest of the American Heartland Coalition join him.

[greenapplespider]

Romulus and Jeffery from my story Blood in Moderation.

Adrien’s sheet

Thomas and Pete’s sheets

William’s and Nate’s sheets

[udon-poodles]

Bit to overtly political for my art blog, so I'll post it here. Discord request from Tim Pools server: MAGA Jeffery.

Jefferys is a bit of a monarchist, but if trump existed in my story, Blood in Moderation, he'd ride that train like a cow girl

[asshole-rebel-psycho]

I am perceived as insane for talking to myself because of loneliness. But the reason I am alone is because I feel like the only sane person in this crazy world.

[heavencasteel420]

I dislike seeing Nancy bashed in any way, but it’s really stupid when people try to villainize her by making her an uptight homophobic yuppie Republican. First, she likes Walter Mondale! The Democratic candidate who lost very badly to Reagan in 1984! I’m not saying she’s completely free of the prejudices of her Reagan-supporting parent(s), but she’s farther down that road than most young people. Second, if you’re going to give Nancy weird politics to make her unlikable, it just makes way more sense for her to be a Libertarian.

[dolaningraham]

What Would Another Trump Term Look Like? And What's Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a 922-page, detailed, highly actionable plan meant as a blueprint for the next republican nominee – namely, Trump. I’m about to tell you what’s in it. But before I do, let me point out that this document is not a secret – you can download it here on Project 2025.org, to fact-check anything I say. In fact, I highly encourage that you do so. If you don’t have time to read the…

[vintageseawitch]

some leftists, even those who will vote for Kamala Harris while holding their nose, make claims like, "fascism doesn't just go away if you vote against it" & while there are those out there who do feel this way (or at least want to) there are MANY who know that something like Project 2025 doesn't just go away if they lose their chance to implement it nationwide.

a leftist responded to one of my comments on facebook when i mentioned something about "accelerationists." it was only part of my comment & not even my point. they were SO offended by me calling "all of them that" when i did no such thing. what i see is that leftists who claim they're above everyone because they don't fall for propaganda that easily are proving they are just as human as the rest of us & only read what they want to read.

i get it: the US has A LOT of issues. this is not a great country. there are so many things i want to see get changed for the better. there are plenty of folks who feel the same while not identifying themselves as far left.

one other issue i have: i mention Ernst Thälmann quite a bit in my political posts. he was a German politician & leader of the Communist Party of Germany. he regarded the Social Democratic Party as "social fascists" which made it harder for the two leftist parties to work together. when he ran for office again in 1933 he lost by a landslide & Hitler took office. Thälmann was arrested by the Gestapo & sent to Buchenwald. his party rival, Walter Ulbricht, ignored requests to plead for his release & Thälmann was eventually shot & killed on Hitler's personal command.

when i brought up Thälmann recently, someone commented, "yeah, don't be like the guy who wanted to beat fascism but vote them in instead." that is NOT what i meant & these folks who claim they're the smartest ever because they don't like the US (that's actually a low bar; plenty if people dislike it) like to pretend they don't see my point. my only point is this: we are stronger together regardless of your normal party affiliation. working apart? making purity politics your hill to die on? it won't help us & we probably won't like how that'll turn out.

leftists who don't see the forest for the trees: you're right, you can't just "vote fascism away." the issue is your wanting to be superior to the rest of us is you may be part of what helps them get that kind of power. you're not the MAIN problem; our justice system is garbage & there's decades of poor education & people have been falling for propaganda & people are voting for anyone who is as hateful & ignorant as they are. my point in saying to not be an Ernst Thälmann is: don't tear us apart because of even slightly different ideologies. we need to work together. start at the local level. please remember it's not just the president; Congress & the Supreme Court are also filled to the brim with corruption.

[readingsquotes]

Tech libertarianism is, fundamentally, an ideology for people who are both cheap and lazy. That is the great advantage that attracts businesspeople to adopt a libertarian perspective on speech regulation. If your first instinct about content moderation is “I would rather not think about this, it shouldn’t be my problem, and I definitely don’t want to spend any resources on it,” then libertarianism is the ideology for you. ... It is bad and weird that Google, Facebook, Apple, and the rest of big tech have been left to play the role of regulator-of-last-resort. Their executives at times complain, at times correctly, that even if they have the right as private businesses to make these decisions, we would all be better off with some other entity making them. (The hitch here, of course, is that one reason we have reduced government regulatory capacity to make and enforce these decisions is that these same companies have worked tirelessly to whittle down the size and scale of the administrative state. It has been a project of attaining great power while foreswearing any responsibility. Which is, y’know, really not great!) .. This is why every tech CEO loves the libertarian approach to speech issues. Tech libertarianism holds that someone else (or no one at all) should expend resources on setting and enforcing boundaries for how your product is used. The essence of the position is “I shouldn’t have to spend money on any of this. And I shouldn’t ever face negative consequences for not spending money on this.” (It’s a bit like someone who refuses to tip at a restaurant and insists its because they believe philosophically that the whole system is unjust and restaurants ought to pay fair wages to their workers. Sure! Fair point! But in the meantime, here and now, you’re still being a cheapskate asshole.)

On Substack Nazis, laissez-faire tech regulation, and mouse-poop-in-cereal-boxes

Dave Karpf

Dec 14, 2023

[byler-alarmist]

Here is a great resource to learn if you're registered to vote, update your voting address (do it now), view important deadlines for your state, get an absentee ballot/ see if you qualify for vote by mail! Don't run the risk of not being able to cast your ballot due to a technicality. Tell your friends!

Okay in the midst of this I do wanna say that this absolutely WILL get Trump even MORE support.

So, here's what you're gonna do, okay:

GO. FUCKING. VOTE.

[compacflt]

okay "normie median Biden voter ice" got me. That's funny. But also so true! It prob took him a bit to vote dem too (though I believe that Ice would have never voted for Trump). Would love to hear more thoughts on Ice and Mav's politics. Also the list of who they would have voted for if you're willing to share.

i do worry that posting my extremely in-depth headcanons about some of this stuff will have the JKR “wizard shit” effect on my writing and ruin it a little, but ask and ye shall receive

copy-pasted straight from my list of “unhinged compacflt!top gun headcanons” that ive been keeping since september: on ice & mav's politics

16. Since their friendship began, Ice has always told Maverick who to vote for, since Maverick doesn't care enough to pay attention to national politics. They are begrudging ConservaDems (conservative political views, would vote conservative every election if Republicans weren’t actively sending them to war/actively promoting fascism). Ice’s voting record (and after 1988, Mav’s too) 1980-2020—note that he has always considered himself an “educated moderate”: 1980: Reagan. 1984: Reagan. 1988: Bush. 1992: Bush. 1996: Clinton (reaction to aftermath of PGW. Doesn’t care that Clinton enacted DADT because “I’m not [redacted], so it doesn’t apply to me”). 2000: Gore (refusal to vote for another Bush). 2004: Kerry (Mav votes Bush this year out of spite as he and Ice are going through their break-up). 2008: McCain (Navy loyalty). 2012: Obama (liked him as a person/worked closely with him, didn’t like his policies so much). 2016: Clinton (no other alternative). 2020: Biden (actually liked/previously worked with Biden, and now actively married to another man and therefore had to make some liberal concessions). 2024-onwards they will vote for any Democrat as long as they aren’t a “socialist.”

17. Also, Maverick didn’t vote in 2016. Partially because in my universe the TGM mission takes place that November, very near the election, and he has bigger fish to fry (something Ice will later take him to task for), and partially because I genuinely think he wouldn’t be able to stomach either mainstream candidate and probably would’ve voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson, which might have torn his relationship with Ice to shreds a few days before schedule. “Are you fucking kidding me? Johnson? Pete, this moron’s moronic party wants to abolish the driver’s license—” / “—Yeah, and then I could ride your sweet wheels with no problem whatsoever—maybe he’ll abolish pilots’ licenses, too, I’d like to see that—” / “If you vote for Gary fucking Johnson, I will very happily stop footing the bill for your piece-of-shit airplane, and you can see how useful your pilot’s license is then—” / So Mav didn’t vote in 2016. 

35. In terms of what he Tweets: I do foresee, post-retirement, Ice basically becoming a neoliberal military intellectual type on Twitter a la Mark Hertling (look him up on Twitter). Bio: “Retired @SECNAV. Advisor @WhiteHouse and @VoteVets. Contributing writer @TheAtlantic. Interested in geopolitics & modern warfare. Aviator, husband, Padres fan. [American flag emoji]” Only posts pictures of himself and Maverick at three specific annual events: 1. their wedding anniversary (“36 years with this fool and he’s still surprised to find out that I like the F-5 better than the A-4 #happyanniversary”), 2. every EAA Airventure (huge airplane convention), 3. San Francisco’s Fleet Week (which of course they MUST attend, they even headline it in 2018). Informative, analytical, highly-respected. Maybe goes on CNN or NBC all the time to talk about civil-military relations shit (aversion to FOX since the start of the Iraq War). Gonna say he had like four really viral threads about Russia and Ukraine in April or May and so has 300k followers or something like that. He has a personal website that links back to his Twitter and every essay he writes for international publications, with a pretty braggadocious bio (something along the lines of “Tom Kazansky has directly almost started global nuclear war twice in his life, and in the thirty-year gap in between, sold the Swiss half their entire goddamn Air Force and directed an entire Fleet during the Iraq War”). Lots of tweets like “Military aviation hot take: Compared to the F-22, the F-35 is a waste of money. Source: husband with 400+ hours of F-35 experience.” / “[Quote tweet of Russian Foreign Minister boasting about Su-57 production lines] Oh, so you guys finally figured out how to make more than one every other year?” / “Analysis of the failure of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Ukraine, from an ex-US Pacific Fleet Commander’s perspective: a short [thread emoji] [This thread gets 26k likes and 4k retweets]” / “This weekend my husband & I flew in to @EAA Oshkosh #OSH19 & took home first place for best P-51. Not to brag, but.” (A reply to this tweet: “Sir, you really know how to bury the lede that your husband is Adm. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell. I had to look it up on Wikipedia.” / @TKazansky: “What, was it not obvious? Who else could it have been?”) Also, I see him writing a whole bunch of op-eds for international political magazines a la Tom Nichols (look him up on Twitter too). Writing analyses of recent geopolitical/military events for the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Bulwark, the Navy Times, the Atlantic, Bellingcat, etc. Not so much focused on domestic issues (but VoteVets [socially progressive vets’ group] board member, and ardently pro-democracy, yay!). He’s a smart guy.

37. This is not a headcanon, just kind of a… a real-life implication. My Ice was Deputy Commander of Third Fleet in 2003, meaning he’d have been there in command of the USS Abraham Lincoln when President Bush gave his “Mission Accomplished” speech aboard that ship in May less than 2 months after the initial American invasion of Iraq. Very premature & embarrassing. Ice would’ve been in direct contact with Bush/Cheney/NSC bureaucrats many, many times during the war. I genuinely believe this is what pushed him over the edge into firm liberal territory.

[pcwpolwrestling]

PCW Extreme Political TV-Part Two Preview

The screen flickers to life, a rapid-fire montage of bone-crushing slams and political podiums exploding into splinters. Suddenly, Johnny Suave's voice booms through the speakers, dripping with unbridled enthusiasm.

Johnny Suave: Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for the most extreme collision of politics and pro wrestling in history! Next week, we present part two of PCW’s Extreme Election Night 2024!

Johnny's voice rises to a fever pitch as images of Catherine Cline and Kathryn Randall Collins flash across the screen, their eyes locked in a fierce staredown.

Johnny Suave: In our opening bout, the 22-year-old Iowa wunderkind Catherine Cline puts her PCW Women’s title on the line against 'The Ultimate Political Operative' Kathryn Randall Collins! Will Cline's basketball-honed agility be enough to counter Collins' Machiavellian machinations?

The scene shifts to Stone Chism and Starz N. Stripes, draped in red, white, and blue, facing off against Brock Cole Lee and GreenPete, who are surrounded by a sea of protest signs.

Johnny Suave: The American Patriots defend their Tag Team gold against the Green World Order! Can the vegan violence of Brock Cole Lee and GreenPete topple the star-spangled dominance of Chism and Stripes? And will Peta from PETA tip the scales in this environmental enigma?

Charlie Blackwell appears, holding the PCW Championship high, only to be interrupted by Kevin Daniels strutting down a red carpet.

Johnny Suave: Main Street USA meets Tinseltown as PCW Champion Charlie Blackwell defends against 'Mr. Hollywood' Kevin Daniels! Will the Heartland Hero fall victim to Daniels' blockbuster ambitions? And of course… we will have the Extreme House Match featuring American Patriots’ Jim Jordan of Ohio, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene, Chip Roy from Texas, and Thomas Massie from Kentucky going up against The Progressive Alliance’s Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Eric Swalwell of California, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, and Dan Goldman of New York.

Johnny's voice reaches a crescendo as the montage intensifies, a whirlwind of political slogans and wrestling moves blending into chaos.