2012 archive
The Zombie (Lie) Apocalypse 0
Leonard Pitts, Jr, considers zombie lies of the right wing. A nugget:
That is the lesson of the birthers and truthers, of Sen. Jon Kyl’s “not intended to be a factual statement” about Planned Parenthood, of Glenn Beck’s claim that conservatives founded the Civil Rights Movement, and of pretty much every word Michele Bachmann says. It seems that not only are facts no longer important, but they are not even the point.
Rather, the point is the construction and maintenance of an alternate narrative designed to enhance and exploit the receiver’s fears, his or her sense of prerogatives, entitlement, propriety and morality under siege from outside forces.
He goes on to look at what the right wing’s imperviousness to truth implies; it’s not pretty.
The facts lean left.
That’s why the right needs lies.
Read the rest.
Comment Rescue, the Mitt the Flip Back the Glass Game 0
From George Smith, reacting to this post:
Someone should suggest a fun game to the press, drink a shot every time Mitt Romney lies. First reporter to be arrested for DUI while following the Romney tour bus, wins.
Stormy Weather 0
The local rag has posted some pictures of the lightning show last night.
We were asleep at the time.
Light Bloggery 0
Break time.
Climate Change Is a Librul Plot 0
When I grew up in these parts, we never heard speak of tornadoes. Not ever.
Tonight, as we watched our favorite Tivoed mystery shows, we were interrupted by three tornado warnings (not “alerts,” warnings, which mean tornadoes have actually been sighted, not that “conditions are right” for possible tornadoes).
So I have a question.
How the hell have those stinkin’ libruls managed to create actual tornadoes as part of their plot to convince the gullible public that the climate might actually be changing?
How?
Tell me how.
“Tell One Lie, Make It Big, Make It Plausible, Keep It Simple” 3
That’s the short version of how to lie.
Otherwise, you can end up telling so many lies you cannot keep them straight.
Like this.
That would have represented a significant departure from Romney’s previous stance, reiterated as recently as last week in a major immigration speech to Latino group NALEO, that only military service should be considered as a valid path to permanent status. Romney has vocally opposed even allowing in-state tuition for college students who came to the country illegally. By contrast, Obama’s recent executive action waives deportations for young illegal immigrants who graduated from high school, earned a GED or served in the military.
More at the link.
Copyright Math 2
Rob Reid enters the marvelous world of math as practiced by the MPAA and the RCIA and emerges with an $8,000,000,000 iPod piece of iJunk.
Via HPR.
Snare the Wealth 2
August J. Pollak advances a theory about why so many folks oppose health care (and other) reforms so vehemently.
I’m not necessarily agreeing with it, but I think it’s worth considering.
It’s sort of an economic analogy of the classic definition of Puritanism as the bone-chilling fear that somewhere, someone is having fun.
A nugget (warning: mild language):
The entire history of opposition to progressive change in America is based on thinking that someone who isn’t you is having their life improved. And I’m sure it goes without saying that the history of opposition to progressive change just happens to go hand in hand with said progressive change being related to improving the lives of people who aren’t white, aren’t male and aren’t rich, or at the very least in elite social circles.
Lies and Lying Liars 0
Steve Benen is keeping score; so far Mitt the Flip has managed to cram 21 discreet lies into this week’s campaigning. Bob Cesca summarizes.
This won’t end until the “straight” news reports begin honestly, with
Mitt Romney told another lie today when he claimed . . . .
As long as the press big boys let this slip, Mitt will continue to let slip the lies of Bain.
How To Annoy Visitors to Your Website 2
Install the Meebo bar.
It covers up content, displays nag screens, and generally irritates your visitors. And it’s automated!
Webmasters! Torment your visitors while tracking their internet use and convincing your employers that you are bleeding edge technology magicians.
Get the Meebo bar now!
A Modest Proposal 0
Do your homework.
One Track Minds 0
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley sums up Republican health care policy. From TPM:
The only health care mandate they can embrace are transvaginal probes for women.
More here.
Facebook Frolics, Flack Attack Dept. 1
Antisocial media.
With the presidential election four months away, the Super Pacs are begin to turn their attention towards newer digital technologies that allow political campaigns to tightly target their messages to key voters in the swing states.
Facebook, Twitter and Google are all now employing dedicated teams to work directly with the Super Pacs in an attempt to help them build internet presence.
Fast and Spurious 0
The fact that there’s a black man serving as president just drives some Republicans gaga. Sadly, some of them are in a position to inflict their fantasies on the rest of us.
Thom Hartmann details the hypocrisy.
