#46 President Joe Biden

cincybearcat · December 2022

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

static111 said:

bootlegger10 said:

I think we can agree on one thing. Don’t go to Russia right now. Unless Pearl Jam plays there.

Did they do something new or just the same old reasons?

5 years ago I would have traveled to Russia to check out the tourist stuff. Now, I'd be more concerned they'd make up some bogus thing to charge me with or throw something in my bag to get caught with. I wouldn't be some prized target and unlikely, but not worth the risk.

They shot down a passenger plane in 2015 or something. Never in my life have I thought it'd be a good idea to go fucking Russia. Hell no. lol.

I would have gone with a group. Stayed in our lane as much as possible. Stuck to the tourist stuff.

I mean that Whelan guy was detained around then. I don't see what's different. But oh well, you missed your chance to go to Russia I guess. lol

Remember, I didn’t go five years ago. 250k Americans traveled to Russia for tourism in 2017. 685 people a day. Not the millions each year that go to Italy but odds would strongly have been in your favor, and would suspect pretty good if part of a travel group. Rick Steves would probably protect us all.

I guess I just don't understand your point. Are you saying you don't feel safe traveling there now because of the hostage exchange? I would think it would waaaaaaay more to do with them currently engaged in an unjustified war with a neighboring country, but, hey, that's just me.

I can see both being a concern. And I will disagree with you a little in that for the average tourist, the hostage exchange would be a higher concern/likelihood. It's unlikely to be caught in the crossfire on Russian soil at the moment.

I always wanted to take a cruise that stopped at St Pete...wanted to see the city but wanted a safe way to do so. Maybe in another decade...

The Juggler · December 2022

cincybearcat said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

static111 said:

bootlegger10 said:

I think we can agree on one thing. Don’t go to Russia right now. Unless Pearl Jam plays there.

Did they do something new or just the same old reasons?

5 years ago I would have traveled to Russia to check out the tourist stuff. Now, I'd be more concerned they'd make up some bogus thing to charge me with or throw something in my bag to get caught with. I wouldn't be some prized target and unlikely, but not worth the risk.

They shot down a passenger plane in 2015 or something. Never in my life have I thought it'd be a good idea to go fucking Russia. Hell no. lol.

I would have gone with a group. Stayed in our lane as much as possible. Stuck to the tourist stuff.

I mean that Whelan guy was detained around then. I don't see what's different. But oh well, you missed your chance to go to Russia I guess. lol

Remember, I didn’t go five years ago. 250k Americans traveled to Russia for tourism in 2017. 685 people a day. Not the millions each year that go to Italy but odds would strongly have been in your favor, and would suspect pretty good if part of a travel group. Rick Steves would probably protect us all.

I guess I just don't understand your point. Are you saying you don't feel safe traveling there now because of the hostage exchange? I would think it would waaaaaaay more to do with them currently engaged in an unjustified war with a neighboring country, but, hey, that's just me.

I can see both being a concern. And I will disagree with you a little in that for the average tourist, the hostage exchange would be a higher concern/likelihood. It's unlikely to be caught in the crossfire on Russian soil at the moment.

I always wanted to take a cruise that stopped at St Pete...wanted to see the city but wanted a safe way to do so. Maybe in another decade...

We've exchanged prisoners with them, including Reed earlier this year who people seem to forget, multiple times going back to the Cold War though.

State Department has had a Do Not Travel Advisory to Russia since January because of the war.

Halifax2TheMax · December 2022

Damn you Brandon! How’s I’m gonna get my mail now?

On our radar: Postal Service will electrify fleet by 2026 in climate win for Biden

The U.S. Postal Service will buy 66,000 vehicles to build one of the largest electric fleets in the nation, Biden administration officials will announce Tuesday, turning to one of the most recognizable vehicles on American roads — boxy white mail trucks — to fight climate change.

The Post’s Jacob Bogage reports that postal officials’ plans call for buying 60,000 “Next Generation Delivery Vehicles” from defense contractor Oshkosh, of which 45,000 will be electric, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy told The Washington Post. The agency will also purchase 46,000 models from mainstream automakers, of which 21,000 will be electric. More from Jacob:

The Postal Service will spend $9.6 billion on the vehicles and associated infrastructure, officials said, including $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden and congressional Democrats’ landmark climate, health-care and tax law.
By 2026, the agency will pledge to purchase zero-emissions delivery trucks almost exclusively, DeJoy said. It’s a major achievement for a White House climate agenda that leans heavily on reducing greenhouse gases from vehicles.

You can read the full story here.

Halifax2TheMax · December 2022

Damn you Brandon!

The Taliban have released two Americans detained in Afghanistan who arrived Tuesday in Qatar, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.

“The United States welcomes the release of two U.S. nationals from detention in Afghanistan,” said a senior administration official. “We continue to provide all appropriate assistance. We are glad these U.S. nationals will reunite with their families soon. Out of respect for the privacy of these individuals and their families, we are not going to confirm names.”

The release is the result of concerted efforts by U.S. and Qatari officials, said the diplomats familiar with the matter.

bootlegger10 · December 2022

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

static111 said:

bootlegger10 said:

I think we can agree on one thing. Don’t go to Russia right now. Unless Pearl Jam plays there.

Did they do something new or just the same old reasons?

5 years ago I would have traveled to Russia to check out the tourist stuff. Now, I'd be more concerned they'd make up some bogus thing to charge me with or throw something in my bag to get caught with. I wouldn't be some prized target and unlikely, but not worth the risk.

They shot down a passenger plane in 2015 or something. Never in my life have I thought it'd be a good idea to go fucking Russia. Hell no. lol.

I would have gone with a group. Stayed in our lane as much as possible. Stuck to the tourist stuff.

I mean that Whelan guy was detained around then. I don't see what's different. But oh well, you missed your chance to go to Russia I guess. lol

Remember, I didn’t go five years ago. 250k Americans traveled to Russia for tourism in 2017. 685 people a day. Not the millions each year that go to Italy but odds would strongly have been in your favor, and would suspect pretty good if part of a travel group. Rick Steves would probably protect us all.

I guess I just don't understand your point. Are you saying you don't feel safe traveling there now because of the hostage exchange? I would think it would waaaaaaay more to do with them currently engaged in an unjustified war with a neighboring country, but, hey, that's just me.

God damn, I was just making a silly comment about only going to Russia to see Pearl Jam.

This forum sucks.

HughFreakingDillon · December 2022

LMAO

The Juggler · December 2022

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

The Juggler said:

bootlegger10 said:

static111 said:

bootlegger10 said:

I think we can agree on one thing. Don’t go to Russia right now. Unless Pearl Jam plays there.

Did they do something new or just the same old reasons?

5 years ago I would have traveled to Russia to check out the tourist stuff. Now, I'd be more concerned they'd make up some bogus thing to charge me with or throw something in my bag to get caught with. I wouldn't be some prized target and unlikely, but not worth the risk.

They shot down a passenger plane in 2015 or something. Never in my life have I thought it'd be a good idea to go fucking Russia. Hell no. lol.

I would have gone with a group. Stayed in our lane as much as possible. Stuck to the tourist stuff.

I mean that Whelan guy was detained around then. I don't see what's different. But oh well, you missed your chance to go to Russia I guess. lol

Remember, I didn’t go five years ago. 250k Americans traveled to Russia for tourism in 2017. 685 people a day. Not the millions each year that go to Italy but odds would strongly have been in your favor, and would suspect pretty good if part of a travel group. Rick Steves would probably protect us all.

I guess I just don't understand your point. Are you saying you don't feel safe traveling there now because of the hostage exchange? I would think it would waaaaaaay more to do with them currently engaged in an unjustified war with a neighboring country, but, hey, that's just me.

God damn, I was just making a silly comment about only going to Russia to see Pearl Jam.

This forum sucks.

.I was just trying to understand your point. Sorry.

Jeez.

OnWis97 · December 2022

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Gern Blansten · December 2022

OnWis97 said:

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Otto Warmbier's situation could happen to anyone...whether actually on camera or not. That was North Korea but still possible under any dictatorship.

The Juggler · December 2022

Gern Blansten said:

OnWis97 said:

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Otto Warmbier's situation could happen to anyone...whether actually on camera or not. That was North Korea but still possible under any dictatorship.

Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Iraq....etc etc etc.....all have always been a big ol' NOPE from your Juggler.

Halifax2TheMax · December 2022

The Juggler said:

Gern Blansten said:

OnWis97 said:

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Otto Warmbier's situation could happen to anyone...whether actually on camera or not. That was North Korea but still possible under any dictatorship.

Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Iraq....etc etc etc.....all have always been a big ol' NOPE from your Juggler.

Afghanistan is in though, right?

Merkin Baller · December 2022

The Juggler said:

Gern Blansten said:

OnWis97 said:

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Otto Warmbier's situation could happen to anyone...whether actually on camera or not. That was North Korea but still possible under any dictatorship.

Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Iraq....etc etc etc.....all have always been a big ol' NOPE from your Juggler.

Juggler planning his vacation like

The Juggler · December 2022

Haha....close!

Gern Blansten · December 2022

lol....you'll go to Gatlinburg or Orlando and like it

The Juggler · December 2022

Gern Blansten said:

lol....you'll go to Gatlinburg or Orlando and like it

Florida is one of those "etc's" on the list. Not a fan of dictatorships. lol

Halifax2TheMax · December 2022

The Juggler said:

Gern Blansten said:

lol....you'll go to Gatlinburg or Orlando and like it

Florida is one of those "etc's" on the list. Not a fan of dictatorships. lol

C’mon, you know you’re taking the family here. Maybe get Mikey Baby’s autograph? Maybe catch a glimpse of Tarrio and get a pic?

Waterslides and rifles: Inside Florida’s playground for the far right

VENICE, Fla. — In the woods off a southwest Florida highway, a

Republican business executive has built an entertainment complex to bring together like-minded conservatives for everything from speeches by far-right leaders to family barbecues.

A concrete entryway leads visitors through a black-painted hallway filled with quotes from Founding Fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. A reception hall is lined with a wall-sized copy of the Bill of Rights. A shooting range adjoins the facility, and a large sign reminds visitors of their Second Amendment rights.

There are also inflatable waterslides, a gazebo and picnic benches for kids.

Initially, Victor G. Mellor, the owner of a construction business, wasn’t sure anyone would show up. He’d invested his savings in creating a meeting spot for Republican partisans, home-school moms and others who shared his views on Donald Trump, gun rights and thorny topics like vaccine and mask mandates — convinced he could have a role in steering the nation further to the right.

But as the pandemic persisted, turnout grew. Longtime residents and new arrivals from other states began flocking to the site. So did far-right leaders. Trump’s controversial first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, became a frequent guest. Grass-roots organizations vying to unseat Republican Party members considered too moderate declared the complex, dubbed The Hollow, their home base.

“They have infiltrated our school systems and worked their way up,” Mellor said, referring to Democratic politicians he labeled socialists, in explaining why he felt a need to build the facility. “And now we have to start on all levels taking it back.”

As the Sunshine State shifts right — a trend evident in the Nov. 8 election, in which Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) won the state by nearly 20 points — researchers say more radical members of the Republican Party have grown emboldened. The Anti-Defamation League has recorded a “significant increase” in extremist-related incidents in Florida over the past year. At Mellor’s complex, the state’s most conservative residents have built a community geared around buttressing each other’s views.

As Mellor and Flynn align to try to push the Florida GOP even further to the right, other southwest Florida residents are worried. They accuse the pair of being agitators who use The Hollow to fuel a toxic style of politics under the guise of festive summer cookouts and holiday gatherings.

“This idea of forming this all-encompassing, family-oriented venue is rather brilliant on their part,” said Carol Lerner, a retired education analyst and researcher who produced a 30-page report that found elements of the far right were increasingly drawn to the 27-acre campus. “But that makes it super dangerous, too.”

Located in the middle of the west coast of Florida, Sarasota County includes wealthy enclaves along the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, suburban housing developments and rural communities wedged among swamps and pine forests.

It’s here where Mellor said he chose to lay down roots in 1994 after four years in the Marine Corps. He quickly found work in construction and three years later started his own concrete business, testing his luck in the boom-bust South Florida prefabricated concrete market, he said. After filing for bankruptcy in 2010, Mellor formed a new company, American Precast.

As that company became successful, Mellor said, he started slowly paying closer attention to politics.

Initially, the father of three said his interest in politics was limited to his concerns that President Barack Obama would restrict firearms sales. He voted for Trump in 2016, drawn to the celebrity entrepreneur’s boisterous personality and stance on gun rights. Over time, he felt like the president wasn’t getting a fair treatment by the media.

I said, ‘This isn’t right,’ and it’s why I kind of jumped in,” Mellor said.

After Trump was defeated in 2020, Mellor traveled to Washington and joined Trump supporters in marching to the U.S. Capitol in protest. “Just knocked on front doors,” Mellor, pictured on the Capitol grounds, said in a Facebook post on Jan. 6, 2021.

Mellor said he never entered the Capitol as the insurrection unfolded, and he was never charged with any wrongdoing. But he sympathizes with many of the demonstrators who now face criminal charges, referring to the pro-Trump mob that assaulted officers, trapped lawmakers and vandalized the home of Congress as “political prisoners.”

It wasn’t long after that that Mellor said he woke up one morning with the idea of turning an events space he had built into a “campground for kids based on the Constitution.” He told his kids they shouldn’t expect an inheritance. Instead, he was going to spend $3 milliondeveloping a complex on a property he’d acquired two years earlier in Venice, a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

He broke ground on new sections of the property using an excavator from his business. He dug a man-made lake and moats, brought in toys for kids and placed a large white cross near two benches. And he poured concrete to build pathways and bridges, wanting to use material that would withstand the test of time.

He officially christened it The Hollow, a reference to the type of precast concrete his business produces and the trees surrounding the complex, many of which are hollow. Then he waited for people to come.

Sarasota County has been a Republican stronghold for generations, the moderate, business-friendly wing of the GOP traditionally prevailing in local political contests. Recently, however, the county’s politics have lurched further to the right.

Conservatives now hold a 4-to-1 majority on the county school board after pro-DeSantis candidates touting “parental rights” dominated a contentious local race. Three conservative candidates skeptical of coronavirus vaccines were recently elected to oversee Sarasota Memorial Hospital, alarming doctors, hospital administrators and medical experts.

Flynn, who was pardoned by Trump after he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States, moved two years ago to Sarasota, where he has become a significant force in local politics.

He and several of his friends and family members gained seats this summer on the 272-member Sarasota County Republican Party executive committee. Earlier this month, Flynn promoted a conservative challenger who was trying to unseat the incumbent county party chairman. But the Flynn-backed candidate was narrowly defeated.

Continues

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/12/17/sarasota-florida-far-right/

Lerxst1992 · December 2022

OnWis97 said:

I didn't have any plans of going to Russia. That said, the moment Brittney Griner was detained is when I realized it would actually be a bad idea. Sure, I'm not high-profile but why go someplace like that?

Or, say, the moment Putin illegally annexed Crimea.

Or, say, the moment Putin sent sleeper agents to help trump get elected.

or, say….this can go on awhile…

DewieCox · December 2022

tbergs said:

Halifax2TheMax said:

Damn you Brandon! Now, hurry up and turn these into NFTs! Christmas is coming you know! Even though it’s canceled.

I wish he wouldn't use gas prices and inflation as something to brag about because I think many agreed he has almost zero control over those things, but yet no one is criticizing him for listing it as some sort of accomplishment. Can't have it both ways.

If you notice, he doesn’t claim responsibility.

HughFreakingDillon · December 2022

Correct. I noted that as well.

Halifax2TheMax · December 2022

Damn you Brandon and your, “We the People!” Such a lie!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cmuc2seg3bK/?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=

#46 President Joe Biden

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Waterslides and rifles: Inside Florida’s playground for the far right

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