There aren’t many positive aspects to the looming possibility of a U.S. debt default. But there has been, I have to admit, an element of comic relief — of the black-humor variety — in the spectacle of so many people who have been in denial suddenly waking up and smelling the crazy.
A number of commentators seem shocked at how unreasonable Republicans are being. “Has the G.O.P. gone insane?” they ask.
Why, yes, it has. But this isn’t something that just happened, it’s the culmination of a process that has been going on for decades. Anyone surprised by the extremism and irresponsibility now on display either hasn’t been paying attention, or has been deliberately turning a blind eye.
And may I say to those suddenly agonizing over the mental health of one of our two major parties: People like you bear some responsibility for that party’s current state. …
Recently, however, all restraint has vanished — indeed, it has been driven out of the party. …
So there has been no pressure on the G.O.P. to show any kind of responsibility, or even rationality — and sure enough, it has gone off the deep end. If you’re surprised, that means that you were part of the problem.
This male first appeared 5/30/11. (Photographed through dirty glass.) A pair has been seen repeatedly around the neighborhood since then. They don’t linger in any one spot for long. Nor have I ever seen one at the oriole feeder. Now, the finches overrun the hummingbird feeders.
The headline over Calcified Cal Thomas’s recent column represents a ruinous, poisonous ignorance. Taxes are NOT punishment. Taxes are what most of us pay for the common good. Moreover, some of the Founders argued for progressive taxation, under which those who can pay more do so. That view is mocked by the smarmy “you can write a check anytime you want” drivel (DUHbya – spit on the ground). These tight-fisted, cheap, selfish dimwits serve the megacorporations and ultra-rich. Let the sacred market do anything but don’t let the nation do anything – except buy war-toys. The tight-fisted refuse to recognize that the rich benefit from the commonwealth and owe something in return. The Republicans have exploited the Starve the Beast mentality for a generation. That mentality will destroy the nation.
NEW YORK—In a stunning reversal of their long-stated reluctance to take it, members of heavy-metal band Twisted Sister announced Monday that, after 24 years of fervent refusal, they are now willing to take it. "I acknowledge that we promised not to take it anymore, but things change. The world is a different place today, and with that in mind, we would like to go on record as saying that, starting right now, we are going to take it," read a statement released by the band’s lead singer, Dee Snider. "To clarify, we would still prefer not to take it, but as of now, taking it is an option that we would be open to. That is all." Bassist Mark "the Animal" Mendoza also stated that, in regards to what he wants to do with his life, he no longer solely wants to rock, but would instead prefer doing other things, such as raising a family and working as a claims adjuster in Rye, NY.
An Austrian atheist has won the right to be shown on his driving-licence photo wearing a pasta strainer as "religious headgear". 
