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Saturday, December 31. 2022

Photo: I hate NY Eve parties, (but I understand that it can be a reasonable excuse to throw a party); Champagne gives me a headache; I hate excess booze (for myself anyway); and there is no way I will willingly stay up until midnight. Call me grumpy.

All the same, I wish all a healthy, loving, prosperous and contented 2023.

Singing lessons give threatened birds a chance of survival

Are These 7 Movies on the Woke Mob’s Chopping Block? From comedies to inconvenient dramas, the following films could be 'Gone' next

The Making of Norman Mailer - The young man went to war and became a novelist. But did he ever really come back?

WSJ: Jonathan Haidt on the ‘National Crisis’ of Gen Z. Warped by social media and a victimhood culture, today’s young people will imperil American culture and capitalism, the social psychologist warns.

Rebalancing the Gender Narrative - Richard Reeves’s new book is a valuable contribution to a gender debate stuck on outdated axioms.

The Falsehood of White Privilege

Democrats Abandon Free Speech

Free speech is reactionary

MIT Adopts Free Speech Resolution: "We Cannot Prohibit Speech As Offensive Or Injurious"

Powerline: WHY FREE SPEECH IS IMPORTANT

Spectator: Do Biden’s words even matter anymore? As his staff once again rushes in to clarify, it isn’t clear who’s running the country

NIALL FERGUSON: 2022 was the year we realised we're now fighting Cold War II against China... and this time our opponent is far more fearsome than Russia

Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 07:12 | Comments (37) | Trackbacks (0)

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If what we are hearing via the Twitter Files is true, then Democrats haven't abandoned Free Speech. Abandoning something is what you do when you have no further use for the thing. When it comes to Free Speech, they clubbed it and pushed it down the stairs, onto the train tracks, when they heard the approaching whistle. Know your enemy, when they mean you harm.

" “No right was deemed by the fathers of the Government more sacred than the right of speech. It was in their eyes, as in the eyes of all thoughtful men, the great moral renovator of society and government. Daniel Webster called it a homebred right, a fireside privilege. Liberty is meaningless where the right to utter one’s thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first of all strike down. They know its power.” Frederick Douglass - Abolitionist, Republican, United States Marshal, and escaped slave, 1860.

#1 Aggie on 2022-12-31 10:14 (Reply)

Almost every link today relates to a phenomenon that isn't totally clear and obvious to most people. There is a cabal; a conspiracy to loot and destroy America. It is made up of countries who hate us and even countries who love us and their own freedoms depend on us. It is made up of individuals, billionaires, corporations and organizations. China and the UN may be the most obvious and transparent examples but Even Israel and Canada are all in. George Soros might be the most obvious individual but Obama and his crew are in it up to their necks. The FBI and CIA have long ago been infiltrated and taken over by anti-American forces.

For most in this conspiracy it isn't so much about destroying America as much as it is about looting America and reducing their power in the world. But for some of the bigger players it is all about destroying the country and taking it's assets and killing the people. It is serious, it is real. But, they must take away our guns. Watch for it! Watch and see who is all in to take away our 2nd amendment rights. They want to destroy you, they want to kill you, but first they need to disarm you.

#2 Anon on 2022-12-31 10:32 (Reply)

Happy New Year to everyone here! Maybe, God willing, 2023 will be better than 2022.

#3 Stargazer on 2022-12-31 10:44 (Reply)

OK the Dems got and released Trump's tax returns in a continuing effort to destroy him politically. Now that the Republicans will control the House they need to get Pelosi's, Biden's, Kerry's and Romney's tax returns for the last 10 years and release them to the public. These four families are getting kickbacks from Ukraine. Let's put some sunshine o this.

#4 OneGuy on 2022-12-31 11:23 (Reply)

I for one want to see the return of the S-Corp that fed the K-1 on Biden's tax return. Pretty sure that is where the financial bodies are buried.

#4.1 John Fisher on 2022-12-31 12:24 (Reply)

You can find Biden's tax returns here:
https://www.taxnotes.com/presidential-tax-returns

#4.2 Zachriel on 2022-12-31 13:23 (Reply)

No! His real tax returns that include "the big guy".

#4.2.1 OneGuy on 2022-12-31 14:38 (Reply)

OneGuy: No! His real tax returns that include "the big guy".

Those are his "real tax returns."

#4.2.2 Zachriel on 2022-12-31 15:08 (Reply)

I think you just acknowledged that he has committed tax fraud.

#4.2.2.1 OneGuy on 2022-12-31 19:30 (Reply)

OneGuy: I think you just acknowledged that he has committed tax fraud.

That is not contained in our statement. What you are apparently alleging is that Biden has undeclared income, but you provided no evidence to support such a conjecture. Typically, you would have to show the receipt of funds, such as through an account or bundles of cash buried in the Rose Garden.

#4.2.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 08:16 (Reply)

They are his real tax returns. However, the one I want to see Biden did NOT release - the one for the S-Corp that would show the actual sources of the income that showed in his personal returns as a K-1 without detail. Legal but very likely where the Biden's financial bodies are buried.

#4.2.2.3 John Fisher on 2023-01-01 11:55 (Reply)

John Fisher: They are his real tax returns. However, the one I want to see Biden did NOT release - the one for the S-Corp that would show the actual sources of the income that showed in his personal returns as a K-1 without detail.

While it would be appropriate for the corporate returns to be released, the reported amounts are consistent with the Bidens' income from speakers' fees and book deals after Biden left office as Vice President.

#4.2.2.4 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 12:37 (Reply)

There is no objective evidence that that $15M came from 'books and speaking fees' and from where I sit it is unlikely.

#4.2.2.4.1 John Fisher on 2023-01-01 16:04 (Reply)

Joe Biden made $10 million from his #1 best seller Promise Me, Dad. Jill Biden was paid $3 million for her book, Where the Light Enters. These numbers are well in line with similar memoirs.

Macmillan offers Joe and Jill Biden $60 million book contract

#4.2.2.4.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 21:35 (Reply)

QUOTE:

The Jan 6 committee Nazis released 6 years of Trump’s tax returns. It was non-stop on Twitter for the last two days. Today it’s virtually gone. Why? For a few reasons.

1. No one really cares

2. Releasing the tax returns of a private citizen is a very bad precedent. Even some democrats are concerned.

3. Trump’s returns show something other than what was intended

4. The release shows just how petty, vindictive and stupid the Jan 6 committee are.

HE LOST MONEY RUNNING FOR AND BEING PRESIDENT.

https://www.floppingaces.net/2022/12/31/theyre-going-to-regret-doing-this/

#4.3 Zachinoff on 2023-01-01 00:59 (Reply)

Poor Joe Biden, he's been a liar all his life but for the first time people are paying attention to his lies. Well, the right-wing media is paying attention to his lies, the MSM is ignoring them as hard as they can and pretending they don't matter. If Joe had more than two brain cells, he'd realize he's also been a puppet all his life. He's not "the most powerful man in the world", he's a clown.

#5 Jerryskids on 2022-12-31 12:19 (Reply)

Thanks for the list of movies I need to get on DVD or Blu Ray. Always laugh at Blazing Saddles.

Happy New Year and thanks for all you do throughout the year!

#6 grant1863 on 2022-12-31 12:34 (Reply)

"Singing Lessons" and "Warped by social media": Seems clear to me that the young are no longer taught how to attract and keep mates. The paradigm seems to be "You ain't living if your not getting it from Mr/Ms Of The Moment".

The "studs" with me in the Army of the 60s often said the best plan for dealing with women, was the same as for postage stamps, which I won't quote here.

#7 LTC (Ret.) Ted on 2022-12-31 13:18 (Reply)

Bonne et heureuse année à toutes et à tous pour 2023 !

#8 JJM on 2022-12-31 13:19 (Reply)

Do Bidens words matter... only as a partial reflection of the prog/socialist committee that has actually put authoritarian policy and law in place since his "election". He is an emptier suit than the Obama that Eastwood pointed out. BBB/NWO/WEF are just synonyms for the same old authoritarian rule of fascists and communists.

#9 indyjonesouthere on 2022-12-31 13:24 (Reply)

McCarthy says he will repeal the 87,000 IRS agents. I have a better Idea; stand them up, swear them in as border agents and send them to the Southern border.

#10 OneGuy on 2022-12-31 19:35 (Reply)

My impression is that the 87,000 IRS "armed agents" will be primarily acquired on the basis of their interschmucktionality scores. In other words, could they be trusted with protecting the U.S. border?

#10.1 Michael on 2023-01-01 08:15 (Reply)

OneGuy: McCarthy says he will repeal the 87,000 IRS agents.

Because you certainly really can't expect rich people to pay the taxes that they owe.

#10.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 08:35 (Reply)

You actually believe that 87,000 IRS agents are going exclusively after the super wealthy? And you tell this to people?

#10.2.1 Lord Heathen on 2023-01-01 09:59 (Reply)

Lord Heathen: You actually believe that 87,000 IRS agents are going exclusively after the super wealthy?

Most of the 87,000 won't be agents, and most won't even be new positions. They include IT technicians and taxpayer service staff. As a rule, auditors will go where the money is. However, extremely complex schemes can be hard to unravel, so the costs can be high. Due to employee attrition and budget shortfalls, audits of wealthy individuals have dropped by 3/4 since 2010.

But, sure. Be in the unwitting service of the rich.

#10.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 11:11 (Reply)

It's time for some simple and fair changes to the tax system. My suggestion is two part:
1. No one pays a total tax bill in excess of 50% of their income. That would include all taxes and fees paid to all government entities. This seems eminently fair, after all giving more than half your income to taxes just isn't fair.
2. That everyone, no exceptions pay at least 25% of their income to taxes. For too long the numbers of those getting a free ride has greatly exceeded those pulling the wagon. Everyone should pay into the system and if everyone did they would vote much more informed.

#11 OneGuy on 2023-01-01 10:28 (Reply)

OneGuy: 1. No one pays a total tax bill in excess of 50% of their income.

The top federal marginal tax rate is 37%. That's after deductions.

OneGuy: 2. That everyone, no exceptions pay at least 25% of their income to taxes.

So, increase taxes on the poor. That's the ticket.

#11.1 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 11:13 (Reply)

"The top federal marginal tax rate is 37%. That's after deductions."

I said all taxes. Property taxes, sales taxes, building fees, everything!!! No citizen should have to pay more than 50% of their income.

"So, increase taxes on the poor. That's the ticket."

Absolutely!! 25% That should be the minimum a citizen pays to support their government. And again that would include sales taxes, property taxes, license fees everything. As a side benefit the poor would finally be incentivized to elect politicians who promised to spend less and not give out free stuff. It's a win/win. The "poor" would become contributing citizens AND they would vote wisely.

#12 OneGuy on 2023-01-01 17:24 (Reply)

"I said all taxes."

You most certainly did. Z is an idiot. An insincere, disingenuous one.

#12.1 Not Sure on 2023-01-01 19:02 (Reply)

OneGuy: I said all taxes.

The United States is a federal system, so it’s not clear how that would work. Also, if you include property taxes, so someone could be highly leveraged and incur high property taxes regardless of income.

#12.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-01 21:39 (Reply)

"it’s not clear how that would work"

NO! It wasn't clear where the Supreme Court found the right to abortion in the constitution. Making sure that citizens don't pay more than 50% total taxes and fees to government is easy and clear. It becomes a deduction once he exceeds 50% and results in a return of withholdings.

"so someone could be highly leveraged and incur high property taxes regardless of income."

Taxes are taxes. No one should have to pay more than 50%. As for property taxes it makes zero sense that it be tied to the cost of the home/property, In general property taxes are used to pay for fire and safety, water and infrastructure. But the fire department doesn't look at ypur property taxes you paid before deciding to drive by and put out your house fire. Everyone gets those things that property taxes pay for so everyone should pay the same amount. It would make more sense to set these taxes based on family size than on house size. But I would compromise and instead tax everyone over the age of 18 a flat rate even if they owned a mansion or rented.

#12.2.1 OneGuy on 2023-01-02 09:39 (Reply)

See #12.3

#12.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-02 10:13 (Reply)

OneGuy: No one pays a total tax bill in excess of 50% of their income.

Let's consider a hypothetical example: Say, a person declares negative income in 2015, so according to you, he should pay no income taxes, maybe even get a refund. However, he owns a skyscraper in New York City, hypothetically worth $500 million. He would pay no property tax on the building, even though the building uses city services. Meanwhile, a maintenance worker in that same building making $60,000 per year would incur federal and state income taxes, property taxes on his condo, and sales tax when he buys Christmas presents for his kids.

#12.3 Zachriel on 2023-01-02 09:28 (Reply)

I love hypotheticals! It is a perfect way to distort the message and convince the stupid that you are right. It is the prime tool of the dishonest and clinically psychotic in a debate. Let's play that game.

Let's say that the Democrats are bought and paid for by China and are all in on destroying the U.S. so they steal and election in 2020 using a weaponized virus made by China to change all the election laws and they install a puppet president whose job is to approve all the laws and decrees that China mandates. But, unexpectedly many Americans protest this obvious stolen election and it is getting out of hand. So the bought and paid for speaker of the house sets a trap to discredit those patriotic Americans and invites them into congress where she has deployed her Brownshirts to commit violence and destruction that can be used against those who actually did nothing wrong. Then she uses the trials and persecution of these people to keep the nations focus off the stolen election and on the kangaroo trials.

Oh wait! That's not a hypothetical!

#12.3.1 OneGuy on 2023-01-02 10:31 (Reply)

OneGuy: Let's say that the Democrats are bought and paid for by China

That's not a relevant hypothetical. You may as well suppose the Moon is made of green cheese. You are trying to divert.

The hypothetical wasn't hypothetical, of course, and directly relevant to your proposal. Try to answer the query. Are you saying the owner of a skyscraper shouldn't have to pay local property taxes to help support the roads and sewer and police, just because the owner shows no income for the year? Is that fair to the maintenance worker who works in the building, who, in effect, is subsidizing the billionaire owner of the building? If it's not fair, then is it a sustainable policy in a democracy of the modern era?

#12.3.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-02 12:12 (Reply)

Didn't like my hypothetical did you?

So who is this skyscraper owner? How do you imagine that you own a skyscraper and rent it out but have no income?

"If it's not fair, then is it a sustainable policy in a democracy of the modern era?"

Exactly! It isn't fair that anyone pay more than 50% of their income in taxes and other people pay ZERO!

#12.3.2.1 OneGuy on 2023-01-02 15:26 (Reply)

OneGuy: So who is this skyscraper owner?

A link was provided.

#12.3.2.2 Zachriel on 2023-01-02 15:30 (Reply)

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Saturday, December 31. 2022

Saturday morning links