hntnhole

Not "stupid" at all, BlindRawFucker ... To me, they're a statement that the guy has considered his needs, and accepted the possible results. That takes courage, which is something not every guy possesses. With the current state of the medical arts, hiv is no longer an automatic death sentence. I don't have one, but I have nothing against guys that do. To your #5, I think it would attract some, and scare some (if they're not on PrEP).

The potential problem appears to be on the State and local level. Apparently there are many "plants' in the system of certification already in place, which could create a lot of mischief. That said, if I've heard about that potential problem, the Feds have too, and are diligently working to root the phonies out well before Nov rolls around. Given the avarice of the two principal problems on the SCOTUS (and their rancid wives), I wish some kind of very threatening action could be taken against them before the election. It might disincline them to be so cavalier about who they think they are, if the electoral issues got to that point. Also apparently, this Project 2025 has been in the works for a long time, and the sheer, brazen-ness of that guy who runs it publicly bragging about it, might be the kick in the pants the State/Fed officials need to pull that weed up by the roots. XX = crossed fingers.

...... where do I start ..... First, I see you've read the book I sent you* .... "1,001 insults for all occasions" .... had several belly-laughs reading your exposition. I agree with everything you posited, and in spades. I think, given the recent successes of the Harris campaign, former President Bone-Spurs senses, with that special instinct fraudsters seem to possess, that the jig is up, the jailhouse doors are creaking open. But there's no where he can run to this time (other than - oh - maybe an extended vaca to his "loverboy" in N. Korea). Granted, nothing's done until it's actually done, but things are looking pretty dismal for His Corpulence. And that clownish Veep isn't doing him any good either. It's way too early for a chorus of Happy Days are Here Again, but the band is starting to warm up in the wings !!! Always enjoy how you build a case, item by item, and then - the coup-de-gras. *that was a joke, all the rest of you

Underlying this obvious point is the idea that those who are not Caucasian are therefore demeaned is true, if less so than decades ago. The point is, maintaining progress towards a more just, equal society. Attempting to advance Justice for any single marginalized group, while ignoring other marginalized groups is a fool's errand. Social progress is something that is best achieved across-the-board, not on a piecemeal basis. The proposals announced recently by the Harris team are not focused solely on one particular group of the underprivileged, it's focused on advancing Justice for every marginalized group. There can be no doubt by now, that the former President gives one rat's ass about anyone but himself, and staying out of the clink. If reelected, he would gladly ask the German historians for the architectural plans, rebuild the camps, and we'd be among the first to be sent there. He possess not an ounce of humanity, even in one of those fictional bone-spurs. I accept that as completely true. Tragically, many of our forbears couldn't see past their cultural blinders, and the only way to advance your particular needs is to advance Justice across the board. We all do better when we lift not only ourselves, but our fellow citizens up, shoulder each others burdens, and press forward. The Moral Arc is waaaaay too long, but it does bend towards Justice - at least as long as the hatemongers are denied power. This is the point: Citizens of good will, working to correct ancient wrongs, advancing the cause of Justice for all, are the reason we make any progress at all. When we work towards the common good, the results filter out to every group denied full equality. I understand (as well as a non-Black can) your bitterness. I have no blame to offer. But I do know that when we work together, we can advance Justice; maybe not as much as we'd like, but at least make things better than they were yesterday. Bitterness only brings regression. Positive mindsets, working together, progress for everyone, across the board.

Lots of smiles reading the replies ... To the bottoms: if there are any "requirements" you have when you're bent over in some fuckjoint, it's not only preferable, it's incumbent on you to share your limits with the Top(s) that sidle up behind you. The default position on whether to Breed or not is, the bottom wants the load fucked deep inside his ass. Thus, if any bottom has something different in mind, it needs to be shared before the Top starts in. Anything less is not only unfair, but downright rude to the Top, and utterly selfish on the part of the bottom. More, you can't hold it against the Top if all he wants is to fuck & Breed holes. To the Tops: It's entirely fair (in the fuckjoints) for you to assume that the bottom wants your load fucked up his ass. If the bottom says nothing about where to unload, that's on him. At least around here, that's the default position. Period.

We once had neighbors that lived close by. They apparently thought that my other half and I were similar to them, and shortly after moving into the 'hood, they made (social) overtures to us. The T was tall, good-looking, and a wasp through and through. He was also an officer in the local LCR's, looking down his long, thin nose at all kinds of gays for all kinds of reasons. The bottom was decent looking, but so damn vain - he thought he was so beautiful he couldn't be bothered with anyone that wasn't at least approaching his own beauty. I never thought quite so highly, but that's not the point. Those two thought they just shit crushed pineapple. Both could go on and on ad nauseum about how the "everybody fucks everybody" gays were ruining every other gay guys lives, blah blah blah. But the divorce came quick and fast, when each was discovered cheating (with outside guys). Fortunately though, soon after that debacle, one of them got transferred to another office, and they had to move away. And no, we didn't offer to help them pack. Moral: Talk is cheap. It's not what we say that counts, it's what we do that counts.

I think it's a Republikan plot !!!

That's true. There isn't a "hot" war in either of those countries either. The US has only a handful (about 70) active-service military in Taiwan. There are around 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea, and around 30,000 stationed in various garrisons in a number of countries in the Middle East. I'm assuming that since Taiwan is separated from China by a decent chunk of the Pacific Ocean, they feel relatively safe, but they still maintain around 170,000 active military, with around 1.5 million in reserve. It could be assumed that with those kinds of numbers, the Defense Dept has assumed that Taiwan is more "secure" than S. Korea, and the 30K in the Middle East are enough to at least make Israel's enemies think twice before a substantial attack on Israel. That figure (30K) is now, of course, supplemented by the recent deployment of US aircraft carriers, troop-transports, etc, so at present there's an expanded US presence in the area. Whether it does much good or not is yet to be determined. But, last Thursday came and went - so maybe mass death can be avoided. I think the US would much rather risk losing ordinance than US lives. x = crossed fingers. We'll see, I guess.

I think the Veep debate will happen; Vance isn't as stupid as the blaring trumpet, but then who is? I won't be taking any bets that the horn will show up at the Harris debate, though. He's been so busy deprecating Harris for one reason: he knows she'll kick his corpulent ass. I just hope that the Harris campaign insists that his mic be turned off when it's her turn to speak. He'll still holler, but it won't be all that effective if his mic is turned off.

That would be "tries", a noun in plural form.

That's probably it, then ... I grew up in the Midwest, and lived there for most of my life. That said, I wasn't one of the "pull-outer's" though.

HAHAHAHAHA .... you get the Gold Star of the Day for your efforts at maintaining decency in the face of those who lack it. When I bought my tv, I had it altered before they brought it; it won't even go to the Fux channel (unless there's a good game on). At least pre-season is finally here !!!

If I hurl at that mental image, it'll be on YOU ... 😁

So where's the backup you allude to; the "proof" for all of that?

Then presumably, since there is only Harris and Trump running, you believe that he's better qualified than she is? We've recently experienced 4 years worth of his failures, limitations, lack of abilities, with a constant drumbleat of filth oozing out of his mouth, and whenever it's open. The wanna-be "man" cannot manage to run his own life competently, and we have a mountain of proof that he certainly can't run the country competently. Harris has been at the President's elbow, helping formulate one of the most successful Presidencies in modern history. Maybe you don't care for Progressive policies, which you're entitled to. The above quote is, however, just plain silly, and particularly so with no facts to base it upon. I am comfortable making the prediction that the next 4 years (a/o January) - the first Harris Administration - will be far, far and away more productive for everyone than the former President's 4 years of lies, self-centeredness, lack of achievements, incompetence, crimes and foul behavior did. I look forward to your "downvote".

Well, soki .... there's a lot of very sound advice above, and thanks to the guys that beat me to it this time. They're right !!! And thanks to all you guys who replied.

(at least I hadn't eaten lunch yet ..... otherwise I'd have had a real mess to clean up ..... )

Well, it's possible, but not without re-negotiating multiple Mutual Defense Treaties we have with Israel, as well as deal with outraged American citizens who would vehemently disagree with that "divorce". The Biden Administration would never entertain such a notion, the next Administration is 6 months away, and I doubt a Harris Administration would entertain such an act either. The region could be reduced to an enormous, smoldering cinder by then. I doubt many Americans would consider that a very "stand-up" thing to do, considering all the many other MDT's we have around the world. The US might consider reducing our footprint in other countries in the Middle East, where we have a number garrisons (with US troops) stationed. For instance, the countries in the Far East we have MDT's with would wet their pants if America did that to Israel; Taiwan and S. Korea first and foremost. Imagine the European nations response, if we did that. The American Government would immediately be considered feckless at the very least, and around the world. I very, very much doubt that notion would even be entertained by the American Government.

I concur, in that she's not in any position to make this or that policy happen, and won't be until January (assuming she wins). That whole situation seems to always be in a state of flux, if not outright conflict; all kinds of mistakes can happen long before then. The issue of US trying to influence policy in the area is, and has been, questionable a lot longer than any 4our year term in office. Fortunately, she's not running for President of the World; running for President of the US is a huge enough challenge for any politician. Sure, she should condemn the violence, the ongoing killing, but she's simply in no position to make much in the way of concrete proposals. There's plenty on her plate as it is, only one of which is formulating an appropriate commentary on current foreign events. So far, my impression of Harris is a lady with a big heart, but it's presently encased in a shell of steel. We'll see more depth in January.

(and thanks, tallslenderguy, for your always thoughtful reply)

I took that event as a push-back on the part of the President's advisors/policy of fairly gentle public statements, vs his private discussions with Israeli officials, and probably generated at the President's insistence. Up until January, it will be Biden's agenda, and while we see kind old Joe in public, there may well be a more blunt guy sitting in the Oval. Diminished now, perhaps, but still the The Guy. Once she's President, I think she'll feel able to be far more blunt in her remarks (and, maybe actions). I think Harris is avoiding making any decisive remarks about the issue, since it's simply not her call until she's seated as President. The crux of this issue, as far as I can figure, is that what used to be called "Christianity" in the US has been re-branded as White Supremacy Excused by a Faith Tradition. These folks who claim to follow the message (the truly ancient one, obviously)* have jettisoned any tie to the New Covenant, relying instead of the same magical, supernatural-based belief systems that other Traditions follow - with the exception that they are "the anointed" ones, while very, very similar and ancient faith traditions are declared to be "wrong". There is simply no truthful introspection behind this mental bias. The above-mentioned percentage exists because their self-centered hatreds are being catered to by charlatans, raking in truckloads of money, and have been doing so for centuries. Institutionalized Religion is the bane of humanity, with zero redeeming qualities. Humans are born into this world with these negative characteristics completely absent. These self-centered (and thus, "other-centered" hatreds) are products of our culture, whoever happens to be "the other". It's only after humans begin to be "culturalized" by the institutions they're raised in, that these people begin to turn off their mental capacities, in favor of the false fervor inculcated as children. Thus we wind up with a Speaker whose goal is "helping bring about 'the end times'. Reportedly, all the "believers" swept up to Heaven, and all the non-believers thrown down into Hell. How's bathing in blood for scaring little kids? Isn't the paradox perversely interesting? I remember in one of the creeds I heard as a kid the phrase "the conversion of the Jews". Now I can't say I thought much about it at the time, other than if they (the Jews) are able to jettison their ancient traditions/beliefs, why aren't we non-Christians able to do that too? Why aren't we (Christians) supposed to recognize the bullshit that we're taught relative to "communion". I don't think any kid relishes the notion of the actual flesh of Jesus, or his blood in our mouths as very appetizing; yet that's the kind of bullshit we were taught. Christian Nationalism - if it triumphs - will be the ruin not only of the US, but the whole damn rest too. Then, the handful of survivors will start the whole process all over again. Yeah, because no one will still be alive. Then, the cycle of humanity will begin all over again, via the handful of survivors. If/when nuclear war actually does happen, it'll be back to the caves for the remnants of humanity. Maybe in 10,000 years, we'll all come back again too .... Rant exhausted .... thanks for your always interesting input. *referring to the "New Covenant"

Well, I suppose it's possible that term (rutting) is just a Chicago-ism .... but even when traveling to other major events (MAL, for example), I don't recall any guy asking what it meant ...

I'm certain that's the case, but I haven't heard any clips in the major media to that effect. She still has to support the President's plan, and until January, but it's so serious an issue we could be at war with Iran (and all her proxies) in short order. I wish she'd make some kind of statement, instead of vague murmurings of support for the devasted folks with absolutely nothing. It's an unfolding catastrophe, and will only get worse If she indicates she's harboring X or Y views, it might at least nudge Nettie into something productive. Of course. As far as I know, Palestine isn't a source of Big Macs, orange face-paint, hair dye, or gold-colored radiator paint*. Therefore, he couldn't care less. I would cut off my hand before I'd fill in the little oval on the ballot for that p.o.s. *"radiator-paint" is a type of paint unethical antique dealers use to make plain old shit look like it's actually gold-plated. Commonly used on portrait frames, furniture (and elevators in Turd Tower in NYC) Thanks for your reply. --------------------------------------------------------- To tallsplendidguy's reply: The whole lift from Al Jazeera wasn't appropriate, (couldn't quote just one line), so here's the line I'm replying to: "her response was telling and may indicate how she does not want the Gaza issue to be one of the core issues of the campaign" Clearly, she doesn't, and since she's still Biden's VP, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to voice any substantive deviation from his position. I suppose it's trying to read tea-leaves, which is about as good as praying to Whatever, but I believe that most Americans of good will want something to change for the better in the region (meaning the Israeli Government). I too heard that retort to the demonstrators hollering at her rally, and her response seemed a bit terse. Speculating, I doubt she'd continue the Administration's apparent policy of keeping mum, so I can't fault her for not speaking out more forcefully. She definitely sent Nettie a message veiled though. But nothing will happen (for her) until January at the earliest. Thousands and thousands of innocents could die before then. To what the Evangelicals have to say, I don't believe in magic, and certainly not when it relates to the ancient enemy, Organized Religion. Maybe I should pay a tiny bit of attention to that crowd, but it's just too dependent on ancient bullshit to interest me. It's nothing but anti-reason as far as I'm concerned. Depending on nonsense won't help anything. Thanks for your reply. Agreed. He's already done tremendous harm (in the name of "vengeance"), which in his own religion's words: "Vengeance is mine alone"* (God's words, according to the Old Testament. Since I don't see some colors very well, I didn't know that the Israeli uniforms were brown - surely the most unfortunate choice of color, considering recent history. If we "cut all military aid", that would mean taking US forces out of the theatre, since we have forces stationed in numerous neighboring countries. Not "armies", more like "garrisons", but they're all in danger if a general war breaks out. I'll bet "retraction" teams are already in situ over there, just in case. *Deuteronomy, 32:35 <polite cough> I sure you didn't mean it the way I read it ... but "in some way" is a bit leading .... 😁 Thanks for your reply. I too thought that response the first time - "now I am speaking" - or words to that effect was a bit over the top. The second time the protesters interrupted her she handled it much better. Unfortunately, the folks who hold more urgent views have to shout over her (or any candidate) to be heard. It would be much more productive to allow protesters to choose a spokesperson, and include some time for that person to ask the candidate some questions. It's happened twice recently, so maybe the campaign will figure out a better way to handle it. Maybe carve out some time at the end of the speech for opportunities to ask candidates for their ideas on individual issues. She can't be seen to be at variance with her boss - the President - until she's sworn in in January. That said, she's able to thread this particular needle - but the sooner the better. Thanks for your reply.

Wellllll .... not exactly. According to U.S. Trade with Israel 2021 - Bureau of Industry and Security (updated 2024) "How does Israel use the aid? Most of the aid—approximately $3.3 billion a year—is provided as grants under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, funds that Israel must use to purchase U.S. military equipment and services. May 31, 2024" In other words, the US gives them dough, which they are required to spend buying US military goods. There is a wide array of other items, not just military, but those purchases are not included in the military purchases. Unfortunately, speaking of our distressing observations doesn't seem to be getting the job done. I understand that Netanyahu and Biden have been friends for decades, and if that's ok with the two of them, it's ok with me. What's not ok is, the destruction being wrought upon the Palestinians these past 10 months, with only louder/harder beating of the war drums currently. The talk between old friends has produced precious little in modifying behavior (to be fair, on either side). I realize Harris is hampered by her current status as Biden's Veep, in that she must not begin making premature statements about policy she cannot make -as of yet. After all, it won's be until January that she even has the power to alter things. Maybe that's why she's been so quiet, other than calling the situation deplorable. I'm aware of what Biden's done, and is doing (as much as the major media is, anyway), and his guidance seems to be falling on totally deaf ears in the War Cabinet. I'm not sure it's a good idea to allow a foreign PM to lead American foreign policy, no matter who it is. When Israel blows up hospitals, places where homeless, hungry civilians who've already lost everything, I think it's incumbent upon a candidate for the Presidency to address that horror. Thanks for your reply !!

Fair enough. One singular citizen, however, is not able to "give power" to any political candidate or "group". It's only in the context of what an election is that matters. If I offered the notion that: then pardon my lack of clarity. The right to vote is a part of being a citizen first, and an important part. Thus, it follows that those who can vote, but choose to refrain from voting, might also refrain from criticizing citizens that take their rights seriously, including voting. Thanks for your response. Surely there are both local Republican and Democratic organizations in your area. There are probably an LGBTQ-oriented club or two as well. Even here in Ruby Red Florida, we have both the regular Democratic and regular Republican organizations, and two LGBT+ ones too (one local, and one state-wide).