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Monthly Archives: December 2022

Wedgies

31 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Mark Alford

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

4th Congressional District, Mark Alford, missouri, right wingnut, social media, that ridiculous hat

Mark Alford (r) [2022 file photo].

What else one would expect from a former newsreader.

Yesterday afternoon:

Mark Alford @markalfordkc
We’re ready to get to work day one!!!
[….]
4:45 PM · Dec 30, 2022

Abortion:

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act
This bill makes permanent the long-standing Hyde Amendment as well as similar provisions to prohibit federal funding for abortion and funding for any insurance plan that includes abortion on demand

Expressing the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches

Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
This bill ensures that infants born alive after an abortion receive the same protection of law and degree of care as any newborn

Kansas.

China:

Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
This resolution establishes a bipartisan Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party

Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act
This bill prohibits the Secretary of Energy from sending petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China

Does the Secretary of Energy use envelopes or boxes to send stuff? Just asking.

Apparently Russia hasn’t been doing anything of note lately.

Evidently they failed to ask Donald Trump(r) about this one:

Prosecutors Need to Prosecute Act
This bill creates transparency in our criminal justice system by letting the public know how many cases prosecutors are declining to prosecute, the number of offenses committed by career criminals, and the number of criminals released

Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

Because I are an education expert

31 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

137th Legislative District, Darin Chappell, defunding public education, education, missouri, right wingnut, social media

On the road to defunding public education:

Darin Chappell @DKChappell
I’ve heard the arguments, and examined the data. I am convinced it is time for school choice in Missouri.

No child should be confined to a failing school simply because of his/her zip code. The only decision makers for where a child should be educated are the parents.
12:05 AM · Dec 31, 2022

Some of the responses:

Care to share the data, Darin? I’d love to see it.

Defund public schools, transfer the money to private interests, profit!

I like how easily “school choice” proponents concede to failing schools instead of working to make them better schools.
An F U to the kids that remain at those schools

Fun fact Missouri schools would not be failing if the MO GOP hadn’t been systematically working to defund public education for the last 20+ years.

Dude, you did no research.

Your words do nothing but repeat what the Koch driven school choice people say.

“School Choice” will always be for those that can afford it. Prove me wrong.

You’ve examined the data?

Please share all of it specifically.

Have you really examined the data? If you had, you would see it shows school choice mainly just ends up giving public money to families who are already in private schools. Private schools also don’t do any better academically than public schools when you adjust for income.

If you don’t live in a metropolitan area, where’s the choice?

Wouldn’t be any failing schools if MO would properly fund them.

I see you have the nice Republican/DeVos talking point. Show the data.

Are you for removing tax money from the state to give to private schools that only accept certain students?

That’s how it’s designed to work.

You clearly have NOT examined the data, and I’m skeptical you’ve listened to anyone who opposes the destruction of public education.

Standard conservative policy: starve a public service to the point of failure, point at the system you broke and say “See? It’s broken! Public services don’t work!” then divert the funds to a private model that delivers greater inequality and (bonus!) religious indoctrination.

We have open enrollment available. Also, who will transport students? That costs a lot of money. What about students with disabilities? Private and charter schools don’t have to accept all students. Sit in a classroom all day.

I would also like to see the data. How are we suppose to support an idea or even debate an idea without evidence?

Please share the data. I’ll compare it with the level of funding over the years and see if there’s any correlation. If true, then I would argue that politicians intentionally sabotaged our schools as part of a larger agenda of re-routing public funds to private institutions.

Share the data, please.

We rank 49th in school funding. Can you imagine what we could do if we actually funded our schools and educators?

So shouldn’t the school receive more funding to fix problems rather than abandoning it?

more adequate | fixed it for you

You want tax dollars to go into the pockets of your rich friends that own private schools, just say it out loud already.

Shhhh.

If schools are failing, you’re responsible. The teachers and administrators of any school wants a quality education for all of their students. You have failed to give them the resources to do the job.

There’s that.

“I’ve heard the arguments, and examined the data”, you mean you’ve had your pockets lined? What data are you referring to? FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS! Missouri is 49th in teacher pay, we have a 6.3 billion dollar surplus. There are NO excuses. FUND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

“I don’t mind condemning disadvantaged people under the guise of helping the “right” people.” Sure friend, sure.

Exactly this.

Maybe you should try equitably funding school districts instead of using “school choice” as a crutch for failed Republican policies.

Try using your 20 year GOP Supermajority in Missouri to improve public education instead of destroying it.

They have a plan.

It’s kinda hard for public schools to succeed when states continue to underfund schools and underfund teachers but I know that the long game here!!Its amazing old white conservative so called Christians want to take it back to 1830!

The arguments and data that exist only in your head.

So you don’t care if the schools in Rogersville close? With over 2000 kids that would likely devastate the local economy. As long as you get campaign money though, right?

It’s a scam. Attempting to drive public schools into privatization.

Profit!

So you’ll write a law to ensure private schools can not charge any amount beyond what the government will pay? Sounds great!

No profit. Not gonna happen.

You made this up. Research shows that public schools offer the best education, are more transparent to parents and provide a sense of community. You’re a charter shill.

School choice doesn’t fix problems. It does absolutely nothing to address why schools are having problems. Terrible policy for lawmakers to take up.

Nope that means the school gets to choose the students.

If you’re a family of 4 living on $32,000/year living north of Rogersville on hwy B, what choice do you have?

1/ I have heard the arguments & examined the data. I’m convinced its time for the state to average the state & local per pupil spending in the 5 highest performing districts in the state & state fund every public district that same combined amt. Put that $6 billion to good use

Public Schools were setup so all ppl regardless of class can attend What is taught there is to be neutral as possible We pay taxes for the whole of society just like infrastructure
If you want something else you pay for it out of pocket This should be the end of that conversation

Curious as to how much in campaign contributions Herzog donated to you?

They didn’t have to, he ran unopposed:

Election Results
Official Election Returns
State of Missouri – General Election, November 08, 2022, Tuesday, November 8, 2022
As announced by the Board of State Canvassers on Friday, December 9, 2022

State Representative – District 137 (15 of 15 Precincts Reported)

Darin Chappell Republican 13,708 100.0%
Total Votes 13,708

Also, as a “Conservative Constitutionalist,” what are your feelings on the 3/5 Compromise? Time to bring it back, or does your constitutionalist conservatism only go so far? On that tip: Care to *define* “conservative constitutionalism?” Can you do so using specifics?

Have you considered… I don’t know… funding schools? Like where were you educated?

Heh. Because I are an education expert

So your solution, instead of improving schools, is to take away money from “bad” schools, which are “bad” because they’re already underfunded. For example Kirkwood has the “best” school. Average home value is over 400k. Ranked 100th is aurora R8 where the values are under 200k

So we should follow along cause another MoGOPer says they examined the data? Was the data the amount private companies will make per pupil?

Profit!

Invest in schools, it is the most efficient and effective way to save and improve public education. Choice takes resources away from many to help a few. Robbing from the needy to help the rich. #SchoolChoice is a failed program.

So the GOP approach to “starve the beast and it will die” approach to eliminate public schools is working it seems.

That’s their plan.

Twenty years of GOP budget cuts on the necks of our kids is the origin. Let’s equalize school fu[n]ding across zip codes then and allow local schools to compete. But then again, that’s not your intent, is it?

Since ‘choice’ is the key word…they will ‘select’ only the best which allows them to look successful…behavior, slower learners, special education students will be not be selected.
The actual purpose is to fund parents that select private and religious schools!

That’s their plan.

What data did you examine? Care to share? Also, what choices do sparsely populated areas have?

So quick question, when parents opt out and go to a “choice” school. Is a bus provided? Before care/ after care? Do you know who will be left behind? Those without the means to get to the “choice” schools.

Profit!

The data shows that more school funding (and family affluence) contributes to better educational achievement. The answer is to assure ALL schools are adequately funded.

Wow. No hope from you for improving public education in underserved areas? No wonder Missouri has a reputation of being a backwater hell hole. Lazy representatives.

“School Choice” is the “Right to Work” of the “Contract With America” #MObullshit

Bingo!

What a bunch of BS! No taxpayer money should be used for private schools. That is just another means of segregation! Public schools would be better funded if they were a priority, but you only want to educate those that a few legislators think are worthy instead of everyone.

You’re an idiot if you think this gaslighting works!

Please cite the “data”. Otherwise your comments are just more moronic drivel. Your opinions are NOT facts.

Starting early

31 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

New Year's Eve

Previously:

Our top twenty traffic posts – 2022 – part 1 (December 18, 2022)

Our top twenty traffic posts – 2022 – part 2 (December 18, 2022)

The year in pictures – 2022 (December 19, 2022)

The year in pictures – 2022 – part 2 (December 20, 2022)

The year in pictures – 2022 – part 3 (December 20, 2022)

The year in pictures – 2022 – part 4 (December 23, 2022)

A four day school week is now a republican priority?

30 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2nd Congressional District, Ann Wagner, missouri, right wingnut, social media

This afternoon:

Ann Wagner @AnnLWagner
Washington, DC should learn from Missouri and our values, not the other way around!
3:21 PM · Dec 30, 2022

More highway potholes must be second on the list.

We get the representation we deserve

29 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri House, social media

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2nd Legislative District, General Assembly, Mazzie Boyd, missouri, right wingnut, social media

And that is not a good thing.

Today:

Welcome to my Jefferson City office!

Which version? Of either. Just asking.

A few of the responses:

Teachers are busy teaching children to survive active shooters in school. I guess we could arm kids with Bibles to throw at a school shooter?

yeppers, nothing says the good book like a glock!! “thout shall always carry guns everywhere especially in schools” corinthians 13 4-8

religion doesn’t belong in our schools, Your beliefs shouldn’t be shoved down others throats.

Our constitution says differently regarding religion…..this leads me to believe you are against our own laws & constitution…..

I don’t think it suggests that it should be taught in schools, I think she is just pandering to morons.

What does this mean as it relates to your responsibility to provide good government for all the people of Missouri, not just those who may agree with you?

Heh. This is Missouri.

Which version of the Bible would you want them to teach from? Does the school board vote on “trespassers” or “debtors”? Can teachers who are divorced lead the prayer? What about *gasp* female teachers who cut their hair and wear pants? Are Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim prayers allowed?
I have so many questions about how you want to incorporate religious studies into public school education.

Mazzie only cares about “her religion” and her interpretation of it. She’d lose her mind if this was suggested by someone of a different faith.

Not every American is a Christian.
And just in case you forgot, AMERICA ISN’T A CHRISTIAN NATION.

I pity you.

Disturbing and unprofessional.

My thoughts and prayers are with your supposed freedom of religion.

A poorly written book of fiction and a handgun?

You would think someone wanting to be a state representative would understand separation of church and state. You would also think they would understand religious freedom. However, I guess that’s asking too much.

I think guns end up in schools way too often

There’s that.

Keep all religion out of our schools! We do NOT want to be like the Taliban!
This is not a Christian nation.
It is a nation in which you are free to be Christian.

what happens when guns do end up in schools? any plans on keeping our kids from mass shootings?

The last thing Missouri needs is another Christofascist in our statehouse.

God this is so cringe

More guns in schools? Brilliant! Needs less mythology though.

Earning some brownie points with your idiot supporters?

This is super lame

Absolutely idiotic

you want to use the gun to force people to read the book.
admit it.

where does jesus tell you to pick up a gun?

whatever justifies your fear-based hatred.

Imagine being this fucking stupid and just announcing it like this.

Campaign Finance: Oh, really?

29 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in campaign finance

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

missouri, Missouri Ethics Commission, PAC, Rex Sinquefield, right wingnuts

At the Missouri Ethics Commission:

161339 12/27/2022 Truth in Campaigns Rex Sinquefield 232 Kingshighway Blvd St Louis MO 63108 Entrepreneur 12/27/2022 $25,000.00

[Emphasis added]

C161339 12/28/2022 Truth in Campaigns J &J Ventures Gaming of Mo. LLC 120 South Central Ave Clayton MO 63105 12/28/2022 $10,000.00

[Emphasis added]

Well then.

Roses are reddish,

29 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cultural appropriation, George Santos, liar, New York, putz, Republican, schmuck, U.S. House of Representatives

Violets are blueish,
It it weren’t for Christmas,
We’d all be Jew………ish.

Some GOP leaders say Republican Santos ‘lied’ about career and Jewish heritage
Updated December 27, 20229:14 PM ET

Congressman-elect George Santos from New York now acknowledges he misled voters about big parts of his life story before winning a seat on Long Island last month.

[….]

During the campaign, Santos described graduating from Baruch College, said he worked for Goldman Sachs and claimed to own valuable real estate properties.

He now acknowledges none of that is true. He also admits his claim that four of his employees died in the 2016 Pulse night club shooting in Orlando, Fla., was false.

[….]

A growing number of critics, including some in the Republican Party, say Santos’ outright lied when he claimed to be “a proud Jewish American” and said members of his family escaped the Holocaust.

“His story about having Holocaust heritage and Ukrainian heritage, I just don’t see any evidence to support it in his family tree,” Megan Smolenyak, a forensic genealogist who examined Santos’ family records, said in an interview with NPR.

In a statement Monday, the Republican Jewish Coalition said Santos “deceived us and misrepresented his heritage.”

[….]

What a schmuck.

George Santos (r) should feel at home in the new republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Their Cult – building the myth of the great lost cause

28 Wednesday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cult of the lost cause, Donald Trump, flags, Grifter, Marks, right wingnuts, signs, Wisconsin

This morning in southwestern Wisconsin.

Marks flying their flags:

Did not get the recent memos about Mike Pence (r):

There were a few more of these, but we couldn’t get the camera set in time.

Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…

Friday is Tax Return Release Day. Pass the popcorn.

President Joe Biden (D) and his adminstration get it

27 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

“…Title 42 is a public health measure, not an immigration enforcement measure, and it should not be extended indefinitely…”

Joe Biden (D) [2020 file photo].

Today:

The White House
Washington

For Immediate Release
December 27, 2022

Statement by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Supreme Court Title 42 Order

The Supreme Court’s order today keeps the current Title 42 policy in place while the Court reviews the matter in 2023. We will, of course, comply with the order and prepare for the Court’s review.

At the same time, we are advancing our preparations to manage the border in a secure, orderly, and humane way when Title 42 eventually lifts and will continue expanding legal pathways for immigration. Title 42 is a public health measure, not an immigration enforcement measure, and it should not be extended indefinitely. To truly fix our broken immigration system, we need Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform measures like the ones President Biden proposed on his first day in office. Today’s order gives Republicans in Congress plenty of time to move past political finger-pointing and join their Democratic colleagues in solving the challenge at our border by passing the comprehensive reform measures and delivering the additional funds for border security that President Biden has requested.

###

Previously:

If Title 42 falls in the forest, does COVID-19 make a sound? (December 27, 2022)

If Title 42 falls in the forest, does COVID-19 make a sound?

27 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by Michael Bersin in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cognitive dissonance, Corona virus, COVID-19, immigration, pandemic, right wingnuts, stay, Title 42, Trump administration, U.S. Supreme Court

Wait, if COVID-19 is a hoax, then Title 42 has always been moot.

Today:

Supreme Court allows border restrictions for asylum seekers to continue for now
December 27, 20224:30 PM ET

EL PASO, Texas – The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling Tuesday, granted a GOP request to prevent the winding down of the Title 42 immigration policy – and agreed to decide in its February argument session whether 19 states that oppose the policy should be allowed to intervene in defense of it in the lower courts.

[….]

Under Title 42, immigration authorities were able to quickly remove many of the migrants they encountered – without giving them a chance to ask for asylum protection or other protections under U.S. law. The restrictions were put in place as a public health order by former President Donald Trump’s administration in March 2020 when COVID-19 was just beginning to surge in this country.

[….]

From the dissent:

SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
No. 22A544 (22–592)
ARIZONA, ET AL. v. ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS,
SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
ON APPLICATION FOR STAY
[December 27, 2022]

[….]

Reasonable minds can disagree about the merits of the D. C. Circuit’s intervention ruling. But that case-specific decision is not of special importance in its own right and would not normally warrant expedited review. The D. C. Circuit’s intervention ruling takes on whatever salience it has only because of its presence in a larger underlying dispute about the Title 42 orders. And on that score, it is unclear what we might accomplish. Even if at the end of it all we find that the States are permitted to intervene, and even if the States manage on remand to demonstrate that the Title 42 orders were lawfully adopted, the emergency on which those orders were premised has long since lapsed.

[….]

The only plausible reason for stepping in at this stage that I can discern has to do with the States’ second request. The States contend that they face an immigration crisis at the border and policymakers have failed to agree on adequate measures to address it. The only means left to mitigate the crisis, the States suggest, is an order from this Court directing the federal government to continue its COVID-era Title 42 policies as long as possible…

[….]

But the current border crisis is not a COVID crisis. And courts should not be in the business of perpetuating administrative edicts designed for one emergency only because elected officials have failed to address a different emergency. We are a court of law, not policymakers of last resort.

Even Neil Freakin’ Gorsuch got that much.

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