[Continuation] 2020 Presidential Election part 3 - Page 20

Aridas · 10th November 2020, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud.

https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/

I just see that as big incentive to lie.

Also, a further exposing of how thoroughly unprincipled the GOP is when it comes to whistleblowers.

eerok · 10th November 2020, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

I think it is a mistake to view all these delusional souls that have bought into Trump's rhetoric as dumb. Sure, many are. It's more that they are conditioned to not fully challenge certain personal positions.

Oh no, I wasn't talking about Trump followers in particular in this respect. I think there's a rather complex constellation of cognitive and emotional failures that leads to one embracing Trump, and I don't even want to go there.

Some people do put an unnatural onus on abstract evaluations of intelligence, though.

alfaniner · 10th November 2020, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Regnad Kcin

Tweeting.

Probably. For a very short time. (see my post immediately preceding yours)

acbytesla · 10th November 2020, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by eerok

Oh no, I wasn't talking about Trump followers in particular in this respect. I think there's a rather complex constellation of cognitive and emotional failures that leads to one embracing Trump, and I don't even want to go there.

It's really not that at all. It's cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias . The fact is we are all susceptible to it. Every one of us. It's part tribal, part conditioned response
and simply cherry picking. It takes a sort of work to challenge our beliefs and most people do not practice overcoming those positions. It is much easier to ignore what goes against them and accept only what reinforces them.

As someone who spent 30 years in sales I see techniques that Trump employs such as repeating over and over again his lies. Repetition is a cornerstone of sales and marketing. He found a market of individuals who are predisposed to a certain message and he never tries to get them to accept any alternative message.

It's easy to get people to believe what they already believe even if it is wrong. Its close to impossible to get them to believe the opposite even with mountains of evidence. They will always be inclined to dismiss whatever evidence you put in front of them.

I was watching earlier today an interview with Dr. Shermer who wrote Why Smart People believe Weird Things.

I recommend it. But it is 40 minutes long.

https://youtu.be/jLEQCipy6NM

jadebox · 10th November 2020, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

Not sure what you're saying. A signature is required pretty much everywhere. They'll reject your ballot in Washington State if you don't sign the affidavit that comes with the ballot.

If you vote in person, you sign the registrar.

He's making it appear that a signature is the only method of securing mail-in ballots. Mail in ballots use a lot of security measures in addition a signature:

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-wo...eatures-primer

slyjoe · 10th November 2020, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by alfaniner

Not sure if this was posted already, but here's some notes on Twitter's likely action on Jan 20.
Trump's world leader Twitter exemption ends Jan 20.

The official POTUS and related accounts will automatically transfer to President Biden and staff. That's really gonna burn The FPDJT.

That doesn't mean crap. Twitter's exemptions apply to candidates as well. All Trump has to do is say he's running in 2024 and he's back in their graces.

acbytesla · 10th November 2020, 10:33 PM

Originally Posted by jadebox

He's making it appear that a signature is the only method of securing mail-in ballots. Mail in ballots use a lot of security measures in addition a signature:

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-wo...eatures-primer

That's a great link. Thanks.

acbytesla · 10th November 2020, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by slyjoe

That doesn't mean crap. Twitter's exemptions apply to candidates as well. All Trump has to do is say he's running in 2024 and he's back in their graces.

Does it now?
Does that mean anyone can say they are a candidate to get the exemption? Or maybe they have to file?

EvilBiker · 10th November 2020, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud.

https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/

He’s copying Randi’s Million Dollar Challenge! How rude.

Skeptic Ginger · 10th November 2020, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by dirtywick

Is that tax payer money? It's getting ridiculous if they are funding this BS with taxpayer money

He's drawing from campaign donations.

Egg · 10th November 2020, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by EvilBiker

He’s copying Randi’s Million Dollar Challenge! How rude.

That's what it made me think of too. I was wondering if it worked in the same way in that he knows that millions dollars is quite safe.

EvilBiker · 10th November 2020, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by Egg

That's what it made me think of too. I was wondering if it worked in the same way in that he knows that millions dollars is quite safe.

Exactly. No risk, big exposure.

Norman Alexander · 10th November 2020, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by EvilBiker

Exactly. No risk, big exposure.

He's "helping!" Or at least, looking like he's helping.

slyjoe · 10th November 2020, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

Does it now?
Does that mean anyone can say they are a candidate to get the exemption? Or maybe they have to file?

Good point. The article I read was not clear. I got the impression it would only apply to national offices; someone that could become a "world leader".

acbytesla · 10th November 2020, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by slyjoe

Good point. The article I read was not clear. I got the impression it would only apply to national offices; someone that could become a "world leader".

Seems gray. That's fine say three years from now and they file the necessary paperwork. Otherwise anyone over the age of 35 and a US citizen could qualify.

Stacyhs · 11th November 2020, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by eerok

This reminds me of the (was it a Financial Post?) article that speculated Trump's IQ based on where he went to school. They didn't factor in how much money was involved in buying his SAT scores, exams, and all the rest. Also I understand he didn't actually go to Wharton.

My conclusion is that those who care so much about arbitrary and speculative standards that are applied to decide who is smart or not aren't too terribly smart themselves.

He did go to Wharton. He attended the Wharton School which is part of the U of Pennsylvania where he received an undergraduate degree in economics. What he likes people to infer... and often implies... is that he earned the much more prestigious Wharton MBA Business degree.

His sister, Maryanne (the retired federal judge), also claims that she did his homework for him while he was in college and that he paid someone to sit his SAT exam for him.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 11th November 2020, 01:04 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud.

https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/

That certainly seems like the actions of people who already have evidence of voter fraud...

timhau · 11th November 2020, 01:55 AM

Originally Posted by JoeMorgue

That's why I'm eating zero crow if the GOP or SCOTUS does smack Trump down hard at some final step and the Trumpers start doing some big "See a check & balance stopped him you were worried about nothing" dance.

That kind of reminds me of the Goldsboro incident, which AFAIK is the closest thing we've ever had to a non-test nuclear explosion in the US. "Hey, it was nothing, the fourth and final failsafe worked" is hardly something to get excited about.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 11th November 2020, 01:58 AM

Biden is not getting intelligence reports, because Trump's officials are refusing to acknowledge that he has won

The Great Zaganza · 11th November 2020, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by Squeegee Beckenheim

Biden is not getting intelligence reports, because Trump's officials are refusing to acknowledge that he has won

that's not the reason.

the reason is that Trump officials don't want Biden to get briefed on America's no.1 security risk: Donald Trump.

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

BREAKING: Postal worker admits fabricating allegations of ballot tampering, officials say

Postal worker admits fabricating allegations of ballot tampering, officials say
A Pennsylvania postal worker whose claims have been cited by top Republicans as potential evidence of widespread voting irregularities recanted to U.S. Postal Service investigators.
washingtonpost.com

That would be Richard Hopkins of USPS, who claimed his supervisor told staff to backdate late ballot paper arrivals. He did not explain why he signed the false affidavit.

US$1m has been offered to anyone who can prove election fraud. No takers so far...?

Aridas · 11th November 2020, 03:03 AM

Originally Posted by timhau

That kind of reminds me of the Goldsboro incident, which AFAIK is the closest thing we've ever had to a non-test nuclear explosion in the US. "Hey, it was nothing, the fourth and final failsafe worked" is hardly something to get excited about.

Fun fact. Apparently, when companies were trying to figure out ways to economically get natural gas out of the ground, they tried nukes multiple times. The main reason why that stopped was that the cost of using the nukes meant that the operations operated at a loss. That accounted for apparently 3 of the 31 nukes exploded in the US in 27 tests to try to find peaceful uses for nuclear explosions.

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 03:05 AM

There have been several claims there is a coup d'état underway, ever since Mike Pompeo made his ridiculous comment that Trump second administration was underway. It seems unlikely to most that this could succeed. Bu could it?

Quote:

Clayton Thyne and Jonathan Powell's dataset of coups defines attempted coups as "illegal and overt attempts by the military or other elites within the state apparatus to unseat the sitting executive."[1] They arrive at this definition by combining common definitions in the existing literature, and removing specificities and ambiguities that exist in many definitions.

wiki

You wouldn't need the entire armed forces and intelligence behind you, you just need the goodwill of the Police Chiefs, Generals, Commanders, Admirals and Field Marshalls and it is done. Where would the opposition come from? People on the ground, sure, but the gun lobby mob will mostly be MAGA supporters. Support will come from Bonsaro Brazil's right wing president, Alexander Johnson? hmmm, the UK is hardly a major world power these days. NATO? Maybe. China, certainly. Russia, hmmm....?

The Don · 11th November 2020, 03:22 AM

Originally Posted by Vixen

There have been several claims there is a coup d'état underway, ever since Mike Pompeo made his ridiculous comment that Trump second administration was underway. It seems unlikely to most that this could succeed. Bu could it?

wiki

You wouldn't need the entire armed forces and intelligence behind you, you just need the goodwill of the Police Chiefs, Generals, Commanders, Admirals and Field Marshalls and it is done. Where would the opposition come from? People on the ground, sure, but the gun lobby mob will mostly be MAGA supporters. Support will come from Bonsaro Brazil's right wing president, Alexander Johnson? hmmm, the UK is hardly a major world power these days. NATO? Maybe. China, certainly. Russia, hmmm....?

IMO it depends on the process that gets you there.

If the election result is ratified and Joe Biden is declared President but President Trump and his administration fail to vacate the White House, then I don't see that being effective.

OTOH if there are actions like SCOTUS ruling, faithless electors overturning the election result or Republican representatives refusing to ratify the election result then that could be effective because there would be a (quasi) legal basis for a second term.

edited to add......

...and it is the latter that almost the whole of the GOP is working towards.

Does anyone really think that Mitch McConnell would ratify an election result that would make Joe Biden President if there was any way at all not to do so ?

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by The Don

IMO it depends on the process that gets you there.

If the election result is ratified and Joe Biden is declared President but President Trump and his administration fail to vacate the White House, then I don't see that being effective.

OTOH if there are actions like SCOTUS ruling, faithless electors overturning the election result or Republican representatives refusing to ratify the election result then that could be effective because there would be a (quasi) legal basis for a second term.

edited to add......

...and it is the latter that almost the whole of the GOP is working towards.

Does anyone really think that Mitch McConnell would ratify an election result that would make Joe Biden President if there was any way at all not to do so ?

Can the Supreme Court override the constitution? Its only jurisdiction is to uphold it and ensure it is adhered to. I know Trump hastily swore in his own choice despite protests from the Democrats to wait but would she go against her own legal training of impartiality...?

Aridas · 11th November 2020, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by Vixen

Can the Supreme Court override the constitution? Its only jurisdiction is to uphold it and ensure it is adhered to.

If only it were that simple. At last check, much of the decision-making process depends on the Judges' personal goals, with the Constitution serving more as a backdrop that shapes what they have to work with when it comes to how easily they can push their goals.

Originally Posted by Vixen

I know Trump hastily swore in his own choice despite protests from the Democrats to wait but would she go against her own legal training of impartiality...?

*snerk*

It's certainly true that the Supreme Court will not necessarily rule in Trump's favor, but I would not consider the current set of Supreme Court judges to be especially "impartial" in any particularly meaningful sense.

Captain_Swoop · 11th November 2020, 04:32 AM

Trump Supporter Arrested For Requesting Absentee Ballot For Dead Mother
The president accuses Democrats of “voter fraud,” but one of his supporters became the first person in a Pennsylvania county charged with the crime in 30...
huffpost.com

Hey Dan, I have some evidence here. Can I have some reward money now?

The Great Zaganza · 11th November 2020, 04:53 AM

It's not a crime if Republicans do it.

Foster Zygote · 11th November 2020, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by alfaniner

Not sure if this was posted already, but here's some notes on Twitter's likely action on Jan 20.
Trump's world leader Twitter exemption ends Jan 20.

The official POTUS and related accounts will automatically transfer to President Biden and staff. That's really gonna burn The FPDJT.

It could be a security risk to have a former president Trump compulsively Tweeting about every foreign policy decision of the Biden administration, as I think his ego would always outweigh any obligation to protect national security. We're talking about a guy who, shortly after taking office, divulged classified intelligence to Russian officials the way a kid says to his friends, "wanna see something cool, I know where my dad hides his gun".

Aridas · 11th November 2020, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

It could be a security risk to have a former president Trump compulsively Tweeting about every foreign policy decision of the Biden administration, as I think his ego would always outweigh any obligation to protect national security. We're talking about a guy who, shortly after taking office, divulged classified intelligence to Russian officials the way a kid says to his friends, "wanna see something cool, I know where my dad hides his gun".

On the silver lining to that - Trump fairly certainly could be prosecuted for any classified information that he shared, when he didn't have the authority to declassify information and a group of people working hard to cover up how he wasn't doing so under the relevant rules.

Foster Zygote · 11th November 2020, 05:32 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud.

https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/

"Up to" usually means "a hell of a lot less".

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 06:02 AM

Originally Posted by Foster Zygote

"Up to" usually means "a hell of a lot less".

Note:

Quote:

Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and final conviction of voter fraud will be paid a minimum of $25,000.

Bah!

varwoche · 11th November 2020, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by Emily's Cat

I didn't proclaim him to have good intentions. Seriously, has everyone lost the plot so completely? This is absurd.

For some critical thinking practice:

A: Marvin is a rapist!
B: Marvin is aggressive and a bit of a misogynist, but I don't think he's a rapist.
A: Rape supporter! Marvin Fanatic! You're proclaiming Marvin's good intentions!

A: Julie wants to set the building on fire!
B: Julie talks a lot of ****, and she is an abrasive bitch, but I don't believe she actually wants to set the building on fire.
A: Arson evangelist! Julie sycophant! You're proclaiming Julie's good intentions!

Let's backtrack a few years for a discussion that actually occurred...

A: OMG, I'm terrified that Trump is going to push the reed button and start WW3!
Me: I really don't think that's likely to happen. Trump is a blowhard and a braggart and an embarrassing person to have in charge, but I don't think he will actually go that far.
A: You're a Trumpkin!
Me: No, I'm not. I just think you're way overreacting and getting wound up about something that is extraordinarily unlikely to occur. Trump sucks, but he's not, you know, the actual devil.
A: See - that's proof that you secretly love Trump!

At what point among "skeptics" did it become acceptable to assume that failure to emotionally condemn and attack a target due to baseless assumptions and fearmongering somehow get magically transmuted into support for that target? It's completely irrational.

FFS, next you'll be telling me that my failure to jump into one of the bigfoot threads and call people names means that I secretly believe in bigfoot!

Funny(?) you bring up examples that are so far afield, so hyperbolic. Meanwhile you ignore the specific list of dictator/thug stuff that I itemized. You know, those pesky facts that fly in the face of your apologetics. Here again, in the hope you will take it in...

He is actively attempting to steal the election
He had his goons attack peaceful protesters (for a photo op)
He uses the arms of government as re-election minions
He encouraged armed whack jobs to commit political violence
He supported the whack jobs who plotted to take Gov. Whitmer to trial in the woods
He encouraged violence against the media
He didn't blink when Saudi thugs offed a US journalist
He threatened a whistle blower with death
He asks for political opponents to be jailed
He openly expresses admiration for dictators

I also hope for a pony.

pgwenthold · 11th November 2020, 06:27 AM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud.

https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/

For the folks who claim it is obvious that the election is mired by extensive fraud, they are really working hard to find any.

I am going to call, though, and report my mom.

It's absolutely a case of voter fraud. I could use the money.

jrhowell · 11th November 2020, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by Aridas

On the silver lining to that - Trump fairly certainly could be prosecuted for any classified information that he shared, when he didn't have the authority to declassify information and a group of people working hard to cover up how he wasn't doing so under the relevant rules.

What a great way to spread disinformation to America's enemies -- just tell Trump what you want them to know.

eerok · 11th November 2020, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by Stacyhs

He did go to Wharton. He attended the Wharton School which is part of the U of Pennsylvania where he received an undergraduate degree in economics. What he likes people to infer... and often implies... is that he earned the much more prestigious Wharton MBA Business degree.

Yes, that's what I meant.

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 07:22 AM

Originally Posted by pgwenthold

For the folks who claim it is obvious that the election is mired by extensive fraud, they are really working hard to find any.

I am going to call, though, and report my mom.

It's absolutely a case of voter fraud. I could use the money.

Not enough. You have to testify and secure a conviction in court.

Vixen · 11th November 2020, 07:31 AM

There may need to be a new thread: Trump's Coup d'état.

Quote:

Anthony Tata – a retired army brigadier general, novelist and Fox News commentator who called Barack Obama a “terrorist leader” – has taken control of the Pentagon’s policy department, following the resignation of the acting undersecretary of defence for policy, James Anderson.

Tata had been unable to win Senate confirmation after old tweets surfaced in which he expressed virulent Islamophobic views.

Meanwhile, Kash Patel – a former Republican congressional aide who played a lead role in a campaign to discredit the investigation into Russian election meddling – has been made chief of staff to the new defence secretary, Chris Miller.

The undersecretary of defence for intelligence, Vice Admiral Joseph Kernan, a retired navy Seal, was also reported to have resigned on Tuesday, and was replaced by Ezra Cohen-Watnick, a former aide to Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser who pleaded guilty to perjury.

<snip> Democrats raised the alarm over the wave of staff changes at the Pentagon.

“It is hard to overstate just how dangerous high-level turnover at the department of defence is during a period of presidential transition,” wrote Adam Smith, the chairman of the House armed services committee, adding that the development “should alarm all Americans”.

“If this is the beginning of a trend – the president either firing or forcing out national security professionals in order to replace them with people perceived as more loyal to him – then the next 70 days will be precarious at best and downright dangerous at worst.”

So Espers' resignation/termination and replacement was unprecedented insofar it was done during the transition period and the fact of Biden's office being denied transition handover protocols. together with Pompeo declaring Trump's 'second administration' and 'extremists' [GUARDIAN] being set up in key positions could be an indicator of the shape of things to come...?

So now Midnight Cowboy Jon Voight has joined in saying Trump supporters should fight as though it was their last fight to keep him in.

The long-standing rifts and conflicts about to come to a head?

Foster Zygote · 11th November 2020, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Vixen

Note:

Bah!

It's like the fine print in a mailer from a local car dealership.

"A set of steak knives??? You promised me a brand-new Corvette!!!"

"Sir, read the fine print."

The Great Zaganza · 11th November 2020, 07:48 AM

Another possibility: Trump's moles are there to destroy evidence of Trump's treasonous behavior.

10th November 2020, 09:24 PM	#761
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,603	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud. https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/ I just see that as big incentive to lie. Also, a further exposing of how thoroughly unprincipled the GOP is when it comes to whistleblowers.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

10th November 2020, 09:26 PM	#762
eerok Quixoticist Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: ON Canada Posts: 3,705	Originally Posted by acbytesla I think it is a mistake to view all these delusional souls that have bought into Trump's rhetoric as dumb. Sure, many are. It's more that they are conditioned to not fully challenge certain personal positions. Oh no, I wasn't talking about Trump followers in particular in this respect. I think there's a rather complex constellation of cognitive and emotional failures that leads to one embracing Trump, and I don't even want to go there. Some people do put an unnatural onus on abstract evaluations of intelligence, though.
	__________________ "Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future." - Oscar Wilde

10th November 2020, 09:28 PM	#763
alfaniner Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Sorth Dakonsin Posts: 25,064	Originally Posted by Regnad Kcin Tweeting. Probably. For a very short time. (see my post immediately preceding yours)
	__________________ Science is self-correcting. Woo is self-contradicting.

10th November 2020, 10:15 PM	#764
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 28,593	Originally Posted by eerok Oh no, I wasn't talking about Trump followers in particular in this respect. I think there's a rather complex constellation of cognitive and emotional failures that leads to one embracing Trump, and I don't even want to go there. It's really not that at all. It's cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias . The fact is we are all susceptible to it. Every one of us. It's part tribal, part conditioned response and simply cherry picking. It takes a sort of work to challenge our beliefs and most people do not practice overcoming those positions. It is much easier to ignore what goes against them and accept only what reinforces them. As someone who spent 30 years in sales I see techniques that Trump employs such as repeating over and over again his lies. Repetition is a cornerstone of sales and marketing. He found a market of individuals who are predisposed to a certain message and he never tries to get them to accept any alternative message. It's easy to get people to believe what they already believe even if it is wrong. Its close to impossible to get them to believe the opposite even with mountains of evidence. They will always be inclined to dismiss whatever evidence you put in front of them. I was watching earlier today an interview with Dr. Shermer who wrote Why Smart People believe Weird Things. I recommend it. But it is 40 minutes long. https://youtu.be/jLEQCipy6NM
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

10th November 2020, 10:21 PM	#766
slyjoe Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Near Harmonica Virgins, AZ Posts: 2,597	Originally Posted by alfaniner Not sure if this was posted already, but here's some notes on Twitter's likely action on Jan 20. Trump's world leader Twitter exemption ends Jan 20. The official POTUS and related accounts will automatically transfer to President Biden and staff. That's really gonna burn The FPDJT. That doesn't mean crap. Twitter's exemptions apply to candidates as well. All Trump has to do is say he's running in 2024 and he's back in their graces.
	__________________ "You have done nothing to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methodology or modern skepticism, both of which are, by necessity, driven by the facts and evidence, not by preconceptions, and both of which are strengthened by, and rely upon, change." - Arkan Wolfshade

10th November 2020, 10:18 PM	#765
jadebox Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,958	Originally Posted by acbytesla Not sure what you're saying. A signature is required pretty much everywhere. They'll reject your ballot in Washington State if you don't sign the affidavit that comes with the ballot. If you vote in person, you sign the registrar. He's making it appear that a signature is the only method of securing mail-in ballots. Mail in ballots use a lot of security measures in addition a signature: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-wo...eatures-primer

10th November 2020, 10:33 PM	#767
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 28,593	Originally Posted by jadebox He's making it appear that a signature is the only method of securing mail-in ballots. Mail in ballots use a lot of security measures in addition a signature: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-wo...eatures-primer That's a great link. Thanks.
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

10th November 2020, 10:36 PM	#768
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 28,593	Originally Posted by slyjoe That doesn't mean crap. Twitter's exemptions apply to candidates as well. All Trump has to do is say he's running in 2024 and he's back in their graces. Does it now? Does that mean anyone can say they are a candidate to get the exemption? Or maybe they have to file?
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

10th November 2020, 10:52 PM	#769
EvilBiker Spectral Challenger Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Berlin Posts: 1,406	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud. https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/ He’s copying Randi’s Million Dollar Challenge! How rude.
	__________________ Flat Earth Theory: The unfortunate result of ordering pizza to satisfy munchies after smoking way too much weed to bring you down from that hectic acid trip.

10th November 2020, 11:00 PM	#770
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 87,909	Originally Posted by dirtywick Is that tax payer money? It's getting ridiculous if they are funding this BS with taxpayer money He's drawing from campaign donations.

10th November 2020, 11:15 PM	#771
Egg Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,552	Originally Posted by EvilBiker He’s copying Randi’s Million Dollar Challenge! How rude. That's what it made me think of too. I was wondering if it worked in the same way in that he knows that millions dollars is quite safe.
Egg Graduate Poster Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,552	__________________ _{"That's the thing with eggs: It's all about chicks and getting laid." - Wuschel} _{"A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg" - Samuel Butler} _{“When arguing with a stone an egg is always wrong” - African proverb} _{“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked” - Bernard Meltzer}

10th November 2020, 11:28 PM	#772
EvilBiker Spectral Challenger Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Berlin Posts: 1,406	Originally Posted by Egg That's what it made me think of too. I was wondering if it worked in the same way in that he knows that millions dollars is quite safe. Exactly. No risk, big exposure.
	__________________ Flat Earth Theory: The unfortunate result of ordering pizza to satisfy munchies after smoking way too much weed to bring you down from that hectic acid trip.

10th November 2020, 11:30 PM	#773
Norman Alexander Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gundungurra Posts: 9,191	Originally Posted by EvilBiker Exactly. No risk, big exposure. He's "helping!" Or at least, looking like he's helping.
	__________________ _{...our governments are just trying to protect us from terror. In the same way that someone banging a hornets’ nest with a stick is trying to protect us from hornets. Frankie Boyle, Guardian, July 2015}

10th November 2020, 11:32 PM	#774
slyjoe Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Near Harmonica Virgins, AZ Posts: 2,597	Originally Posted by acbytesla Does it now? Does that mean anyone can say they are a candidate to get the exemption? Or maybe they have to file? Good point. The article I read was not clear. I got the impression it would only apply to national offices; someone that could become a "world leader".
	__________________ "You have done nothing to demonstrate an understanding of scientific methodology or modern skepticism, both of which are, by necessity, driven by the facts and evidence, not by preconceptions, and both of which are strengthened by, and rely upon, change." - Arkan Wolfshade

10th November 2020, 11:47 PM	#775
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 28,593	Originally Posted by slyjoe Good point. The article I read was not clear. I got the impression it would only apply to national offices; someone that could become a "world leader". Seems gray. That's fine say three years from now and they file the necessary paperwork. Otherwise anyone over the age of 35 and a US citizen could qualify.
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

11th November 2020, 12:58 AM	#776
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 18,233	Originally Posted by eerok This reminds me of the (was it a Financial Post?) article that speculated Trump's IQ based on where he went to school. They didn't factor in how much money was involved in buying his SAT scores, exams, and all the rest. Also I understand he didn't actually go to Wharton. My conclusion is that those who care so much about arbitrary and speculative standards that are applied to decide who is smart or not aren't too terribly smart themselves. He did go to Wharton. He attended the Wharton School which is part of the U of Pennsylvania where he received an undergraduate degree in economics. What he likes people to infer... and often implies... is that he earned the much more prestigious Wharton MBA Business degree. His sister, Maryanne (the retired federal judge), also claims that she did his homework for him while he was in college and that he paid someone to sit his SAT exam for him.

11th November 2020, 01:04 AM	#777
Squeegee Beckenheim Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 31,407	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud. https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/ That certainly seems like the actions of people who already have evidence of voter fraud...
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

11th November 2020, 01:55 AM	#778
timhau NWO Litter Technician Join Date: May 2004 Location: Looks like Finland. Smells like Finland. Quacks like Finland. Where the hell am I? Posts: 14,513	Originally Posted by JoeMorgue That's why I'm eating zero crow if the GOP or SCOTUS does smack Trump down hard at some final step and the Trumpers start doing some big "See a check & balance stopped him you were worried about nothing" dance. That kind of reminds me of the Goldsboro incident, which AFAIK is the closest thing we've ever had to a non-test nuclear explosion in the US. "Hey, it was nothing, the fourth and final failsafe worked" is hardly something to get excited about.
	__________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord, in his wisdom, doesn't work that way. I just stole one and asked Him to forgive me. - Emo Philips

11th November 2020, 01:58 AM	#779
Squeegee Beckenheim Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 31,407	Biden is not getting intelligence reports, because Trump's officials are refusing to acknowledge that he has won
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

11th November 2020, 02:01 AM	#780
The Great Zaganza Maledictorian Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 14,874	Originally Posted by Squeegee Beckenheim Biden is not getting intelligence reports, because Trump's officials are refusing to acknowledge that he has won that's not the reason. the reason is that Trump officials don't want Biden to get briefed on America's no.1 security risk: Donald Trump.
	__________________ The things that you're liable To read in the Bible It ain't necessarily so

11th November 2020, 02:59 AM	#781
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 21,615	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop BREAKING: Postal worker admits fabricating allegations of ballot tampering, officials say Postal worker admits fabricating allegations of ballot tampering, officials say A Pennsylvania postal worker whose claims have been cited by top Republicans as potential evidence of widespread voting irregularities recanted to U.S. Postal Service investigators. washingtonpost.com That would be Richard Hopkins of USPS, who claimed his supervisor told staff to backdate late ballot paper arrivals. He did not explain why he signed the false affidavit. US$1m has been offered to anyone who can prove election fraud. No takers so far...?
	__________________ Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder, vilken tröst, vad än som kommer på!

11th November 2020, 03:03 AM	#782
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,603	Originally Posted by timhau That kind of reminds me of the Goldsboro incident, which AFAIK is the closest thing we've ever had to a non-test nuclear explosion in the US. "Hey, it was nothing, the fourth and final failsafe worked" is hardly something to get excited about. Fun fact. Apparently, when companies were trying to figure out ways to economically get natural gas out of the ground, they tried nukes multiple times. The main reason why that stopped was that the cost of using the nukes meant that the operations operated at a loss. That accounted for apparently 3 of the 31 nukes exploded in the US in 27 tests to try to find peaceful uses for nuclear explosions.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon. Last edited by Aridas; 11th November 2020 at 03:05 AM.

11th November 2020, 03:05 AM	#783
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 21,615	There have been several claims there is a coup d'état underway, ever since Mike Pompeo made his ridiculous comment that Trump second administration was underway. It seems unlikely to most that this could succeed. Bu could it? Quote: Clayton Thyne and Jonathan Powell's dataset of coups defines attempted coups as "illegal and overt attempts by the military or other elites within the state apparatus to unseat the sitting executive."[1] They arrive at this definition by combining common definitions in the existing literature, and removing specificities and ambiguities that exist in many definitions. wiki You wouldn't need the entire armed forces and intelligence behind you, you just need the goodwill of the Police Chiefs, Generals, Commanders, Admirals and Field Marshalls and it is done. Where would the opposition come from? People on the ground, sure, but the gun lobby mob will mostly be MAGA supporters. Support will come from Bonsaro Brazil's right wing president, Alexander Johnson? hmmm, the UK is hardly a major world power these days. NATO? Maybe. China, certainly. Russia, hmmm....?
	__________________ Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder, vilken tröst, vad än som kommer på!

11th November 2020, 03:22 AM	#784
The Don Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sir Fynwy Posts: 31,618	Originally Posted by Vixen There have been several claims there is a coup d'état underway, ever since Mike Pompeo made his ridiculous comment that Trump second administration was underway. It seems unlikely to most that this could succeed. Bu could it? wiki You wouldn't need the entire armed forces and intelligence behind you, you just need the goodwill of the Police Chiefs, Generals, Commanders, Admirals and Field Marshalls and it is done. Where would the opposition come from? People on the ground, sure, but the gun lobby mob will mostly be MAGA supporters. Support will come from Bonsaro Brazil's right wing president, Alexander Johnson? hmmm, the UK is hardly a major world power these days. NATO? Maybe. China, certainly. Russia, hmmm....? IMO it depends on the process that gets you there. If the election result is ratified and Joe Biden is declared President but President Trump and his administration fail to vacate the White House, then I don't see that being effective. OTOH if there are actions like SCOTUS ruling, faithless electors overturning the election result or Republican representatives refusing to ratify the election result then that could be effective because there would be a (quasi) legal basis for a second term. edited to add...... ...and it is the latter that almost the whole of the GOP is working towards. Does anyone really think that Mitch McConnell would ratify an election result that would make Joe Biden President if there was any way at all not to do so ?
	Last edited by The Don; 11th November 2020 at 03:24 AM.

11th November 2020, 03:36 AM	#785
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 21,615	Originally Posted by The Don IMO it depends on the process that gets you there. If the election result is ratified and Joe Biden is declared President but President Trump and his administration fail to vacate the White House, then I don't see that being effective. OTOH if there are actions like SCOTUS ruling, faithless electors overturning the election result or Republican representatives refusing to ratify the election result then that could be effective because there would be a (quasi) legal basis for a second term. edited to add...... ...and it is the latter that almost the whole of the GOP is working towards. Does anyone really think that Mitch McConnell would ratify an election result that would make Joe Biden President if there was any way at all not to do so ? Can the Supreme Court override the constitution? Its only jurisdiction is to uphold it and ensure it is adhered to. I know Trump hastily swore in his own choice despite protests from the Democrats to wait but would she go against her own legal training of impartiality...?
	__________________ Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder, vilken tröst, vad än som kommer på!

11th November 2020, 03:44 AM	#786
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,603	Originally Posted by Vixen Can the Supreme Court override the constitution? Its only jurisdiction is to uphold it and ensure it is adhered to. If only it were that simple. At last check, much of the decision-making process depends on the Judges' personal goals, with the Constitution serving more as a backdrop that shapes what they have to work with when it comes to how easily they can push their goals. Originally Posted by Vixen I know Trump hastily swore in his own choice despite protests from the Democrats to wait but would she go against her own legal training of impartiality...? snerk It's certainly true that the Supreme Court will not necessarily rule in Trump's favor, but I would not consider the current set of Supreme Court judges to be especially "impartial" in any particularly meaningful sense.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon. Last edited by Aridas; 11th November 2020 at 03:46 AM.

11th November 2020, 04:32 AM	#787
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 32,768	Trump Supporter Arrested For Requesting Absentee Ballot For Dead Mother The president accuses Democrats of “voter fraud,” but one of his supporters became the first person in a Pennsylvania county charged with the crime in 30... huffpost.com Hey Dan, I have some evidence here. Can I have some reward money now?

11th November 2020, 04:53 AM	#788
The Great Zaganza Maledictorian Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 14,874	It's not a crime if Republicans do it.
	__________________ The things that you're liable To read in the Bible It ain't necessarily so

11th November 2020, 05:21 AM	#789
Foster Zygote Dental Floss Tycoon Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 17,977	Originally Posted by alfaniner Not sure if this was posted already, but here's some notes on Twitter's likely action on Jan 20. Trump's world leader Twitter exemption ends Jan 20. The official POTUS and related accounts will automatically transfer to President Biden and staff. That's really gonna burn The FPDJT. It could be a security risk to have a former president Trump compulsively Tweeting about every foreign policy decision of the Biden administration, as I think his ego would always outweigh any obligation to protect national security. We're talking about a guy who, shortly after taking office, divulged classified intelligence to Russian officials the way a kid says to his friends, "wanna see something cool, I know where my dad hides his gun".
	__________________ Counterbalance in the little town of Ridgeview, Ohio. Two people permanently enslaved by the tyranny of fear and superstitution, facing the future with a kind of helpless dread. Two others facing the future with confidence - having escaped one of the darker places of the Twilight Zone.

11th November 2020, 05:28 AM	#790
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: East Coast, US Posts: 7,603	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote It could be a security risk to have a former president Trump compulsively Tweeting about every foreign policy decision of the Biden administration, as I think his ego would always outweigh any obligation to protect national security. We're talking about a guy who, shortly after taking office, divulged classified intelligence to Russian officials the way a kid says to his friends, "wanna see something cool, I know where my dad hides his gun". On the silver lining to that - Trump fairly certainly could be prosecuted for any classified information that he shared, when he didn't have the authority to declassify information and a group of people working hard to cover up how he wasn't doing so under the relevant rules.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

11th November 2020, 05:32 AM	#791
Foster Zygote Dental Floss Tycoon Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 17,977	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud. https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/ "Up to" usually means "a hell of a lot less".
	__________________ Counterbalance in the little town of Ridgeview, Ohio. Two people permanently enslaved by the tyranny of fear and superstitution, facing the future with a kind of helpless dread. Two others facing the future with confidence - having escaped one of the darker places of the Twilight Zone.

11th November 2020, 06:02 AM	#792
Vixen Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 21,615	Originally Posted by Foster Zygote "Up to" usually means "a hell of a lot less". Note: Quote: Anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and final conviction of voter fraud will be paid a minimum of $25,000. Bah!
	__________________ Blott en dag, ett ögonblick i sänder, vilken tröst, vad än som kommer på!

11th November 2020, 06:13 AM	#793
varwoche Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Puget Sound Posts: 15,466	Originally Posted by Emily's Cat I didn't proclaim him to have good intentions. Seriously, has everyone lost the plot so completely? This is absurd. For some critical thinking practice: A: Marvin is a rapist! B: Marvin is aggressive and a bit of a misogynist, but I don't think he's a rapist. A: Rape supporter! Marvin Fanatic! You're proclaiming Marvin's good intentions! A: Julie wants to set the building on fire! B: Julie talks a lot of **, and she is an abrasive bitch, but I don't believe she actually wants to set the building on fire. A: Arson evangelist! Julie sycophant! You're proclaiming Julie's good intentions! Let's backtrack a few years for a discussion that actually occurred... A: OMG, I'm terrified that Trump is going to push the reed button and start WW3! Me: I really don't think that's likely to happen. Trump is a blowhard and a braggart and an embarrassing person to have in charge, but I don't think he will actually go that far. A: You're a Trumpkin! Me: No, I'm not. I just think you're way overreacting and getting wound up about something that is extraordinarily unlikely to occur. Trump sucks, but he's not, you know, the actual devil. A: See - that's proof that you secretly love Trump! At what point among "skeptics" did it become acceptable to assume that failure to emotionally condemn and attack a target due to baseless assumptions and fearmongering somehow get magically transmuted into support for that target? It's completely irrational. FFS, next you'll be telling me that my failure to jump into one of the bigfoot threads and call people names means that I secretly believe in bigfoot! Funny(?) you bring up examples that are so far afield, so hyperbolic. Meanwhile you ignore the specific list of dictator/thug stuff that I itemized. You know, those pesky facts** that fly in the face of your apologetics. Here again, in the hope you will take it in... He is actively attempting to steal the election He had his goons attack peaceful protesters (for a photo op) He uses the arms of government as re-election minions He encouraged armed whack jobs to commit political violence He supported the whack jobs who plotted to take Gov. Whitmer to trial in the woods He encouraged violence against the media He didn't blink when Saudi thugs offed a US journalist He threatened a whistle blower with death He asks for political opponents to be jailed He openly expresses admiration for dictators I also hope for a pony.
	__________________ To survive election season on a skeptics forum, one must understand Hymie-the-Robot.

11th November 2020, 06:27 AM	#794
pgwenthold Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 20,228	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Dan Patrick the Lieutenant Governor of Texas says he will pay up to $1 million reward to people that come forward and report voter fraud. https://www.danpatrick.org/patrick-o...wers-tipsters/ For the folks who claim it is obvious that the election is mired by extensive fraud, they are really working hard to find any. I am going to call, though, and report my mom. It's absolutely a case of voter fraud. I could use the money.
	__________________ "As your friend, I have to be honest with you: I don't care about you or your problems" - Chloe, Secret Life of Pets

11th November 2020, 06:52 AM	#795
jrhowell Muse Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Posts: 714	Originally Posted by Aridas On the silver lining to that - Trump fairly certainly could be prosecuted for any classified information that he shared, when he didn't have the authority to declassify information and a group of people working hard to cover up how he wasn't doing so under the relevant rules. What a great way to spread disinformation to America's enemies -- just tell Trump what you want them to know.