Kaos vs Control
March 28, 2008 4:15 PM Subscribe
Rush Limbaugh may be facing indictment for a fifth-degree felony after encouraging Republican voters to cross party lines and vote for Hillary Clinton ("Operation Chaos"), but if you hurry you can still buy the shirt. Previously.
1). Well, he did state it, on the air. Repeatedly.
2). It appears to be actionable in Ohio, judging from the linked article. Whether there is the political will to do so is another question.
3). What doesn't?
4). Every crony gets an airport. Or a school.
posted by never used baby shoes at 4:22 PM on March 28, 2008 [4 favorites]
2). It appears to be actionable in Ohio, judging from the linked article. Whether there is the political will to do so is another question.
3). What doesn't?
4). Every crony gets an airport. Or a school.
posted by never used baby shoes at 4:22 PM on March 28, 2008 [4 favorites]
Huh. In Texas you have to sign an "oath of loyalty" to your party? Is that true in most states?
If this is criminal, then so was the campaign for liberals and independents to vote for Ron Paul.
posted by roll truck roll at 4:23 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
If this is criminal, then so was the campaign for liberals and independents to vote for Ron Paul.
posted by roll truck roll at 4:23 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
"We have no intention of prosecuting Rush Limbaugh because lying through your teeth and being stupid isn't a crime," said Leo Jennings, a spokesman for Democratic Attorney General Marc Dann.
posted by scody at 4:25 PM on March 28, 2008 [8 favorites]
posted by scody at 4:25 PM on March 28, 2008 [8 favorites]
Eh, I detest Limbaugh as much as anyone. And had he not been rich and connected, he'd be in prison for painkiller abuse.
But this comes way too close to political prosecuton for me to be comfortable with it. Almost as bad as the politically motivated persecution and imprisonment of imprisoning former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.
posted by orthogonality at 4:26 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
But this comes way too close to political prosecuton for me to be comfortable with it. Almost as bad as the politically motivated persecution and imprisonment of imprisoning former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman.
posted by orthogonality at 4:26 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
If he can't even be kept in jail for drugs, what hope do we have of him being kept for inciting election turmoil?
I mean, it'd be nice, and I'm definitely wishing this will finally be the straw that breaks tolerance for his idiocy. I just doubt it, is all.
posted by batmonkey at 4:28 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
I mean, it'd be nice, and I'm definitely wishing this will finally be the straw that breaks tolerance for his idiocy. I just doubt it, is all.
posted by batmonkey at 4:28 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
By "may be facing" they mean "We wish he would face." Even if what he said was against the law (which I'm sure it isn't) it would clearly be an unconstitutional. Also Kos and other liberals advocated that democrats vote for Mitt Romney in the MI primary.
posted by delmoi at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by delmoi at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
What a stupid law.
Previously: Michigan Democrats for Romney
posted by dgaicun at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008
Previously: Michigan Democrats for Romney
posted by dgaicun at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008
Election fraud is exactly the opposite of being political prosecuted.
posted by DU at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by DU at 4:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
Speculativefuturenewsfilter.
posted by shakespeherian at 4:35 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by shakespeherian at 4:35 PM on March 28, 2008
Also Kos and other liberals advocated that democrats vote for Mitt Romney in the MI primary.
Where it is legal.
posted by DU at 4:35 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
Where it is legal.
posted by DU at 4:35 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
By the way, remember who he told people to vote for: Hillary Clinton, who's husband (Bill Clinton) appeared on his show the day of the primary.
She's a person who clearly believes that a Democratic party that won't nominate her is a democratic party that doesn't deserve to win.
posted by delmoi at 4:36 PM on March 28, 2008 [15 favorites]
She's a person who clearly believes that a Democratic party that won't nominate her is a democratic party that doesn't deserve to win.
posted by delmoi at 4:36 PM on March 28, 2008 [15 favorites]
Rush is above the law. Smaller people may try to pull him down but he will be here longer than the Antartic ice sheets and will sneer at us as we go further and further into lefty hell. Stay strong, Rushl We are there for you.
posted by Postroad at 4:37 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by Postroad at 4:37 PM on March 28, 2008
Where it is legal.
See scody's link. The DA doesn't think it's illegal in OH either.
posted by delmoi at 4:40 PM on March 28, 2008
See scody's link. The DA doesn't think it's illegal in OH either.
posted by delmoi at 4:40 PM on March 28, 2008
but he will be here longer than the Antartic ice sheets
So, like twenty years?
posted by shakespeherian at 4:41 PM on March 28, 2008 [7 favorites]
So, like twenty years?
posted by shakespeherian at 4:41 PM on March 28, 2008 [7 favorites]
Also, Rush claims to be developing some sort of clandestine communications network to coordinate his “Operation Chaos” agents.
posted by ijoshua at 4:45 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by ijoshua at 4:45 PM on March 28, 2008
Fuck Rush Limbaugh (note to my imagination: don't imagine fucking Rush LimbAUGH GOD MY EYES) but... it seems pretty dodgy to be hauling him up for a court just for what he says on the radio. I don't agree with what he was urging people to do, but it's a flaw with the system that needs to be fixed, rather than used to nibble away at the right to free speech.
posted by Drexen at 4:48 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by Drexen at 4:48 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
In Texas you have to sign an "oath of loyalty" to your party?
I do not recall doing that in any primary in which I have voted in Texas (including 2008). You are not even required to register with a party to vote in the primary here.
posted by Uncle Jimmy at 4:49 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
I do not recall doing that in any primary in which I have voted in Texas (including 2008). You are not even required to register with a party to vote in the primary here.
posted by Uncle Jimmy at 4:49 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
There's no way Hydrocodone Limbaugh is going to be prosecuted for this.
posted by baphomet at 4:51 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by baphomet at 4:51 PM on March 28, 2008
Rush claims to be developing some sort of clandestine communications network...
Yeah, I heard about that last week. Here's their uniforms and a recruiting video already.
They'll have the Democratic Party taken down before summer.
posted by rokusan at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
Yeah, I heard about that last week. Here's their uniforms and a recruiting video already.
They'll have the Democratic Party taken down before summer.
posted by rokusan at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
Fuck that fat fucking piece of smarmy shit.
I don't think that fucking piece of smarmy shit is fat any more.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
I don't think that fucking piece of smarmy shit is fat any more.
posted by Armitage Shanks at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
Limbaugh didn't break the law, nor should his actions become illegal. The thought of dirty politics becoming illegal disgusts me more than dirty politics.
posted by Mblue at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by Mblue at 4:58 PM on March 28, 2008
Woah. Daily Kos? My bookmarks must be screwy. And when did they this implement this calming blue? Sweetness and light.
posted by dawson at 4:59 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by dawson at 4:59 PM on March 28, 2008
As much as I enjoy the thought of Rush Limbaugh in a prison cell, being taught to squeal like a little pig, I don't see this ever happening.
posted by SteveTheRed at 5:00 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by SteveTheRed at 5:00 PM on March 28, 2008
I have no problem at all with laws that say if you are going to vote in a party's primary, it should be because you are genuinely supportive of that party and that particular candidate. We don't need to legitimize the possibility of the opposing party screwing around with the primaries to get the candidate they would prefer to run against, or to prolong the primary battle. Limbaugh was maliciously mucking around with election results (which ought to be somewhat sacrosanct in our system) and if what he did was illegal in Ohio, send him to jail. If him sponsoring a concerted effort encouraging people to commit perjury in order to skew the primary is not illegal under the Ohio law, what the hell would it take to qualify?
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:13 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:13 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
As much as I enjoy the thought of Rush Limbaugh in a prison cell, being taught to squeal like a little pig, I don't see this ever happening.
Please -- jail's where the sweet meth is. He'd be clammy as a clam locked up.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
Please -- jail's where the sweet meth is. He'd be clammy as a clam locked up.
posted by kittens for breakfast at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008 [3 favorites]
The thought of dirty politics becoming illegal disgusts me more than dirty politics.
What about perjury being illegal? Does that disgust you?
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008
What about perjury being illegal? Does that disgust you?
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008
Happy, too. ("Clammy as a clam"? What the hell...?)
posted by kittens for breakfast at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by kittens for breakfast at 5:14 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
"Speaking of Satan, I was watching Rush Limbaugh the other day. Doesn't Rush Limbaugh remind you of one of those gay guys who likes to lay in a tub while other men pee on him? Can't you see his fat body in a tub while Reagan, Quayle and Bush just *pssssssh*, just stand around pissing on him, and he can't, his little piggly-wiggly dick can't get hard? 'UNNNNNH! UNNNNNGH! I can't get hard, Reagan, pee in my mouth!' 'Well, how's that Rush?' Still can't get hard, so they call in Barbara Bush. She takes her pearls off, puts them up his ass, then squats over him, undoes her girdle, her wrinkled, flaccid labia unfolds halfway down to her knees like some ball-less scrotum, 'UNNNNGH! UNGGGH! UNNNNGH!' She squeezes out a link into his mouth, finally his dick gets half-hard, 'OOOOOHHHH!' A little clear bubble forms on the end with a maggot inside, the maggot pops the bubble and runs off and joins a pro-life group somewhere, am I the only one that sees that? I'm not? Oh."
-Bill Hicks
posted by DecemberBoy at 5:16 PM on March 28, 2008 [13 favorites]
-Bill Hicks
posted by DecemberBoy at 5:16 PM on March 28, 2008 [13 favorites]
This would be a horrible precedent. I really dont like this extremist shit, especially from the left. Fortunately for us who still believe in very basic freedom of speech the alternet/kos/kooky left underground rarely intersects with reality.
posted by damn dirty ape at 5:16 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by damn dirty ape at 5:16 PM on March 28, 2008
Personally I like the usage 'clammy as a clam.'
posted by shakespeherian at 5:27 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by shakespeherian at 5:27 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
ok, first off: enough with the rickrolling today! jeeeez, people.
secondly, little clear bubble forms on the end with a maggot inside, the maggot pops the bubble and runs off and joins a pro-life group somewhere, am I the only one that sees that?
decemberboy.... i don't have the words....thank you for the hicksian gem!
posted by CitizenD at 5:27 PM on March 28, 2008
secondly, little clear bubble forms on the end with a maggot inside, the maggot pops the bubble and runs off and joins a pro-life group somewhere, am I the only one that sees that?
decemberboy.... i don't have the words....thank you for the hicksian gem!
posted by CitizenD at 5:27 PM on March 28, 2008
I find Limbaugh to be a deplorable asshole. That said, I don't think that this is something he should be prosecuted for. He may be a horrible, lying sack of shit, but I think that what he did, or rather, what he said people should do, isn't really a crime to me on the same level as some other felonies. It's really dirty politics, but that's about it. It's honestly not something that surprised me.
Also, it didn't work. Cause Obama's still winning in the delegate count.
posted by agress at 5:28 PM on March 28, 2008
Also, it didn't work. Cause Obama's still winning in the delegate count.
posted by agress at 5:28 PM on March 28, 2008
If him sponsoring a concerted effort encouraging people to commit perjury in order to skew the primary is not illegal under the Ohio law, what the hell would it take to qualify?
Actual voter fraud -- like destroying ballots or voting twice -- would probably qualify. Incitements through political commentary apparently do not.
posted by Slap Factory at 5:30 PM on March 28, 2008
Actual voter fraud -- like destroying ballots or voting twice -- would probably qualify. Incitements through political commentary apparently do not.
posted by Slap Factory at 5:30 PM on March 28, 2008
Incitements through political commentary apparently do not.
Political commentary = free speech-------------------^^^^
posted by Mblue at 5:36 PM on March 28, 2008
Political commentary = free speech-------------------^^^^
posted by Mblue at 5:36 PM on March 28, 2008
"Speaking of Satan, I was watching Rush Limbaugh the other day. Doesn't Rush Limbaugh remind you of one of those gay guys who likes to lay in a tub while other men pee on him? Can't you see his fat body in a tub while Reagan, Quayle and Bush just *pssssssh*, just stand around pissing on him, and he can't, his little piggly-wiggly dick can't get hard? 'UNNNNNH! UNNNNNGH! I can't get hard, Reagan, pee in my mouth!' 'Well, how's that Rush?' Still can't get hard, so they call in Barbara Bush. She takes her pearls off, puts them up his ass, then squats over him, undoes her girdle, her wrinkled, flaccid labia unfolds halfway down to her knees like some ball-less scrotum, 'UNNNNGH! UNGGGH! UNNNNGH!' She squeezes out a link into his mouth, finally his dick gets half-hard, 'OOOOOHHHH!' A little clear bubble forms on the end with a maggot inside, the maggot pops the bubble and runs off and joins a pro-life group somewhere, am I the only one that sees that? I'm not? Oh."
"So, what do you call your act?"
posted by secret about box at 5:36 PM on March 28, 2008 [6 favorites]
"So, what do you call your act?"
posted by secret about box at 5:36 PM on March 28, 2008 [6 favorites]
I think Limbaugh is a piece of shit, but this thing is just silly. Shouldn't we Americans have the right to throw a monkey wrench in the gears of the political machine now and then?
posted by zardoz at 5:39 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by zardoz at 5:39 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
IANAL and I can't speak to the legality of this, but deliberately inciting large numbers of people to maliciously interfere with an election seems like it should be a crime, or at least a blatant abuse of public airwaves punishable by heavy FCC fines. The same applies to Kos, minus the airwaves part.
This is certainly worse than his drug abuse, which less well-lawyered people are imprisoned for on a regular basis.
posted by mullingitover at 5:42 PM on March 28, 2008
This is certainly worse than his drug abuse, which less well-lawyered people are imprisoned for on a regular basis.
posted by mullingitover at 5:42 PM on March 28, 2008
Two Things
Operation Chaos? He's calling this Operation Fucking Chaos? Has he shaved his head and picked up a white persian cat to go with that operation? Or is the implication that by making sure that McCain gets elected, out world can continue to be in the state of wonderful turmoil that its currently in? Operation Chaos is the name of something that G.I. Joe faces. An act taken to ensure that the current world order is not disturbed is not an act of chaos. If he needs to use the comic book villain terminology, this would be better called "Operation Order" or maybe "Operation Status Quo."
He's encouraging his listeners to break the fucking law because it will help his guy get elected? How fucking irresponsible and disrespectful is that? Even in the states that it is legal, it is tampering with the democratic process and, in my opinion, thoroughly undermines the very values of the U.S.A. Yet another reason why the primary system is a plague on our democracy.
A third thing
It fucking sucked when the fucking Democrats did it, too.
posted by Joey Michaels at 5:53 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
Operation Chaos? He's calling this Operation Fucking Chaos? Has he shaved his head and picked up a white persian cat to go with that operation? Or is the implication that by making sure that McCain gets elected, out world can continue to be in the state of wonderful turmoil that its currently in? Operation Chaos is the name of something that G.I. Joe faces. An act taken to ensure that the current world order is not disturbed is not an act of chaos. If he needs to use the comic book villain terminology, this would be better called "Operation Order" or maybe "Operation Status Quo."
He's encouraging his listeners to break the fucking law because it will help his guy get elected? How fucking irresponsible and disrespectful is that? Even in the states that it is legal, it is tampering with the democratic process and, in my opinion, thoroughly undermines the very values of the U.S.A. Yet another reason why the primary system is a plague on our democracy.
A third thing
It fucking sucked when the fucking Democrats did it, too.
posted by Joey Michaels at 5:53 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
Not only would attempting to prosicute Limbaugh for that "offense" be wrong, it'd be stupid from a political calculus standpoint. It'd make the Democrats look like wimps, anti-free speech thugs, and whiny kiddies all at the same time.
The line from Leo Jennings that scody linked is the perfect response.
posted by sotonohito at 5:56 PM on March 28, 2008
The line from Leo Jennings that scody linked is the perfect response.
posted by sotonohito at 5:56 PM on March 28, 2008
I think it was a really douche-y thing to do, but the idea of prosecuting people for this makes my skin crawl. I don't think I could vote if I had to swear that I supported the principles of the democratic party. What does that even mean? In general? In every detail? What are the principles of the democratic party?
posted by empath at 6:00 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by empath at 6:00 PM on March 28, 2008
In Texas you have to sign an "oath of loyalty" to your party?
Voters don't. Texas has open primaries and you do not need to declare your party when you register to vote. On primary day, the little old lady working at the polling place will ask if you want to vote in the dem or rep primary. You can't vote in both -- or vote in the rep primary and go to the dem caucus.
But candidates do... this is why Kucinich was not on the Texas Primary ballot...
"I, ______________ of __________________, __________ County/Parish, _____________, being a candidate for the Office of President of the United States, swear that I will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States. I further swear that I will fully support the Democratic nominee for President whoever that shall be." (cite)
Since HRC signed this oath in order to participate in the Texas Primary, if Obama is the nominee, she's going to stop saying how great and patriotic McBush is.
posted by birdherder at 6:03 PM on March 28, 2008
Voters don't. Texas has open primaries and you do not need to declare your party when you register to vote. On primary day, the little old lady working at the polling place will ask if you want to vote in the dem or rep primary. You can't vote in both -- or vote in the rep primary and go to the dem caucus.
But candidates do... this is why Kucinich was not on the Texas Primary ballot...
"I, ______________ of __________________, __________ County/Parish, _____________, being a candidate for the Office of President of the United States, swear that I will support and defend the constitution and laws of the United States. I further swear that I will fully support the Democratic nominee for President whoever that shall be." (cite)
Since HRC signed this oath in order to participate in the Texas Primary, if Obama is the nominee, she's going to stop saying how great and patriotic McBush is.
posted by birdherder at 6:03 PM on March 28, 2008
Rush Limbaugh is a vile bloviating coprophage and stuff, but I he is specifically protected by the First Amendment on this one, as much as I would like to see him disgraced to the point that he cannot show his smug, bloated face without having rotten vegatation and filth hurled at it. It's not illegal to be a loudmouth windbag jerk; half the country would be in prison if it were.
deliberately inciting large numbers of people to maliciously interfere with an election seems like it should be a crime, or at least a blatant abuse of public airwaves punishable by heavy FCC fines.
This seems like the more likely penalty, though it's doubtful that this would stick to him either. The only people who are legally guilty of fraud and/or perjury are the voters themselves, and I don't think anyone really wants to go after each individual dittohead, either.
Seriously though, "Operation Chaos?" What an asshole.
posted by louche mustachio at 6:07 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
deliberately inciting large numbers of people to maliciously interfere with an election seems like it should be a crime, or at least a blatant abuse of public airwaves punishable by heavy FCC fines.
This seems like the more likely penalty, though it's doubtful that this would stick to him either. The only people who are legally guilty of fraud and/or perjury are the voters themselves, and I don't think anyone really wants to go after each individual dittohead, either.
Seriously though, "Operation Chaos?" What an asshole.
posted by louche mustachio at 6:07 PM on March 28, 2008 [2 favorites]
Yeah, if the crux of the law is whether people really really mean it when they say they really really believe in party principles, then not only would Limbaugh be right about the problems with crossovers for Clinton and Obama, but some large portion of authentically registered voters in both parties might be lying on technicalities if they disagree with substantial planks.
But come on. Who really believes there's no difference between:
(a) encouraging someone to believe in you as a candidate and to translate the belief into party registration and support by casting a vote
(b) coordinating large groups of people to vote strategically as a means for intentionally throwing a primary to a candidate you'd like to see lose in the general election.
One serves the purpose of the process, the other intentionally subverts it, and when it's so clear that Limbaugh is on the side of the later, the law ought to make a distinction and he should be disgraced and imprisoned.
Before this event, I honestly didn't believe people would strategically vote in other party primaries en masse. I've had a chance to cast a potential spoiler vote in a close Republican primary race where I felt both candidates were probably inferior to the Democrat running. I did think a bit about voting for the weaker Republican candidate. But in the end, I just couldn't do it -- what if the weaker guy actually won? Didn't I ultimately want each party putting their best foot forward so that the process could select the best candidate possible?
I still don't know that I understand why people don't think that way. Suppose it's one of the reasons I'll never be a true dyed-red R.
posted by weston at 6:12 PM on March 28, 2008
But come on. Who really believes there's no difference between:
(a) encouraging someone to believe in you as a candidate and to translate the belief into party registration and support by casting a vote
(b) coordinating large groups of people to vote strategically as a means for intentionally throwing a primary to a candidate you'd like to see lose in the general election.
One serves the purpose of the process, the other intentionally subverts it, and when it's so clear that Limbaugh is on the side of the later, the law ought to make a distinction and he should be disgraced and imprisoned.
Before this event, I honestly didn't believe people would strategically vote in other party primaries en masse. I've had a chance to cast a potential spoiler vote in a close Republican primary race where I felt both candidates were probably inferior to the Democrat running. I did think a bit about voting for the weaker Republican candidate. But in the end, I just couldn't do it -- what if the weaker guy actually won? Didn't I ultimately want each party putting their best foot forward so that the process could select the best candidate possible?
I still don't know that I understand why people don't think that way. Suppose it's one of the reasons I'll never be a true dyed-red R.
posted by weston at 6:12 PM on March 28, 2008
Before this event, I honestly didn't believe people would strategically vote in other party primaries en masse.
For some reason I remember the taste of cherry ice cream.
posted by Mblue at 6:21 PM on March 28, 2008
For some reason I remember the taste of cherry ice cream.
posted by Mblue at 6:21 PM on March 28, 2008
The delegates HRC won in the contested races should be disqualified. If it's possible to determine how many Republicans cast fraudulent ballots (I read the number 100,000 somewhere), that number of votes should be thrown out, which would give Obama enough delegates to get the nomination right now.
posted by mike3k at 6:33 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by mike3k at 6:33 PM on March 28, 2008
I'd like to say "I can't believe this turd is still around", but I know it would cause confusion; would I be referring to Rush Limbaugh, or this post?
posted by boo_radley at 6:39 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by boo_radley at 6:39 PM on March 28, 2008
For some reason I remember the taste of cherry ice cream.
It's entirely possible I was idealistic in believing or expecting others to believe my line about it being best for both parties to have the best candidate possible. It's also possible I'm unfamiliar with previous highly visible examples of primary-sabotage. But this only makes me think about fruit-flavored frozen dairy deserts, rather than correcting either problem, one of which has already been solved.
posted by weston at 6:44 PM on March 28, 2008
It's entirely possible I was idealistic in believing or expecting others to believe my line about it being best for both parties to have the best candidate possible. It's also possible I'm unfamiliar with previous highly visible examples of primary-sabotage. But this only makes me think about fruit-flavored frozen dairy deserts, rather than correcting either problem, one of which has already been solved.
posted by weston at 6:44 PM on March 28, 2008
It's entirely possible I was idealistic, and you still are. The democratic process is a competition. In close races, expect unsavory behavior.
posted by Mblue at 7:02 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by Mblue at 7:02 PM on March 28, 2008
"So, what do you call your act?"
The Arushtocrats?
posted by malocchio at 7:05 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
The Arushtocrats?
posted by malocchio at 7:05 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
It was the line that scody quoted, more than anything else, that attracted me to this story. I hate Limbaugh, and (as a Floridian) I'm still pissed that our supervisor of elections "lost" ballots while working as W's campaign co-chair, but I don't think they will throw Smarmy McSmarmyson in jail for messing around with the voting process when they let her go scot-free.
That said, plotting and encouraging to screw up the democratic primaries for LOLs sure does seem like it's an act worthy of some kind of fine, when you consider that just saying the F word on the radio will get you slapped with an FCC violation for thousands of bucks.
posted by misha at 7:06 PM on March 28, 2008
That said, plotting and encouraging to screw up the democratic primaries for LOLs sure does seem like it's an act worthy of some kind of fine, when you consider that just saying the F word on the radio will get you slapped with an FCC violation for thousands of bucks.
posted by misha at 7:06 PM on March 28, 2008
As far as I'm concerned, anyone who disses Lando Calrissian deserves everything that he gets.
posted by Effigy2000 at 7:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Effigy2000 at 7:34 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
The democratic process is a competition. In close races, expect unsavory behavior.
Shame on you for thinking that. Hold yourself, and others, to the highest possible standard for voting. There is nothing, nothing more important to a democracy or republic. Never casually accept corruption to that process.
posted by Malor at 7:39 PM on March 28, 2008 [5 favorites]
Shame on you for thinking that. Hold yourself, and others, to the highest possible standard for voting. There is nothing, nothing more important to a democracy or republic. Never casually accept corruption to that process.
posted by Malor at 7:39 PM on March 28, 2008 [5 favorites]
Unsavory politics isn't a corruption, it's an affirmation. Think now, which kind of politics tends to robotize the voters? Laws against being nasty is why laws for free speech were enacted.
posted by Mblue at 7:52 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by Mblue at 7:52 PM on March 28, 2008
"Speaking of Satan, I was watching Rush Limbaugh the other day. Doesn't Rush Limbaugh remind you of one of those gay guys who likes to lay in a tub while other men pee on him?
Okay... I've just overturned my policy on Bill Hicks posts. Thanks DecemberBoy, I needed that.
posted by psmealey at 7:54 PM on March 28, 2008
Okay... I've just overturned my policy on Bill Hicks posts. Thanks DecemberBoy, I needed that.
posted by psmealey at 7:54 PM on March 28, 2008
I'm having trouble with the concept that strategic voting is morally wrong. You vote for the outcome you want, right? So if the outcome you want is for Clinton to run because you think she's more beatable, why is it wrong to vote for her? I'm completely serious. I don't understand the outrage.
posted by joannemerriam at 8:08 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by joannemerriam at 8:08 PM on March 28, 2008
There is no outrage, only another little blip of manufactured media spin.
* blip *
See! There it went again!
posted by yhbc at 8:12 PM on March 28, 2008
* blip *
See! There it went again!
posted by yhbc at 8:12 PM on March 28, 2008
I find it disgusting that people are suggesting that prison rape is somehow a desirable outcome in any situation.
posted by jacalata at 8:52 PM on March 28, 2008 [12 favorites]
posted by jacalata at 8:52 PM on March 28, 2008 [12 favorites]
joannemerriam writes "I'm having trouble with the concept that strategic voting is morally wrong. You vote for the outcome you want, right? So if the outcome you want is for Clinton to run because you think she's more beatable, why is it wrong to vote for her? I'm completely serious. I don't understand the outrage."
The idea of a primary election is for members of a political party to choose the person they want to be their candidate. So it's one thing to vote for the candidate you want when you're a member of that party, but it's another thing entirely to temporarily switch party affiliation in order to interfere. It's a textbook example of gaming the system. It might not explicitly violate the rules, but it's still outside the realm of ethical behavior.
posted by mullingitover at 9:04 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
The idea of a primary election is for members of a political party to choose the person they want to be their candidate. So it's one thing to vote for the candidate you want when you're a member of that party, but it's another thing entirely to temporarily switch party affiliation in order to interfere. It's a textbook example of gaming the system. It might not explicitly violate the rules, but it's still outside the realm of ethical behavior.
posted by mullingitover at 9:04 PM on March 28, 2008 [1 favorite]
I have nothing to add here, really, so, uhh . . .
The Aristocrats!
posted by CommonSense at 9:05 PM on March 28, 2008
The Aristocrats!
posted by CommonSense at 9:05 PM on March 28, 2008
(That was in response to the Bill Hicks quote, BTW.)
posted by CommonSense at 9:09 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by CommonSense at 9:09 PM on March 28, 2008
Strategic voting manipulations of this sort wouldn't be possible if we didn't have these damn multiphase elections in the first place.
Why don't we have a single election and be done with it?
Provided, of course, that we have a way to allow people to express their full preference. Approval voting would be a start. Wouldn't matter if there were more than one candidate from each party.
posted by Araucaria at 9:52 PM on March 28, 2008
There were supposed to be mock-xml "soapbox" "/soapbox" tags around that comment, BTW. They didn't show up.
posted by Araucaria at 9:53 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by Araucaria at 9:53 PM on March 28, 2008
This is too good a soap opera. We need Barack Obama bloodied up politically, and it's obvious that the Republicans are not going to do it and don't have the stomach for it, as you probably know.
By their words shall you know them.
posted by JHarris at 10:07 PM on March 28, 2008
By their words shall you know them.
posted by JHarris at 10:07 PM on March 28, 2008
Let's play fill-in-the-blank:
1. Fact: Rush brought a suitcase of narcotics into the United States, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
2. Fact: Rush comes back from paying a visit to a country renown for child prostitution, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
3. Fact: Rush conspires to and commits election fraud in the Diebold-managed state of Ohio, ___________________________________
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:18 PM on March 28, 2008
1. Fact: Rush brought a suitcase of narcotics into the United States, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
2. Fact: Rush comes back from paying a visit to a country renown for child prostitution, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
3. Fact: Rush conspires to and commits election fraud in the Diebold-managed state of Ohio, ___________________________________
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:18 PM on March 28, 2008
3. Fact: Rush conspires to and commits election fraud in the Diebold-managed state of Ohio, ______....We all get pie?
posted by louche mustachio at 10:55 PM on March 28, 2008
What-fucking-ever. Don't worry about winning the election. Just keep falling for their tricks.
posted by photoslob at 11:23 PM on March 28, 2008
posted by photoslob at 11:23 PM on March 28, 2008
2. Fact: Rush comes back from paying a visit to a country renown for child prostitution, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
Lots of people travel around the Caribbean for a variety of reasons. You left out the bit that makes this risible. Limbaugh was busted returning from the Dominican Republic (sex tourist heaven) with a bottle of Viagra in someone elses name. Visiting the DR... can be innocent. Visiting the DR with a contraband bottle of boner-pills, not so much.
posted by Justinian at 11:33 PM on March 28, 2008
Lots of people travel around the Caribbean for a variety of reasons. You left out the bit that makes this risible. Limbaugh was busted returning from the Dominican Republic (sex tourist heaven) with a bottle of Viagra in someone elses name. Visiting the DR... can be innocent. Visiting the DR with a contraband bottle of boner-pills, not so much.
posted by Justinian at 11:33 PM on March 28, 2008
That said, plotting and encouraging to screw up the democratic primaries for LOLs sure does seem like it's an act worthy of some kind of fine, when you consider that just saying the F word on the radio will get you slapped with an FCC violation for thousands of bucks.
The FCC doesn't have any authority to fine Limbaugh, unless he peppered his exhortations with one or more of the 7 dirty words, and did it between 6am-10pm. Political speech is protected by the first amendment, and there is no FCC category for "inciting people to (possibly) commit fraud)."
posted by DiscourseMarker at 12:30 AM on March 29, 2008
The FCC doesn't have any authority to fine Limbaugh, unless he peppered his exhortations with one or more of the 7 dirty words, and did it between 6am-10pm. Political speech is protected by the first amendment, and there is no FCC category for "inciting people to (possibly) commit fraud)."
posted by DiscourseMarker at 12:30 AM on March 29, 2008
2. Fact: Rush comes back from paying a visit to a country renown for child prostitution, without anyone in law enforcement batting an eye
I like Soros, but if instead of spending his money to finance beautifully made, useless TV ads that explain what a bad idea the Iraq war was, he had actually chosen to pay a few investigators to figure out exactly what Limbaugh did in Haiti with that trunkful of Viagra, you know, I'd respect the Democrats more for their will to win, which they lack. you can be sure that had Michael Moore come back from the same trip, some Swift Boat like group would have come up with the money to investigate him, and bust his ass.
whatever you can say about Republicans -- and there are galaxies full of bad things to say about them -- they want to win. they like to win. Democrats, who might very well be about to lose their second Presidential election in a row (after winning in 2000 and allowing the other guy to serve Gore's term), not so much.
with a grittier, less polite Democratic leadership, Limbaugh might be podcasting from jail now. I don't really see the Republicans having doubts about the Swift Boat ads saying to each other, "No, really, these are unfair" (and, speaking of winners, Bill Clinton didn't really think twice about executing a brain damaged guy just to make the important point he wasn't Dukakis). sportsmanship and electoral politics are two very different things -- just ask Willie Horton.
posted by matteo at 2:27 AM on March 29, 2008
I like Soros, but if instead of spending his money to finance beautifully made, useless TV ads that explain what a bad idea the Iraq war was, he had actually chosen to pay a few investigators to figure out exactly what Limbaugh did in Haiti with that trunkful of Viagra, you know, I'd respect the Democrats more for their will to win, which they lack. you can be sure that had Michael Moore come back from the same trip, some Swift Boat like group would have come up with the money to investigate him, and bust his ass.
whatever you can say about Republicans -- and there are galaxies full of bad things to say about them -- they want to win. they like to win. Democrats, who might very well be about to lose their second Presidential election in a row (after winning in 2000 and allowing the other guy to serve Gore's term), not so much.
with a grittier, less polite Democratic leadership, Limbaugh might be podcasting from jail now. I don't really see the Republicans having doubts about the Swift Boat ads saying to each other, "No, really, these are unfair" (and, speaking of winners, Bill Clinton didn't really think twice about executing a brain damaged guy just to make the important point he wasn't Dukakis). sportsmanship and electoral politics are two very different things -- just ask Willie Horton.
posted by matteo at 2:27 AM on March 29, 2008
with a grittier, less polite Democratic leadership, Limbaugh might be podcasting from jail now.
The irony is that the Democrats might actually benefit from making this election a matter of policy differences than personal ones. The Republicans, standing in front of that train wreck they call conservatism, have no choice but to go all ad hominen.
Limbo is a genius. He's a former sports announcer who struggled to make a living in radion untilhe hit upon this idea to make a program validating the right wing. He agreed with their ideas, lionized their leaders, and attacked and reviled their opponents. Three hours a day, five days a week. People who were once properly ashamed to talk about their political views suddenly heard them being parrotted over the airwaves in loud, proud, bombastic tones. Cha-ching.
Rush isn't the leader; he's the follower. He knows his audience and he gives them whatever they want to hear. Big, heaping, sugar-covered spoonfuls of validation. Truth is not part of the equation at all.
Fucking genius he is. And he's damned good at it. I can admire the man for his work - even if I revile the product he makes.
I read an interview with crackhead Rush where he was asked if he wanted to be remembered for having so much political influence. He replied something along the lines that he wanted to be remembered as a broadcaster who held 3 million listeners beside the radio for three hours a day, five days a week.
posted by three blind mice at 4:36 AM on March 29, 2008
The irony is that the Democrats might actually benefit from making this election a matter of policy differences than personal ones. The Republicans, standing in front of that train wreck they call conservatism, have no choice but to go all ad hominen.
Limbo is a genius. He's a former sports announcer who struggled to make a living in radion untilhe hit upon this idea to make a program validating the right wing. He agreed with their ideas, lionized their leaders, and attacked and reviled their opponents. Three hours a day, five days a week. People who were once properly ashamed to talk about their political views suddenly heard them being parrotted over the airwaves in loud, proud, bombastic tones. Cha-ching.
Rush isn't the leader; he's the follower. He knows his audience and he gives them whatever they want to hear. Big, heaping, sugar-covered spoonfuls of validation. Truth is not part of the equation at all.
Fucking genius he is. And he's damned good at it. I can admire the man for his work - even if I revile the product he makes.
I read an interview with crackhead Rush where he was asked if he wanted to be remembered for having so much political influence. He replied something along the lines that he wanted to be remembered as a broadcaster who held 3 million listeners beside the radio for three hours a day, five days a week.
posted by three blind mice at 4:36 AM on March 29, 2008
joannemerriam writes "I'm having trouble with the concept that strategic voting is morally wrong. You vote for the outcome you want, right? So if the outcome you want is for Clinton to run because you think she's more beatable, why is it wrong to vote for her? I'm completely serious. I don't understand the outrage."
The idea of a primary election is for members of a political party to choose the person they want to be their candidate. So it's one thing to vote for the candidate you want when you're a member of that party, but it's another thing entirely to temporarily switch party affiliation in order to interfere. It's a textbook example of gaming the system. It might not explicitly violate the rules, but it's still outside the realm of ethical behavior.
posted by mullingitover at 12:04 AM on March 29
But you let independents vote (at least in many states). The system is explicitly set up to allow non-party-members to vote.
posted by joannemerriam at 7:47 AM on March 29, 2008
The idea of a primary election is for members of a political party to choose the person they want to be their candidate. So it's one thing to vote for the candidate you want when you're a member of that party, but it's another thing entirely to temporarily switch party affiliation in order to interfere. It's a textbook example of gaming the system. It might not explicitly violate the rules, but it's still outside the realm of ethical behavior.
posted by mullingitover at 12:04 AM on March 29
But you let independents vote (at least in many states). The system is explicitly set up to allow non-party-members to vote.
posted by joannemerriam at 7:47 AM on March 29, 2008
Limbaugh went on a mysterious trip to the Dominican Republic, and on the way back he was questioned about all that Viagra he had in his suitcase that wasn't in his name.
Putting it all together, I can't help but conclude that his little trip was for a truly vile purpose. If my suspicious are true, I hope he's thrown into the gen pop when he finally lands in prison.
posted by illiad at 8:48 AM on March 29, 2008
Putting it all together, I can't help but conclude that his little trip was for a truly vile purpose. If my suspicious are true, I hope he's thrown into the gen pop when he finally lands in prison.
posted by illiad at 8:48 AM on March 29, 2008
Every time that man speaks, a little more of our country dies. I hope they can find a way to put him in jail, even if it is for only a month.
posted by Inversehelix at 10:25 AM on March 29, 2008
posted by Inversehelix at 10:25 AM on March 29, 2008
Finally Rush is finally doing something helpful and you guys want to ruin it.
Democrats is why we can't have nice things.
posted by valentinepig at 12:20 PM on March 29, 2008
Democrats is why we can't have nice things.
posted by valentinepig at 12:20 PM on March 29, 2008
Will President McCain name an airport after him?
No, no, he doesn't rate an airport.
Maybe an airport screening facility.
posted by dhartung at 2:14 PM on March 29, 2008 [1 favorite]
No, no, he doesn't rate an airport.
Maybe an airport screening facility.
posted by dhartung at 2:14 PM on March 29, 2008 [1 favorite]
That would be right next to the Senator Larry Craig Men's Room and Stress Release Center.
posted by Dizzy at 4:25 PM on March 29, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by Dizzy at 4:25 PM on March 29, 2008 [2 favorites]
posting crap like this on Metafilter only serves to keep Limbaugh relevant for one more year. Without liberal outrage Limbaugh cannot exist. So keep feeding the beast kids, just makes them stronger...
posted by any major dude at 6:19 AM on March 30, 2008
posted by any major dude at 6:19 AM on March 30, 2008
Armitage Shanks writes "I don't think that fucking piece of smarmy shit is fat any more."
One of the few advantages to most illicit drug use.
posted by Mitheral at 10:08 AM on March 30, 2008
One of the few advantages to most illicit drug use.
posted by Mitheral at 10:08 AM on March 30, 2008
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2) Is inciting this behavior actionable?
3) Will this serve to inflate Mr. Limbaugh's sense of power?
4) Will President McCain name an airport after him?
posted by Dizzy at 4:20 PM on March 28, 2008