Ours was up for renewal in November, not happening! The spousal unit wrote a scathing note to the editorial board, after I cancelled. And believe me, he can do scathing! Way to go WAPO; so this is the election you decided to go back to your so-called non-partisan roots, whenever that was? Democracy dies in the Darkness, yes, it sure does. And it is pretty dark down there among those roots. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. They have been consistently endorsing candidates since 1976, apparently 50 years! Sigh I hope the whole dam tree does not come down on our heads.
Ellen, people of a certain age (I'm 62, so maybe that's the age) will remember this saying, which is generally used fondly, and it is amusing to us. I'm sure no offense was meant. I feel like its maybe from the Coneheads from SNL, but don't quote me on that.
Thanks for supporting me Lisa, I am 67, and a retired scientist. Not sure where it came from, but it is a reference to the family unit, pet units, child units, spousal units, auntie units, all equally important. And we do mean it sort of in a Sci Fi way. My tendency to organize and quantify everything.
Ellen, in the future please ask me what I mean in a nice way, without criticism. You obviously have not read my previous posts, or you would know what I am all about. Calling someone out when you do not know that person, is not cool.
Stephanie, in checking Wikipedia for the term "spousal unit," I found a reference to speculative-fiction author Jane Fancher who is married to CJCherryh, also an author of speculative fiction. Wikipedia noted that "Fancher currently lives in Spokane, Washington with what she mischievously calls her 'spousal unit." Enough said.
In checking Wikipedia for the term "spousal unit," I found a reference to speculative-fiction author Jane Fancher who is married to CJCherryh, also an author of speculative fiction. Wikipedia noted that "Fancher currently lives in Spokane, Washington with what she mischievously calls her 'spousal unit."
I remember this term from the Coneheads on SNL. Fans used it, and still use it. Technically, it is correct, if not loving - but that was the joke of ETs trying to fit in by faking human emotions. My family used this term - along with "the parental units." I guess it helps to know the joke.
You learn something everyday? As a huge science fiction/fantasy fan, I have never heard the term speculative fiction, but it makes sense. I devoured those books for years, not so much once the kids came along, so I am not that up to date on the latest authors. In retirement I binge quite a bit with my, oops, let's just call him, Jim. (actual first name is James). I just will stick with that from now on.
CJ Cherryh was one of my favorite scifi writers from way back... noticed that something she wrote recently was with Jane Fancher, and now I know why! (And yes, I can see why you found the reference to "spousal unit" there lol...)
The phrase came from the Coneheads sketches on SNL decades ago -- Dan Ackroyd and Jane Curtin were two of the main characters. The sketches were a great send-up of both bad scifi *and* social mores that had passed their sell-by date, and they became part of a vocabulary shared among us geeks (along with Monty Python, Mel Brooks, Red Dwarf, Star Wars, Star Trek, and so much more.)
So do I. I greet my guy with "rat bag" (Monty Python reference), as well as "you old bugger." Our filial unit and her spousal unit call each other "butt face"--god knows where that came from. Hell, if you can't lovingly insult your husband of 40 years, who can you lovingly insult?
Prince Philip, the husband of the Queen, Elizabeth, of England, called her lovingly "Old Cabbage". In fact, he also called her "Old Thing" (also a term of endearment). Among royalty and the titled upper echelons in England, this is commonly used as endearment between husbands and wives.(No, I did not make this up :-)
I did! But still subscribed til June. Funny thing, they hated to see me go and offered me a cheaper yearly rate if I would stay. Their shiny headed owner is a butthole.
Ryta, I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
I recently renewed my Post subscription because my goal is to support newspapers and freedom of the press. I want to cancel, but is that in effect giving trump what he wants? I HATE the situation our country is in right now.
To maintain control, the Oligarchs must bamboozle the voters.
This is what Putin does.
"We must do what they fear - tell the truth, spread the truth. This is the most powerful weapon against this regime of liars, thieves and hypocrites. Everyone has this weapon, so make use of it." - Alexei Navalny
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
Yesterday Bezos and Soon-Shiong were on the verge of being endorsed for Publisher of the Year by Zeke, the cowardly lion -- who decided to pull his editorial and emit a roar of neutrality.
Zeke reprised his famous lyrics: "I'm afraid there's no denyin', I'm just a dandy lion, a fate I don't deserve! But I could show my prowess, be a lion, not a mo-use, if I only had the nerve!"
I followed Zeke's courageous lead with my Post cancellation.
As far as I know, Eugene Robinson is the only person at WaPo who has any integrity. BTW, I think $4.99 for WaPo's integrity is just another case of corporate price-gouging. I bought the NY Post's integrity for only $1.99 on Ebay and I still feel like I got swindled.
Jennifer Rubin hasn't lost hers, either (as far as I know) but Ruth Marcus has been off my list since she wrote admiringly of Sandra Day O'Connor's feminist credentials. I never forgave O'Connor for going along with the cheat that put W into the presidency -- for her own personal convenience, no less. As far as I'm concerned, she's as culpable for the wars and other abuses that followed as anyone else.
I didn’t cancel WaPo because they’re still useful as a news source to me. I did recently cancel my subscription to my local paper because it had become not only useless but cost me $37 a month.
It’s painful not to be able to support a local paper.
I was going to cancel my local papers because of price increase, but decided we need local newspapers to keep us informed what is happening in our community, politically., social issues ,etc.
Look for an independent, but local, news source. They don't usually offer a print version, just online. There are three good ones just in my little very red city.
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
I did, yesterday; I miss Sally Jenkins and Alexandra Petri. Dropped the NYT in July and miss making fun of Douthat; never knew anybody else who made his living by being wrong in public.
I've liked what he says, but didn't really know ABOUT him. Thanks. (Glad the book I mentioned is from the public library and that I didn't spend money on it!) I have known him since early days of his appearances on PBS news. I have no TV now but enjoy NPR. Project 2025 wants to kill PBS and NPR.
Cancelled after almost 50 years. WaPo and morning coffee... Just increased my support for The Guardian and I'm a new subscriber to the Philadelphia Inquirer. And tons of substacks and other publications. But no more WaPo, no more Amazon.
Like reading them but their respective owners' interference in editorial choices was a bridge too far. I hope both news organizations' staff go on strike. Shut 'em down
Integrity dies slowly, step by step, until that final moment when the remaining ounce of it suddenly just vanishes. I used to subscribe to the Post but stopped maybe 15 years ago. And no, the organization's integrity did not die in darkness. What integrity WAPO had died day by day in broad daylight right in front of our eyes, similar to the hockey stick theory on climate change. Many, if not all of the editorial staff and contributing writers were clearly concerned about the direction the organization was headed in from day one after the sale to Bezos, His decision to bring Lewis on as managing editor simply burned up the remaining balance.
Given the same issue with the LA Times, I expect we will be seeing similar "anticipatory compliance" capitulation from the remaining major dailies in the not-to-distant future; sooner if the Orange One retakes the White House.
I'm glad to see TBR displayed "endorsement courage" and did not follow the lead of our nation's other 3 leading icons of Democracy: The WashPost, The LA Times and McDonald's! 🥂
(From the news:
McDonald’s is seeking to emphasize its political neutrality after former President Trump spent some time behind the counter at a Pennsylvania location of the fast-food giant, which says it does not endorse political candidates.)
Trump's political stunt at Mickey D's was immediately followed by an ecoli incident. I want to know if he washed his hands before handing out the Quarter Pounders!
It was reported that he did not wash his hands, nor did he wear a hairnet. As far as cooking is concerned, I think he only jiggled the basket of fries. He was probably exhausted after all that physical labor.
Stupid and amoral are not at all the same. Think of all the government representatives who were educated at "selective" institutions. Selective for some kind of intelligence, not for character. Similarly, many people who do not have very much "intelligence" have tremendous integrity.
Yes! If you are forever pursuing the max amount of marbles, you can get hyper about keeping all of what you already have and still covet others’. If so, taxes are super inconvenient.
Timothy Snyder in his excellent book On Tyranny: 20 Lessons For The 20th Century calls this anticipatory obedience. Bezos capitulated early in case Trump wins. Bezos also installed that Murdoch clone to lead the paper. The billionaires are hedging their bets big time if not outright supporting the fascist Trump. Harris has got to win!
“Anticipatory obedience” should be trending on Google soon. I have plotted an escape route to Canada (Southern Quebec). In fact perhaps we should start a network now to assist each other in learning Canadian French. Non, je ne suis pas américain. je suits un conehead.”
Navalny went back to his corrupt country, knowing millions want democratic government, here, 50% of voters care, with each other, we need you here (there's no bill of rights in Canada) to fight through thick and thin!
I do - in the sense that they are each libertarian. However as someone -maybe Heather Cox Richardson -noted. Trump policies can help Musk financially, but given Bezos’ dependence on imports for Amazon, tariffs would be a killer. I suspect Musk sees Trump as a useful idiot. Bezos probably sees him as a dangerous idiot. But neither wants to cross him.
That's an excellent point. Both boys want to stake a claim on ownership of space & a trump victory may be the launching pad for one or both. Big mistake for NASA to team up with Musk.
I was glued to the Watergate hearings in high school. This makes a statement. Darwin was wrong. Devolution is in full swing. I guess “All the Billionaires Tax Advisors” for the sequel?
Darwin was right. Some changes, like what The Post is now experiencing under Bezos, in the shorter run make the organism unfit for survival, and so it will die out, as will likely happen to WaPo. I shudder to consider what a similar sell-out would have done to WaPo fifty years ago: the people in charge would have aborted the Watergate story, trying to prevent us from hearing of it.
You are an example of non-devolution! Half the voting population, and tons of youth, are not extremist, and want - need - functional democracy. The oligarchs want us to give up, lay down our spirits - we're better than that!
doI would love to cancel Amazon, but cannot. Do TBR folks have an alternative? I buy supplies for a family member in another state who cannot do it for themselves. Are there alternatives that are not supporting fascism? We know Walmart doesn't qualify. Sorry to ask for practical advice!
$4.99? Overpriced ripoff; you can get an entire soul on eBay for a buck-three-eighty. Mitch McConnell's soul is not for sale: he was born without one. JD Vance already sold his twice -- both Satan and Trump will be coming to claim it
Ted Cruz sent his soul, the tattered remains of it, to Mexico on vacation. It was in his carryon -- And he still had plenty of room for his clothes. Lindsay Graham tried to put his up for sale, but it would not go -- kept whimpering and hid in the closet.
Mike Johnson has his on Facebook Marketplace, but he had to redeem it from the pawn shop -- just in time, too; I heard Kevin McCarthy was coming for it.
I have replaced my WaPo subscription with one to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which showed some common sense and courage in endorsing the one candidate in this race who is not a fascist wannabe dictator.
I intend to in a few minutes. Years ago I quit using Amazon . I try to tell my friends, but most ignore me b/c ppl have to get their stuff asap. Spoiled.
He’s a total brat, using Oxygen others need. Stingy show-off. Tacky girlfriend showing her giant Watermelons. Think of the good he could do! Asheville? Third world countries? Not worth one hair on Jimmy Carter’s head. Nothing worse than stingy. Seems to be a common failing of the mega rich. I read that most charitable donations come from ppl who are not wealthy.
Who’s cancelled their WaPo subscription?
Ours was up for renewal in November, not happening! The spousal unit wrote a scathing note to the editorial board, after I cancelled. And believe me, he can do scathing! Way to go WAPO; so this is the election you decided to go back to your so-called non-partisan roots, whenever that was? Democracy dies in the Darkness, yes, it sure does. And it is pretty dark down there among those roots. Talk about barking up the wrong tree. They have been consistently endorsing candidates since 1976, apparently 50 years! Sigh I hope the whole dam tree does not come down on our heads.
Cancelled!!!!
I dunno if it counts, but I canceled months ago for their rampant sanewashing and biased tilt to the right.
Bezos DIVES in darkness
Cancelled in the process of almost subscribing.
Ellen, people of a certain age (I'm 62, so maybe that's the age) will remember this saying, which is generally used fondly, and it is amusing to us. I'm sure no offense was meant. I feel like its maybe from the Coneheads from SNL, but don't quote me on that.
Thanks for supporting me Lisa, I am 67, and a retired scientist. Not sure where it came from, but it is a reference to the family unit, pet units, child units, spousal units, auntie units, all equally important. And we do mean it sort of in a Sci Fi way. My tendency to organize and quantify everything.
You’re fine.
Ellen, in the future please ask me what I mean in a nice way, without criticism. You obviously have not read my previous posts, or you would know what I am all about. Calling someone out when you do not know that person, is not cool.
Stephanie, in checking Wikipedia for the term "spousal unit," I found a reference to speculative-fiction author Jane Fancher who is married to CJCherryh, also an author of speculative fiction. Wikipedia noted that "Fancher currently lives in Spokane, Washington with what she mischievously calls her 'spousal unit." Enough said.
In checking Wikipedia for the term "spousal unit," I found a reference to speculative-fiction author Jane Fancher who is married to CJCherryh, also an author of speculative fiction. Wikipedia noted that "Fancher currently lives in Spokane, Washington with what she mischievously calls her 'spousal unit."
I remember this term from the Coneheads on SNL. Fans used it, and still use it. Technically, it is correct, if not loving - but that was the joke of ETs trying to fit in by faking human emotions. My family used this term - along with "the parental units." I guess it helps to know the joke.
You learn something everyday? As a huge science fiction/fantasy fan, I have never heard the term speculative fiction, but it makes sense. I devoured those books for years, not so much once the kids came along, so I am not that up to date on the latest authors. In retirement I binge quite a bit with my, oops, let's just call him, Jim. (actual first name is James). I just will stick with that from now on.
CJ Cherryh was one of my favorite scifi writers from way back... noticed that something she wrote recently was with Jane Fancher, and now I know why! (And yes, I can see why you found the reference to "spousal unit" there lol...)
Perhps you misplaced your funny bone. I immediateky grasped the term as satire, which is, after all, the specialty of the House of Borowitz.
The phrase came from the Coneheads sketches on SNL decades ago -- Dan Ackroyd and Jane Curtin were two of the main characters. The sketches were a great send-up of both bad scifi *and* social mores that had passed their sell-by date, and they became part of a vocabulary shared among us geeks (along with Monty Python, Mel Brooks, Red Dwarf, Star Wars, Star Trek, and so much more.)
I sort of like "spousal unit" :-)
So do I. I greet my guy with "rat bag" (Monty Python reference), as well as "you old bugger." Our filial unit and her spousal unit call each other "butt face"--god knows where that came from. Hell, if you can't lovingly insult your husband of 40 years, who can you lovingly insult?
Prince Philip, the husband of the Queen, Elizabeth, of England, called her lovingly "Old Cabbage". In fact, he also called her "Old Thing" (also a term of endearment). Among royalty and the titled upper echelons in England, this is commonly used as endearment between husbands and wives.(No, I did not make this up :-)
Jeff, shame on you! Democracy will die because of your illogical
I did. That’s why I just subscribed to you! Also the Guardian.
I also subscribed to The Guardian. I've had it with corporate MSM.
Long-time Guardian reader here. They're owned by a trust: https://www.theguardian.com/about
Good! I get the Guardian Weekly -- very happy I did. Excellent reporting, and very comprehensive it seems to me.
I did! But still subscribed til June. Funny thing, they hated to see me go and offered me a cheaper yearly rate if I would stay. Their shiny headed owner is a butthole.
The price is not the problem, it’s their being chicken and listening to their owner not the people! They will pay!
Ryta, I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
I recently renewed my Post subscription because my goal is to support newspapers and freedom of the press. I want to cancel, but is that in effect giving trump what he wants? I HATE the situation our country is in right now.
Bezos just abrogated freedom of the press. He bowed to trump -- disgusting flex of oligarchic brotherhood (male tense used purposefully).
Looked a lot like advance obedience or appeasement to me. Disgusting.
Yes. Me too.
Good point, one feels so helpless these days, especially if you live in a blue state.
Stephanie,
To maintain control, the Oligarchs must bamboozle the voters.
This is what Putin does.
"We must do what they fear - tell the truth, spread the truth. This is the most powerful weapon against this regime of liars, thieves and hypocrites. Everyone has this weapon, so make use of it." - Alexei Navalny
Debbie,
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
Thanks. I've been reading the Guardian. It's sad what has happened to our "free" press.
I canceled immediately. The anger is real…across the nation. WTF?
Larry,
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
Yesterday Bezos and Soon-Shiong were on the verge of being endorsed for Publisher of the Year by Zeke, the cowardly lion -- who decided to pull his editorial and emit a roar of neutrality.
Zeke reprised his famous lyrics: "I'm afraid there's no denyin', I'm just a dandy lion, a fate I don't deserve! But I could show my prowess, be a lion, not a mo-use, if I only had the nerve!"
I followed Zeke's courageous lead with my Post cancellation.
😊
Wish I had one to cancel.
Ditto!
As far as I know, Eugene Robinson is the only person at WaPo who has any integrity. BTW, I think $4.99 for WaPo's integrity is just another case of corporate price-gouging. I bought the NY Post's integrity for only $1.99 on Ebay and I still feel like I got swindled.
I thought the NY POST had to pay YOU to take their alleged "integrity"!
Jennifer Rubin hasn't lost hers, either (as far as I know) but Ruth Marcus has been off my list since she wrote admiringly of Sandra Day O'Connor's feminist credentials. I never forgave O'Connor for going along with the cheat that put W into the presidency -- for her own personal convenience, no less. As far as I'm concerned, she's as culpable for the wars and other abuses that followed as anyone else.
I didn’t cancel WaPo because they’re still useful as a news source to me. I did recently cancel my subscription to my local paper because it had become not only useless but cost me $37 a month.
It’s painful not to be able to support a local paper.
I was going to cancel my local papers because of price increase, but decided we need local newspapers to keep us informed what is happening in our community, politically., social issues ,etc.
As a community journalist I appreciate your loyalty.
I agree. I want to support my local paper. But then, I live in Asheville and it's a pretty cool periodical.
Local news has vanished. Makes informed voting very hard!
Out here in Washington St. they send us a pamphlet with our ballot.
This has short bios on all candidates, pro and con arguments regarding
propositions, any endorsements, etc. Hugely helpful.
Yes. Try voting for a contested judge contest. No information nowhere, no how.
Look for an independent, but local, news source. They don't usually offer a print version, just online. There are three good ones just in my little very red city.
Kevin,
I canceled the Post and moved to The Guardian where there is no Billionaire Bias. They support their excellent journalism through an endowment. They are based in the UK but have a strong US presence. Example: https://bsky.app/profile/justinsg.bsky.social/post/3liyofuycvs2r
Yep.
I did, yesterday; I miss Sally Jenkins and Alexandra Petri. Dropped the NYT in July and miss making fun of Douthat; never knew anybody else who made his living by being wrong in public.
I agree--but David Brooks, Brett Stephens, Marc Thiessen are of the same ilk (all NY Times and WaPo)
I cancelled NYT and WaPo earlier this year. I never could stand to read Thiessen.
He was awful! WaPo let him lie and write fiction that was proffered as real.
David Brooks? I'm reading his latest book. I've always liked him....
I haven’t read David Brooks since he helped to kill HRC’s candidacy.
I've liked what he says, but didn't really know ABOUT him. Thanks. (Glad the book I mentioned is from the public library and that I didn't spend money on it!) I have known him since early days of his appearances on PBS news. I have no TV now but enjoy NPR. Project 2025 wants to kill PBS and NPR.
I can think of someone else who does that 👿
You call that a living?
This is your best one yet! I was appalled when I heard about them not endorsing! I now have The Guardian as my home page!
We did. Within 2 minutes of reading the story. Wish entire WAPO staff would cancel the paper (aka resign en masse).
Me, too. Got used to no NYT. Will replace Wapo with Guardian and life will go on, but I will miss the work of several staff writers.
How can Jeff Bezos get away with that? He already sold his soul to the Devil!
He didn't include Wapo in that bargain, I guess.
Cancelled after almost 50 years. WaPo and morning coffee... Just increased my support for The Guardian and I'm a new subscriber to the Philadelphia Inquirer. And tons of substacks and other publications. But no more WaPo, no more Amazon.
Cancelled WaPo AND LATimes
Like reading them but their respective owners' interference in editorial choices was a bridge too far. I hope both news organizations' staff go on strike. Shut 'em down
Integrity dies slowly, step by step, until that final moment when the remaining ounce of it suddenly just vanishes. I used to subscribe to the Post but stopped maybe 15 years ago. And no, the organization's integrity did not die in darkness. What integrity WAPO had died day by day in broad daylight right in front of our eyes, similar to the hockey stick theory on climate change. Many, if not all of the editorial staff and contributing writers were clearly concerned about the direction the organization was headed in from day one after the sale to Bezos, His decision to bring Lewis on as managing editor simply burned up the remaining balance.
Given the same issue with the LA Times, I expect we will be seeing similar "anticipatory compliance" capitulation from the remaining major dailies in the not-to-distant future; sooner if the Orange One retakes the White House.
TBR ENDORSES KAMALA HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT
I'm glad to see TBR displayed "endorsement courage" and did not follow the lead of our nation's other 3 leading icons of Democracy: The WashPost, The LA Times and McDonald's! 🥂
(From the news:
McDonald’s is seeking to emphasize its political neutrality after former President Trump spent some time behind the counter at a Pennsylvania location of the fast-food giant, which says it does not endorse political candidates.)
"Democracy Dies in McNuggets".
Trump's political stunt at Mickey D's was immediately followed by an ecoli incident. I want to know if he washed his hands before handing out the Quarter Pounders!
Biff, he was asked to wear latex gloves but they were out of "extra smalls".
lol
Not a problem. They were closed at the time and no real customers were affected.
You know, I made that connection too, for some reason...
I think the owners of McDonalds planned it that way. It's a Chicago-based company, after all. Corrupt, but Blue, that's one of our mottos.
It was reported that he did not wash his hands, nor did he wear a hairnet. As far as cooking is concerned, I think he only jiggled the basket of fries. He was probably exhausted after all that physical labor.
🤭
Andy, thank you for being here with us. We need you now more than ever!
Thank you for subscribing! I will keep working for you.
TG for the honest, talented, and honorable voices still to be found in parts of the news press. They shine out, in a sea of "others".
amen!
Congrats on your true selflessness!! I can only imagine the volumes of material you'd get if Trump is elected!
I’d rather have human rights.
ABSOLUTELY. Me too!
Thank you, Andy! There are not too many left with your integrity.
Huh - snark? Acid, unpleasant, uninventive, reactive.
Your description of t. rum. P is absolutely spot-on!
Please keep up the good work. Your loyal subscribers will continue to support you. (I hope we end up
In the same gulag if Trump wins.)
Gulag would be great! Or firing squad. He love's Hitler, after all.
I wish I could like this a billion times Andy!!!!
Yes. me too!
🙌🩵
LOL Good for you
My ballot is currently at the county auditor's office ready for The Count.
👏👏👏👏😍😍😍👏👏👏
Ethics are your most valuable asset. Once sold, they are worthless yet can never be bought back.
Democracy dies in Trumpness.
One principle to live by
Until the day you die:
Never price your principles
Or somebody might buy. (see Rhyme or Reason by y.t.)
Cancelled my subscription yesterday. I hope I was one of thousands.
You were!
I did too! Now, I am forced to get my news from you!
I have The Guardian now!
Good! There's a lot of us.
Good article on anticipatory obedience in it today. I need to reread On Tyranny myself. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/26/anticipatory-obedience-newspapers-endorsement-refusal?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Millions!!!
OMG, Andy. How low can they go? I hadn’t realized the limbo was making a comeback.
The limbo bar is now subterranean!
Bezos and Soon-Shiong would have been better off letting the endorsements be published... they have drawn far more attention to them this way.
How do such stupid people get so rich????
I think it’s the other way. People who become stinking rich are prone to becoming crazy. The inner weirdness gets a chance to emerge.
Stupid and amoral are not at all the same. Think of all the government representatives who were educated at "selective" institutions. Selective for some kind of intelligence, not for character. Similarly, many people who do not have very much "intelligence" have tremendous integrity.
Yes! If you are forever pursuing the max amount of marbles, you can get hyper about keeping all of what you already have and still covet others’. If so, taxes are super inconvenient.
Timothy Snyder in his excellent book On Tyranny: 20 Lessons For The 20th Century calls this anticipatory obedience. Bezos capitulated early in case Trump wins. Bezos also installed that Murdoch clone to lead the paper. The billionaires are hedging their bets big time if not outright supporting the fascist Trump. Harris has got to win!
Bezos thinks MAGAs read newspapers.
BWAAAHHAAHHAAA!
No, he wants to protect his business interests in Washington policy and politics, and not offend whoever wins.
“Anticipatory obedience” should be trending on Google soon. I have plotted an escape route to Canada (Southern Quebec). In fact perhaps we should start a network now to assist each other in learning Canadian French. Non, je ne suis pas américain. je suits un conehead.”
Good article in The Guardian about it. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/26/anticipatory-obedience-newspapers-endorsement-refusal?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
I knew there had to be another reason to live in Minnesota in November.
Navalny went back to his corrupt country, knowing millions want democratic government, here, 50% of voters care, with each other, we need you here (there's no bill of rights in Canada) to fight through thick and thin!
I’m not really a conehead. I would probably be miserable in Canada.
I am cautiously optimistic!
Does anybody else see a correlation between bezos & musk?
I do - in the sense that they are each libertarian. However as someone -maybe Heather Cox Richardson -noted. Trump policies can help Musk financially, but given Bezos’ dependence on imports for Amazon, tariffs would be a killer. I suspect Musk sees Trump as a useful idiot. Bezos probably sees him as a dangerous idiot. But neither wants to cross him.
aside from when Bezos started Blue Origin and Musk immediately copied him with SpaceX?
That's an excellent point. Both boys want to stake a claim on ownership of space & a trump victory may be the launching pad for one or both. Big mistake for NASA to team up with Musk.
Very apt.
Borowitz is no longer satire but crossed over into journalism
Everything I write is true.
Including this statement, no doubt.
I love this particular comment, which can never be made too many times :-)
Oh, ok. Then you’re not crossing over. Phew!
Unfortunately, today the Truth hurts.
I was glued to the Watergate hearings in high school. This makes a statement. Darwin was wrong. Devolution is in full swing. I guess “All the Billionaires Tax Advisors” for the sequel?
Darwin was right. Some changes, like what The Post is now experiencing under Bezos, in the shorter run make the organism unfit for survival, and so it will die out, as will likely happen to WaPo. I shudder to consider what a similar sell-out would have done to WaPo fifty years ago: the people in charge would have aborted the Watergate story, trying to prevent us from hearing of it.
I will meet you halfway. Apes take over the government. We got a taste on Jan 6, 2021. More movie sequels ahead!
You are an example of non-devolution! Half the voting population, and tons of youth, are not extremist, and want - need - functional democracy. The oligarchs want us to give up, lay down our spirits - we're better than that!
We hope! We can all try our best. Tense days ahead!
Thanks, Andy. As a dismayed Post subscriber, I needed this.
When I completely cut loose from Amazon some years ago it felt and still feels liberating.
I haven’t unsubscribed to WAPO yet, but I have concepts of a plan to do so.
It's the truth and it's funny, not funny.
They have lost another one.
Meaning WaPo.
You bleeping rock! Now I’m off to find his spine. Or mine. Hell, any spine will do.
Etsy has ‘em for $499.
handcrafted, even!
Any spine will do! 🥲
as i’ve been pointing out: democracy dies in deference.
And indifference.
truth!
Time to stop shopping Amazon and cancel post subscription
doI would love to cancel Amazon, but cannot. Do TBR folks have an alternative? I buy supplies for a family member in another state who cannot do it for themselves. Are there alternatives that are not supporting fascism? We know Walmart doesn't qualify. Sorry to ask for practical advice!
$4.99? Overpriced ripoff; you can get an entire soul on eBay for a buck-three-eighty. Mitch McConnell's soul is not for sale: he was born without one. JD Vance already sold his twice -- both Satan and Trump will be coming to claim it
Ted Cruz sent his soul, the tattered remains of it, to Mexico on vacation. It was in his carryon -- And he still had plenty of room for his clothes. Lindsay Graham tried to put his up for sale, but it would not go -- kept whimpering and hid in the closet.
Mike Johnson has his on Facebook Marketplace, but he had to redeem it from the pawn shop -- just in time, too; I heard Kevin McCarthy was coming for it.
I have replaced my WaPo subscription with one to the Philadelphia Inquirer, which showed some common sense and courage in endorsing the one candidate in this race who is not a fascist wannabe dictator.
I intend to in a few minutes. Years ago I quit using Amazon . I try to tell my friends, but most ignore me b/c ppl have to get their stuff asap. Spoiled.
He’s a total brat, using Oxygen others need. Stingy show-off. Tacky girlfriend showing her giant Watermelons. Think of the good he could do! Asheville? Third world countries? Not worth one hair on Jimmy Carter’s head. Nothing worse than stingy. Seems to be a common failing of the mega rich. I read that most charitable donations come from ppl who are not wealthy.