Don't forget about Political

[tony]

The Political Forum has been converted to a subscription forum.

You won't see it at the bottom of the list unless you belong to the free Political Group.

To join the Political Group, follow the instructions here (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23787)

After you join, you will be able to see the forum where it normally has been, click on it and enter and post in it like any other forum.

[tony]

.

[tony]

The Political is rolling along as normal.

Seventy-two people have enrolled in the Political group so far.

[tony]

We recently registered out 79th member.

[cglenhar]

I am glad this has forum been segregated. I stopped logging on and contributing to this site because I found that forum offensive, racist and exasperatingly negative. It overpowered and tainted the otherwise positive, tolerant tone of this site.

[Talk Host]

I am glad this has forum been segregated. I stopped logging on and contributing to this site because I found that forum offensive, racist and exasperatingly negative. It overpowered and tainted the otherwise positive, tolerant tone of this site.


Yes, but did you like it? :jester:

[JimJoe]

We recently registered out 79th member.

I think politics is important to this forum. I would have preferred that it be made an opt out forum instead of opt in..
I think a lot of new members will miss out on the opportunity to share their ideas..
when I new member joins are they pointed to the option of joining politics? If so that answers my concern.
Overall I LOVE this site.. it is very useful and the people are great.
Thank you for providing it to us.
JimJoe

[conn8757]

My blood pressure thanks you for separating the forums. I can now tune in without seeing the politcal rantings and those who enjoy it can go right to it after signing up. Thanks.

[islandgal]

Tony-
Once I click join group, how do I get to just the political messages? The only thing I see to enter, is New Posts at the top?

Thanks.

[tony]

IslandGal,

You successfully joined. Now you can go to the forum like you go to any other forum. Look on the main index of forums and go down to Political in its normal place.

[tony]

We have a "house ad" on the left side of all forum post pages for the Political forum. If you want to direct a new user to the political forum, send him or her to that ad. It has a GOP elephant and a Democrat donkey logos.

Click on that and they will be able to join the Political forum.

Of course after they join, they will see the Political forum in the line-up on the main index page and will also see the Political posts in the New posts listing.

[rshoffer]

Not sure if this was the intention.... but the new format certainly has killed the viewing numbers.

[zcaveman]

If I do not join the political thread why can't I still see the Political group in the list of forums at the bottom?

I was hoping that I could skip the Political Forum so that it would not be in my New Posts but I would be able to click on the thread in the Forums pull down menu at the bottom so I could see what was going on.

[Muncle]

I am glad this has forum been segregated. I stopped logging on and contributing to this site because I found that forum offensive, racist and exasperatingly negative. It overpowered and tainted the otherwise positive, tolerant tone of this site.

Is this what some call a drive-by sniping? :cus: Offensive and negative if they disagree with your views, okay, I'll buy that. But racist? :shrug:



`

[rshoffer]

If I do not join the political thread why can't I still see the Political group in the list of forums at the bottom?

I was hoping that I could skip the Political Forum so that it would not be in my New Posts but I would be able to click on the thread in the Forums pull down menu at the bottom so I could see what was going on.Why? Answer: censored

[tony]

Why worry about views being down, even if it may not be true? Those who
want to see the posts see them. That's the freedom to choose. Making the
forum a subscription forum allows people the freedom to choose what they
want to see. It's the best choice we could present to our members because, to
my knowledge, we cannot make a forum opt-out.

I don't understand why rshoffer strives to make our forum look bad by saying
"the new format certainly had killed the viewing numbers." Why would he do
that? We offer a free forum yet he finds it necessary to criticize us when we
make a change that we feel is necessary.

If the views have been lower it is probably because those members who don't
really want to see political posts are not having the political posts placed
before them to either unintentionally click to read or intentionally read even
though they would rather not have clicked.

[Bucco]

"....or intentionally read even
though they would rather not have clicked."
__________________________________________________ __


I dont know if it is the structure of this sentence that intrigues me or the thought of the person being described :)

[Xavier]

Why? Answer: censored

Not enough action over in Political? Not as much fun when the friendly drop-ins don't pop in to get ganged up on and torn apart? Play nice - the gang of ... (6, 8, 10) can certainly get in a circle and tell each other how right-on (sic) they are or play patty-cake or whatever it is they like to play when they are in a circle.

Doctor(?) heal thyself - get over it.

[BobKat1]

Why worry about views being down, even if it may not be true? Those who
want to see the posts see them. Thats the freedom to choose. Making the
forum a subscription forum allows people the freedom to choose what they
want to see. It's the best choice we could present to our members because, to
my knowledge, we cannot make a forum opt-out.

I don't understand why rshoffer strives to make our forum look bad by saying
"the new format certainly had killed the viewing numbers." Why would he do
that? We offer a free forum yet he finds it necessary to criticize us when we
make a change that we feel is necessary.

If the views have been lower it is probably because those members who don't
really want to see political posts are not having the political posts placed
before them to either unintentionally click to read or intentionally read even
though they would rather not have clicked.

Well said. Thank you! Personally, I like the change and life as we know it is going along just fine.

[l2ridehd]

I am very glad it has moved. I would see it, read something, get brought in to the insane arguments, and it just made this otherwise great forum ugly. I hope it dies a slow and painful death there. Great move, moving it.

[RichieLion]

I have absolutely no problem with the registering to participate in a political discussion; but if anybody was bothered by the content, why would they click in? Were politically sensitive individuals made to participate? Is it just that by not seeing "Political" at the bottom of their page they can pretend that nobody is engaging in political give and take?

[rshoffer]

Why worry about views being down, even if it may not be true? Those who
want to see the posts see them. Thats the freedom to choose. Making the
forum a subscription forum allows people the freedom to choose what they
want to see. It's the best choice we could present to our members because, to
my knowledge, we cannot make a forum opt-out.

I don't understand why rshoffer strives to make our forum look bad by saying
"the new format certainly had killed the viewing numbers." Why would he do
that? We offer a free forum yet he finds it necessary to criticize us when we
make a change that we feel is necessary.

If the views have been lower it is probably because those members who don't
really want to see political posts are not having the political posts placed
before them to either unintentionally click to read or intentionally read even
though they would rather not have clicked.Since there are many forums, how is it decided which ones would be a "subscription" forum? Are there any other forums which are "subscription" forums?

[tony]

Why this continual challenging, rshoffer. This transition has gone well.

Political group members are posting as that have in the past and those who don't want to see it don't see it.

To Political group members, the forum looks as it always had.

To Political group non-members, it looks the way they like it.

Newly registered members are told of the existence of the Political forum with a colorful ad on every page that contains posts.

[rshoffer]

Why this continual challenging, rshoffer. This transition has gone well.

Political group members are posting as that have in the past and those who don't want to see it don't see it.

To Political group members, the forum looks as it always had.

To Political group non-members, it looks the way they like it.

Newly registered members are told of the existence of the Political forum with a colorful ad on every page that contains posts.You dodged the question.
"Subscription forums" are like this.... " you can still ride on the bus but you must sit in the back". Thus, there is no big deal.... we can still ride on the bus like we always did, and those that were offended by our presence do not have to see us... unless they want to come to the back of the bus with us.

[tony]

hoffer, I have had quite enough of this.

If I were as unhappy with the change that was made to the forum as you are, I would find somewhere else to spend my time.

Our forum is moving on quite well after this change. I suggest you do that also or find somewhere more amenable to you.

[rshoffer]

hoffer, I have had quite enough of this.

If I were as unhappy with the change that was made to the forum as you are, I would find somewhere else to spend my time.

Our forum is moving on quite well after this change, I suggest you do that also or find somewhere more amenable to you.Quite enough of what? Discussion? I thought that is what people did on internet forums. I was expressing my feelings/opinions about what I perceived as censorship/segregation of a particular forum within TOTV. I certainly don't think my opinions are powerful enough to keep TOTV from moving on quite well. Now, if you want to silence any further discussion of my opinion I believe you have the power to do that with a simple keystroke.

[GMONEY]

I have to agree with Tony on this. I am gald it was changed. I for one dont care either way, but am glad it happened. If you want to view it and join in then subscribe to it, no need to use Tony's thread to remind people about that forum to start a different agenda here.
Move on, get a life, subcribe to that thread and rumble in there. That is why I am for one am glad it moved. Things just like this..

[Bucco]

Tony,

As a regular contributer to the political forum, while you feel it has gone well, with me the nagging feeling that I have been banished to the basement for bad behaviour continues and I am like that kid who has idea what he did wrong.

I have no idea what prompted this decision, but I respect you as the administrator and owner of this forum thus I go quietly into the night !


I am posting this publicly because with all the hate filled comments on here about those of us who post in that area, there needed some balance. We, those who post, on either side of the aisle have been characterized as racist and a few other unpleasant things and that is not even close to the truth as you well know.

I have learned quite a bit by posting, asking and reading on that forum and have never been confused or sidetracked by other posts being made in other areas of the TOTV as folks say they are.

It is VERY unfortunate, but it is what it is and we move forward, but the vitrol being aimed at us who post there is terribly unfair and actually is ironic in the sense that those who are posting such things are maintainng they dont want to hear such things while they type it here with not a person crticizing them.

[Quixote]

It is VERY unfortunate, but it is what it is and we move forward, but the vitrol being aimed at us who post there is terribly unfair and actually is ironic in the sense that those who are posting such things are maintainng they dont want to hear such things while they type it here with not a person crticizing them.

I dont understand this, what does it mean?

I agree that this change is a very good idea. But for a different reason that I said before. 75000 people live in the Villages and there are many more like me who plan to some day and dont yet. The number of people who write I dont mean the number of members seems small. But the number of people who write in the political section seems specially tiny even compared to the other areas. Its good that this very tiny membership has there own area to write to each other not part of the general gorup.

[billethkid]

political for what ever their reason, remind me of the folks who go into a saloon and complain about how noisy and smoky and how offensive the patrons look and act.

And they keep coming back every day, and keep complaining about how another group chooses to live. The unfortunate side effect is they tend to be hypocritical in nature as their razor edged tongue lashes out in accusation of those things they interpret.

I would like to see how brazen some of the critics are when eye ball to eye ball...anonymity begets bravery for some.

When you want to broaden your horizon's come on over to political and join in one of the blessings of the first amendment.

btk:o

[Bucco]

I dont understand this, what does it mean?

I agree that this change is a very good idea. But for a different reason that I said before. 75000 people live in the Villages and there are many more like me who plan to some day and dont yet. The number of people who write I dont mean the number of members seems small. But the number of people who write in the political section seems specially tiny even compared to the other areas. Its good that this very tiny membership has there own area to write to each other not part of the general gorup.

With all due respect, my point was that posts like

"I am glad this has forum been segregated. I stopped logging on and contributing to this site because I found that forum offensive, racist and exasperatingly negative. It overpowered and tainted the otherwise positive, tolerant tone of this site."

or this sarcasm...

"Not enough action over in Political? Not as much fun when the friendly drop-ins don't pop in to get ganged up on and torn apart? Play nice - the gang of ... (6, 8, 10) can certainly get in a circle and tell each other how right-on (sic) they are or play patty-cake or whatever it is they like to play when they are in a circle.

Doctor(?) heal thyself - get over it."

and then the good wishes...

"I am very glad it has moved. I would see it, read something, get brought in to the insane arguments, and it just made this otherwise great forum ugly. I hope it dies a slow and painful death there. Great move, moving it."

This posted by folks that were disgusted with us who post regularly on there. I dont post this on behalf of just myself or those who agree with me politically but ALL of those who post there who are not racist...do not gang up, etc.

At least I thank you for listening !

These postings dont bother anyone but me I suppose

[Xavier]

political for what ever their reason, remind me of the folks who go into a saloon and complain about how noisy and smoky and how offensive the patrons look and act.

And they keep coming back every day, and keep complaining about how another group chooses to live. The unfortunate side effect is they tend to be hypocritical in nature as their razor edged tongue lashes out in accusation of those things they interpret.

I would like to see how brazen some of the critics are when eye ball to eye ball...anonymity begets bravery for some.

When you want to broaden your horizon's come on over to political and join in one of the blessings of the first amendment.

btk:o

Oh my goodness, Miss Kitty, I think someone is being called out into the street for a shout out. Please be gemtle with us Mr. "Billie the Kid."

[Talk Host]

What if you had a big party at your home and a fairly large number of the attendees entered into a loud political discussion in the kitchen and it became heated at times. Then some of the other guests started to complain to you that it was straining their enjoyment. What would you do?

Would you ask the political group to tone it down? Would tell them to shut up? Would you ask them to move their discussion outside? Would you ask them leave?

Or, would you tell the non-political participants to suck it up. What if some of them started to leave as a result?

Lets say for a moment that you went into your kitchen and mustered up the courage to tell the political participants to please respect your home and tone it down a little. Then one or more of them looked you in the eye and said, "this is America by God, and I have my first amendment rights to express my views anywhere and anytime I choose." Let's say you reminded them that this was your home and they were invited guests there, and they said, "it makes no difference, we'll do and say what we please, when we please." What would you do?

Now, lets say you ask the political discussion to step out to the lanai and continue their discussion there. At that point, several of them responded, "OUTSIDE, how dare you tell us to go outside, what do you think we are "second class citizens?" "Tell the others to go outside if they don't like what we are discussing, or tell them to not listen"

Okay, let's take this one step farther and say the political group is finally out on the lanai and you go to the dining room and join in the general party talk with the others. Now, several of the lanai group comes into the dining room and starts, "They sent us outside, so you pantywaists can't hear us, who the hell do you all think you are. Are you all happy now that those of us who want to discuss politics are sent away. I hope the host and hostess are happy with themselves for dissing us."

I'm curious how you would handle this situation.

[Bucco]

What if you had a big party at your home and a fairly large number of the attendees entered into a loud political discussion in the kitchen and it became heated at times. Then some of the other guests started to complain to you that it was straining their enjoyment. What would you do?

Would you ask the political group to tone it down? Would tell them to shut up? Would you ask them to move their discussion outside? Would you ask them leave?

Or, would you tell the non-political participants to suck it up. What if some of them started to leave as a result?

Lets say for a moment that you went into your kitchen and mustered up the courage to tell the political participants to please respect your home and tone it down a little. Then one or more of them looked you in the eye and said, "this is America by God, and I have my first amendment rights to express my views anywhere and anytime I choose." What would you do?

Now, lets say you ask the political discussion to step out to the lanai and continue their discussion there. At that point, several of them responded, "OUTSIDE, how dare you tell us to go outside, what do you think we are "second class citizens?" "Tell the others to go outside if they don't like what we are discussing, or tell them not to listen"

I'm curious how you would handle this situation.

With all due respect.....using your analogy.....if there were a sign on the door to the kitchen that said POLITICAL DISCUSSION IN PROGRESS and some of those complaining guests came to you and harped, might you tell them to stay out of that room ? That is closer than your analogy as NOBODY was required to come into or read any political post and you could not "HEAR" it unless you opened that door and came directly into the kitchen !

Secondly, those who complained...did they come out of that room and use the same kind of language to you that they were complaining about ?

Tony,. I dont know who complained and why and can only make an educated guess, but I understand that you have a responsibility and I respect and understand that......perhaps I am being too sensitive but it seems like those of us who enjoy discussing politics have been a bit maligned on this thread and others and I suppose I take it personally because I do not believe one word of the accusations.

I only posted this morning because there were some nasty comments aimed a group of people that was unfair and it was treated as a joke and I hope this will be my last foray in here !

[Talk Host]

With all due respect.....using your analogy.....if there were a sign on the door to the kitchen that said POLITICAL DISCUSSION IN PROGRESS and some of those complaining guests came to you and harped, might you tell them to stay out of that room ? That is closer than your analogy as NOBODY was required to come into or read any political post and you could not "HEAR" it unless you opened that door and came directly into the kitchen !

Secondly, those who complained...did they come out of that room and use the same kind of language to you that they were complaining about ?

Tony,. I dont know who complained and why and can only make an educated guess, but I understand that you have a responsibility and I respect and understand that......perhaps I am being too sensitive but it seems like those of us who enjoy discussing politics have been a bit maligned on this thread and others and I suppose I take it personally because I do not believe one word of the accusations.

I only posted this morning because there were some nasty comments aimed a group of people that was unfair and it was treated as a joke and I hope this will be my last foray in here !

You are so wrong that I can't even describe it. When it's your home, you do what you think is best. If the guests don't like it, they can leave. That's it.

[BobKat1]

It's obvious that some folks enjoy debating anything and everything. Political is a good spot for that. IMO, the right spot for it is right where it is now.

[billethkid]

group keeps making accusations and calling names on a personal level.

Until today I have decided to leave the subject alone. Now that the change is in place, it would be nice if everybody else did too!!!

The thread started out as a reminder for those who might have an interest. And funny how it got turned into a catharsis by those complaining about the tone and tenor of the political forum. Now how many faces does that take.

I'm done (again).

btk

[cybrgeezer]

I fall into the category of a wannabe, and I wannabe informed about The Villages.

I came to this forum to ask questions and, even more importantly, read questions and answers from others that I would not have thought to ask. Comments, good and bad, about life in TV are very informative.

And because it does nothing to further that desire to know all I can before I make a commitment to move, your political opinion -- or that of someone who disagrees with you -- are not why I showed up here.

I belong to another, more specialized, message board community with several thousand members. A political statement is about as rare as a solar eclipse there. We all came to inform and be informed about the subject of our mutual interest and personal opinions about politics are simply not a part of what we are about.

Since a vocal group here wants to talk politics, then giving them a separate area to do so is not only appropriate but welcome.

If the critics should cause you to rethink the recent moves you have made, count me as a vote in favor of the change.

[katezbox]

Geezer,

I agree. I don't think disliking the current occupant of the White House makes you a racist, not do I think disliking the prior one makes you un-American. However the political forum is so polarized that it creates a lot of heat but very little light.

TH - while we frequently disagree, I really like your analogy. So I thank you for being a gracious host and providing options for those who like and dislike the political forum.

Kate

[billethkid]

in politics EVERYWHERE. The TOTV political forum is polarized? Oh, nooooo!
How very different is that polarity than every where else where hearts are beating.

No struggle no progress. Call a spade a spade (card deck that is, as it was always meant to be). Stand and be counted. Back your belief. And what they do not do in Washington, DC...keep an open mind.

I am becoming accustomed to the fact "the kitchen" is now by subscription. Screens out some of the heat intolerant!

Political discussions polarized....what is this world coming to?:confused:

btk

[rshoffer]

I fall into the category of a wannabe, and I wannabe informed about The Villages.

I came to this forum to ask questions and, even more importantly, read questions and answers from others that I would not have thought to ask. Comments, good and bad, about life in TV are very informative.

And because it does nothing to further that desire to know all I can before I make a commitment to move, your political opinion -- or that of someone who disagrees with you -- are not why I showed up here.

I belong to another, more specialized, message board community with several thousand members. A political statement is about as rare as a solar eclipse there. We all came to inform and be informed about the subject of our mutual interest and personal opinions about politics are simply not a part of what we are about.

Since a vocal group here wants to talk politics, then giving them a separate area to do so is not only appropriate but welcome.

If the critics should cause you to rethink the recent moves you have made, count me as a vote in favor of the change.May I point out that on the list of forums within TOTV you may find: Investment Talk, Travel Forum, Talk about Books (Movies), Feminine Forum, Computer Forum, even NON-Villages Discussion and of course, the dark, evil Political Forum. None of these forums will aid you in "knowing all you can before you make a committment to move..." Using your argument access to all of these forums should have the same requirements/restrictions.

[Quixote]

Theres something I still dont understand. I think this website says it has 9000 members but it looks like not many write on it regularly and not all 9000 live in the Villages. And there are 75000 people living in the Villages. How many of the 9000 are members of the new political section?

[Talk Host]

Geezer,

TH - while we frequently disagree,
Kate

Gee, I'm at a disadvantage. I didn't know that we frequently disagree. If I had known that we "frequently disagree," I would have tried to be more agreeable. But I don't know what we disagreed about.

In any event, I'm glad we agree on this.

JLK

[Talk Host]

How many of the 9000 are members of the new political section?

Enough to make it interesting. That's all that matters.

[tony]

Bucco,

I respect your posts in Political and wish you would not feel tread upon. Let me try to change your perspective a little. In many forums, value-added boards are accessible by paid subscription only, and they are considered elite, "up stairs."

We clearly don't want to charge for the value-added Political forum, but can you please try for a day or two to consider it "upstairs," by subscription, and pretend I sent you a bill for $48 a year to get into Political. I know of a forum that does charge $48 a year to just post.

Another perspective: Can we agree that Political gets a little boisterous? We built you folks a little soundproof partition upstairs. You can argue all you want upstairs, and nobody downstairs can hear you. If anybody downstairs comes upstairs and complains about the noise, I will suggest where they can go, too.

And billethkid, you really made me laugh when you said,
"I would like to see how brazen some of the critics are when eye ball to eye ball...anonymity begets bravery for some."

Them's some pretty strong words there, pardner, for somebody who goes anonymously by "billethkid."

[Bucco]

Bucco,

I respect your posts in Political and wish you would not feel tread upon. Let me try to change your perspective a little. In many forums, value-added boards are accessible by paid subscription only, and they are considered elite, "up stairs."

We clearly don't want to charge for the value-added Political forum, but can you please try for a day or two to consider it "upstairs," by subscription, and pretend I sent you a bill for $48 a year to get into Political. I know of a forum that does charge $48 a year to just post.

Another perspective: Can we agree that Political gets a little boisterous? We built you folks a little soundproof partition upstairs. You can argue all you want upstairs, and nobody downstairs can hear you. If anybody downstairs comes upstairs and complains about the noise, I will suggest where they can go, too.

And billethkid, you really made me laugh when you said,
"I would like to see how brazen some of the critics are when eye ball to eye ball...anonymity begets bravery for some."

Them's some pretty strong words there, pardner, for somebody who goes anonymously by "billethkid."


Tony,

I have accepted your decision and no harm no foul....my objections have always been ....

I think that probably, but dont know, that the forum was the most visited place on TOTV and if you sold ads just inside the political you would have great coverage.

Most importantly, NONE...not one of the reasons given make any sense to me. NOBODY had to even visit there if they didnt want to and if you are taking it "private" to help them with their addiction, then good for you, but everyone who visited there did so of their own free will. You did not have to pass it on your way somewhere else...you did not need to know the content, and I would suggest that there are many who dont even know it existed until this issue was raised.

If in fact people complained, I would love to read the complaints (not asking you for them understand) but how do you make a case for objectionable language WHERE THERE IS NONE...how do you make a case for racisim WHERE THERE IS NONE, thus what the issue is or was is well beyond me; I must suppose that the attitude that has caused your decision did not exist during the campaign when the language, etc in the forum was much much much more contentious. The political forum has become more one way than the other and I sincerely hope that is not the reason because that would really stink.

Now, having said that I had accepted the change fully but when I saw this thread and the FALSE and PHONEY accusations made against those who post in the political forum, I felt obliged to post. The venom thrust at those folks was patently unfair.

I speak, on my own, for ALL of the posters there...those who agree with me politically or violently disagree with me. The accusations that are on here, and dealt with as if they are jokes, are just wrong. THAT IS THE ONLY REASON I POSTED ON THIS THREAD. If these are the people who complained to you then there is something very wrong as their language is worse than any on the political forum.

Ok...said my peace Tony......as I said the ONLY reason I am on your "lanai" or wherever I have ended up is that this thread, like a few others on here, can be just as cantankerous as the political forum.

Now,...will go either down to the basement or upstairs depending on your point of view !

Have a great day and to those who are visiting this board and do not live here yet....TOTV is a great place...The Villages is a great place and even us folks who post in political are nice folks...come on down !

[tony]

Political has 97 members right now.

[Quixote]

Political has 97 members right now.

That means only 1% of members of this web site write in the political section. Or even read it because it sounds like yoiu have to be a member of the political section to read it to. Thats what I was saying. That it seems like such a tiny amount.

[cabo35]

What if you had a big party at your home and a fairly large number of the attendees entered into a loud political discussion in the kitchen and it became heated at times. Then some of the other guests started to complain to you that it was straining their enjoyment. What would you do?.

I would tell them to stay out of the kitchen. Anyone offended by comments in political, entered by choice and read what offended them of their own volition. No one told them to enter and read. It was a matter of choice. Their kinda like the people who complain about all the sex, violence and nudity in "R" rated movies but keep viewing them so they can report how offensive the content is. Or.....the man who reported lewd, lascivious conduct to the police. He stated that his neighbors had sex every night in their pool for three weeks. He had set up a step ladder by his fence and watched them every evening. The couple in the pool was offended and filed a counter complaint for invasion of privacy....there goes the neighborhood. This did not happen in the Villages.

My observation and personal opinion is that the partisan breakdown of the Political Forum, roughly mirrors the ideological persuasion of Villagers as reflected in voting trends in this area.

In the 2008 Sumter County presidential election where The Villages makes up a major portion of the electorate, it is interesting to note the result was overwhelmingly (63.01%) for McCain. Obama received only 36.04% of the vote. 82% of eligible voters went to the polls.

30,866 Sumter residents voted for McCain
17,655 voted for Obama

While I do not suggest that all the advocates for silencing political debate in an open forum are of a persuasion that tilts to the left....a compelling argument can be made to validate that claim. I will not elaborate because I will surely be censored for hijacking a thread in a general forum for political talk....even though I didn't start it.

It initially occurred to me that the banishment of the Political forum to the basement of TOTV was based on the sensitivity and/or bias of partisans who were distressed by hardball rhetoric that was inconsistent with their own views. I suspected and speculated that the administrators were being hoodwinked by those with alternate political motivations...like silencing powerful opposing views because logic and common sense precluded them from winning honest debate in an open forum. Pressure for censorship is easier in the private sector.

Before you hit the delete button....I no longer believe that was the case. I took some time off from posting...to the pleasure of some....but must confess to a little lurking to see which way the winds would blow. This thread gives abundant insight. I have seen the administrators make a sincere effort to support the Political Forum with ads, posts and other road maps to the forum. I congratulate them on that effort. True to form, the political forum bashers and critics revert to form and continue to criticize posters from the Political Forum....from a venue outside that evil forum. Weird irony. "Racists"?

I still believe an "opt out" switch would have been fairer and greatly reduced the suspicions about motivations and the "spanking" of political forum contributors. I believe the administrators when they state that opting out was a technically impossible alternative.

A tip of the hat to Bucco, BTK, rshoffer, JimJoe, Muncle and zcaveman (for making the most profound contribution by accident or design ROTFLMAO), et al for standing your ground. Thanks to Tony and Talkhost for having the courage to start and contribute to a "hot" thread. It's getting dark....I'm going to jump in the pool with my wife now.

[tony]

Political hit 100 members today.

[katezbox]

On TOTV if you want to see new posts you can scroll to the bottom of the forums page and see what is new. Frequently that meant non political posters became immersed in political threads. Personally that is not the way I browse this forum, so I just stayed out of topics I wasn't interested in.

And BTK, as someone who loves this country, I heartily wish that our political climate returns to less polarized times.

[jojo]

Well said Kate - too much polarization. I check the new posts when I'm on the road and frequently political represented 80% of the new posts rehashing the same topics. I like this system much better.

[Boomer]

What if you had a big party at your home and a fairly large number of the attendees entered into a loud political discussion in the kitchen and it became heated at times. Then some of the other guests started to complain to you that it was straining their enjoyment. What would you do?

Would you ask the political group to tone it down? Would tell them to shut up? Would you ask them to move their discussion outside? Would you ask them leave?

Or, would you tell the non-political participants to suck it up. What if some of them started to leave as a result?

Lets say for a moment that you went into your kitchen and mustered up the courage to tell the political participants to please respect your home and tone it down a little. Then one or more of them looked you in the eye and said, "this is America by God, and I have my first amendment rights to express my views anywhere and anytime I choose." Let's say you reminded them that this was your home and they were invited guests there, and they said, "it makes no difference, we'll do and say what we please, when we please." What would you do?

Now, lets say you ask the political discussion to step out to the lanai and continue their discussion there. At that point, several of them responded, "OUTSIDE, how dare you tell us to go outside, what do you think we are "second class citizens?" "Tell the others to go outside if they don't like what we are discussing, or tell them to not listen"

Okay, let's take this one step farther and say the political group is finally out on the lanai and you go to the dining room and join in the general party talk with the others. Now, several of the lanai group comes into the dining room and starts, "They sent us outside, so you pantywaists can't hear us, who the hell do you all think you are. Are you all happy now that those of us who want to discuss politics are sent away. I hope the host and hostess are happy with themselves for dissing us."

I'm curious how you would handle this situation.

I see your analogy, TH, and I was going to raise you another one. But when I started to write it inside my head, it began to turn into a mini-series.

I have to tell you that I do not think that business and politics can mix, unless you are in the business of politics. Business and politics just cannot mix. At least not for very long. And in today's political environment of such polarization, attempts at discussion seem to get lost or trampled or drowned out or whatever and that makes it even more difficult, actually impossible, to mix business and politics. (Hey, TH, btw, I didn't see you at that party or I would have introduced myself.)

Anyway, from the beginning of the political forum, I thought, "Uh, oh. Do they really want to do this? Politics and business? Bottom line? An eventual no-win."

But, hey, my opinion on the cost of doing business did not keep me out of that forum. It was not my business, after all. So I would go in there, every once in awhile, with my moderate opinions and my concerns for people who, although they work hard, cannot afford health care coverage.

And sometimes I would even take a little attempt or two at humor along. But then no more. I stopped. I had my reasons. And besides all that, there was that thing where I finally noticed that I could not keep myself out of there when the moon was full. (uh oh, I think it's waxing gibbous right now.)

Then came the change to the subscriber forum. Looked like a business decision to me. Business and politics cannot mix. Not for long. But I knew that from the start. I have known that since I was a kid, growing up around a little business. A little business that personal politics were always kept clear of.

Bottom Line Boomer

PS: If ever I do write my analogy for all this, and if it does indeed turn into a mini-series, and if I can get HBO interested, I hope all of you here will let me know who you want to play you. TH, I am thinking maybe Brian Dennehy for you. I think that's his name. That "Cocoon" guy. You look kind of like him in your picture.

[katezbox]

Boomer,

I like Catherine Zeta-Jones for me (hahahaha)!

[Xavier]

PS: If ever I do write my analogy for all this, and if it does indeed turn into a mini-series, and if I can get HBO interested, I hope all of you here will let me know who you want to play you. TH, I am thinking maybe Brian Dennehy for you. I think that's his name. That "Cocoon" guy. You look kind of like him in your picture.


Unfortunately I'm only an extra, but, given the choice, I'd be going for Paul Newman with height extenders if he was still alive! I've got the baby blue eyes.

[cashman]

Apathy is dangerous. Political correctness is dangerous.

Not getting involved in politics may destroy our great country.

Every resident of tv should read and participate in political
discussion.

[chelsea24]

I want to be played by Meryl Streep! Yeah! Do you think you can swing that Boomer! Yeah! :laugh:

[tony]

I really am afraid to ask who should play me. That's the wrong thing to do. So I won't.

[Xavier]

Apathy is dangerous. ********* correctness is dangerous.

Not getting involved in politics may destroy our great country.

Every resident of tv should read and participate in *********
discussion.

Thanks for your editorial/suggestion. Just click on the P O L I T I C A L Forum Box on the left side of any page, follow the sign up directions and you're on your way. Don't get eaten! :icon_hungry: If you are not back in a week or two we'll send in a recovery team! Just kidding, have a wonderful time.

[gnu]

Political has 97 members right now.

I believe that there were only 2 or three posts there in the last two days. I guess 95 or 96 members are just looky lookies. This is what some are saying, that people love to go there but think it's a bad place. Please, if you don't like what is in political don't sign up and then complain about whats said there. Don't be a "party" crasher and then complain about the party.

My one and only post to this particular thread.

[cabo35]

PS: If ever I do write my analogy for all this, and if it does indeed turn into a mini-series, and if I can get HBO interested...

Go for it Boomer! Here's the backdrop, opening line lifted from Muncle's Charlie Brown.

It was a dark and stormy night......... Boomer was feeling the buzz from the three margarita's rapidly consumed to brace herself for entering the forbidden pit from hell that had just come into the hazy glow of her Prius headlights. The eerie rumble of rolling thunder was an ominous harbinger of what was about to unfold. She suddenly realized her diminished, margarita induced, perception as she attempted to park. The front end of the Prius gently tapped one of the black Harleys parked at the curb. She gave a sigh of relief when it wobbled but didn't fall.

The old roadhouse pub had been a speak easy rumored to have been a hideout for public enemies Ma Barker, Alvin Karpis and the boys when they hid out from Elliot Ness in the lawless 30's. The irony of a haven for outcasts caused a begrudged grin to break the tension on Boomer's face as she opened the thick, heavy door. Immediately, the foggy stench of stale cigar smoke and beer hit her like a wall. As she turned quickly to retreat, through the haze she caught a glimpse of her friend Chelsea sitting in a corner listening intently to her Ipod. She knew Chelsea had entered the forbidden room in spite of the fact that she was working off charges for disrupting a Sarah Palin rally earlier in the week. Boomer knew the penalty was harsh. The terms cruel, unusual and torture took on new meaning when the silver haired jurist fined Chels $100 and ordered her to listen to rebroadcasts, selected by Bucco and BTK, of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck for 48 straight hours. As she started toward Chelsea, she noticed the usual forbidden forum suspects emerge from the smoky mist. There, huddled in a corner were................................

Boomer? Anybody?

[GMONEY]

Already got a Soap going here. Think it is better left where you ended it..

[Boomer]

Go for it Boomer! Here's the backdrop, opening line lifted from Muncle's Charlie Brown.

It was a dark and stormy night......... Boomer was feeling the buzz from the three margarita's rapidly consumed to brace herself for entering the forbidden pit from hell that had just come into the hazy glow of her Prius headlights. The eerie rumble of rolling thunder was an ominous harbinger of what was about to unfold. She suddenly realized her diminished, margarita induced, perception as she attempted to park. The front end of the Prius gently tapped one of the black Harleys parked at the curb. She gave a sigh of relief when it wobbled but didn't fall.

The old roadhouse pub had been a speak easy rumored to have been a hideout for public enemies Ma Barker, Alvin Karpis and the boys when they hid out from Elliot Ness in the lawless 30's. The irony of a haven for outcasts caused a begrudged grin to break the tension on Boomer's face as she opened the thick, heavy door. Immediately, the foggy stench of stale cigar smoke and beer hit her like a wall. As she turned quickly to retreat, through the haze she caught a glimpse of her friend Chelsea sitting in a corner listening intently to her Ipod. She knew Chelsea had entered the forbidden room in spite of the fact that she was working off charges for disrupting a Sarah Palin rally earlier in the week. Boomer knew the penalty was harsh. The terms cruel, unusual and torture took on new meaning when the silver haired jurist fined Chels $100 and ordered her to listen to rebroadcasts, selected by Bucco and BTK, of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck for 48 straight hours. As she started toward Chelsea, she noticed the usual forbidden forum suspects emerge from the smoky mist. There, huddled in a corner were................................

Boomer? Anybody?

Ooooooh, cabo, I'll be back. ;)

Boomer the Collaborator

[njbchbum]

Go for it Boomer! Here's the backdrop, opening line lifted from Muncle's Charlie Brown.

It was a dark and stormy night......... Boomer was feeling the buzz from the three margarita's rapidly consumed to brace herself for entering the forbidden pit from hell that had just come into the hazy glow of her Prius headlights. The eerie rumble of rolling thunder was an ominous harbinger of what was about to unfold. She suddenly realized her diminished, margarita induced, perception as she attempted to park. The front end of the Prius gently tapped one of the black Harleys parked at the curb. She gave a sigh of relief when it wobbled but didn't fall.

The old roadhouse pub had been a speak easy rumored to have been a hideout for public enemies Ma Barker, Alvin Karpis and the boys when they hid out from Elliot Ness in the lawless 30's. The irony of a haven for outcasts caused a begrudged grin to break the tension on Boomer's face as she opened the thick, heavy door. Immediately, the foggy stench of stale cigar smoke and beer hit her like a wall. As she turned quickly to retreat, through the haze she caught a glimpse of her friend Chelsea sitting in a corner listening intently to her Ipod. She knew Chelsea had entered the forbidden room in spite of the fact that she was working off charges for disrupting a Sarah Palin rally earlier in the week. Boomer knew the penalty was harsh. The terms cruel, unusual and torture took on new meaning when the silver haired jurist fined Chels $100 and ordered her to listen to rebroadcasts, selected by Bucco and BTK, of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck for 48 straight hours. As she started toward Chelsea, she noticed the usual forbidden forum suspects emerge from the smoky mist. There, huddled in a corner were................................

Boomer? Anybody?

.....tony, talk host, BobKat1, and l2ridehd; their table was close to the kitchen door - was that so they could overhear the kitchen banter or so they could make a quick getaway? jojo was returning to the table with a tray of thirst quenchers but tripped and the liquids sprayed across the table like falling rain and quenched the attendance list that talk host had tried to hide in his copy of the Daily Sun. Could it be that jojo tripped because there appeared to be a spectre floating about the table? Could it be the spirit of Sean Hannity or ........................

[Boomer]

Go for it Boomer! Here's the backdrop, opening line lifted from Muncle's Charlie Brown.

It was a dark and stormy night......... Boomer was feeling the buzz from the three margarita's rapidly consumed to brace herself for entering the forbidden pit from hell that had just come into the hazy glow of her Prius headlights. The eerie rumble of rolling thunder was an ominous harbinger of what was about to unfold. She suddenly realized her diminished, margarita induced, perception as she attempted to park. The front end of the Prius gently tapped one of the black Harleys parked at the curb. She gave a sigh of relief when it wobbled but didn't fall.

The old roadhouse pub had been a speak easy rumored to have been a hideout for public enemies Ma Barker, Alvin Karpis and the boys when they hid out from Elliot Ness in the lawless 30's. The irony of a haven for outcasts caused a begrudged grin to break the tension on Boomer's face as she opened the thick, heavy door. Immediately, the foggy stench of stale cigar smoke and beer hit her like a wall. As she turned quickly to retreat, through the haze she caught a glimpse of her friend Chelsea sitting in a corner listening intently to her Ipod. She knew Chelsea had entered the forbidden room in spite of the fact that she was working off charges for disrupting a Sarah Palin rally earlier in the week. Boomer knew the penalty was harsh. The terms cruel, unusual and torture took on new meaning when the silver haired jurist fined Chels $100 and ordered her to listen to rebroadcasts, selected by Bucco and BTK, of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck for 48 straight hours. As she started toward Chelsea, she noticed the usual forbidden forum suspects emerge from the smoky mist. There, huddled in a corner were................................

Boomer? Anybody?

cabo, I needed to do a little re-work on what you wrote here about Boomer. The character has not been clearly captured. (This is a start. She is not even out of her car yet, in front of the place. I have made a few, ever so tiny, changes in your draft. I think I have a few more suggestions coming.)

But here is what I have so far....

Boomer had been around the block a few times, looking for a parking place, when the perfect spot opened, right in front of the joint. Boomer was a seasoned woman, but yet, somehow still, an All-American Girl. On the first try, she parallel parked that All-American icon, her big, long, white Caddy. Boomer loved that car. But she was so glad that she had not fallen in love with that GM stock, back in the day when it came on to her, promising that nice two-dollar dividend. She had carried on a brief flirtation with GM. But soon got over it and moved on.

Boomer turned the ignition off, but Barbra Streisand kept right on singing through the Bose speakers. The Caddy always insisted that whatever music or NPR show Boomer had chosen would just keep on playing until Boomer opened the door to get out of the car. Boomer, though a moderate, liked listening to Barbra Streisand’s music, even though Barbra was well known to be left of even Nancy Pelosi. Moderates, you see, are able to look at both sides of things and pick out the best parts.

Streisand was singing “The Way We Were” and as Boomer listened to those lyrics, she got a little misty-eyed…….

“Misty water-colored memories”…..

Boomer’s thoughts turned to W. She had voted for him twice. She had sent him $25.00 to help cover the cost of that unfortunate Florida incident.

“Scattered pictures, of the smiles we left behind”…..

Oh yes, (sigh) W had sent her that picture. And Boomer could not help herself. She used her computer to superimpose her own face over top of Laura’s. Boomer made it look like she was the one dancing with W at the ball. (sigh) (sigh) (sigh)

“Can it be that it was all so simple then?”

Boomer remembered fondly how W had made her absolutely swoon over those tax cuts……

“Memories, may be beautiful and yet,
What’s too painful to remember,
We simply choose to forget"…..

But this is where Boomer’s misty eyes and misty water-colored memories cleared right up because she did remember….The Way It Is!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Ohhhhh, do you think there is still a sense of humor in the house???? Do I dare hit send??????? Oh, whattheheck.)

Boomer


.

[chelsea24]

.....tony, talk host, BobKat1, and l2ridehd; their table was close to the kitchen door - was that so they could overhear the kitchen banter or so they could make a quick getaway? jojo was returning to the table with a tray of thirst quenchers but tripped and the liquids sprayed across the table like falling rain and quenched the attendance list that talk host had tried to hide in his copy of the Daily Sun. Could it be that jojo tripped because there appeared to be a spectre floating about the table? Could it be the spirit of Sean Hannity or ........................

Ann Coulter? EEEEEKS!!!! :22yikes: A giraffe disgusted as a woman!

But, as Chelsea perused the group, she knew this was just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the beer stained door were the real culprits. Slowly, she took the earbuds out of her ears and crept toward the door. "ENOUGH! of this Glen Beck and Limbaugh! I can't take it anymore! It's time for a change!!!"

As she slid closer to the door, Chels could hear the muffled voices "Death Panels" "2nd Amendment" "Born in Kenya" "Elitist" "Git me mah gun!" A chill ran down her spine. She had found the true right wing nuts!

Kicking open the door she spotted... Bucco, Rshoffer, Cabo 35, Gnu, DKlarsen, BTK, Jurek, SteveZ, but... someone was missing??? Where, oh where, was Keedy? Or was he ever really there? Was he a real person or just a hand puppet for Dick Cheney? NO! George W. was the hand puppet! Chels had to go somewhere for a breath of fresh air and figure this out. :shrug:;)

Maybe Boomer could help her over a pint of Graeter's Ice Cream! Yummmmmm!

[Whalen]

Ann Coulter? EEEEEKS!!!! :22yikes: A giraffe disgusted as a woman!

But, as Chelsea perused the group, she knew this was just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the beer stained door were the real culprits. Slowly, she took the earbuds out of her ears and crept toward the door. "ENOUGH! of this Glen Beck and Limbaugh! I can't take it anymore! It's time for a change!!!"

As she slid closer to the door, Chels could hear the muffled voices "Death Panels" "2nd Amendment" "Born in Kenya" "Elitist" "Git me mah gun!" A chill ran down her spine. She had found the true right wing nuts!

Kicking open the door she spotted... Bucco, Rshoffer, Cabo 35, Gnu, DKlarsen, BTK, Jurek, SteveZ, but... someone was missing??? Where, oh where, was Keedy? Or was he ever really there? Was he a real person or just a hand puppet for Dick Cheney? NO! George W. was the hand puppet! Chels had to go somewhere for a breath of fresh air and figure this out. :shrug:;)

Maybe Boomer could help her over a pint of Graeter's Ice Cream! Yummmmmm!

And Whalen was standing outside in the rain, lurking, afraid to enter but wondered too: Where was Keedy? Was he real? Was this all a bad dream ?And then she saw Chels, and it was a good thing. But wait is that Boomer?
Thought she was on her way in , but then got sidetracked in the land of W,
Where is she now? What could have happened?

[Boomer]

And Whalen was standing outside in the rain, lurking, afraid to enter but wondered too: Where was Keedy? Was he real? Was this all a bad dream ?And then she saw Chels, and it was a good thing. But wait is that Boomer?
Thought she was on her way in , but then got sidetracked in the land of W,
Where is she now? What could have happened?

OK. OK. I was going to go to bed but I will go tap on the Caddy window and see if I can bring Boomer out of her reverie. She says she's over W, but I think the windows look a little steamed up over there.

[Boomer]

Boomer finally came back to reality and got out of her car. That is when she saw the black Harley, parked a couple of spaces up, in front of an old Volvo with a gun rack in the back window. “Well, what have we here?” Boomer thought to herself as she passed by the Volvo. “This car looks like it might belong to another moderate.”

Then Boomer headed over to that beautiful Harley. And she got all misty-eyed again.

Nobody was around so Boomer climbed up on that Harley and she sat there for a while and remembered.

And Boomer whispered to that Harley, "Darlin’ there is nothing in this world like the sound of a Harley. You know you still give me a thrill. I’m talkin’ to you, you big Hog.”

Boomer continued whispering -- even though she was starting to look a little bonkers by now. After all, she was talking to a big motorcycle parked out in front of some dive…..

“And I remember when I picked up on you when you were HDI. It was 1998. You were in your mid-20’s. We had a great ride. I remember when you split. And back you came. Fast. It turned out to be all good. Somewhere along the line, you changed your symbol to HOG. And yeah. I know. I know. I dumped you. Just as you were starting to push 60. And I sure do not regret having dumped you. But I will always remember the great ride you took me on.”

(Geez. Is Boomer ever going to get in there and get things straightened out?)

Goodnight.

[cabo35]

njbchbum - as I sit here overlooking the Manasquan Inlet, reading your scene, it prompts wild speculation on what sinister plot Tony and the Talkhost are about to hatch. Makes me really appreciate Jersey girls even more. Don't ever, ever, ever pump gas.

chels - who ever said liberals have no sense of humor? They obviously never met you.

......a tall, handsome, swashbuckling Bucco makes eye contact with Chelsea as she slowly measures him from across the room. She had always pictured him shorter, wearing jeans, a hard hat, combat boots and a dog eared copy of Sol Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals" in his grasp. It threw her off guard as he slowly approached her and said.............

Boomer - loved the rewrite although I thought the Harley scene would have played well in the movie version. Can't wait to see what happens when Boomer enters the pub....unless you write the pub scene out and go down the yellow brick road with Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. I can hear Judy Garland doing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". In fact I'm so old I actually saw and heard Miss Galand do that song at the Metropole on Times Square in 19____. Ouch! Barbra is no Judy.

Do I hear another poster firing up the keyboard for this target rich exercise? Act with haste, quickly before the PC (politically correct) censors, administrators and forum police raid the joint and perp walk us all back to the dreaded political forum. I'm not sure whether they have figured out if we've crossed the line yet. Wait a minute....this is their thread? We're on topic....I think.

Thanks for the smiles and laughs at loud. TOTV has talent!

P.S. - Boomer, great minds think alike...you wrote the Harley scene back in while I was firing this post off. I love it.

P.P.S. - Whalen, you must have been the keyboard firing up while I was posting....good stuff. You have thickened the plot and stirred the brew.

[chachacha]

i was wondering what had happened to the political forum and now i have just found out.....we have all gone craaaazzzzyyyy...some funny stuff here. i like this new tone and camaraderie....i always thought boomer was a man...that is how much i know!!!!!

[Enuff2]

I really am afraid to ask who should play me. That's the wrong thing to do. So I won't.


How about Bruce Willis? :D :D :D

[Muncle]

I wasn't going to enter this thread for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I wouldn't comment on Jan's analysis of his party (for which Tony got much of the blame/credit --- remember guys, Talk Host is Jan, a guy whose avatar looks a tad like Len Cariou playing the sophisticated Brit on Murder She Wrote while Tony is Tony, the gentleman whose image makes one think that just might be, not necessarily must be, somehow connected to the NJ wise guys. But I'm taking no chances.

Secondly, though, I thought it a bit unfair for me to jump in with my analysis. While I tend to disagree with Jan, if I said so, and especially if I gave the rationale behind my views, there would be little else for others to say. Even the change kool-aider would begrudgingly see the light (& Jan, you're right -- kool ade drinkers refers to Johnstown, not Tom Wolfe or Tim Leary,, but I digress.)

Boomer: "Boomer had been around the block a few times . .. . Boomer was a seasoned woman. . . " Please, please, please do not leave openings like these.

And Chach, just because a writer is witty and insightful doesn't mean he must be a male. (yeah, the odds are on your side in this, but there are exceptions) Been trading posts with Boomer for seemingly ages and I've never doubted that she along with a couple other "Old Timers" (no insult meant) like Bare, HB, & Bright were ladies (okay, not necessarily "ladies" but definitely female. They each had and have a way of telling me I'm full of it without sending me up on the roof with the M-16. V07, VK, Gracie, & I assume Kate are also of the feminine persuasion. I guess smarts can't tell genes. And Chachacha, I typed that all in fun and was, as my Irish and Brit friends would say, taking the p*** out of you -- all in jest. They only thing I get serious about is Michael Vic or Vick or Vicque or whatever his name on Devil's Island should be.

But again, I digress. I said most of that tripe to say this ---
If this party were made as a movie, and were I invited (to the kitchen, no doubt), timing would be critical as to who played me. Pre implants, I'd vote for Terry Thomas (I assume death is not a critical element in casting). Post implant and pre weight loss, maybe Jonathan Winters. With implants and after the 80ish lb weight loss, maybe an older Robert Morse with serious lifts -- okay, maybe one of the implants fell out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WGUt6xaKO0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_29IeEeZqo




`

[tony]

I'm offended, Muncle. I come from a different line of wiseguys. We don't say, "You lookin' a' me?" because we know when people are looking at us. We say, "What the *^%* do YOU want?" There's a difference.

[Boomer]

So, Munc, from what you said, are you thinking maybe James Gandolfini to play Tony?

I don't know. But I do know that picture of Tony changes expressions. When Tony is kidding around, his picture looks like he is laughing. And when somebody gets in trouble, his eyes look like steel and his whole demeanor changes.

And wow, Munc, we sure do go back a long way. You showed up here not long after I did. And I remember it like it was just yesterday....."The minute ya walked in the joint (bomp bomp) I could see you were a man of distinction".......(Geez. You would think after all these posts I have written here and after all the times I have requested it, these guys would spring for one of those little emoticons -- or whatever you call those things that we can click on -- that looks like it is singing. You know. One of those little yellow guys with some musical notes all around it. Geez. It's not like I ask for much. Oh well. I digress.)

And, Munc, remember when I was absolutely convinced that you had worked for the CIA or NSA. Remember when I thought you were a retired spook, Munc. And you swore that you were not. Yeah. Right. That's what they all say, Munc. That's what they all say.

Well, I am going out to hang around with people I can actually see now. But Boomer is going to have to get back here at some point and rescue Chelsea. I think Boomer has a business plan and she needs Chelsea's help. Boomer thinks she might be able to redirect Chelsea's energies from causes that are totally lost to something where they could both make some serious money and maybe even save the country, too. Chelsea has that background in advertising and Boomer has an idea.

Oh well....I gotta get outa here.......for now.

Boomer

[katezbox]

Munc,

You and Boomer provide bright spots in my day (no pun Renie) as I sit here awash in financial statements, metrics and business cases. I have also thought that both you (Munc) and 07 may be retired from the company.

Yes, I am of the female persuasion. Like Boomer, I am also a moderate - which is one reason I have a tough time with political. We get beaten up from both sides!!!

Now we just need to get Fumar to weigh in here...

"It was a dark and stormy night. All the liberal doggies (Porties, Labs, Goldens, French Bulldogs) were strategizing on how to get respect from their more conservative counterparts (Dobies, Shepherds, other kinds of bulldogs, Rottweilers). The French bulldogs were especially tired of Glenn Beck saying they should be called 'Freedom Bulldogs...'"

[chelsea24]

So, Munc, from what you said, are thinking maybe James Gandolfini to play Tony?

I don't know. But I do know that picture of Tony changes expressions. When Tony is kidding around, his picture looks like he is laughing. And when somebody gets in trouble, his eyes look like steel and his whole demeanor changes.

And wow, Munc, we sure do go back a long way. You showed up here not long after I did. And I remember it like it was just yesterday....."The minute ya walked in the joint (bomp bomp) I could see you were a man of distinction".......(Geez. You would think after all these posts I have written here and after all the times I have requested it, these guys would spring for one of those little emoticons -- or whatever you call those things that we can click on -- that looks like it is singing. You know. One of those little yellow guys with some musical notes all around it. Geez. It's not like I ask for much. Oh well. I digress.)

And, Munc, remember when I was absolutely convinced that you had worked for the CIA or NSA. Remember when I thought you were a retired spook, Munc. And you swore that you were not. Yeah. Right. That's what they all say, Munc. That's what they all say.

Well, I am going out to hang around with people I can actually see now. But Boomer is going to have to get back here at some point and rescue Chelsea. I think Boomer has a business plan and she needs Chelsea's help. Boomer thinks she might be able to redirect Chelsea's energies from causes that are totally lost to something where they could both make some serious money and maybe even save the country, too. Chelsea has that background in advertising and Boomer has an idea.

Oh well....I gotta get outa here.......for now.

Boomer

Boomer, I think James Gandolfini playing Tony is brillant! (Although Tony is much more handsome than James in person, still the same presence!)

As far as needing help to redirect the country, hell yes! Let's do it! Haha! I mean it. Just pm me if you need any help. But do yourself a favor, if you think it's really a viable idea, before you discuss it with anyone... Write it out in detail, put it in an envelope and mail it to YOURSELF. Don't open the envelope when it comes, that's very important. Just keep it safe.

No, it's not a magic trick, just an old cheap writing trick that works. Now you have the USPS as a witness, postmark, just in case a client or such says they had the idea first.

And for THE LOVE OF GOD!!! Get me out of this roadhouse! Puh-leeeease!:bowdown:

[Villages Kahuna]

After thumbing thru the posts above, I concluded that I never knew how much talent, creativity, humor, and just plain fun some of the members of the Political Forum really are. If there ever was a house party and someone wandered in the back room by mistake, they'd probably make up some story about how upsetting and distasteful the conduct of those in the room was...just to make sure no one else went in there and found out how much fun they were having!

After reading your wonderful humor, I began wondering...why am I always so serious in that back room? Because I was a boring old banker? Aww geez. I've been trying to become more immature faster than I get older. Has the Political Forum dulled my senses? It IS humorous in there. Just think of who we talk about. Chuck Grassley, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Charlie Rangel, and oh so many other members of the fighting 111th. In the states we have Ramrod Blagoevich, Loverboy Mark Sanford, Sarah (the deep thinker) Palin, even Arnold "Conan" Schwarzenegger who once said, "My relationship to power and authority is that I'm all for it. People need somebody to watch over them." Lordy, Lordy, the Political Forum is like reading the Sunday funnies!

Why do they want to keep us so cooped up in there? Just to make sure all the others don't realize how many laughs we're having? Nah, it couldn't be that...or could it?

[Boomer]

After thumbing thru the posts above, I concluded that I never knew how much talent, creativity, humor, and just plain fun some of the members of the Political Forum really are. If there ever was a house party and someone wandered in the back room by mistake, they'd probably make up some story about how upsetting and distasteful the conduct of those in the room was...just to make sure no one else went in there and found out how much fun they were having!

After reading your wonderful humor, I began wondering...why am I always so serious in that back room? Because I was a boring old banker? Aww geez. I've been trying to become more immature faster than I get older. Has the Political Forum dulled my senses? It IS humorous in there. Just think of who we talk about. Chuck Grassley, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Charlie Rangel, and oh so many other members of the fighting 111th. In the states we have Ramrod Blagoevich, Loverboy Mark Sanford, Sarah (the deep thinker) Palin, even Arnold "Conan" Schwarzenegger who once said, "My relationship to power and authority is that I'm all for it. People need somebody to watch over them." Lordy, Lordy, the Political Forum is like reading the Sunday funnies!

Why do they want to keep us so cooped up in there? Just to make sure all the others don't realize how many laughs we're having? Nah, it couldn't be that...or could it?

uh oh, VK, it is well after midnight. Boomer never, ever stays up this late. Well, not very often, anyway. And the moon is waxing gibbous.....at least I think it is. I just looked out the window. I do not think it is quite full, but almost......uh oh, VK, uh oh.

[Muncle]

VK,
Yes, it (politics) is serious, and I at least figuratively cry myself to sleep some nights worrying about the world I'm leaving my nephews, nieces, and the many grands. On the other hand, none of us are going to get out of this fiasco alive. You and I undoubtedly disagree on a plethora of issues, but when push comes to shove, how we treat our friends, neighbors, and relatives, how they treat us, and how we react to strangers in need is a hell of a lot more important to our existence than 99% of what happens in Washington or Tallahassee. I worry about health care, the various financial ponzi schemes, the czars and tsars, and everything else, but I'm pretty sure I'll be dead before any of these actions can affect me too much. So this year, I'll try to be a good guy, I'll donate some cash to Operation Shoebox and probably AIM (the Nancy Lopez thing), and this year I'm gonna try a new one. Sometime before the end of the year, I'm going to get a few hundred bucks in tens and drive around TV handing them out to those hard-working guys and gals (maybe legal, probably not) who work their butts off for minimum wages keeping this place looking so great. No speech, just give them the money with a quiet "Gracias" or whatever the proper word is. No big woof.



`

[Boomer]

Boomer realized she needed to stop talking to that big motorcycle before Talk Host came along and tried to talk her into letting him interview her for some version of the Jerry Springer Show starring him. Boomer knew she was no whackadoo though. (But speaking of whackadoos, just ask anybody in Cincinnati about Jerry Springer. The man does not make wise decisions. But I digress.)

Anyway, Boomer thought about opening up the Caddy trunk to get out her 7-iron. The one that the golf pro had glued the remedial grip onto for her. She was thinking seriously about giving cabo a little bop on the noggin. Ever so gently, of course. First of all, cabo had started this whole thing. But he used that lame "dark and stormy night" routine. Geez. If you are going to fling down a gauntlet, let's do some serious flingin'. Cabo could do a whole lot better than "dark and stormy night" and besides, anybody could see the night was clear and the moon was almost full.

Boomer thought, "Well, now's as good a time as any I guess. They won't be expecting me. I never stay up this late."

But just as Boomer started to walk up to the door, she heard a squeak from above. She looked up and saw a sign hanging, precariously hanging on one rusty hinge, a sign that said in faded lettering "Dante's Place." (She could read it because the moon was getting fuller by the minute.)

Also, Boomer just then saw the big letters scrawled in spray paint on the door. "Enter at Your Own Risk. No Libs Aloud!" (and that is not a spelling error)

She was just getting ready to turn the knob, when something caught her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a POD. Not a pod. A POD. One of those big things that people use to move their stuff. Those things that get dropped off in the driveway and then people have to find somebody to move the stuff inside.

Boomer was curious and so she walked over to take a closer look at the POD. It had a big note attached to it. The note said, "Help Wanted. 5 Guys Needed to Carry This Stuff Inside" and the note was signed.....Kahuna!

---------------------

Goodnight.

Boomer

[Xavier]

Political hit 100 members today.

Just curious, how many are there now?

[Talk Host]

just curious, how many are there now?

576

[Xavier]

576

Thanks. I guess the opt-in forum worked out just fine for all concerned. Good decision and job well done.:thumbup:

Xavier

[Avista]

Thank you for separating Political Forum.