In her honor
The House approved its first policy legislation of the 119th Congress yesterday with a bill aimed at addressing illegal immigration. "The Laken Riley Act" requires the Department of Homeland Security to take into custody undocumented immigrants who have been charged with crimes. The legislation is named for Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by an illegal Venezuelan immigrant last year. The Bill passed in the House by a margin of 264 to 159 with all Republicans standing together and voting for it. It even got 48 democrat votes.
This bill represents what should be the first of many insuring America's border security. It not only requires the Department of Homeland Security to act but it allows state AGs to sue the federal government for not enforcing the law. It is a key part of the Trump mandate and is part of why Trump won the popular vote. Republicans have pledged to make border security a key priority and they are delivering on their promise. The bill can be taken up by the US Senate as early as next week. It will need 60 votes in the Senate. At least 2 democrat Senators have already said they support it.
Senator John Fetterman says if Democrats can’t get 7 votes in the Senate to pass the Laken Riley Act, then “that’s the reason why we lost. " He told Bret Baier last night: “If you're here illegally and you're committing crimes, I don't know why anybody thinks that it's controversial, that they all need to go."
This is what a real bipartisan border bill looks like. Not a democrat open border bill that had three Rinos signatures. Let's see how many democrat Senators are willing to vote against it. It may come down to how many democrat Senators represent districts won by Trump in the last election. Let us hope the Senate can deliver the bill to President Trump later this month. Tren de Aragua get ready to pack your bags.
In other news:
Former President Jimmy Carter is lying in state today in the Capitol amid a lot of pomp & ceremony.
The federal judge who handled Trump’s classified documents case barred the special counsel, Jack Smith, from releasing the final report just before inauguration. A report that has for the most part already been released during the election.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, said he would end face book's self-censoring "fact-checking" policy. He said a new policy would mean fewer instances when the platforms “accidentally” take down posts wrongly flagged as false. He also acknowledged that the fact checkers were biased.
Donald Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America , sent his son off to visit Greenland which he wants to purchase from Denmark and again warned Hamas to turn over the hostages before he takes office.
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Wildfires are raging out of control across parts of Los Angeles. There is a major fire taking place in the Eaton Canyon/Altadena region of California.
This is a view from Santa Anita over night:
Our thoughts are with the people of California, especially the horsemen over at Santa Anita.
PS:
Special thanks to whoever it was that recommended that my previous farewell be posted on Metafield where it might not be seen.
Omitted from In Other News:
Justin Trudeau resigned as Canada's Prime Minister. Speaking as a Canadian citizen, it wasn't soon enough. He was never able to walk in his father's shoes, he stabbed Israel in the back at the UN, kowtowed to Trump, some of his Cabinet Ministers wanted him out and one of the most important of them quit, and even his own wife couldn't continue to live with him.
Movies I watched today instead of spending time on this site:
Intolerable Cruelty, starring George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Billy Bob Thornton,
Children of Men, starring Clive Owen and Sir Michael Caine
And the best part is that the Conservative Pierre Poilievre is leading in the polls by double digits to become Canada's next PM. The world is moving away from radical extremism.
and ?
Pierre Elliott Trudeau was the last Liberal I ever voted for. IMO he was the best Prime Minister Canada ever had. The only time I ever voted for a member of the New Democratic Party was when my brother ran as a candidate to be an Ontario Provincial Member. I will go to the Canada Consulate in Chongqing to fill out my ballot to vote for Pierre Poilievre when the time comes.
The News, Business News, The Point (talking heads show), sports (snooker, volleyball).
Once again, I am proud of you.
How about the movie that reminds me of Joe Biden: "A face in the crowd."
As a matter of fact, come 11AM I think I'll walk down the street and order some Gen Gau's Chicken.
Thanks. 11 p.m. Time to sign out.
I think this actually has a fair chance of passing in the Senate. The election has shown Washington elites that the people want border security and reject the open borders policy that has been in existence the past four years. Even New York politicians are moving to embrace the commonsense reasoning behind border security needs.
I agree. As I say a lot of those democrat Senators represent districts that Trump won in November. I also agree that the country is beginning to move away from the radical left.
"The country" moves like a (damn) pendulum back and forth and sometimes like its 'shizoid' in haste. So I would watch how much patting on the head and shoulder I would give 'the country" just yet.
The areas around LA are burning but luckily Los Angeles has its first female and LGBTQ Fire Chief.
We can all rest easy.
I wonder how many women are more competent than you or I, or various male fire chiefs. Do you really want to die on the hill of mocking and denigrating women in positions of authority?
I have no doubt there are women who can do the job. Are you saying that LA democrats advanced her based on merit?
Please provide the proof that she warranted the position over others.
I just want to know why you try and mock or denigrate this woman? Give it a fricking rest .
A moderate guest on Morning Joe this morning , Scott Galloway, said the tech magnates are surrendering to Trump and in doing so creating a full blown kleptocracy in America. Why dont you give a few thoughts to something like that instead of attacking fire chiefs?
I'm mocking the woke idea of DEI over MERIT.
[✘]
You have not established any image without context is suspect! For example, what about the IMAGE you displayed explain anything at all about the EXPERIENCE of the Fire Chief (whom you did not even bother to identify by name, much less background) for any reader here to consider that this is not just a "consideration' of the image alone. And respectfully what about this image alone (assuming it is untouched and accurate displaying the Fire Chief) should give this assemblage "comfort"? (Rhetorical question.)
Information such as the above should be provided for consideration way ahead of criticism about DEI (a "Go-to").
You ventured to offer up a photo as a sort of "proof" (not) of something. The burden falls on you to establish the qualifications (or failure) for service of this Fire Chief!
"0% contained"....
So what is she supposed to do: "Master/servant' the wind and nature? Get real. Trump made MAGA promises he has yet to fulfill and somehow MAGA can wait!
Ahhh, so it's "wind and nature" and her competence not to mention the competence of state governance is irrelevant?...
She got hired.
Welcome to the Brave New world of Trumpy-doo.
Please provide the proof that she did not in fact deserve the position over others.
"State governance" is not a Fire Chief's duties and responsibility.
Her 'incompetency' is claring. /s
Hate is such an old-fashioned concept.
Woke = Aware.
What makes this person not qualified to do the job? Please be specific.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which emerged in response to the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, played a significant role in bringing “woke” into the broader cultural conversation. As BLM activists used social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to organize protests, share information, and raise awareness about police brutality and systemic racism, the term “woke” became a shorthand for social justice consciousness.
Origin Of The Word WOKE, And Why It’s Now Controversial
What makes this person not qualified to do the job? Please be specific.
1 ) She said her top priority would be DEI hiring.
2 ) She allowed LA Fire equipment to be sent to Ukraine.
I hope that was specific enough.
Black Lives Matter aligned themselves with anti-Israel organizations so you can assume what I think of them.
That is one of the many issues I have with that bunch as well.
There is nothing wrong with social justice: Just ask Donald Trump who uses the justice system—for his personal and private purposes in real-time.
You know that will never be enough for the old, white, arm chair firefighters on the opposite coast.
They ran out of water because she's gay! /S
They sustained 55 mph wind because the weather is gay! /S
Funny, I don't remember anyone blaming the Oakland Firestorm of 1991 on the Fire Chief or the POTUS.
Eerily, as I start to reply to your comment I have acquired my first tension headache with eye flashes in a long time, coincidence or associated with the 'message' in your comment? I don't know. I am so 'full' right now. I will write back later.
Hate is a social disease!
That comment from "Woke" (the article you linked to is actually a good article in support of the term as I hastily read it late this evening) and so I'm sorry I can't take this comment seriously. Besides that so-called, 1) and 2) about the Fire Chief is given without any context or link to explain how you passed 'judgement' on her professionalism. C'mon. 'Be Best!'
Her prioritizing DEI has worked wonders.
Did you hear Kamala Harris at the Carter service yesterday?
She enumerated all the black people & women that Carter appointed. Not one word about their service or anything they accomplished.
They will get their acknowledgements at their own funerals; that's how it works.
It is highly likely that. . . not being the CENTER OF ATTENTION it would have come off as self-indulgent prattling on her part. Sorta like a "Trump moment" :
That comment cynically implies that any so-called, "Other," has the job something is "wrong' - and if it was a heterosexual female it would be right(?) Read on. . . .
* Because that is what (some) conservatives do way to often: Simply mock what they do not bother to try and process as morally good/reconcilable.
That is another reason that DEI hiring is bad. People then tend to suspect that minorities only achieve important positions via a special boost.
Let us leave it be a merit-based system.
* Because that is what (some) conservatives do way to often: Simply mock what they do not bother to try and process as morally good/reconcilable.
Prove she is not qualified for her position. And, do not try to by-pass the list of her bona fides above again (with me). I don't do bullshit well.
And btw the way, there is not one damn thing wrong with getting a special boost up in life. People do it all the times across the spectrum—including Trump and Musk (both are playing the federal system in real-time to get more successes out of it. Including boosting people they are told are unqualified to serve but are being pushed down the 'throat' of the federal system anyway simply because, well, "I want him/her."
James woods lost his home....and I am having a drink in celebration.
So you would celebrate someone else's misfortune in losing their home solely due to their differing political views? I couldn't do that.
Sickening but fully expected from members of the far left.
'The View' star Sunny Hostin's surgeon husband accused of medical insurance fraud.
'The View' star Sunny Hostin's surgeon husband accused of insurance fraud in sweeping federal lawsuit
He needed the money to buy her a much needed brain
He should donate some of the money to Binghamton University. Maybe they'll be able to hire some real professors.
Sad and pathetic for him and. . . her indirectly. Or directly as they are considered 'One" in marriage. Luckily for us this man/couple does not represent all the democrats or liberals in the country; just an anecdotal circumstance for one family with its problems. Maybe they can afford one of several "Trump-level" attorneys!
Officiant: _____, do you take this (woman/man/name) to be your (wife/husband/partner), to live together in holy matrimony?
Do you promise to love (her/him/them), comfort (her/him/them), honor and keep (her/him/them) in sickness and in health,
in good times and bad, and remain faithful to (her/him/them)
and to the love you share, for all the days of your life?
Bride/Groom/Partner: I do.
Judge Cannon questioned appointment of the "Special Prosecutor" and dismissed the case. The Biden DOJ hasn't done anything with the case except shop for a left friendly judge. Until that appointment is proven to be done correctly, the file is really no different than the Steele dossier - FICTION.
Good point. If the Special Prosecutor isn't legitimate, neither can the "report" be legit.
Just out curiosity, why is your new avatar the villain from the movie Cool Hand Luke ?
I guess we are both Paul Newman fans. I hope this answers your question: He was the guard who watched the convicted criminal prisoners. I'd like to think of that as my new role in 2025.
I believe the same questions were brought about Meuller's appointment as well.
He was the villain in the movie Vic. Is that your new role here?
We now know that answer. Mueller was as in as much cognitive decline as Joe Biden, but he happened to have an (R) after his name. That gave cover to all the Trump hating democrats who "served" under him.
Was he?
" Walking Boss Godfrey, a quiet rifleman nicknamed "the man with no eyes" because he always wears mirrored sunglasses."
" Luke enters a church and talks to God, whom he blames for sabotaging him so he cannot win in life. Police cars appear moments later, and Dragline arrives to tell him that he will not be hurt if he surrenders peacefully. Instead, Luke mockingly repeats the Captain's warning speech at the police. Godfrey shoots him in the neck."
Cool Hand Luke - Wikiwand
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Yep, the villain. Feel free to disagree .
I disagree. If Newman wasn't cast as Luke, most people would also disagree.
When Godfrey shoots him , Luke was unarmed and surrounded . The "man" kills him not because he was a danger to anyone, but because he was a rebel who would not submit.
You seem to be saying that in the new Trumplandia formerly known as America everyone should submit.
You are in for a rough ride here.
I'm saying that everyone needs to be accountable for their actions.
As far as Trump goes, he led a worldwide counter revolution which will remove the radical left from all the American institutions that they have quietly taken over.
You are in for a rough ride here.
You are on the wrong side of history.
As I said, your hero in your avatar shoots and kills an unarmed and surrounded man because the man would not submit to authority. That is your version of "accountability" ?
You can repeat it all you want. When you continually break out of prison you run the risk of being killed. Funny, I don't hear you lament the murder of Ashli Babbitt who was not a criminal.
Keep going Vic. Dig yourself a crater. I really dont give a shit.
Ashley Babbitt was a traitor. I wish she didnt climb through a locked and barricaded door defended by an armed police officer, but that was her choice.
The idea that that cop should have let her come in , where she may have disarmed him and opened the door to the mob where they could have threatened or harmed people in that area, is pure insanity.
Cool Hand Lukes crime was cutting the tops off parking meters. Babbitt was the more dangerous criminal.
She was an unarmed woman. So much for your love of "rebels."
Cool Hand Luke was a fictitious character. Babbitt was a real human being.
Was that cop in danger in that situation? He was less than 5 ft. away from people trying to bash in windows and doors to try and get at him. How was he to know what Babbitt was armed with? The position that Babbitt was an innocent is ludicrous. It is certainly very regrettable that she died, but it was totally her own doing.
Why anyone would think that a police officer whose job was to protect the House would allow a violent mob to enter that House is completely beyond explanation.
He was in no more or less danger than all the other armed cops in the room.
How was he to know what Babbitt was armed with?
He even admitted that he didn't know. Funny how it was always so important that cops know that bit of info when it involves minorities resisting arrest.
It turns out that Michael Leroy Byrd was a controversial figure with a record of mishandling firearms, including once leaving a loaded pistol in a Congressional Visitor Center bathroom. Many had already guessed that it was he who shot Babbitt back when the democrats were concealing his identity.
Every word of that is irrelevant. There is video of Ashley babbitt ranting madly like a loose cannon while she was driving down a highway, possibly endangering other drivers or pedestrians. That isnt relevant either.
She was violently entering a restricted area as part of a violent mob. She got what was coming to her in that precise situation.
Sorry John, I never hear you holding to such a standard when it comes to left wing protestors.
Then the Kent State mob shootings were justified?
That question is too stupid to bother with.
I'm just applying your logic.
I'd like both of you to know that I've enjoyed your avatar dialogue and I don't intend to judge which one of you two is right, but maybe I should change my avatar. I was thinking of this one:
But maybe this one is better, you know, not to insult anyone.
Your new role in 2025 is not new at all. [deleted]
[✘] Welcome back. [deleted][✘]
So that is the new line? [deleted][✘]
I would disagree John , he was a side character that simply did his job , a little too enthusiastically to some . the real villain was the warden and his sadistic need for control and punishment for some of the slightest infractions, martin Struthers was a good choice to play the warden , and show "little man syndrome" and what power can do .
Some could say the real villain was the southern chain gang penal system, where people were thrown into situations that made them take actions they normally wouldnt , for the most frivolous of crimes .
What was lukes crime to be sent to a chain gang ? Cutting the heads off of parking meters while drunk .....
159 democrats voted against basic common sense. 159 democrats are so wrapped up in their anti American jihad they‘ll happily protect foreign criminals over American citizens,
I'd say that is a fair assessment.
I really wish I could say it's surprising. It's pathetic actually.
Someone just called into LA local news: “This is like a third world country… there is no water coming out of the fire hydrants. LA Mayor Karen Bass is on a foreign trip to Ghana.”
How does the Mayor of Los Angeles going to Ghana befit the LA taxpayers?
Thread 7 was removed for off topic.
[✘]
To be fixed in every Atlas:
"What a beautiful name!"
Your celebration of mental illness is perversely impressive.
I told a 3rd grade teacher that yesterday in the pickup line in front of school. She looked at her cell phone and said "omg, you weren't kidding!"
I laughed all the way home.
As member addressed responded to 10.1, it stays
Not going to happen of course like much of what is lately being discussed like greenland , or canada becoming another state .
in my mind , simply distractions .
How does this help the middle class?
In two words: National pride.
So it doesn't help the middle class at all. Got it.
The LA Fire Department's Plan:
Yeah, that's not going to end well.
Get a clue. LAPD and LAFD have been fighting predominately white nepotism since the days of Jack Webb.
Now, even with a blind lottery since 2017, 97% of all applicants are still males, 75% of them white,
in a city where 72% are not white.
Applicants being the operative word. So mostly men and whites want to be police officers or firemen in LA. So what?
HERE is the breakdown of actual officers on the LAPD force.
The LAFD might not be as diverse as LAPD, but it has been improving. Chief Crowley was the first woman to lead that department, appointed by Mayor Garcetti in 2022. I see no reason to doubt her qualifications and competency in this role given the rigorous training they all go through. See the LAFD Strategic Plan 2023-2026 HERE .
And THIS on the LAFD website from Nov 2022 .
Diversity report as of 10/3/23 for the LAFD sworn and civilian members can be found HERE .
Summary total: 93% men, 7% women. Does that really surprise anyone?
Of the men 40.4% are Caucasian, 28.4% Hispanic, 10.3% Black, 6% Asian, 2.5% Filipino, 0.5% Native American
So those are the actual numbers and the direction both departments are taking, and I think it is good that these departments are filling with competent and qualified candidates from all walks of life and who represent the needs of their community.
That speaks to who wants to help their community and who doesn't. It has nothing to do with hiring practices.
The LAFD Discrimination Prevention Policy Handbook states they have a "Zero tolerance policy" that NOBODY will be discriminated against based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender express, age, religion, creed, martial status, disability, medical condition or retaliation for engaging in any protected activity.
What they CAN discriminate against is qualification. If and applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications then they can be turned away. And every employer has the freedom to turn away unqualified applicants regardless of ace, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender express, age, religion, creed, martial status, disability, medical condition or retaliation for engaging in any protected activity
Now if you think it is, then you are going to have to prove that.
And not one word on hiring based on prior experience or merit. DEI hogwash speaking for itself.
Even McDonald's announced it is dropping many of its DEI initiatives.
Look, Ed. . .companies can hire/help whomsoever they wish in a libertarian worldview right because they are using their funds and/or working with the government to achieve parity and fairness of some type/kind. (Donald/Musk are definitely trying to do so in real-time. Exception They are attempting their efforts in public service positions where others hold sway over decision-making alongside them.)
It should not be called 'hogwash" to help fellow Americans in our community out of poverty and dead-end careers. Surely, some libertarians are not so hard-wired as to suggest that people who lose their jobs and livelihood in disasters should get no help from the 'system' but should just go to "hell" or down and out (on the streets).
Hard-heartiness should have a practical limit. I am likely just wasting 'breath,' and 'talking' to the wall, nevertheless!
I'm sorry, but I think you missed the entire point of what I posted and why.
You talk about parity and fairness, but to whom? The better qualified applicant regardless of ethnicity or skin color, or orientation? Or the less qualified one being considered more for their ethnicity, skin color, and orientation? As a prospective employer. I would definitely go for the more qualified individual that I feel would do a better job. This is why DEI fails repeatedly by allowing and encouraging preferential treatment those that may not have earned it. Sounds like that fire chief earned her position. What she had done since as fire chief is another matter.
Just as you stated above, I too may be wasting my breath and talking to the wall, but that is the way I feel. You have a good day Sir.
[✘]
Hey Vic, you’ll love this response to Trump from the President of Mexico….Classic
Mexico ’s president has signaled to Donald Trump that she can play the regional renaming game, too.
Mexico's President may come to dread mixing it up with this soon to be U.S. president as he has a lifetime of waging "cesspool-level' wars with other decent folks. In fact, Donald (WWE/UFC alumni/Friend) thrives in a pool of verbal 'jabs.'
Of course, if Mexico's president goes too far without 'recognizing' her counterpart's need to be respected ("Jeffe"), he will sue her at some international court for 'cause.'
She has the balls to NOT kowtow to Trump's threats. God bless her. Look what happened to Trudeau when he did. I recall a time when a lot of the rest of the world really disliked Americans - backpackers in Europe sewed Canadian flags to their backpacks to fool the Europeans. Personally, I think Trump is going to renew that around the world. Americans who back him just might find out that Trump is on his way to making their lives worse than they are, unless of course, they're the multi-millionaires and billionaires who don't give a shit because nothing bad is going to happen to them, especially because of Trump's favouritism.
Nah, we'll just annex Mexico too....
She's already reversed course and promised to take back illegals from other nations.
I read today that the Government of Mexico is stopping , dispersing and turning migrant caravans around and sending them back from where they came .
Have to wait and see how that works and how long thats going to last .
The 'problem' is real. As Musk has interfered in our American election (legally as no law was found to have been violated) and he did so by using his great wealth to gain open access to our federal system. Now he is 'seated' in the halls, plural, of American power itself! My understanding is that he recently turned his strategic mind ("tentacles") into the United Kingdom, Germany, and 'Beyond.'
What kind of havoc can the world's richest man reek/reap when he has turned to 'buying up' world leaders?
This world will rue the day that it let one man 'master' it!
Har-har-hardy-har-har! /s
She didn't "promise" and besides it doesn't mean Trump's threat made her do it. It could be because she's a 500% better person than Trump is.
LINK -> Mexico opens possibility of receiving non-Mexican deportees from Trump | AP News
You had ought to head the first team in to tell them
I thought that that started happening long ago, before Trump threatened tariffs.
Yes, now SHE is planning to NEGOGIATE with the U.S. NEGOGIATOR (IN-CHIEF) on her own 'better' terms!
LMAO, you believe in manifest destiny in todays world?
This what she said:
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico opened the possibility Friday of receiving non-Mexican migrants deported by the United States after initially saying they would push President-elect Donald Trump to return other nationalities directly to their countries of origin.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing that in cases where the U.S. would not return migrants to their countries “we can collaborate through different mechanisms.” She did not offer details, but Mexico could limit it to certain nationalities or request compensation from the U.S. to move the deportees from Mexico to their home countries.
“There will be time to speak with the United States government if these deportations really happen, but we will receive them here, we are going to receive them properly and we have a plan,” she said. Sheinbaum had prefaced her comments by saying Mexico is not in favor of them
It did, Buzz.
Yes , i believe your correct there , it was attempted in the past with varying degrees of "enthusiasm " dependent on who was in office in both places and policies put in place in both places , this is basically just same shit different day to me in this regard .
Thank you, Mark (and Kavika). There is so much bullshit being propagated the snow should be brown instead of white.
I saw that and got a good laugh . Almost as good of a laugh when i heard trump wanting to rename the gulf .
Of course it was a Spanish map from when Spain was something of a world power and major "explorer of the world " even if in decline of position and power in the world .
Fortunately, nobody cares about what a leader of a failed state has to say.
Fortunately you don’t speak for the world the US or the town you live in. You speak for yourself.
Cheers.
I am trying to figure out why her death is somehow more important than any other American's death, (murder).