caulfield12

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jan 22, 2017 -> 07:30 AM) I'm not sure it's entirely relevant. Women would look for equal rights under any president. It's sad that it's still an issue. http://ew.com/books/2017/01/17/ivanka-trum...e-may-2017/amp/ Don't worry. Ivanka is on the case. Her new book will provide simple yet exquisite (actor James Woods' apt description) solutions to all the working women of America. Best of all, the book advance and proceeds from sales are all going to charity!!! Act now, and you can get a machine-autographed copy, printed in the good 'ol USA.

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 22, 2017 -> 06:57 AM) 1) Do you believe trickle down economics works? 2) Which of his policies do you feel will accomplish this? 3) In 2008, stock market was sub 10,000. Today it's near 20,000. That's doubling the strength of the economy over four years. You really think Trump will do better? The stock market returns averaged 17.4% per year under Clinton. http://www.forbes.com/2004/07/21/cx_da_0721presidents.html Greg will argue that the average middle class family wasn't able to invest in the market due to inadequate savings and that wage growth for the middle class has been flat for 30 years. Of course, that has very little to do with Obama...and those stock market gains Trump is getting credit for since the election aren't going to last if Trump's policies are enacted.

“I am so behind you,“ Trump said, adding, “You’re (the CIA) gonna get so much backing. Maybe you’re gonna say, please, don't give us so much backing, Mr. President, please, we don’t need that much backing.” Trump, who endorsed bringing back torture during the campaign, also said at the CIA that he would destroy the Islamic State. “We have not used the abilities that we have (referring apparently to enhanced interrogation/rendition),” he said. “We’ve been restrained.” Trump repeated another campaign line — about how the United States should have taken the oil when it invaded Iraq — and said, “maybe you’ll have another chance,“ without further explanation. Trump went on to boast about how many covers of Time magazine he has appeared on. And then he singled out a Time magazine reporter, by name, for making a reporting error about a bust of Martin Luther King, Jr., being removed from the Oval Office on Friday, for which the reporter has already publicly apologized. Trump also touted his intellect in a brief aside. “Is Donald Trump an intellectual? Trust me, I’m like a smart person,” he said. Trump’s unusual appearance earned the quick rebuke of Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. “He will need to do more than use the agency memorial as a backdrop if he wants to earn the respect of the men and women who provide the best intelligence in the world,” Schiff said. http://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/trum...-langley-233971 https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-hotel-star...-081621559.html The Trump Organization has directed that no communications of the organization, including social media accounts, will reference or otherwise be tied to President-elect Trump's role as president of the United States or the office of the presidency," a company attorney wrote in a briefing released earlier this month. Trump has voluntarily taken these measures, since few conflict laws apply to the president or vice president. That means people will have to trust that the president and his company are following through. "We are waiting for you Mr. President! Thank you!" Trump's Washington hotel wrote on its Twitter account shortly before the president was scheduled to roll past the Pennsylvania Avenue property as part of the inaugural parade. Indeed, Trump hopped out of his motorcade to walk and wave in front of the hotel. The tweet would appear to violate the company's no-reference-to-the-president policy. Trump Organization representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Patricia Tang, the Washington hotel's director of sales and marketing — who said she was responsible for social media — did not directly answer a question about the possible violation. But she said, "We have nothing to do with the administration. We have nothing to do with the presidency. We just want to be the best possible luxury hotel that we can be."

https://www.yahoo.com/news/white-house-webs...-221241308.html "Cult of personality" settling in as WH website hails and hails the Chief

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jan 22, 2017 -> 12:33 AM) I mean he'll improve the economy enough I hope that I can make more money working and save money on price of things, etc. He's supposed to help business owners make more loot and maybe they'll pass it on to me. I liked your entire post, but especially that line. He's supposed to work his ass off to turn the economy around with Laffer's policies. http://economistsview.typepad.com/economis...ffer-curve.html Is the goal to increase the deficit? That's the only thing we know will happen historically.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 09:52 PM) I told you I'm a Republican yet I voted for Obama last time. I did not vote for Trump or Hillary this time. I also told you I didn't vote for Romney as I didn't like him. I despise Hillary, of course I do. But if she had won I wouldn't have continued the rant until the next presidential race was underway. I am an American. I don't understand those who actively root against the President. If he does well it helps you and me! I would show Obama respect despite the fact I thought he was a lousy President. I thought I was gracious in my initial post on this thread. one.) That's sad. I am an American first and foremost. Yes I'd complain incessantly about her in 3 years during the next campaign if she had been lousy. two. He may not deserve a clean slate, but our President deserves a clean slate. Don't you want prosperity?? I do. I want some money. I dunno. I like Bill Clinton. I love Jimmy Carter. I didn't like Obama. I think I told you before, the military LOVES Trump. I know that for a fact. I can't believe we Americans can't get along. What policies has he proposed that will bring prosperity to the typical family of four earning $30-60,000 per year in Lawrence, KS?

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 08:52 PM) 40-50% of the people protesting today didn't vote? Source? I'm sure he was talking about the general...or extrapolating those averages onto today, but that's unlikely since most typical activists don't sit out elections. https://www.yahoo.com/news/bergdahl-case-pr...-153616764.html Bergdahl desertion case presents early test of tolerance for prejudicial Trump rhetoric

Silence A-/B+ But way too long, almost three hours. Andrew Garfield really has shined this year with Hacksaw Ridge and this one which underperformed at the box office. "A Monster Calls" B, surprisingly effective children's movie, Felicity Jones is everywhere. XXX. For a pure popcorn film, B+. Felt like another Fast and Furious enseble cast film, but entertaining for the most part except for forcing international stars (India, Australia, Thailand, China) into nearly every movie now.

Greg, since you always get bent out of shape when veterans are disrespected. Here's a whopper. That was one of the more disconcerting speeches I’ve seen,” said a senior U.S. intelligence official who was not present for the Trump speech but watched it by video. “He could have kept it very simple and said, ‘I’m here to build some bridges.’ But he spent 10 seconds on that and the rest was on the crowd size,” the official said, referring to Trump’s repeated complaints that the media had undercounted the turnout for his inauguration. Referring to Trump’s use of the CIA memorial wall as a backdrop, the official said, “People are going to think that was offensive." https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/tru...m=.807c1bd1f506

QUOTE (Con te Giolito @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 07:44 PM) Dont misconstrue what I'm saying. They didn't fake a rebuild just to get rid of Sale and Eaton, but they were definitely more motivated to be rid of them and in the case of Sale settled for less from Boston to have him gone. Ummm...in the end, it was the cumulative haul from those two trades, made possible by playing Boston and Washington against each other. But I guess there will always be Sox fans who will swear Hahn screwed up because he should have gotten Benintendi, Robles or Devers as well.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 06:42 PM) Why? I thought it was a nice point to make. Cooper obviously did not want Trump yet was thoroughly professional in covering the 3 inauguration balls and commentary, etc. I always wish well for my country. I'm glad I am not full of bitterness. I despise Hillary but I can assure you if she won I wouldn't have ripped her every move. Now in 3.5 years when the next election season came around? If she stunk as Pres of course I'd have renewed venom toward her. Trump is president. Just as I wished Obama well I wish Trump well. I want my country to get powerful again. I want the economy to grow. He's in charge now. I think everybody should give a clean slate to Trump, but I realize that's impossible. Even a nice thread like this didn't last but 1-2 posts before turning to Trump disgust. Whatever. Peace to you all. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jobs_create...sidential_terms Greg, do you not see how many more jobs were created during the Obama and Clinton terms than the Bush (either one) years? https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-l...m=.4499e387e234 Reagan did pretty well, but FDR and Clinton will go down as the most successful with Obama not far behind. Do you really believe tariffs and isolationism will grow the economy and bring back jobs? Not to mention that trickle down economics (lowering taxes on rich and corporations) has never been proven to be beneficial to anyone but the elites you're always complaining about, as well as multinationals that don't even pay a fair share of taxes in the US to begin with because of offshore tax loopholes written by mostly Republican lobbyists. Do really think Goldman Sachs about anyone in Kansas, other than the Koch Brothers in Wichita?

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 06:50 PM) The thing to keep in the back of your mind when you see things like this is that this is how creeping fascism takes hold. Deny everything, attack everyone regardless of the merit of the criticism, build culture where the only source to be trusted is the leader, not the lying media. There's no guarantee that it'll be effective, but it's something to watch for. Former CIA director Brennan says Donnie should be ashamed of his speech in front of the CIA memorial wall. https://twitter.com/jimsciutto/status/82295...src=twsrc%5Etfw Ex-Director Brennan is already a traitor for leaking the "Golden Shower" dossier and should be sent to Guatanomo Bay for enhanced interrogation. Joe Six Pack Goebbels http://www.track-trump.com/roundups

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-po...m=.9be6861589f5 Spicer seems like a great candidate for the first staffer not to make it to 2018. Does he think the next presser will be easier? There's blood in the water now. You can't just demonstrably lie over and over again to the media unless you're Trump.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 06:25 PM) I just don't get how Burdi isn't a top 100 prospect. The guy has the chance to be an elite closer and his floor is probably an elite setup man. Not suggesting he should be a top 50 or even 75 guy, but to not crack the list is crazy to me. Was Addison Reed? Betances? Giles? Usually those guys end up 75-100 but not much higher...although, with the new elevated focus on multiple inning elite relievers, you'd think some theoretically could be at least in the 60-75 range.

What about Keller, Bell and Newman?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 01:47 PM) I doubt Burdi or Fulmer is in his top 100. He'll have Moncada, Kopech, Giolito, Collins, and probably Lopez in there for sure. I bet he has Hansen too. Will vote no on Hansen for this year.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 03:49 PM) During his speech today at the CIA, Donald Trump accused the media of falsifying images of his inauguration to make the crowd look smaller, while standing in front of the memorial for fallen CIA operatives. The White House is now setting up for a press event with large, blown up photos of the inauguration taken from the perspective of the Capitol Building. Edit: President Donald Trump today also told the CIA that we may have to reinvade Iraq to take their oil. This might even be more incredible. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpo...m=.e6a287de4423 Crowd comparison 2017 vs. 2009 Interior Department banned from Twitter after retweet of smaller than usual Trump inauguration crowd. Not only that, but the Women's Day Metro ridership was significantly higher today. Clearly lowest inauguration day turnout since 2004. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dr-grid...omepage%2Fstory

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 05:33 PM) It's a good thing that a state like Wisconsin where there was a strong one put in place wasn't one of the states that swung the other way. Otherwise those complaints about how Democrats didn't turn out to save the Republicans from doing this might really sound tone deaf. Melania is uniquely qualified to help drain the swamp in regards to this...on the plus side. Watching all those women at the march today was hard, knowing that if 38,873 had voted for Clinton instead of Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio...she would have won the electoral college 278-260 and the popular vote by a little shy of 3 million votes. http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-election...article/2005323 For America's future to largely be ruined by Florida (and the Supreme Court) in 2000 and less than 50,000 votes in three states that voted heavily for Obama is still tough to take. Or my home state of Iowa going by almost a 10% margin to Trump when Iowa was one of the three key factors in Obama winning the nomination in 2008.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/2017/l...m=.7632d134fd3b Flynn's son is making it too easy. Obama/Mattis 2020 If that doesn't convince you, just watch the You've Been Trumped (2011) documentary about his golf course battle in Scotland.

If the young pitching comes around quickly and Moncada is as good as advertised, that's easily a 74-78 win team in 2018 and really promising/competitive in 2019.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Jan 20, 2017 -> 01:07 PM) I don't know, as much as I want the Astros to get desperate enough to get a deal done for Q, I feel like that kind of bias is leading posters here to underrate them. Their rotation is suspect and they could definitely use Quintana, but their offense and bullpen should be near the top of the AL. The Royals' rotation is even more suspect and this will probably be their weakest bullpen in years (I'd probably put it in the bottom half of the league at this point). The Tigers are still relying on a bunch of mid-30s players and have plenty of rotation concerns themselves. The Rangers' rotation is very top heavy and even with their top 2 Darvish has health concerns and Hamels is a year older after seeing his walk rate go up significantly. I also think their offense is pretty overrated. Seattle looks interesting but I still think they have more question marks than Houston does. I just don't see why any of these teams should be favored ahead of the Astros right now. It all depends on Strahm and Soria. Karns will be a factor out there, too, in all likelihood.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social...m=.9438c88636a5 Story of one woman's person journey to the march in Washington today Michelle Obama: seems like she might be opening the door to more continuing political involvement/opposition https://www.yahoo.com/news/michelle-obama-p...-001236789.html

“Potentially the biggest effect of this order could be widespread waivers from the individual mandate, which would likely create chaos in the individual insurance market,” said Larry Levitt, senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation. In addition, he said, the order suggests that insurers may have new flexibility on the benefits they must provide. Trump’s action drew swift protests from ACA proponents who have coalesced to try to preserve the law. “While President Trump may have promised a smooth transition” from the current law to a replacement, said Leslie Dach, director of the fledging Protect Our Care Coalition, “the executive order does the opposite, threatening disruption for health providers and patients.” Other executive orders...the most notable being to overturn a recent mortgage-fee ­reduction — geared at helping first-time and low-income home buyers — that Obama announced last week and that called for the Federal Housing Administration to cut its annual borrowing fee by a quarter of a percentage point. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/tru...m=.355335f6fdbb 0/1 and likely to be 0/2 helping middle class American families the first day

QUOTE (Jerksticks @ Jan 21, 2017 -> 02:46 AM) Nobel Peace Prize Nelson Mandela Mother Teresa Medecins Sans Frontieres MLK Jr. Barack Obama Arguably a candidate for a 2nd peace prize for the humanitarian effort in Syria. 100s of thousands of lives saved. I say top tier for sure. After Iraq and Afganistan and bin Laden and ISIS, how many American families were willing to send their sons to die in Syria? 1%? 2%? 3%? Would you have personally approved of a draft to send our sons and daughters to die in the desert? To fight Russia and ISIS simultaneously? Or just a conventional boots on the ground war without a draft? And for what? Democracy in Syria? In the end, mountains and rivers can be moved, but man's nature can not be moved. Sending more of our poor soldiers to die to protect the safety and security of the oligarchs and members of the Trump cabinet (other than Mattis and Kelly) is not worthy of such a blood sacrifice. We could pick apart Mother Teresa, Gandhi and MLK and find numerous personal flaws in any human being. Heck, Hoover spent 15 years trying to do that to Martin Luther King, Jr., and failed miserably in the end. But the main question remains, did they (choose any leader) make the world a better place or not? Were they selfish or unselfish, driven more out of concern for themselves or mankind...? Obama didn't deserve the first Nobel Prize, but like Jimmy Carter's work after leaving Washington...it wouldn't entirely shock me if he and Michelle earned a second on merit. Time will tell.

Mr. Trump: Ask yourself what is better for American families. To reverse the loss of seven million blue collar manufacturing jobs or for all American families to pay 25-50% more for their Iphones, typical Wal-Mart purchases and for all high quality imported cars (just a few examples)? You can't have both cheap prices fo consumers AND protectionism. You can't get both. In the end, isolationsim and protectionism only will serve to make the world weaker...because countries like Russia and China will quickly fill that vacuum you're creating. All Americans need to ask themselves who should lead the world, if not us? Finally, the top 20% of the country needs to ask themselves if they're willing to sacrifice so that the bottom 60% can have health insurance. If not, the fabric that unites us will continue to fray until there is nothing left to hold us together...at least until another war comes our way. We are either a country of carnage or of character and decency. Which force will prevail in the battle for the future?