Al Smithson
@alsmithson.bsky.social
No, they’re both bad.
January 18, 2026 at 5:12 PM
No, they’re both bad.
Terror and genocide are not the same thing. I’m asking specifically about genocide.
January 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Terror and genocide are not the same thing. I’m asking specifically about genocide.
For decades, as far as I remember, the Army-Navy game has a Saturday afternoon to itself, and my reaction has always been “why can’t we have a decent football game to watch?”
January 18, 2026 at 12:06 PM
For decades, as far as I remember, the Army-Navy game has a Saturday afternoon to itself, and my reaction has always been “why can’t we have a decent football game to watch?”
Did Hamas commit genocide?
January 18, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Did Hamas commit genocide?
That is not what the 2nd Amendment is for. The 2nd Amendment is the founders’ vision of how national defense should work in the absence of a standing army. On this topic (and many others) they had bad vision.
January 18, 2026 at 3:10 AM
That is not what the 2nd Amendment is for. The 2nd Amendment is the founders’ vision of how national defense should work in the absence of a standing army. On this topic (and many others) they had bad vision.
This is what their view of the first amendment has always been. “I am free to say whatever I want, and you’re not allowed to disagree.”
January 17, 2026 at 10:17 PM
This is what their view of the first amendment has always been. “I am free to say whatever I want, and you’re not allowed to disagree.”
Whoever wins the most delegates in the primaries. That depends on who shows up to vote. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of people who won’t bother to vote, but will complain the candidate doesn’t suit them.
January 17, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Whoever wins the most delegates in the primaries. That depends on who shows up to vote. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of people who won’t bother to vote, but will complain the candidate doesn’t suit them.
It isn’t so surprising if you realize that the Tea Party was never about freedom, it was always about racism. You’re just slow to catch on, although I commend you for eventually getting there.
January 17, 2026 at 2:23 PM
It isn’t so surprising if you realize that the Tea Party was never about freedom, it was always about racism. You’re just slow to catch on, although I commend you for eventually getting there.
The Electoral College results in parties. You can’t get elected President without coordination among states.
January 17, 2026 at 12:58 PM
The Electoral College results in parties. You can’t get elected President without coordination among states.
Yes. Even in a case like 2024, 30+% of the voters stayed home. And based on comments here, many of them learned nothing from that.
January 17, 2026 at 2:25 AM
Yes. Even in a case like 2024, 30+% of the voters stayed home. And based on comments here, many of them learned nothing from that.
My point is that Trump did not eschew the conventional strategy of moving toward the center. He was simply unreliable in any promise he made.
January 17, 2026 at 2:13 AM
My point is that Trump did not eschew the conventional strategy of moving toward the center. He was simply unreliable in any promise he made.
Isn’t that just the sort of thing you’re objecting to?
January 17, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Isn’t that just the sort of thing you’re objecting to?
Trump’s election promises were actually quite centrist. He actively disavowed Project 2025 during the campaign, recognizing that it was too extreme for most people. Trump’s skill as a shameless liar was very useful with a gullible electorate.
January 16, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Trump’s election promises were actually quite centrist. He actively disavowed Project 2025 during the campaign, recognizing that it was too extreme for most people. Trump’s skill as a shameless liar was very useful with a gullible electorate.
These pardons are used badly by almost all Presidents. At a minimum, they should require approval by 2/3 of Congress.
January 16, 2026 at 9:41 PM
These pardons are used badly by almost all Presidents. At a minimum, they should require approval by 2/3 of Congress.
Newsom doesn’t suck. Loads of people are whining that Democrats aren’t doing anything. Newsom may have gotten Democrats five more Congressional seats, which is more than any of the whiners have done.
January 16, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Newsom doesn’t suck. Loads of people are whining that Democrats aren’t doing anything. Newsom may have gotten Democrats five more Congressional seats, which is more than any of the whiners have done.
I think it’s much more helpful to actually give a few reasons for why you hold an opinion, even if it takes a few more words.
January 16, 2026 at 9:33 PM
I think it’s much more helpful to actually give a few reasons for why you hold an opinion, even if it takes a few more words.
I did, too. But I’ve become convinced that Biden was at fault for covering up his age-related incapacity. Harris was picked in a smoke-filled room, no doubt, but she was the only realistic choice without redoing all the primaries.
January 16, 2026 at 9:30 PM
I did, too. But I’ve become convinced that Biden was at fault for covering up his age-related incapacity. Harris was picked in a smoke-filled room, no doubt, but she was the only realistic choice without redoing all the primaries.
It’s ultimate destination is Trump’s bank account.
January 15, 2026 at 2:09 AM
It’s ultimate destination is Trump’s bank account.
Trump’s antipathy toward regulators stems from his lifelong series of attempts to cheat people without being caught. It’s pretty tough to pivot at his age.
January 14, 2026 at 10:19 PM
Trump’s antipathy toward regulators stems from his lifelong series of attempts to cheat people without being caught. It’s pretty tough to pivot at his age.
If I stand closer to the camera, I’m going to look larger. Stuff like this really reduces your credibility significantly.
January 14, 2026 at 7:39 PM
If I stand closer to the camera, I’m going to look larger. Stuff like this really reduces your credibility significantly.
It’s a problem. At least we still have the chance to outvote them.
January 14, 2026 at 3:46 AM
It’s a problem. At least we still have the chance to outvote them.
Fox News is an expert in paying defamation settlements.
January 13, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Fox News is an expert in paying defamation settlements.
After Cain went on his little tirade, I wish Frost had said “No Will, I’m just pointing out the difference between a noun and an adjective.” It wouldn’t be too difficult for that to be a prepared response, and I’d like to see Cain’s reaction.
January 13, 2026 at 9:50 PM
After Cain went on his little tirade, I wish Frost had said “No Will, I’m just pointing out the difference between a noun and an adjective.” It wouldn’t be too difficult for that to be a prepared response, and I’d like to see Cain’s reaction.
This has been going on for at least 60 years. I remember my parents talking about it in the ‘60s. Maybe dates from even before that.
January 13, 2026 at 9:42 PM
This has been going on for at least 60 years. I remember my parents talking about it in the ‘60s. Maybe dates from even before that.
Absolutely. I kept thinking “OMG, what else can go wrong?” But Marty persevered, which is admirable, even if you don’t find the character to be likable.
January 13, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Absolutely. I kept thinking “OMG, what else can go wrong?” But Marty persevered, which is admirable, even if you don’t find the character to be likable.