And we don't bitch about it because we fully understand we're responsible for making life and death ...

Emerald comments on Aug 26, 2020:

Yeah but then they'd have to pay cops more. Won't happen.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

But cops get pensions after 20 years of service that nurses can only dream of..

And we don't bitch about it because we fully understand we're responsible for making life and death ...

RobinGray comments on Aug 26, 2020:

Saw this today

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

Because here in the streets of America, the lives of black men have no value, and, as well, in domestic policing the cops, unlike the US military overseas, don't have to worry about international law, being treated as war criminals, or repercussions from foreign governments. In the US, most cops that murder unarmed black men will never face serious consequences and they feel they have the full support of the public and government behind them to treat black and brown men as the enemy of them and the public. That is the how and why of the ROE being so different on the streets of America compared to a Middle East war zone.

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

RobertMartin comments on Aug 25, 2020:

It just goes to show that being nice to a wife gets you nothing.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@UUNJ Probably true that being a sniveling wimp is not attractive to most women.

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

mischl comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Man MUST be attentive to woman's needs. In this case, I guess he needs to yell at her and maybe spank her now and then.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@UUNJ I'll pass on spanking, or even any kind of hitting in a relationship, but whatever is between consenting adults is not my business...

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

EyesThatSmile comments on Aug 25, 2020:

There is a serious difference between a man who is caring and loving and a man with no backbone (a little weak in areas is acceptable). Are there really people who want a partner who cannot stand up for themselves? Man or woman.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@tinkercreek Some people are addicted to drama. My parents were mutually and regularly involved in both physical and emotional abuse. I witnessed enough of that to last me a lifetime..

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

EyesThatSmile comments on Aug 25, 2020:

There is a serious difference between a man who is caring and loving and a man with no backbone (a little weak in areas is acceptable). Are there really people who want a partner who cannot stand up for themselves? Man or woman.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

@tinkercreek Reminds me of the saying that in some cases compatibility is mostly a matter of finding someone with matching or complimentary neuroses.

Seeing this on FB tonight made me think about what I really want to know about people.

Lauren comments on Aug 24, 2020:

It's much more important, I agree. "What do you do?" was such a base, calculated business question that it always left me cold, so I try not to use it in my personal life. Plus, I started making a lot of Asian friends a couple of decades ago and asking "What do you do?" is really offensive in their ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 26, 2020:

Now that most dating sites no longer include income level in their profile list of traits, you can bet your ass that everyone on the dating sites will be asking the job ? very early on so they can gauge if the other person is around their income level. Just another way that dating sites show that they really don't give a damn about you finding someone or making it easy to search for a match. All they care about is getting your money.

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

EyesThatSmile comments on Aug 25, 2020:

There is a serious difference between a man who is caring and loving and a man with no backbone (a little weak in areas is acceptable). Are there really people who want a partner who cannot stand up for themselves? Man or woman.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@tinkercreek Hopefully they're happy.

As you hereby see, we poor unfortunate males have no chance.

EyesThatSmile comments on Aug 25, 2020:

There is a serious difference between a man who is caring and loving and a man with no backbone (a little weak in areas is acceptable). Are there really people who want a partner who cannot stand up for themselves? Man or woman.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

The short answer is, Yes. There are people among both genders that want a doormat, but those people are not functional and should not be in relationships. In a free society tho, it's their right to pursue what they want... Sounds like this woman from India requires drama and a man that is aggressive. Not my style.

FUDNC FCKBDN

WilliamCharles comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Instead of "rapist," "sexual harasser" is pretty well established (i.e., groping and hair sniffing). Biden and Trump also share being frequently addled and in cognitive decline. I had to look up Aricept. It's dementia med. In Joe's first appearance on The Daily Show, watch the subconscious ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

My late wife was on that drug, for a matter of months while still in the early stage of dementia. It really didn't help her at all, but supposedly it is helpful at slowing down the symptoms of some types of dementia, mainly Alzheimer's, during the early stage. But it does not halt the continued loss of brain cells during the disease. Her type was something very rare, not Alzheimer's.

FUDNC FCKBDN

bobwjr comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Disinformation

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@WilliamCharles It shows what assholes they are and how much contempt they have for progressives. They kiss ass to moderate Repubs in a lost cause to get votes from them that will never happen, but they won't give jack to progressives to seek their votes.

FUDNC FCKBDN

WilliamCharles comments on Aug 25, 2020:

Instead of "rapist," "sexual harasser" is pretty well established (i.e., groping and hair sniffing). Biden and Trump also share being frequently addled and in cognitive decline. I had to look up Aricept. It's dementia med. In Joe's first appearance on The Daily Show, watch the subconscious ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

I'm not sure I follow Caitlin's point, unless she's being sarcastic about progressives thinking they can move Biden to the left, but I know damn well Biden will never move to the left, esp. if he becomes prez. It goes against what his donors want, his past record, and his own instincts.

How many more years...?

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Even if religion goes away, the ruling class will always have other things to divide the lower classes on, such as race, nationalism, guns, etc. They only need a few issues to make that work as long as critical thinking is rare and the mass media is controlled by and supportive of the ruling class. ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@K9Kohle789 I agree, the institutions in America, with the exception of colleges, work to make Americans not able or willing to think for themselves. The ruling class wants workers to become obedient drones that pay their taxes and obey the speed limits when they drive, that's about it. It's not easy to think for yourself, but more people need to do it or we're doomed.

Two important things you can take from this study 1) The virus is airborne.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 25, 2020:

I live alone and will be that way for the rest of Covid, at least. So my only occaisional risk is going to a store.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@silverotter11 I wear a mask and a face shield if I go to a store that does not require face masks. My state does not have a mask order, but I predict that in a month or so it won't matter as by then most store chains will have adopted polices requiring them for customers. It's sad that corporate America is stepping up to do the right thing on requiring masks in order to protect their workers when our Repub governor won't buck Trump and require them. There are also now a lot of mayors in my state that are issuing mask orders and defying the governor on this. So far she hasn't tried to take them to court over this impasse. The good news is that, despite Trump, my state's governor, and the gutlessness of some businesses to not require masks for customers, it seems like even young adult customers are starting to get the message about wearing masks and I am seeing almost all customers wearing masks at the stores I visit.

Two important things you can take from this study 1) The virus is airborne.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 25, 2020:

I live alone and will be that way for the rest of Covid, at least. So my only occaisional risk is going to a store.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@silverotter11 We have one of those on these boards, Court Jester. I blocked him yesterday for that, as well as his general arrogant attitude.

Two important things you can take from this study 1) The virus is airborne.

CourtJester comments on Aug 24, 2020:

1. Jump in front of a mirror 2. Put a mast on 3. Pull it down and light a cigarette 4. Inhale real deep 5. Pull the mask up 6. Exhale 7. Watch what Covid does when you’re dumb enough to think that a mask makes one shit’s worth of a difference.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@CourtJester You really are an ass and just as arrogant as the stereotypical surgeon. I know you're a doc and I sure hope that is your specialty, cuz' you seem to have the likely bedside manner of Trump. I am sick of your bullshit on these boards as if you are so superior to the rest of us because you are a doc, so I'm blocking you now.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@t1nick Fuck off, and enjoy the block, you ass..

The fatal consequences of believing misinformation on the Internet: [bbc.com] Covid19

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

Darwinist thinning of the herd. We already have too many stupid people, we're better off as a society without them.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 25, 2020:

@indirect76 On an interpersonal level, you are right. But the problem is too many fools vote and that's bad for us overall.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@t1nick Whatever. I'm done. Give it a rest or I'll block you with your pal LL.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@t1nick Suit yourself. I want mass media that does not pretend that the Dems or the Repubs are responsive to the demands of non-wealthy Americans. The reality is that both parties only care about the demands of their donors, who are the rich and corporations. All the mainstream news channels are equally guilty of spreading these lies that the major parties are responsive to or care about most of us. That is my beef and in that respect there is no difference between Fox, CNN, MSNBC, or any of the broadcast networks. They all spread the propaganda that voting within the two party system will solve things and that the two major parties are greatly different, and they aren't. People will not wise up to that as long as they get all their info from the corporate media.

What creeps out women?

Boomtarat03 comments on Aug 24, 2020:

If he's asking my whereabouts 😅

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

Sounds like a country song, " I go stalking, after midnight"....

What creeps out women?

Emerald comments on Aug 24, 2020:

I'm on a dating site and am immediately turned off by men that pressure me for my phone number, immediately. I also don't care for innuendo before any conversation or meeting. If sex is all you want, hire a hooker.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

Maybe they're too poor or moralistic, lol? Both of which would also be dealbreakers.....

Falwell: I Had Depression Because My Wife Had an Affair With the Pool Boy | Hemant Mehta | Friendly ...

Larry-new comments on Aug 24, 2020:

I stubbed my toe while pumping gas, so I robbed the convenience store.....

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

Kind of like the alcoholic saying they drink because their shoes are too tight...

Why The "Squad" was shut out of the convention: [theguardian.com]

Charlene comments on Aug 23, 2020:

The Corprotists at the DNC loathe progressive voters, yet every 4 years they Beg us to Vote for their NeoLib candidates, gaslite and shame us. When Are Progressives gonna grow a Spine and walk away from Them..they need us More than we need them..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

I wouldn't say they beg us for our votes, more accurate to say they bully, shame, and blame us for their electoral losses whether it's the fault of progressives or not. They never admit it when their election losses are due to their shitty candidates, their Repub lite policies, or their obvious corruption as a party.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@LovinLarge You're blocked, LL. Troll somebody else.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@LovinLarge, @t1nick Or maybe the overwhelming number of news outlets saying the same thing is because they all have a vested interest in saying the same thing because they all have a common goal, as in supporting one political party, either the Dems or the Repubs, rather than providing the truth to the public. The mass media is now so monopolized that they are just as censored as Pravda was in the Soviet Union. In the US, the mass media all have the common goal of providing propaganda that supports the interests of the rich and corporations, plain and simple.

Once again as this election comes around, the Middle class unaffected cry out that they are ignored ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 24, 2020:

The problem is many people are just gullible. Some of them got a college education, some didn't, but they all failed to develop critical thinking skills, so they just swallow whatever corporate media news and political channels they watch, whether it's Fox or MSNBC. So they buy the propaganda of ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 24, 2020:

@LovinLarge Get bent, LL. If you find my comments "tiresome", you can always block me. Whiner...

Why The "Squad" was shut out of the convention: [theguardian.com]

Charlene comments on Aug 23, 2020:

The Corprotists at the DNC loathe progressive voters, yet every 4 years they Beg us to Vote for their NeoLib candidates, gaslite and shame us. When Are Progressives gonna grow a Spine and walk away from Them..they need us More than we need them..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 23, 2020:

Unfortunately, most progressives will not have the guts to walk away from voting for Dems until there are viable third party progressive candidates to vote for. If Bernie, for example, had had the guts and integrity to run as a third party candidate either time, after being screwed by the Dem Party (instead of playing sheepdog for the Dems), I think progressives would have followed him. But the candidates have to lead the voters by leaving the party first to make voting for them viable.

It’s official, I suck at dating! I’ll try again next year.😬😬😬😬

Xenokat comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I suck at dating...mainly because I've never done it...and frankly I just don't have the confidence to ask someone out (not counting the COVID state we're in)--and I know confidence is a key factor.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 23, 2020:

My confidence was not great, but ok enough when I was way younger and had a fairly full head of hair and an athletic body. But now as a bald 60-something with more of a normal body for my age, that's a whole other ballgame for having confidence in the dating game. I'm way too much older, wiser and sadder to have the old confidence.

Yeah... what if?!?

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 23, 2020:

How dare they think of putting anything ahead of profit?

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 23, 2020:

@WilliamCharles As Lily Tomlin said, "You can never be cynical enough to keep up"..

If only we could make this happen sooner vs later.

MsDemeanour comments on Aug 23, 2020:

More jobs too

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 23, 2020:

We can't have that. The ruling class now longer needs most of the workers in the US. Between global outsourcing and automation, most of us are obsolete. They only need us to obediently pay taxes to make up for what they don't pay and for some of us to serve as cannon fodder in the military. They couldn't care less if there is a shortage of jobs for the serfs.

If only we could make this happen sooner vs later.

Charlene comments on Aug 22, 2020:

Yup, I agree..now send it to Biden and the DNC..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 23, 2020:

@Charlene I know. Mu comment was for the benefit of those not in the know, combined with sarcasm

10 Reasons we Need the Puke Emoji Back 10 Trump Supporters 9 Nancy Pelosi/MitchMcConnell 8...

Willow_Wisp comments on Aug 22, 2020:

People of Israel I bring these 20 commandments, oops I mean 10 commandments.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

That is a great movie scene...

10 Reasons we Need the Puke Emoji Back 10 Trump Supporters 9 Nancy Pelosi/MitchMcConnell 8...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 22, 2020:

We already have the angry emoji, that's probably enough as it makes the same point.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@Sgt_Spanky Suit yourself, I'm fine with using the angry emoji to vote negatively.

If only we could make this happen sooner vs later.

Charlene comments on Aug 22, 2020:

Yup, I agree..now send it to Biden and the DNC..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

Nope, can't do that. "Nothing will fundamentally change". As Maya Angelou said, " When someone tells you who they are, believe them". Joe already told us, or at least his rich backers in what he thought was private, who he is. Only the rubes and suckers will be swayed by later walkbacks on it.

Does anyone really care that there is no afterlife?

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 22, 2020:

Some people I have known I would like to see again, some I wouldn't. It doesn't matter because I believe when we die it's over and that's it, except for the memories that we carry of those that have died. And unless those memories are passed on from us to others that live on after we die, we ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@Green_Soldier71 Thanks for the props. I have had only a couple letters to the editor published in my life, only wrote a handful or so. Never had an op-ed published nor attempted to get one. One reason for that is newspapers usually won't publish an op-ed piece unless the person has some expert status in a subject or at least an impressive resume. I have neither, but I have been studying politics and economics on my own since I was old enough to read the newspaper.

If only we could make this happen sooner vs later.

EdEarl comments on Aug 22, 2020:

That's obvious to most people, but they want us to fight among ourselves, so they can take the resources, which forces fighting for resources.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

Exactly. They divide us on all the identity politics bullshit as well as thru nationalism.

I decided that any votes and problems that Democrats and Republicans presidents cause is the voters ...

glennlab comments on Aug 21, 2020:

Your premise is false because in our system any vote not for the second place finisher is a vote for the winner. This includes all non votes and minor party votes. That is simply how our first past the post system works.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@glennlab I'm fine with what you are doing inside the Dem party, but as long as the DNC is controlled by neoliberal DLC types, the party will never allow progressive candidates to run the party in congress or get nominated for prez as a Dem. That is why in primaries I always vote for the progressive and against the corporatist, PAC money-backed establishment candidates. In Iowa, where I live, that meant voting for Kimberly Graham and against Theresa Greenfield, who had all the money and establishment behind her, and, of course, won the primary. I will vote for her in the general, but with no expectation that she will be much better than Joni Ernst, the Repub incumbent, but that's a pretty low bar. LOTE, as always, is the choice in fed general elections.

I decided that any votes and problems that Democrats and Republicans presidents cause is the voters ...

glennlab comments on Aug 21, 2020:

Your premise is false because in our system any vote not for the second place finisher is a vote for the winner. This includes all non votes and minor party votes. That is simply how our first past the post system works.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@glennlab Yes, telling other people there are other parties out there and encouraging them to at least check them out and consider supporting one of them. Realistically tho, we are not going to get third party candidates elected to federal offices, esp. prez, until candidates who are already celebrities and/or rich, like Ross Perot, are running for office because under the present system that is what it takes to get the media coverage and be able to afford a run for federal office.

Choosing to remain single is most often a WISE decision ...

BitFlipper comments on Aug 21, 2020:

The dichotomy offered here is unrealistic. It is not necessary to commit yourself to the first person that comes along. In theory, there would be more than one opportunity, and you should rightfully pass on the unacceptable ones. Of course, that's just my theory. In my case those opportunities ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@BitFlipper Maybe. Everyone is an individual, especially when it comes to sexuality, and needs to go with what is comfortable and most enjoyable to them, while of course making the inevitable compromises that come with partner sex and all relationships.

Choosing to remain single is most often a WISE decision ...

BitFlipper comments on Aug 21, 2020:

The dichotomy offered here is unrealistic. It is not necessary to commit yourself to the first person that comes along. In theory, there would be more than one opportunity, and you should rightfully pass on the unacceptable ones. Of course, that's just my theory. In my case those opportunities ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@Soarfeet Same here. I went two years on Match before I met someone mutually compatible enough to date steadily, still didn't work out. I just think that I am both too different from most people in my area as well as being too hesitant or slow about getting sexual with anyone to be a match with most women my age. I know that last part sounds either phony or crazy, but I have always been that way, even when I was young. In that respect, I am more like most women than most men.

Choosing to remain single is most often a WISE decision ...

Lorajay comments on Aug 22, 2020:

And it's even worse if you have kids with them.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

That's one thing I've never had to deal with as I've been childless by choice. It did really limit my choices for dating when I was a young adult, but now I am old enough that it isn't as much of an issue, except with women who have adult children and grandkids and are very family-oriented. That limits my choices a lot because I live in the Midwest, but it still doesn't limit me as much as when I was young and it seemed like all the women my age either had kids or wanted them. You're right about how not having kids with someone means that you can leave as soon as you want to, providing you can financially survive on your own.

I decided that any votes and problems that Democrats and Republicans presidents cause is the voters ...

glennlab comments on Aug 21, 2020:

Your premise is false because in our system any vote not for the second place finisher is a vote for the winner. This includes all non votes and minor party votes. That is simply how our first past the post system works.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@Vintenar Here, here! I too am not responsible for the mistakes of brain dead people who stay wrapped up in the mental slavery of continuing to vote for the duopoly. If the majority of us gave up doing that, the two major parties would, at the least, have to start being responsive to us. At the worst, they would declare martial law and force us to fight them out on the streets for control of the system. And maybe that would be a good thing, it sure as hell is long overdue. I would be ready to fight those pricks and their mercenaries in the streets if the rest of the masses finally woke up and were ready to join me.

Does anyone really care that there is no afterlife?

nicknotes comments on Aug 22, 2020:

There is no afterlife. Make good use of the life you have now.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

As Jim Turner, who played Dr. Science from Duck's Breath comedy troupe said to me at a public lecture where he played his character, I asked him if there was life after death, and he said, "No, this is as good as it gets".

My name is Layla.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 20, 2020:

I wish you the best and am sorry for your loss. You should be able to make some online friends here. As far as finding someone to date, you appear to live in the Bible Belt, so it will be a challenge, but on the other hand you have more looks going for you than the average person here on Agnostic, ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

Suit yourself. I was trying to help based on my experience with online dating, but instead you choose to be resentful. We're done.

Our platform - The People's Party

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 21, 2020:

I agree with all their platform policies. This idea should proceed forward, because it's clear the Dem Party will never promote or enact any of these policies. We need to unify all the tiny parties that are left of center in the US into one party, hopefully this is it.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 22, 2020:

@AstralSmoke The Sanders experience the last two cycles proves that the Dem party is useless and it's time for everyone to the left of them to unify and run candidates that are openly progressive. Fuck the Dems and don't wait on AOC running as some sort of savior in 2028 as a Dem, which is what some people will be waiting on. If she refuses to run as a third party candidate for prez, that will tell you all you need to know about whether she is the real thing as a progressive or just another sheepdog like Bernie turned out to be.

Being a responsible adult.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 21, 2020:

I give you props for being responsible and careful to protect yourself. As far as finding one person to be with long term, good luck with that. Seems like we all struggle with that one.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@Sonja44 I can relate. I was with my late wife for 22 years and she died three years ago. So I hadn't dated since 1995. I met someone about a year ago after two unsuccessful years on Match, but it ended a few months ago, partly due to Covid. I am sitting it out until Covid is over before joining Match again and trying to date.

Now that this group has added the BLM movement to its identity, it will be interesting to see if it ...

yvilletom comments on Aug 21, 2020:

There are two capitalisms in America: 1) the Wall Street sociopath kind, and 2) the Employee Ownership kind. A Harvard Business Review years ago said EO is kinder to the environment and there’s less employee theft.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

That's quite true. I've worked for many owner/bosses in the second category of capitalist, and very few of them had any humanity towards their workers. I particularly remember the next to last one. He was the son of the man who owned the company and, like the spoiled Trump-like brat he was, particularly relished harassing the employees that his father had him overseeing as prez of the company. He even had the audacity to come up to my work station in the plant more than once when he was visiting with friends of his or his father and would tell me to my face that he was considering buying machinery that would replace me at my job. I am not a violent man, but you can imagine how much I wanted to go outside with him and beat his ass, which I have no doubt that I was rageful enough inside that I could have done it. He seemed to think it was all a funny joke. If I ever see him on the street and get the chance to destroy his ride without being caught, I still might do it.

Nancy Pelosi, republican lite, has endorsed Kennedy over Markey.

yvilletom comments on Aug 21, 2020:

They don’t care how you vote, @Theresa_N They expect you to pay your taxes and contribute cannon fodder for their wars. Visit the

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

They also appreciate it, but only a little bit, if you stay off the streets instead of protesting. If you show up at or outside their offices to protest them, they'll laugh at you behind the scenes, but only if the cameras aren't around. Their scorn and lack of fear for the masses makes me wish they had gulliotines to fear.

Hello grouphugs 🤗 how's your day?

FearlessFly comments on Aug 21, 2020:

. . . anything between two consenting adults is fine by me.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

What he said.

Hello grouphugs 🤗 how's your day?

MrChange comments on Aug 21, 2020:

I've figured out my own sexuality. I could care less what others do. Im a bit selfish. I'm a little too busy trying to enjoy life instead of trying to figure someone else's. This world is too crazy and complicated for anything else.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

Not sure I'm enjoying my life that much under Covid, but that's a challenge for anyone. Otherwise, what he said...

Over Half of Unemployed Older Workers at Risk of Involuntary Retirement So far, the Covid-19 ...

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 20, 2020:

They won't be exploiting them that long. As Yang said in his book, driverless trucks will eliminate most of the jobs in ten years or less. I know exactly what you mean. I used to work and live in a university town where anybody over 50 could never get a decent medium or so-called low skill job, ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 21, 2020:

@William_Mary I hope you're right. I know that I don't want to rely on a self driving car as long as I'm alive and have my faculties.

It's ironic that this happens at the same time as the recent controversy with the site over some ...

glennlab comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Don't forget to post pics.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 20, 2020:

Won't be any of those. I don't have a cellphone and I rely on the help of friends to put pics on my computer or post them online. I am tech-retarded.

Nancy Pelosi, republican lite, has endorsed Kennedy over Markey.

Charlene comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Pelosi is in Need of retiring..I'll be voting Markey..Kennedy is an embarrassment to his uncles..a died in the wool Corporatist.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 20, 2020:

No surprise that young Kennedy is shameless about being a corporatist. When you are that entitled and rich from birth, it's easy to be arrogant and shameless about everything.

It's ironic that this happens at the same time as the recent controversy with the site over some ...

Lauren comments on Aug 20, 2020:

Hey, congrats on both!

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 20, 2020:

I didn't a pen with it, like people used to get, but I didn't really want one anyway. I've got more than enough to last my lifetime.

Hello grouphugs 🤗 how are you all?

HippieChick58 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

I have such a deep reservoir of what could be devastating things I've been told. They've all been like drips on a rock, and so many to choose from. All of them propelled me to move on or change things. One in particular determined the direction of my life. My mom died when I was 14, my dad ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 19, 2020:

@HippieChick58 Sometimes all you have in common with family is shared blood and shared residence in the same traumatic event, like a natural disaster that lasts for years.

Hello grouphugs 🤗 how are you all?

HippieChick58 comments on Aug 19, 2020:

I have such a deep reservoir of what could be devastating things I've been told. They've all been like drips on a rock, and so many to choose from. All of them propelled me to move on or change things. One in particular determined the direction of my life. My mom died when I was 14, my dad ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 19, 2020:

I don't blame you for wanting to get away from both of them. Some families are traumatic to be around and you are better off orphaning yourself than sticking around.

Pretty much.

RoboGraham comments on Aug 18, 2020:

It's been fun to watch Ryan's transformation occur in real time on twitter. He gets a lot of hate from former friends.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@RoboGraham Nevertheless, I bet he sleeps well at night. I know I would.

Pretty much.

RoboGraham comments on Aug 18, 2020:

It's been fun to watch Ryan's transformation occur in real time on twitter. He gets a lot of hate from former friends.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

I''ll bet he does, from corporate Dems no doubt.

The Effective Strategy of the Biden/Harris Campaign

dermot235 comments on Aug 18, 2020:

When have Trumps Accusations EVER been true. And it has never made a difference. I think a new set of lies will still appeal to his base. The Democrats have been afraid to have a left wing candidate ever since the Civil rights act was passed and the Dems lost the south. They have to stop trying to...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@dermot235 It's now looking like I will be dead before they ever nominate a true left wing candidate. Bernie was probably the last chance in my lifetime. AOC will be the next possible nominee at all like him, but she is already beginning to sell out and in 8 years she will be like Warren, a fake progressive or leftist.

The Effective Strategy of the Biden/Harris Campaign

dermot235 comments on Aug 18, 2020:

When have Trumps Accusations EVER been true. And it has never made a difference. I think a new set of lies will still appeal to his base. The Democrats have been afraid to have a left wing candidate ever since the Civil rights act was passed and the Dems lost the south. They have to stop trying to...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

@RoboGraham The Dems will never nominate a left wing candidate because it would offend their wealthy donors, who are made up of billionaires and corporations. It would be way easier for them to win with a left wing candidate, but that is not their main priority. They would rather continue to keep nominating neoliberal corporate candidates and try to win by narrow margins with campaigns based on identity politics and multiculturalism as well as bashing the Repubs.

Green Party and other third-party candidates may be electable to some state and local offices.

Druvius comments on Aug 18, 2020:

Spewing vote-shaming sh_t like this is why Clinton lost. Ain't gonna help Biden win, but if he loses boy, you've set yourself up to feel all proud and righteous. There's no good way to manipulate people into voting the way you think they should vote, give it up.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

I would rather vote for your cat Smudge than Biden. Smudge is cuter and probably has better cognitive functioning...

I sent a "Hello" to numerous gals at Agnostic, and I only got a response from one of them.

p-nullifidian comments on Aug 18, 2020:

That's what she said.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

Michael Scott lives!

I sent a "Hello" to numerous gals at Agnostic, and I only got a response from one of them.

Willow_Wisp comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Yea, the guilt angle doesn't hang well here especially if you think it'll work on a mass scale. Just silly. Surly you see why, right?

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 18, 2020:

As Leslie Nielson said in Airplane, " I am serious and stop calling me Shirley".

Death Valley soars to 130 degrees, potentially Earth’s highest temperature since at least 1931 ...

creative51 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

Wow, sounds hotter than hell, lol.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 17, 2020:

Must be why they call it Death Valley..

Catholic voters' impossible choice

snytiger6 comments on Aug 17, 2020:

I know my catholic relatives (one set of an aunt, uncle and cousins) plan to vote for Trump... again.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 17, 2020:

They are very narrow-minded Catholics.

Catholic voters' impossible choice

barjoe comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Most Catholics in this country are secular. They use birth control. Most of them wind up getting divorced like everybody else. When President Kennedy ran 1960, the critics said he'd take his orders from the Vatican. Now they want Joe Biden to do just that. This is bullshit that Catholics should vote...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@whiskywoman You got it. A hundred years ago that's how it was for most women.

Catholic voters' impossible choice

barjoe comments on Aug 16, 2020:

Most Catholics in this country are secular. They use birth control. Most of them wind up getting divorced like everybody else. When President Kennedy ran 1960, the critics said he'd take his orders from the Vatican. Now they want Joe Biden to do just that. This is bullshit that Catholics should vote...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 16, 2020:

@whiskywoman That's what proves in spades that outlawing abortion is not really about preventing abortions and saving fetuses, it's about controlling women and putting them back in their place before they had the vote and the other rights they gained in the last century. In other words, to turn the clock back on women like in The Handmaid's Tale.

Catholic voters' impossible choice

ChestRockfield comments on Aug 16, 2020:

It seems clear the anti-abortion Republicans will vote Trump because they are generally one-issue voters.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 16, 2020:

They also usually have double digit IQs.

Do women pass gas?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I have had a woman fart right in my face.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@BitFlipper Guess I did misinterpret, but then I didn't have those details. Like LL said, the rest is TMI.

Do women pass gas?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I have had a woman fart right in my face.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

The last woman I dated told me about a time her cat farted right in her face. She said she was justifiably mad at the cat even if the cat couldn't help it.

Do women pass gas?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 15, 2020:

I have had a woman fart right in my face.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

I would find that mean and offensive on her part. I must say, David, after seeing so many of your comments, you do seem to have been treated rather badly by a fair number of women. I don't know if that has made you bitter towards women or not-you don't seem to express such an attitude-but I wouldn't blame you if you were. You seem to have had a worse time of it than me and I am always sorry to hear about them happening to you.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

RobinGray comments on Aug 15, 2020:

What bothers me most is the amount of discussion you guys require about not believing. It’s staggering to me. I don’t believe, maybe I’m wrong 🤷‍♀️ I don’t care to have deep discussions about it....

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@indirect76 Exactly. That's my whole reason for coming here for community, not to talk about belief or lack of it, but to explore what other things I may have in common with the members here as well as what common interests we might share. It's also interesting and useful to hear how other members cope with and experience life as non-believers and non-conformists in the Christian-dominated society and culture of America.

If anyone is the slightest bit interested in why I feel the Admin has created a moral crisis for ...

RobinGray comments on Aug 15, 2020:

What bothers me most is the amount of discussion you guys require about not believing. It’s staggering to me. I don’t believe, maybe I’m wrong 🤷‍♀️ I don’t care to have deep discussions about it....

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

I sure don't need to talk to others about my non-belief. I don't need to talk about it to understand it nor to fulfill some need for connection on that subject. My non-belief is actually not a big part of my life and certainly not the biggest part of my identity.

When is Jesus coming back? The question on the lips of almost every believer.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 15, 2020:

If he did come back, he would be very pissed..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

@jlynn37 True. Anybody that is a threat to power would be.

The "woke" are not the political left [blog.davidrand.ca]

AnonySchmoose comments on Aug 15, 2020:

Thank you! Wow! That is a thorough article. Mindsets that like identify themselves as leftist, but which are not the real left, boggle one's mind. 'Woke' leftists obscure the real issue -- they allow capitalism free rein. All of the fake leftism boils down to a lot of BS that denies equality.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 15, 2020:

You're talking about people who believe that being liberal or lefty is all about PC and identity politics, which describes most Dem supporters these days, but they really don't give a damn about economic equality or economic justice. They are comfortably in the upper middle class, so they already have theirs..

Post covid dating have you done it

Deb57 comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I'm using this time as a valid reason to deliberately avoid any romantic entanglements or relationships. It would be too much trouble to try to maintain such a thing, and the stress we're all under means we are not being at our emotional best, anyway. Relationships are complicated enough without ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 14, 2020:

I'm sitting it out too until Covid is over. Next time around I will also go into it with much lower expectations, as in practically nothing. To me, post Covid is once there is either an effective treatment or an effective vaccine.

POF live?

BitFlipper comments on Aug 12, 2020:

I have hit that button a couple of times, just to see what's going on there. The best I can figure is that the women are like webcam models. Men try to get their attention by giving them gifts (which they purchase from POF). There are no local people there. Come to think of it, the people don't ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 14, 2020:

Sounds like a complete scam to fleece even more money out of the site's suckers, er.. members,,,,

[rawstory.] KAMALA HARRIS is Joe Biden's pick for his Vice President.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 11, 2020:

So I guess they both made up later or Harris was just posturing or lying back in the debate months ago when she practically called Biden a racist to his face over his opposition to busing? Both her and Joe disgust me, everything with them is theater and false advertising. Biden said he would ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@tiredofthis1 Not surprising. Like Joe, she has no integrity..

Heckuva job, DNC.

RoboGraham comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Wait a minute.... This is incorrect. Biden, very polite? He wasn't polite to all those voters he yelled at during the primary, or the woman he assaulted, or all the other women he touched inappropriately, or the thousands of poor people he mass-incarcerated... Sounds like you ought to ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

There's also the factory worker Biden got belligerent at during a campaign stop and practically challenged the guy to a fight. I also viewed video of Biden poking his finger a few times into the chest of a climate change activist here in Iowa that never made the news...

Heckuva job, DNC.

t1nick comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Just for clarification, are you saying that both Biden and trump are both more or less identical and based on your list deplorable by their indiscretions. Furthermore, are you suggesting that they are different, and worse than the majority of other politicians in Washington. The descriptions you ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

We don't, as long as most people fall for the game of the major parties and refuse to consider voting for third party candidates. That's the only peaceful form of revolution that I see available for the future. BTW, Sanders has almost none of those qualities in the diagram, but I guess he's too honest, incorruptible and dignified for most people.

Iy bizzee....

HippieChick58 comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I tell my girlies I'm bigger than they are, and I know how to open the door to get to the food. They scoot.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

Food is always the trump card for cats.

Morris relaxing in his usual way.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 13, 2020:

Begging for those belly rubs..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@Sonja44 That is true. I've seen some cats that feign this and then bite if you begin rubbing their bellies.

@admin and members.

Leontion comments on Aug 13, 2020:

I fear that the hate groups are gaining steam these days because partly because online platforms including slug have validated their perspectives and helped them get converts. Even though I uphold the right to be free of government censorship, I do not think it is a wise idea for those of us opposed...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@Leontion I'm not afraid of being doxed as I am not a public figure, am retired, and not very active on FB. I live in a building with a security door and the only way they could harass me would be to vandalize my car if they got the plate number and description. I could live with that since I have an underground garage, so they would have to follow me when I leave home, in which case I would start keeping an eye on my car parked away from home and be ready to call the cops on them when they approached my car. I could just take a pic of them and get their plate number to give to the cops if they came after me.

It seems from the news reports that most of the decisions for returning to classes last week in ...

TheInterlooper comments on Aug 13, 2020:

The far-left want white men to feel shame for their race/gender. The far-right want white men to be proud of their race/gender. Which do you think is more appealing?

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

@t1nick I don't think it's all about a lack of intelligence. It's more about being callous and lacking empathy and compassion. In the world of most Republicans, you don't matter and your life, health, safety, and welfare don't matter unless you are part of their tribe, esp. if you aren't rich and white...

The overwhelming selfishness of the conservative, Republican, American capitalistic philosophy.

barjoe comments on Aug 13, 2020:

College Football is big business. For many cities it's the #1 industry. Notre Dame football is the largest employer in South Bend. Ann Arbor without Michigan football is a ghost town. Lou Holtz is worried about money. He doesn't care about these kids, our military. What an insult to those who gave ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 13, 2020:

If big time college football programs expect their players to sacrifice as if Covid was like fighting a war, then I think that's also a hell of an argument that it's also time that the players had a union and got paid fairly for what they contribute to the money machine.

Alt Jesus.

hankster comments on Aug 12, 2020:

throw lots of stones https://youtu.be/SYkbqzWVHZI

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

Love the line, "You're only making it worse on yourself! How can that be, I'm already sentenced to death by stoning?",,,,,,, That movie is so painfully funny because it is so true about religious fanaticism..

An article with a progressive's view on Kamala Harris:[theguardian.com]

altschmerz comments on Aug 12, 2020:

This election really depresses me. And I knew Biden wasn't going to pick someone more progressive than himself, and that all the women he was looking at were problematic, but his pick just depressed me even more. On Facebook, post after post lauding this "historic" pick. On this website, post after ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

Identity politics is total bullshit when it is used so blatantly as a distraction and substitute for choosing leaders who are right on policy, have integrity, and a proven track record of backing up their talk for the present on what they will do if elected. It sickens, depresses, and leaves me with little hope for the future when I see how many people on the left of the Repubs keep falling for this shit instead of making intelligent choices for who to support based on policy, record, and integrity instead of identity politics, image, and rhetoric. The next logical step after Harris is the Dem party nominating a gay Hispanic male to complete the cycle of identity politics.... Oh wait, they sort of already did that with Mayor Pete and plenty of fools fell for that one... Anyone who thinks that a modern neoliberal corporatist centrist Dem can be pushed to the left to do what most Americans want after being elected, is either willfully ignorant of recent history since the 1980s or very naive...

I know many here are against Trump, but what's your opinion on Joe Biden?

JimG comments on Aug 12, 2020:

He's going to be like Obama, but without the charm. His foreign policy will maintain our international standing among the least-trusted, moay-despised nations on earth. At least, we might lose the number one ranking. He will cater to corporate backers and allow banks to continue exploiting college ...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

You're so right. Until then we will continue to get shit for policies and worse candidate choices each time around, unless you love right wing candidates...

I know many here are against Trump, but what's your opinion on Joe Biden?

RoboGraham comments on Aug 12, 2020:

Lesser evil. A very dangerous evil

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

Or, maybe, as Glen Greenwald called Obama, "The more effective evil"?

OK, I do sincerely hope people don't overreact to this and bail out.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 8, 2020:

Have only read about 1/4 - 1/3, but I'm leaning towards agreement with his POV. I have never liked the name calling. I get accused of being 'rude' (and was 'ousted' from 50+) when I try to point out (what I consider to be) Critical Thinking 'flaws' in posts/comments.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@FearlessFly I disagree about "some lines need enforcing"(censorship). Suit yourself, ff...

I know, it's heart-breaking. 😅

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 12, 2020:

What is Pspsps?

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Jetty Thanks.

OK, I do sincerely hope people don't overreact to this and bail out.

FearlessFly comments on Aug 8, 2020:

Have only read about 1/4 - 1/3, but I'm leaning towards agreement with his POV. I have never liked the name calling. I get accused of being 'rude' (and was 'ousted' from 50+) when I try to point out (what I consider to be) Critical Thinking 'flaws' in posts/comments.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@SpikeTalon If the conservative atheists want to go to a different site, that's fine with me. I don't need them or would miss them. But I don't need an admin. to ban or suspend them. I can and often do block them. That option seems to make most people happy.

OK, I do sincerely hope people don't overreact to this and bail out.

kensmile4u comments on Aug 8, 2020:

I checked it out. The largest fundamental difference I see is an absence of the scientific method and evidence as the foundation of truth. Instead there is a somewhat subjective terminology as described in the following words which I copied from the SLUG site. " Wherein people of differing views...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Allamanda, @TheInterlooper It's a nice ideal, but I don't think it's that possible, especially with many cultures and system dominated by American type capitalism, which is designed to create huge inequality and divide everyone below the ruling class.

OK, I do sincerely hope people don't overreact to this and bail out.

kensmile4u comments on Aug 8, 2020:

I checked it out. The largest fundamental difference I see is an absence of the scientific method and evidence as the foundation of truth. Instead there is a somewhat subjective terminology as described in the following words which I copied from the SLUG site. " Wherein people of differing views...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 12, 2020:

@Allamanda No, it's not possible nor should it be the main goal of a site. I would not want to be on a site that put that first above all else. It would be very boring, among other things. Also, the discourse would be less honest and authentic..

Q) How can you tell when Donald Trump is lying? A) His lips are moving.

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 11, 2020:

That's what LBJ used to say about Nixon back in the 60s... There's a reason Nixon was called Tricky Dick...

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 11, 2020:

@Triphid Lots of people badmouth cynicism about pols, but I think of it more as realism and a sign of being able to think critically..

I'm just wondering,,, was Gabbard not dark enough for Joe?

Captain_Feelgood comments on Aug 11, 2020:

My guess is Gabbard would have turned down his offer for VP.... Knowing what a imbecile he is, I guess he probably didn't even offer it to her..

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 11, 2020:

I would gladly take Tulsi over Harris as prez, not that Tulsi ever had a chance...

I'm just wondering,,, was Gabbard not dark enough for Joe?

RoboGraham comments on Aug 11, 2020:

Later, when asked about what she said regarding Joe's past on the busing issue, she laughed and said that it was just a debate. These people will say anything. It's all political theater.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 11, 2020:

I remember that moment well. It shows they are both fucking liars. I remember how it looked like Joe was going to cry and I was laughing my ass off hoping he would....

Q) How can you tell when Donald Trump is lying? A) His lips are moving.

hankster comments on Aug 11, 2020:

or his thumbs.

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 11, 2020:

@Triphid Bah-dum...

Do you want Biden/Harris to Win?

TomMcGiverin comments on Aug 11, 2020:

I might vote for Biden or I might vote Green, but either way, as far as donating money, volunteering or having any enthusiasm or support for Biden, they can all fuck off....

TomMcGiverin replies on Aug 11, 2020:

@creative51 Oh, that one really hurts. I'm deeply, deeply wounded....