You're right, 2 from Bush, 3 from Trump.

I wish we could edit posts on this platform.

Yes, discussed below...or above...I'm a bit disoriented...

Exactly, eliminating the need for independent redistricting commissions.

I agree. I was a big proponent of packing before I heard Allen's idea.

My concern with packing is the possibility of an escalating arms race as power switches from election to election.

We need a trustworthy and competent SCOTUS, but we also need stare decisis.

If we increase the number of house districts so we have more proportional representation in congress, maybe the reform amendments we need become realistically possible.

Abolish the electoral college, more house districts, and SCOTUS term limits is a good start.

If we pack the court, what number would be the right number of justices?

And what would prevent further packing every time control changes hands?

Danielle Allen of Harvard has suggested 18 year term limits on SCOTUS justices instead of increasing the number of justices. I was skeptical until she explained that each new president would get to appoint two new justices.

I don't consider any of the Trump/McConnell appointees legitimate.

The SCOTUS has four justices nominated by presidents who lost the popular vote, and those justices were approved by a GOP senate majority that represented a minority of the population. The whole game has become increasingly counter-majoritarian.

Musk has cited the sci-fi of Iain M. Banks as an inspiration.

Ironic, considering Banks' philosophy.

Andor was just brilliant. Star Wars for grown ups and a story of Marxist revolution.

Or, in the immortal words of Jello Biafra:

NAZI PUNKS FUCK OFF!

Footnote: Strange times when Bill Kristol is spreading the punk ethos.

A techie friend was very excited several years ago when AI could be prompted to write a song in the style of any songwriter. I don't want tools for creative stuff, even if I suck at it. I want it to do boring tedious stuff.

Since Tuesday I've heard the usual suspects on each end of the Dem spectrum argue that DSA Mamdani is the model for the party going forward or conversely that centrists Spanberger/Sherrill are the model going forward.

I think they both are. Different horses for different courses.

YouTube video by SqueezeVEVO Squeeze - Tempted (Official Music Video)

Getting my Friday groove on, soulful 80s UK hit.

At our local Dem monthly happy hour last night even the oldest and most measured members were insisting Schumer has to go and Murphy should replace him.

So many of these techlords have become the evil geniuses in the dystopian sci-fi novels that inspired them. They read cautionary tales as instruction manuals.

Plutocratic oligarchy

I grew up in that culture, and you're right.

Justice served with mustard and onions.

I'm seriously considering a trip over the Solstice holidays. I have an old rugby mate who lives in Scarborough. He warned me against it and recommended a summer visit.

But I want the dark, dreary, cold England I imagined from all the literature I read in college.

I assume he has some kind of quack theory that fainting is contagious.

I continue to be embarrassed by my state. We're not all dumb, but we are outnumbered by the dumb and it is by government design.

Unfortunately, if the economy was booming, I don't think his rank immorality and criminality would matter.

The Righteous Brothers?

Her cover the Hall & Oates classic Sara Smile is better than the original.

These are the same people who have been insisting Herr Pumpkinfuhrer has a mandate with a plurality, not a majority, and 1.5% margin of victory over Harris.

I'm encouraged that they aren't learning from their mistakes.

Johnson was defiant and proclaimed he will be delighted to run on their record.

I think that's a great idea, Mike. Please run on your record.

Embarrassing.

Mixed feelings of elation and anxiety as the victory was sweet but the fight is not over. I expect further escalation from these authoritarian assholes as we approach the mid-term.

Trump's Johnson says he will be delighted to run on their record. Yes, Mike, *please* run on your record.