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By: sooz
Date: 10/28/98 7:37:20 AM
# Replies: 56
On 10/19/98, a wager was made between Gowan and me. Simply put, we placed a bet on whether or not George Bush, current gubnor of Le Lone Star State, would be elected president in 2000. Here's the e-mail:
Subject: Bush for President? Bah!
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:27:32 -0500
From: "Gowan McGland" I bet you, Susan Laxton, one dinner or lunch at Outback Steakhouse that the current governor of Texas, George Bush, will not be elected President of the United States in the year 2000.
If he is, I buy.
If he isn't, you buy.
The bet was amended shortly thereafter to state that the aforementioned Outback meal will occur in the city where the winner resides, provided both bettors still live in either Houston or Austin. (No one's driving to Jersey for dinner or anything.)
So, today, I stumbled sleepily to USATODAY.COM, where I usually read the morning paper. What would the lead article be?
Bush would clobber Gore, survey finds
If the 2000 presidential election were held today, Texas Republican Gov. George W. Bush would easily beat Democratic Vice President Gore 57%-39%, a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll says. Bush is favored in every region and in most demographic categories, while Gore has a lead only among nonwhites and those with incomes under $20,000. Gore's reputation has been upset by the Democratic fund-raising problems from 1996 and perhaps by Clinton's behavior in the Monica Lewinsky affair. But some experts feel that the numbers may favor Bush now because he's a novelty and that they will become more balanced as Gore begins campaigning.
Let the premature celebrations begin!
Response #1
By: Ralf
Date: 10/28/98 8:12:21 AM
You should amend your bet further to include "...any necessary and/or appropriate appetizers, including but not limited to a Bloomin Onion."
Also, how many guests are you permitted?
Response #2
By: Gowan McGland
Date: 10/28/98 10:01:21 AM
It's dinner for the individual including appetizers. That was pretty much understood.
The poll is skewed, though. I think right now ANY republican would be picked over Gore because of the perceived blemish on all democrats because of Clinton.
Response #3
By: Seventh of Seven
Date: 10/28/98 11:43:36 AM
i think it should also be noted that there was another poll done in a similar vein, nothing that george w. bush was NOT the ex-president of the united states, but merely a texas governor. in this case, the majority of people (around 75%) stated they had no opinion on the matter, since they didn't know anything about the man.
Response #4
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 10/29/98 11:21:42 PM
Another Bush in the white house means I move to Mexico.
Response #5
By: sooz
Date: 11/1/98 12:41:41 PM
Someone, please make the obvious joke about Monica/bush/in-the-white-house so I don't have to.
Response #6
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 2/18/99 12:26:15 PM
If there is anything holy anywhere in this universe, George Bush Jr would NOT be elected president, and if we were really lucky, his entire Govenorship would be erased from our minds. Then again, wouldn't really make any difference anyway would it? After all, what HAS he done beside try to ban video machines? I can remember a time when we criticized politicians for doing nothing. Now, we are wanting to elect just for doing that!
Do we really need a polotican getting elected just becasue there are some stoned voters out there that think it's still `92 and vote for his dad?
Response #7
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 2/19/99 1:23:57 AM
Cappy,
So...other than being a member of the Bush family and being a member of the Republican Party, is there actually some real reason you think George W. is EEEVIL(tm)? Or is it basically because of what you believe he HASN'T done?
Jus' curious
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #8
By: sooz
Date: 2/19/99 12:09:41 PM
He lowered property taxes. Mine went down a few hundred bucks.
He's doing away with "social promotion" in schools as we speak. Students may actually have to pass to be promoted in the future (they don't now).
Do you really want me to go on, or are you just griping because the majority chose a republican?
Response #9
By: Seventh of Seven
Date: 2/22/99 12:02:24 PM
once again, i bring up the point: there was a poll (not so recent anymore, I grant you) in which the question "What is your opinion about George W. Bush" was posed along with an explanation that GWB was not the same person as the ex-president of the United States. Under these circumstances, something like 75% said they had no opinion, since they didn't know anything about him.
Response #10
By: sooz
Date: 2/23/99 1:54:01 PM
I'm thinking that's changed a lot recently, what with the wide national coverage of his possible campaign in 00. I see him all over USA Today and other national papers.
Response #11
By: rorschach
Date: 2/25/99 1:45:50 PM
I dunno, I kinda like the guy (or at least as much as I like ANY politician...)most of what he says makes sense. course he's got beau coups bucks to spend on people to write these things, but that in of itself shows he's got something other than SPAM between his ears...
Response #12
By: sooz
Date: 2/25/99 6:21:49 PM
He seems to quite well in off-the-cuff conversation, when no one's writing for him.
And I thought it was boo-koo, because that's cuter.
Response #13
By: Da Sissop
Date: 2/25/99 8:48:18 PM
I'll reserve judgement until I see a debate or two.
Response #14
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 2/26/99 12:32:21 PM
And what better source of political fodder THAN the USA Today?
Sorc, I just can't trust a Bush with a penis (yes, pun was intended), and basically, all of the above. He's a republican: Strike one, He's a Bush: Strike two, He hasn't really done anything: Strike three.
Yeah, that pretty much does it.
Response #15
By: sooz
Date: 2/26/99 1:39:53 PM
I really thought lowering my property taxes was a good thing.
You want to hold his parentage against him? Do people do that to you in your job? "Well, I saw his dad's work, therefore, let's not hire him." That'd be called discrimination in any other job, but for some reason, folks seem to think it's okay for a public servant.
Response #16
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 2/26/99 9:41:49 PM
Spaz Sez:
===============================================
Sorc, I just can't trust a Bush with a penis (yes, pun was intended), and basically, all of the above. He's a republican: Strike
one, He's a Bush: Strike two, He hasn't really done anything: Strike three.
===============================================
Okey doke. Thanks for clearing that up Spaz. I had to ask, on chance that your position was primarily based on something other just personal animosity and prejudice.
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #17
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 2/27/99 2:31:26 AM
"Hello, my name is George Bush, Jr. My dad was head of the CIA, Vice President under a President who traded arms for hostages and participated in the drug trade in Central America. Later, my dad went on to become President, during which time he almost completely invaded Iraq, claimed responsibility for the fall of Communism in the USSR, and sent troops to Panama in order to capture a former US government-trained and funded 'drug lord,' using the opportunity to break international treaties related to the Panama Canal.
"..but I'm different. Exactly how I'm different, however, remains to be seen."
Response #18
By: Da Sissop
Date: 2/27/99 7:37:46 AM
"In two weeks time I will be announcing whether or not I have decided to form an exploratory commission to determine exactly how I'm different."
Response #19
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 2/27/99 2:55:04 PM
Aw c'mon Homer, do you *REALLY* believe that someone should be held accountable or bear the onus of their father's choices or actions? That they are assumed to be "guilty" until they prove themselves otherwise? Or are you just trying to being funny?
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #20
By: sooz
Date: 2/28/99 11:00:51 PM
Yes, making up cute quotes from a person about their parentage is along the same lines as saying "Yeah, well, so's your mama!" in an argument.
Those that haven't a leg to stand on will talk about George W.'s dad... (George W. sure isn't mentioning dad). After all, making fun of one's parents is so much easier than actually making a point.
Response #21
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 3/1/99 2:27:20 AM
I was offering a line of reasoning, in satirical form. George Jr. could be a saint, sent from heaven to make all things right in the world. The problem is, no one knows about it because all he's doing is warming the governor's big leather wingback. All *I* know about him is that he's Sr's son and that he's some kind of CEO-type-d00d. Neither of which help his cause.
"Hi, I'm Charles Manson, Jr. I'm applying for a job as your child's preschool teacher. My father was the head of the notorious Manson Family and is serving a life sentence for orchestrating a number of brutal murders.
"...but I'm different."
Are you saying you never judge people by who they spent most (if not all) of their formative years with?
Response #22
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 3/1/99 5:06:40 AM
Homer Sez:
============================================
Are you saying you never judge people by who they spent most (if not all) of their formative years with?
============================================
Well "never" is too strong a term for me to feel comfortable with. I'll say that I never consciously or intentionally judge people by who they spent most (if not all) of their formative years with. I got a big lesson in the folly of making those kinds of judgements in High School and it's stuck with me ever since. And when you think about it...it's really just common sense. People can be alot more complicated than we sometimes give them credit for being and will surprise the hell out of you.
If your argument is one of environment: I say sure environment is a factor, but to what degree and to what effect you can't really say for sure, except MAYBE in hindsight I supposed. I don't believe that environment is such an overwhelming force that people are somehow helpless prisoners in its grasp. A person born to criminal parents, raised in a criminal environment, is not doomed to be a criminal. They may choose to become one, or allow themselves to be convinced they have no other choice, but they are not predestined to be so or remain so if they do.
I would offer that Charlie Manson Jr. can grow up to be a descent law abiding citizen, but people erroneously judging him by the people he spent most (if not all) of his formative years with (if it happened *ALOT*) might possibly make it harder for him to remain a law abiding citizen. In light of that, giving Charlie Jr. the benefit of the doubt until he proves himself a scumbag would seem the better part of reason, yes? But in the end what Charlie Jr. chose to do with his life is still entirely his responsibility regardless. But a little internalized guilt on the part of those to helped him along wouldn't be at all out of place either.
But...I think I've gotten WAY WAY off the original issue, but I think you get my point. GIVE THE BOY A CHANCE FER CRYIN' OUT LOUD! :)
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #23
By: Da Sissop
Date: 3/1/99 6:45:17 AM
And from the opposite end of the teeter totter, I don't think I'm going out on a limb to suggest that right now probably *most* of the warm fuzziness surrounding the Bush Jr. for President idea is based entirely on the name/family association. If you're not in/from Texas, that's about all you know about him... and that he was resoundingly re-elected, so he must be doing something right.
But it's waaay too early to worry OR get excited about this.
Response #24
By: sooz
Date: 3/1/99 3:07:54 PM
Pssst... he's not a Jr., people.
Response #25
By: Da Sissop
Date: 3/1/99 4:10:19 PM
Pssst... why are we whispering?
Okay, okay, George "Dubba Dubba" W. Bush.
Response #26
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 3/1/99 9:58:47 PM
Pssst... I don't know, but it makes us sounds conspiratorial. Isn't this fun?
Da Sissop Sez:
====================================================
And from the opposite end of the teeter totter, I don't think I'm going out on a limb to suggest that right now probably *most*
of the warm fuzziness surrounding the Bush Jr. for President idea is based entirely on the name/family association. If you're not
in/from Texas, that's about all you know about him... and that he was resoundingly re-elected, so he must be doing something
right.
But it's waaay too early to worry OR get excited about this.
====================================================
Very true, no argument here. For the overwhelming majority of the people outside of Texas he's just a face and a name right now. And, of course, judging him positively based purely on who his father is and what Party he belongs to is just as bad as judging him negatively.
Sorc'(Rev)
P.S. I got some bad news yesterday. Pat Buchanan(sp?) has decided to run for the Republican nomination AGAIN. *sigh* All I can say is I hope he doesn't speak at the National Convention, we REALLY don't need him embarrassing us on national TV again.
Response #27
By: sooz
Date: 3/2/99 10:42:23 AM
We? Us? Ok, I'm guessing Sorc' is a republican. For the record, I'm not.
Yep, Pat Buchanan and Dan Quayle are in the running... they've got all the brain surgeons in there.
On the Manson front, in today's news:
Manson to help teach political science
WICHITA, Kan. - Charles Manson, one of the nation's most infamous mass murderers, will help students at Newman University get an understanding of the U.S. legal system this fall. Robert Beattie, who teaches political science, asked for Manson's help in re-staging the trial in which he was found guilty of the bloody 1969 killings of actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles. Beattie - who cleared his plan with school administrators - said the mock trial will involve students as jurors, with Beattie presenting both prosecution and defense. Beattie also wants to set up a phone link so that Manson can testify in his own defense - something Manson didn't do in his trial three decades ago.
Response #28
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/2/99 12:27:13 PM
Surely you must acknowledge that while cliche as it is, bird of a feather do indeed tend to flcok together.
First off, Georgie Jr thinks his dad was great man, and a great persident (what more proof do you need of his mental instability?)
Secondly, he has already evokated a great deal of liklihood along the lines of his fathers political ideals.
What more do you need? He's satan I tell you people...SATAN!! Damien all grown up!
And Sooz' according to his mother, he is a Jr. She refers to him openly as George Junior.
Response #29
By: Seventh of Seven
Date: 3/2/99 4:29:46 PM
Um, what kinda son is going to say that their living father wasn't a great president, particularly when they're image conscious about upcoming elections? Where would quincy adams be if he said "my father was a prick of a president?" (were they related, btw? I really have no idear.)
for the record, I have no opinion on gwb, since I know absolutely nothing about him.
i do feel sorry for the jurors in manson's mock trial. undoubtedly there will be some bad nightmares and locked windows for the ones who vote 'guilty.'
Response #30
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 3/2/99 9:08:48 PM
Sooz Sez:
================================================
We? Us? Ok, I'm guessing Sorc' is a republican. For the record, I'm not.
================================================
Yup. Not a "Party Line" voter, but I am a registered member. Which just goes to show that you can be a non-christian, socially moderate, open minded, Pro-Choicer and they'll STILL let you in. They won't even look at you funny!
=================================================
Yep, Pat Buchanan and Dan Quayle are in the running... they've got all the brain surgeons in there.
=================================================
I'd pay good money to get these guys to go off and form their own 3rd Party.... *sigh*
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #31
By: sooz
Date: 3/3/99 7:28:16 AM
I think the Libertarians would have a shot if they'd put someone in that wasn't the biggest Fruit Loop in the bowl.
Response #32
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/3/99 7:51:02 AM
Then reasons that Libertarians will never have a viable candidate:
1. They do not take large contributions from corporations. Therefore, they don't have a lot of money for kitchy television ads.
2. Their blow-dryer broke
3. Most libertarians don't smoke cigars, they're too busy lighting the bong.
4. Most Americans think Ross Perot is a Libertarian.
5. It's just too close to the "other" L-word (Liberal)
Response #33
By: Gowan McGland
Date: 3/3/99 9:56:50 PM
Sorc --
I bet they'd be happy to take your money, too!
Response #34
By: sooz
Date: 3/3/99 10:05:16 PM
Ok, so what IS Ross?
Aw, hell, I don't care who wins, as long as I get a steak dinner outta Gowan.
Response #35
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/3/99 11:11:29 PM
I could have done without that visual Sooz!!
ANd I hope that YOU end up owing HIM the steak dinner. :)
I'm pulling for you Gowan!
Response #36
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 3/3/99 11:30:12 PM
==================================================
Sorc --
I bet they'd be happy to take your money, too!
==================================================
Of course they would, but they still wouldn't go away!
Sorc'(Rev)
Response #37
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 3/4/99 12:09:13 AM
I think Charles Manson should be President. He's got the leadership ability, the political know-how, the charm... all the things we want in our politicians (for who knows what reason). Plus he's polygamous (or, at least he *was*), which will help us keep The Sex-Scandal Spectacle alive.
I can see the headlines now: PRESIDENT TO SERVE FROM INSIDE SAN QUENTIN!
I mean, if they're all criminals anyway... Why not elect the BEST criminal?
Cynicism aside... I think Dan Quayle is the perfect Presidential candidate. He's been VP, so he knows where the pencil sharpeners are in the White House. He's handsome and from the midwest. He knows how to read cue cards. He's got a neat-o signature. He knows when to step out of the way so the big kids can play. Perfect.
On one hand, I'm glad Jerry Brown is mayor of Oakland, CA, because bigtime Presidential power is so abstracted from reality that it's difficult to do anything that actually matters. On the other hand, I wish he'd run for Prez, so he could do his agitprop stuff. Oh well.
Response #38
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/4/99 12:21:52 AM
Homer... Isn't it time for your medication?
Response #39
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 3/4/99 11:33:01 PM
Depends on which medication you're talking about.
Response #40
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/4/99 11:58:56 PM
The blue pill
Response #41
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 3/13/99 9:08:13 PM
Oh, you mean the Viagra. Yes, I still take that on occassion.
I thought you meant the peyote.
Response #42
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/15/99 7:46:33 AM
Homer: The only man who takes Viagra when his monthly issue of Hustler comes in. :)
Response #43
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 3/22/99 12:45:36 AM
"Little. Blue. Different."
Response #44
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 3/29/99 11:25:44 AM
or is that STIFF-erent?
Response #45
By: Seventh of Seven
Date: 4/2/99 3:03:53 PM
one day i predict there will be a man named viagara who will go on to become president of the united states.
Response #46
By: Da Sissop
Date: 4/3/99 9:25:23 AM
"I will rise to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and I will be rock solid in my determination to lead this nation into greatness, nay, bliss, again and again and again...."
Response #47
By: Seventh of Seven
Date: 4/5/99 4:19:55 PM
together, we will build a bridge inside my pants.
Response #48
By: The Sorcerer
Date: 4/5/99 9:12:21 PM
Hands Across Urethra.
Response #49
By: Homer The Brave
Date: 4/6/99 5:04:10 PM
Q: what did the balls say to the dick?
A: "There's a vas deference between us."
Response #50
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 4/15/99 7:23:51 AM
"together, we will build a bridge inside my pants."
Somehow, I thought of Ralf when I saw this.
Since he doesn't use his pants for wearing, perhaps bridge work would be a nice sideline for them?
Response #51
By: Ralf
Date: 4/16/99 3:14:11 PM
I tried my pants on the other day. They still fit.
I didn't wear them long.
Response #52
By: sooz
Date: 4/16/99 9:13:16 PM
Ironically, I bought a new pair of jeans today and just tried them on. They don't fit.
Response #53
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 4/17/99 8:18:08 PM
See, yet another reason plastic bags should be abolished!!! They cause pants to shrink. Poor sooz couldn't even get hers home without this happening!
Response #54
By: rorschach
Date: 4/21/99 8:55:41 PM
sooz... stupid question.... you DID try them on in the store right?
Response #55
By: sooz
Date: 4/21/99 9:24:11 PM
Well, uh, no. I *hate* trying on clothes in the store.
Response #56
By: Capt. Spastic
Date: 4/23/99 7:44:29 AM
Well, with all those WEB cams up these days...