Voting Rights

[Typical Lax Dad]

[Typical Lax Dad]

“That’s what I’m telling you — McCrae or whoever’s doing it, they checked them boxes, I didn’t,” said Eason. “I’d take a lie detector test on that.”

[ChairmanOfTheBoard]

todays Trumpian GOP. It's what is making the curiosity about what may arise out of the ashes the party finds itself in after the Disgrace flames out

If Trump manages to win a second term, I do not think the Republican party remains intact.

THAT is the real drama I see playing out.

8 years of Trumpism will create such a schism in the parties that new alliances will form.

We could even see the emergence of a middle of the road party as the moderate republicans who can no longer stand the party of Trump team up with the moderate democrats who can't figure out how in the world the country elected Trump TWICE and decide to jettison their fringe members. It probably takes the shape of a new moderate Democrat Party that makes the extreme leftists feel unwelcome.

That new party most likely ends up being for all intents and purposes the "Establishment Party" and begins to model itself after the EU, and will ultimately be working for the globalist corporations.

What comes out of the ashes to run against this new (frankly quite intimidating) political alignment? It will be one of two things: two ineffectual fringe parties - one that is the Trump party and ends up full of right-wing nut-jobs; the other - full of left-wing nut-jobs that looks a lot like the Green party. The "Trump GOP" will not survive beyond him - it will be too much about him and eventually taken over by more people just as nasty as he is ... even white trash will eventually get tired of that. The far left party will never get traction - they'd be too busy protesting themselves......

Can someone else put themselves forward as the party of the working class that is tired of getting rear-ended by the elites and the 1% and refuses to be defined by race or other identity lines randomly drawn by the parties? I doubt it, but if anyone could it might look a lot like The Bernie Party....

while i naturally agree with this- i just wanted to point out what might be obvious- i think the fringes do serve a purpose- framing discussion, serving as a check, etc. so we do need them to some extent. also i think people are allowed to think what they want to think, whether someone else considers it extreme or not.

if we do end up with a big tent, centrist party, i wonder then if we'll all thank DJ Trump for facilitating. confused4 glass1

while i dont think a solution is easy, or even near, i will add that i think in this internet world, it's more possible than ever to break the establishment stranglehold.

[jhu72]

todays Trumpian GOP. It's what is making the curiosity about what may arise out of the ashes the party finds itself in after the Disgrace flames out

If Trump manages to win a second term, I do not think the Republican party remains intact.

THAT is the real drama I see playing out.

8 years of Trumpism will create such a schism in the parties that new alliances will form.

We could even see the emergence of a middle of the road party as the moderate republicans who can no longer stand the party of Trump team up with the moderate democrats who can't figure out how in the world the country elected Trump TWICE and decide to jettison their fringe members. It probably takes the shape of a new moderate Democrat Party that makes the extreme leftists feel unwelcome.

That new party most likely ends up being for all intents and purposes the "Establishment Party" and begins to model itself after the EU, and will ultimately be working for the globalist corporations.

What comes out of the ashes to run against this new (frankly quite intimidating) political alignment? It will be one of two things: two ineffectual fringe parties - one that is the Trump party and ends up full of right-wing nut-jobs; the other - full of left-wing nut-jobs that looks a lot like the Green party. The "Trump GOP" will not survive beyond him - it will be too much about him and eventually taken over by more people just as nasty as he is ... even white trash will eventually get tired of that. The far left party will never get traction - they'd be too busy protesting themselves......

Can someone else put themselves forward as the party of the working class that is tired of getting rear-ended by the elites and the 1% and refuses to be defined by race or other identity lines randomly drawn by the parties? I doubt it, but if anyone could it might look a lot like The Bernie Party....

I don't see Trump being re-elected under any realistic scenario. We are where you think we will be if he wins a second term. A workers party I don't see as a problem being formed from the democratic left, and the third of Trump supporters who really are looking for a "new deal". All of the excitement in the democratic party is already there. That workers party could easily be the largest of the three parties - harkening back to the democratic party pre-1970. The Trump party ultimately dies. I would bet on going "back to the future". The only questions in my mind are who keeps the names republican and democrat.

[HooDat]

IF Trump wins re-election - I don't know that anyone keeps the name republican unless it is the right wing nut jobs. Frankly, I hope he either doesn't run for re-election (for whatever reason), or someone else gets the nomination for the GOP. I am not holding my breath on either.

Do the folks that would make up the "workers party" start fresh or take over the Green or Libertarian Party? Green seems like a more natural fit for some - but I think you need room for main street small business owners, many of whom see the globalists as a real threat to their way of life and may have a leaning toward the Libertarian party. Neither seems quite right.

Bottom line is the "big tent" party as you describe it, is different than the "New" Democrat Party I was envisioning. I am not picking based on names of either party, but I think the New Dems are made up of Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans that are interested in a meritocratic ruling class ala the model in France and the EU. They "sell" big tent, but what they really mean is that we elites are more than willing to tell everyone else what to do... The middle left and further left SHOULD hate that party - it is the party of "the man" whether male of female.

The counter to that "new Democrat" party should be a party that supports and enables the working class and small business owners. That would include everyone from farm owners to laborers to factory workers to the guy or gal who owns the local diner or barber shop.

I don't understand anyone who thinks that dividing up the country on the basis of urban versus rural is going to work, unless we start farming on high-rise rooftops and innovating in barns at the end of gravel roads..... Urban and rural need each other - yet the politicians have set us against each other, wonder why they would do that?.....

[ChairmanOfTheBoard]

todays Trumpian GOP. It's what is making the curiosity about what may arise out of the ashes the party finds itself in after the Disgrace flames out

If Trump manages to win a second term, I do not think the Republican party remains intact.

THAT is the real drama I see playing out.

8 years of Trumpism will create such a schism in the parties that new alliances will form.

We could even see the emergence of a middle of the road party as the moderate republicans who can no longer stand the party of Trump team up with the moderate democrats who can't figure out how in the world the country elected Trump TWICE and decide to jettison their fringe members. It probably takes the shape of a new moderate Democrat Party that makes the extreme leftists feel unwelcome.

That new party most likely ends up being for all intents and purposes the "Establishment Party" and begins to model itself after the EU, and will ultimately be working for the globalist corporations.

What comes out of the ashes to run against this new (frankly quite intimidating) political alignment? It will be one of two things: two ineffectual fringe parties - one that is the Trump party and ends up full of right-wing nut-jobs; the other - full of left-wing nut-jobs that looks a lot like the Green party. The "Trump GOP" will not survive beyond him - it will be too much about him and eventually taken over by more people just as nasty as he is ... even white trash will eventually get tired of that. The far left party will never get traction - they'd be too busy protesting themselves......

Can someone else put themselves forward as the party of the working class that is tired of getting rear-ended by the elites and the 1% and refuses to be defined by race or other identity lines randomly drawn by the parties? I doubt it, but if anyone could it might look a lot like The Bernie Party....

I don't see Trump being re-elected under any realistic scenario. We are where you think we will be if he wins a second term. A workers party I don't see as a problem being formed from the democratic left, and the third of Trump supporters who really are looking for a "new deal". All of the excitement in the democratic party is already there. That workers party could easily be the largest of the three parties - harkening back to the democratic party pre-1970. The Trump party ultimately dies. I would bet on going "back to the future". The only questions in my mind are who keeps the names republican and democrat.

i agree- i know there's an incumbent advantage- but i think that doesnt apply with him. i think there's some regret and the current state of affairs makes enough people unhappy for him to not carry a few more states (see blue wall). and you can always point to the midterms as the bellwether.

also- i actually think the way the electoral college plays out will benefit the Ds. i dont think he'll lose in a landslide but will lose. the Ds seemingly score 190 without even getting off the bus.

then again- we dont even have a candidate yet (either side? glass10 ) and there's a ton of time. https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2018/ ... dates.html

the dirt likes to find it's way to the top right in that last days in november... glass1

[MDlaxfan76]

IF Trump wins re-election - I don't know that anyone keeps the name republican unless it is the right wing nut jobs. Frankly, I hope he either doesn't run for re-election (for whatever reason), or someone else gets the nomination for the GOP. I am not holding my breath on either.

Do the folks that would make up the "workers party" start fresh or take over the Green or Libertarian Party? Green seems like a more natural fit for some - but I think you need room for main street small business owners, many of whom see the globalists as a real threat to their way of life and may have a leaning toward the Libertarian party. Neither seems quite right.

Bottom line is the "big tent" party as you describe it, is different than the "New" Democrat Party I was envisioning. I am not picking based on names of either party, but I think the New Dems are made up of Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans that are interested in a meritocratic ruling class ala the model in France and the EU. They "sell" big tent, but what they really mean is that we elites are more than willing to tell everyone else what to do... The middle left and further left SHOULD hate that party - it is the party of "the man" whether male of female.

The counter to that "new Democrat" party should be a party that supports and enables the working class and small business owners. That would include everyone from farm owners to laborers to factory workers to the guy or gal who owns the local diner or barber shop.

I don't understand anyone who thinks that dividing up the country on the basis of urban versus rural is going to work, unless we start farming on high-rise rooftops and innovating in barns at the end of gravel roads..... Urban and rural need each other - yet the politicians have set us against each other, wonder why they would do that?.....

I think it's more likely that any viable 3rd party would be the one with the new name, assuming 1 of the 3 is "Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans".

But our system really does not naturally align to 3. The gravity will bring it back to 2.

[HooDat]

I think it's more likely that any viable 3rd party would be the one with the new name, assuming 1 of the 3 is "Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans".

But our system really does not naturally align to 3. The gravity will bring it back to 2.

I wish it could do three, but I think you are right - that is just too much to keep track of....

As I said, I think the Dems start coalescing around elitist candidates, led by the likes of Biden, Schumer, Obama, Romney, Bush, Kasich

I could then envision some meeting-of-the-minds/merger of the Green and Libertarian parties: whereby they unite behind the idea of workers and middle class ennui and in the interest of fighting corporatism.

In this fantasy world the left-wing nut-jobs and right-wing a-holes end up without a party.

[foreverlax]

+1!

As much as most of us would love to have a 3rd alternative to Rs and Ds, the money doesn't seem to be there.

I have never given a penny to any politician nor have I lifted a finger to support a candidate I support...not even a sign.

1. In my industry we have to say who and how much....that in itself is a huge detractor, for a lot of reasons.

2. My free time is spent coaching kids.

I have gotten on board with the No Labels agenda, so far, and respect a number of the named players.

We need a uniter....not a label tosser or one who thinks compromise is a bad approach. We really need a leader who is more focused on how many people he can help vs how many people will be at his funeral. Fact is, we are being led by those who value money and more so, power.

I know what I am looking for in my next candidate for POTUS....won't be hard to know if that candidate has it, especially compared to Trump. The promises and platitudes don't matter - the court has been decided for decades.

The person who can sell common sense to the middle 60% should lock it up.....I am not optimistic, yet.

[Trinity]

Sherrod Brown. Common sense, pro labor Democrat. No hidden porn stars...so far.

[holmes435]

+1!

As much as most of us would love to have a 3rd alternative to Rs and Ds, the money doesn't seem to be there.

It's not just the money. If the money was there, a third party would simply take the place of the D's or the R's with our current voting system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duverger%27s_law

We need changes to voting laws if we want viable third parties, like they've done in Maine and a few other places. The movement is growing, and worthy of support - https://www.fairvote.org/

It's not a panacea, but it's definitely an important part among other reforms that need to happen.

[ChairmanOfTheBoard]

+1!

As much as most of us would love to have a 3rd alternative to Rs and Ds, the money doesn't seem to be there.

I have never given a penny to any politician nor have I lifted a finger to support a candidate I support...not even a sign.

1. In my industry we have to say who and how much....that in itself is a huge detractor, for a lot of reasons.

2. My free time is spent coaching kids.

I have gotten on board with the No Labels agenda, so far, and respect a number of the named players.

We need a uniter....not a label tosser or one who thinks compromise is a bad approach. We really need a leader who is more focused on how many people he can help vs how many people will be at his funeral. Fact is, we are being led by those who value money and more so, power.

I know what I am looking for in my next candidate for POTUS....won't be hard to know if that candidate has it, especially compared to Trump. The promises and platitudes don't matter - the court has been decided for decades.

The person who can sell common sense to the middle 60% should lock it up.....I am not optimistic, yet.

heres another https://joinsam.org/our-party/what-is-sam

(they spelled independent wrong, so i question the entire platform) salut1

[foreverlax]

New for MD

Although it’s not time yet for you to renew, documents will be needed for your next Maryland Driver's License or ID card renewal. If you would like to present documents early and obtain the Secure Maryland Driver’s License or ID card, please CLICK HERE to begin gathering your documents and to schedule an appointment at a MDOT MVA branch office. To obtain a duplicate or corrected Maryland Driver's License or ID card you will need to present documents. A $20 fee will apply.

US citizens, immigrants and non-immigrants with valid USCIS documentation able to prove lawful status in the US, select from the list below for a REAL ID Compliant product.

Immigrants who do not have valid USCIS documentation, select from the list below to obtain Non REAL ID Compliant product.
U.S. Birth Certificate - original or certified copy (Documents issued by a hospital, notification of birth registration, birth registration cards, and foreign birth certificates not accepted)
U.S. Passport - valid, unexpired (Minors require additional documents to prove parental relationship)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) - original or certified copy
Permanent Resident Card- valid, unexpired
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) - unexpired
Unexpired Foreign Passport WITH current valid USCIS Documentation
US or MD Birth Certificate for adopted individuals with Adoption Records/Certificate/Decree (Customers born abroad adopted by US citizens.)
Customers Age 65 and Older

[old salt]

New for MD

Although it’s not time yet for you to renew, documents will be needed for your next Maryland Driver's License or ID card renewal. If you would like to present documents early and obtain the Secure Maryland Driver’s License or ID card, please CLICK HERE to begin gathering your documents and to schedule an appointment at a MDOT MVA branch office. To obtain a duplicate or corrected Maryland Driver's License or ID card you will need to present documents. A $20 fee will apply.

US citizens, immigrants and non-immigrants with valid USCIS documentation able to prove lawful status in the US, select from the list below for a REAL ID Compliant product.

Immigrants who do not have valid USCIS documentation, select from the list below to obtain Non REAL ID Compliant product.
U.S. Birth Certificate - original or certified copy (Documents issued by a hospital, notification of birth registration, birth registration cards, and foreign birth certificates not accepted)
U.S. Passport - valid, unexpired (Minors require additional documents to prove parental relationship)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) - original or certified copy
Permanent Resident Card- valid, unexpired
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) - unexpired
Unexpired Foreign Passport WITH current valid USCIS Documentation
US or MD Birth Certificate for adopted individuals with Adoption Records/Certificate/Decree (Customers born abroad adopted by US citizens.)
Customers Age 65 and Older

Check the date of issue on your MD drivers license. If it's been renewed since July 2016, you have the Secure ID

[foreverlax]

NUTS...missed it by a month!!

[seacoaster]

Uh oh:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics ... 8327397abb

"North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris (R) directed the hiring of a campaign aide now at the center of an election-fraud investigation, according to three individuals familiar with the campaign, despite warnings that the operative may have used questionable tactics to deliver votes.

Harris sought out the operative, Leslie McCrae Dowless, after losing a 2016 election in which Dowless had helped one of Harris’s opponents win an overwhelming share of the mail-in vote in a key county.

State and local investigators say that whether Harris knew that his campaign may have engaged in improper tactics has become a focus of the expanding probes into whether election irregularities affected the 9th District election, in which Harris leads Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes.

That question is also roiling the state Republican Party, whose leaders had rallied around Harris, a 52-year-old evangelical pastor from the suburbs of Charlotte."

[Typical Lax Dad]

Uh oh:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics ... 8327397abb

"North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris (R) directed the hiring of a campaign aide now at the center of an election-fraud investigation, according to three individuals familiar with the campaign, despite warnings that the operative may have used questionable tactics to deliver votes.

Harris sought out the operative, Leslie McCrae Dowless, after losing a 2016 election in which Dowless had helped one of Harris’s opponents win an overwhelming share of the mail-in vote in a key county.

State and local investigators say that whether Harris knew that his campaign may have engaged in improper tactics has become a focus of the expanding probes into whether election irregularities affected the 9th District election, in which Harris leads Democrat Dan McCready by 905 votes.

That question is also roiling the state Republican Party, whose leaders had rallied around Harris, a 52-year-old evangelical pastor from the suburbs of Charlotte."

What a party the GOP has become. Deplorable.

[youthathletics]

They learned from the best.

[Typical Lax Dad]

They learned from the best.

Absolutely!!

[cradleandshoot]

IF Trump wins re-election - I don't know that anyone keeps the name republican unless it is the right wing nut jobs. Frankly, I hope he either doesn't run for re-election (for whatever reason), or someone else gets the nomination for the GOP. I am not holding my breath on either.

Do the folks that would make up the "workers party" start fresh or take over the Green or Libertarian Party? Green seems like a more natural fit for some - but I think you need room for main street small business owners, many of whom see the globalists as a real threat to their way of life and may have a leaning toward the Libertarian party. Neither seems quite right.

Bottom line is the "big tent" party as you describe it, is different than the "New" Democrat Party I was envisioning. I am not picking based on names of either party, but I think the New Dems are made up of Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans that are interested in a meritocratic ruling class ala the model in France and the EU. They "sell" big tent, but what they really mean is that we elites are more than willing to tell everyone else what to do... The middle left and further left SHOULD hate that party - it is the party of "the man" whether male of female.

The counter to that "new Democrat" party should be a party that supports and enables the working class and small business owners. That would include everyone from farm owners to laborers to factory workers to the guy or gal who owns the local diner or barber shop.

I don't understand anyone who thinks that dividing up the country on the basis of urban versus rural is going to work, unless we start farming on high-rise rooftops and innovating in barns at the end of gravel roads..... Urban and rural need each other - yet the politicians have set us against each other, wonder why they would do that?.....

I think it's more likely that any viable 3rd party would be the one with the new name, assuming 1 of the 3 is "Clintonesque democrats and Romney/Bush republicans".

But our system really does not naturally align to 3. The gravity will bring it back to 2.

I agree with you 100%. I will vote for the best 3rd party candidate out there. The other 2 parties just can't cut the mustard anymore with me. Who knows, maybe more and more Americans will start to feel the same way?? If most of America is willing to settle for the status quo... then we get what we deserve. It does not matter if the next POTUS is Democrat or Republican... 50% of America will not like that person or agree with him/her on very much. There is a very legit point of view that would say that is how America should be run. It is less about consensus than it is about whatever ideology rules the day.