Mike Smigiel's thoughts on Hogan

[lemmdus]

Face it, any change to the 2A that is positive to us that have to live in the gulag of the Democratic Peoples Republic of MD is going to come from the courts. The 9th just the other day said that open carry is allowed under the Constitution. That may eventually trickle over to us.

Hogan was never a conservative. He is a liberal that has come over to the Republican party because the Democrat party is turning into socialist, communists, and fascist. Like Bernie, the big teeth Latina woman in NYC, and Ben Jealous.

 

[44man]

I haven't once asked for your silence, let alone bullied you about it. I have, though, pointed out what is either a case of fundamentally flawed premises behind your plan ... or what can only be non-serious position. Liberals who reject Hogan for being too conservative will not vote for someone far more conservative. You can wish it, but it's not a serious outlook. Human nature, and abundant history - both recent and long-term, in this state, across this country, and around the world - show that wounded leftists don't soothe themselves and solve their problems by embracing right wing politicians. You have to know this, which is why I can't reconcile that reality with your plan, and assume that on this topic, you're not really serious.



No, I just think you're not being sincere on this particular topic, because you're steadfastly refusing to expand your take on it to include everything else that a lurch towards socialist state governance would mean to those of us who have to live and pay taxes and run businesses here. You're laser-focused on 2A, and missing the huge damage your preferred outcome represents. It can't be because you're not able to see the bigger picture - you're way too sharp for that. So I can't fathom why you're keeping it out of your discussion, other than deliberately.



As mentioned before: do you really consider the Supreme Court to be "big government?" Honestly? Turning to the court to STOP the impact of big-government-minded leftists is the OPPOSITE of embracing "big government." For the first time in a long time we have the prospect of a correctly balanced separation of powers kicking in exactly as it's supposed to in defense of the constitution. Expecting that to make the key difference in a state where those who try to Nanny State us to death isn't "waiting for big government," it's seeing the fruit of having just voted for a moderate, centrist administration (sound familiar?) who - shocking! - is now righting the judiciary ship with textualist jurists in a position to actually deal with this stuff correctly.



Repeatedly pointing out where you've got your perception of the state's demographics and inevitable response to a right-wing slate of GOP candidates wrong isn't me trying to "shut down" your voice. I'm trying to open your eyes so you can step back and realize that your carefully cultivated plan for Maryland isn't going to work. Despite lots of people here pointing that out to you, you're sticking to it. Fine! But the level of frustration in response ratchets up (even to the point of wondering if you're now just messing with us) because we who live here will have to live with the consequences of a socialist administration. Not you, us.



I know you can't get past the notion that nullifying votes for Hogan increase the odds of the socialist winning. Your position on that is based on past elections that took place under different circumstances. We (as a nation and certainly as Marylanders) have never been in these circumstances before. The consequences of this race tilting towards socialist governance are so dire that, yes, I'm willing to uncomfortably burn some forum karma to convey what I perceive to be the urgency you're dismissing. I'm not "fixated" on your out of state status, but I'm taking it into account when you dismiss other voices here as being uninformed.



I couldn't possibly be more honest about this: on this topic (specifically, the risks of steering any votes in a direction that boosts the socialist's odds of winning), you honestly think there's no risk, and I honestly think there is. The fact that you contemplate the benefits of Jealous winning (for our own long-term good, essentially - as it would somehow transform the state's majority liberal electorate into conservatives) suggests that you're not really ruling out the fact it could happen. It's can't happen. It would be a disaster. I don't want to take that chance, and you're willing to risk that happening to those of us who live here. That's what separates us on this topic, and I couldn't be more clear or honest about that.



Here's the civilized answer (again): we who live here cannot turn Maryland around by voting while the 2A issues are still on the table. The more we make elections about 2A, the more we lose. Period.

By using the courts to remove that topic from the debate over which candidate is best (something which we may finally be able to achieve), we can engage with the lefties on kitchen-table type stuff that may - incrementally, generationally - slowly turn the Titanic away from the lefty iceberg. That's my plan, and has been since first entering this conversation. You consider it to be dishonest on my part, so, sure, I've pushed back.

So what I get out of this lecture is fvck the 2a , vote for a known grabber , hope scotus helps sometime and either way negotiate with the leftists?

Is that what your plan is??

This is a 2a forum so most here know negotiations with leftists are futile because they only want all out guns and will not stop until they have them all

If I hadn’t told the good dr I would vote hogan this argument would cost hogan All my friends, family and employees voted

Fvck the leftists, I wish a plague on them and their families for what they’ve done to md

 

[Occam]

So what I get out of this lecture is fvck the 2a , vote for a known grabber , hope scotus helps sometime and either way negotiate with the leftists?

Is that what your plan is??

I realize that's a rhetorical question, because you know I haven't actually said those things, or anything like them. "Fvck the 2a?" Here in Maryland, IT ALREADY IS FVCKED. And it got that way because of a huge state-wide majority of liberal voters that will never change their opinions on that topic just because the GOP nominates people they will hate even more for having a harder stand on a topic they've already won. There will be no relief from a fantasy role-reversal on the part of the majority of the voters. There is no negotiating with them (who said that? not me). But there is handing them a court ruling or three that simply takes the entire issue off the table of Maryland politics.

Your concern is that such rulings are at best a "some day" solution, while you're suggesting that some day in the future all of those liberals will start voting conservative if we only would nominate much more conservative and 2A-centric candidates. My "some day" proposal is based on actual, real-life changes in the courts at the circuit and SCOTUS levels. Actual changes that we can observe, right now, with promising prospects as it relates to the 2A in Maryland and across the land. My "some day" is near-term, compared to any solution that operates around the notion of letting the entire state economy crash and burn on the altar of the already-lost-in-MD 2A in the hopes that most of the people in the state will then wake up and completely change their minds about guns, from want-to-ban-them-all to the opposite position. Which of us is pitching the unreasonable expectations?

I'm banking on more rulings just like yesterday's in the 9th Circuit. You're banking on liberals sitting in the ashes of a wrecked state changing their life-long opinions about guns.

 

[KevinK]

 

[Occam]

Actually, if she showed up in between posts we'd probably lose track of the debate. That's the Hollywood solution! Never let boobs stop a healthy policy debate. Well, maybe just a short pause.

 

[Inspector1489]

Fourteen pages, 262 posts and counting - and not a single changed mind. I do, however, appreciate the debate and the valid arguments from both perspectives.

I believe we can all agree that many politicians don't really give a hoot about us or what we want. But they have to at least "pretend" to have our backs in order to what? WIN THE ELECTION!

In every election - national, state and local - since casting my first vote in 1972, I've had to hold my nose and pull the lever for the person I believe will best represent me while they hold office.

Have I always been pleased with my selection? Of course not. But that's the way our system works. Kinda like the Stones: "can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need".

This election will be no different for me. My contempt for BJ and what the leftist/socialists stand for leave me no option but LH.

 

[44man]

I realize that's a rhetorical question, because you know I haven't actually said those things, or anything like them. "Fvck the 2a?" Here in Maryland, IT ALREADY IS FVCKED. And it got that way because of a huge state-wide majority of liberal voters that will never change their opinions on that topic just because the GOP nominates people they will hate even more for having a harder stand on a topic they've already won. There will be no relief from a fantasy role-reversal on the part of the majority of the voters. There is no negotiating with them (who said that? not me). But there is handing them a court ruling or three that simply takes the entire issue off the table of Maryland politics.

Your concern is that such rulings are at best a "some day" solution, while you're suggesting that some day in the future all of those liberals will start voting conservative if we only would nominate much more conservative and 2A-centric candidates. My "some day" proposal is based on actual, real-life changes in the courts at the circuit and SCOTUS levels. Actual changes that we can observe, right now, with promising prospects as it relates to the 2A in Maryland and across the land. My "some day" is near-term, compared to any solution that operates around the notion of letting the entire state economy crash and burn on the altar of the already-lost-in-MD 2A in the hopes that most of the people in the state will then wake up and completely change their minds about guns, from want-to-ban-them-all to the opposite position. Which of us is pitching the unreasonable expectations?

I'm banking on more rulings just like yesterday's in the 9th Circuit. You're banking on liberals sitting in the ashes of a wrecked state changing their life-long opinions about guns.

I am in no way banking on the insane liberals changing their minds about anything ever. They are mentally ill and that will not change

I am also of the mind that re-electing hogan will do nothing but take more of what’s left of our 2a rights away from us in md.

Something terrible or something wonderful has to happen

Either scotus finally decides we have the right to carry outside of our homes or md crashes and burns. One of the two will bring change. Re-electing hogan or electing bj both bring the the second just at different times

And even if scotus rules in our favor there’s still no negotiating with leftists, they will still want everything free for those who won’t work paid for by those that do which will damn sure raise taxes anyway

The leftists want everywhere to be Baltimore city and won’t be satisfied until it is

 

[DanClements]

I'm thinking of unsubscribing, because every time I read what's been wrote it raises my blood pressure. All the short sighted ideological purists are nearly as bad as the looney left. All politics is a compromise, unless you have a dictatorship. If you can't bend your principles now and then, settle for half a loaf, why do you live in Maryland? Because by and large, a half a loaf is the best you're ever going to get in this state. Instead you whine like a bunch of spoiled brats, because things aren't conservative enough for you. Personally I'm very conservative, but I've been in business too, and know how to be grateful for the best deal you are going to get. If we wind up with Jealous as Governor because of your principles, I'll walk away. Simply because you people are stupid enough to draw back, take careful aim, and shoot yourself in the foot over your principles. If Jealous wins you can forget about the state becoming more conservative. Hogan is our only chance to get fairer districts in 2020! If Jealous wins stick a fork in it, cause it's done for another ten years. Think about it, admittedly a slim chance VS no chance!

 

[East2West]

I realize that's a rhetorical question, because you know I haven't actually said those things, or anything like them. "Fvck the 2a?" Here in Maryland, IT ALREADY IS FVCKED. And it got that way because of a huge state-wide majority of liberal voters that will never change their opinions on that topic just because the GOP nominates people they will hate even more for having a harder stand on a topic they've already won. There will be no relief from a fantasy role-reversal on the part of the majority of the voters. There is no negotiating with them (who said that? not me). But there is handing them a court ruling or three that simply takes the entire issue off the table of Maryland politics.

Your concern is that such rulings are at best a "some day" solution, while you're suggesting that some day in the future all of those liberals will start voting conservative if we only would nominate much more conservative and 2A-centric candidates. My "some day" proposal is based on actual, real-life changes in the courts at the circuit and SCOTUS levels. Actual changes that we can observe, right now, with promising prospects as it relates to the 2A in Maryland and across the land. My "some day" is near-term, compared to any solution that operates around the notion of letting the entire state economy crash and burn on the altar of the already-lost-in-MD 2A in the hopes that most of the people in the state will then wake up and completely change their minds about guns, from want-to-ban-them-all to the opposite position. Which of us is pitching the unreasonable expectations?

I'm banking on more rulings just like yesterday's in the 9th Circuit. You're banking on liberals sitting in the ashes of a wrecked state changing their life-long opinions about guns.

This post may have swayed me. Its looking more and more likely that the next 20 years of the SCOTUS will be good for gun owners. Maryland is a lost cause the ship will never be righted without a purge. Jealous sinks the boat faster. The more jealous taxes me the next 4 years, the harder it is to save money and leave the sinking ship.

But to those folks who think there is any way a Hogan reelection leads to a better climate for the 2A, youre either fooling yourself or lying intentionally.

Does my voting for Hogan does allow me to come back here and remind you all when he raises taxes and signs more anti-gun bills?

 

[teratos]

This post may have swayed me. Its looking more and more likely that the next 20 years of the SCOTUS will be good for gun owners. Maryland is a lost cause the ship will never be righted without a purge. Jealous sinks the boat faster. The more jealous taxes me the next 4 years, the harder it is to save money and leave the sinking ship.

But to those folks who think there is any way a Hogan reelection leads to a better climate for the 2A, youre either fooling yourself or lying intentionally.

Does my voting for Hogan does allow me to come back here and remind you all when he raises taxes and signs more anti-gun bills?

I don't know that there are many people under the illusion Hogan is going to be awesome.....

 

[Occam]

I don't know that there are many people under the illusion Hogan is going to be awesome.....

I don't know of ANY. This is about maintaining one last fingernail with which to hang onto the wet rocks before we fall all the way off the cliff, so the courts can get here and throw us a rope. The 2A is smoldering while Hogan's in office, but Jealous will throw gas and a match on it. I can live with smoldering while the Judiciary Fire Department gets a move on.

Also, First Amendment be damned: the courts should ban unbearably mixed metaphors. I mean, really, who writes this stuff? Oops, me.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

This post may have swayed me. Its looking more and more likely that the next 20 years of the SCOTUS will be good for gun owners. Maryland is a lost cause the ship will never be righted without a purge. Jealous sinks the boat faster. The more jealous taxes me the next 4 years, the harder it is to save money and leave the sinking ship.

But to those folks who think there is any way a Hogan reelection leads to a better climate for the 2A, youre either fooling yourself or lying intentionally.

Does my voting for Hogan does allow me to come back here and remind you all when he raises taxes and signs more anti-gun bills?

The one great thing about this country is that we can speak out regarding those who win political office.

As Americans, we should praise politicians when they do well. And tear them to shreds when warranted.

That's our duty. As voters.

 

[Raineman]

Well, I am still waiting for the $7.50 refund Larry promised on my EZ Pass transponder I bought this year. Don't know when that windfall is going to come in, but if he wants my vote he better damn sight make sure I get that.

 

[44man]

Well, I am still waiting for the $7.50 refund Larry promised on my EZ Pass transponder I bought this year. Don't know when that windfall is going to come in, but if he wants my vote he better damn sight make sure I get that.

Me too!! And I got mine the day before he announced it!!

 

[NatBoh]

I'm thinking of unsubscribing, because every time I read what's been wrote it raises my blood pressure. All the short sighted ideological purists are nearly as bad as the looney left. All politics is a compromise, unless you have a dictatorship. If you can't bend your principles now and then, settle for half a loaf, why do you live in Maryland? Because by and large, a half a loaf is the best you're ever going to get in this state. Instead you whine like a bunch of spoiled brats, because things aren't conservative enough for you. Personally I'm very conservative, but I've been in business too, and know how to be grateful for the best deal you are going to get. If we wind up with Jealous as Governor because of your principles, I'll walk away. Simply because you people are stupid enough to draw back, take careful aim, and shoot yourself in the foot over your principles. If Jealous wins you can forget about the state becoming more conservative. Hogan is our only chance to get fairer districts in 2020! If Jealous wins stick a fork in it, cause it's done for another ten years. Think about it, admittedly a slim chance VS no chance!

Please do so if you’re going to make ad hominem attacks and name call those you disagree with.

 

[Afrikeber]

Maryland's rulers are not about to give their black supporters any more representation. They are, and always have been, out and out racists. That's why we have no G&S; it's unwise to arm those you wish to keep in subjugation.

So when redistricting rolls around again, it'll be another case of "Honest, Charlie Brown, I won't pull the ball away this time!" And they know it won't have a negative election impact, because "D" is the key. We just votes for the D, and we gets stuff for free.

I was totally with you until that last sentence.

 

[Afrikeber]

It boils down to which is the lesser of two evils. I prefer the one we have now over the admitted socialist regardless of what he happens to look like. I marked my calendar as 2020 for retirement and departure to a friendlier 2A community. Goal is also warmer temperatures and enjoying the final phase in life so I pray for those I leave behind and wish the best.

 

[eagledriver]

MD/Gov, thoughts thereupon

Sometimes I must hold my nose and decide for the one that will do less harm to my "state" and estate, meager though they are. In the meantime, I look forward to the newest addition to the U.S. Supreme Court. It will happen and may be the best event possible toward a better Maryland for those of us that still have respect for our Constitution and those who wrote and defended it. ♪

 

[babalou]

ah, nope

It boils down to which is the lesser of two evils. I prefer the one we have now over the admitted socialist regardless of what he happens to look like. I marked my calendar as 2020 for retirement and departure to a friendlier 2A community. Goal is also warmer temperatures and enjoying the final phase in life so I pray for those I leave behind and wish the best.

you know this is the Hotel California. You can check out but never leave

 

[Ranchero50]

I'm thinking of unsubscribing, because every time I read what's been wrote it raises my blood pressure. All the short sighted ideological purists are nearly as bad as the looney left. All politics is a compromise, unless you have a dictatorship. If you can't bend your principles now and then, settle for half a loaf, why do you live in Maryland? Because by and large, a half a loaf is the best you're ever going to get in this state. Instead you whine like a bunch of spoiled brats, because things aren't conservative enough for you. Personally I'm very conservative, but I've been in business too, and know how to be grateful for the best deal you are going to get. If we wind up with Jealous as Governor because of your principles, I'll walk away. Simply because you people are stupid enough to draw back, take careful aim, and shoot yourself in the foot over your principles. If Jealous wins you can forget about the state becoming more conservative. Hogan is our only chance to get fairer districts in 2020! If Jealous wins stick a fork in it, cause it's done for another ten years. Think about it, admittedly a slim chance VS no chance!

Best post of the thread. Please stay since we need more voices of reason.