BadFiction - a look at bad movies and worse politics

It's that Time of the Year....

Yes, it's National Pancake Day!

So go eat pancakes (and support Children's Miracle Network while you're there.

Oh, and don't forget to wish a Happy National Pancake Day to Dr. Orly Taitz! It's the right thing to do.

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 3-4 January 2012

In today's dispatches, "Politics Today" recycles parody. Two year in reviews from funny people. Lawrence Sellin tries to tell elected officials "ignore the facts and the law, just keep that scary black man off the ballot or else!!"

There's birtherism, and then there's REALLY crazy conspiracy theories. Some decisions in the upcoming Georgia Birther Ballot Jihad, including one that has become the latest Great White Hope to the birtherstani.

Birther elected officials in New Hampshire throw a mini-fit, and the result in the reality-based community is "meh". Dr. Orly shows her lack of legal understanding again. Swiftboat liar Jerome Corsi wants people to stop talking smack about his hunky sheriff - or at least keep their nose out of his abuses in office.

A motion to dismiss is filed in the Alabama Birther Ballot Jihad. And Lame Cherry seems to be either completely off the meds, or throwing in the towel. Or both.

Over the last four days I've had a few more people donate to my tip jar.

Quite honestly I'm humbled to know my writing is valued like that.

I was reluctant to put the tip jar up or comment on it, since the last thing I wanted to do was follow the birthers lead in constantly hitting up their followers for donations. It is not my intention to ever hit up my readers for money or do fundraising drives. If you want to, throw some money in. If you don't want to, enjoy the blog anyway.

Thanks to those who did donate though. As I said, it's a humbling experience.

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 13-15 August 2011

In today's dispatches, Kevin Willmott has some fun with the sarcasm-lacking birtherstani. Zampolit Haskins continues to insult Colin Powell, while taking some time away from spamming debunkers to come up with Yet Another Idea That Will Fail.

Dr. Kate shows her lack of knowledge about history, while Tim Adams comes up with a Masters Thesis that may win a prize in the "fiction" category.

The big news in birtherstan is that of USAF SSgt Daryl Moran (Yes, that's his real name), currently stationed in Germany. Seems in March he had some sort of breakdown when he found out some of the people he worked with were Muslim. Ended up failing a psych evaluation board and was being processed for a discharge. Meanwhile, his downward spiral continued to the point he has now gone full metal birther and went AWOL from his duty station until they "arrest him or Obama".

Bets which one they chose?

Dispatches from Birtherstan - for 18-21 June 2011

In today's dispatches, "Rudy", aka "LoneStar1776" shows the world the definition of "bigot". Joseph Farah seems to think this week will be AOK for the birtherstani. Devvy Kidd is still having problems that there's a scary black man in the oval office.

Two updates in the birtherstani civil war, while RacerJim makes a comment at Dr. Orly's that may have been too foul even for the nitrous queen.

Dean Haskins doesn't like being told "no, you're full of it, go away" by elected officials. World Nut Daily notices the birther bills didn't do has well as they were expecting, and warns people that there's a chance other dusky-hued US citizens might want to be President someday. Dr. Orly still wants her default judgement. James Manning interviews the birthers favourite Blue Falcon. The Pest and eFail asks why the CIA hasn't done something about Obama. We have some birther humor, and Dr. Kate whines again.

14 June - Just in case you wanted to know what a class act Rudy "LoneStar1776" was, he posts a video of him urinating on a burning copy of an English translation of the Qu'ran. Not to mention a copy of Obama's long form.

Charming individual.

Oh, and he's flying his US flag backwards to boot.

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 25 March 2011

A quick dispatches today (since I DO have a life and career outside of what the birtherstani are up to now, *laugh*)

Dr. Orly files an amended complaint with information that may be....well, illegal. And it looks like she got them from Greg Hollister of Hollister v 'Soetoro' infamy. Dr. Kate is getting more bitter and racist as the days continue. We have a parody that I KNOW some birther is going to believe anyway.

Theresa Cao has a spokesperson with ties to convicted forger and felon Lucas Smith. Michelle Bachmann starts out her presidential bid with some birtherstanis. and "One Pissed Off Vietnam Vet" needs to go back to debate school.

24 March - Dr. Orly submits a "First Amended Complaint" in her FOIA suit against the SSA. (malware and redirect warning)

"FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT SUBMITTED TODAY IN DC. NEWLY UNCOVERED DOCUMENTS SHOW THAT OBAMA WAS DEFRAUDING THE NATION RE HIS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY RECORDS, HE WAS THERE ONLY 9 MONTHS, MORE EVIDENCE OF SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD BY OBAMA
Posted on | March 24, 2011"

Seems like more of the usual database dreck she babbles about, in addition to the use of another database system, National Student Clearinghouse. However, there's two pieces of "evidence" she submits thats......interesting

The first is a Selective Service confirmation letter to "Barack Hussein Obama", with a redacted address.

The second is a screen shot from the SSN verification system (SSNVS)

The SSNVS one is interesting, since it seems to violate the restrictions on using that system. You have to create a business account to use it, and this is the agreement you have to agree to to in order to use it.

"I understand that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will validate the information I provide against the information in SSA's files. I certify that: * I understand that I may be subject to penalties if I submit fraudulent information. * I understand that SSA may prevent me from using these services if SSA determines or suspects there has been misuse of the services. * I am aware that any person who knowingly and willingly makes any representation to falsely obtain information from Social Security records and/or intends to deceive the Social Security Administration as to the true identity of an individual could be punished by a fine or imprisonment, or both. * I am authorized to do business under this User ID. By checking the box below you certify that you have read, understand and agree to the user certification of Business Services Online. "

So either Dr. Orly OR whoever got this for her has violated said agreement.

However, the first one is even more interesting, because it looks to be a letter that is supposed to be sent to the person who registered. Which makes me wonder how Dr. Orly got it. Particularly since misuse of that system is a federal offense....

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 12-14 March 2011

It's been an interesting weekend in birtherstan. Artificial Ginger Devvy Kidd plans to take her vote and go home unless the GOP gives in to the birtherstani. Professional seditionist Sharon Rondeau notes it's been two years since Walter Fitzpatrick was first ignored. Dr Kate explains why the birther bills are failing (hint - it's a conspiracy).

Darren Huff is told "no" by the courts. Fun is made of the birthers. The birthers are upset that even Michelle Bachmann won't play their reindeer games. Georgia State Rep. Hatfield is called out on his flip-flopping, though it seems he may be more of a hard core birther than he claims.

The Pest and eFail calls for the "Retaking of America", including citation of statements from Confederate breakaway states. Sharon Rondeau spends an entire page saying nothing about Mike Huckabee. Dr. Orly demands that the Georgia Speaker of the House do her bidding right this very second.

Birther report continues the fine birtherstani tradition of "state officials = unreliable. convicted felons and forgers with a history of running scams = reliable". Neil Turner seems to be following the orders of the secret cRAP masters. Two other Georgia State Rep have birtherstani ties. President Obama has fun with birthers, courtesy of the United States Marine Corps. (I'm waiting for Bob Pinkstaff's head to explode with rage).

Theresa Cao seems to have problems following the advice of people who are trying to help her. And Charles Kerchner has his own mad-on about how DARE the Georgia State Assembly not immediately do what he commands.

26 February - Haven't seen much of bottle redhead and conspiracy nutjob Devvy Kidd of late.

"The Democrats are playing a false game because Obama/Soetoro is not going to get ballot qualified in a large number of states either via legislation or lawsuits."

Wouldn't that mean actually getting birther bills passed? So far their track record is about the same as the birther's record in the court system. Not to mention that whole "unconstitutional" thing.

"There is yet another Obama/Soetoro citizenship case coming up for conference by the U.S. Supreme Court."

Ah yes. The Hollister v 'Soetoro' reconsideration. Which was, of course, a "no"

"Ron Paul recently voted to condone bowel movement sex for our military; allowing sexual deviants to openly serve. This is one of the most destructive votes ever affecting our military; second to Bill Clinton's success in getting 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' shoved down our throats. I always give credit where credit is due, but I will not excuse any incumbent for cowardice when it comes to making tough decisions or votes promoting filthy, dirty and immoral behavior in our military."

Someone's got a whole lot of issues here.

"I will not vote for any incumbent in Congress who was there on January 9, 2009. That is the day that will go down as one of the greatest acts of cowardice by the U.S. Congress in history.

On that day, despite the massive public outcry over Obama/Soetoro's ineligibility to run as president, not a single male or female in that entire body had the guts to stand up and stop the electoral college vote count. "

By "massive public outcry" she means "a batch of letters and demands from a flock of crazed conspiracy cranks"

"SHAME on Michelle Bachmann, Saint Sarah Palin, Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck for their dismissal of Americans who demand adherence to the U.S. Constitution regarding presidential qualification. That also includes Rep. Jeff Flake and Rep. John Boehner. Boehner passes off his cowardice with wimpy responses like, "I'll take the president at his word." That doesn't cut it, Johnny."

Scary when even that crowd isn't crazy enough for the birtherstani.

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 28-31 December 2010

And 2010 draws to a close, with the Birtherstani's over two year long temper tantrum showing no signs of ending anytime soon. We've seen cases filed and dismissed. Calls for coups, treason, and rebellion. Paranoid and wingbat conspiracies. Lies, damn lies, and complete bulldada. Rallies and fake trials that draw under 100 people. And in a first, people jailed due to acting upon the birther mythos.

And in all of that, Obama is still President, and is likely to continue as such at least until his first term is completed. And barring changes in the economy or a credible challenger, is likely to win a second term.

According to Gallup, at 703 days into their first terms, approval ratings for the last twelve Presidents were:

Obama - 47%
GW Bush - 63%
Clinton - 40%
GHW Bush - 58%
Reagan - 37%
Carter - 50%
Ford - n/a
Nixon - 56%
Johnson - 65%
Kennedy - 74%
Eisenhower - 70%
Truman - 60%

So as you see, Obama's ratings aren't much different from Reagan or Clinton's. And while Carter and GHW Bush both had higher ratings, neither went on to a second term. GW Bush was still on the crest of the post 9-11 wave at that point in his Presidency as well.

But facts and logic have never been the birther stock in trade. To their point of view, the complaint is why hasn't Obama been frog-marched out of the White House in chains, to await prison or execution???

So we wrap up this year with "jbjd" needing to turn in her birtherstan passport. Science Fiction set in 2018. Huff having probation problems in the media. A blame the victim attitude. Andy Martin setting up a future failed presidential bid. Dr. Orly setting up a failed senate bid. Dr. Kate flogging the twin demons of racism and conspiracy. HillBuzz still acting like disgruntled PUMAs. Kerchner violating everything his oath as an officer stood for - and admitting to being a lunatic conspiracy theorist. Birther cases being thrown out of courts. Birther cases coming up against the Supreme Court to be dismissed there. Scientific reasons for the birther batshittery. And whines from the birthers about being called birthers, not to mention racist links with the birthers and other undesirables.

Dispatches from Birtherstan - 3 December 2010

(Rest in peace "elliewyatt". Today's dispatch is dedicated to your memory. For you there shall be a returning)

In today's dispatches, a dig at Sarah Palin, courtesy of the birtherstani's favourite media outlet, Pravda Online. The Pest and eFail lies even when begging for money. The birtherstani are still begging / threatening officials to PLEASE take Manning's play trial SERIOUSLY. The Spoof makes light of birthers. And finally World Nut Daily claims Lakin's chances at aquittal are roughly "snowball's chance in hell".

30 November - You know how many of the birtherstani love them some Pravda Online??

I suspect they would be less than fond of this article on Sarah Palin.

"If Sarah Palin is not some kind of a massive political joke in the USA, wheeled out to liven up the political scene from time to time with nonsensical and pastiche (one hopes) displays of sheer and utter ignorance, then it is worrying. It is even more so if anyone other than a manic depressive suffering from a chronic lack of lithium takes this...female...seriously.

Hockey Mum Sarah ex-Governess of Alaska is famous for her shrill shrieking style, displaying a pitifully shallow persona which one hopes is stage-managed to give the rest of the world a good chuckle at the Americans' ability and unique quality to make fun of themselves, a real-life female version of Homer Simpson-cum-Belching Barney at Mo's, giving us ever-more hilarious soundbites as she sets herself up as the dumbest woman on Earth.

Just occasionally, one encounters a bar-room idiot whose party piece is belching loudly before falling backwards off his stool, bouncing off the floor on his backside with a background provided by guffaws of laughter, yet who winks knowingly as he is carried out with his feet scraping along the ground and says "Don't worry son, most of it is an act".

The act. It reminds one of Marilyn Monroe putting on the act of the dumb blonde. But an act it was, a character projected by a shrewd, intelligent and charismatic woman with the ability to invent a persona. Sarah Palin, however, is the real-life thing. And it is becoming patently obvious that it isn't an act."

And ends with:

"If anything is a threat to the national security of the United States of America, it is this screaming, unrefined oaf with as much class as a searing release of flatulence followed by hysterical giggling at a state banquet. Is this what the people of the USA deserve?

To attack the President of the country at a time when the USA needs to close ranks and stand together to consolidate the enormous strides his intelligent and respectful approach has achieved in building bridges, when her party's period in government bombed them, Spankin' Sarah Palin comes across as a pitifully inadequate anachronism from the times of the Far West.

The United States of America has evolved. She has not."

Dispatches from Birtherstan - for 22 September 2010

In today's dispatches, we have some snark about Joseph Farah. Who doesn't seem to be reading his own website. Colin Powell suggests that his fellow Americans "get rid of the birther thing". The Pest and eFail continues to make stuff up, from Obama's church-going habits, to state fiscal habits, not to mention some candidate wingbattery, lack of knowledge about the US Constitution, and general racism. Dr. Orly sadly loses a supporter and shows a normal disconnect with reality or class. The birtherstani are upset that even their media heroes won't go full metal birther on them. And the Onion comes up with a parody that's only slightly less believable than what the birthers claim.

Also, a court case that shows just how the United States handles loss of citizenship by minors.

17 September - Over at Science Blog, Ed Brayton throws in his three cents about Joseph Farah.

"Of course, this is a man who already declares that the world is only 6000 years old and that humans were riding dinosaurs around the garden of Eden before the flood, so his declarations are often amusing. Tomorrow, no doubt, he'll be declaring the president to be an illegal alien -- half Kenyan, half Indonesian and half Martian.

And it's made all the more amusing by the very first sentence of his screed:

For more than two years now, I have given Barack Obama the benefit of the doubt.

Ah, yes. By "benefit of the doubt," of course, he means "browbeating the president about this bogus birth certificate issue relentlessly, crawling into bed with lunatics like Orly Taitz and falling for every hoax imaginable" for more than two years now. He's just so cute when he balls his fists up and bellows out in impotent rage -- especially when he simultaneously claims not to be doing so."

And look who shows up in comments!

"Please go to my site OrlyTaitzESQ.com to read the truth about Obama's illegitimacy to U.S. presidency. Simple fact, Obama is using today SS number 042-68-4425, issued to another individual in CT. (you can easily check, that 042 is assigned to SS applications coming from CT.) This number was issued when Obama resided in HI.Selective service confirms that Obama used this number since 1981. Not only he does not have a valid BC, he does not have a valid SS number of his own. The only thing that is more bogus, than Obama's presence in the WH, is Ed Brayton. His connection to science is as genuine, as connection of an alchemist to chemistry or connection of an astrologist to astronomy. He is an uneducated, rude Obama lackey. Please, read the truth on my site OrlyTaitzESQ.com

Posted by: orly taitz | September 17, 2010 2:07 PM"

I suspect Ed Brayton has a better connection to science than Dr. Orly has to the law - or reality.

"Rude? Orly, do you actually have the chutzpah to level that charge against anyone? After your conduct in several of the land's highest courts?

Pardon me for not asking your pardon. If I am rude it is only because I can be. And it's somehow very satisfying.

Posted by: Crudely Wrott | September 17, 2010 9:26 PM"

Yes, she's got the chutzpah. Or I should say the complete disconnect between her actions and reality.

You're listening to WUSS - Rock of the 70's and 80's

Since Birtherstan is quiet today, here's something completely off topic.

While listening to the Stephanie Miller Show's podcast, they started discussing the "Wussiest Songs of the 70's" (Air Supply was very much in their cross-hairs, but also on the list Climax, Al Stewart, Gary Wright, etc......) Problem is I LIKED a lot of their examples.

So, my readers fair, here's an open thread to give your answers to the worst song of that time period (I'll go has far as the 80's too), and worst band. What's your nominees??