Showing posts with label phage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label phage. Show all posts

11/08/2008

And to go with the new name...

a new look!

Courtesy of your graphic monkey, Phage. Slight tweaks still coming, but it's getting there.

11/07/2008

The future of the Republican party.

Hello again all, it's time for another edition of: The Podium

So the election has come and gone, and Obama won with 364 electoral votes, and 53% of the popular vote, a win over his opponent of 7%.

A sound drubbing against the Republican machine, and now we watch as the Republicans turn on themselves. I've seen numerous hard-line conservatives saying that they lost because they weren't conservative enough, that they must ostracize and cast off the moderates, the "mavericks".

Other than the ridiculous logic of that, "The country went left, what will we do?" "I KNOW! Let's go farther right!" I have been giving it some thought.

To any conservatives out there, I think you're right. No really, I think the only option is to refine your message, make it more 'pure'. Absolutely. Toss out the intellectual Conservatives, toss out the moderates, the libertarians, the mavericks. Kick them to the curb.

It's for the good of your party, and more importantly our nation. Because you'll never be anything but a regional party again by doing that, and that's good for everyone.

(Edit. I fucked up the percentages.)

10/15/2008

Of Right-Wing Trolls

Time for another edition of... THE PODIUM.
With your, not-so libertarian anymore, host: Phage.

Anyone involved with the left leaning blogosphere has probably noticed within the last couple of weeks a growing trend for more, and more vitriolic trolls. I therefore give you, Phage's quick guide to modern trolls.

Firstly, establish what kind of troll it is. This is important, as there are different kinds - I'll point out two kinds we'll see in our current climate.

- The "I don't buy into any of this, but watching people get pissed off is funny" troll. Easy to deal with, ignore them, they'll get bored and slink off to bother someone else.

- The panicked pundit troll. This is the troll that we've been seeing more of lately. With a tanking Presidential campaign, the very real possibility of dramatic losses in both the senate and house, and the public turning on their ideology; the modern 'conservative' (and I use the term loosely, as most true conservatives would be disgusted at what the Republican party became) has finally come to grips with a sobering fact. The Republican party is dying. Thus, like a drowning victim they are now thrashing and flailing about, grasping, rasping and cursing.

The best way to deal with the panicked pundit troll, is to give them no quarter. Give them nothing to try and hold onto. Continue just as you have been doing, my fellow Progressives. Oh sure, they'll make a lot of noise, throw a lot of insults and raise a lot of Hell; but to go back to my drowning analogy, it'll all be over soon enough.

If they really become too much to endure (and on some blogs this may be possible, especially if you become inundated with far too many) - simply remove their ability to comment, they'll curse about having their right to free speech taken away - but let's be blunt. These are blogs, not a public forum, there are plenty of places for them to go and speak their mind. Their ability to 'speak in our homes', to turn a phrase, is a privilege, not a right - and don't let any of them try to convince you otherwise.

Until next time, stay progressive.
- Phage

2/08/2008

The Cult of Paul

The Podium: One Libertarian's View

Perhaps it's my Libertarian leanings that forces me to continuously speak in regards Presidential Candidate Ron Paul. I'm not sure, perhaps it is because I am a denizen of the internet, and as pretty much ALL of his support comes from people who spend a great deal of time online, I see it thrown in my face more than any other candidate. I'm not really certain. However, I've come to an interesting conclusion I'd like to share with you, dear readers.


Paul's followers are cultists. Now I don't mean that in the humorous, "Oh you!" way, I mean, quite literally, Ron Paul supporters are in a cult. After this rather terrifying thought came to enter my mind a few weeks ago, I made it a point to begin watching various Paul supporter hot spots online. What I've seen is mind-numbing. Individuals who go beyond avid support of a candidate, far beyond.

These are individuals who have built a boogeyman from the media to explain why "Dr. Paul" is doing so poorly, that the evil media conspiracy is actively trying to keep Ron Paul from being president, that they're lying about his numbers about his support, that they don't give him equal coverage to other candidates because of this, instead of the fact that he simply isn't pulling numbers to be viewed as a contender.

The media isn't interested in covering a long-shot who is considered by most on both sides of the political spectrum to be a nutjob. Let alone one who's base seems to consist of internet junkies and conspiracy theorists.

The lengths that these individuals are willing to go for the candidate is insane. Talk in some cases of open, violent revolution if he doesn't get the nomination and then the presidency. An insatiable need to put their 'savior' in the faces of everyone, because surely they want to come to know 'the truth' as well. The fact that they honestly believe themselves to be more enlightened than the rest of us monkies, because they follow Paul. I've seen them talk about how they're 'awake' now, and that it's good to be getting Paul out there, so others can 'wake up' as well.

All in all they have the markings of a cult.

A savior who is put on a pedestal, who can do no wrong - in the case of the newsletters the amount of jumping done to try to explain away the facts was overwhelming - finally in some cases actively working to delude themselves, saying they must have faith, and so forth.

The attacks upon non-believers. I've been labeled by these people a traitor, un-american, and various other insults because I have no desire to support Ron Paul. I don't agree with his platform, I don't think it's good for America, and I think his brand of crazy needs medication. Threats are common with this group, talk of physical violence.

Forceful 'conversion' if all else fails. Talks of revolution against the United States to force their will if Paul fails. (Mind you they refuse to accept that, still again, deluding themselves that they will win in a brokered Republican convention).

Their devotion to Ron Paul is nothing short of religious, and fundamental at worst. The sooner the Republican nomination is awarded, and Paul's army of trolls find their way back under the bridge, the better.

//Phage Out.//

1/27/2008

Obama takes S.C. - Here's hoping it continues.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/26/sc.primary/index.html?iref=24hours

The Illinois senator earned more than twice the vote that rival Sen. Hillary Clinton did, 55 percent to 27 percent, unofficial returns showed.

A good sign indeed, myself (Phage) very much supports Obama over Clinton - mind you if she gets the nomination, I still plan on voting Democrat this year, however I've encountered a substantial number who will not vote for Hillary, that would vote for Obama or another Democract. Rather deserved or not Hillary has established a reputation of being a 'bitch', this reputation by this point seems to be unshakable, as I said, rather deserved or not. The Democratic party really needs to look at the independent voter here, and I fear running Hillary will lessen the chance for presidency this election. ESPECIALLY if McCain gets the Republican nomination, despite his many screw-ups over the last few years, he's maintained a healthy following with independant voters.

Phage, signing off and looking forward to Super Tuesday with anticipation.

1/18/2008

A Conversation With Phage on the Proposed Tax Rebate by the Administration and Its Effect on Us and America, As Well As Its Significance

Believe it or not, this is a conversation between Phage and myself earlier this evening.

(8:39:38 PM) Phage: Hear about the potential tax rebate this year?

(8:39:51 PM) Damian: No.

(8:40:12 PM) Phage: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g06lpUTJHppEC3iGBzDP9k-kud8Q

(8:40:44 PM) Damian: OH, for fuck's sakes, not another payoff.

(8:41:19 PM) Phage: Yep.

(8:41:30 PM) Phage: And as terrible as it is, I'd gladly welcome and extra 800.

(8:41:55 PM) Phage: Not because I support it.

(8:41:57 PM) Damian: So would I, but fat chance of it happening to us.

(8:42:03 PM) Damian: And it ain't fixing shit.

(8:42:04 PM) Phage: Just cause, well I could use another 800 bucks.

(8:42:26 PM) Phage: Oh no shit. I don't expect it to, I mean the 300 dollar one in 2001 didn't do shit.

(8:42:54 PM) Phage: If we paid taxes last year, we would get any tax rebate that went through. I got the 300 in 01.

(8:43:00 PM) Damian: Huh.

(8:43:44 PM) Phage: Hell, since Lady Feline paid taxes last year, SHE should get it as well.

(8:43:51 PM) Damian: True.

(8:44:42 PM) Phage: I mean shit. If this went through that's an extra 2400 to the household.

(8:45:02 PM) Phage: It'd clear up my immediate money concerns for the year.

(8:45:17 PM) Phage: You could get your glasses - and we could get a 360 and rockband.

(8:45:30 PM) Damian: True.

(8:46:45 PM) Phage: Anyway, it's still just on the table. But I have a feeling the American populace is going to respond favorably to it (hate the payoff fact, but I just have a feeling on this)

(8:47:31 PM) Damian: I figure. And we do all need money anyhow, no matter what. This isn't going to fix things, but it would be a good way of reducing what problems we have.

(8:48:25 PM) Phage: Yeah. Also, hell its going back into the market anyway, most americans get cash like that and they throw it right back into the system.

(8:48:33 PM) Damian: That's also true.

(8:50:17 PM) Phage: I don't think it'll effect much either way other than to make the people responsible, voicing it (read Republicans since it's a white house idea) look better before the 08 election.

(8:51:20 PM) Damian: I figure. But if the economy gets any worse, they still won't be viewed favorably.

(8:52:21 PM) Phage: True. It's a desparation move, what I expect it to do is go "OH HEY. MONEY." and when people poor that back into the economy see a temporary improvement, enough to make people forget the downward slump we're in.

(8:52:47 PM) Phage: At least until the powers that be have re-established themselves for a few more years.

(8:53:42 PM) Damian: I expect no huge change in the economy from this. Nor do I expect any real change in opinion.

(8:55:04 PM) Phage: Possibly. Like I said, it's not going to be a huge change, or even an improvement other than showing mild growth for a very short while, it's a marketing ploy if anything. As for opinion, hard to tell until it goes through.

(8:55:32 PM) Phage: It's not a fix, definately - and any improvement is going to be skin-deep at best.

(8:56:40 PM) Phage: Cause, correct me if I'm wrong - but did the 01 rebate do anything of substance?

(8:56:46 PM) Damian: No.

(8:56:49 PM) Phage: I don't recall it doing so.

(8:56:55 PM) Phage: Didn't think so.

(8:57:32 PM) Phage: It's flash bang politics. Give the people what they want to see, so they're not paying attention to what's actually going on around them.

(8:58:01 PM) Phage: I mean, Christ, there are still people who believe Saddam had WMD.

(8:58:58 PM) Phage: *Bangs head on desk* WHY ARE THERE STUPID PEOPLE?

(9:00:06 PM) Damian: And I fully understand the concept. They know that the onyl way to keep us from realizing their utter ignorance is to distract us. And this is a prime form of it.

(9:06:09 PM) Phage: Oh absolutely. Only thing more distracting than something shiney, is something GREEN.

(9:07:17 PM) Damian: Or red. Let's not forget the trotting out of OMG BAD THINGS.

(9:08:43 PM) Phage: DEAD LITTLE WHITE GIRL.

(9:09:48 PM) Damian: OMGZ MISSING WHITE WOMAN

12/07/2007

Revenge of Phagetunes

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • Our Solemn Hour - Within Temptation
  • Wake - Lincoln Park
  • Breathing Like a Fish - ThouShaltNot
  • Die of a Broken Heart - Zeromancer
  • Introduction - Fort Minor
  • Ready to Blow - K.M.F.D.M.
  • Last Living Souls - Gorillaz
  • Fragments of Faith - Lacuna Coil
  • Enter Sandman - Richard Cheese
  • Multiple Jacks - PotC:3/Hans Zimmer
  • Kein Anfang - And One

11/16/2007

The Podium: One libertarian's View.

This week/whenever I do one of these. Ron Paul.

As as a Libertarian, I've had people make the assumption I would support Ron Paul. After all he's a former Libertarian candidate for president, a principal supporter of smaller government, and lower taxes. What's not to like for someone of a more conservative fiscal slant, such as myself?

Answer: Quite a bit.

While I shall not lie to our dear readers, neither about my political leanings, nor my ideas in the forum of economics - I for one cannot, will not and encourage everyone out there NOT to give two rat's asses about this man. An economic view that I agree with means nothing in the face of the proposed destruction of this nation's social structure. Nor do I accept this fear that has became rampant of our economy being on the brink of complete desolation - unless of course we elect our man Ron! No sir, sell that crazy elsewhere.

I do however fear what could happen to the social structure of our nation under the hand of Ron Paul -not that the man has a snowball's chance - and even if elected, I doubt he could strong arm his ideas through. I am most thankful for that. However the concepts he puts forth are most dangerous, and I would like a moment to discuss just a few with you, our dear readers.

I could go on about his idea of repealing Roe v. Wade, but what Republican worth his salt in Fundy-dollars hasn't pressed that issue? Let's instead focus on his more unique ideas.
(All quotations from RonPaul2008.com)

1: "End birthright citizenship. As long as illegal immigrants know their children born here will be citizens, the incentive to enter the U.S. illegally will remain strong."

This is not only a poor idea, the concept of removing our 14th Amendment, but a DANGEROUS one. This Amendment came about because States were refusing citizenship to freed African slaves, thus preventing them from being recognized as citizens of these United States. It is dangerous to forget that we as a people have not always been so welcoming to those who live within this country - and that humanity could take a turn for that direction if allowed. I wish it were not so, I prefer the notion of self-management, but it's simply unrealistic at this point. It only takes the corrupt getting power for a few years to turn us on our heads, lets not give them the weapons necessary to screw us.

2: "Years of centralized education have produced nothing but failure and frustrated parents. We can resurrect our public school system if we follow the Constitution and end the federal education monopoly."
and

" I will veto any legislation that creates national standards or national testing for home school parents or students. I also believe that, as long as No Child Left Behind remains law, it must include the protections for home schoolers included in sec. 9506 (enshrining home schoolers’ rights) and 9527 (guaranteeing no national curriculum)."


What precisely does this mean? It means that as his voting record shows, he does not support national testing of students. Couple this with his love of home-schooling and idea that a home schooled student showed be regarded the same as a non-homeschooled student (And this is coming from someone who WAS homeschooled for several years.) and we're going to see students who are not getting anywhere even NEAR a proper education. "The stupid shall inherit the nation." Not a concept I particularly enjoy. What can I expect? His particular brand of crazy only works on the uneducated masses, so let's work to further those numbers. UGH.

3: "I have always supported the Second Amendment and these are some of the bills I have introduced in the current Congress to help restore respect for it: H.R. 1096 includes provisions repealing the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the Federal Firearms License Reform Act of 1993, two invasive and unconstitutional bills."

The Brady Act? THE FUCKING BRADY ACT. I am personally for gun control revision, as I think it's confusing, and could be greatly simplified with a little thought to what does and doesn't work. But this? This is pure madness. How many people really need a gun RIGHT THE FUCK NOW? Think about it, there is no reason to not have a waiting period. None. It prevents people who are upset and working from rage and impulse from doing something stupid. It allows for checks to ensure that a dangerous individual isn't handed a life-threatening weapon. It's a GOOD IDEA. Insanity.

I could go on. But I'm running long as is, in short - from this (l)ibertarian's perspective Ron Paul combines the worst aspects of Neo-Conservatism with the dark-side of Libertarianism and creates a beast that should not be supported.

To steal from the War on Drugs: Just say no.

/Phage out./

PhageTunes!

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • It's Still Rock and Roll to Me - Billy Joel
  • Nemo - Nightwish
  • So Sorry to Say - Celldweller
  • Up is Down - Hans Zimmer/Pirates of the Carribean 3
  • Split Seconds - Zeromancer
  • Kids With Guns - Gorillaz
  • What I see - Lacuna Coil
  • The Odyssey - Orgy
  • Name Der Rose - Qntal
  • Suck - Nine Inch Nails

11/02/2007

A very Special Phagetunes

I'm at work. SHHH

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the fast forward on my iPod and what do I get?
  • Die in Dreams - Gothminister
  • My Console - Eiffel65
  • Cyanide - Deathstars
  • Circle Six Intro - Phage/Vulgaris/Feline
  • Crawling Deeper - ThouShaltNot
  • Lost Vikings - Dethklok
  • Moment of Peace - Gregorian (monks)
  • Nobody's Real - Powerman 5000
  • My Own Little World - Celldweller

10/26/2007

Phage. iTunes.

Since I missed last week.

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • Free Your Hate - KMFDM
  • Without Faith - ThouShaltNot
  • Wake - Lincoln Park
  • Humanity (World War Three) - Front Line Assembly
  • The Brethren Court - Hans Zimmer
  • Forgotten - Gothminister
  • Darkside Down - Porn On Beta
  • Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
  • Step To Me - Thousand Foot Krutch
    Planet Hell - Nightwish

10/13/2007

iTunes Tiem!

It's the Friday Saturday Random Ten. (So I'm late... sue me.)

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • The Brethren Court - Hans Zimmer
  • Fadeaway - Celldweller
  • Monsters - Gothminister
  • Ghost of a Rose - Blackmore's Night
  • Walk Through The Fire - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Once More With Feeling
  • Hau Ruck - K.M.F.D.M.
  • Where'd You Go - Fort Minor
  • Sex On Wheels - Thrill Kill Kult
  • Care For You - Wolfsheim
  • Wake - Linkin Park
  • Humanity (World War Three) - Front Line Assembly

10/05/2007

Phage's Big American... you know what.

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • Elegy - Leaves' Eyes
  • Danse Eschelon (Gir's Taco Mix) - Defect 9 Project
  • The Night Santa Went Crazy - Weird Al Yankovic
  • Almost Human - Voltaire
  • Demon Days - Gorillaz
  • The Stars of Orion - Celldweller
  • Cardinal Directions (Stromkern Mix) - ThoughShaltNot
  • 16 Miles - Ego Likeness
  • Happy Birthday - The Birthday Massacre
  • Houses of Cards - Zeromancer

9/28/2007

Phage's Big American iTunes Party!

Who is listening? Bear is listening, oh my god how can that be?

It's the Friday Random Ten!
Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • Deceiver of Fools - Within Temptation
  • My Console - Eiffel 65
  • The Revolution Exodus - the Deathstars
  • Without Faith - ThouShaltNot
  • Back Home - Fort Minor
  • Leviathan - GothMinister
  • Going Through the Motions - Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More with Feeling
  • The Little Things Give You Away - Linkin Park
  • All Because of Your - Blackmore's Night
  • New York State of Mind - Billy Joel

9/14/2007

Phage's Big American iTunes Party!

It's the Friday Random Ten.

Hit the Party Shuffle in iTunes and what do I get?
  • Forsoothe - B00l3
  • Get Me Gone - Fort Minor
  • Stand My Ground - Within Temptation
  • Castles and Dreams - Blackmore's Night
  • Quicken - Thousand Foot Krutch
  • To the Edge - Lacuna Coil
  • Eurotrash - Zeromancer
  • Dark Chest of Wonders - Nightwish
  • A Trace - ThouShaltNot
  • The Dream - Birthday Massacre