CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 29 40 minutes ago, The Girlfriend said: His screen name is the most brilliant self-own I’ve ever seen. Gutterpedo alias Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrailGuy 552 Posted January 29 Just now, CaptainObvious1 said: Trail Ghey. We can all be 6 years old. Except that’s all you’re capable of assrot Claims to be more mature than 6 while calling me assrot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 29 Just now, TrailGuy said: Claims to be more mature than 6 while calling me assrot That’s not what I said. Try hooked on phonics. You are the dumbest person ever seen on these forums. And it’s not close. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 14,934 Posted January 29 Just now, CaptainObvious1 said: Gutterpedo alias I pledged I wouldn’t call him that anymore and I haven’t. He on the other hand doesn’t feel the need to keep his word. He’s very small. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrailGuy 552 Posted January 29 Just now, CaptainObvious1 said: That’s not what I said. Try hooked on phonics. You are the dumbest person ever seen on these forums. And it’s not close. Who appointed Jerome Powell? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 29 2 minutes ago, Hardcore troubadour said: I pledged I wouldn’t call him that anymore and I haven’t. He on the other hand doesn’t feel the need to keep his word. He’s very small. He wants to make changes to my username I’ll do the same. He can take the lead here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Girlfriend 208 Posted January 29 8 minutes ago, CaptainObvious1 said: Gutterpedo alias Wrong again. I’m the KoL! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 29 Italy's far-right League Party proposes withdrawal from WHO The World Health Organization is dead. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonmx 2,424 Posted January 30 10 hours ago, Maximum Overkill said: Italy's far-right League Party proposes withdrawal from WHO The World Health Organization is dead. Who? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 On 1/29/2025 at 3:25 PM, The Girlfriend said: Wrong again. I’m the KoL! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 On 1/29/2025 at 3:18 PM, CaptainObvious1 said: That’s not what I said. Try hooked on phonics. You are the dumbest person ever seen on these forums. And it’s not close. CAPTAINOBLIVIOUS, B!TCHES! TO IGNORANCE AND BEYOND! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, Death said: CAPTAINOBLIVIOUS, B!TCHES! TO IGNORANCE AND BEYOND! Someone has a crush on me. Cute Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, CaptainObvious1 said: Someone has a crush on me. Cute You're a fascist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, Death said: You're a fascist. You seem to have a homo crush on me. Rent Free Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 9 minutes ago, CaptainObvious1 said: You seem to have a homo crush on me. Rent Free You're projecting again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 31 Just now, Death said: You're projecting again. You need some attention tonight? Cats bored? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 Just now, CaptainObvious1 said: You need some attention tonight? Cats bored? Their switches are off right now except for the one that keeps bringing cat toys as presents. Her name is Annie, and we got her after a neighbor called about a small cat getting beat up by another cat in her front yard. I went down there, and she crawled up in my lap. Only she wasn't getting beat up. She was getting sexually assaulted, the kind of thing that arouses MAGAturds. Annie is one of my favorite cats, though. I kinda don't want her to get adopted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 31 45 minutes ago, Death said: Annie is one of my favorite cats How about your favorite hamster? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrancieFootball 96 Posted January 31 It's sickening to see this country's Trump- and MAGA-driven hatred of the LGBTQ community. Most of us just want to be who we are and live our lives the way we want to, and it would be nice to do that without all the hate. And if you think we're weak, you'll be surprised at just how much fight we have if pushed into a place where we have to defend our rights and ourselves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, FrancieFootball said: It's sickening to see this country's Trump- and MAGA-driven hatred of the LGBTQ community. Most of us just want to be who we are and live our lives the way we want to, and it would be nice to do that without all the hate. And if you think we're weak, you'll be surprised at just how much fight we have if pushed into a place where we have to defend our rights and ourselves. Tell em sweetheart Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrancieFootball 96 Posted January 31 Just now, Maximum Overkill said: Tell em sweetheart I will. Grow up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 31 1 minute ago, FrancieFootball said: I will. Grow up. Feisty Little He/She/Them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrancieFootball 96 Posted January 31 4 minutes ago, Maximum Overkill said: Feisty Little He/She/Them We are witnessing the birth of the neo-Confederacy, but we have more power to oppose that than you can imagine. Try us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, FrancieFootball said: Try us No way, you people are violent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrancieFootball 96 Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, Maximum Overkill said: No way, you people are violent You simultaneously say we're weak and violent. Take away my rights and discriminate against me and my family, and you'll find out. We're well-armed, trained and ready. But I'd just rather live in peace without the transphobia and threat to our way of life. You live your life, and I'll life mine. Deal? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted January 31 9 minutes ago, FrancieFootball said: You simultaneously say we're weak and violent. Take away my rights and discriminate against me and my family, and you'll find out. We're well-armed, trained and ready. But I'd just rather live in peace without the transphobia and threat to our way of life. You live your life, and I'll life mine. Deal? You Dems do nothing but tell people how they should live their lives. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EternalShinyAndChrome 3,835 Posted January 31 26 minutes ago, FrancieFootball said: You simultaneously say we're weak and violent. Take away my rights and discriminate against me and my family, and you'll find out. We're well-armed, trained and ready. But I'd just rather live in peace without the transphobia and threat to our way of life. You live your life, and I'll life mine. Deal? That's fine. Stop forcing your perverted and degenerate lifestyles on everyone else and you'll be ok. And like all liberals, you're a tough gal behind the keyboard. You're about as threatening as a wet paper bag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Girlfriend 208 Posted January 31 A Cautionary Tale From Hungary: Quote Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister since 2010 (and earlier from 1998–2002), has systematically undermined democratic institutions in Hungary, transforming it into what scholars often describe as a **"competitive authoritarian" regime**—a system where elections exist but are skewed to favor the ruling party. Here’s a breakdown of how Orbán and his Fidesz party eroded democracy from within:- ### **1. Constitutional and Legal Overhauls** - **2011 Constitution (Fundamental Law):** After winning a supermajority in 2010, Fidesz rewrote Hungary’s constitution to centralize power. The new charter weakened checks and balances, politicized institutions like the judiciary, and entrenched conservative social policies (e.g., defining marriage as between a man and a woman). - **Court Packing:** Orbán expanded the Constitutional Court from 8 to 15 judges, appointing loyalists. Later reforms stripped the court’s power to review fiscal and constitutional amendments, neutering its oversight role. - **Electoral Gerrymandering:** Fidesz redrew electoral districts to favor rural areas (its base) and reduced parliamentary seats from 386 to 199, amplifying its majority despite winning less than 50% of the vote in subsequent elections. ### **2. Capturing Independent Institutions** - **Media Control:** Orbán’s allies bought up private media outlets, consolidating them into pro-government conglomerates (e.g., KESMA). State media became a Fidesz propaganda machine, marginalizing opposition voices. - **Central Bank and Fiscal Council:** Orbán weakened the independence of the Central Bank and replaced fiscal watchdogs with loyalists, enabling unchecked spending and cronyism. - **Prosecutor’s Office:** The chief prosecutor, a Fidesz ally, has ignored corruption cases involving Orbán’s inner circle while targeting critics and opposition figures. ### **3. Weaponizing the State Against Opposition** - **Electoral Manipulation:** Fidesz used state resources for campaigning, granted citizenship and voting rights to ethnic Hungarians abroad (who largely support Fidesz), and imposed restrictive campaign finance laws that disadvantage opposition parties. - **Smear Campaigns:** Government-aligned media and officials routinely vilify opposition figures, NGOs, and journalists as “traitors,” “Soros agents,” or “foreign puppets.” - **Legal Harassment:** Opposition leaders and independent journalists face lawsuits, tax audits, and criminal investigations designed to drain resources and silence dissent. ### **4. Eroding Civil Society and Academic Freedom** - **NGO Crackdown:** A 2017 law forced NGOs receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign-supported organizations,” stigmatizing groups critical of the government (e.g., human rights advocates). In 2021, a homophobic law banned LGBTQ+ content in schools, further polarizing society. - **Attack on Academia:** Orbán forced the Central European University (CEU), founded by George Soros, to leave Hungary in 2019 by refusing to recognize its U.S. accreditation. Public universities were restructured under government-controlled foundations, stifling academic freedom. ### **5. Cultivating a Patronage Network** - **Crony Capitalism:** Orbán’s allies (often childhood friends or family members) gained control of key industries through state contracts, EU funds, and privatizations. For example, Lőrinc Mészáros, a former gas fitter and Orbán ally, became Hungary’s richest man via state-backed deals. - **Clientelism:** Public sector jobs, pensions, and benefits are often tied to political loyalty, creating a dependent voter base. ### **6. Exploiting Nationalism and Fear** - **Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric:** Orbán framed himself as defending “Christian Europe” against migrants and liberals, using xenophobia to consolidate support. His government built a border fence and criminalized aiding asylum seekers. - **Anti-EU and Anti-Soros Campaigns:** Orbán portrays the EU and NGOs as threats to Hungarian sovereignty, rallying nationalist sentiment while deflecting criticism of democratic backsliding. ### **7. International Complicity** - **EU’s Weak Response:** Despite EU condemnations and Article 7 proceedings (for breaching rule-of-law standards), Orbán used EU funds to bolster his regime while vetoing sanctions against allies like Poland. Hungary’s illiberal model has inspired similar movements in Europe. - **Alliances with Autocrats:** Orbán cultivated ties with Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi, and Turkey’s Erdoğan, framing these relationships as alternatives to Western liberalism. ### **Outcome: A Hollowed-Out Democracy** Hungary still holds elections, but Fidesz’s gerrymandering, media dominance, and institutional capture make fair competition nearly impossible. Civil liberties, judicial independence, and press freedom have sharply declined, with Hungary now ranked as a **"hybrid regime"** (no longer a full democracy) by watchdogs like Freedom House. Orbán’s playbook—legalistic erosion of democracy, nationalist rhetoric, and patronage—offers a template for authoritarian-leaning leaders worldwide. His famous declaration in 2014 that Hungary would become an **"illiberal state"** underscores this deliberate dismantling of democratic norms. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Real timschochet 6,421 Posted January 31 40 minutes ago, The Girlfriend said: A Cautionary Tale From Hungary: I am 100% positive that Trump would love to do almost all of that here. But it’s much more difficult to change our Constitution, or to corrupt our court system, than in Hungary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maximum Overkill 1,739 Posted January 31 18 hours ago, FrancieFootball said: You simultaneously say we're weak You're not weak. I seen what your people did to that Boxer Girl in the Olympics. Y'all beat the hell out of her. Nicely done Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Girlfriend 208 Posted January 31 2 minutes ago, The Real timschochet said: I am 100% positive that Trump would love to do almost all of that here. But it’s much more difficult to change our Constitution, or to corrupt our court system, than in Hungary. He’s hosted him at Mar-a-Lago several times. Once in July and again in December alongside Musk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted January 31 2 hours ago, The Real timschochet said: I am 100% positive that Trump would love to do almost all of that here. But it’s much more difficult to change our Constitution, or to corrupt our court system, than in Hungary. Seeing as conservative judges, including ones he appointed, aren't giving him all W's for legal action, I'm hopeful that checks and balances are strong enough to keep him from taking us there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EternalShinyAndChrome 3,835 Posted January 31 2 hours ago, Maximum Overkill said: You're not weak. I seen what your people did to that Boxer Girl in the Olympics. Y'all beat the hell out of her. Nicely done Oh, yeah, they're strong when they're beating up women. The strongest! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hardcore troubadour 14,934 Posted January 31 Hungary is so bad that people are trying to sneak in, not sneak out. lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonmx 2,424 Posted February 1 22 hours ago, FrancieFootball said: We are witnessing the birth of the neo-Confederacy, but we have more power to oppose that than you can imagine. Try us. We are done witnessing the birth of retardedness brought to us by the 157 gender idiots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EternalShinyAndChrome 3,835 Posted February 1 iToughGuys are so funny! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Real timschochet 6,421 Posted February 1 1 hour ago, Hardcore troubadour said: Hungary is so bad that people are trying to sneak in, not sneak out. lol. I will say this: Budapest is the most gorgeous city I have ever been to. Of course since almost all of the buildings I admired are at least 200 years old, I can safely say the current regime deserves no credit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted February 1 Trump is trying to purge the FBI, which means eliminating knowledge and experience, all because of the butthurt over people doing their jobs. When all breaks loose with those who would have been arrested had experienced FBI agents been on the cases, it will further underscore the pettiness and vindictiveness of this shallow, narcissistic clown. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death 301 Posted February 1 Here comes the clampdown on free speech and push for censorship that are telltale signs of the push for autocracy. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-pentagon-says-it-will-rotate-out-some-media-offices-2025-02-01/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CaptainObvious1 325 Posted February 1 Just now, Death said: Here comes the clampdown on free speech and authoritarian censorship that are telltale signs of the push for autocracy. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-pentagon-says-it-will-rotate-out-some-media-offices-2025-02-01/ Just corrected you in the main thread. You're wrong there, wrong here, and usually wrong in general. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
