Offside Chat Archives (2014-2021)

mellowscout24 said:Nah, my good man, it's not "great" because they're actually performing well.

It's "great" only because the situation was such a disaster that not a single independent economist or anyone else could have even come close to predicting how bad it would get. It's only great in that specific context. For God's sake, 😁 with all that highway debt coming due in the billions, there were extra billions just falling out of people's pockets. All those massive millions don't even count, and the hundreds of millions being covered up will just be swallowed up by some delayed Department of Justice indictment. 🤦

You know what, I'm not doing this anymore, my blood pressure is starting to... ugh 😁 plus I'm stuck using a tablet without that stupid autocorrect

I mentioned quite some time ago that it's really just a matter of time, so perhaps it would actually be best if we just stopped here. We represent such different extremes that there is absolutely no way we are ever going to reach an agreement.

Look, I’ll give you this much: the Republican Party’s rhetoric is a total mess, and honestly, they need to dial it back and play it way more moderate. But don't think for a second that you guys are any better,
you're basically riding the coattails of the Democratic Party while your leaders run things like a bunch of cutthroat, neoliberal capitalist managers.

So, what exactly are you people even supposed to be?

Patrick Martin said:Look, I’ll give you this much: the Republican Party’s rhetoric is a total mess, and honestly, they need to dial it back and play it way more moderate. But don't think for a second that you guys are any better,
you're basically riding the coattails of the Democratic Party while your leaders run things like a bunch of cutthroat, neoliberal capitalist managers.

So, what exactly are you people even supposed to be?

Unfortunately, there isn't even an "S" in the Democratic Party's version of social democracy anymore.

Even so, despite their flaws, I still find them to be more capable and more honest than the only other serious alternative on the table.

That isn't to say they are as competent or as upright as they ought to be, of course.

At the end of the day, we’re just hanging out on a sports forum, all watching the game and the rot that is slowly eating away at—and has effectively already killed—American soccer.

So perhaps we should all ask ourselves: just how morally bankrupt must the leadership of the Republican Party have to be to allow themselves to be glued to that tumor, supporting it so openly?

If they were just as incompetent and dishonest, which they aren't, that would be reason enough for me to vote for their alternative.

we all really thought the Democratic Party would just step up and fix this whole mess🤷

To me, the most striking people here are those who still vote for either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party based on the "lesser of two evils" principle...

It’s one of the reasons why those two parties remain the dominant interest groups in this country.

They are essentially two sides of the same political elite that has controlled this region from 1945 until today, and people just can't seem to get enough.

Two factions made of the exact same mold, tied together by far more similarities than differences.

So let the Republicans or Democrats hold power. Looking at this nation, it’s exactly the kind of leadership Americans deserve.

Still, I remain an incorrigible optimist, firmly believing that in 300 years, everything will be fine...

Anyone who goes to the polls choosing based on which candidate is the lesser piece of trash is doomed to eat trash forever. To people like that, I can only say—bon appétit.

Patrick Martin said:Look, I’ll give you this much: the Republican Party’s rhetoric is a total mess, and honestly, they need to dial it back and play it way more moderate. But don't think for a second that you guys are any better,
you're basically riding the coattails of the Democratic Party while your leaders run things like a bunch of cutthroat, neoliberal capitalist managers.

So, what exactly are you people even supposed to be?

Leftists, help us out here, please. 😁

Just touching on your post for a second. I'll give you this: Zoran Milanović definitely went overboard with those accusations and probably should have swallowed a bit of his pride. But look at it from his perspective—if someone spent six months relentlessly screwing you over (calling you unpatriotic, a communist sympathizer, or an agent of some old regime), and then once they finally hit their goal, they suddenly want to sit down at a table and "collaborate" with you... what are you going to do? Just sit there and let them keep violating you without putting up a fight? That's what you're suggesting.

@lojzek, I'm with you, someone needs to step up. 🙂

Patrick Martin said:we all really thought the Democratic Party would just step up and fix this whole mess🤷

When looking at the Government, specifically regarding the legislative side—the actual crafting of regulations—and the executive branch through its various inspections, they have actually delivered some satisfactory solutions. It’s been agonizingly slow, mind you, but they did it. It stands out as one of those rare instances where they actually followed through on a promise. One has to wonder, though, if this wasn't perhaps the only decent move made by the worst minister in this entire administration?

When it comes to LA Galaxy, specifically, there is a legally binding decision from a government agency that speaks directly to our situation.

Everything has landed in the hands of the courts now, but we all know exactly whose hands they’re actually in.

Given that this political tumor will likely manage to drag itself through to the very end of this administration's term, one has to wonder: isn't absolutely anything possible at that point?

Joseph Clark37 said:To me, the most striking people here are those who still vote for either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party based on the "lesser of two evils" principle...

It’s one of the reasons why those two parties remain the dominant interest groups in this country.

They are essentially two sides of the same political elite that has controlled this region from 1945 until today, and people just can't seem to get enough.

Two factions made of the exact same mold, tied together by far more similarities than differences.

So let the Republicans or Democrats hold power. Looking at this nation, it’s exactly the kind of leadership Americans deserve.

Still, I remain an incorrigible optimist, firmly believing that in 300 years, everything will be fine...

Anyone who goes to the polls choosing based on which candidate is the lesser piece of trash is doomed to eat trash forever. To people like that, I can only say—bon appétit.

I can certainly see the logic there, but it feels a bit too much like armchair philosophy to me. The moment I decide there’s actually a third option worth considering—one that genuinely stands a fighting chance at winning—that’s when I’ll throw my support behind them.

Until then, however, I have no intention of throwing my vote into the void just to satisfy some idealistic urge. I refuse to simply sit back and let the highly disciplined Republican Party voter base march straight to the polls and get exactly what they want.

That’s just how life works; that’s reality.

Keith Miller30 said:You’re explaining things, but only in the way that suits your own narrative, aren't you?

Well, that’s all well and good, I suppose. I've been listening in on the conversation, and it seems like even more extreme opinions are starting to surface.

Actually, let me make an edit. 🤣

Fine, if he wasn't going to clarify which sides he was choosing between, what exactly was his point? Enlighten me. Who is this "us" and who are "they"?

Sure, that’s all fine. I’ve been listening in, and honestly, the views get even more extreme than that. You can't mention my Grandfather without bringing up Marshall—it's like his blood pressure spikes instantly if you bring him up in a negative light. And don't even get me started on the Republicans; there isn't a single member of the party who doesn't have some nasty nickname attached to them. Some of them are truly beyond help. 😁 My grandmother absolutely adores Zoran Milanović. Just two days ago, she was trying to convince me he’s the greatest thing that ever happened to this country—claiming he speaks fluent Japanese and is just the most wonderful guy. Meanwhile, she would have trekked through a blizzard and ice storms just to cast a vote for Ivo Josipović without a single complaint. She actually asked me for a ride, but I told her flat out: no way if you're voting for Josipović. My grandfather ended up being the first one at the polling station early that morning, so he didn't feel like making the trip twice.

I'm not exactly holding them up high. Right now—unfortunately, but let's be realistic here—we're stuck choosing between two options. As for the anti-candidate, I've already laid it out in the last few pages. Just say the word if you need me to repeat it.

Joseph Clark37 said:To me, the most striking people here are those who still vote for either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party based on the "lesser of two evils" principle...

It’s one of the reasons why those two parties remain the dominant interest groups in this country.

They are essentially two sides of the same political elite that has controlled this region from 1945 until today, and people just can't seem to get enough.

Two factions made of the exact same mold, tied together by far more similarities than differences.

So let the Republicans or Democrats hold power. Looking at this nation, it’s exactly the kind of leadership Americans deserve.

Still, I remain an incorrigible optimist, firmly believing that in 300 years, everything will be fine...

Anyone who goes to the polls choosing based on which candidate is the lesser piece of trash is doomed to eat trash forever. To people like that, I can only say—bon appétit.

We’re just sitting around waiting for some third option to show up with an actual economic plan—someone who isn't just going to crawl into bed with the Republican or Democratic parties the second the election is over. Until then, it's pretty obvious we're stuck choosing between the criminal elements in the Republican Party and this mediocre current administration. If we stay home, we're basically letting the mindless masses decide everything for us.

Joseph Clark37 said:To me, the most striking people here are those who still vote for either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party based on the "lesser of two evils" principle...

It’s one of the reasons why those two parties remain the dominant interest groups in this country.

They are essentially two sides of the same political elite that has controlled this region from 1945 until today, and people just can't seem to get enough.

Two factions made of the exact same mold, tied together by far more similarities than differences.

So let the Republicans or Democrats hold power. Looking at this nation, it’s exactly the kind of leadership Americans deserve.

Still, I remain an incorrigible optimist, firmly believing that in 300 years, everything will be fine...

Anyone who goes to the polls choosing based on which candidate is the lesser piece of trash is doomed to eat trash forever. To people like that, I can only say—bon appétit.

So, what, if you don't vote for the lesser evil, you somehow aren't eating the same crap?

brightpilot6 said:I can certainly see the logic there, but it feels a bit too much like armchair philosophy to me. The moment I decide there’s actually a third option worth considering—one that genuinely stands a fighting chance at winning—that’s when I’ll throw my support behind them.

Until then, however, I have no intention of throwing my vote into the void just to satisfy some idealistic urge. I refuse to simply sit back and let the highly disciplined Republican Party voter base march straight to the polls and get exactly what they want.

That’s just how life works; that’s reality.

Pretty much, yeah. People are always waiting on some third party, like the Labor Party, which usually just vanishes as a serious contender anyway. That's why I'm saying, once the Republican Party disappears, 😁 there won't be any reason for the Democratic Party to stick around either.

Raymond Harris4 said:It’s not the *only* one, sure, but it is a fundamental economic indicator, and clearly, that is all anyone seems to care about around here lately. If we judge them solely by that standard, they're coming up empty-handed. And if that's the case, does it even make sense to keep going?

I was gonna reply, but ZZ put it way better and simpler than I ever could.

Because of this Government, the US was recently rubbing shoulders with Venezuela, Syria, and Argentina... Honestly, you have to be quite skilled to pull that off, given how well you have to understand the volatility in those specific places. They managed to pop economic bubbles elsewhere too, so the country hasn't been stuck in such a mess for quite this long before...

Morgan Williams said:Fine, if he wasn't going to clarify which sides he was choosing between, what exactly was his point? Enlighten me. Who is this "us" and who are "they"?

Sure, that’s all fine. I’ve been listening in, and honestly, the views get even more extreme than that. You can't mention my Grandfather without bringing up Marshall—it's like his blood pressure spikes instantly if you bring him up in a negative light. And don't even get me started on the Republicans; there isn't a single member of the party who doesn't have some nasty nickname attached to them. Some of them are truly beyond help. 😁 My grandmother absolutely adores Zoran Milanović. Just two days ago, she was trying to convince me he’s the greatest thing that ever happened to this country—claiming he speaks fluent Japanese and is just the most wonderful guy. Meanwhile, she would have trekked through a blizzard and ice storms just to cast a vote for Ivo Josipović without a single complaint. She actually asked me for a ride, but I told her flat out: no way if you're voting for Josipović. My grandfather ended up being the first one at the polling station early that morning, so he didn't feel like making the trip twice.

I'm not exactly holding them up high. Right now—unfortunately, but let's be realistic here—we're stuck choosing between two options. As for the anti-candidate, I've already laid it out in the last few pages. Just say the word if you need me to repeat it.

We’re just sitting around waiting for some third option to show up with an actual economic plan—someone who isn't just going to crawl into bed with the Republican or Democratic parties the second the election is over. Until then, it's pretty obvious we're stuck choosing between the criminal elements in the Republican Party and this mediocre current administration. If we stay home, we're basically letting the mindless masses decide everything for us.

To put it simply—a Prime Minister shouldn't be fostering these kinds of divisions within society; his stance ought to be one of unity rather than creating an "us versus them" mentality. He really should have accepted Karamarko's invitation to sit down together instead of trying to dodge the conversation. I can't help but wonder if he actually cares deeply about this country, though that is just my personal impression.

mellowscout24 said:Pretty much, yeah. People are always waiting on some third party, like the Labor Party, which usually just vanishes as a serious contender anyway. That's why I'm saying, once the Republican Party disappears, 😁 there won't be any reason for the Democratic Party to stick around either.

hehe, keep dreaming, considering they might be back in power in just a few months. ☕ Perhaps I'm being a little bit cynical now. ☕

Robin Fox2 said:Because of this Government, the US was recently rubbing shoulders with Venezuela, Syria, and Argentina... Honestly, you have to be quite skilled to pull that off, given how well you have to understand the volatility in those specific places. They managed to pop economic bubbles elsewhere too, so the country hasn't been stuck in such a mess for quite this long before...

That is a massive misconception. Just massive.

Robin Fox2 said:Because of this Government, the US was recently rubbing shoulders with Venezuela, Syria, and Argentina... Honestly, you have to be quite skilled to pull that off, given how well you have to understand the volatility in those specific places. They managed to pop economic bubbles elsewhere too, so the country hasn't been stuck in such a mess for quite this long before...

In the event of a major car crash, the blame lies with the doctors if the patient doesn't pull through or takes forever to recover. It’s not on the people who caused the wreck. 👍

Keith Miller30 said:To put it simply—a Prime Minister shouldn't be fostering these kinds of divisions within society; his stance ought to be one of unity rather than creating an "us versus them" mentality. He really should have accepted Karamarko's invitation to sit down together instead of trying to dodge the conversation. I can't help but wonder if he actually cares deeply about this country, though that is just my personal impression.

hehe, keep dreaming, considering they might be back in power in just a few months. ☕ Perhaps I'm being a little bit cynical now. ☕

The Prime Minister couldn't care less about this country. 🙏 🤣

He was bored at home, so he decided to try running a country just for kicks. Tomislav Karamarko loves stirring up division and fueling hatred toward the current administration, but honestly, he hasn't offered a single intelligent idea yet. Word is his German consultants just finished polishing his platform, so maybe he won't look like such a total outsider this time around. The Prime Minister made the call to take him on live in front of the cameras. Smart move. If you actually have something brilliant to suggest, let the whole nation hear it. Let them see if we truly have a real alternative to this Government—that’s how you actually take down a Prime Minister.

Pure talent. I’m planning to 👍

Morgan Williams said:In the event of a major car crash, the blame lies with the doctors if the patient doesn't pull through or takes forever to recover. It’s not on the people who caused the wreck. 👍

The Prime Minister couldn't care less about this country. 🙏 🤣

He was bored at home, so he decided to try running a country just for kicks. Tomislav Karamarko loves stirring up division and fueling hatred toward the current administration, but honestly, he hasn't offered a single intelligent idea yet. Word is his German consultants just finished polishing his platform, so maybe he won't look like such a total outsider this time around. The Prime Minister made the call to take him on live in front of the cameras. Smart move. If you actually have something brilliant to suggest, let the whole nation hear it. Let them see if we truly have a real alternative to this Government—that’s how you actually take down a Prime Minister.

Well, by that logic, I suppose Sanders cared about this country too, didn't he? It's not like he became Prime Minister out of pure boredom either...

ruggedjackal46 said:So, what, if you don't vote for the lesser evil, you somehow aren't eating the same crap?

While I’m at the polling station doing my civic duty—without checking the box for either the Republican-Democratic party—I can say I'm not eating crap... unlike some people who still try to convince themselves they're actually eating chocolate...

Keith Miller30 said:Well, by that logic, I suppose Sanders cared about this country too, didn't he? It's not like he became Prime Minister out of pure boredom either...

Zoran robbed the country blind and plunged us into a crisis, his party was convicted in court, and now Zoran is sitting in prison?