Recently we revisited the subject of nomenclature as it relates to our cherished style and its various branches and manifestations on the historical timeline. Today we examine “Ivy” and “preppy” once again, this time through a politician whose time in the spotlight has ended. Of course, he’d abandoned his trad kit long before that.
* * *
Yesterday a link to a slideshow of the young Mitt Romney made its way into my inbox. I took a look, and wasn’t surprised to learn that the son of Michigan’s governor and former prep school student was raised on natural shoulders, oxford buttondowns and rep ties. At least while it was current and fashionable. In the ’70s he went hairy like most everybody else, and today the Harvard alum looks just like any other politician: sanitized for television and downplaying his elite background with populist pablum. Above, an ad for the local menswear shop (taken from this Washington Post slideshow). Below, yearbook photo:
Bottom row, third from left, in what looks like corduroy:
Romney’s in there somewhere amid the sea of Weejuns:
I believe these date from his years at Stanford:
Cruising around France in a suit. Must be a Mormon thing:
By the time Romney made it to Harvard (for a joint Juris Doctor and Master’s of Business Administration), he already had a family. The heyday of the Ivy League Look had passed, and the LL Bean Preppy Seventies were dawning. — CC
I was out running errands yesterday and saw two Mormons on bicycles go by. They’re easy to spot: they always wear white shirts and ties. I don’t know why any Mormons would do their missionary work here – lots of them live here.
The sweaters in the last picture are beautiful. Ann Romney looks a bit like Patty Hearst.
“In the ’70s he went hairy like most everybody else, and today the Harvard alum looks just like any other politician: sanitized for television and downplaying his elite background with populist pablum.”
Well, when has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a wind sock at an airfield?
“In the ’70s he went hairy like most everybody else, and today the Harvard alum looks just like any other politician: sanitized for television and downplaying his elite background with populist pablum.”
Are you surprised? When has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a windsock at an airfield?
Hard to believe that the G.O.P. once produced Presidential candidates of the highest caliber and Presidents of international stature. And now we have come to this.
When has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a windsock at an airfield?
Cretins don’t graduate from Harvard with a JD in the top third of their class or top 5% in the MBA program.
Turning in the wind, what politician doesn’t? When Clinton did it, it was called triangulation and deemed brilliant by the media. The only campaign promise God Zero kept was destroying the coal industry, he sure didn’t pursue jobs when first elected, media silent.
The Romney money is not “old” money. Both, George and Mitt are self made men and both have worn their business experience on their sleeves politically.
But, this is going to be a long and fun campaign for political junkies, very close in the end. We can all be partisan gentlemen, be civilized and agree to disagree
Mitt a self-made man? That actually made me “laugh out loud”!
He’s the son of a multi-millionaire. His dad was was chairman and president of American Motors Corporation from 1954 to 1962, the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, and a (failed) Presidential candidate. Mitt inherited massive amounts of money and had every possible extra elite advantage handed to him on a silver platter.
As the saying goes, Mitt was born on third base and thought he hit a triple.
But it’s nice to have a photo of Mitt engaged “in sport” to show he’s a common man.
ID
Mitt gave his inheritance away. His father actually grew up poor, worked construction till he got involved in politics, was a lobbyist for aluminum and auto manufacturers and then AMC before Mitt was born. No doubt Mitt had advantages growing up, but knowing his father’s back ground, one can understand why Mitt worked as a night watchman while attending Stanford, seems when you leave home you are on your own. I have no idea how Mitt paid for BYU or Harvard, but we don’t know how The One paid for his education either. Personally I think it’s refreshing that he doesn’t pretend to have grown up disadvantaged like so many pols with Abe Lincoln meme.
No son or daughter of a chairman for an auto company, govenor of a state, and a presidential candidate could be even remotely considered working class or disadvantaged. With a family background like that, he was destined for success from getting the lead in the kindergarden Thanksgiving pageant to running for President.
He would get the better grades, better job offers, and everything else. Look at George W. Read his book. He writes like he worried he would not be accepted into Yale. His jobs with the oil companies were a struggle. Mitt is just like him. Trying to be a regular guy. What a joke!
“You couldn’t buy a ticket, to hear the first robin sing,
it’s free because it’s Anybody’s Spring”….so the song goes.
Everybody enjoying beach season? From the local
offerings to the resorts? How about a simple walk in the
local park? Do any of you photograph? Take in the splendor
of nature, all the beauty it has to offer taken for granted day
after day. Ever watch a sunset or sunrise in awe of its
majestic horizon? Do you ever stop and simply enjoy
what life has to offer no mater what your lot in life?
NO. You see their are “drips” among humanity that insist
you are obligated to live your entire life with guilt and
how dare you enjoy anything life has to give, You are
privileged therefore you OWE others who are not as privileged.
You have NO RIGHT to individual pursuit of happiness.
You owe it to everyone else to demonstrate you know
you do not deserve better than anyone else and you better
make that clear if you expect respect from others.
How dare you enjoy a simple walk in the park when you
should see if this park has any history of violating civil
rights! Then by all means organize a march and condemn it!
Yes, be a miserable grouch and protest your life away.
By the time your tombstone is put into place and you’ve
changed – NOTHING – those of us without guilt shall be
enjoying all of God’s grace offerings for free and living it
up. Isn’t that too bad.
Duke
I imagine that anyone with a JD or MBA from Harvard has doors opened for them, even the Clintons who both came from mid to upper middle class back grounds. Does anyone think The One would have been given the time of day had he not gone to Harvard law, although his family had connections.
Mitt has never claimed to be working class or lack connections, his life is an open book.
Oh , you really have been misinformed. While in college Mitt and his wife lived off money from stocks. At no point did Mitt EVER suffer or start from the bottom. NEVER HAPPENED.
Here’s Ann Romney’s story of their “struggling” years in college:
“They were not easy years…..We were happy, studying hard. Neither one of us had a job, because Mitt had enough of an investment from stock that we could sell off a little at a time.”
“We were living on the edge, not entertaining. No, I did not work. … So, we were married a long time before we had any income, about five years as struggling students.”
The stock was worth $60,000 in 1969 dollars. That’s about $377,000 in today’s money. that’s Mitt’s idea of “struggling” and “living on the edge”. What college kid with close to half a million dollars in resources would consider that “struggling”? Would ANYBODY consider that “struggling”?
DP
Yes, today higher education is a racket, especially if one goes into debt to achieve a JD or even a PhD, depending on the subject matter and school.
I have no idea where Mitt got the stock or how far $20,000 a year goes covering a family, Harvard tuition for a JD and MBA in 1969. You’re right, I doubt they struggled as most would define it, but who cares?
Those of who repulsed by any preppy love thrown at Romney, Bush or Buckley now might know how the rest of us feel when the Ivy blogosphere whores itself out to the Kennedy clan.
Boston – point was that the picture of any GOP figure immediately leads to foaming at the mouth for a certain segment, the rage based on politics, not trad authenticity. I frankly don’t give a damn for anyone’s credentials (though WFB is a personal hero).
“I have no idea where Mitt got the stock or how far $20,000 a year goes covering a family, Harvard tuition for a JD and MBA in 1969. You’re right, I doubt they struggled as most would define it, but who cares?”
You have no idea where the stock came from? Considering that it was stock from AMC where his Dad was CEO, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
….and, I TOLD you how much $60,000 was in today’s money. Feel free to doublecheck that with any inflation calculator.
“Who cares?” Obviously you do, as you were touting his credentials as a supposedly “self-made man”. Given a half-million dollar headstart gift from Daddy kind of dispels the “self-made” part.
BTW, do you think being the son of a major automotive CEO, Governor, and Presidential candidate, as well as attending prep schools MIGHT give someone a slight advantage in the Harvard admissions process? If you think connections don’t grease the wheels you’re incredibly naive.
Let’s just call a spade a spade, shall we?
And no, that’s not your cue to spin a fantastic tale of how Obama was somehow some sort of son of privilege too.
Ivy Drip
First, I know what inflation is, it’s what coming down the pike.
Second, Mitt grew up privileged, no doubt. Again, so what.
Thirdly, who has ran for President that didn’t have financial and political connections? Only those naive and ignorant or never really been involved in politics don’t know this.
Lastly, regardless of privilege or not, the cracks in the blue model started in the midterm elections and continues today.
Well Mac, YOU were the one claiming Mitt was some self-made man, not me. Now apparently you’ve changed your tune and begrudgingly admit that his privileged background was indeed a huge factor in his “success”.
But, one could argue, this self-made man myth is also being pushed by the Romney campaign itself (see ridiculous Ann Romney “struggling” quotes above) in order to downplay how wildly out-of-touch Romney is with the economic reality of the vast majority of Americans. When a half-million dollars is considered “struggling” for someone barely out of their teen years, well, obviously there is a distortion of perspective there.
You said:
“…who has ran for President that didn’t have financial and political connections?”
Uh, I don’t even know what that means, or what strawman you’re arguing here. We are talking about formative childhood/young adult years and what obvious advantages privilege bestows upon those born into it. Obviously by the time you get to be a middle age man running for President you have to be affiliated with a party and have risen through the ranks of said party in order to make the connections necessary to raise the money needed for the campaign.
What happens earlier in your life has a huge impact on the ease or difficulty of arriving at that future point. DUH.
As i said, Mitt was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple. Which starts to become very apparent by some of the clueless things he says.
$ 60K in 1969 calculated to today’s inflation at $ 377K does not translate accurately the buying power in today’s money. Gas was 28 cents a gallon, full size new cars sold for around $ 3K, natural gas utility bills were around $ 15 a month in winter, and electric about $ 4. A 3 bedroom ranch home sold for under $ 20K. To stay preppy, a new set of Wilson golf clubs were around $ 100, and a round of 18 holes was about $ 2.
Minimum wage was $ 1.45 per hour, of which I worked hard to earn. It would take 20 years of labor to earn that $ 60K, if no taxes or expenses were incurred. $10K a year was a sum most people strived for. $ 10K a year meant you had arrived.
It took me 10 years of work at a good job to save that paltry $ 60K. Most working class people today couldn’t save $ 60K in 10 years, let alone the $ 377K adjusted for inflation.
Mitt and Mrs. Mitt had no struggle. I’d make a better President.
I’ll stick by Mitt being a self made business man. He didn’t sit around clipping coupons like the Kennedys or Bidens, he actually created wealth.
No, you can’t escape your history, well unless you’ve got a compliant media.
I don’t care if Mitt had advantages, nor that he is an awkward politician, he’s a wonk. At this point and in November I don’t think the voters will care either, it will be a very close election or a landslide.
Comment by MAC — June 15, 2012 @ 3:10 pm
“At this point and in November I don’t think the voters will care either, it will be a very close election or a landslide.”
You’re really going out on a limb with that prediction!
DB
Well that’s why I had the qualifier of “very close”, but in the real world anything can happen.
But, Obama is slowly losing the middle in states he once owned. Many compare 2008 electoral college numbers to polls to day, but ignore the 2010 midterm election flips from blue to red data. Historically, the midterms more accurately predict Presidential outcomes. Granted, it’s very early on and if a landslide happens it will be like Reagan’s, a last minute electorate decision.
“I’ll stick by Mitt being a self made business man.”
OF COURSE you will. Don’t let little things like facts get in the way of the narrative you’ve bought into.
“…he actually created wealth.”
Did he now? Or did he exploit failing businesses and steal the employees’ pensions to “create” his extra wealth. I don’t see anything that Romney did as any sort of benefit to the country. Running the USA is not a for-profit endeavor for personal enrichment. In fact it’s a non-profit exercise in looking out for the well-being of others.
“I don’t care if Mitt had advantages, nor that he is an awkward politician,…”
OF COURSE you don’t. Why would you care if our President has even the slightest inkling of how the vast majority of Americans actually live? Why would you want him to have smooth diplomatic skills when he’s in the most powerful political office in the world?
Sheesh….don’t even bother with excuses anymore. You’d vote for him even if he admitted to belonging to some bizarre cult that worshiped beings from the planet Kolob.
Oh wait, nevermind.
The really tragic thing is that if Mutt is elected, he’ll bring about such economic and social injustice that the eventual take-over by Islam will be speeded up.
My 2cents says who cares if he inherited his money? Who cares if he didn’t… Those are all the wrong details… Typical for the uneducated and uninformed to spend energy and time discussing his family tree and bank roll… I hear this nonsense all the time talking to people, “well he was privlidged… Etc…” yea, so… And now he is using his privlidges to fix this mess we are in… Fine by me. These are usually the people that know absolutely nothing about the foreign policies, debt, unimployment, etc… Just vote based on religion and skin color… Whatever…
And for those who did inherit wealth, that is what the working class and family is all about, working hard to provide for your family and children, so that they may have a better life than you…. At least that’s how I was raised…
If he was so rich, why bother working at all? Obviously he is trying to make a difference… And Kennedy, please… His father was loaded$$$
The pics are indeed very trad and nice to browse through.
This week Howard Dean said that the POTUS doesn’t have a cohesive message. So, after a couple of very bad months for the POTUS, he went on TV to give a “Re-Boot” speech. Unfortunately, it got panned even on MSNBC, turns out it’s basically the same speech he gave the AP luncheon three months ago.
Anyway, I’m here to help. His re-election would be a sure thing if he promised to enroll in Econ 101 if re-elected.
Barry is hardly a philistine; Mutt is philistinism incarnate.
Even those who always blindly vote Republican cannot possibly argue that he’s not a cretin, too.
From a Chinese perspective, the problem of Mitt Romney is that he is trying to achieve what his father could not–we have seen this pattern before( first generation business into second generation politics), and frankly I question how much of a personal ambition as to his willingness to lead this country.
Romney’s father was actually a decent man, for a Republican.
Which is why he didn’t get the GOP nomination. He was pro-civil rights and anti-Vietnam war.
Mitt learned from his father’s “mistakes” and makes sure he never takes a solid stand on either side of any issue. He usually takes both sides, at any given time. And then switches back again.
I’m afraid button down mind, your collar is too tight.
AH, because Romney’s father agrees with your politics
he gets your praise……..
Not a fan of Romney nor Mr ‘LBF” am I at all.
Love how you ignore the “regurgitation” of the leftwing
points how one cannot be born into privilege and at the
same time have compassion and understanding of those
not so fortunate. But of course if such a “privileged”
individual can show that he is as leftist as the rest, why
then praise him! He gets a pass! He lives with the
appropriate guilt and humanitarianism for all.
Yes, don’t stop believing the rainbows are just
ahead! When humanity will prove they don’t need a
“God” or his authority, just drop all judgement towards
one another , no enforcement of authority and lawless
evil ,self centered ,arrogant humanity will have their
utopia!! …..It’s only been thousands upon thousands
of years now and humanity hasn’t learned it’s not
good to lie ,cheat, steal and murder form one another
YET??…….Who needs a God ,humanity is so
superior…………
Jinx returns with another rambling mess of non-sequitirs.
George Romney didn’t “get my praise”. I just said he wasn’t as bad as many others on the right. that’s some faint praise. But why wouldn’t I “praise” someone if i agreed with (some of) his positions? I suppose by your comments I should assume you would have been against civil rights and for the Vietnam War? Nevermind, I already know your answer.
Of course it is possible to be raised in privilege and show compassion, empathy and understanding for those less fortunate. FDR is a prime example of that.
Unfortunately, GOP candidates in the last 100 years have all failed to show any of these traits. Reagan, Bush and Romney spring to mind immediately.
I do find it very telling that you consider those traits to be inherently “leftist” in nature.
The rest of your screed is just flying somewhere in outer space, as well as being irrelevant.
Ivy Drip
What companies did Mitt steal worker’s pensions funds from?
I’ll assume you mean GTS, the bankrupt steel manufacturer in Kansas City. It’s the Bain Capital failure featured in the Dem campaign ad. The ad stars past union officials from the Kansas City plant, that plant is about seven miles from my home.
The GTS plant is the old ARMCO Steel plant that has been in existence since 1888. ARMCO was planning to shut the KC plant down if they couldn’t unload it, Bain Capital stepped in. Bain’s plan was to invest in modernization of the plant, make it profitable, after value added sale it in an IPO.
The plans proceeded, Bain sold bonds to finance the modernization and planned for the IPO. Things were looking up for the old ARMCO plant, till the guys in that ad organized a strike, along with the usual thuggery and vandalism. What were the union demands?, pay-no, work rules-no, it was the guaranteeing of a golden parachute benefits package if plant went bankrupt. Smells like team spirit, I remember at the time, most here in KC thought these guys were crazy. After that strike the handwriting was on the wall and in the end the bankruptcy court disallowed the golden parachute pensions. The Feds picked up $44 million in unfunded pension liabilities, which I guess is the somehow the “stealing of employees’ pensions”. I have no idea what the unfunded pension liabilities were when Bain took over, I doubt they were zero and considering the steel industry’s bankruptcies of that time $44 isn’t large, most were in the 100s of millions and one was $1.4 billion.
There’s most likely, there’s plenty of blame to go around for the failure, but the sister GTS plant down south came back up after the bankruptcy and last I heard was still in production.
Question, does anyone know what the unfunded non-union pension liabilities are from the non-bankruptcy bankruptcy of GM, not estimates or the real figure of pennies on the dollar pensions those workers are going to get? I’m sure they will be released after the election.
Unfortunately, GOP candidates in the last 100 years have all failed to show any of these traits.
When I read this kind of BS I have to wonder if the author is in jr. high or never read a history book or believe what political hacks posing on MSNBC as journalist spin. I admit to watching MSNBC 24/7, it is comedy gold.
I don’t mean to offend you BDMSB, your ignorance of the facts can’t hold a candle to TB’s ability to read a magic 8-ball to determine what Jesus would do and what is in men’s hearts.
You mention the VN War, get a book find out what SEATO is, find out who put boot on the ground and escalated with the advise of his best and brightest Ivy Leaguers.
Civil Rights and the two parties, you don’t even want to go there.
The truth is that we live in a modern welfare state, no one either side of the isle doesn’t understand that, regardless of the rhetoric. The welfare state needs reforms, the private sector can’t support it’s rate of growth anymore.
Button Down says – ‘FDR is a prime example of that!”
Oh ,Mr Button Down??
I stated before (just scroll up please)
*AHEM* “But of course if such a “privileged”
individual can show that he is as leftist as the
rest,why then praise him”
And what do you do?
YOU DO EXACTLY WHAT I SAID YOU WOULD DO.
“Of course ol’ leftwing FDR is a prime example
of that”………..
Don’t be so predictable. You want to make a point
against me you don’t make my point for me.
It’s easier squashing bugs…
AH, the non- sequitur nonsense.
When I parody the hopes of leftwing fallen
humanity that somehow, someway you will all
find this “paradise” on your own without a
savior or God necessary it is a straight
direct bullseye to your entire way of thinking.
It is not unrelated but the most important
testimony against you.
Doubling-down on the crazy non-sequitirs…
Not even worth going down that rabbit hole of insanity.
@MAC
I understand that logic makes you really angry, but thanks for more vague rightwing doublespeak. It speaks volumes about you.
There’s always this unique conservative ability to master cognitive dissonance – to hold two conflicting viewpoints simultaneously. To supposedly espouse the beliefs of Jesus, while simultaneously raging against anything that would actually implement his teachings.
Fascinating to view, from a psychological perspective.
Yeah Button Down.
Matt 10:34 – Do not think that I have come to bring
peace to the world. I have not come to bring peace
but a sword.
As well as the book of Revelations regarding the second
coming of Christ that his”robe will run red with blood”
of all those he will be slaughtering.
Oh yes Jesus is a humanitarian loving liberal…
Predictable again. You go and default to non
sequitur accusation against me AGAIN.
Rightwing doublespeak he says to MAC.
But leftwing is right on. Please.
Don’t you get tired of being a walking target
practice? To espouse the beliefs of Jesus
as conservative is correct because no one is as
far to the right as he is. Hence why all of
humanity falls short of his grace . Dig deep
enough and there you find the poison of leftism
in each soul of a person thus needing a savior.
I don’t get angry over politics or religion, only fools do. But, keep believing you receive grace by voting for politicians that give other peoples’ money away.
You mean how rich people’s capital gains tax is lower than the average middle class rate? You DO know that upper income taxes were considerably higher under Reagan, right? Taxes are the lowest they have been in decades. So I’m not sure exactly what you’re talking about, other than parroting fake rightwing narratives.
I just keep thinking how Jesus would feel about the conservative war on the poor. The rightwing has managed to twist and distort Jesus’s pacifist liberal teachings into some bizarre conservative hate crusade.
Jesus was ALL ABOUT helping the poor, not “what’s in it for me?”
Jesus had David slaughter Goliath.
Jesus had Moses punish the people who made false
idols out of gold by melting down the idols and
drinking the melted gold to their deaths.
Jesus had the wandering tribe of Israelites in the
desert put the sword to their own relatives who strayed
from him and his teachings.
Jesus ordered the Israelites to kill the Canaanites
all the men women and children and take their
village over for themselves. Might that be a civil
rights violation of the Canaanites??
Jesus had Sampson bring down a building
on top of self righteous humanitarians.
Jesus killed the Egyptians stupid enough
to follow the jews freed by Moses by closing the
sea upon them to their death.
The greatest death penalty of all time.
The great flood .Jesus kills off everything
and everyone save Noah and seven others
along with the animals and the ark.
Real pacifist there. Please. The anti christ
will be the liberal you are dreaming of.
The real Jesus does indeed have love, mercy
and forgiveness as part of his character.
ALONG with justice ,righteousness and authority.
You hate a divine authority that sentences people
and holds them responsible.
YOU- are the “What’s In it For Me” people.
You are the ones who distort Jesus for your
personal politics of all forgiveness ,no judging.
Sorry. Not the way it is.
Should I bother pointing out that Jesus wasn’t even around during the Old Testament? Not to mention that the Bible isn’t literal. Or has Jinx been conversing with talking snakes?
You have no point to prove.
Jesus wasn’t around??
Now we have it. You don’t believe he’s
the divine creator in heaven either.
Yes I’m real non sequitur now .
I had you pegged dead on from the get go.
Sighhhhhhh. OK button down. Stay to the left.
STAY. There is a dead end awaiting your
journey’s end. You’ll be so pleased.
BON VOYAGE! ….you’re a waste of time kid.
NO, you know exactly what I mean and your pride
just can’t let it go. Enough lefty. Stay to the left.
Forever. Now….you need to get the last word
again? Go ahead. There will be a lollipop for you
upon exiting the comments here.
Have A Nice Day!
I got an idea, do some research, tell me what percentage of the population was poor when income taxes were at the highest and what percentage when they are lowest.
There won’t be a significant difference, how un-Christian.
And by the way, Obama owns the current tax rates, he signed them into law, so at present their Dem tax rates. How un-Christian of him by your standards.
Does anyone truly believe that if taxes are raised they won’t have to go very far down into the middle class to even make a difference on the debt or deficit. Of course if the Dems control Congress the revenue will be spent.
Robert Reich is being disingenuous, he knows the difference between income and capital gains, but the folks that hangout at move-on aren’t that bright.
You said – that Jesus wasn’t even around in the OT,
and that the bible isn’t literal or have I been conversing
with talking snakes? To discredit what I stated.
Yes you do know what I meant.
As a matter of fact I have been conversing with
a talking snake…..you.
Don’t forget your lollipop dear. Hopefully they
have BS flavor, your favorite!
Class divisions and class hatred are so deep in this country that the President doesn’t dare wear a buttondwon oxford shirt for fear that he will be associated with the oligarchy.
Always sweet to remind preppies that they don’t have a monopoly on wearing OCBD shirts and khakis and that their garb has been appropriated by “commonests” with good sartorial sense.
Is there a case to be made that, while it’s true the Look was nearly ubiquitous in the 60s, the 70s were just plain better because of the wider, longer dimensions? “Heyday” can be defined in a variety of ways, I think.
Solidarity among the left here, how inspiring and uplifting !
Yes how unfortunate though ,that I have had and continue
to have an uninterrupted life of privilege that your politics
have not and will not change. Don’t look so sad.
It’s alright. Why this afternoon I’m going to have an
official tour of the grandest bank I can find downtown.
Say hello to the guard at the door,ask him how his day is.
Admire the marble construction, learn the history of it all.
Maybe have a tour of the wondrous vaults of silver.
Magnificent! Join the manager for lunch or dinner.
Ah, such beautiful weather too. Take Care, may your hatred
cement your hearts beyond reason or repair.
@S.E. — I grew up in the ’70s and so have the same bias. I have always thought of the late ’70s/early ’80s as a sort of trad “Renaissance,” when original forms were revered but taken to new heights.
Lib Trad
The reference was to the celebrated folk singer Pete Seeger. Mr. Seeger is not a liberal democrat, he has been an unapologetic communist since his teens. I respect his honesty and his music. Mr. Seeger’s only sins or ignorance has been his being an apologist for communist regimes long after their atrocities have been exposed.
Who’s this Commie guy? Maybe you could post a reading list.
Interesting that you have a wide spectrum of readers from fascists who call themselves Republicans to Bolsheviks who call themselves liberal Democrats.
There are those of us who read this blog because we are interested in American traditional men’s clothing, rather than in the diatribes between political extremists.
who cares that Romney inherited money? Yeah everyone with a rich dad is unfit to be president, flawless logic. You are all just bitter. I wish my Dad was as wealthy as Romney’s, doesn’t mean I think Mitt is automatically stupid. The guy created Bain Capital (ever heard of Staples). Maybe you don’t like him/won’t vote for him, but to say he isn’t is successful shows that you are biased and ignorant. By the way this comes from an Obama voter. You people are ruining our party, you sound like a liberal Rush Limbaugh–go become republicans.
Beautiful photos. Mitt Romney is a class act, its too bad that so many Americans are drinking the Kool Aid. One of the things they like to become irate over is that Romney had money, and then they tried to demonize looking nice, and wearing quality clothes.
Just look at how down to earth they looked up until he was running for president. Obama and Michelle were always wearing designer clothes.
Those school pictures were taken at Cranbrook School, a boarding school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is co-ed today, but in Mitt’s day it was all boys with mandatory coat and tie.
I was out running errands yesterday and saw two Mormons on bicycles go by. They’re easy to spot: they always wear white shirts and ties. I don’t know why any Mormons would do their missionary work here – lots of them live here.
The sweaters in the last picture are beautiful. Ann Romney looks a bit like Patty Hearst.
Very trad, got my vote!
“In the ’70s he went hairy like most everybody else, and today the Harvard alum looks just like any other politician: sanitized for television and downplaying his elite background with populist pablum.”
Well, when has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a wind sock at an airfield?
“In the ’70s he went hairy like most everybody else, and today the Harvard alum looks just like any other politician: sanitized for television and downplaying his elite background with populist pablum.”
Are you surprised? When has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a windsock at an airfield?
Hard to believe that the G.O.P. once produced Presidential candidates of the highest caliber and Presidents of international stature. And now we have come to this.
I look forward to November when we get to have the adults back in charge…
When has this cretin not turned in the breeze like a windsock at an airfield?
Cretins don’t graduate from Harvard with a JD in the top third of their class or top 5% in the MBA program.
Turning in the wind, what politician doesn’t? When Clinton did it, it was called triangulation and deemed brilliant by the media. The only campaign promise God Zero kept was destroying the coal industry, he sure didn’t pursue jobs when first elected, media silent.
The Romney money is not “old” money. Both, George and Mitt are self made men and both have worn their business experience on their sleeves politically.
But, this is going to be a long and fun campaign for political junkies, very close in the end. We can all be partisan gentlemen, be civilized and agree to disagree
I enjoyed the slide shows very much. Thanks for posting the links!
Note the duffle coat in the hockey photo.
@MAC
Mitt a self-made man? That actually made me “laugh out loud”!
He’s the son of a multi-millionaire. His dad was was chairman and president of American Motors Corporation from 1954 to 1962, the 43rd Governor of Michigan from 1963 to 1969, and a (failed) Presidential candidate. Mitt inherited massive amounts of money and had every possible extra elite advantage handed to him on a silver platter.
As the saying goes, Mitt was born on third base and thought he hit a triple.
But it’s nice to have a photo of Mitt engaged “in sport” to show he’s a common man.
ID
Mitt gave his inheritance away. His father actually grew up poor, worked construction till he got involved in politics, was a lobbyist for aluminum and auto manufacturers and then AMC before Mitt was born. No doubt Mitt had advantages growing up, but knowing his father’s back ground, one can understand why Mitt worked as a night watchman while attending Stanford, seems when you leave home you are on your own. I have no idea how Mitt paid for BYU or Harvard, but we don’t know how The One paid for his education either. Personally I think it’s refreshing that he doesn’t pretend to have grown up disadvantaged like so many pols with Abe Lincoln meme.
No son or daughter of a chairman for an auto company, govenor of a state, and a presidential candidate could be even remotely considered working class or disadvantaged. With a family background like that, he was destined for success from getting the lead in the kindergarden Thanksgiving pageant to running for President.
He would get the better grades, better job offers, and everything else. Look at George W. Read his book. He writes like he worried he would not be accepted into Yale. His jobs with the oil companies were a struggle. Mitt is just like him. Trying to be a regular guy. What a joke!
“You couldn’t buy a ticket, to hear the first robin sing,
it’s free because it’s Anybody’s Spring”….so the song goes.
Everybody enjoying beach season? From the local
offerings to the resorts? How about a simple walk in the
local park? Do any of you photograph? Take in the splendor
of nature, all the beauty it has to offer taken for granted day
after day. Ever watch a sunset or sunrise in awe of its
majestic horizon? Do you ever stop and simply enjoy
what life has to offer no mater what your lot in life?
NO. You see their are “drips” among humanity that insist
you are obligated to live your entire life with guilt and
how dare you enjoy anything life has to give, You are
privileged therefore you OWE others who are not as privileged.
You have NO RIGHT to individual pursuit of happiness.
You owe it to everyone else to demonstrate you know
you do not deserve better than anyone else and you better
make that clear if you expect respect from others.
How dare you enjoy a simple walk in the park when you
should see if this park has any history of violating civil
rights! Then by all means organize a march and condemn it!
Yes, be a miserable grouch and protest your life away.
By the time your tombstone is put into place and you’ve
changed – NOTHING – those of us without guilt shall be
enjoying all of God’s grace offerings for free and living it
up. Isn’t that too bad.
Duke
I imagine that anyone with a JD or MBA from Harvard has doors opened for them, even the Clintons who both came from mid to upper middle class back grounds. Does anyone think The One would have been given the time of day had he not gone to Harvard law, although his family had connections.
Mitt has never claimed to be working class or lack connections, his life is an open book.
Those of us in the higher education racket know that degrees mean virtually nothing.
In particular, the JD is certainly not the equivalent of a real doctorate (the PhD); just an expensive vocational cerificate
I’ll vote for Obama to protect the Republican Party from going down in history as the party that gave us a president even dumber than Dubya
@MAC
Oh , you really have been misinformed. While in college Mitt and his wife lived off money from stocks. At no point did Mitt EVER suffer or start from the bottom. NEVER HAPPENED.
Here’s Ann Romney’s story of their “struggling” years in college:
“They were not easy years…..We were happy, studying hard. Neither one of us had a job, because Mitt had enough of an investment from stock that we could sell off a little at a time.”
“We were living on the edge, not entertaining. No, I did not work. … So, we were married a long time before we had any income, about five years as struggling students.”
The stock was worth $60,000 in 1969 dollars. That’s about $377,000 in today’s money. that’s Mitt’s idea of “struggling” and “living on the edge”. What college kid with close to half a million dollars in resources would consider that “struggling”? Would ANYBODY consider that “struggling”?
To earn is human; to inherit, divine.
DP
Yes, today higher education is a racket, especially if one goes into debt to achieve a JD or even a PhD, depending on the subject matter and school.
Old Money
You should vote for Obama, in four years you can change name to No money. 🙂
Ivy Drip
I have no idea where Mitt got the stock or how far $20,000 a year goes covering a family, Harvard tuition for a JD and MBA in 1969. You’re right, I doubt they struggled as most would define it, but who cares?
MAC
If the money of the plutocrats decreases, but the level of health and education in the country increases, Obama will deserve to be beatified.
Lancelot
He already has been.
Those of who repulsed by any preppy love thrown at Romney, Bush or Buckley now might know how the rest of us feel when the Ivy blogosphere whores itself out to the Kennedy clan.
Those of you….damn typos.
MAC
In that case, he’ll deserve to be canonized.
Binx Bolling
The Kennedy clan were authentic Ivy, unlike Bush and certainly unlike Romney.
As far as Buckley is concerned, we may despise his political stance, but would certainly never challenge his Ivy credentials.
Boston – point was that the picture of any GOP figure immediately leads to foaming at the mouth for a certain segment, the rage based on politics, not trad authenticity. I frankly don’t give a damn for anyone’s credentials (though WFB is a personal hero).
A wonderful NYT article today that I thought you might enjoy. “Living In The Past”:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/15/arts/design/living-in-the-past-is-a-full-time-gig.html
Enjoy
@MAC opined:
“I have no idea where Mitt got the stock or how far $20,000 a year goes covering a family, Harvard tuition for a JD and MBA in 1969. You’re right, I doubt they struggled as most would define it, but who cares?”
You have no idea where the stock came from? Considering that it was stock from AMC where his Dad was CEO, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
….and, I TOLD you how much $60,000 was in today’s money. Feel free to doublecheck that with any inflation calculator.
“Who cares?” Obviously you do, as you were touting his credentials as a supposedly “self-made man”. Given a half-million dollar headstart gift from Daddy kind of dispels the “self-made” part.
BTW, do you think being the son of a major automotive CEO, Governor, and Presidential candidate, as well as attending prep schools MIGHT give someone a slight advantage in the Harvard admissions process? If you think connections don’t grease the wheels you’re incredibly naive.
Let’s just call a spade a spade, shall we?
And no, that’s not your cue to spin a fantastic tale of how Obama was somehow some sort of son of privilege too.
Ivy Drip
First, I know what inflation is, it’s what coming down the pike.
Second, Mitt grew up privileged, no doubt. Again, so what.
Thirdly, who has ran for President that didn’t have financial and political connections? Only those naive and ignorant or never really been involved in politics don’t know this.
Lastly, regardless of privilege or not, the cracks in the blue model started in the midterm elections and continues today.
“To earn is human; to inherit, divine.”
Cranky, your quip is practically Wildean. Well played.
@MAC
Well Mac, YOU were the one claiming Mitt was some self-made man, not me. Now apparently you’ve changed your tune and begrudgingly admit that his privileged background was indeed a huge factor in his “success”.
But, one could argue, this self-made man myth is also being pushed by the Romney campaign itself (see ridiculous Ann Romney “struggling” quotes above) in order to downplay how wildly out-of-touch Romney is with the economic reality of the vast majority of Americans. When a half-million dollars is considered “struggling” for someone barely out of their teen years, well, obviously there is a distortion of perspective there.
You said:
“…who has ran for President that didn’t have financial and political connections?”
Uh, I don’t even know what that means, or what strawman you’re arguing here. We are talking about formative childhood/young adult years and what obvious advantages privilege bestows upon those born into it. Obviously by the time you get to be a middle age man running for President you have to be affiliated with a party and have risen through the ranks of said party in order to make the connections necessary to raise the money needed for the campaign.
What happens earlier in your life has a huge impact on the ease or difficulty of arriving at that future point. DUH.
As i said, Mitt was born on third base and thinks he hit a triple. Which starts to become very apparent by some of the clueless things he says.
$ 60K in 1969 calculated to today’s inflation at $ 377K does not translate accurately the buying power in today’s money. Gas was 28 cents a gallon, full size new cars sold for around $ 3K, natural gas utility bills were around $ 15 a month in winter, and electric about $ 4. A 3 bedroom ranch home sold for under $ 20K. To stay preppy, a new set of Wilson golf clubs were around $ 100, and a round of 18 holes was about $ 2.
Minimum wage was $ 1.45 per hour, of which I worked hard to earn. It would take 20 years of labor to earn that $ 60K, if no taxes or expenses were incurred. $10K a year was a sum most people strived for. $ 10K a year meant you had arrived.
It took me 10 years of work at a good job to save that paltry $ 60K. Most working class people today couldn’t save $ 60K in 10 years, let alone the $ 377K adjusted for inflation.
Mitt and Mrs. Mitt had no struggle. I’d make a better President.
I’ll stick by Mitt being a self made business man. He didn’t sit around clipping coupons like the Kennedys or Bidens, he actually created wealth.
No, you can’t escape your history, well unless you’ve got a compliant media.
I don’t care if Mitt had advantages, nor that he is an awkward politician, he’s a wonk. At this point and in November I don’t think the voters will care either, it will be a very close election or a landslide.
Comment by MAC — June 15, 2012 @ 3:10 pm
“At this point and in November I don’t think the voters will care either, it will be a very close election or a landslide.”
You’re really going out on a limb with that prediction!
DB
Well that’s why I had the qualifier of “very close”, but in the real world anything can happen.
But, Obama is slowly losing the middle in states he once owned. Many compare 2008 electoral college numbers to polls to day, but ignore the 2010 midterm election flips from blue to red data. Historically, the midterms more accurately predict Presidential outcomes. Granted, it’s very early on and if a landslide happens it will be like Reagan’s, a last minute electorate decision.
I LIKE IKE.
@MAC
“I’ll stick by Mitt being a self made business man.”
OF COURSE you will. Don’t let little things like facts get in the way of the narrative you’ve bought into.
“…he actually created wealth.”
Did he now? Or did he exploit failing businesses and steal the employees’ pensions to “create” his extra wealth. I don’t see anything that Romney did as any sort of benefit to the country. Running the USA is not a for-profit endeavor for personal enrichment. In fact it’s a non-profit exercise in looking out for the well-being of others.
“I don’t care if Mitt had advantages, nor that he is an awkward politician,…”
OF COURSE you don’t. Why would you care if our President has even the slightest inkling of how the vast majority of Americans actually live? Why would you want him to have smooth diplomatic skills when he’s in the most powerful political office in the world?
Sheesh….don’t even bother with excuses anymore. You’d vote for him even if he admitted to belonging to some bizarre cult that worshiped beings from the planet Kolob.
Oh wait, nevermind.
The really tragic thing is that if Mutt is elected, he’ll bring about such economic and social injustice that the eventual take-over by Islam will be speeded up.
Heated… I figured this one would be…
My 2cents says who cares if he inherited his money? Who cares if he didn’t… Those are all the wrong details… Typical for the uneducated and uninformed to spend energy and time discussing his family tree and bank roll… I hear this nonsense all the time talking to people, “well he was privlidged… Etc…” yea, so… And now he is using his privlidges to fix this mess we are in… Fine by me. These are usually the people that know absolutely nothing about the foreign policies, debt, unimployment, etc… Just vote based on religion and skin color… Whatever…
And for those who did inherit wealth, that is what the working class and family is all about, working hard to provide for your family and children, so that they may have a better life than you…. At least that’s how I was raised…
If he was so rich, why bother working at all? Obviously he is trying to make a difference… And Kennedy, please… His father was loaded$$$
The pics are indeed very trad and nice to browse through.
@Randy
The point is hypocrisy….the BS Romney campaign propaganda touting this self-made man nonsense. Laughable on it’s face.
https://www.commondreams.org/sites/commondreams.org/files/imce-images/cartoon_249027_438899109461742_1420949922_n_0.jpg
Political cartoons should be subtle and have a historical perspective, hopeful descent art…..
http://news.investors.com/photopopup.aspx?id=614943
This week Howard Dean said that the POTUS doesn’t have a cohesive message. So, after a couple of very bad months for the POTUS, he went on TV to give a “Re-Boot” speech. Unfortunately, it got panned even on MSNBC, turns out it’s basically the same speech he gave the AP luncheon three months ago.
Anyway, I’m here to help. His re-election would be a sure thing if he promised to enroll in Econ 101 if re-elected.
@MAC:
Upon reflection, “cretin” was indeed a poor choice of words. I meant “philistine.”
“Cretin” sounds specific to one politician; “philistine” to all of them.
Christian WINS!
Barry is hardly a philistine; Mutt is philistinism incarnate.
Even those who always blindly vote Republican cannot possibly argue that he’s not a cretin, too.
From a Chinese perspective, the problem of Mitt Romney is that he is trying to achieve what his father could not–we have seen this pattern before( first generation business into second generation politics), and frankly I question how much of a personal ambition as to his willingness to lead this country.
@LBF
“The Politics of Envy is alive and well amongst the lower orders in Ivy Land.”
Just when i thought you couldn’t be any more of a cliche. “Envy” has nothing to do with it, but nice job regurgitating the rightwing talking points.
Romney’s father was actually a decent man, for a Republican.
Which is why he didn’t get the GOP nomination. He was pro-civil rights and anti-Vietnam war.
Mitt learned from his father’s “mistakes” and makes sure he never takes a solid stand on either side of any issue. He usually takes both sides, at any given time. And then switches back again.
I’m afraid button down mind, your collar is too tight.
AH, because Romney’s father agrees with your politics
he gets your praise……..
Not a fan of Romney nor Mr ‘LBF” am I at all.
Love how you ignore the “regurgitation” of the leftwing
points how one cannot be born into privilege and at the
same time have compassion and understanding of those
not so fortunate. But of course if such a “privileged”
individual can show that he is as leftist as the rest, why
then praise him! He gets a pass! He lives with the
appropriate guilt and humanitarianism for all.
Yes, don’t stop believing the rainbows are just
ahead! When humanity will prove they don’t need a
“God” or his authority, just drop all judgement towards
one another , no enforcement of authority and lawless
evil ,self centered ,arrogant humanity will have their
utopia!! …..It’s only been thousands upon thousands
of years now and humanity hasn’t learned it’s not
good to lie ,cheat, steal and murder form one another
YET??…….Who needs a God ,humanity is so
superior…………
@Jinx
Jinx returns with another rambling mess of non-sequitirs.
George Romney didn’t “get my praise”. I just said he wasn’t as bad as many others on the right. that’s some faint praise. But why wouldn’t I “praise” someone if i agreed with (some of) his positions? I suppose by your comments I should assume you would have been against civil rights and for the Vietnam War? Nevermind, I already know your answer.
Of course it is possible to be raised in privilege and show compassion, empathy and understanding for those less fortunate. FDR is a prime example of that.
Unfortunately, GOP candidates in the last 100 years have all failed to show any of these traits. Reagan, Bush and Romney spring to mind immediately.
I do find it very telling that you consider those traits to be inherently “leftist” in nature.
The rest of your screed is just flying somewhere in outer space, as well as being irrelevant.
Ivy Drip
What companies did Mitt steal worker’s pensions funds from?
I’ll assume you mean GTS, the bankrupt steel manufacturer in Kansas City. It’s the Bain Capital failure featured in the Dem campaign ad. The ad stars past union officials from the Kansas City plant, that plant is about seven miles from my home.
The GTS plant is the old ARMCO Steel plant that has been in existence since 1888. ARMCO was planning to shut the KC plant down if they couldn’t unload it, Bain Capital stepped in. Bain’s plan was to invest in modernization of the plant, make it profitable, after value added sale it in an IPO.
The plans proceeded, Bain sold bonds to finance the modernization and planned for the IPO. Things were looking up for the old ARMCO plant, till the guys in that ad organized a strike, along with the usual thuggery and vandalism. What were the union demands?, pay-no, work rules-no, it was the guaranteeing of a golden parachute benefits package if plant went bankrupt. Smells like team spirit, I remember at the time, most here in KC thought these guys were crazy. After that strike the handwriting was on the wall and in the end the bankruptcy court disallowed the golden parachute pensions. The Feds picked up $44 million in unfunded pension liabilities, which I guess is the somehow the “stealing of employees’ pensions”. I have no idea what the unfunded pension liabilities were when Bain took over, I doubt they were zero and considering the steel industry’s bankruptcies of that time $44 isn’t large, most were in the 100s of millions and one was $1.4 billion.
There’s most likely, there’s plenty of blame to go around for the failure, but the sister GTS plant down south came back up after the bankruptcy and last I heard was still in production.
Question, does anyone know what the unfunded non-union pension liabilities are from the non-bankruptcy bankruptcy of GM, not estimates or the real figure of pennies on the dollar pensions those workers are going to get? I’m sure they will be released after the election.
Unfortunately, GOP candidates in the last 100 years have all failed to show any of these traits.
When I read this kind of BS I have to wonder if the author is in jr. high or never read a history book or believe what political hacks posing on MSNBC as journalist spin. I admit to watching MSNBC 24/7, it is comedy gold.
I don’t mean to offend you BDMSB, your ignorance of the facts can’t hold a candle to TB’s ability to read a magic 8-ball to determine what Jesus would do and what is in men’s hearts.
You mention the VN War, get a book find out what SEATO is, find out who put boot on the ground and escalated with the advise of his best and brightest Ivy Leaguers.
Civil Rights and the two parties, you don’t even want to go there.
The truth is that we live in a modern welfare state, no one either side of the isle doesn’t understand that, regardless of the rhetoric. The welfare state needs reforms, the private sector can’t support it’s rate of growth anymore.
Button Down says – ‘FDR is a prime example of that!”
Oh ,Mr Button Down??
I stated before (just scroll up please)
*AHEM* “But of course if such a “privileged”
individual can show that he is as leftist as the
rest,why then praise him”
And what do you do?
YOU DO EXACTLY WHAT I SAID YOU WOULD DO.
“Of course ol’ leftwing FDR is a prime example
of that”………..
Don’t be so predictable. You want to make a point
against me you don’t make my point for me.
It’s easier squashing bugs…
AH, the non- sequitur nonsense.
When I parody the hopes of leftwing fallen
humanity that somehow, someway you will all
find this “paradise” on your own without a
savior or God necessary it is a straight
direct bullseye to your entire way of thinking.
It is not unrelated but the most important
testimony against you.
Keep your mind buttoned down.
Ignorance is bliss
@Jinx
Doubling-down on the crazy non-sequitirs…
Not even worth going down that rabbit hole of insanity.
@MAC
I understand that logic makes you really angry, but thanks for more vague rightwing doublespeak. It speaks volumes about you.
There’s always this unique conservative ability to master cognitive dissonance – to hold two conflicting viewpoints simultaneously. To supposedly espouse the beliefs of Jesus, while simultaneously raging against anything that would actually implement his teachings.
Fascinating to view, from a psychological perspective.
Yeah Button Down.
Matt 10:34 – Do not think that I have come to bring
peace to the world. I have not come to bring peace
but a sword.
As well as the book of Revelations regarding the second
coming of Christ that his”robe will run red with blood”
of all those he will be slaughtering.
Oh yes Jesus is a humanitarian loving liberal…
Predictable again. You go and default to non
sequitur accusation against me AGAIN.
Rightwing doublespeak he says to MAC.
But leftwing is right on. Please.
Don’t you get tired of being a walking target
practice? To espouse the beliefs of Jesus
as conservative is correct because no one is as
far to the right as he is. Hence why all of
humanity falls short of his grace . Dig deep
enough and there you find the poison of leftism
in each soul of a person thus needing a savior.
Glad to know you don’t think you need one.
Button-down Mind Strikes back
I don’t get angry over politics or religion, only fools do. But, keep believing you receive grace by voting for politicians that give other peoples’ money away.
@MAC
I’m assuming you’re talking about taxes?
You mean how rich people’s capital gains tax is lower than the average middle class rate? You DO know that upper income taxes were considerably higher under Reagan, right? Taxes are the lowest they have been in decades. So I’m not sure exactly what you’re talking about, other than parroting fake rightwing narratives.
I just keep thinking how Jesus would feel about the conservative war on the poor. The rightwing has managed to twist and distort Jesus’s pacifist liberal teachings into some bizarre conservative hate crusade.
Jesus was ALL ABOUT helping the poor, not “what’s in it for me?”
@ Button-down Mind Strikes back
Hear! Hear!
The truth of the matter is that those conservative hate-mongers would crucify Jesus if he were to return to earth.
Demanding that the wealthy pay their share isn’t class warfare, it’s common sense.
http://thebrowser.com/videos/why-taxes-have-be-raised-rich
Jesus had David slaughter Goliath.
Jesus had Moses punish the people who made false
idols out of gold by melting down the idols and
drinking the melted gold to their deaths.
Jesus had the wandering tribe of Israelites in the
desert put the sword to their own relatives who strayed
from him and his teachings.
Jesus ordered the Israelites to kill the Canaanites
all the men women and children and take their
village over for themselves. Might that be a civil
rights violation of the Canaanites??
Jesus had Sampson bring down a building
on top of self righteous humanitarians.
Jesus killed the Egyptians stupid enough
to follow the jews freed by Moses by closing the
sea upon them to their death.
The greatest death penalty of all time.
The great flood .Jesus kills off everything
and everyone save Noah and seven others
along with the animals and the ark.
Real pacifist there. Please. The anti christ
will be the liberal you are dreaming of.
The real Jesus does indeed have love, mercy
and forgiveness as part of his character.
ALONG with justice ,righteousness and authority.
You hate a divine authority that sentences people
and holds them responsible.
YOU- are the “What’s In it For Me” people.
You are the ones who distort Jesus for your
personal politics of all forgiveness ,no judging.
Sorry. Not the way it is.
Should I bother pointing out that Jesus wasn’t even around during the Old Testament? Not to mention that the Bible isn’t literal. Or has Jinx been conversing with talking snakes?
You have no point to prove.
Jesus wasn’t around??
Now we have it. You don’t believe he’s
the divine creator in heaven either.
Yes I’m real non sequitur now .
I had you pegged dead on from the get go.
Sighhhhhhh. OK button down. Stay to the left.
STAY. There is a dead end awaiting your
journey’s end. You’ll be so pleased.
BON VOYAGE! ….you’re a waste of time kid.
NO, you know exactly what I mean and your pride
just can’t let it go. Enough lefty. Stay to the left.
Forever. Now….you need to get the last word
again? Go ahead. There will be a lollipop for you
upon exiting the comments here.
Have A Nice Day!
I got an idea, do some research, tell me what percentage of the population was poor when income taxes were at the highest and what percentage when they are lowest.
There won’t be a significant difference, how un-Christian.
And by the way, Obama owns the current tax rates, he signed them into law, so at present their Dem tax rates. How un-Christian of him by your standards.
Does anyone truly believe that if taxes are raised they won’t have to go very far down into the middle class to even make a difference on the debt or deficit. Of course if the Dems control Congress the revenue will be spent.
Robert Reich is being disingenuous, he knows the difference between income and capital gains, but the folks that hangout at move-on aren’t that bright.
@MAC
You are arguing strawmen again.
But can tell you that Eisenhower (Republican war hero) taxed the highest earners at around 91%! Yes, you read that correctly.
BTW…capital gains IS “income”.
You said – that Jesus wasn’t even around in the OT,
and that the bible isn’t literal or have I been conversing
with talking snakes? To discredit what I stated.
Yes you do know what I meant.
As a matter of fact I have been conversing with
a talking snake…..you.
Don’t forget your lollipop dear. Hopefully they
have BS flavor, your favorite!
Now, enough.
Class divisions and class hatred are so deep in this country that the President doesn’t dare wear a buttondwon oxford shirt for fear that he will be associated with the oligarchy.
Great stuff – thanks to B/D Mind, card-carrying and other comrades. Always sweet to hear songs of resistance.
@Vittorio Affanculo
Always sweet to remind preppies that they don’t have a monopoly on wearing OCBD shirts and khakis and that their garb has been appropriated by “commonests” with good sartorial sense.
Good to see the real Marxist represented here. 🙂
Is there a case to be made that, while it’s true the Look was nearly ubiquitous in the 60s, the 70s were just plain better because of the wider, longer dimensions? “Heyday” can be defined in a variety of ways, I think.
Solidarity among the left here, how inspiring and uplifting !
Yes how unfortunate though ,that I have had and continue
to have an uninterrupted life of privilege that your politics
have not and will not change. Don’t look so sad.
It’s alright. Why this afternoon I’m going to have an
official tour of the grandest bank I can find downtown.
Say hello to the guard at the door,ask him how his day is.
Admire the marble construction, learn the history of it all.
Maybe have a tour of the wondrous vaults of silver.
Magnificent! Join the manager for lunch or dinner.
Ah, such beautiful weather too. Take Care, may your hatred
cement your hearts beyond reason or repair.
MAC:
http://www.latimes.com/includes/projects/hollywood/portraits/groucho_marx.jpg
Fell asleep when Barry Goldwater was the candidate.
Just woke up and nothing has changed.
@ Rip:
Actually one thing has changed:
Fascists used to refer to liberal democrats as Commies.
Now they call us Marxists.
What a bore; small minds with completely fixed attitudes, and unable to see it. I think SE’s comment of 6:39 am is interesting though.
A personal bias, Sartre.
The old Brooks model #204 is spot on.
@S.E. — I grew up in the ’70s and so have the same bias. I have always thought of the late ’70s/early ’80s as a sort of trad “Renaissance,” when original forms were revered but taken to new heights.
Lib Trad
The reference was to the celebrated folk singer Pete Seeger. Mr. Seeger is not a liberal democrat, he has been an unapologetic communist since his teens. I respect his honesty and his music. Mr. Seeger’s only sins or ignorance has been his being an apologist for communist regimes long after their atrocities have been exposed.
Who’s this Commie guy? Maybe you could post a reading list.
Interesting that you have a wide spectrum of readers from fascists who call themselves Republicans to Bolsheviks who call themselves liberal Democrats.
Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Enough is enough!
There are those of us who read this blog because we are interested in American traditional men’s clothing, rather than in the diatribes between political extremists.
Old is gold…………….
who cares that Romney inherited money? Yeah everyone with a rich dad is unfit to be president, flawless logic. You are all just bitter. I wish my Dad was as wealthy as Romney’s, doesn’t mean I think Mitt is automatically stupid. The guy created Bain Capital (ever heard of Staples). Maybe you don’t like him/won’t vote for him, but to say he isn’t is successful shows that you are biased and ignorant. By the way this comes from an Obama voter. You people are ruining our party, you sound like a liberal Rush Limbaugh–go become republicans.
Wow wow wow Mittens was so handsome! He has that whole tall, dark and handsome thing going on. And despite being 65, he’s still super hot.
Beautiful photos. Mitt Romney is a class act, its too bad that so many Americans are drinking the Kool Aid. One of the things they like to become irate over is that Romney had money, and then they tried to demonize looking nice, and wearing quality clothes.
Just look at how down to earth they looked up until he was running for president. Obama and Michelle were always wearing designer clothes.
Classy couple all the way….
Looks like a young Luke Edward Hall in his finest FE Castleberry corduroy!
Those school pictures were taken at Cranbrook School, a boarding school in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is co-ed today, but in Mitt’s day it was all boys with mandatory coat and tie.