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allhaildaddykeanu · 4 years

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Keanu Reeves x Reader

Words- 4.7k

Warnings- Strangers to lovers, dominant!Keanu, daddy kink, smut, also fluffy fluff

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It was my parents’ annual Fourth of July party, where all of our family and close friends were invited to gather at our house for food, alcohol, and fun explosives. They began this tradition when I was small child, and never failed to make it more extravagant than the last. I grew up in such a patriotic household due to the fact that my father was a retired navy officer, and my mom was one of those people who will celebrate anything when she gets the chance. I was always encouraged to praise my country and heritage, especially on National holidays.

Of course, I loved celebrating with my family, and I loved our parties. The only thing that bothered me was how my parents would act during the parties. They’d drink all day and night and leave their worries behind, while I had to clean up and make sure that nothing bad happened to them or anyone else. I know that it’s good for everyone to just cut back and let loose every now and then, but there was a fine line between the letting loose and being a pain to everyone around you.

The thing about this years party was that I was finally allowed to drink, which meant that I too would be in on the fun, at least that’s what I assumed. It was hard to be surrounded by drunk adults having the time of their lives while I was stuck in the background sulking. Of course there were always some kids to hang out with, but I always ended up being left out.

While greeting everyone and joining different conversations, I spotted my Uncle walking into the yard with an extremely attractive man at his side. Immediately, I left the group of a few people to walk over to him. Our eyes locked and my Uncle smiled and held out his arms for a hug.

“Ah, y/n, it’s been too long since I’ve seen my favorite niece!” He greeted, wrapping his arms around me and squeezing playfully like he did when I was a child.

“Hey Uncle Dave,” I replied, smiling in his embrace. “I’ve missed you too.”

As we broke apart, I looked towards the handsome stranger, content with holding myself back from gawking at him. Something about him felt so familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Oh, this is my good friend Keanu.” He looked toward the man, “This is my niece, y/n. My brothers daughter.”

Keanu smiled and nodded at me, holding out his hand and shaking mine.

“It’s so nice to meet you, y/n. You’re even more beautiful than I’d thought you’d be.” My eyes grew wide as we both realized what he’d said. Keanu suddenly became flustered, putting a hand behind his head. “Uh, I mean, your uncle said you were beautiful, but I never would’ve guessed this much.”

My face grew extremely red while I was trying to hold back a snort. What the hell was going on? Was I really making this grown man stumble on his own words?

Uncle Dave just stared at Keanu, unable to believe what had just happened.

Keanu just sighed and managed a polite smile. “You’re very lovely, is all I meant. And I’m very happy to finally meet you.”

I smiled back and nodded, “Yes, it’s very good to meet you too, Keanu.”

My uncle was about to speak when my dad came over. He dragged his brother away to talk to some other people, leaving Keanu and I alone together.

“So how did you and my uncle meet?” I asked, wanting to know more about him.

“Oh, Dave and I met when we were filming a movie of mine. We ended up spending a lot of time together on set and started spending even more time out of work.”

I nodded and smiled, remembering that my uncle was a writer and producer in Hollywood. Suddenly it clicked in my head, I knew this man. He was THE Keanu Reeves. I first met him on screen as Ted Logan, whom I had a crush on when I was younger.

He must’ve noticed my eyes growing slightly wider and recognized the moment of realization.

“I see that you know who I am now, correct?” He stated, breaking me away from my thoughts.

I looked up at him, feeling a deep blush burn across my face.

“Uh, yeah, you’re Keanu Reeves. I’m uh, I’m a big fan of yours.”

He laughed,

“Well I’m honored to hear you say that. It truly means a lot to me.”

I just nodded and found myself tucking a strand of loose hair behind my ears. Keanu noticed and moved closer to me, careful for block our conversation from everyone else.

“You’re very beautiful, y/n. I’m sorry if I caught you off guard just a second ago. I try my best to be so forward. I have no idea what was going on with me, I guess I kinda got nervous.”

He pulled away and looked around to make sure no one was paying much attention to us. Meanwhile, I was taken aback that someone like him would ever like someone like me. I mean, yeah I was pretty, usually on a good day, but I wasn’t anything like the women I knew he’d been around.

“Oh no, you’re completely fine. I’m just as stunned as you, trust me. I can’t believe that I’m here talking to you, let alone that you find me beautiful.”

“Why is that so heard to believe? You are beautiful.”

I kept blushing even harder, so much that I noticed Keanu face was beginning to grow redder as well.

“God, I sound like such a creep. I’m really sorry, y/n. I shouldn’t have started our conversation like that.”

I shook my head and stopped him, “It’s okay, I understand. I would’ve been the exact same way if I’d realized it was you at first.”

Keanu smiled and nodded in agreement, casually looking around for something to talk about.

Taking a sip of my wine from a plastic cup, I scanned my surroundings. I noticed that my parents and uncle were all preoccupied with the other guests, leaving no room for any unwanted attention. Then I suddenly felt a bit lightheaded, and I stumbled back a few inches. Keanu immediately grabbed my arm to keep me steady, then leaving it there once I locked eyes with him.

“Shit, I don’t know what just happened to me. Maybe I’m more of a lightweight then I thought.” I half-laughed, earning me a smirk from Keanu.

“Don’t worry, you’re still young and you’ve got plenty of time to get used to it.”

After giving him an amused smirk, I took another swing of my drink.

“You’re right, but I’m afraid if I try it all too fast then I might end up in the emergency room, or worse.”

With a sigh, I noticed my cup was finally empty, so I turned myself toward the house to get more. Something deep inside knew that I’d have to have even more alcohol to keep calm around Keanu.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna head inside for another drink, or maybe just sit down for a bit to get out of this heat.”

Keanu have me an understanding look, but I saw the slight disappointment in his eyes. I couldn’t believe that this man actually wanted to be around me.

“I mean, you can join me if you want. I just thought you’d want to meet the rest of my family or something.”

“Oh I don’t know, I don’t want to intrude or anything.”

I rolled my eyes and let out a soft snort.

“Oh don’t be ridiculous, Keanu. You’re the best company I’ve ever had at one of this things.”

He beamed at me and I looked around one last time, hoping everyone else was still preoccupied. I mean, I didn’t want anyone to get the wrong idea - wait, why did I suddenly care what everyone thought of me? Was I really that afraid? I shrugged my thoughts off and gave Keanu my hand. He grabbed it without missing a beat, and I lead him to the back door.

Once we entered the house, I walked toward the fridge, opening it and grabbing myself a hard iced tea.

“Would you like anything?”

“Yeah, I’ll have a beer, y/n.”

Hearing him say my name made your insides melt; I had to fight to keep yourself on your feet. I found myself falling so hard for a man who had only met me maybe half and hour ago. Rolling my eyes at myself, I grabbed him a beer and walked over to the sofa.

“Here ya go, Keanu.”

I sat myself right next to him, our thighs touching. It made my nerves go all haywire, and I couldn’t control them anymore.

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

There was a pause after he spoke, his words lingering like fingertips on my chest. I wanted him to call me endearing names like that for the rest of my life.

Keanu broke my train of thought by clearing his throat, trying to ease the awkward tension in the room. So it wasn’t just me who felt this way. I looked up at him, our eyes meeting once again.

“Keanu, pl-please tell me it’s not just me.”

He stops himself from responding by pursing his lips. He looked as though he had all kinds of internal conflict to suddenly deal with. After a few seconds past, he looked towards his hands. Then he moved to grab mine, taking my by surprise. He brings my hands to his lips and feathers his lips against my skin, leaving soft, slight kisses. As much I was wanted this moment to last a lifetime, I couldn’t help but satisfy my eager self. I decided to pull my hand away and replace them with my own lips, crushing them against his at last. I could feel Keanu’s slight shock at first, and then he quickly turned back to his calm demeanor. Eventually we pulled away from each other to catch ourselves. All I could notice was his bright grin, practically radiating our surroundings.

“Woah.” I muttered, my breathing still slightly heavy.

“Yeah.” He replied, running a hand through his dark hair.

It was at that moment that I knew I wanted this man to fuck me into the morning light, and I wanted him to start as soon as possible. Keanu then gave me a quizzical look, practically begging to know what I was thinking. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and unlocked it, going to my contacts section and starting a new one.

“Put your number in my phone.”

He looked down at my phone and back at me, grabbing it and putting his name and number in.

“Okay, so I’ve got a plan to get you in my room without anyone noticing we’re gone for too long.”

Keanu’s eyes widened, his eyebrows raising dramatically. I smiled in response to his unspoken question, blushing once again at him.

“But, only if you want to, of course.”

“And what exactly do we want to do?”

I gulped, my mouth dry as I was suddenly at a loss for words.

“Hm?”

I leaned onto him, my lips hovering over his ear. I bit my lip before confessing my desire to him, for him.

“I want you in me. I want you to fuck me until I can’t walk.”

Keanu was left stunned by my request, but I could see the part of him that wanted me more than anything. He gulped and then let out a long, heavy breath.

“Are you sure this is what you want, y/n?”

“Absolutely.”

“Okay, what’s the plan?”

“We go outside together, and then separate. I go find my parents and tell them that I don’t feel good and that I’m going to bed. Then when I’m ready, I’ll text you.”

“What do I say if someone asks where I’m going?”

“Just make something up, like you need to go to the bathroom, or you need to lay down. I don’t know.”

He gave me an unsure look, but I raised my fingers to his cheek and he nodded. We both got up from the couch and made our way to the back door. Once we were outside, I spotted my mom and made a beeline for her.

“Hey mom, I-“

“Oh, y/n! I was starting to worry about you. Now that you’re here we can start the fireworks!”

“Yeah, about that, uh...mom, I think I drank a bit too much and now I don’t feel so hot. I think it’s best if I just head in for the night.”

My mother gave me a slightly disappointed look, knowing how much I enjoyed the fireworks.

“Oh, well, I suppose you should. I’d hate for you to miss everything, though.”

“I’ll be fine mom. I’ve got plenty of years left.”

“Goodnight sweetheart. Don’t forget to take something to help you sleep.”

“I will mom. Love you.”

As soon as I was able to, I walked back to the house. I spotted Keanu with my uncle and dad, and all I could think was how he was gonna get away from them. Would they have any idea what we’d be doing? No, I can’t think like that. I need this. I need Pedro.

I reached my bedroom and saw that I had some clothes and cups scattered around. I quickly cleaned everything up and made sure to spray some air freshener around. I undressed and put on my sexiest pair of undies and bra, then redressing. I put out and lit some candles to soothe the tone of my surroundings, hoping that Keanu would like it. Lastly, I found the box of condoms that I kept in the back of my nightstand for whatever. I then noticed that they weren’t open. Of course. I’ve never been able to bring a guy home and actually sleep with him. Well, there’s a first for everything.

As soon as I was ready, I found Keanu’s contact and texted him.

* Hey, I’m ready for you ;)

I waited for a few minutes until he replied.

* Okay baby girl. I’m on my way now ;)

I let out a quiet shriek of excitement at the fact that he called my baby girl. This is finally happening! Suddenly there was a knock on my door.

“Come in.”

Keanu swiftly opened and shut the door before taking a long look at me. He licked his lips as he walked towards me sitting on the end of my bed. I shot up and wrapped my arms around him, the two of us just looking at each other. I broke his gaze and slammed my lips against his, my tongue immediately slipping into his mouth. He growled as he pushed us onto the bed, the feeling of his clothed dick against my leg driving me crazier. Once he started kissing on my neck, I began lifting his shirt up his torso, begging for him. He helped me remove it, giving me a chance to take in his beautiful body.

“I hope I haven’t disappointed you yet.”

“Oh, I can already tell that you won’t.”

We smiled at each other before I removed my own shirt and bra for him. Keanu smiled bigger and leaned back down to run his lips against my breast. His mouth began teasing at my left nipple while he used his hand to play with my right one. I let out my first moan of the night, attracting Keanu’s immediate attention. His head shot up, and I saw the lust in his dark eyes. I nodded to let him know that I truly wanted this, that I needed this. He grinned in response, returning his attention to my breast. Now taking my right nipple into his mouth, he used his hands to roam my sides. Every inch he touched had lit up like a dull burning flame. The heat was rising and spreading all over, but never enough the painfully burn me. It was a heat that I had only ever dreamt of feeling. I realized that it wasn’t the feeling of Keanu touching me that lit my fire; it was Keanu himself that lit my fire. He lit it and made me burn brighter then I could have ever thought possible. It was at this very moment that I began to understand how much this man truly meant to me.

“Are you alright, sweetheart?”

Keanu asked, pulling me out of my thoughts to notice him looked towards me. I hadn’t noticed that he stopped, or that I was breathing heavily and slightly shaking.

“Oh, yeah, sorry. I just got lost in my head for a bit.”

Damn it, I ruined the mood for him! Now he probably thinks I was so bored that I drifted off. Why am I always getting stuck in my thoughts? I mean, the only ever make things worse for me.

“I-you’re fine, Keanu. I promise.”

“Okay y/n, if you say so.”

He reached up from my torso to place a tender kiss on my forehead, then one on my lips. I could taste the beer from his mouth, further intoxicating me. I let out a soft plea for me and Keanu let out another growl, his teeth now grazing my bottom lip as he pulled away from the kiss to focus his mouth on my neck and collarbone. He started at the corner of my mouth and made his way down my neck. His warm, hot breath sending shivers down my spine. Once he had kissed my skin he began sucking and gently biting, making sure to leave just the slightest of marks. He wanted to make sure that only I could notice them tomorrow morning, after he was long gone. The thought alone made my heart melt with pure joy. Keanu had cared about me enough to leave his mark. He wanted me to know that he wanted me. Not just at this very moment, but even after. He wanted to make the best first impression he possibly could. I softly bucked my hips up against his, begging for some kind of friction from him. He let out a short chuckle, looking back at me and caressing my face in his hands.

“Don’t worry, baby girl. Daddy’s gonna take good care of you.”

My body let out a hum of delight, his words filling my heart and lower abdomen with butterflies. I can’t believe I had made this sweet man so dominant.

“Please daddy. I need you now.”

I begged with all of my heart and soul, wanting to let him know just how much I meant what I said. He needed to understand that I was clay in his hands, waiting to be molded and created.

After what seemed like hours of waiting, Keanu left my upper body and pulled off my shorts. He positioned himself to place kisses on my inner thigh, making sure to leave more marks on me. I knew he could see and feel the warmth pooling at my center, he knew how ready I was. Yet he continued to tease me like this. Asshole.

Just as I was about to say something, he looked up into my eyes as he began using his teeth to remove my panties. The sheer sight alone was almost enough to send me off. This is the kind of shit I thought only happened in romance novels or something. Surely no man was ever this willing to go through all this trouble to further turn a woman on. But here he was, giving his all to please little old me. I felt my mouth pull into a genuine smile, my cheeks burning at my complete vulnerability and nakedness before him.

Once he got to my knees, he used his fingers to remove the fabric. I lifted my legs to help, feeling slightly guilty that he was doing all the work. After my clothing was strewn out on floor, Keanu took another longing look at me, doing his best to remember every inch of me in this moment. I could tell that he never wanted to forget this, and I never wanted to either. He then let out a soft breath.

“You’re so beautiful, baby.”

He spoke as if he were in a trance, like the sight of my body enough to completely hypnotize him.

“I’m all yours, daddy.”

My words snapped Keanu out of his thoughts, his eyes darting to meet mine. He licked his lips and hovered down between my legs. I spread my legs to give him more access. He wasted no time and gingerly places his lips on my folds. The sudden warmth made my shiver, my sex quivering for him. I let out a sigh of relief, but there was still an enormous amount of frustration in my body. His tongue explored my insides while his beard had scratched against my skin, almost tickling me.

“I need you now, Keanu. Please. Please daddy.”

Keanu chuckled, the sound vibrating against me, tingling my bundle of nerves.

“Anything for you, baby girl.”

He then inserted two digits, spreading them apart to help adjust me for his length. He made sure to swirl his fingers around a bit, and then pump them in and out of me. I could hear my wetness through my groans, further turning me on.

Just as I was beginning to get used to his fingers, he pulled them out and put them in his mouth. The sight of him sucking my juices off of his own fingers was an absolute dream. This man kept on amazing me with his dedication to me. He lifted himself off the bed to remove his jeans and briefs. His cock sprung out of its restraints, almost completely erect already. In a swift movement, he grabbed the condom from the side of the bed and tore it open. All I could do was fixate on him rolling it onto himself. I found myself wanted to watch him pump himself, I wanted to see him finish himself.

“God you’re so fucking hot when you look at me like that, baby. It turns me on so fucking much.”

I smiled a shy grin, my cheeks flushing once again. Keanu bent down to give me a hungry kiss, his tongue now exploring my mouth. He pulled away and positioned himself to enter me. He pulled my body towards the end of the bed, my legs leaning of the end. His grip on my thighs tightened, pushing his cock to my entrance. With a rough inhale, he slowly slid into me, making sure I was alright.

“You can tell me if anything hurts, sweetheart. I’m more than willing to take my time.”

I looked up at him, shaking my head.

“No, Keanu, I’m fine. Really. You’re doing perfect, baby. So fucking perfect.”

He nodded and finally pushed himself all the way into me. He quickly pulled out, my slickness aiding him. Then he began to slide in and out, his tempo growing faster with every thrust. Before I could gather myself together, he started swirling his thumb on my clit. He was sending me further than I ever thought I could go. Without missing a beat, my body reacted to his thrusts and rubbing by releasing itself. I felt myself fucking squirting on him. As soon as he noticed, he let out a deep groan of delight.

“Oh fucking yes, baby. That’s it. Squirt all over daddy.”

I noticed my moans growing louder and louder with each movement he made. I was grabbing at my bedsheets, begging for release. The tension was building up in me faster than I could handle. I also began letting out high pitched moans, reminding myself of a porn star or something. It sounded so unrealistic to me, almost overdramatic. But here I was, putting no effort into these noises, all of them purely natural responses.

“Yes, yes, fuck fuck fuck.”

I muttered, almost forgetting how to speak through this euphoria.

“I’m so fucking close daddy!”

My lower abdomen had a feeling of tight coils being bunched together, tighter and tighter with every breath. I knew that I only had seconds before they would release.

“Yes baby girl, that’s it. Come for daddy.”

Keanu sped up his pace on my clit and thrusted harder, hitting my sweet spot. Within a few more thrusts, I felt it hit me. My climax had began and I was now riding off my own high. My eyes had slammed shut and tears were forming in them. I let out a squeal of absolute pleasure, my body almost convulsing from the amount of pure release. I managed to grab Keanu’s arms and began to squeeze, trying to find some sort of stability through my high. I was practically screaming for him at this point, not knowing what else to do. I’d only ever experienced a few climaxes this intense before, and they had all been a long while ago.

Keanu had begun his climax as soon as my walls tightened around him as I started mine. His cock twitched inside me, growing softer by the second. He let out a bundle of english and spanish curses, his grip on my hips tightening as much as mine on him. As soon as he was finished, he pulled out and removed his condom. He tied the end and tossed in it my trash bin by my nightstand. While he did so, I was still left in a daze, stuck staring up at my ceiling. It felt as though my life had been complete, for I had experienced the greatest high known to man. There was nothing else left that could ever compare to that feeling. I had reached the very top.

“You thinking again, honey?”

Keanu had put on his briefs and jeans, then his shirt. He’d gathered my clothes and placed them beside my on the bed.

“Yeah. Just thinking about nothing.”

He simply nodded and sat on my bed. I lifted myself up to put on my panties and went to my dresser to grab a t-shirt to sleep in. I found my oversized Nine Inch Nails shirt and slid it on, turning around to face Keanu. He took a look at my shirt and grinned.

“You’ve got a taste for men and music. You’re my dream girl.”

We both laughed as I laid myself on my bed. I covered myself with the duvet and reached out to touch Keanu’s lap.

“Are you gonna leave now?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so, though. You’re much more entertaining than anything outside, my dear.”

He slid himself under my covers, cuddling me in his arms, kissing me. I felt at home; I felt truly complete. A part of me knew that this is what I want for the rest of my life. Keanu was the key to my happiness. I would never be the same without him, and I needed to keep him forever. I internally shook my head at my own self. I’m turning into a fucking sap for this man. I knew that we would never work out, but my heart still ached for him.

I placed my hand on his cheek, my thumb caressing his face. His slight stubble creating a pleasing friction against my skin.

“So what exactly did you see in me?”

He look almost shocked at my question, completely caught off guard.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you find me so attractive that you’re currently risking your life to sleep with me?”

He chuckled and shook his head, rubbing his thumb on my face as I did his.

“I just saw something different in you. The way you held yourself, the way you looked me in the eyes as we talked. You were completely sincere in every way, and you have this undeniable charm about you. You’re so intoxicating to me.”

My heart swelled at his words. Was I really like that? I mean, I try my best to be nice to everyone I meet, but I didn’t think I was so full of compassion. I never really thought that I was different in a good way, or that I even stood out to anyone. I felt tears growing in my eyes, slowly sliding down my face. Keanu suddenly looked concerned, worried that he’d said something wrong.

“I’m sorry, was that not what you wanted to hear? I-I mean-“

“No Keanu, it was more than what I could’ve ever expected. No ones ever said anything so kind about me. I don’t think anyone has ever given me much thought before.”

“Well then everyone else is a fucking idiot, sweetheart. You’re everything and then some, and only a fool would miss something as incredible as that.”

We pulled together and kissed once again, our hands wrapped around each other in a longing embrace. I pulled away and smiled at Keanu.

“Now when did you figure out that I had a thing for you? Or for older guys in general?”

I teased him, giving him a toothy grin. He lightly pushed me away while I burst out giggling.

“Sweetheart, I knew you had a thing for older men the minute we met. I saw how you looked at me before you even knew who I was. I saw the thirst in your eyes.”

I blinked at him, slightly embarrassed at my own self for being so easy to read like that.

“Was it really that obvious?”

“Definitely, and you know what?”

“What?”

Keanu paused, reaching towards me to tuck a stray piece of my hair behind my ear. Then he placed a soft kiss on my nose, his thumb gently caressing my cheek.

“I totally fucking loved it.”

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A/N: I took this from my Pedro fic and changed it up a little bit. I realized that I haven’t posted anything in over a YEAR and thought I should treat you all. Sorry it isn’t 100% original, but it IS mine. Hopefully I can get my shit together and continue the ships. I love you all so damn much! Thank you for continuing to like and reblog my posts. It reminds me how much you all enjoy my stuff, and it means a lot.

-M

#keanu reeves #keanu reeves fanfiction #keanu reeves imagines #keanu reeves one shot #keanu reeves imagine #daddy keanu #keanu reeves x reader

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ohnobjyx · 4 years

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Plum blossoms in the snow (I)

Part 4: April and May (I)

We have gotten to the mid point of the story.

Disclaimer: I try to keep things objective (if I include my personal opinion, it’s in cursive and in brackets), but I’m biased because of the XZ friendly content I’m usually exposed to and by my own views of their situation. Open to discussion, but please make sure you’ve enough information to do so.

In March, slowly but surely, the incident was put behind. After the anger comes the aceptance, so to say. With so many people’s inputs, his fans started to let the topic cool down, while giving him their support.

So everything was coming back to their place and seemed a lot calmer than a month before. This didn’t sit well with some people.

Antis’ attacks

The antis were quite active, trying to spark a conflict one after another, because the topic had been silent for a little bit. Remember: more interactions, more followers, more money so ignore the antis always (unless they attack you, if so, report them).

To name a few:

On early April, they placed so many negative reviews on CQL in Douban that the score fell from 7′9 to 7′3. However, people didn’t react as they wanted them to, and instead the score rose steadily back to 7′7 (as of now).

When a brand of a product that XZ endorses admitted to economic fraud, antis attacked the brand, the product and XZ. Their argument was that because XZ is so popular, more people bought the product he endorses, thus contributing to the fraud. Some fans fell for it, protesting that what the brand does had nothing to do with XZ.

Some of the antis pretended to be XZ’s fans, and with that “disguise”, attacked other netizens, prompting a statement from XZ’s fans support group. In the statement, they reject this kind of behaviour and insist that everyone should be careful with what they say and how they act.

All of this, along with spreading rumors, was trying to revive the discussion and the fan war to get more attention and followers (people have a short span of attention, especially on the internet), and profit from it.

Around mid April, both w/ibo and bil/bili blocked antis’ accounts, making antis say that XZ’s company must have paid them to do so.

Endorsements

It was positive though that in April he started to appear again in commercials and banners.

(The one on the left is a commercial from February, I couldn’t find another one with a better resolution from April. By the way, from an interview done before New Year’s Eve for that brand, we get these two little moments: 1 and 2).

You may have noticed that the endorsement for the drink it’s a joined endorsement with another celebrity. Antis tried to pit the two group of fans against one another, but fans didn’t fell for it (the learning process was hard and long, but it was showing results).

Remember the one from the right. That’s a funny one, later in July.

Plum blossoms and stars

In April, XZ reappeared again in w/ibo with that drawing of plum blossoms from his Oasis account (on 200410). Previously, he had shared a post for the National Mourning Day for the people who’ve died because of the COVID-19, and before that, it was a post from February 22, before 2/27.

There are 4 main flowers in Chinese culture (one for each season), and each has a widely known meaning attached to them.

Plum blossoms are one them, and often represent resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, because it’s a flower that blooms a brilliant red in the middle of winter and snow. It can also be a harbinger of spring.

So his first message after all of this mess to be one of perseverance and hope。 I personally find it very meaningful as to what his attitude towards the entertainment industry is.

This also calmed a lot of his fans, who had been worried of him succumbing to the antis and retiring from the industry. There had been a lot of rumours saying the he had got depression from all of this conflict, and this update effectively silenced those.

A few days later he sang a cover of the song “The hymn of the red plum blossom” for an online event “Beautiful China”. It’s a classical opera song from a film, very patriotic and well-chosen for such an event, but it could also represent his situation with the “coming of spring”. Musicians later analysed this song and deemed it too difficult for him to sing (he doesn’t have enough range for this kind of songs), but praised him for his spirit to try new, difficult things, and to bring classic songs to young people: “he’s like the plum blossom in winter: persistent against difficulties”.

XZ updated his Oasis again late in April, with a drawing inspired by posters from his university days: “hope”, “perseverance”, “acquisition”.

(This is the picture he updated on 200420, and below is a screeshot from the post in which he explains that those are drawings from his university days).

Reporting to the police

On 21st of April, XZ’s Studio issued a statement.

3 accounts (among others) had used XZ’s photos and videos to slander his name, so the studio had collected the evidence and had turned it all to the police. The accounts had been spreading rumours about him for months (about him dating other guys, plastic surgery) and insulting him for his acting skills and lack of respect towards women.

What we find most surprising is that, even in the face of a lawsuit, the antis didn’t relent and kept on trying to “black” (slander) him.

Those 3 accounts were, in their own words, chased and insulted by XZ’s fans, so they wanted to report XZ’s studio in return, for damaging their reputation.

(I don’t know exactly how this ended. I think the lawsuit is still going on, since these things take time, but the general outcome of this seems good for him. Most of the comments I’ve seen goes like “xz was just waiting for the right moment to act”, “staying silent and apologizing while collecting proof of a crime”.)

“Light Spot”

On April 25, XZ released a new song, and remarked that he thanks all well-meaning criticism and guidance, and that he’ll continue to grow from here. The song is Light Spot. There was again some drama related to this song, antis never take a rest it seems.

XZ’s apology

That week, XZ posted on w/ibo, apologizing for the troubles caused and asking people not to hurt others.

The source of the problem this time were rumours of him participating in HJ’s variety show (HJ is the host from Happy Camp with curly hair). Rumours said that he had invited XZ to participate in his new variety show on his own initiative. Haters attacked him for this, in order to prevent XZ from going to the program (remember that some of the antis’ objective is to make XZ retire from entertainment industry).

The TV station had to release a statement saying that XZ won’t participate in HJ’s show. XZ must have seen all the commotion and posted his comment asking people not to hurt HJ because of him.

Tracking down the antis

The leader of all of this commotion with HJ was a w/ibo user (let’s call her “B”) that had been a XZ hater for a long while, and her account was banned soon after this. Along with hers, many others hater accounts were blocked by w/ibo, prompted by XZ’s studio, according to other antis.

Though their accounts were blocked, B tried to come back (and even with the same username), and attacked XZ again for making “false donations” to Wuhan, and accusing him of being immoral. XZ’s Studio finally posted definite proof that their donation had been real.

B accused him of being a racist and having “abnormal sexual orientation”. She also managed to make her accusations a hot topic on w/ibo quite frequently.

This hater, with others, surprised many people in their tenacity and persistence to defame XZ. People analysed her behaviour and tendencies and extracted conclusions like these about this kind of “professional” antis:

She knows how the entertainment industry works, so she works in it or has sources inside the industry.

She knows what kind of topic will attract attention from other users.

She has good resources and is very intelligent and manipulative at the same time, so she is capable of making two groups unite against a third, for example.

She’s likely to cooperate with XZ’ competitors to spread rumors about him, to allow his competitors to get more endorsements. She incites haters and antis to boycott XZ endorsements in order to do this.

(I was asked previously if YH couldn’t have participated too in the smear campaign, to gain more endorsements for WYB. At the time, I’d been very sure that these kind of things are too much of a hassle, but now I’m not so sure that no one would do this. I mean, I don’t think YH would do this for WYB, since he is very popular and successful on his own, but for other YH’s employees or other companies for their idols... I’m not so sure anymore. But this is all especulation from me).

She often has material that a “normal” fan can’t get access to. Among the fans, there are some that are called fan representatives. They can often access the companies and agencies, so they have more information and images about a star than any other. Of course, they can’t spread it if they stop being their fan, but that doesn’t stop B from buying pictures from them.

There are also “spies” inside the fandom, who get information about a fandom from the inside.

So, in short, a great part of the general public likes the rumours and the stories she makes up, it doesn’t matter if they are true or not, and that gives her more followers.

Before XZ, she attacked the male leads from The Guardian (ZYL and BY), and used the same tactic.

(Which confirms our theory that this storm will pass for XZ, most likely because she moves on to attacking another person, but that’s a whole other story).

So at the end of April, w/ibo started to ban all the accounts that spread malicious and hate content, the numerous accounts of B among them, even though all of them had been ticked by w/ibo before (like the blue tick in twitter).

Even after being reported to the police, the account doesn’t seem to stop, making people suspect that there is money behind of this and that it’s not an account managed by one person, but rather a team. They’ll do the same to whoever is popular at the moment, so it’s not even personal, it doesn’t matter who it is, XZ, ZYL, BY, whoever.

(I don’t like conspiracy theories... if there’s no data to back them up, it all remains speculation, and it spreads more information that no one knows it’s true or not. However, this whole thing with the antis is very strange. I suppose will see what happens once XZ comes back to limelight).

Haters are also something every idol has to face.

The haters dig into an idol’s past, and make up rumours based on that. For example, XZ had a gf while he was studyinghis degree, but they broke up. Haters then said that it was because of this that he went to South Korea and got plastic surgery (false, some people do have this kind of amazing genes), and that’s why he’s so good looking. Since lies are mixed in truth, some people, especially those who just know his name, or that he’s an actor, have trouble picking it apart.

Rumours also place idols in a tight position. If they don’t answer, people will think the rumours are true. But if they sue them, haters aren’t afraid either, because the process is long, and in this process they are still getting views and new followers. It may also shift the attention to them, which is exactly what they want.

All in all, the world is complex, but even in the middle of snow you may find a little plum blossom.

←Part 3: Why does it snow? | Part 4 (II): Plums blossoms in the snow (II)→

#gg's situation series #I should have planned 8 parts instead of 7 #in my defense #I thought May would be shorter #part 4 of 7 (I)#my posts

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apparelvon · 2 years

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junker-town · 3 years

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The NFL is pain, welcome to the 2021 season

Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Like an unsolvable equation, the NFL is back to break our hearts.

In the world of mathematics, one of the seemingly simplest problems in existence is also one that has eluded humanity’s brightest minds for generations. The Collatz conjecture is a hugely impressive term for something so basic it hurts: 3x+1. Under scrutiny it’s held into the quadrillions that one simple number game will always come crashing back to the same inevitable loop.

Pick any number you can think of, anything at all. If it’s odd, then multiply by three and add one. If it’s even, you divide by two. Repeat the process. Eventually, without fail, you will always return to the same helpless loop: 4/2 is 2. 2/1 is 1. 1x3 is 3, +1 is 4. Repeat. It’s torment personified, agony realized, it’s Sisyphus pushing a boulder up a hill. The crushing reality that we can solve the world’s most complicated problems, but never manage to find a single number that can avoid the hopeless plummet to one.

So dawns the beginning of another NFL season. A fresh opportunity to try to find our own magic number. Ignoring the stark reality that we too will likely crash back down. The NFL is pain, and our agony is its muse. There’s good reason you’ll rarely find a happy NFL writer. We come in two breeds: Those young enough to keep trying to find that number, and those who have accepted the fate that when the NFL comes knocking it always demands a pound of flesh, and we’ve carved as much as we can in service of its cruel desire.

Yet, we keep returning. We keep crunching those numbers. We persist in trying to find a way to solve an unsolvable league, because once in a great while it’s happened. The carrot on the end of the stick has been reached. Each season one team, a shade over 3 percent of the league, gets to finish fulfilled. The rest of us say “better luck next year,” and pick a new number next year — knowing we’ll probably end back at one.

The NFL thrives on promise and mystique. It’s often said that the league is microcosm of America, and damn that’s true. Not because of some fluffy, lofty ideals of people from different backgrounds and races working together to achieve a common goal. Sure, that’s nice — but because it really represents what this country is all about: The unwavering reality that with hard work, effort, and skill, we can all have our talents exploited by a small group of controlling billionaires as a means of wealth distribution that always travels upwards. The American Dream of the financial elite that success, whether on the football field, or in the board room, means the ability to make more and more money.

Why do you think owners are so excited when their teams win the Super Bowl? Maybe a small part is the glory, but deep down they know it’s the justification they need to jack up ticket prices, sell more jerseys, and ink more endorsements. It’s enough to bring a tear to your eye.

The most beautifully cruel element of the Collatz conjecture is how it teases you. Mercifully the number 26 returns to one after 10 steps (26, 13, 40, 20, 10, 5, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1). Go just one number higher, to 27, and it takes 111 steps — swelling to 9,232 before falling once again. This is the great tease of the NFL compared to its college brethren. Those gloriously lucky sods can know as soon as Week 1 that their team’s season is over. Free from football’s icy embrace to open up their Saturdays to life, and love, and experience.

Big brother NFL is not nearly so kind. Like the number 27, we are gripped every single week of the now 17 game schedule, soaring and falling with the constant promise that maybe we can break free to infinity. Sometimes reality doesn’t set in until the very end, when we need the final month to determine whether hope is truly lost. We follow along, idly watching playoff chances wax and wane, doing all sorts of mental arithmetic on how our team can find a back door into the playoffs, where anything can happen. Of course, it’s futile. It’ll crash back down to one, because it always crashes back down to one.

We keep returning. Time, and time, and time again. Because, like the naive mathematician still trying to prove the Collatz conjecture and cement their place in legend, we too are addicted to history. The possibility that we will get to witness what others could not, that we can carry a torch sometimes lasting generations. Fandom handed down to us as a cruel birthright, to be upheld, cherished and celebrated — even when we get nothing in return. Detroit Lions fans have watched 778 regular season games since the AFL-NFL merger and never seen their team in the Super Bowl, let alone win the damn thing. That’s 2,334 hours (give or take). That’s 97.25 days of agony. Forget whatever miscredited quote about insanity and repetition, ask a mental health professional if you should keep willingly subject yourself to something that causes so much emotional anguish. They’ll all answer the same: Absolutely not.

Yet, we still live for this. We need the NFL — and when the reality of football is too much to bear we throw ourselves into the world of fantasy, where our dreams of victory on a pretend virtual field can somehow find a way to bring us even more pain. Why? Because the sweetness at the other side is simply too alluring. Maybe we’ll be the ones to finally solve the equation, and when we do we can be there in spirit, in history, to say “I was there.”

It’s for this reason I always found it hilarious when the raucous cacophony of Patriots fans screamed “You hate us because you ain’t us.” No, no, no, my sweet summer children. We hated you because you weren’t us. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady did the impossible. They solved the NFL’s Collatz conjecture. They found a way, through parity, bad calls, randomness and injury to make a modern dynasty. That is not supposed to happen. Nobody is supposed to avoid the pain of NFL fandom for that long, with that much reliability, especially in the modern era. You were supposed to go back down to one, but you didn’t — you just kept soaring, infuriatingly soaring and robbing 31 other fanbases for their fleeting chance to experience joy.

We hated you not for what you were, but what you weren’t: Miserable with the rest of us. Then Tom Brady went and found a way to do it AGAIN. If he repeats and hoists the Lombardi Trophy in 2021 he’s officially solved the equation once more.

If all this sounds horrible, and melancholy, and sad beyond measure, then good. It should. I’ll leave it up to willing throngs to tell you why this year is going to be your team’s year. The truth is: It probably won’t. At least, statistically speaking. I don’t care if your team upgraded its offensive line, or you signed that one key pass rusher that’s going to make the defense complete. Everything is one injury, bad play, or poor decision from everything going down the drain. That is the heart of the NFL. If something can go wrong, it probably will — and it’s so much easier to just say “well, there’s always next year” instead of thinking about the hours of wasted emotional investment into a game that never, ever loves us back as much as we love it.

So, once again we take a number. We multiply it by three and add one, and maybe we get lucky and get to multiple it again — but eventually, without fail, we will crash back down to one. The NFL has knocked on the door once more to demand its tribute, and we will pay once more — because at this point there is no other option.

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codeswitchqueens · 3 years

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2021: You Were Meant to Bring Hope

It wasn’t that long ago since I said goodbye to 2020. I personally looked forward to 2021 being a year of restoration. Last year was just too much. I can’t say that I celebrated the New Year with champaign and engaged in the countdown. No, I did not, and nor did I have the desire to. By the end of the year, I was spent. There was nothing else in my tank to give. 2020 was a year of loss, and I was tired. My fatigue manifested in extraordinary ways, such as the loss of patience or the inability to focus or plan effectively. I mean, the variables/outliers/audibles were all too much for my mind to grasp and calculate. Adding to that, I found myself uprooted from my stability and in the space of consistent anxiety. How could I concentrate and plan? There is no wonder why I was eager to place 2020 in the rearview mirror. 2020 started as a promising year, developed a chronic illness [the pandemic], became onery and violent [national protest against police brutality], and left me displaced, jobless, and waiting on crumbs from a divided government. I had had enough. So, New Year found me comfortably nestled in my warm bed, contemplating my next moves.

I became gazelle-focused on my business plan. My personal life is complicated, and the top of the year would include the finalization of a long waited divorce (and this ugly three-year battle is something I wanted to embrace). So, on December 31st, 2020, I sat with my heart and settled on redefining my happiness and claiming my success. More importantly, I set my mind to take as many women of color along with me.

2021 began with great conversations, meetings, and planning. My business plan seemed to hit a chord with other women eager to build a supportive business community. All was well, and I happily nursed a right mix of excitement and anxiety until the day of my divorce. On Wednesday, January 6th, 2021, I divorced the most emotionally abusive man I’ve ever come to know. I entered the virtual court determined to get things off my chest and move on. This was supposed to be a day of true celebration and freedom. What transpired after the finalization of the divorce? I placed a call to my aunt, whose attention was divided. My aunt announced that the Capitol was under attack, and I could not believe it.

When I could, I began to review news clips slowly, and I was transfixed. How is this possible? That’s the question that continued to repeat itself in my thoughts. How can armed militants breach the Capitol and not be met with the national guard’s full force, secret service, and the like? The twisted reality is that many do-gooders called the Black Panthers created food programs for the community and schools (a practice launched nationally) and created stop signs. The American government targeted the Black Panthers, and in response, and following the law, the Black Panthers protested — peacefully and in three-piece suits — with guns outside of the Capitol. The reaction by the government included immediate detention and ratification of the law. How is it that those same laws barring citizens from standing on federal grounds with weapons allowed an entire group of terrorists on the Capitol and vandalizing federal spaces? Excuse me; our tax dollars contribute to the upkeep, so I’m taking it personally here.

DA Rachael Rollins of Boston tweeted, “So let me make sure I understand this: Black taking a knee=unAmerican; White and taking the Capitol=patriotism; Black and protesting for your life= rioter; White and denying the election rersults=free speech. Law & Order has always been a dog whistle. Change is coming” (Rollins, R. Twitter, 2021).

The wrestling in my soul hadn’t disappeared since. When, sis? When is this change coming? It’s been 500 years, and I don’t think I have another 500 to give. This is exhaustive. I no longer want to look at the news. I no longer wish to discuss the steady and twisted relationship with racism that plagues America. Yes, the conversations have to happen, but I no longer have room to entertain it.

This article was to be the first business-centric article, but, given the current climate, I felt it necessary to give voice to the marginalized. We are tired! No longer do we want to host conversations that center around educating our audience on systemic racism. We are all adults capable of understanding the current events and its implication on people of color’s mental health. So, no. I do not want to share my thoughts on how to fix this. In my humble opinion, this is the time for BIPOC communities to disengage and let the current violent issues unravel without our labor and assistance. White America, the ball is in your court. It is time to clean up your house of hatred and safeguard this country against internal and external threats. You must do this alone because of your continued complacency insight these chains of events, and you have no right our license to our understanding and activism. We have done enough, and we must participate in self-care and growth. The game was rigged at the start, and we are officially sitting this one out. Your up and the world is watching.

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qqueenofhades · 7 years

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Hi Hilary, apologies if you don't want to talk about this any more. But as a historian, what's your opinion on the "preserving history" argument of current events?

I think it’s misguided at best and openly racist at worst, has nothing to do with preserving history, is an exercise in denial and cowardice, and is certainly not what anyone who pretends to be concerned about it really cares about.

(Prepare yourself for a rant.)

The thing is, we have a certain subset of white people acting as if the history of the Confederacy will somehow magically be Forgotten if we take down the statues/monuments/associated physical legacy of their presence. You know who sure as hell has not forgotten the Nazis? Germany. Germany has not forgotten the Nazis one bit. Nor do they play around with it. You can and will be arrested if you fly the Nazi flag or give the Nazi salute in Germany, and they have destroyed nearly all the Nazi buildings or any place that could be used as a shrine or gathering place. The difference here is that Germany a) knows what the Nazis were, and b) hasn’t decided to disingenuously reduce them to a “heritage” or “Germanic pride” or fly the Nazi flag the same way the Confederate flag is proudly flown today. They have not tried to celebrate their racist, terrible past. They have taken steps to dissociate themselves from it as strongly as possible, and now lead Europe in taking in the most refugees from the Middle East, as well as having a chancellor (Angela Merkel) who is essentially the new leader of the free world. Germany hasn’t forgotten its history, it teaches that history and is always, always aware of it, and somehow manages to do that without valorizing or insisting on the continued existence of Nazi paraphernalia as “important history.”

The point of all this is: white people in America have been HAPPY to forget their history for years and years, selectively misremember it, tolerate and even idolize the Confederacy and its beliefs and symbols, and now they’re suddenly worried it will vanish? Give me a break. Black people in America have had to live with the knowledge of this history every day. They do not get the luxury of disengaging from it. Every black child has to learn about and confront the existence of racism and the legacy of this history. White kids don’t have to. They can skate. And white people get really upset when conversations about race or history of race come up. Why are you bringing that up, that was a long time ago, etc, etc. America has never systematically confronted and denounced its racist history the way Germany has. It continues to be celebrated. We have that fucking TV show (Confederate) in production, where it will basically provide an imaginative space for what a large portion of the population wishes HAD happened (that the South won the Civil War and slavery in its historical form remained legal). THERE IS NO CHANCE AT ALL, ANYWHERE, OF THIS HISTORY BEING FORGOTTEN ABOUT, AND THE PEOPLE MOANING THAT IT MIGHT BE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE DONE THE FORGETTING.

(Also: Many of the actual post-Confederates, including Robert E. Lee himself, disavowed their participation and viewed it as treason. Lee refused to be buried in his Confederate uniform or have his colleagues wear it to his funeral. His direct descendants agree the statue should come down. When did the revival of Confederate symbols start? Jim Crow. When did the Confederate flag start flying over the South Carolina statehouse again? 1961. As in, it was constructed specifically in reaction to the civil rights movement, as deeply racist Southern whites continued to resist the idea of black people having any agency or recognition. That was when Confederate monuments became a thing: NOT FROM THE ACTUAL CONFEDERACY.)

Let’s imagine for a moment that there was a large group of people who had put up a bunch of statues of, say, Osama bin Laden, and made a huge fuss about the possibility of them coming down. They view the attack of 9/11 as the triumph of a small band of patriots over an oppressive tyrannical oligarchy. They fly a flag with the planes crashing into the twin towers, and insist it’s not about the actual deaths of the people involved, it symbolises “culture” or “heritage” or whatever else. Let’s also say these people insisted that their right to defend a statue of OBL, a guy who clearly hated America and made that clear at every turn, was fully compatible with their identity as patriotic Americans, and in fact still to be preferred any time that identity is challenged. Let’s further say that a large segment of the population tacitly or explicitly agrees with them, demands the statue should stay up and attacks anyone who questions its existence in a public space, and claim that you are as bad as the other side if you want it taken down and insist that the flag cannot be dissociated from its history and the deaths involved. You get nowhere by pointing out that OBL, as noted, actually hated America and was fighting to destroy it. Even your supposedly liberal white friends become oddly deaf when the subject is raised, or give some version of the “well I don’t like it either, but this is America/we respect everyone/it’s history” argument. At worst, there are people marching underneath this flag, putting it as a bumper sticker on their pickup trucks, stockpiling tons of guns, and treating it as something to be inspired, celebrated, and replicated.

You’d feel like you were taking crazy pills. You would feel incredibly unsafe every time you stepped outside – what if you met one of these crazies and they targeted you? You would wonder how nobody else on earth could apparently see that no, these people are terrorists, and we are celebrating the murder of innocent people and it may be history, but why is it being treated as a fetishistic and terrifying subculture instead of a tragic and shameful event that we should never want to repeat? And yet, that is exactly what is happening with America’s collective denial and ongoing reluctance to talk about the Confederacy or put it in those terms. There’s always another excuse, and frankly, when Americans have been fed on a steady diet of “America Is Teh Awesomest” for years and years and have no way of critiquing or understanding their actual history without getting offended and going for the “all terrorists hate freedom!” route, the cumulative historical denial is both sad and staggering. Nothing, in this framework, is ever America’s fault, specifically white America’s. But if the people moaning about history being forgotten actually cared about history, they would have to confront the fact that that is simply, empirically not the case.

The fact is, America was built on white supremacy, slavery, and genocide, the victims of that history have no way of forgetting it, and view it pretty incredulously when white people start wringing their hands over it. That is just a historically verifiable reality, and yet white people go for the “long time ago” or “black on black crime” or “I’m not personally racist” defenses, rather than actually listening to the people who have never had the luxury of overlooking that history. This is why we get the absurd both-siderism. On the one hand, we have violent white supremacists proudly identifying as Nazis, a political movement that used to be uncontroversially identified as the most evil of the 20th century, if not ever, and which has roots that go back centuries in vilifying and exterminating anyone who is not a cis Christian straight white male. On the other, we have Black Lives Matter and other protest groups, who are defending their communities and people from the consequences of that ongoing mentality, sometimes violently. Then we have white people on Facebook posting things like, “Both sides are equally guilty! Bad all around! Everyone’s to blame!”

Sorry. No.

There is an overwhelming tendency to favor the status quo over actual justice, and to sanctimoniously condemn any violence used by a marginalized group – we somehow think that people only ever achieve recognizance of their humanity by holding hands and being “non-violent,” and that any time they forcibly resist the overwhelming and somehow-always-justified violence of the dominant group, they lose any expectation of our sympathy. We want to be violent against people of color without consequences, and we might allow them to struggle for liberation if we feel like it, but they have to do it Nicely. We might tepidly condemn the killings of unarmed black people, or post memes about “coming together,” or “not all cops,” or so forth. But when unarmed Native Americans at Standing Rock in 2016 are met with tanks, water cannons, full military deployments, tear gas, guns, and dogs, as were (and are) African Americans at lunch counters or city streets in the 1960s, then no, we do not get to claim that anything has changed. Because the instant those people resist being killed, or call out the comfortable white status quo, or challenge the state’s forever-sanctioned and always-admirable (according to its defenders) violence, they’re just as bad as neo-Nazis.

Sure. Right.

I get it’s a difficult topic. I get it’s hard for white Americans to actually look at what it means to be both white and American in a world where they have always benefited from these identities, and where White Liberalism and White Feminism ™ is just as racist while steadfastly insisting it’s not. Especially when you add American exceptionalism to the mix, where America is never responsible for anything and is the greatest country in the world, there is nothing remotely close to Germany’s decades-long reparations for the Nazis. American culture holds that saying sorry is for wimps. We need to be Proud of Our Heritage.

Nobody’s advocating for the Confederate monuments to be destroyed. They can be kept in a museum, or in storage, or wherever else. But insisting on their continued presence in public life is saying, “I want my right to believe the same things they did to be validated, and I want people personally affected by this belief to Know Their Place and It’s Just History Get Over It, and I don’t want to be challenged on whether this was wrong; I just want everyone to think about it how I do.” It is an insistence on power and an insistence on the safe and comfortable narrative of history that is completely removed from reality. When people say they don’t want Confederate history forgotten, they mean they don’t want white mainstream history to be challenged; they don’t want the people most hurt by this history to get uppity ideas about speaking out or breaking the cycle or making them face consequences. They want to go back to denial, and they resent the people trying to educate them otherwise. It’s the exact opposite of all this sudden Concern for History (which, as noted, isn’t going anywhere).

Conservative movements jeer at liberals all the time for being “snowflakes” who need “safe spaces,” and mainstream liberalism, as noted, can have incredible problems. But then conservatives are the ones crying about how difficult it is to be a racist these days (cry me a river, buddy) and painting liberals as tyrants who want to crush these poor, misunderstood white men whose influence and legacy might somehow vanish from the world (spoiler alert: not happening). So if preserving history is actually what anyone is worried about, don’t talk to your black friends about it. Don’t tell your black friends how much you hate racism. Talk to your white friends about it. Tell your white friends how much you hate racism. Then perhaps you might understand just how much the bubble of privilege protects you, and face the possibility of actually disrupting your life and losing friends or family in the way that white Americans get to take for granted that they do not have to do.

So yeah. It’s not in any sense about really preserving history, and frankly, my opinion as a historian is that I need another god damn drink. And I don’t even drink.

#history #politics for ts #rant #anonymous #ask

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crush-the-patriarchy-today · 7 years

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Have any of you out there in this wonderful wold of Tumblr ever seen the American President?

The Wonderful masterpiece by the Genius that is Aaron Sorkin. Well if you haven’t i highly recommend it. Especially with the way things seem to be going these days it makes you hopeful for what the future can hold.... even though it seems bleak right now. But that is no the reason I am asking this or bringing up this movie. Every time I have watched this movie since Nov 6th 2016 different quotes have stood out and I want to share them with you and compare them with what I see happening in this country.

A.J.: [to President Andrew Shepherd] You've said it yourself a million times. If there had been a TV in every living room sixty years ago, this country does not elect a man in a wheelchair.

First off with this one, you need to know this is true. And was sort of/more than likely proven with the election of our 35th President, Mr. Kennedy. The debate between Kennedy was televised and Mr Nixon was I believe ill at the time and it was visible. And as the very shallow society that we live in even more so now that we all live on the internet and with instant news that is how it happened. Kennedy looked healthy so the vast majority of the American public voted for him. But think about it and look deep into yourself, would you have voted for Roosevelt if you had seen him in his wheelchair? Do you think people chose our current president because they didn’t think a woman could run the country....(that by the way is a topic for another post) I ask you to look deep within yourselves and think, really think would you?

President Andrew Shepherd: [while playing pool] This is NOT the business of the American people!

A.J.: With all due respect, sir, the American people have a funny way of deciding on their own what is and what is not their business.

This exchange here is 100% true. An you know it. This exchange it between the president and his chief of staff, who happens to be his best friend, basically discussing whether or not he should ask out a woman he is interested in. While being the leader of the free world. The President is saying how it is not the business of the American people about his private life. And I agree with him. However just as A.J. says we the American people have a funny way deciding what is our business. We seem to believe that famous people, reality tv stars, political figures, professional athletes, and anyone in the public eye their lives are for us to care about. When in reality if people were harassing you and making judgments about your life and your personal choices in the past and present then you would be pretty pissed. So maybe we should respect these people and their rights to privacy. Because it is none of our business.

Lewis Rothschild: [in the Oval Office] You have a deeper love of this country than any man I've ever known. And I want to know what it says to you that in the past seven weeks, 59% of Americans have begun to question your patriotism.

President Andrew Shepherd: Look, if the people want to listen to-...

Lewis Rothschild: They don't have a choice! Bob Rumson is the only one doing the talking! People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand.

President Andrew Shepherd: Lewis, we've had presidents who were beloved, who couldn't find a coherent sentence with two hands and a flashlight. People don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. They drink the sand because they don't know the difference.

I feel like I should just say I’ll leave this here but I’ll share my thoughts. Lewis is right. I think that is what happened last year. The democratic party screwed themselves over, in my opinion, when they “picked” “nominated” whatever you want to call it Hilary. First off yes as a woman, it would be nice to see a woman become president or hold high level offices, however I do not believe that this country is ready for a woman president, but not yet, not until the patriarchy has been crushed and we are all equal under the 14th amendment, like we are supposed to be,(ps that will also be a future post so stay tuned). Anyway like I said they screwed themselves over with the Clinton pick over Sanders. I believe that if Sanders had been the nominee then he could have beaten Trump. And honestly if the vast majority of republicans weren’t so polarized to the right they would have seen that Gov. Kasich from Ohio was the best choice for the republican nomination. Not some older white man who is clearly just saying things to anger the American people and get the people who have been silent for so long to come out in droves and vote for him. Because the vast majority of people who feel the same way as our current president finally had someone speaking for them. And Shepherd is right too. Going off my last statement, these people are drinking the sand that is what Trump is giving them because they are so blinded by the fact that he is speaking to them, for them, that they think he is right no matter what. (I know I will probably get called a snowflake for these thoughts that I am shouting into the void that is tumblr but I feel my voice needs to be heard.) I feel like they do not see how his extremeness and the way he lashes out at everything and everyone who disagrees with him are and will continue to damage and draw us further apart as a nation when we should be united as one.

President Andrew Shepherd: [in the white house press room] For the last couple of months, Senator Rumson has suggested that being president of this country was, to a certain extent, about character, and although I have not been willing to engage in his attacks on me, I've been here three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation: Being President of this country is entirely about character. ... America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free". I've known Bob Rumson for years, and I've been operating under the assumption that the reason Bob devotes so much time and energy to shouting at the rain was that he simply didn't get it. Well, I was wrong. Bob's problem isn't that he doesn't get it. Bob's problem is that he can't sell it! We have serious problems to solve, and we need serious people to solve them. And whatever your particular problem is, I promise you, Bob Rumson is not the least bit interested in solving it. He is interested in two things and two things only: making you afraid of it and telling you who's to blame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how you win elections. You gather a group of middle-aged, middle-class, middle-income voters who remember with longing an easier time, and you talk to them about family and American values and character.

The parts that are in bold are the quotes that stand out the most to me and need to be discussed. We shouldn’t fight with one another we should discuss with those we disagree with to understand them and so they can understand us. And this country is about more than a damn flag. That’s right I said it is about more than a damn flag. The flag is a symbol but we the American people are the real symbol. And fyi for those of you who do not know they don’t have to play the national anthem before sporting events they could play any song in the world they wanted to. It is not a law or a requirement for it to be played before sporting events. It started with baseball in 1918 at the world series(read more about that here http://www.history.com/news/why-the-star-spangled-banner-is-played-at-sporting-events) The second part that is in bold is what I believe happened last year. Trump made people afraid and told us all who was to blame that’s how he ran his entire campaign( again this is my opinion).

A. J. MacInerney: [in the Oval Office] The President doesn't answer to you, Lewis!

Lewis Rothschild: Oh, yes he does A.J. I'm a citizen, this is my President. And in this country it is not only permissible to question our leaders it's our responsibility!

Finally the most important quote of the entire movie, comes again from Lewis. As a citizen of this country, yes you are my president, I am not happy about it, but as a citizen of this country, it is my responsibility and right to question you as a leader. You are elected and answer to the American people, and the media, or social media is our voice. And yes sir I will concede and agree with you that the media is skewed way to much to left and as a person who is in the middle, I do not appreciate it. However it is their right and my right to question you and seek the truth. What are you hiding sir. Why are you trying to distract the American people with all the tweets? I have one final quote that I feel you sir will identify with and this character is correct as well with it but that doesn’t me you can be like him. Be the better man and listen to those around you and stop acting like a spoiled child Col. Jessup: Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, *saves lives*. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a *damn* what you think you are entitled to! (This is from A Few Good Men, another work from the genius mind of Aaron Sorkin, watch it if you haven’t.) But he is right deep down we want to live in denial but the truth is we need to hear the truth no matter how much it hurts.

Thank you for listening/reading or whatever #crush the patriarchy

#the american president #a few good men #aaron sorkin #is a genus #my thoughts about these quotes and how they apply to today #crush the patriarchy

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celtfather · 5 years

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Amazing Celtic Women #429

Amazing Celtic women are on this week’s Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

Beth Patterson, Cady Finlayson, Catherine Koehler, Na Skylark, Judith Weikle, Anne Roos, Gwendolyn Snowdon, Kathy Barwick, Fionnuala Sherry, Merry Wives of Windsor, Christine Weir, Joni Minstrel, Mary Knickle, Cynthia Bennett, Jacie McConnell, Laura McGhee, Chrissy Crowley, Bernadette Morris

I hope you enjoyed this week's show. If you did, please share the show with ONE friend.

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast is dedicated to growing our community and helping the incredible artists who so generously share their music. If you find music you love, buy their albums, shirts, and songbooks, follow them on Spotify, see their shows, and drop them an email to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast.

Remember also to Subscribe to the Celtic Music Magazine. Every week, I'll send you a few cool bits of Celtic music news. It's a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Plus, you'll get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free, just for signing up today. Thank you again for being a Celt of Kindness.

THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC

0:05 - "Heather on the Moor" by Beth Patterson from Hybrid Vigor

4:23 - "When the Battle Is Over" by Cady Finlayson from Celtic Purple

6:30 - "Briar and Rose" by Catherine Koehler from upcoming album

9:37 - "The March Of The High King Of Laois-Osullivans March" by Na Skylark from Old Ceol

13:50 - "Wine of the Gauls" by Judith Weikle from Pirates, Poets and Patriots

16:57 - “Manx Courting Song” by Anne Roos from Haste to the Wedding

19:33 - CELTIC FEEDBACK

24:17 - "Little Duke Arthur's Nurse" by Gwendolyn Snowdon from Three Strand Braid

28:17 - "Red Haired Boy" by Kathy Barwick from In My Life

30:38 - "An Cuilfhionn" by Fionnuala Sherry from Songs from Before

33:56 - "Lannigan's Ball" by Merry Wives of Windsor from Bottoms Up

37:28 - "Horo Haradala" by Christine Weir from Weir Celts

39:15 - "Black Is the Color" by Joni Minstrel from Joni Minstrel Kicks the King

42:02 - CELTIC PODCAST NEWS

44:39 - "Wild Irish Man" by Mary Knickle from Weave

48:24 - "Out with the Rubbish" by Cynthia Bennett from Cauldron of Life

52:04 - "My Piece of Gratitude Re-Mix" by Jacie McConnell from Mystical Moments A Sign Of Things To Come

56:01 - "Tell It Tae the Love" by Laura McGhee from Green Eyes

58:46 - "Trundle's" by Chrissy Crowley from Last Night's Fun

1:03:20 - TIME FOR PARTING

1:04:25 - "Until We Meet Again" by Bernadette Morris from Where the Heart Is

The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather. To subscribe, go to Apple Podcasts or to our website where you can become a Patron of the Podcast for as little as $1 per episode. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/.

CELTIC PODCAST NEWS

* Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. My name is Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and podcaster. This show is dedicated to the indie Celtic musicians. I want to ask you to support these artists. Share the show with your friends. And find more episodes at celticmusicpodcast.com. You can also support this podcast on Patreon. Get our free Celtic music app right here.

TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. Join the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 With the new year comes a new votes in the Celtic Top 20. This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. Just list the show number, and the name of as many bands in the episode as you like. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2019 episode. Vote Now!

THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Because of Your kind and generous support, this show comes out every week and has done so since 2014. You can pledge a dollar or more per episode and cap how much you want to spend each month over on Patreon.

Your generosity funds the creation, promotion and production of the show. It allows us to attract new listeners and to help our community grow. Plus, you get to hear episodes before regular listeners. When we hit a milestone, you get an extra-long episode. We are super close to getting a two-hour instrumental special.

Thanks to our newest patrons: Barbara B S., Julie M.

You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast at http://patreon.com/celticpodcast.

I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you're doing while listening. Email a voicemail message to [email protected]

Jacob Kenner emailed a photo: "Marc, I was listening to #427 while cleaning up the donkey pen when you asked us to share what we do while listening. I realized I almost always save the podcast for when I have a farm chore or a building project. I think it helps me relax and keep going.

This is Violet (left) and Franklin (right), rescued donkeys we have in north central Washington State in the Okanogan highlands. Thanks for letting me share Celtic music with my donkey friends."

Bryan MacAvoy emailed: "I was teleworking, recovering from ACL surgery, and listening to the pod (from 9/12), and practically dropped my laptop on the floor and re-injured myself jumping to see what that sound was: BassPipes, Orchestral Pipestep, that’s what. LOVE IT.

I quickly went over to Amazon music to find what they had there (a few more), and am listening. I would not have thought myself a fan of Celtic Trad/ Dubstep Fusion, but here we are!

Would love an episode dedicated to Gaelic Trad sounds in modern dance/ hip hop/ pop. I know that’s a tight niche, but if anyone is up to it, it’s you!"

Beth Hlabse emailed photos: “Hi, Marc,I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for another wonderful podcast (412). Thanks to you, I discovered Heather Dale and I was very happy to hear her once again on you ‘cast.

I’ve attached some photos of what I do while listening to the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. I’ve been cross-stitching since I was 12 (more years ago than I want to say) and I’ve found that listening to your podcast has kept me going on my more difficult projects. Keep up the good work and much joy, peace and happiness in your new home!"

Aaron Adair emailed: "Hi, Marc--I've been a LONG time listener and recent supporter through Patreon and have loved the music you've played over the years. It has made me yearn for my home country although until now I've never been. Thanks to you and your terrific podcast, I'm currently waiting to take off for Dublin, Adare, Galway, and points in between for my very first trip home. Listening to the Ramblin' Irishman episode is the perfect episode to prepare me for my adventure.

Thanks for all you do to encourage, educate, and support artists and listeners about the greatness of Celtic music. Blessings to you and your family. "

Robyn emailed: "Hi Marc, I, of course, love your podcast. Recently the love of my life, my husband, died. And I wanted to share with you how we listened to your podcast. I would come home from work and my dogs (3) and my husband would jump in the car and we'd go for a ride. It was a time with no phone, no distractions, just connecting with each other and see how each other's day went.

Often we'd be listening to your podcast, singing along or just enjoying the music. Okay so not so unusual - one of our favorites is Loch Lomand. And now that he's gone ughhh brings me to tears each time I hear it but I can't stop playing it. I had missed some podcasts due to his illness, but when I listened to #407 oh my. Sobbing in my car, and remembering loving, great times. Thank-you for adding to the connection to life and love you have brought me. And now I have become a patron in honor of my husband, John. Slainte."

#celticwomen #irishmusic #celticmusic

Check out this episode!

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wetrumpfeed · 5 years

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Afternoon MAGAthread: YOUR WEEKLY PRESIDENTIAL RECAP!

HAPPPPY SATURDAY DEPLORABLES!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend so far! This is u/Ivaginaryfriend and I'm here to deliver everything spicy & dank from the past week! If you happened to miss any past recaps you can catch those here!

Sunday, May 5th:

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

I am pleased to inform all of those that believe in a strong, fair and sound Immigration Policy that Mark Morgan will be joining the Trump Administration as the head of our hard working men and women of ICE. Mark is a true believer and American Patriot. He will do a great job!

The Kentucky Derby decision was not a good one. It was a rough & tumble race on a wet and sloppy track, actually, a beautiful thing to watch. Only in these days of political correctness could such an overturn occur. The best horse did NOT win the Kentucky Derby - not even close!

For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods. These payments are partially responsible for our great economic results. The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday. 325 Billions Dollars.... ... ....of additional goods sent to us by China remain untaxed, but will be shortly, at a rate of 25%. The Tariffs paid to the USA have had little impact on product cost, mostly borne by China. The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!

After spending more than $35,000,000 over a two year period, interviewing 500 people, using 18 Trump Hating Angry Democrats & 49 FBI Agents - all culminating in a more than 400 page Report showing NO COLLUSION - why would the Democrats in Congress now need Robert Mueller....... ... ....to testify. Are they looking for a redo because they hated seeing the strong NO COLLUSION conclusion? There was no crime, except on the other side (incredibly not covered in the Report), and NO OBSTRUCTION. Bob Mueller should not testify. No redos for the Dems!

“The Report sounded an awful lot as being Comeyesque, in other words, I’m not going to charge this person (there wasn’t even close to being a crime), but I’m going to criticize him on the way out the door. That’s unfortunate because it’s stepping outside of the role.” Robert Ray

“This is not Congressional Oversight, this is bullying.” Jason Riley, The Wall Street Journal

Pending the confirmation of Mark Morgan as our Nation’s new ICE Director, Matt Albence will serve in the role of Acting Director. Matt is tough and dedicated and has my full support to deploy ICE to the maximum extent of the law! #MAGA

Once again, Israel faces a barrage of deadly rocket attacks by terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. We support Israel 100% in its defense of its citizens.... ... ....To the Gazan people — these terrorist acts against Israel will bring you nothing but more misery. END the violence and work towards peace - it can happen!

Despite the tremendous success that I have had as President, including perhaps the greatest ECONOMY and most successful first two years of any President in history, they have stolen two years of my (our) Presidency (Collusion Delusion) that we will never be able to get back..... ... .....The Witch Hunt is over but we will never forget. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Urban Dictionary is a treasure trove

Well that poll is backfiring. Let’s keep it up pedes!!

YouTube bans Tommy Robinson for talking about Muslim gangs sexually exploiting white girls, but I can go to YouTube and watch Muslims rapping about sexually exploiting white girls, and it was played by the BBC.

Just going to leave this handy chart here.

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Is it acceptable for the attorney general to say this?

When Democrats Are In Power...

Happy Cinco De Mayo Pedes!

Trump for 2020

Who would TRADE creepy non-human ZUCK for TOM? I hate reptilians.

Monday, May 6th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

Three Nominations Sent to the Senate

President Trump Welcomes Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini of the Slovak Republic to the White House

President Trump Presents the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the U.S. Military Academy Football Team

President Trump Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

“Democrat Texas Congressman Al Green says impeachment is the only thing that can prevent President Trump from re-election in 2020.” @OANN In other words, Dems can’t win the election fairly. You can’t impeach a president for creating the best economy in our country’s history..... ... Also, there are “No High Crimes & Misdemeanors,” No Collusion, No Conspiracy, No Obstruction. ALL THE CRIMES ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE, and that’s what the Dems should be looking at, but they won’t. Nevertheless, the tables are turning!

The United States has been losing, for many years, 600 to 800 Billion Dollars a year on Trade. With China we lose 500 Billion Dollars. Sorry, we’re not going to be doing that anymore!

Scott Walker is 100% correct when he says that the Republicans must WAKE UP to the Democrats State by State power grab. They play very dirty, actually, like never before. Don’t allow them to get away with what they are doing!

Just spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan concerning North Korea and Trade. Very good conversation!

Congratulations @ArmyWP_Football!

Today, it was my true honor to present the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy—for the second year in a row, to the @ArmyWP_Football Black Knights. Congratulations once again on your historic victories, and keep on making us proud!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Finally, some support for POTUS!

imagine if the parties were swapped

Pres. Trump Pardons Army Lt. Michael Behanna, Convicted Of Murdering Al-Qaeda Detainee

This 👇🏻

TRUMP: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE OBAMA FOR WHAT HE DID TO OUR MILITARY... AND MANY OTHER THINGS THAT I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT IN THE FUTURE 😁

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Is it just me, or are things getting crazier out there?

Today on “They Asked, So I Answered”:

He’s still standing on the graves of his classmates for his own self serving purposes

Free Speech Cafe (No Conservatives Allowed)

I was asleep in 2016; this time I'm signing up for the meme war.

Tuesday, May 7th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Personnel to Key Administration Posts

First Lady Melania Trump's Be Best Anniversary Celebration

Vice President Pence Delivers Remarks at the 49th Annual Washington Conference on the Americas

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Democrats in Congress must vote to close the terrible loopholes at the Southern Border. If not, harsh measures will have to be taken!

(Retweeting The White House) On the one year anniversary of @FLOTUS' initiative, Be Best, take a look back at some of the highlights! #BeBest

Congratulations @TigerWoods - you are truly one of a kind!

'Forgotten Man' Story: Under Trump, Red Counties Economically Thrive http://bit.ly/2VKPFNq via @BreitbartNews

He wants to impeach because they can’t win election. Sad!

I am pleased to inform you that THE BIG FIREWORKS, after many years of not having any, are coming back to beautiful Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Great work @GovKristiNoem and @SecBernhardt! #MAGA

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

CNN Contributor: ‘When a Woman Is Pregnant, That Is Not a Human Being inside of Her’

Steele's stunning pre-FISA confession: Informant needed to air Trump dirt before election 🤬

Over 35.4k upvotes and climbing on r/all. Good job pedes!

TWITTER Bans Account that Tracks and Reports on Epidemic of Violence Against Trump Supporters

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

This is serious

Looking forward to warmer weather. How about you?

Some people just can’t comprehend this

Careful lads, he's high on truth.

Wednesday, May 8th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to a Key Administration Post

Proclamation on Addressing Mass Migration Through the Southern Border of the United States

Executive Order on Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran

Vice President Pence Visits Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Louisiana

President Trump Departs the White House in Marine One

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

McConnell Backs Trump: Mueller Report Is 'Case Closed' | Breitbart http://bit.ly/2VNaqIl via @BreitbartNews

The reason for the China pullback & attempted renegotiation of the Trade Deal is the sincere HOPE that they will be able to “negotiate” with Joe Biden or one of the very weak Democrats, and thereby continue to ripoff the United States (($500 Billion a year)) for years to come.... ... ...Guess what, that’s not going to happen! China has just informed us that they (Vice-Premier) are now coming to the U.S. to make a deal. We’ll see, but I am very happy with over $100 Billion a year in Tariffs filling U.S. coffers...great for U.S., not good for China!

“The real “Obstruction of Justice” is what the Democrats are trying to do to this Attorney General.” Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). @MariaBartiromo

“Shouldn’t 2015 and 2016 be revealed, how Intelligence Agencies, FBI, tried to sabotage a particular campaign - never been done before?” @SteveForbesCEO @MariaBartiromo

Big Court win at our Southern Border! We are getting there - and Wall is being built!

“Everyone wants to know who needs to be accountable, because it took up two years of our lives talking about this Russian involvement. It proved No Collusion, & people want to trace it back to see how this all happened?” @ainsleyearhardt @foxandfriends TREASONOUS HOAX!

“This British Spy, Christopher Steele, tried so hard to get this (the Fake Dossier) out before the Election. Why?” @kilmeade @foxandfriends

“CASE CLOSED!” @SenateMajLDR

Real estate developers in the 1980’s & 1990’s, more than 30 years ago, were entitled to massive write offs and depreciation which would, if one was actively building, show losses and tax losses in almost all cases. Much was non monetary. Sometimes considered “tax shelter,” ...... ... ....you would get it by building, or even buying. You always wanted to show losses for tax purposes....almost all real estate developers did - and often re-negotiate with banks, it was sport. Additionally, the very old information put out is a highly inaccurate Fake News hit job!

GREAT NEWS FOR OHIO! Just spoke to Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, who informed me that, subject to a UAW agreement etc., GM will be selling their beautiful Lordstown Plant to Workhorse, where they plan to build Electric Trucks. GM will also be spending $700,000,000 in Ohio... ... ....in 3 separate locations, creating another 450 jobs. I have been working nicely with GM to get this done. Thank you to Mary B, your GREAT Governor, and Senator Rob Portman. With all the car companies coming back, and much more, THE USA IS BOOMING!

Republicans shouldn’t vote for H.R. 312, a special interest casino Bill, backed by Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren. It is unfair and doesn’t treat Native Americans equally! 14,996 replies 18,369 retweets 69,053 likes

Our Nation grieves at the unspeakable violence that took a precious young life and badly injured others in Colorado. God be with the families and thank you to the First Responders for bravely intervening. We are in close contact with Law Enforcement.

Thank you @NewtGingrich & @FoxandFriends!

Getting ready to leave for one of my favorite places, the Florida Panhandle, where we’ve given, and are giving, billions of $$$ for the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael. Even though the Dems are totally in our way (they don’t want money to go there) we’re getting it done!

“The reality is, with the Tariffs, the economy has grown more rapidly in the United States and much more slowly in China.” Peter Morici, Former Chief Economist, USITC

Big announcement today: Drug companies have to come clean about their prices in TV ads. Historic transparency for American patients is here. If drug companies are ashamed of those prices—lower them!

Just landed in Panama City Beach, Florida for a rally beginning at 8:00 P.M. Eastern. Will be live on @FoxNews! #MAGA @tuckercarlson @seanhannity

Big crowds in Panama City Beach, Florida. See everyone in 30 minutes! @FoxNews @TuckerCarlson @SeanHannity

Beautiful evening in Panama City Beach, Florida. Thank you! #MAGA

MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

After a great rally in Panama City Beach, Florida - I am returning to Washington, D.C. with @SenRickScott and Senator @MarcoRubio, discussing the terrible abuses by Maduro. America stands with the GREAT PEOPLE of Venezuela for however long it takes!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

This young patriot bravely sacrificed his life to tackle a deranged school shooter yesterday. He stopped the gunfire, saving lives. Kendrick Castillo is a hero. You won’t see this on redacted because WE are the side that honors selflessness

BREAKING: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Warned UK PM Theresa May that if she allows Huawei Technologies into Britain's 5G, "U.S. will not share America’s national security secrets in a network we don’t have confidence in and is controlled by China"

FBI opened obstruction case against Trump before Mueller was appointed, court files show

Two young men, who did what was right. No matter what it took.

PRESS BRIEFINGS, INTERVIEWS, RALLIES:

Watch Party: President Donald J. Trump MAGA Rally Panama City Beach, FL 5/8/19

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Word of the day: "Baizuo"

Backfired

OMFG DED 😂😂😂😂💀💀💀💀

Yes

Line for the Trump rally in Panama City Beach. Three and a half hours before the rally begins

Thursday, May 9th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

Proclamation on Military Spouse Day, 2019

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Individual to a Key Administration Post

President Trump Delivers Remarks on Ending Surprise Medical Billing

President Trump Welcomes the 2018 World Series Champions The Boston Red Sox to the White House

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost Testifies About the Border Crisis

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Great news today: My Administration just secured a historic donation of HIV prevention drugs from Gilead to help expand access to PrEP for the uninsured and those at risk. Will help us achieve our goal of ending the HIV epidemic in America!

Today, it was my honor to welcome the 2018 World Series Champion Boston @RedSox to the @WhiteHouse!

House Republicans should not vote for the BAD DEMOCRAT Disaster Supplemental Bill which hurts our States, Farmers & Border Security. Up for vote tomorrow. We want to do much better than this. All sides keep working and send a good BILL for immediate signing!

(Retweeting VP Mike Pence) Great to be at R&J Johnson Farms in Glyndon, Minnesota today! Since the earliest days of our administration, @POTUS has promised to keep fighting for our farmers - & that’s exactly what we’ve done!

(Retweeting The White House) President @realDonaldTrump hosted the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston @RedSox, at the White House!

James Comey is a disgrace to the FBI & will go down as the worst Director in its long and once proud history. He brought the FBI down, almost all Republicans & Democrats thought he should be FIRED, but the FBI will regain greatness because of the great men & women who work there!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

BREAKING: Hillary Clinton’s campaign accepted large and illegal donation from the sex slave cult NXIVM

THE HILL: FBI's Steele story (completely) falls apart: False intel and media contacts were flagged before FISA

President Trump and his admin distributing AIDs preventing medicine to hundreds of thousands of people - why do I feel like Democrats will still find something to bitch about?

Senate Panel Approves Trump Nominee Jeffrey Rosen as Deputy AG

Trump to Nominate Patrick Shanahan as Defense Secretary

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

Yup.

One important takeaway from Google unpersoning us

Another nugget of gold from twitter:

Rosenstein's last day at DOJ is tomorrow. I got him a card. Who wants to sign it?

Got 'Em 👌

Friday, May 10th:

TODAY'S ACTION:

President Trump and The First Lady Participate in the Celebration of Military Mothers

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!

V.P. Mike Pence will be interviewed on @foxandfriends at 7:30 A.M. Enjoy!

Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25% on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the U.S.... ... ....The process has begun to place additional Tariffs at 25% on the remaining 325 Billion Dollars. The U.S. only sells China approximately 100 Billion Dollars of goods & products, a very big imbalance. With the over 100 Billion Dollars in Tariffs that we take in, we will buy..... ... ....agricultural products from our Great Farmers, in larger amounts than China ever did, and ship it to poor & starving countries in the form of humanitarian assistance. In the meantime we will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal!

Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Also, much easier & quicker to do. Our Farmers will do better, faster, and starving nations can now be helped. Waivers on some products will be granted, or go to new source!

Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch! In the meantime, China should not renegotiate deals with the U.S. at the last minute. This is not the Obama Administration, or the Administration of Sleepy Joe, who let China get away with “murder!”

The average 401(k) balance has SOARED since the bottom of the market - 466%. Wow!

....If we bought 15 Billion Dollars of Agriculture from our Farmers, far more than China buys now, we would have more than 85 Billion Dollars left over for new Infrastructure, Healthcare, or anything else. China would greatly slow down, and we would automatically speed up!

Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!

Your all time favorite President got tired of waiting for China to help out and start buying from our FARMERS, the greatest anywhere in the World!

Great Consumer Price Index just out. Really good, very low inflation! We have a great chance to “really rock!” Good numbers all around.

Looks to me like it’s going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast!

“We have been engaged in an unfair relationship with China for a long time. They have reneged on the commitments they made to the WTO, particularly around intellectual property.” Carly Fiorina @MariaBartiromo

Great Republican vote today on Disaster Relief Bill. We will now work out a bipartisan solution that gets relief for our great States and Farmers. Thank you to all. Get me a Bill that I can quickly sign!

Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries. The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations.... ... ....into the future will continue. In the meantime, the United States has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!

Military spouses share an admirable legacy of unwavering devotion to their loved ones in uniform and to the cause of freedom. On Military Spouse Day, we honor our Nation’s military spouses and express our deep appreciation for all that they do!

Build your products in the United States and there are NO TARIFFS!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

He did it..Name change

This is the funniest damn thing I’ve read today! The left is so triggered over this!

Giuliani will travel to Ukraine, saying country's probes may be 'very, very helpful' for Trump

Biden goes crazy. Backs health care for illegal immigrants, says 'we have an obligation' to provide it

JUDICIAL WATCH: New Records Reveal Obama White House Paranoid, Tracking FOIA Request For Hillary Clinton Emails

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

"SSSHHHH....just keep playing..."

Babylon Bee with the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Lock. Him. Up.

Movie posters we really want to see..

Saturday, May 11th:

🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:

Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It’s very simple!

SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:

Another false #metoo, but this time it ends in death.

President Trump: It would be 'appropriate' for me to talk to DOJ about investigating Biden

Comey: It’s ‘Totally Normal’ To Plant People Near Political Campaigns

Red Sox fans hanged a "Trump 2020" banner over Fenway Park tonight

Trump’s ‘Uplifting’ Letter To Cancer Patient Meets With Hateful Response From Libtards On Twitter

🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:

It's Now A Neck and Neck Race

The Ultimate Red-Pilling

OVER TARGET! Dems and fake news are shitting themselves over Guliani going to the Ukraine. They're calling for investigation into Guliani, and ignoring the the Ukrainian investigation into Bidens. Even Fox cut off Guliani when he tried talking about Biden. Guliani connecting Steele with Ukraine now.

Just spit out my coffee from laughing so hard.

WEEEEW LAD!

Without further ado, some tunes to get you jamming through all this winning:

Feels

My Song

Promises

American Girl

You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth

MAGA ON PATRIOTS!

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robgrayofficial · 5 years

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HAPPY SATURDAY PATRIOTS!This the your favorite Saturday afternoon mod here to help kick off this glorious day with tons of spice from the past week! As always, if you happened to miss any past recaps you can check those out here!Sunday, November 11th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Trump Attends the American Commemoration Ceremony at Suresnes Cemetery🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:With proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation constantly going on in California. Get Smart!On this Veterans Day — the 100th Anniversary of the end of WWI, we honor the brave HEROES who fought for America in the Great War, and every Veteran who has worn the uniform and kept our Nation Safe, Strong and FREE! http://bit.ly/2FtQXW0 ceremony today in Paris commemorating the end of World War One. Many World leaders in attendance. Thank you to @EmmanuelMacron, President of France! Now off to Suresnes American Cemetery to make speech in honor of our great heroes! Then back to the U.S.A.(Retweeting The White House) President Trump Attends the American Commemoration Ceremony at Suresnes American CemeteryPoland, a great country - Congratulations on the 100th Anniversary of your Independence. I will never forget my time there!(Retweeting FLOTUS) Today we remember the brave actions of our troops and those of our allies during WWI. Honored to be spending this day honoring heroes in Paris. #VeteransDayExactly 100 years ago today, on November 11th, 1918, World War I came to an end. We are gathered together, at this hallowed resting place, to pay tribute to the brave Americans who gave their last breath in that mighty struggle....SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:The Original Flag That Flew @ Iwo Jima.GEOTUS Gives a Look to the King of Morocco - Not ImpressedFITTON: 18 years ago, Judicial Watch uncovered evidence of fraud in Broward County during the Bush vs. Gore fiasco. The more things change...Broward County’s elections are not secure as long as Brenda Snipes is in office🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Christmas came early...Great tweet to Jim Acosta LOLSame way we have to quit voting after we die. This is truly a Dem-DemocracyThank you to all who have served for keeping America safe and free!Monday, November 12th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Trump Speaks at Suresnes American Cemetery on Armistice Day🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Just returned from France where much was accomplished in my meetings with World Leaders. Never easy bringing up the fact that the U.S. must be treated fairly, which it hasn’t, on both Military and Trade. We pay for LARGE portions of other countries military protection,........ ... .....hundreds of billions of dollars, for the great privilege of losing hundreds of billions of dollars with these same countries on trade. I told them that this situation cannot continue - It is, and always has been, ridiculously unfair to the United States. Massive amounts..... ... .....of money spent on protecting other countries, and we get nothing but Trade Deficits and Losses. It is time that these very rich countries either pay the United States for its great military protection, or protect themselves...and Trade must be made FREE and FAIR!The Florida Election should be called in favor of Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis in that large numbers of new ballots showed up out of nowhere, and many ballots are missing or forged. An honest vote count is no longer possible-ballots massively infected. Must go with Election Night!The prospect of Presidential Harassment by the Dems is causing the Stock Market big headaches!The California Fire Fighters, FEMA and First Responders are amazing and very brave. Thank you and God Bless you all!American Cable Association has big problems with Comcast. They say that Comcast routinely violates Antitrust Laws. “These guys are acting much worse, and have much more potential for damage to consumers, than anything AT&T-Time Warner would do.” Charlie GasparinoHopefully, Saudi Arabia and OPEC will not be cutting oil production. Oil prices should be much lower based on supply!I just approved an expedited request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California. Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected.SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:Senator Rick Scott: It's clear that our lead is mathematically impossible to close without fraud…so Nelson and his DC lawyers are doing their best to count fraudulent ballots, laws be damned.Broward County stole my vote in 2000, and Brenda Snipes helped cover it upCalifornia Forest Fire Red Pill - (share as needed!)FL SEN: Oh, So 200,000 Non-Citizens Might Have Voted In 2018 ElectionsWhat the living hell? In AZ, the Republican governor won by 328,000 votes and yet, the Republican Senator is down by ~32,000 votes...🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:DUN DUN DUNNNN!!INCOMING!!!More Boxes of Uncounted Democrat Ballots Found in FloridaHow the Democrats try to "manufacture" a blue waveDems be like Cheatlejuice, Cheatlejuice, Cheatlejuice...Just found this steal of a deal at a yard saleTuesday, November 13th:TODAY'S ACTION:Twenty Six Nominations Sent to the SenatePresident Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Individual to Key Administration PostOne Nomination Sent to the SenateFirst Lady Melania Trump Joins Brigitte Macron for Armistice DayPresident Trump Participates in the Diwali Ceremonial Lighting of the DiyaVice President Mike Pence Delivers a Joint Statement with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!On Trade, France makes excellent wine, but so does the U.S. The problem is that France makes it very hard for the U.S. to sell its wines into France, and charges big Tariffs, whereas the U.S. makes it easy for French wines, and charges very small Tariffs. Not fair, must change!The problem is that Emmanuel suffers from a very low Approval Rating in France, 26%, and an unemployment rate of almost 10%. He was just trying to get onto another subject. By the way, there is no country more Nationalist than France, very proud people-and rightfully so!........ ... ......MAKE FRANCE GREAT AGAIN!By the way, when the helicopter couldn’t fly to the first cemetery in France because of almost zero visibility, I suggested driving. Secret Service said NO, too far from airport & big Paris shutdown. Speech next day at American Cemetery in pouring rain! Little reported-Fake News!When will Bill Nelson concede in Florida? The characters running Broward and Palm Beach voting will not be able to “find” enough votes, too much spotlight on them now!The story in the New York Times concerning North Korea developing missile bases is inaccurate. We fully know about the sites being discussed, nothing new - and nothing happening out of the normal. Just more Fake News. I will be the first to let you know if things go bad!We mourn for the lives lost and we pray for the victims of the California Wildfires. I want to thank the Firefighters and First Responders for their incredible courage in the face of grave danger....Today, we gathered for Diwali, a holiday observed by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains throughout the United States & around the world. Hundreds of millions of people have gathered with family & friends to light the Diya and to mark the beginning of a New Year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh9zz67KYS4 …It was my great honor to host a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, in the Roosevelt Room at the @WhiteHouse this afternoon. Very, very special people! http://bit.ly/2qS5d0B …“Boom: Record high business optimism, need for employees at 45-year high”SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:CNN Gets Several Things Wrong In Its Lawsuit Against The White House72 PERCENT OF AMERICANS SAY MEDIA IS DIVIDING AMERICA AND SPREADING HATEEXPOSED: Soros-Funded Groups Defended Brenda Snipes in Lawsuit Alleging Inaccurate Voter Rosters🚨🚨 NEVER FORGET: Seth Rich served as the Voter Expansion Data Director for the DNC and had been questioning recent cases of election fraud/ballot integrity. One year before his death, Seth expressed concerns about the integrity of ballots before a panel of election-commission officials. RIP SETH!!!!President Donald J. Trump & First Lady Melania Trump are in silhouette as they walk hand-in-hand into the U.S. Ambassador residence. 💞🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Hey moderators of T_D, please ban me.She sure did!The RecountThese are the people that look through your post history to see if you post on The_DonaldWednesday, November 14th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate and Appoint Individuals to Key Administration PostsTwo Nominations Sent to the SenateNational Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee Meeting (NSTAC)President Trump Makes an Announcement Regarding H.R. 5682, the "First Step Act"🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Not seen in many years, America’s steelworkers get a hard-earned raise because of my Administration’s policies to help bring back the U.S. steel industry, which is critical to our National Security. I will always protect America and its workers!Was just briefed by @FEMA_Brock and @SecretaryZinke, who are in California. Thank you to the great Firefighters, First Responders and @FEMA for the incredible job they are doing w/ the California Wildfires. Our Nation appreciates your heroism, courage & genius. God Bless you all!Just spoke to Governor Jerry Brown to let him know that we are with him, and the people of California, all the way!I am grateful to be here today w/ Members of the House & Senate who have poured their time, heart and energy into the crucial issue of Prison Reform. Working together w/ my Admin over the last two years, these members have reached a bipartisan agreement...Our pledge to hire American includes those leaving prison and looking for a very fresh start — new job, and new life. The legislation I am supporting today contains many significant reforms. Read more here: http://bit.ly/2FqilnZ TWEETS AND NEWS:Michael Avenatti arrested on domestic violence chargesCourt rules Hillary Clinton must answer more questions about her emails Thank Judicial WatchBen Carson could see his name removed from Detroit high school. Why? For being a Trump supporterDOJ says Matthew Whitaker can serve as acting attorney general | Fox NewsDaily Caller EXCLUSIVE: President Trump Calls For Brenda Snipes To Be FiredEXCLUSIVE: Trump Warns Antifa — You Could Be In Big Trouble🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Electile DysfunctionMFW watching r/eeeeedacted mods delete every Avenatti arrest report.#BastaSpent way too much time on this...Thursday, November 15th:TODAY'S ACTION:Ten Nominations and One Withdraw Sent to the SenatePresident Trump Delivers Remarks on Supporting Veterans and Military Families🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:The White House is running very smoothly and the results for our Nation are obviously very good. We are the envy of the world. But anytime I even think about making changes, the FAKE NEWS MEDIA goes crazy, always seeking to make us look as bad as possible! Very dishonest!The inner workings of the Mueller investigation are a total mess. They have found no collusion and have gone absolutely nuts. They are screaming and shouting at people, horribly threatening them to come up with the answers they want. They are a disgrace to our Nation and don’t... ... ....care how many lives the ruin. These are Angry People, including the highly conflicted Bob Mueller, who worked for Obama for 8 years. They won’t even look at all of the bad acts and crimes on the other side. A TOTAL WITCH HUNT LIKE NO OTHER IN AMERICAN HISTORY!Universities will someday study what highly conflicted (and NOT Senate approved) Bob Mueller and his gang of Democrat thugs have done to destroy people. Why is he protecting Crooked Hillary, Comey, McCabe, Lisa Page & her lover, Peter S, and all of his friends on the other side?The only “Collusion” is that of the Democrats with Russia and many others. Why didn’t the FBI take the Server from the DNC? They still don’t have it. Check out how biased Facebook, Google and Twitter are in favor of the Democrats. That’s the real Collusion!.@FLOTUS Melania and I were honored to visit with our GREAT U.S. MARINES at the Marine Barracks here in Washington, D.C. We love you @USMC @MBWDC! http://bit.ly/2qTbtW2 …It was my great honor to host a @WhiteHouse Conference on Supporting Veterans & Military Families... To everyone here today who has served our Country in uniform, & to every Veteran & Military family across our land, I want to express the eternal gratitude of our entire Nation!Last year, I signed the landmark VA Accountability Act to ensure those who mistreat our Veterans can be held fully accountable. Since my inauguration, we have removed more than 3,600 government employees who were not giving our Vets the care they deserve....It is our sacred duty to support America’s Service Members every single day they wear the uniform – and every day after when they return home as Veterans. Together we will HONOR those who defend us, we will CHERISH those who protect us, and we will celebrate the amazing heroes...SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:OH NO THAT SUCKS: RECOUNT- Judge Denies Request to Extend Recount DeadlineFOX DEFENDS FAKE NEWS JIM ACOSTA. Operation Mockingbird is in full swing. Thanks for showing your colors Fox.BREAKING‼️: Judge rules AGAINST Stacy Abrams Gubernatorial Vote Phishing Scam❗️You have no path to stealing this election and turning Georgia into a Socialist Hellhole❗️ BYE BYE NOW, LOSER❗️Bill and Hillary Clinton tour canceled due to 'poor sales'GOP is auditing Maricopa County over the alleged election fraud.Kamala Harris compares ICE to the KKK🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:Good intentionsNetflix original seriesThese two comments are from the same person. The top one is from 6 weeks ago regarding Kavanaugh, the bottom one is from 6 hours ago regarding Avenatti.Yeah, it's like thatFriday, November 16th:TODAY'S ACTION:President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Appoint Personnel to Key Administration PostPresidential Proclamation on National Family Week, 2018First Lady Melania Trump Joins Brigitte Macron for Armistice Day🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:Today in the East Room of the @WhiteHouse, it was my true privilege to award seven extraordinary Americans with the Presidential Medal of Freedom...People are not being told that the Republican Party is on track to pick up two seats in the U.S. Senate, and epic victory: 53 to 47. The Fake News Media only wants to speak of the House, where the Midterm results were better than other sitting Presidents.PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOMCongratulations to Ron DeSantis on becoming the new Governor of Florida. Against all odds, he fought & fought & fought, the result being a historic victory. He never gave up and never will. He will be a great Governor!Congratulations to Brian Kemp on becoming the new Governor of Georgia. Stacey Abrams fought brilliantly and hard - she will have a terrific political future! Brian was unrelenting and will become a great Governor for the truly Wonderful People of Georgia!Isn’t it ironic that large Caravans of people are marching to our border wanting U.S.A. asylum because they are fearful of being in their country - yet they are proudly waving.... ... ....their country’s flag. Can this be possible? Yes, because it is all a BIG CON, and the American taxpayer is paying for it!Thank you @JerryBrownGov. Look forward to joining you and @GavinNewsom tomorrow in California. We are with you!SIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:Nuking your own country. #JustDemocratThingsStacey Abrams Concedes The Georgia Gubernatorial RaceSCOTT, DESANTIS GAIN HUNDREDS OF VOTES IN BROWARD RECOUNT — SO SNIPES TEAM ‘MISSES’ DEADLINE BY 2 MINUTESCBS CORRESPONDENT MAJOR GARRETT SAYS 'IT SHOULD BE NOTED' THAT THE OBAMA WHITE HOUSE 'DEMONIZED' FOX NEWS DAILYTRUMP following judge decision in favor of CNN’s Jim Acosta : “If they don’t listen to the rules & regulations, we’ll end up back in court & we’ll win. But more importantly, we’ll just leave. And then you won’t be very happy.”🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:When our audience is bigger than CNN’s, can r/The_Donald have a press pass?Let's CompareA helpful guide to Eric Swalwell's Policy PositionsSAD BUT TRUE...The left IRLSaturday, November 17th:🔥🔥TRUMP TWEETS🔥🔥:I can get Nancy Pelosi as many votes as she wants in order for her to be Speaker of the House. She deserves this victory, she has earned it - but there are those in her party who are trying to take it away. She will win! @TomReedCongressSIGNIFICANT TWEETS AND NEWS:The liberals have been using the same tactics FOR.. EVAAAAAHHH...Teacher in Missouri was told not to come back to school because he thanked students who stood during the Pledge of Allegiance because The students who didn't felt "singled out". It hurt their feelings & they felt bullied.Lindsey Graham poised to head Senate Judiciary Committee. Collective gulp from Dems who recall his warnings. “If I am chairman, next year, I’m going to remember this,” Graham warned the cabal of Democrats who orchestrated the gutless 11th hour ambush of Kavanaugh.Acosta the Accoster is still pushing the depths of how far a human being can shove himself up his own asshole.🐸 TOP SPICE OF THE DAY 🐸:When your neighbor suffers from TDSThe Online ANTIFAB E N G A R R I S O N: Swalwell's "Legit Nuke"Glad to see the White House preparing for the return of Acosta.WEEEW LAD!Of course, no recap is complete without some tunes to get you jamming through all this winning:Macy's Day ParadeMusta Got LostBuild Me Up ButtercupLowlifeI Can't Help MyselfPiano ManMAGA ON PATRIOTS! #robgray

#robgray

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junker-town · 6 years

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The Patriots’ Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick feud, explained

An ESPN report detailed a strained relationship between Belichick, Kraft, and Brady.

The New England Patriots coasted into the playoffs and are Super Bowl favorites once again, but things might not be so rosy behind the scenes. A report from ESPN’s Seth Wickersham says that tensions between the team’s twin icons, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady, have festered to the point that the situation might just be untenable going forward.

In the middle of it is Robert Kraft, the team’s owner, who inserted himself into the fray in a meeting with Belichick this season that ended with Kraft instructing his head coach to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to the report. In the end, Kraft will be tasked with trying to find a resolution between his coach and his quarterback, if finding any middle ground is even possible at this point.

In some ways it was inevitable, and it’s worth pointing out the fact that both Belichick and Brady were able to put their egos aside and get along for 17 seasons, seven Super Bowl appearances, and five wins. But nothing lasts forever.

So this is how the Patriot dynasty ends?

What are the reasons for their reported beef?

The quick version of it is this: Brady and Belichick are both “ruthless and proud self-made men, both secure though still unfinished in their legacies,” as described in the article. How do you keep that kind of ego in the same room, on the same page together for nearly two decades without it unraveling?

Things have finally come to a head over four main issues — the role of Brady’s personal trainer and business partner, Alex Guerrero; the succession plan at quarterback; Belichick’s coaching style; and irreconcilable differences over who’s responsible for the team’s unprecedented success over the years.

Guerrero, the TB12 method have created problems for Belichick and the team.

Brady’s insistence in recent years that he’ll play into his 40s stems from his relationship with Guerrero, his various training and lifestyle methods, and, as our own Matt Ufford called it, the “pseudoscientific grift” that Brady and Guerrero have built into a lifestyle business.

The faith Brady espouses in his program and its impact on his career has led to other players feeling pressured to turn to Guerrero and the TB12 method. For some it’s worked fine. Others describe it “like a cult.”

The ESPN report says players feel pressured to use the program, even over the team’s own medical and training staff. Guerrero even went so far as to blame the team’s training staff for making a few players’ injuries worse.

Guerrero pushed back against those claims in a blog post that was published Friday in response to the ESPN report:

With every one of these clients, my only goal has been to help them bring forth positive changes in their body & mind. I have always tried to be respectful of the staff each player answers to, and I have never tried to create divisiveness or conflict. My ultimate goal has always been to do my very best to help the player get back on the field and help their team. I have never had any motive other than that. My approach is and always has been to give people information based on my beliefs — then let them follow their own path toward what they believe works best for them. Ultimately every decision is up to each individual athlete.

Because of his relationship with Brady and the fact that he treated so many other players, Guerrero had nearly unlimited access to the team. But Belichick curbed that this year, exiling him from the sideline and locker room. After Belichick spelled that out in an email to Guerrero, several players reported that Guerrero had told them that Belichick had barred him from treating them. Some saw that as an attempt by Brady’s trainer to turn players against Belichick, dividing the team.

How does Jimmy Garoppolo figure into this?

Despite Brady’s claims that his TB12 program can keep him playing into his 40s like he was still young, he hasn’t been as great as he was in his 30s. Naturally, Belichick saw the need to groom a new quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo — as Brady’s eventual replacement.

Brady and Garoppolo had an amicable relationship, but it didn’t go beyond the surface. The veteran wasn’t mentoring his potential replacement, which isn’t an especially new phenomenon in the NFL. But did Brady feel more threatened by Garoppolo than just not wanting to spend time giving him pointers on footwork?

The ESPN report relays an incident from last season, after Garoppolo hurt his shoulder in the second game of the season while filling in for the suspended Brady. Garoppolo set up a visit to the TB12 clinic, but when he showed up at the scheduled time, nobody was there. He finally got in two weeks later but only after a “high-ranking Patriots staffer” called to find out why he hadn’t been treated.

Brady started talking more with Kraft and Belichick this fall about wanting to play into his 40s, being the team’s franchise quarterback for years to come. Kraft was willing to accept that idea. But committing to Tom Brady indefinitely created a problem for the Patriots because Garoppolo, who Belichick viewed as Brady’s replacement, was scheduled to be a free agent after the 2017 season.

Belichick didn’t want to trade him.

“If we trade Jimmy, we’re the Cleveland Browns, with no succession plan,” is how one person inside the team described it.

The Patriots made a modest, $17-$18 million per year, offer, but Garoppolo and his agent, who also happens to be Brady’s agent, rejected it. After resisting lucrative offers in the spring to trade Garoppolo, Belichick was finally instructed by Kraft to trade him.

Stop here for a second and reflect on that, because it’s a MAJOR plot point in this whole thing — one that might ultimately do more to break up the Belichick-Brady-Kraft triumvirate than anything else.

Belichick has always believed that owners should not be involved in football decisions, and when that happens, he believed it was time to get out. He was “furious and demoralized” by Kraft’s order.

Following that decision, according to the report, New England’s head coach “left the impression with some friends that the current dynamic was unsustainable.”

Did Brady force the Patriots to trade Garoppolo?

No. That is not at all in the ESPN report, but the rumor circulated the night before the report was released.

Brady still denied he was happy to see Garoppolo go on his weekly radio appearance on WEEI after the ESPN story broke.

“I think that is such a poor characterization,” Brady said. “In 18 years I have never celebrated when someone has been traded, been cut. I would say that is disappointing to hear that someone would express that, or a writer would express that because it is so far from what my beliefs are about my teammates and I think I am very empathetic about other people’s experiences. I know those situations aren’t easy.”

Belichick STILL hasn’t given Brady a ‘Patriot of the Week’ award this year.

It sounds funny, because it is. But it also encapsulates the growing divide between the quarterback and the head coach.

Belichick has never accorded Brady any special treatment compared to other players. He takes his fair share of criticism, same as everyone else. In fact, he might even take more, part of the coach’s method of showing the rest of the team that no player is above, ahem, The Patriot Way.

Brady was always accepting of it, but that changed in 2017. After a win over the Texans in the playoffs last season, Belichick was reportedly a little tougher on Brady than usual over a rough outing.

“This will get us beat,” he told the team after replaying a Brady interception. “We were lucky to get away with a win.”

The coach’s style conflicts with another aspect of the TB12 method: Brady’s advocacy of positive thinking.

From the ESPN story:

Belichick’s negativity and cynicism have gotten old, Brady has told other Patriots players and staff. He feels he has accomplished enough that he shouldn’t have to endure so much grief. Patriots staffers have noticed that, this year more than ever, he seems to volley between unwavering confidence and driving insecurity. Brady has noted to staff a few times this year that no matter how many game-changing throws he makes, Belichick hasn’t awarded him Patriot of the Week all year.

For what it’s worth, Brady says he has won the award.

“I have won it plenty of times. Again, it’s hard to even answer that question. There’s really no basis for it. It’s hard to — I don’t know. I just shake my head,” Brady said, via WEEI.

What are the Patriots saying about the report?

As you’d expect, the Patriots refute any rumors about a rift:

Joint statement from Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady: http://pic.twitter.com/i555gWZIi6

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 5, 2018

Owner Robert Kraft told Sports Illustrated's Peter King on January 6 that he did not hold an extended meeting about quarterbacks with Belichick.

“Until Monday at the trade deadline—I believe that was Oct. 30—the last time I talked to Bill about Jimmy’s situation was in a group with Bill, [club president] Jonathan [Kraft], [director of player personnel] Nick Caserio … a small group of us, I think in June. That is the last time I talked to Bill about it. I would see Nick occasionally and say, ‘Anything going on?’

“I assumed once the season started, we’d talk again at the end of the season about it. The next time I spoke with Bill about it was the Monday before the trade deadline. He called me on that Monday and said he got a deal with San Francisco, Jimmy for a second-round pick and [quarterback] Brian Hoyer. Turns out they had to cut Hoyer and then we got him. But really, this was basically a second-round pick and Brian Hoyer for Jimmy. Bill asked me if I was OK with this. I was really taken aback a little bit. I wanted to think about it. I talked to Jonathan, who was okay with it, and I called Bill back and said, ‘OK.’”

Kraft also said Wickersham's story was “a total fabrication and fiction. I am telling you, it’s fiction.” He also shot down reports of trading Belichick, too. Despite the numerous reports, Kraft praised the five-time Super Bowl-winning head coach.

"When you’re lucky enough to have someone exceptional, you let them do their job and you get out of the way.”

But keeping Brady and Garoppolo, according to Kraft, would have been difficult. He said New England would have had to place a franchise tag on Garoppolo to keep him for another season.

Bill Belichick also said that he plans to coach the Patriots in 2018. When asked, he said, “Absolutely.”

What happens next?

Kraft was supposed to meet with Brady and Belichick in December, but that didn’t happen. He’s expected to sit down with them at some point during the offseason, after their playoff run, in an attempt to find a solution.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are both expected to take head coaching jobs this year. (Belichick has spent time this year getting both ready for head coaching jobs, something he doesn’t usually do to a large extent.) Indoctrinating a new staff, building a team around a quarterback in his 40s, and trying to find and groom a new quarterback this year may be more than Belichick wants to do next season, not to mention dealing with Brady’s personal fitness guru.

So it shouldn’t be too surprising that rumors are already circulating of a possible exit for Belichick after the playoffs. According to the New York Daily News, the vacancy with the New York Giants is an attractive option that Belichick has noticed. With the Giants, Belichick would have the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to work with.

As the Patriots get ready to make a run at a sixth Super Bowl win, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that even another Lombardi Trophy might not be enough to hold the dynasty together.

One thing’s for sure — the idea of another Patriots Super Bowl run was anathema to most fans. Not anymore.

The Pats turned Deflategate into a positive with the Garoppolo trade

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