somewhere there's a portrait of Newt that remains young and as good looking as he ever was

Like all portraits of, like, everyone? :)

"Military intelligence"?

I'm not sure Stephanie (or any other Buffista who is a former member of the military) would appreciate that particular perceived juxtaposition.

After posting I realized ... I'm almost the last one in the office with a few things to clear up - and I'm obligated to stay for another (checks watch) 39 minutes. My brain, however, is already out the door.

My brain, however, is already out the door.

If it's seen mine, let me know. Words have been failing me all week.

I'm fairly sure that that was *always* intended to mock the thinking of the military as a large, lumbering institution that can be quite stupid, rather than military members, but I'm not positive...it's totally awesome how much finger-shaking and correcting and looking to be offended goes on on this board these days. Nevertheless, since George Carlin is dead, and disinclined to apologize in general, I'm sorry if someone here would think that meant *they* were stupid. I never took it that way and I never meant it that way myself.

And much as I'd never choose to vote republican and am aghast at the current candidates, I'm a little unamused at the "republican intellectual" dis.

it's totally awesome how much finger-shaking and correcting and looking to be offended goes on on this board these days.

I'm sorry you feel that way. I wouldn't expect everyone to know the origins of that phrase. If you really want to get down to it, erica, there's a lot of demonizing of people and ideas that don't necessarily conform to the typical buffista way of thinking. That doesn't mean it's less intellectual or less valid. Not every buffista is a Democrat. Just like every Republican isn't cut from the same cloth as the current crop running the GOP.

Just because it's funny doesn't mean it can't be hurtful.

I'm fairly sure that that was *always* intended to mock the thinking of the military as a large, lumbering institution that can be quite stupid, rather than military members

You do realise how much that sounds like "Some of my best friends are members of the military", right? "Of course I didn't mean *you*" is not good or tight rhetoric. Sure, you didn't mean the Buffista. Did you mean their co-workers? Friends? Who did you mean? Uh, nobody anyone knows or cares about? Okay, then.

it's totally awesome how much finger-shaking and correcting and looking to be offended goes on on this board these days.

Yeowch. erika, I'm not sure what else you're referring to here, but I've never seen any Buffista "looking to be offended." I've seen people disagree politely (if sometimes heatedly) and even challenge each other, but mostly what that says to me is that this is a community where people feel comfortable enough to say when something is bothering them, and it's one of the things I like best about us.

Ok, I suck.(I'm sure somebody's brother-in-law is a think-tank supergeniusAND the nicest guy on earth. I need an acronym for that, I suppose. save time.) but I have ZERO respect Gingrich's intellectual attainments. No group hugs for me. Bitches used to be fun...sometimes it really isn't anymore. Sometimes it's like having fifty strict mommies all "What do you SAY?" at the exact same moment. That doesn't feel friendly, either. (unless it was my kink, I guess)