I found dewy frost on this car window yesterday morning while walking the dog, but it really wasn't very cold. Certainly not freezing. The avocado is still holding its own, as are the other tender plants. Tomorrow night it's supposed to get down to almost freezing, about 34º F, but I'm going to let everything take its chances.
The dog had us up at 4 a.m. this morning, who knows why. She suddenly insisted on going out, and when she did, she just ran around the yard. She seems mostly deaf these days so if she heard foxes I'd be amazed. Maybe she just thinks she heard them.
How do we feel about Hunter Biden? The pardon doesn't bother me at all, to be honest. Hunter has been a right-wing scapegoat for years despite holding no public office, and I'm glad to see him protected from further persecution. There are complaints that Biden somehow violated the public trust by pardoning a relative (although Clinton pardoned his brother, and Trump pardoned his son-in-law's father) and that the pardon is wildly broad, covering not only the paltry charges Hunter already faces but pretty much anything the feds could dream up. Obviously Biden had to make it broad, because otherwise Trump's minions would gin up more offenses.
People act like this is a dramatic strike against good government. I don't see how it's worse than many previous pardons, like Trump's pardons of Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon and Roger Stone. In fact those are arguably much worse, because those people had a direct hand in government. (Stone from an advisory perspective, admittedly.)
I'm sick of the right's fixation on Hunter Biden and his stupid laptop. The guy was an addict with a messy life and yes, he benefitted from the Biden name, but that's hardly unusual for the child of a politician. (What's that line from Creedence Clearwater Revival? "I ain't no senator's son, no, no...") I say we leave him alone. His life is hard enough. I wouldn't want to be Hunter Biden for anything in this world.
Here's Olga scratching around on the artificial grass in front of the swank furniture store around the corner. Some of that furniture is so high-style that it barely seems functional. We could use some new furniture -- we're still sitting on the living room set that we bought from the previous occupants of this flat back in 2014 -- but when the time comes, we probably won't be getting it here.
I don't object to Hunter Biden's pardon either. After all, Trump plans to pardon himself and his sins are so much worse and more numerous.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Olga out and about, but 4am? yikes.
Oh, that picture wasn't taken at 4 a.m. She only went out into the garden then. I walked her later, about 7 a.m.
DeleteGiven the sins that have been pardoned in the past, Hunter's crimes were at a low level. I do find it disappointing that Joe lied when he said he would not pardon his son. The future was foreseeable. Bu hey, a politician telling a lie. Sadly we are very used to it.
ReplyDeleteYour last sentence was intriguingly open ended.
I don't think he lied. I think if he or Kamala had won re-election he wouldn't have pardoned him. But given Trump's stated vindictiveness I think he changed his mind.
DeleteHunter Biden was deliberately pursued by America's right wing and its baying media organisations. This was wrong. However, in my opinion, no national leaders should have the facility to pardon anybody for whatever reason. Justice should only be meted out in courtrooms. Linked with this, the choice of judges for any nation's top courts should not be subject to political interference. There - The Oracle Hath Spoken.
ReplyDeleteAnd only a few baying media organizations, really -- most prominently those owned by the Murdochs!
DeleteI don't mind the very selective issuance of a pardon. It's a way to right judicial wrongs or redress grievances when, say, more information has come to light. But they shouldn't be handed out like donuts.
I always find rochebobois fun to look at but have rarely found anything I’d want. And then, at those prices, never mind! Still, cool window. I agree completely regarding Hunter Biden. Let everyone get on their high horses now. I don’t blame Biden for doing it the way he did.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm amazed that anyone buys furniture from this shop, but I guess they must -- it's been there for years!
DeleteYou and me both on this topic. The news coverage of it is ridiculous. And some of the Democrats clutching their pearls should just sit the hell down and shut up. Trump pardoned every filthy person he could before, and will do so again. And all the other just horrific things he's done gets a pass by the media here. I am so sick of it. I can't believe the day has come that I am just avoiding news.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understand avoiding the news! I don't really get why so many Dems are upset about this. To me it seems completely understandable.
DeleteKash Patel being appointed to run the FBI almost guaranteed that the Hunter Biden witch hunts would continue. I think Joe Biden did the right thing to pardon him. And the people complaining about it who voted for a CONVICTED FELON for president need to just shut up already with their blatant hypocrisy.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't see how anyone could grouse about this and excuse Trump and his pardons.
DeleteAnd now only did Trump pardon his son-in-law's father, he's making the sleaze bag the ambassador to France.
ReplyDeleteBiden did the right thing. No one would have given a thought to Hunter's "crimes" if his father hadn't been president.
Exactly. Any other person who'd done what Hunter did would have received a slap on the wrist.
DeleteAt first I was slightly bothered by Biden's decision because of all the times he'd said he'd stayed out of it, butt with this new Retribution Regime in power who knows what would happen to Hunter.
ReplyDeleteAt least Biden didn't pardon anyone who hired a hooker to have sex with his brother-in-law so he could take photos of the deed and send them to his sister to keep her from testifying against like like Charles Kushner.
Yeah, I think circumstances changed. Biden's decision makes sense to me.
DeleteI'm with you 100 percent on Hunter. I hear what the right are saying and even concerns on the left that it sets precedent, but as you mentioned, it doesn't set precedent at all. It has been done before and worse. And with or without precedent, DT would do as bad or worse and in my mind, interfering with the government is far worse. I would have done the same thing if I had been Joe.
ReplyDeleteExactly -- how does it set precedent?
DeleteTo say Joe lied when he had said he wouldn't pardon Hunter is pretty much rubbish. It's a sign of intelligence to change your mind when new evidence appears. As UT did when the potential FBI leader was named.
ReplyDeleteThat furniture looks really difficult to get out of!
Yeah, exactly. I think it makes perfect sense for Biden to change his mind under these circumstances.
DeleteIt, not UT! dang predictive text.
ReplyDeleteI think my comment has gone spamwards
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you on Hunter. Seems very hypocritical of folks who are offended by it!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't get it. Would it have been just to allow Hunter to be hassled for the next four years for no reasonable purpose other than vengeance?
DeleteI've got you beat, I bought my sofa in 1998 when I was working in Chicago. It's held up very well and still looks great.
ReplyDeleteI agree about Hunter. There is a very high expectation that Trump will go after his perceived enemies and Hunter is an easy target. The public humiliation that Hunter has suffered is punishment enough. It will hang over him the rest of his life.
Wow! A 26-year-old sofa! That IS pretty impressive. Ours would probably be holding up much better if not for Olga!
DeleteI think Biden changed his mind about the pardon for Hunter when he realized the danger his son would be in from the guy that Frump appointed to the FBI. The media and the MAGAs are outraged about everything except Frump's crazy stuff. Ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteWell said!
DeleteYeah, exactly!
DeleteBiden was right to pardon his son. Trump's cronies, especially Kash Patel, who Trump pardoned for his campaign finance wrongdoing and is the choice for FBI director, has said in no uncertain terms that he planned to go after Hunter as soon as Trump took office. they have hounded that man for years and found nothing and would not be satisfied until they drove that man back into addiction or worse. where was all this outrage when Trump pardoned a family member and his cronies of far more egregious crimes?
ReplyDeleteI've been in a Roche Bobois. their stuff is more like showpieces for rich people to prove how chic they are. I doubt anyone who buys their stuff actually lives with it. I just can't see settling down to watch TV on any of that. or maybe rich people don't settle down with snacks to watch a movie or series.
"Hounded" is exactly the right word. I don't understand why the right is so fixated on Hunter Biden, who has no public responsibilities (and never has).
DeleteI think it's because they couldn't get anything on Biden so they used Hunter instead. and because they are just plainly hateful assholes.
DeleteI am glad Biden pardoned his son.
ReplyDeleteWhy the news is making this a top issue is ridiculous. There are much bigger issues to put forth. So much for the newscasters. They wonder why people no longer subscribe to news.
The furniture in the storefront looks terrible. When I replaced a sofa, I bought a leather sectional from Circle Furniture, and it is comfy as well as is holding up well with the dog. All key criteria.
Well, I can understand why it's news, and it makes sense that it should be analyzed in the media to a certain degree. But why such outrage? As was pointed out above, it's not like this is a completely unprecedented situation. I think the right-wingers are just angry that they were deprived of an easy target.
DeleteGlobular furniture with hanging globs- Making guests feel like marshmallows rolling around , there would be a lot of spilled tea.
ReplyDeleteI say good on ya Joe! Finally! On his way out love and common sense prevails. though If i were a member of the Biden family I would take a long four year vaca to another land!
Yeah, I imagine none of them are safe from the oncoming lunacy.
DeleteReading about the possible new director of the FBI, I would take my family and run if I were Biden.
ReplyDeleteThese sofas in your last picture are for people with good backs and excellent knees aged 4 - 60 (if fit and healthy).
Yeah, all the Roche furniture seems very LOW, for some reason!
DeleteNothing Like A Little Olga Girl In Action - Yahoooo0000000000
ReplyDeleteCheers
Having a good scratch!
DeleteI wish Biden would pardon Fauci and all the other people who worked on vaccines. Rand Paul has vowed to put him in jail, this administration might facilitate that. I wonder when the people who voted for him will realized they screwed up. They could have had the nice candidate.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a thought, although I think to be pardoned one has to be charged. I'm not sure there's ever been a presidential pardon that pre-empts any charges.
DeleteWe had Roche Bobois furniture many years ago, it was the most comfortable we've ever had. It's fine until you hit 50 or your knees go!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm glad it gets a good review! From what I've seen it's too expensive for my tastes.
DeleteI totally agree with everyone regarding Hunter Biden! I say this is Joe's way of giving the Orange Lump and his criminal buddies the damned Middle Finger! 🖕Yup ... That one!
ReplyDeleteYou are a marvel of emoticon use, Marcia. :)
DeleteThe pardon law leaves much room for abuse. Are there other countries that have pardons?
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. Most if not all US states also have a system for governors to extend clemency, which is similar. I don't know about other countries. I haven't heard of it here in the UK that I can remember.
DeleteThe 2nd photo is a striking image. Love how the dog walks away from the window display
ReplyDeleteThanks! That's London in winter -- dark and damp!
DeleteAs many have already said, it's pure hypocrisy for the incoming Crook in Chief and his lawless (and pardoned) cronies to complain about the Hunter Biden pardon. But whine they will! The nominee for FBI is effing terrifying.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he'll get past the Senate. He seems pretty fringe.
DeleteIt's not as much the pardon as the fact his father adamantly stated he would NOT pardon him, then did.
ReplyDeleteI got my fill of Hunter Biden when the whole paternity business was going on with the woman in Arkansas. Also, I find it interesting that so many folks are okay with his pardon over the federal gun violations.
And no, I'm not a right-winger trying to stir sh*t here. I am a fiscal conservative, but I'm quite liberal on most social issues. I'm just tired of trash talk from both sides. Civility has gone out the window.
DeleteBut I think circumstances changed since Biden made that promise. He clearly doesn't believe the justice system would treat Hunter fairly under Trump, and I think he's right.
DeleteI agree on trash talk. I hope I'm not trash talking.
I am catching up on all of my blog reading. I am sorry that you had such a problem getting an uber with Olga. If I drove an uber, I would definitely allow dogs! I agree with you 100% on Hunter Biden. Enough is enough.
ReplyDeleteAt least now we know there's a special Uber Pet category. I had no idea!
DeleteI was surprised for about 2 seconds when I saw the president had pardoned his son. Then I thought, Good. Hunter Biden deserved to be pardoned. No one else who did what Hunter Biden did had their nude photos displayed in congress. It would be unusual for someone who committed the same crimes to even be prosecuted. I see the white furniture in that window. I do not understand people who buy white furniture. It's always going to look bad. How can you relax and sit on something that fancy and light colored? Furniture should be enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
He does deserve to be pardoned. The poor guy has been punished enough for such minor offenses.
DeleteI had a white couch when I lived in Florida and New York, and yeah, it was kind of a problem.
Anyone who questions what Joe Biden did by pardoning his son needs to step back and take a good long look at the pardons that tRump has done in the past and will do on January 6th when he takes office. Consider if you will (as Steve said) the likes of Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, & Roger Stone. And then look at the offenses of the people who tried to overthrow the US Government based on the rantings and lies of a criminal that lost an election. And then compare the crimes of those people to those of Hunter Biden. Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteI'm not that upset about the prospect of pardoning the J6ers. As I've said in the past, I'm not entirely sure they should have been prosecuted in the first place. I think it poured fuel on right-wing rage and drove an even deeper wedge between Biden and much of the country. BUT I think it's a travesty that Trump pardoned whack-job cronies like Flynn, Bannon and Stone. (Not unexpected, though.)
DeleteThe pardon doesn't bother me at all. The rule of law has gone out the window. Elon Musk has decided that Vindman is guilty of treason. That's not even how law works. Trump has been threatening to punish his 'enemies', with imprisonment and even execution. I'd like to see him pardon every person who testified at tRUMP's impeachments, tbh. tRUMP has promised to release 400 insurrectionists on his first day. He's pardoned people and hired them for high security jobs. The rule of law seems to have gone right out the window.
ReplyDeleteSince when is Elon Musk any kind of legal expert? LOL! This administration really is going to be a clown show, or would be if the consequences weren't so serious.
Delete