Maybe we should have a do-over of 2015 and see if we can do a better job with our politics.
1
12/13 in about 1 minute (I guessed that only 1/2 could name all 3 branches).
Maybe I need to get a life.
Maybe I need to get a life.
1
Hooray! I got a 5/13 score just by guessing. That means I am keeping to my goal to not waste my time listening to what passes for debates this election campaign season.
3
I'm embarrassed to say I got eight right. I resolve to do worse next year.
1
I'm still wondering why anyone would think that an amendment to the constitution would be required to establish a right to own a pet. This sounded so clearly like a Collins squib that it seemed a giveaway on the quiz. No one would even dream of such a thing! I want a do over on that question because my disbelief has been unsuspendered.
2
Gail, if passing means you have to get more than half the right answers, I passed. Barely. But if you had included "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh" as one of the possible answers to Ted Cruz question of his favorite source of quotes, I would have had to repeat the class.
How many credits was this course, anyway?
How many credits was this course, anyway?
I don't know what it says about me that the only question I missed was the Bill of Rights/Pet question.
I probably read too much about Politics.
I probably read too much about Politics.
Well, thanks. Indicates that I've had better things to do than pay much attention. But several of the answers were deliciously bad. So, I have a challenge for you. I sat down a day or so after Christmas and started trying to match the Looney Tunes characters to actual candidates. Foghorn Leghorn. I think the Blue Party should be using that one soon. Elmer Fudd is now out of the race, but still worth it. Porky Pig. 'Nuff said. Dudley Doright and we only have one Canadian pick. Problem was that Big Bad Wolf also worked in that case. Oh, yes, there's Speedy Gonzalez but could also be Pepe le Pew. So many choices for Daffy Duck. Then Cruella DeVille and Natasha Fatale. And who gets the Queen of Hearts designation? I realize that I've strayed from Looney Tunes to some other sources and Alice's Adventures. Sadly, however, many of these references only work for folks of a certain age. I dare you to complete the list and name names. You are free to add Winnie the Pooh and Disney characters, especially Pinocchio. And we thought make believe wasn't true.
2
I believe I was unfairly penalized for not being able to force myself to watch the Republican debates.
4
I don't understand why there are so many critics against quizzes. I like quizzes. I love your quizzes! However after seeing my score I think I am going to need extra help.
2
Oh my. i flunked the quiz big time. Maybe because I had so much on my mind concerning Don (I am on a first name basis) Trump and his lawsuit against Al Queda using that video of his without permission. He will sue them and really win big. They will lose big time and have to pay him billions.
3
In some bizarre turn of events, Putin seems to have become a bit of a darling of some on the right, including Mr. Trump. Hmmm, wasn't it George W. Bush who first looked into his eyes? His cold-warrior father must have cringed.
1
I missed two. I'm embarrassed to have that much nonsense in my head. I just couldn't get my head around the widespread belief in a constitutionally guaranteed right to a pet. In the Bill of Rights no less! And I misunderestimated Jeb! Margaret Thatcher? Really? I thought someone would have explained his error and the insult he paid to American women when he chose a foreigner to represent our achievements. Hmmmmm. I'm not enjoying this election. At least he has the decency to not like being ahead in he race...
1
I did not do well, but in my own defense, the correct answers were even more ludicrous than the ones I chose.
4
Gail . . . it's just not fair . . . you're too hard!
And far too funny to be true!
And far too funny to be true!
1
I got 12 right and when I guessed at the last one I hadn't answered, I guessed wrong. Although if the right to own a pet isn't in the Constitution, it should be. I picked Abe.
1
I missed all of the Republican questions because I haven't been listening to a thing they say, and I won't, because they don't understand a man cannot live on $7.25 an hour and they make all kinds of excuses for the fact that some are working for this wage.
3
People would actually vote for Ben Carson? He is dumber than the dumbest lamppost about America. The Bill of Rights guarantees that people can own a pet? Some days it is hard to retain faith in Americans. Social media like facebook, twitter, instagram and games, along with the suppression of TRUE education by the monied, have certainly managed to dumb people down. Time for those of us with knowledge and a social conscience to educate them.
12
.
@ njglea re Dr. Ben Carson:
It is beyond ridiculous to contemplate voting for him, but that ridiculousness is not unique in American political history. People voted for Jesse Ventura. People voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger. People voted for Todd Akin for Senate.
However, Dr. Carson is not dumb. He graduated from college, from Med School, and from his Residency Program (which I believe was longer than is typical, due to the nature of the specialty). He rose to be a department head at a teaching hospital. He performed challenging surgeries well, and taught others his methods. I believe he also sustained a marriage for decades.
I wish all NYT Commenters could be that "dumb"; many (not you) submit comments that lack for factual basis. I wish all members of Congress were that "dumb"; many seem to lack any education whatsoever.
Dr. Ben Carson is many things, of which only 3 qualify him for the Presidency. But in this very bigoted nation, no dumb member of a racial or ethnic minority could have risen to the professional ranks that he rose to.
@ njglea re Dr. Ben Carson:
It is beyond ridiculous to contemplate voting for him, but that ridiculousness is not unique in American political history. People voted for Jesse Ventura. People voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger. People voted for Todd Akin for Senate.
However, Dr. Carson is not dumb. He graduated from college, from Med School, and from his Residency Program (which I believe was longer than is typical, due to the nature of the specialty). He rose to be a department head at a teaching hospital. He performed challenging surgeries well, and taught others his methods. I believe he also sustained a marriage for decades.
I wish all NYT Commenters could be that "dumb"; many (not you) submit comments that lack for factual basis. I wish all members of Congress were that "dumb"; many seem to lack any education whatsoever.
Dr. Ben Carson is many things, of which only 3 qualify him for the Presidency. But in this very bigoted nation, no dumb member of a racial or ethnic minority could have risen to the professional ranks that he rose to.
Okay, Gail, I failed, but I damn well am not going to take this course over again. Once was bad enough.
And besides, maybe the Bill of Rights really does guarantee our right to own a pet. We contort the Second Amendment for gun ownership, so why not read pet ownership into the Bill of Rights?
Well, I'm sure that this year the Force will be with us and that life will continue apace. Happy New Year, everyone!
And besides, maybe the Bill of Rights really does guarantee our right to own a pet. We contort the Second Amendment for gun ownership, so why not read pet ownership into the Bill of Rights?
Well, I'm sure that this year the Force will be with us and that life will continue apace. Happy New Year, everyone!
30
If the Redskins can squeeze into the playoffs with only 8 wins out of 15 games (so far), then my score of 7 of 13 probably isn't so bad. Mediocrity can still win the day in America.
25
If the Redskins advance deep into the playoffs from, say, an 8-8 record, will it still be considered mediocrity?
A political quiz without Seamus as one of the answers isn't a quiz, Gail.
It's a an assault on the values we Times readers have fought so hard to maintain. It's an attack on our liberties, the ones we hold so dear.
I ask you, how is the tradition of transporting dogs on the top of our cars to be maintained without the support of the Gray Lady?
This is a day I hoped against hope would never come. It is truly a day that will live in perfidy.
Let his name ring out across the land. Let him become a beacon of trust and belonging that brings all Americans together.
Come home to these digital pages, Seamus, come home.
It's a an assault on the values we Times readers have fought so hard to maintain. It's an attack on our liberties, the ones we hold so dear.
I ask you, how is the tradition of transporting dogs on the top of our cars to be maintained without the support of the Gray Lady?
This is a day I hoped against hope would never come. It is truly a day that will live in perfidy.
Let his name ring out across the land. Let him become a beacon of trust and belonging that brings all Americans together.
Come home to these digital pages, Seamus, come home.
13
Dear Ms. Collins,
I got 8 out of 13 correct; I AM severely disappointed as I really thought I was paying far less attention to the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE circus known as their "presidential candidates". My score indicates that somehow, maybe subliminal advertising or radio waves beamed directly into my head, I know quite a bit about "The Hateful ___" (I have forgotten how many are left running so you can fill in the blank) apologies to Mr. Tarantino.
But, on the plus side (?), it's ACTUALLY, FINALLY the "Year of the Election" seemingly millennia in the making!
Be ready to watch;
a. Tsunamis of cash flowing in from all points of the compass
b. "Misspeaking" elevated to the true "art" form it is
c. Mr. Trump alienating, well, who's he got left?
d. "We have nothing to fear but anyone who looks different"; a slight turn to FDR's comment upon election but, let's face it, fear sells guns and keeps
e. The NRA happy and the cash flowing from them to at least one party!
f. Did I mention lots of money yet?
So sit back, put on your seatbelt and strap in because if you thought 2015 was a hoot, 2016 is gonna' be an even BIGGER boondoggle with caution, truth and sanity thrown to the winds!
I'm PROUD to be 'Merican cuz I can be as dumb as I wanna' be! Wasn't THAT what 1776 was all about (Crowds cheering, band playing and a fade to a flapping American flag)...Thank you, thank you all!
I got 8 out of 13 correct; I AM severely disappointed as I really thought I was paying far less attention to the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE circus known as their "presidential candidates". My score indicates that somehow, maybe subliminal advertising or radio waves beamed directly into my head, I know quite a bit about "The Hateful ___" (I have forgotten how many are left running so you can fill in the blank) apologies to Mr. Tarantino.
But, on the plus side (?), it's ACTUALLY, FINALLY the "Year of the Election" seemingly millennia in the making!
Be ready to watch;
a. Tsunamis of cash flowing in from all points of the compass
b. "Misspeaking" elevated to the true "art" form it is
c. Mr. Trump alienating, well, who's he got left?
d. "We have nothing to fear but anyone who looks different"; a slight turn to FDR's comment upon election but, let's face it, fear sells guns and keeps
e. The NRA happy and the cash flowing from them to at least one party!
f. Did I mention lots of money yet?
So sit back, put on your seatbelt and strap in because if you thought 2015 was a hoot, 2016 is gonna' be an even BIGGER boondoggle with caution, truth and sanity thrown to the winds!
I'm PROUD to be 'Merican cuz I can be as dumb as I wanna' be! Wasn't THAT what 1776 was all about (Crowds cheering, band playing and a fade to a flapping American flag)...Thank you, thank you all!
26
I admit I clicked answers at random just to see what the correct answers were.
7
6/13? I'm perfectly happy with that. It demonstrates to me that I have been avoiding paying attention to nothing vitally important.
34
@DJ McConnell,
That's a bloody good comment and I'm embarrassed to say I got a point higher.
1-2-16@6:30 pm est
That's a bloody good comment and I'm embarrassed to say I got a point higher.
1-2-16@6:30 pm est
I recently read WaPo Kathleen Parker's Pulitzer citation. Say the word and I will form a team of equally indignant OpKommandos, wrest that medallion from her and send to you. It has been a pleasure. Have a toast to 2016 and get to work.
12
More! Please! More!
7
You are a hoot, ma'am. I'll even go out on a limb here: You're a hoot and-a-half.
Yeah, folks, if you thought the 2012 freak show was a laugh riot, Ad Al Jolson liked to say in his day, "Folks, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
I'm so looking forward to 2016 that I can barely stand it.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Yeah, folks, if you thought the 2012 freak show was a laugh riot, Ad Al Jolson liked to say in his day, "Folks, you ain't seen nothin' yet!
I'm so looking forward to 2016 that I can barely stand it.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
11
Since the State of the Union speech is fast coming, I am anticipating Trump's 2017 speech in which he wiil announce:
The building of a 30 ft wall with the sign TRUMP BUILT IT.
The manufacturing of 1,000,000 busses to transport
11 million rapists and drug traffickers to the border.
The placing of Marines at the entrance of mosques.
A deal with Putin, allowing him extra bases in the Mediterranean in exchange for taking in all refugees.
A go-ahead to Netanyahu to bomb Iran
Changing the name bathrooms to cleaning rooms so that going there won't be disgusting.
Prohibition of importing Ford cars made in Mexico.
Placing The Art of the Deal together with the Bible in every hotel room.
The building of a 30 ft wall with the sign TRUMP BUILT IT.
The manufacturing of 1,000,000 busses to transport
11 million rapists and drug traffickers to the border.
The placing of Marines at the entrance of mosques.
A deal with Putin, allowing him extra bases in the Mediterranean in exchange for taking in all refugees.
A go-ahead to Netanyahu to bomb Iran
Changing the name bathrooms to cleaning rooms so that going there won't be disgusting.
Prohibition of importing Ford cars made in Mexico.
Placing The Art of the Deal together with the Bible in every hotel room.
10
Hey Gail -- the ones about the Democratic candidates are pretty tame compared to the ones about the Republican ones ... except that you gave Ted Cruz nearly a free pass with that Princess Bride one. You have a thing for Ted? As wacko-bird-in-chief he's given you endless material a lot better than that.
My fave is Ted announcing his candidacy at Liberty University (his alma mater) where the student body was required to be in attendance, 10$ fine if they weren't.
I confess though I got the one about Jeb wrong:
"“I hated that," he told John Dickerson on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "I feel much better back here.”" Wow.
Where are the brain-dead Democrats when you need them? There used to be enough of them around, where have they gone?
Bush-league political adulteries aren't news -- what makes the Courser-Gamrat one bizarre is the attempted "cover up," that the Michigan Lege threw her out too (how many adulteries have there been in the Michigan Legislature, hmmmm?) ... and then get this -- she's announced she's going to run for her seat again and some preliminary polling says she may get reelected? In a Tea-Party district?
My fave is Ted announcing his candidacy at Liberty University (his alma mater) where the student body was required to be in attendance, 10$ fine if they weren't.
I confess though I got the one about Jeb wrong:
"“I hated that," he told John Dickerson on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "I feel much better back here.”" Wow.
Where are the brain-dead Democrats when you need them? There used to be enough of them around, where have they gone?
Bush-league political adulteries aren't news -- what makes the Courser-Gamrat one bizarre is the attempted "cover up," that the Michigan Lege threw her out too (how many adulteries have there been in the Michigan Legislature, hmmmm?) ... and then get this -- she's announced she's going to run for her seat again and some preliminary polling says she may get reelected? In a Tea-Party district?
5
Gail, the only way I could get a passing grade on this one would be for you to grade on a curve.
I did get correct answer to Question #13, the one about "a third of Republican primary voters responding" to a survey confirming their support for bombing "Agrabah, a fictional city in the Disney movie 'Aladdin.'”
This just confirms to me what I already knew about Republicans: they cannot be trusted with bombs or any decisions regarding where bombs are to be dropped. Knowledge and good sense are not their forte. Of course, they are very capable of making decisions for women regarding their health issues.
I did get correct answer to Question #13, the one about "a third of Republican primary voters responding" to a survey confirming their support for bombing "Agrabah, a fictional city in the Disney movie 'Aladdin.'”
This just confirms to me what I already knew about Republicans: they cannot be trusted with bombs or any decisions regarding where bombs are to be dropped. Knowledge and good sense are not their forte. Of course, they are very capable of making decisions for women regarding their health issues.
12
Re question 13: While 30% of Republicans wanted to bomb Agrabah, 44% of Democrats wanted to accept migrants from that same fictional city. It was around 60% with younger Democrats.
http://www.wparesearch.com/issues/44-percent-of-democrats-support-taking...
http://www.wparesearch.com/issues/44-percent-of-democrats-support-taking...
8
The 'Agrabah' poll is actually an update of a fast one Spy Magazine, of blessed memory, pulled on freshman members of the 1993 Congress. Spy asked them for their opinion of the situation in Freedonia. They all hemmed and hawed and expressed concern and even suggested taking action. And not one - not ONE - recognized Freedonia as the fictional nation governed by Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) in 'Duck Soup'. Or if any did, he didn't have the gumption to call out the questioner on it.
Here is a link to the NYT article on the Spy trick:
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/13/us/isn-t-freedonia-next-to-oz.html
And one to Groucho's priceless 'laws of my administration.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSsUoxlSADk
I'm tempted to write him in in November.
Here is a link to the NYT article on the Spy trick:
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/13/us/isn-t-freedonia-next-to-oz.html
And one to Groucho's priceless 'laws of my administration.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSsUoxlSADk
I'm tempted to write him in in November.
10
I think the ignorance on both sides is appalling, although I admit I do not know the name of every city in the ME. However, the ignorant Dems want to help imaginary people, while the ignorant Repubs want to bomb them. I know which side I prefer.
The Good News is a got 100% on the quiz, the bad news, is I got 100% on the quiz. Our political system is in a sorry state...
14
Excellent retrospective. The one I was sorry to be right about is that people think owning pets is in Bill of Rights. But, not surprised. Those of us with allergies cannot go to restaurants, hotels or fly anymore because pets rule over people these days.
7
"May the Force be with you."
”Regarding the above correct answer to question one, the Left is missing Mrs. Clinton's joke… (which is on us all).
The Force is a duality. It has an evil component, (the "Dark Side") that villains embrace in order to seize power. Clinton's recent Laugh Factory threats elucidate her true intent and provide a glimpse into a Clinton presidency.
This is no small matter. Clinton's power-abusing impulses flourish when she is in a position of power…
which is the perfect segue to the conspicuously missing Collins bizarro question.
Surely the Cosby matter that convulsed the country on the eve of the new year merited mention. Reason: It reminds us that contrary to modern American history, and despite the corrupting of justice by and for the plutocracy, the Clintons, too, are not above the law.
Unfortunately, the statutes of limitation have run on the Clintons' crimes against women. (Yes, Mrs. Clinton, too. She rode to notoriety on the backs of her predatory husband and the women they abused.)
But there are no statutes of limitation in the court of public opinion. It is critical that all voters inform themselves and issue their verdict with their votes.
Bernie called Clinton's decibels "too high"
She put him in a male-chauvinist sty
She labeled him sexist
Forgetting her nexus
To the foulest antifeminist guy.
Go Bernie!
4
Another "quiz" in the NYTimes being used to covertly drum up support for Wall Street's favorite Democrat, Hillary Clinton. The 3 choices for Clinton all bring up reasons why we can either pity her or see this corrupt politician as a "warm" human being. While at least one of the choices for Sanders brings up a regrettable event, the firewall breach.
How about for a quiz we have the following:
Hillary Clinton did the following:
a) her Super PAC took millions of $ from Goldman Sachs and Citibank and other financial institutions,
b) called the TPP the "gold standard" of trade agreements before claiming she could not take a position on this job loss disaster and then finally flipflopping to be against it "for now"
c) refused to support restoring the Glass-Steagall Act, the law that kept banks from severely damaging our economy until repealed under the other Clinton
d) all of the above (Right Answer)
Bernie Sanders did the following
a) come form relative obscurity to gaining the passionate support of a very large number of Americans despite media suppression/boycott of news about him without taking huge contributions from the "donor cl;ass."
b) had the humility and practicality to say he could not do what he proposed alone and needed many Americans to actively support him in the White House,
c) beat Trump by a larger margin than Clinton in the few polls taken of this match-up, showing he is more electable than Clinton
d) all of the above (Right Answer)
How about for a quiz we have the following:
Hillary Clinton did the following:
a) her Super PAC took millions of $ from Goldman Sachs and Citibank and other financial institutions,
b) called the TPP the "gold standard" of trade agreements before claiming she could not take a position on this job loss disaster and then finally flipflopping to be against it "for now"
c) refused to support restoring the Glass-Steagall Act, the law that kept banks from severely damaging our economy until repealed under the other Clinton
d) all of the above (Right Answer)
Bernie Sanders did the following
a) come form relative obscurity to gaining the passionate support of a very large number of Americans despite media suppression/boycott of news about him without taking huge contributions from the "donor cl;ass."
b) had the humility and practicality to say he could not do what he proposed alone and needed many Americans to actively support him in the White House,
c) beat Trump by a larger margin than Clinton in the few polls taken of this match-up, showing he is more electable than Clinton
d) all of the above (Right Answer)
11
Don't take this so seriously. It is supposed to be fun.
I usually do pretty good on these, but totally flopped this time. Oh well, there is the rest of the year to make it up. Thanks for the reminder of how far we have fallen in our political system. If these were responses by who are considered leaders the bar is pretty low.
5
Gail, I am rather proud that I did not know the answer to # 12 .
4
Which national print publication published two big stories on Jeb! in the span of one week in Dec-Jan? One was about Jeb!'s sense of (wry) humor, the second was about reviving his campaign.
1) People's magazine
2) The Paris Review
3) The New York Times
1) People's magazine
2) The Paris Review
3) The New York Times
6
Your quizzes are always too short, Gail.
4
Fantastic illustration of truth stranger than fiction. In the spirit of redemptive humor that Ms. Collins excels at, my favorite is the constitutional right to own pets. May the Farce be with you, and Happy 2016.
17
The last question and answer had me laughing, until I thought about the implications. Apparently, a Middle Eastern sounding name, such as Agrabah, is sufficient red meat for a sizable portion of the American electorate to advocate "carpet bombing" (a bad pun given the name of the movie in question).
And to think these folks all want as many guns and as much ammo as they can reasonably stock in their homes, garages and cars. It's a thought that makes me almost want to escape . . . say to Shangdi La, but that wouldn't do, since no doubt it's already been targeted as another bombing target.
And to think these folks all want as many guns and as much ammo as they can reasonably stock in their homes, garages and cars. It's a thought that makes me almost want to escape . . . say to Shangdi La, but that wouldn't do, since no doubt it's already been targeted as another bombing target.
15
Is question 12, which I answered incorrectly, a take on the "uninformed voter" scenario? Since Trump has his greatest appeal in the uneducated, low affluence voters, no wonder he is in the lead.
5
It wasn't a fair test. I thought you were going to ask things like how many times Congress voted to shut down Obamacare or how many Benghazi committees there were. There wasn't a single John Boehner question and I was ready for that. Have you forgotten how many times he cried on television ? I haven't.
You didn't even ask the color of the sweater Christie was wearing when he was hugging Jerry Jones. I knew that.
Happy New Year, Gail, and to all my favorite commenters. I resolve to study harder in 2016.
You didn't even ask the color of the sweater Christie was wearing when he was hugging Jerry Jones. I knew that.
Happy New Year, Gail, and to all my favorite commenters. I resolve to study harder in 2016.
58
If I had to pick a favorite question from Gail's New Year Quiz, it would have to be #10, about the Jade Helm military training exercise last summer. The conspiracy theories fanned by right wing bloggers, activists and Republican politicians of the ilk of Louis Gohmert, included "a psychological operation aimed at getting people used to seeing military forces in the streets," so they won't realize when an invasion is taking place; an international operation aimed at seizing people's guns; the use of Walmarts to stockpile supplies for Chinese troops who will be arriving to disarm Americans;
It's all there- the fear of government, fear of foreigners, fear of losing gun rights etc. etc.- fears which seem to have taken hold of great swaths of this country. About the only things missing in these conspiracy theories were the involvement of Planned Parenthood, single gender restrooms, and the slavery of Affordable Healthcare.
Back in the days of supposed government cover ups of things like flying saucers and Bigfoot, conspiracy theories could be pretty amusing. Now when the likes of Trump, Carson, Fiorina, and Cruz fantasize sinister government (Obama) plots into mainstream politics and the media and are cheered on by adoring crowds, we are in big, big trouble.
It's all there- the fear of government, fear of foreigners, fear of losing gun rights etc. etc.- fears which seem to have taken hold of great swaths of this country. About the only things missing in these conspiracy theories were the involvement of Planned Parenthood, single gender restrooms, and the slavery of Affordable Healthcare.
Back in the days of supposed government cover ups of things like flying saucers and Bigfoot, conspiracy theories could be pretty amusing. Now when the likes of Trump, Carson, Fiorina, and Cruz fantasize sinister government (Obama) plots into mainstream politics and the media and are cheered on by adoring crowds, we are in big, big trouble.
13
I do not consider any of the Republicans running as serious candidates an try to pay as little attention to Hillary Clinton as possible, as I suffer from advanced Clinton fatigue. Having grown up in Arkansas, I have been suffering the Clinton's nonsense, scandals and fake outrage since my teens and I am in my 50's.
Maybe in 2016 the New York Times can finally assign someone to the Sanders Campaign who will give him an interview that does not ask him about his hair.
Maybe in 2016 the New York Times can finally assign someone to the Sanders Campaign who will give him an interview that does not ask him about his hair.
5
I got 5 wrong. This is the first time in my life that I am thrilled to have flunked a quiz. I guess I am actually making some headway in my efforts to be present to all that is good and sane in my life and to eliminate the unnecessary distractions. Some people are blessed with a certain kind of wisdom and are able to see the humor in it all and observe politics without being overwhelmed by indignation and disgust. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I get sucked right into massive outrage over something as pathetic as a candidate's inability to have his map proofread before publishing it, or as downright stupid as a Presidential candidate's choice to have the face of a former Prime Minister of England on the American 10 dollar bill. Why bother to read anymore about them? How much do we need to know about any of them before we are able to disqualify them as candidates?
I'm waiting for the day when it comes down to two. Then I will watch a debate again. Meanwhile, I will just read the headlines and you, Gail. You are one of the blessed wise ones.
I'm waiting for the day when it comes down to two. Then I will watch a debate again. Meanwhile, I will just read the headlines and you, Gail. You are one of the blessed wise ones.
5
seems as if i haven't forgotten enough yet! #2 is worded weirdly. i thought they 'didn't' want people to watch it?
2
Wasn't it on a Saturday night before Christmas that Cap Weinberger pardoned all of the Iran-Contra criminals, thus preserving Ronnie's sainthood for all eternity?
5
Wow!
That Constitution Day question was eye opening.
I did manage 8/13.
Just wow!
That Constitution Day question was eye opening.
I did manage 8/13.
Just wow!
6
Why does Ted Cruz hate Rob Reiner?
7
Collins, you are a fantastic journalist with keen, funny, and insightful readings of our political climate. But it's obvious that you are just phoning it in with these quizzes. If I understand correctly that you are on the campaign trail, why not give us, your faithful readers, a column on what these clowns are doing out there? I am certain that there are many great stories to tell and much more interesting to read than this.
1
My score: 10 out of 13 correct.
Here's my question: Who is the best op-ed columnist in the NY Times and Everywhere Else? Gail Collins of course!
Happy New Year to all. May 2016 be a wonderful year for everyone - no matter your political persuasion. But especially to Gail - thanks for another year of laughter at the craziness of it all! It really helps.
Here's my question: Who is the best op-ed columnist in the NY Times and Everywhere Else? Gail Collins of course!
Happy New Year to all. May 2016 be a wonderful year for everyone - no matter your political persuasion. But especially to Gail - thanks for another year of laughter at the craziness of it all! It really helps.
12
Disappointed. 9/13. I blame the increasingly bizarre nature of political "argument" in the country, combined with the Facebook effect.
4
The scary thing about this quiz is not how stupid the real answers sound, but how entire plausible most of the wrong ones are. (The only exception was question 10).
7
Thanks, Gail. Love these quizzes. And the advanced technology is much improved compared to the old scribble-on-your-napkin method of keeping score.
Might I suggest one additional enhancement? Provide a score analysis at the end! A factitious example follows:
0 – 3: Vast ignorance. Prize: Receive case of hummus, courtesy of Hamas
4 – 7: Dim awareness: Prize: Work alongside Mexican laborers to build 2,000 mile security wall
8 – 11: Encroaching enlightenment. Prize: Tutor Ted Cruz on the oxymoronic characteristics of the term “strategic carpet bombing”
12 – 13: Political genius. Prize: Appear at guest podium at next GOP debate
Might I suggest one additional enhancement? Provide a score analysis at the end! A factitious example follows:
0 – 3: Vast ignorance. Prize: Receive case of hummus, courtesy of Hamas
4 – 7: Dim awareness: Prize: Work alongside Mexican laborers to build 2,000 mile security wall
8 – 11: Encroaching enlightenment. Prize: Tutor Ted Cruz on the oxymoronic characteristics of the term “strategic carpet bombing”
12 – 13: Political genius. Prize: Appear at guest podium at next GOP debate
12
Gail, I didn't do very well, but I am going to say that I was hung over even though I don't drink alcohol, and didn't go to a New Year's eve party. Your quiz is too hard. Asking about state politics is unfair. Also, any questions about the Constitution are unfair as well.
4
Doing this felt like playing Games Against Humanity.
5
Well that was humbling, if not depressing.
Sadly, politics in this country has been completely dumbed down and turned in a game of "trivial pursuit"--thanks to Citizens United and all the money sloshing around for: (1) truly scary, incompetent, corruptible politicians willing to say and do anything for the oligarchs and big donors, (2) the public relations and handlers' industry busily refashioning politicians' images, and (3) all the silly advertising and sound bite, celebrity-style coverage of politicians in our media.
Gail's last question was telling though--a third of Republican primary voters would support the bombing of the fictional city Agrabah (from the "Aladdin" Disney movie).
This finding reinforces an article in the Upshot yesterday that reported on research by social scientists. The research demonstrated Americans respond to polling questions largely on the basis of which political party they support (which explains the answers to Gail's last question). But if you pay respondents a buck or two, they are may be likely to give more accurate than partisan answers.
So maybe when voters show up at the polls on election day, we should tell them they will receive a dollar if they vote not for a political party but for the candidate who has the most credible policies and plans to fix our country's problems. At least maybe that might get them thinking--an attribute in increasingly short supply here--about their choice.
Enough junk food politics!
Sadly, politics in this country has been completely dumbed down and turned in a game of "trivial pursuit"--thanks to Citizens United and all the money sloshing around for: (1) truly scary, incompetent, corruptible politicians willing to say and do anything for the oligarchs and big donors, (2) the public relations and handlers' industry busily refashioning politicians' images, and (3) all the silly advertising and sound bite, celebrity-style coverage of politicians in our media.
Gail's last question was telling though--a third of Republican primary voters would support the bombing of the fictional city Agrabah (from the "Aladdin" Disney movie).
This finding reinforces an article in the Upshot yesterday that reported on research by social scientists. The research demonstrated Americans respond to polling questions largely on the basis of which political party they support (which explains the answers to Gail's last question). But if you pay respondents a buck or two, they are may be likely to give more accurate than partisan answers.
So maybe when voters show up at the polls on election day, we should tell them they will receive a dollar if they vote not for a political party but for the candidate who has the most credible policies and plans to fix our country's problems. At least maybe that might get them thinking--an attribute in increasingly short supply here--about their choice.
Enough junk food politics!
3
I got 9/13 --when I wasn't certain of the answer, I guessed but using logic caused me to guess incorrectly. I needed to abandon logic and just go with the answer that sounded the most stupid and illogical.
I "enjoyed" the one about the male Michigan state legislator who tried to deflect attention from his affair with a female member of the lege by starting a rumor that he'd been caught having sex with a male prostitute. Can't make this stuff up.
I "enjoyed" the one about the male Michigan state legislator who tried to deflect attention from his affair with a female member of the lege by starting a rumor that he'd been caught having sex with a male prostitute. Can't make this stuff up.
7
With one party in la la land the absurd appears to be reasonable. The wonder of it all is that these people are taken seriously or are the loony tunes taking over the mad house. Through the looking glass with the GOP, the party which has all the answers to every question and is never wrong and never makes a mistake or admits one. Thatcher on American currency, not even on a wooden nickel. Whose next, King Saud?
7
I only got five. I read my local paper (terrible) and the on line NYT and still missed some of the articles that would have helped me answer more of those questions.
Some of the questions seemed preposterous, so preposterous that they seemed plausible. I talk with enough young people to believe that they would think the Bill Of rights guarantees pet ownership. Some couldn't tell me what country we rebelled against when the US was formed and many can't tell you who the vice president is.
Some of the questions seemed preposterous, so preposterous that they seemed plausible. I talk with enough young people to believe that they would think the Bill Of rights guarantees pet ownership. Some couldn't tell me what country we rebelled against when the US was formed and many can't tell you who the vice president is.
5
I'm compelled to bring out an old trope from my student days: "The quiz is unfair!" Since my only information about the 2016 presidential contest comes from your columns, how am I supposed to know things you didn't cover?
6
The second time I did the test, I was perfect. I didn't know most of the answers so I checked the ones that amused me the most and only got three right. Thanks Gail for your light touch on major issues.
6
I am cracking up over the last one, about bombing Agrabah. But Jesus Moses & Mohammed it's NOT FUNNY. The galloping ignorance in public life is, or should be, a public shame. Why don't we care about knowledge anymore?
I am befuddled, and worried for what lies ahead.
I am befuddled, and worried for what lies ahead.
11
@Patrise Henkel,
You're right. It's NOT FUNNY AT ALL. You're worried and I'm scared. : (
Decency and loyalty to my Muslim friends, neighbors, etc. compels me:
As salaamu Alaikum.
1-2-16@8:55 pm est
You're right. It's NOT FUNNY AT ALL. You're worried and I'm scared. : (
Decency and loyalty to my Muslim friends, neighbors, etc. compels me:
As salaamu Alaikum.
1-2-16@8:55 pm est
2
Spot on as always! Sadly much truth in it
7
6 of 13 right and I am ashamed.
Not because I got so many wrong but that I got so many right. Clearly I am paying too much attention to the drivel.
Not because I got so many wrong but that I got so many right. Clearly I am paying too much attention to the drivel.
11
Despite all the global tragedies we experienced in 2015: Isis, The Syrian Refugee problem, Janet Yellen raising interest rates a full 1/4 percent, Trump initiating his presidential run, et al. life in Texas is jumping gee hosa fat! We have a new open carry law!!!
2016 will be the "Year of The Shootout"! Colorado can have its pot and smoke it, too! Paris can have its terrorism and Joisey, Christie and his zombie relationships. But we got guns!!
Yippie Ki Yo! Yippie Ki Yay!
So, if you never hear from me again, have a good rest of your life!
2016 will be the "Year of The Shootout"! Colorado can have its pot and smoke it, too! Paris can have its terrorism and Joisey, Christie and his zombie relationships. But we got guns!!
Yippie Ki Yo! Yippie Ki Yay!
So, if you never hear from me again, have a good rest of your life!
10
Gail, I wish you’d take seriously the responsibility that comes with opportunity to have your writings appear frequently in the New York Times.
Sadly, NYTimes coverage of politics leading to the coming election has been shallower than I would expect from the staff of Entertainment Tonight. Drowning America in PR for the name and antics of Trump. Mixing in some horserace stuff about other candidates as if there were no such thing as issues that matter, just political tactics.
Except for one candidate committed to the real issues, reducing economic inequality here and thoughtless aggressive “I’m tough” stuff abroad: Bernie Sanders. For the NYTimes political-election team, news and opinion, he is too responsible to fit into what is covered.
The principal place in which we readers can find responsible depth about politics-election at the NYT website is readers’ Comments.
You have the position and experience to join us readers in inserting some ounces of responsible depth to try to offset the trivializing effect of most of what appears in the NYT regarding politics-election.
Please?
Sadly, NYTimes coverage of politics leading to the coming election has been shallower than I would expect from the staff of Entertainment Tonight. Drowning America in PR for the name and antics of Trump. Mixing in some horserace stuff about other candidates as if there were no such thing as issues that matter, just political tactics.
Except for one candidate committed to the real issues, reducing economic inequality here and thoughtless aggressive “I’m tough” stuff abroad: Bernie Sanders. For the NYTimes political-election team, news and opinion, he is too responsible to fit into what is covered.
The principal place in which we readers can find responsible depth about politics-election at the NYT website is readers’ Comments.
You have the position and experience to join us readers in inserting some ounces of responsible depth to try to offset the trivializing effect of most of what appears in the NYT regarding politics-election.
Please?
2
The intro to the quiz, itself, is worth every moment!
Happy New Year, Gail! ; )
1-2-16@12:56 am est
Happy New Year, Gail! ; )
1-2-16@12:56 am est
8
One of the best quizzes ever! I tanked, but you have to love it when the "real world" answer is funnier than the made-up ones.
6
Is it good or bad that I only got 3 out of 12 right?
Seems to me the lower the score the better one is prepared to vote in this years election. You know, ignorance being bliss and all.
Seems to me the lower the score the better one is prepared to vote in this years election. You know, ignorance being bliss and all.
7
"More than 10 percent believed the Bill of Rights guarantees the right to own a pet."
I got this one wrong because it seemed inconceivable that 10 percent of the population could be that stupid. By golly, 10 percent of the population can be that stupid! It's enough to drive a person to pull up stakes and move to Agabah.
I got this one wrong because it seemed inconceivable that 10 percent of the population could be that stupid. By golly, 10 percent of the population can be that stupid! It's enough to drive a person to pull up stakes and move to Agabah.
7
You mean Texas wasn't shredded by the military after Operation Jade Helm?????
But since Louie Gomer is NEVER wrong it must have happened!
Delusional denial of reality still reigns supreme in the GOP.
But since Louie Gomer is NEVER wrong it must have happened!
Delusional denial of reality still reigns supreme in the GOP.
8
The election is not for about another year. Most of this is about the campaigning/debates. It's about reality TV, which is not very real, not entertaining, and certainly not informative or anything like actual debates. So, it looks like I answered too many correctly. "0" would be a perfect score. But thanks Gail, because THIS was entertaining.
2
I was felling smug and self-satisfied that I knew all the silliness that went on last year. Then I got to the one about the right to own a pet.
That one is bad enough, but only 10% believe that's a right. The horror is only 31% understand we have three branches of government. The average American is that ignorant.
So in other words, Donald Trump could become leader of the free world.
That one is bad enough, but only 10% believe that's a right. The horror is only 31% understand we have three branches of government. The average American is that ignorant.
So in other words, Donald Trump could become leader of the free world.
8
Thank you for your New Year Quiz, Gail. You're a whiz-bang at confecting quizzes with questions that stump your base sometimes (13 - the bombing of Agrabah, from 'Aladdin', 7 - Marco Rubio 'didn't inherit any money' and screwed up his houshold budget though he received $800,000 advance on his memoirs, and 4 - Chris Christie avering America would be a staunch defender of Jordan's King Hussein, who died 16 years ago. Gobsmacking, the ignorance of the American hoi polloi and their devotion to becoming "knowledgeable" by thumbing their cyberwidgets and tweeting instead of communicating may yet bring down our sweet democracy this year. 2016! - lies ahead like an unplowed field in the Midwest. No one - not even you, dear Gail, who channels Molly Ivins and all great columnists and journalists of the past and present - can prognosticate, throw the bones, predict like Cassandra - which political tussels and events will occur in the coming months of the Primaries in Iowa, New Hampshire and the Super Tuesday clowder of state primaries. We will all be fascinatedly watching the proceedings like we watch the grinding of hamburger - with some beef fat trimmings thrown into the grinder to up the percentage of fat. Watching political sausage being made this Presidential Election year - brings to mind memories of Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his New Jersey mob friends grinding sausage and other meats in the back of Satriale's Pork Store in New Jersey! Happy New Year!
4
Much as I love you, Gail, I am hard-pressed to enjoy this column. Perhaps it's because I don't enjoy having my foolishness pointed out . . . or, for that matter, the foolishness of my fellow Americans.
We are a sad lot.
We are a sad lot.
26
Most of the answers prove we are smarter than a politician. However, there is no doubt, as a nation, we have a lot of ignorant fools.
I didn't do too badly on the quiz, but I absolutely believe the true answers to a couple of the questions--specifically Numbers 6 and 12--is "all of the above".
5
On #6, I know Carson compared something with slavery. Was it not SS?
I'm having a hard time laughing. Even the best candidates misspeak, but willed ignorance, or purposely divisive comments, cannot be condoned in a civilized country.
I have an idea. Since the purpose and crusade of the GOP since Reagan has been to eliminate taxes for
the wealthy, let's give them their fantasy, providing they will leave the rest of us alone.
Then we can start rebuilding the middle class, care for the needy, affect global warming, and generally believe in the future again.
I have an idea. Since the purpose and crusade of the GOP since Reagan has been to eliminate taxes for
the wealthy, let's give them their fantasy, providing they will leave the rest of us alone.
Then we can start rebuilding the middle class, care for the needy, affect global warming, and generally believe in the future again.
4
I usually do well on Gail's quizzes. This morning 7/13. My problem today was not being able to distinguish between the absolutely laughable wrong answers, and totally ridiculous correct answers.
6
Gail, thanks, yet again, for brightening up an otherwise dreary phenomenon. I got 5 right, suggesting that at least some of that noise has filtered into my life, despite my best efforts.
5
I am more amazed at my inbox which frequently contains GOP misrepresentations if not flat out lies. I can't figure out if they believe the garbage, or if it is a matter of throwing it against the wall and seeing what sticks.
6
Dear Miss Collins, craven I am, for I do not have the courage to take the New Year Quiz yet and have a pin placed in my balloon. Sending to others, while raising a toast of good cheer to you, all and sundry.
A phoenix called earlier to tell me of the formidable debate in 1968 where two men of intellect lock horns at the Democratic Convention. They knew how to debate in those days, she added, Buckley and Vidal. Read 'Burr' by the latter, I ventured, a favorite of my late husband's, you may enjoy this sophisticated author (by the bye, Miss Collins, that is one vicious debate and knocked me off my feet).
Americans are no longer into debating, some of us are showing an affinity for being abused and trumped in to the W.C. and dirty-handkerchief side of life. We do not have a Republican presidential candidate. America is my country and I refuse to let it go down the pipes to the sewer drain.
Keep writing, Miss Collins, while I stay tuned in to the State of the Union Address this coming Tuesday. This I have placed on my new calendar for 'Save the Elephant'. The President and you keep me somewhat contained and give me a renewal of faith.
A phoenix called earlier to tell me of the formidable debate in 1968 where two men of intellect lock horns at the Democratic Convention. They knew how to debate in those days, she added, Buckley and Vidal. Read 'Burr' by the latter, I ventured, a favorite of my late husband's, you may enjoy this sophisticated author (by the bye, Miss Collins, that is one vicious debate and knocked me off my feet).
Americans are no longer into debating, some of us are showing an affinity for being abused and trumped in to the W.C. and dirty-handkerchief side of life. We do not have a Republican presidential candidate. America is my country and I refuse to let it go down the pipes to the sewer drain.
Keep writing, Miss Collins, while I stay tuned in to the State of the Union Address this coming Tuesday. This I have placed on my new calendar for 'Save the Elephant'. The President and you keep me somewhat contained and give me a renewal of faith.
6
.
.
Gail, no one who read any of your columns in 2015 will repress the memory of having done so, especially your commonsense discussions of women's bodily rights, women's economic rights, and "transitional [female] figures" in history. If you weren't on the Pulitzer Board, you could probably win a Prize just for that last one (even though you can submit up to 10).
Despite your best efforts at educating me all year, though, I got only 10 out of 13. Simply didn't know about National Geography week (and frankly, I didn't know you could get maps that show the states in the wrong place); I also have a knowledge-deficit regarding the Michigan State Legislature. It's true that I love a story about two legislators having an affair, but the House Majority Leader keeps refusing to confirm those rumors about ... House members from North Carolina.
But what's really embarrassing is that I had to guess on the Marco Rubio question. Eeeek. Fortunately, I got it right. But the man is on tape answering "I'm not a scientist, man" when asked, simply, "How old is the earth"! So your fake answer there will probably draw in a lot of people.
I don't predict Rubio being nominated, but I'd love to see a TV ad that shows Rubio listening as a voice-over asks questions, after which Rubio says, "I'm not a scientist, man". The questions would be about nuclear weapons, space policy, energy alternatives, public health, and disaster readiness.
He has no answers, because he's not a scientist, man.
.
Gail, no one who read any of your columns in 2015 will repress the memory of having done so, especially your commonsense discussions of women's bodily rights, women's economic rights, and "transitional [female] figures" in history. If you weren't on the Pulitzer Board, you could probably win a Prize just for that last one (even though you can submit up to 10).
Despite your best efforts at educating me all year, though, I got only 10 out of 13. Simply didn't know about National Geography week (and frankly, I didn't know you could get maps that show the states in the wrong place); I also have a knowledge-deficit regarding the Michigan State Legislature. It's true that I love a story about two legislators having an affair, but the House Majority Leader keeps refusing to confirm those rumors about ... House members from North Carolina.
But what's really embarrassing is that I had to guess on the Marco Rubio question. Eeeek. Fortunately, I got it right. But the man is on tape answering "I'm not a scientist, man" when asked, simply, "How old is the earth"! So your fake answer there will probably draw in a lot of people.
I don't predict Rubio being nominated, but I'd love to see a TV ad that shows Rubio listening as a voice-over asks questions, after which Rubio says, "I'm not a scientist, man". The questions would be about nuclear weapons, space policy, energy alternatives, public health, and disaster readiness.
He has no answers, because he's not a scientist, man.
11
Keep this woman in the building. We can't have her deciding to do something constructive.
2
i demand a recount. My right to continue to own my three puppies, Life, Liberty, and Property, is most certainly guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. You'd better re-read the Fifth Amendment, Gail.
If I had a pet bear I would expect to be able to own all of him. The Second Amendment is a start, but why settle for just the right to bear arms? That's gruesome!
If I had a pet bear I would expect to be able to own all of him. The Second Amendment is a start, but why settle for just the right to bear arms? That's gruesome!
9
Just for the record, of the slightly more than 100 shows rated for viewership that week, the Democratic Debates finished 18th for the week.
Not bad, considering:
A: It was the week before Christmas.
B. It was a Saturday night.
C. It ran opposite "The Wiz."
D. It ran opposite a Cowboys-Jets football game.
E. All of the above.
Not bad, considering:
A: It was the week before Christmas.
B. It was a Saturday night.
C. It ran opposite "The Wiz."
D. It ran opposite a Cowboys-Jets football game.
E. All of the above.
8
Rats, I missed 3 Qs! I should have gone with the most bizarre where my memory failed. After a year in which the peculiar was normal, I would like to say how glad I am to have taken it in with all of you. Thanks, Gail, for pointing out that the absurd should still be seen as just that, and for finding humor through the disconcerting. And thanks to each of you for your insights and superb writing through and through. I have learned so many perspectives from your comments and am very appreciative of the time and thought you gave to my ideas, too. Happy New Year, everybody!
4
Now that the distance to Iowa can be measured in weeks, it feels like those first caucus results will be...very anticlimactic. All that money and time spent on one evening of little consequence!
6
While many columnists present these types of year-end quizzes, Gail Collins is far too accomplished to waste a column on such trivia. I'd rather she devoted her immense talents in writing sardonic columns dripping with irony and satire, as she is usually wont to.
1
Since more than 1 in 10 Americans believes the Bill of Rights guarantees pet ownership, the candidates should trot out, or adopt, beloved pets. There will be no end of babies to embrace this season, so animals would add much-needed variety. And Gail needs a new pet storyline too, since I doubt anyone will ever dare to drive to Canada with an Irish Setter strapped to the car roof...
6
With scores of Republicans running for President, how about a remembrance of those whose campaigns folded? Let's see, there was George Pataki, Bobby Jindal and - who was the third? Oops! Sorry, I can't...
4
Life continues apace.
I like that sentence.
Whatever crazy things happen in 2016, life will go on, and the planet will survive.
As for the dominant species on the globe, an ape-like creature with a nasty propensity to do much harm, only time will tell.
I like that sentence.
Whatever crazy things happen in 2016, life will go on, and the planet will survive.
As for the dominant species on the globe, an ape-like creature with a nasty propensity to do much harm, only time will tell.
66
Not "ape-like." We are apes with an illusion that we are somehow immune to the forces of nature.
Gail, I performed worse on this (9/13) than in years yore. I think it's because on a few questions that require guessing, what used to be preposterous now borders on the rational. Or sort of.
Like many, I was thrown by the Annenberg survey on the constitution and since the answers were all so pathetic, I went for Abe Lincoln as a founder. To think that it's number #2, the right to own a pet, tells me more about the pet-video crowd than I want to know.
When was Jeb Bush "ever in front?" Unless you qualify that with the big pre-announcement money grab. Or was that a joke? Even the NYT gave him a break with a puff piece on his allegedly sly sense of humor.
Well, it's off to the races (too many to count). Thank you Gail for another moment of levity and may the force be with you too. As you said, this campaign seems to have started with Woodstock, or was 1977 the year Star Wars hit the big screen?
Happy new year one and all.
Like many, I was thrown by the Annenberg survey on the constitution and since the answers were all so pathetic, I went for Abe Lincoln as a founder. To think that it's number #2, the right to own a pet, tells me more about the pet-video crowd than I want to know.
When was Jeb Bush "ever in front?" Unless you qualify that with the big pre-announcement money grab. Or was that a joke? Even the NYT gave him a break with a puff piece on his allegedly sly sense of humor.
Well, it's off to the races (too many to count). Thank you Gail for another moment of levity and may the force be with you too. As you said, this campaign seems to have started with Woodstock, or was 1977 the year Star Wars hit the big screen?
Happy new year one and all.
117
I only got the 7 that I knew. I should have been able to pick up another 2 by guessing randomly. Unfortunately I tried to make "educated guesses" and invariably the correct answer was the weirdest one, not the "reasonable guess" I had made. No country for reasonable men (or women).
50
The scoring's messed up. i got 8 right...but given the title and that I'm spozed to have thankfully been oblivious to the crazy, it should have been 5 right.
14
I simply picked what seemed to be the stupidest answer to each question and STILL got 8/13 right. Yay me! Yay America!!
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
40
Happy New Year, Gail! You certainly have a way of asking the questions that show that you can't believe how absurd our political process has become!
36
5/13 - It's not so much that I've forgotten as that I have not paid attention to the many jaw-dropping inane remarks by the GOP. Good to know - not surprising, unfortunately, but good to know.
30
GOP? "May the force be with you" came from a Democrat.
Clinton's Star Wars reference was funny and clever, not inane.
Sorry, Gail, I flunked. I stop watching the GOP when possible. It's difficult considering the news media keep showing pictures on Donnie and Carly et al. in my news stream (which is fairly mainstream).
To bad that you missed Carly's by publishing date. So the media were all over it when she chose to root for Hawkeyes. Hey, if she didn't win California when she ran against Sen Boxer, maybe she's decided to forego it. This is the (failed) CEO mentality. Wonder if she would sell it to China when she became the president.
Considering the political climate here in the U.S. (at least for the GOP anyway) is like the air quality of Beijing, everyone is grasping for air when Donnie keeps pouring on pollutants. What is the voters to do?
To bad that you missed Carly's by publishing date. So the media were all over it when she chose to root for Hawkeyes. Hey, if she didn't win California when she ran against Sen Boxer, maybe she's decided to forego it. This is the (failed) CEO mentality. Wonder if she would sell it to China when she became the president.
Considering the political climate here in the U.S. (at least for the GOP anyway) is like the air quality of Beijing, everyone is grasping for air when Donnie keeps pouring on pollutants. What is the voters to do?
25
Too bad we've " repressed " some of these finer points - to be replaced with the front and center info that 1 of our 2 political parties is the only major political party in the developed world engaging in climate change denialism.
44
What the current GOP contest reminds me of, is one of those freak shows like they used to have at the carnivals.
Suppose Christie were to be elected, would he shut down the approaches to the SF Oakland bay bridge, because all those liberals in SF keep voting for Nancy Pelosi?
Maybe Carson thinks he could solve the Iran situation by some brain surgery on the Ayatollah, and Trump will just tell everyone to do what he says. Except the Mexicans who will build a fence to keep out Trump voters.
But the funniest one is Huckabee, he sounds like one of the characters from Mayberry, and sounds like on too. Then there is Fiorina, she has what is called chutzpah, maybe she would arm wrestle Merkle.
Anyway the whole cast seems to be the dredges of a failed Disney movie that never got finished.
Cant wait to see the end. "La Commedia è finita!"
Suppose Christie were to be elected, would he shut down the approaches to the SF Oakland bay bridge, because all those liberals in SF keep voting for Nancy Pelosi?
Maybe Carson thinks he could solve the Iran situation by some brain surgery on the Ayatollah, and Trump will just tell everyone to do what he says. Except the Mexicans who will build a fence to keep out Trump voters.
But the funniest one is Huckabee, he sounds like one of the characters from Mayberry, and sounds like on too. Then there is Fiorina, she has what is called chutzpah, maybe she would arm wrestle Merkle.
Anyway the whole cast seems to be the dredges of a failed Disney movie that never got finished.
Cant wait to see the end. "La Commedia è finita!"
57
I am pleased to see that Carly Fiorina is so far down that she did not make the ridicule list this time.
I am enjoying the death watch part of seeing the field ultimately narrow. George Pataki, we hardly knew ye. Who is next to go? Will it be Huckabee? or Santorum? Paul?
I am awaiting, wirh gleeful anticipation, the ultimate crashing and burning of that New Jersey Hindenberg, Chris Christie. Fat, stupid, and with nine credit downgrades (and a big traffic jam) is no way to go through life, son.
I am enjoying the death watch part of seeing the field ultimately narrow. George Pataki, we hardly knew ye. Who is next to go? Will it be Huckabee? or Santorum? Paul?
I am awaiting, wirh gleeful anticipation, the ultimate crashing and burning of that New Jersey Hindenberg, Chris Christie. Fat, stupid, and with nine credit downgrades (and a big traffic jam) is no way to go through life, son.
140
@RM: I got a laugh last night when I saw on the news that one of the most Googled questions of 2015 was "Is Rand Paul running for President?"
9
.
@ RM,
Five hours after I submitted a Comment here, I returned to see 14 Comments, all from "Verified Commenters". That was a little off-putting, especially the back-and-forth among some of them with no one able to get a word in edgewise.
Your Comment, though, made the whole thing worthwhile! Not only a great movie quote/paraphrase [hint to anyone who didn't catch it: everyone in the movie has one degree of Kevin Bacon], but a Comment from a Vermonter that does not repeat the canard about the New York Times "ignoring" the campaign of Bernie Sanders! Thank you.
@ RM,
Five hours after I submitted a Comment here, I returned to see 14 Comments, all from "Verified Commenters". That was a little off-putting, especially the back-and-forth among some of them with no one able to get a word in edgewise.
Your Comment, though, made the whole thing worthwhile! Not only a great movie quote/paraphrase [hint to anyone who didn't catch it: everyone in the movie has one degree of Kevin Bacon], but a Comment from a Vermonter that does not repeat the canard about the New York Times "ignoring" the campaign of Bernie Sanders! Thank you.
7
The column was probably turned in too early to capture the likes of:
Which was Carly Fiorina's statement of her alma mater playing in the Rose Bowl?
1. Now that I'm running for President I try not to think of California.
2. Stanford is what it is because of my brilliant guidance as student body president.
3. I love my alma mater but I'm rooting for Iowa.
Which was Carly Fiorina's statement of her alma mater playing in the Rose Bowl?
1. Now that I'm running for President I try not to think of California.
2. Stanford is what it is because of my brilliant guidance as student body president.
3. I love my alma mater but I'm rooting for Iowa.
The Constitution Day survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center was conducted August 27 – 31, 2015 with 1,012 total respondents, many of whom apparently were in a deep Jersey Shore coma or floating down the Arkansas River during parts or all of the survey.
One survey question was:
Would you mind naming any of the three branches of government ?
The results were:
31% knew all three branches, down from 36% the year before
12% knew two branches, down from 16% the year before
24% knew one branch, UP from 13% the year before - yippee !
32% did not know any branches, down from 35% the year before...encouraging !
http://goo.gl/riw2Qz
I have my own form of ignorance; I am unable to name all of the Kardashians.
I thought the Big Bang Theory was the prevailing cosmological model for the universe from the earliest known periods through its subsequent large-scale evolution.... not an American TV situational comedy.
I do not know when Dancing with the Stars is on, even though it's obviously very important.
Who needs an education in civics, government, public policy and reality when there are so many delicious, high-fructose intelligence substitutes and alternatives on your TV and dumbphone ?
Besides, government knowledge tastes bad and causes irritable thought syndrome....and voting is SO hard.
It turns out there are four branches of government after all, executive, judicial, legislative....and citizen voting.
2016 is an election year, America.
Vote - early and often !
One survey question was:
Would you mind naming any of the three branches of government ?
The results were:
31% knew all three branches, down from 36% the year before
12% knew two branches, down from 16% the year before
24% knew one branch, UP from 13% the year before - yippee !
32% did not know any branches, down from 35% the year before...encouraging !
http://goo.gl/riw2Qz
I have my own form of ignorance; I am unable to name all of the Kardashians.
I thought the Big Bang Theory was the prevailing cosmological model for the universe from the earliest known periods through its subsequent large-scale evolution.... not an American TV situational comedy.
I do not know when Dancing with the Stars is on, even though it's obviously very important.
Who needs an education in civics, government, public policy and reality when there are so many delicious, high-fructose intelligence substitutes and alternatives on your TV and dumbphone ?
Besides, government knowledge tastes bad and causes irritable thought syndrome....and voting is SO hard.
It turns out there are four branches of government after all, executive, judicial, legislative....and citizen voting.
2016 is an election year, America.
Vote - early and often !
226
Mea culpa! I can't even spell Karda . . . (s)! Or name the app game of the season . . . and know none of the lyrics to any rap song . . . but I have seen the future through the looking glass . . . and the enemy is us . . . scheduling tea with the Red Queen . . . to master more of the impossible things . . .
41
Cheer up. i'm afraid to check--it's bound to be correct, which is why--but I swear I rad something back in the spring that said around a third of Republican voters were furious with the President about Putin's seizing Crimea.
Wait for it.
Because they thought "the Crimea," was somewhere in the Midwest, probably right near Iowa.
Wait for it.
Because they thought "the Crimea," was somewhere in the Midwest, probably right near Iowa.
45
Robert...here's the article you were dreaming of.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2014/04/07/the-less-a...
"The less people know about where Ukraine is located on a map, the more they want the U.S. to intervene militarily."
"Information, or the absence thereof, can influence Americans’ attitudes about the kind of policies they want their government to carry out and the ability of elites to shape that agenda."
Ignorance is violent, self-destructive American bliss.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2014/04/07/the-less-a...
"The less people know about where Ukraine is located on a map, the more they want the U.S. to intervene militarily."
"Information, or the absence thereof, can influence Americans’ attitudes about the kind of policies they want their government to carry out and the ability of elites to shape that agenda."
Ignorance is violent, self-destructive American bliss.
35
It is boring watching the degradation of humanity these days, on and off stage. My European friends are beginning to look at me askance, we're going downhill fast. I'd be happy to see a few more people pretend to be nice and/or ethical.
We could use a bit of wisdom. Shakespeare comes to mind, in reflections of the imperfections of humanity, in particular as it applies to the ruling classes. A bit of the Beatles, too, but I'm afraid it's not going to be all right. I do wish Christians would go back and read their Gospels, and that they would reflect on the meaning of their birthday celebration, like Pope Francis suggested.
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But when you want money
For people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of [Trump or Cruz]
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
We could use a bit of wisdom. Shakespeare comes to mind, in reflections of the imperfections of humanity, in particular as it applies to the ruling classes. A bit of the Beatles, too, but I'm afraid it's not going to be all right. I do wish Christians would go back and read their Gospels, and that they would reflect on the meaning of their birthday celebration, like Pope Francis suggested.
You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know that you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We're doing what we can
But when you want money
For people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
You say you'll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it's the institution
Well, you know
You better free you mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of [Trump or Cruz]
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be all right
42
I prefer "Helter-Skelter".
11
I took the quiz,'tis true,
Which at my age I rue,
But it provoked ideas, just a few.
Listen primary voters
O hear my tale, a sad one,
Republicans who want to be
The POTUS, each a bad one.
There's Donald Trump who on the stump
Disagrees with the Pope,
His mouth, the thought occurs to me
Needs washing out with soap.
There's also Cruz and Rubio,
They're rising on the list,
But Rubio on climate change
Says "I'm no scientist"
And Cruz master of every ruse,
Someone you love to hate.
From out his mouth comes fresh abuse
That simply won't abate.
There's Jeb and Chris and Carly, too,
And Carson at the rear,
A set of losers tried and true,
Of them I have no fear.
But Terror they take by the Teeth
ISIS they'll have in hand,
They don't say how or when or why,
Top Secret! Understand?
Remember that their greatest pitch
Always is tax cuts for the Rich!
Which at my age I rue,
But it provoked ideas, just a few.
Listen primary voters
O hear my tale, a sad one,
Republicans who want to be
The POTUS, each a bad one.
There's Donald Trump who on the stump
Disagrees with the Pope,
His mouth, the thought occurs to me
Needs washing out with soap.
There's also Cruz and Rubio,
They're rising on the list,
But Rubio on climate change
Says "I'm no scientist"
And Cruz master of every ruse,
Someone you love to hate.
From out his mouth comes fresh abuse
That simply won't abate.
There's Jeb and Chris and Carly, too,
And Carson at the rear,
A set of losers tried and true,
Of them I have no fear.
But Terror they take by the Teeth
ISIS they'll have in hand,
They don't say how or when or why,
Top Secret! Understand?
Remember that their greatest pitch
Always is tax cuts for the Rich!
146
An absolute masterpiece, Mr. Eisenberg!
13
@Larry Eisenberg,
Mr. Eisenberg, you come through for us every time! Happy New Year, sir! ; )
1-2-16@12:28 am est
Mr. Eisenberg, you come through for us every time! Happy New Year, sir! ; )
1-2-16@12:28 am est
13
I did not do well on the quiz. Under ordinary circumstances this would make me feel out of touch with political reality. Not this time. I've been tuning out the "news," because it isn't doing its job. In the absence of rational debate and sensible discourse the news is merely documenting our descent into madness.
The Times makes an effort to provide counterpoint, but even it gives endless column-inches to the latest idiotic twaddle from Donald Trump and all but ignores Bernie Sanders. TV news covers every detail of the latest mass shooting, but rarely shoves a camera into the faces of the Congressmen and women who abet gun violence by championing the unfettered dispersal of deadly weapons.
It's as though news people are expecting ordinary citizens to come up with answers to complex problems on their own. Sadly, some citizens can only aspire to ordinary, especially those who take in the latest Trump babble and think, "This moron makes a lot of sense."
The stories are out there. Science deniers in high political office need to be held accountable. Gun fanatics who support open-carry laws on school grounds and in bars need to be called out. Religious fundamentalists need to be asked tough questions about injecting their theology into public policy.
The fair and balanced charade must end. Some politicians are idiots and they should be branded as such, even it puts a dent in media advertising revenue. There's just too much at stake.
The Times makes an effort to provide counterpoint, but even it gives endless column-inches to the latest idiotic twaddle from Donald Trump and all but ignores Bernie Sanders. TV news covers every detail of the latest mass shooting, but rarely shoves a camera into the faces of the Congressmen and women who abet gun violence by championing the unfettered dispersal of deadly weapons.
It's as though news people are expecting ordinary citizens to come up with answers to complex problems on their own. Sadly, some citizens can only aspire to ordinary, especially those who take in the latest Trump babble and think, "This moron makes a lot of sense."
The stories are out there. Science deniers in high political office need to be held accountable. Gun fanatics who support open-carry laws on school grounds and in bars need to be called out. Religious fundamentalists need to be asked tough questions about injecting their theology into public policy.
The fair and balanced charade must end. Some politicians are idiots and they should be branded as such, even it puts a dent in media advertising revenue. There's just too much at stake.
308
It's a sign of advancing age when we tune out the news. At some point, it seems inevitable that that those very sure of the "rightness" of their principles simply stop paying attention to reality: it's a lot like expecting perpetual sunshine and getting weather.
Science deniers, gun fanatics and religious fundamentalists all have interests beyond those closely identified with what some call these groups. It's left to real leaders to cut deals leveraging those other interests to find compromises on the main points that most Americans would support. But, then, those of advancing years who have tuned out the news cease to be part of the discussion because they can't see compromise on basic issues as legitimate -- they consider fair and balanced as nothing but a charade.
Ah, well, for them there will always remain commenting in the NY Times. I guess that leaves actually solving problems to younger, less certain sorts.
Science deniers, gun fanatics and religious fundamentalists all have interests beyond those closely identified with what some call these groups. It's left to real leaders to cut deals leveraging those other interests to find compromises on the main points that most Americans would support. But, then, those of advancing years who have tuned out the news cease to be part of the discussion because they can't see compromise on basic issues as legitimate -- they consider fair and balanced as nothing but a charade.
Ah, well, for them there will always remain commenting in the NY Times. I guess that leaves actually solving problems to younger, less certain sorts.
1
RL, au contraire, in the infotainment universe it is a sign of intelligence.
If Trump got the silent treatment, we'd all be better off and it would drive him nuts. I wish ...
If Trump got the silent treatment, we'd all be better off and it would drive him nuts. I wish ...
98
I must say I did quite well on the quiz by picking the stupidest answers. This whole campaign demeans the intelligence of anyone smart enough to even understand the questions.
Thank you Gail, for your continued witty wisdom. These folks are actually to inept to strap a dog on top of their car while looking for
Ted Cruz,s birthplace.
Thank you Gail, for your continued witty wisdom. These folks are actually to inept to strap a dog on top of their car while looking for
Ted Cruz,s birthplace.
34
14. President Obama, when asked what his most lasting “legacy” accomplishment likely would be responded:
a) “An Iran treaty that isn’t a complete giveaway to Iran”
b) “Improved relations with an open and democratic Cuba”
c) “Immigration dicta that last beyond Noon, 20 January 2017”
d) None of the above.
15. Texas gunslingers, when asked what they thought of President Obama’s intention to dictate limits on their carry rights responded:
a) “From my cold, dead hands”
b) “Time for 26 states to tie up yet ANOTHER ill-conceived dictatorial imposition in federal courts”
c) “It’ll happen when a blue pig flies past Nancy Pelosi’s bedroom window blowing a raspberry”
d) All of the above.
16. Iran clarified its position on the agreement reached with the U.S. by stating:
a) “It was more in the vein of suggestions”
b) “Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish!”
c) “Elect Bernie – with another threat to bomb U.S. naval vessels, the next agreement should cede us California”
d) All of the above.
17. The recent Paris klatch on global warming resulted in:
a) A practicable plan for reducing global carbon emissions
b) A means for paying for the destruction of third-world growth necessitated by their diminished use of coal
c) Goads to development of a sustainable U.S. energy plan
d) None of the above.
Answers: 14) d; 15) d; 16) d; 17) d.
A very happy New Year to all!
a) “An Iran treaty that isn’t a complete giveaway to Iran”
b) “Improved relations with an open and democratic Cuba”
c) “Immigration dicta that last beyond Noon, 20 January 2017”
d) None of the above.
15. Texas gunslingers, when asked what they thought of President Obama’s intention to dictate limits on their carry rights responded:
a) “From my cold, dead hands”
b) “Time for 26 states to tie up yet ANOTHER ill-conceived dictatorial imposition in federal courts”
c) “It’ll happen when a blue pig flies past Nancy Pelosi’s bedroom window blowing a raspberry”
d) All of the above.
16. Iran clarified its position on the agreement reached with the U.S. by stating:
a) “It was more in the vein of suggestions”
b) “Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish!”
c) “Elect Bernie – with another threat to bomb U.S. naval vessels, the next agreement should cede us California”
d) All of the above.
17. The recent Paris klatch on global warming resulted in:
a) A practicable plan for reducing global carbon emissions
b) A means for paying for the destruction of third-world growth necessitated by their diminished use of coal
c) Goads to development of a sustainable U.S. energy plan
d) None of the above.
Answers: 14) d; 15) d; 16) d; 17) d.
A very happy New Year to all!
5
16b: Very clever reference but Iranians have to live on the same planet (and in the same universe) as the rest of us. If they were to actually use a nuclear weapon their country would be reduced to a giant sand-pile within five minutes. They're aware of that and they're not the martyrs they make themselves out to be. (ISIS, on the other hand...)
70
Stu:
The Iranian brand of Islam and the intensity with which the mullahs keep it is such that I wouldn't bet on their unwillingness to martyr themselves for what most of the rest of us would regard as a pyrrhic gesture. I can see them launching a nuke very easily.
The Iranian brand of Islam and the intensity with which the mullahs keep it is such that I wouldn't bet on their unwillingness to martyr themselves for what most of the rest of us would regard as a pyrrhic gesture. I can see them launching a nuke very easily.
1
Richard: I have to disagree. I spent some time in Iran (admittedly back in the late '90s) and found that the mullahs and the generals are more like the Mafia than anything else. What they want is power and money (much like our own politicians but without the pretense of a ballot-box). And they use religion the way some of our politicians do. What's the point in acquiring all of those rials just to end up with seventy virgins?
61