Lame duck

imageIt struck me last night as I was thinking of Obama’s remarks about appointing a new justice for the Supreme Court in opposition to Republican demands that it wait for the next president, that the character of Dr. Conspiracy is tied to the presidency of Barack Obama and that we are both in the winding-down phase of our respective roles.

The term “lame duck” originally referred to someone who financially defaults in the stock market, but it was later used in politics for someone who is serving out his term after an election, inspired by a quotation possibly by Abraham Lincoln: “[A] senator or representative out of business is sort of a lame duck. He has to be provided for.”

Obama will get his pension starting when he leaves office. Despite rumors on the Internet, US presidents do not get their full salary as a pension—their pension equals the pay of the head of an executive department of the government, which for 2015 would be $203,700 per year. I, of course, don’t get paid for blogging, so my finances won’t change as a consequence of the end of active publishing here at Obama Conspiracy Theories, come January 20, 2017. We will both have to figure out what to do with our time. I will be president of a local civic organization in 2017, and I have already started devoting significant time to Habitat for Humanity, so I think I am for the large part set.

The more pressing problem is relevance. While I think the promised Republican obstructionism on the Supreme Court is despicable, it still will be difficult for Obama to push through any major initiatives. I really don’t anticipate anything to happen in the real world that this blog will influence.  Birthers are not all that interesting any more—just a little less of the same. All of that said, Obama is still president and I am still Dr. Conspiracy, and we will both [preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, and do our jobs to the best of our ability while we have them.

About Dr. Conspiracy

I'm not a real doctor, but I have a master's degree.
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41 Responses to Lame duck

  1. Scientist says:

    Doc: Sincere thanks for the service you have done. You have certainly earned your retirement, though I doubt Obama conspiracies will die when the President leaves office.

    As for pensions, of course the President will not be living on his government pension. There is no question he will command many hundreds of thousands to give a speech and will certainly write books, which will earn very large advances. I wonder if you have thought about that for yourself-a book compiling your best posts, along with our most trenchant comments, or perhaps an Institute of Conspiracy Studies at Clemson or Univ. of South Carolina?

    Anyway, I think, like the President’s Supreme court nomination, maybe you could come up with one last big thing, something that can produce one last big birther brawl before you leave office.

  2. Thrifty says:

    After Donald Trump inevitably fails to become president, a healthy bumper crop of conspiracy theories will arise about how the vote was rigged to thwart him.

  3. Pete says:

    Birthers are not all that interesting any more

    It’s true.

    And thank you for your service.

  4. J.D. Sue says:

    Daniel: Not sure is this has been posted already, but it seems relevant.
    http://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/g-o-p-warns-obama-against-doing-anything-for-next-three-hundred-and-forty-days

    —-
    funny. this part seems particularly relevant:

    While acknowledging that the President has eleven months remaining in the White House, McConnell said that he and the President “have an honest disagreement about how long eleven months is.”

    “The President believes it is almost one year,” he said. “I believe it is almost zero years. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe I am right.”

  5. CarlOrcas says:

    J.D. Sue: —-
    funny.this part seems particularly relevant:

    While acknowledging that the President has eleven months remaining in the White House, McConnell said that he and the President “have an honest disagreement about how long eleven months is.”

    “The President believes it is almost one year,” he said. “I believe it is almost zero years. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe I am right.”

    Borowitz is a comedian. The best satire strikes painfully close to the truth and, in this case, that’s why we can all imagine Senator McConnell uttering those words without batting an eye…..or two.

  6. CRJ says:

    Scientist: As for pensions, of course the President will not be living on his government pension. There is no question he will command many hundreds of thousands to give a speech and will certainly write books, which will earn very large advances. I wonder if you have thought about that for yourself-a book compiling your best posts, along with our most trenchant comments, or perhaps an Institute of Conspiracy Studies at Clemson or Univ. of South Carolina?

    Very doubtful history will look well on Obama. Clinton’s tapped out all the royalties in speaking behind Obama’s back, or while he was President, she sold the Office out. She’s likely to be indicted, and Obama’s likely to be removed this last year as a disability that sold the Country out 10 Trillion acting as Republican Donald Trump’s best friend in creating an Anti Establishment.

    You might have a book of interest with all the CRJ Comments folks would be very interested in and how we got to be friends. That’s a nice story I think.

    Hey Doc very cool on being President on your local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. A very worth while cause doing a lot of good for a lot of people.

    CRIMINALComplntFILED On U.S. Supreme Court Clerks in Judy v. Obama 14-9396 @realDonaldTrump @BirtherReport @DRUDGE http://codyjudy.blogspot.com/2016/02/breaking-news-criminal-complaint-filed.html?m=1

    Featured Editorial
    http://www.thepostemail.com/2016/02/17/breaking-news-criminal-complaint-filed-on-u-s-supreme-court-clerks/

    Yeah.., it’s been a long 7 years for sure and I’m really appreciative of your willingness to devote so much time on this particular Principle – The qualification for the Office of President. . not just the same as a Representative or Senator, but a unique and special qualification of TIME

    Born in the U, S. to Citizen Parents! It’s a wonderful celebration of being American and a great incentive to keep American keeping on with unfractured or divided loyalties we welcomed in all offices accept the Office of President requiring a little more TIME.

    We are AMERICAN!

  7. CarlOrcas says:

    CRJ: She’s likely to be indicted, and Obama’s likely to be removed this last year…………….

    I hope you’re not holding your breath waiting for those things to happen, Buckaroo.

  8. Rickey says:

    CRJ: She’s likely to be indicted, and Obama’s likely to be removed this last year as a disability that sold the Country out 10 Trillion acting as Republican Donald Trump’s best friend in creating an Anti Establishment.

    Nonsense, but here’s a prediction you can take to the bank: Cody Robert Judy will not win a single electoral vote in his “campaign” to be President of the United States.

    CRIMINALComplntFILED On U.S. Supreme Court Clerks in Judy v. Obama 14-9396

    Another FAIL to add to your unbroken record of legal FAILS.

  9. bob says:

    CRJ: Very doubtful history will look well on Obama. Clinton’s tapped out all the royalties in speaking behind Obama’s back, or while he was President, she sold the Office out. She’s likely to be indicted, and Obama’s likely to be removed this last year as a disability that sold the Country out 10 Trillion acting as Republican Donald Trump’s best friend in creating an Anti Establishment.

    Yet more wishful thinking from Judy that has no basis in reality. And Judy’s perfect record of failure speaks to how well he can predict events.

    You might have a book of interest with all the CRJ Comments folks would be very interested in and how we got to be friends. That’s a nice story I think.

    Clueless, undesired, self-absorbed pest constantly ruins otherwise interesting conversations. A page turner, I’m sure.

    CRIMINALComplntFILED On U.S. Supreme Court Clerks in Judy v. Obama 14-9396

    Mailing a letter to a federal prosecutor isn’t “filing a criminal complaint”; it is merely a waste of paper, postage, and scarce prosecutorial resources.

    But it’ll probably get passed around for a few laughs before being round “filed.”

    Born in the U, S. to Citizen Parents!

    Which is not a “rule”; just a birther fantasy.

  10. Pete says:

    CRJ: Obama’s likely to be removed this last year

    Any day now.

  11. Pete says:

    Actually, I think Judy is onto something this time.

    In fact, I’m going to swerve to the side of the birthers, and predict that IN LESS THAN A YEAR, Barack Obama will no longer be President of the United States.

  12. John Reilly says:

    CRJ: She’s likely to be indicted, and Obama’s likely to be removed this last year

    “likely” means more often than not. I do not think that you understand the word. Of course, that’s nothing new.

    “Certain” means every time. As used in a sentence: “It is certain that by the end of the year Cody Robert Judy will still be a convicted domestic terrorist.”

  13. John Reilly says:

    Doc, prior to the 20th amendment we would have elections in November and then Congress would return in December. The new Congress and, if appropriate, would not take office until March. Now the new Congress shows up January 3, or two months earlier.

  14. Lupin says:

    CRJ: Very doubtful history will look well on Obama.

    Despite the ravings of the mad sociopath CRJ, I think history will in general look rather well upon Obama’s eight years.

  15. The Magic M (not logged in) says:

    My personal guess is that either of these two scenarios is going to happen:

    1. Obama nominates two/three candidates in quick succession that make the GOP look very bad in rejecting them (minority candidates with nothing the GOP can call “liberal activist” history – remember Srinivasan was confirmed 97-0 by the Senate – or even a moderately conservative candidate).
    GOP caves and agrees.

    2. Same as above but GOP votes against the candidates (or not at all). Independent voters get angry and tip the election.

    I think scenario #1 is quite likely given that the GOP has to plan for the case they lose the general election. They can’t hold the 9th SCOTUS position hostage forever, and they might not like the kind of candidates Hillary is going to nominate (esp. if their shenanigans cost them the Senate in 2018). At least a little wink that they have a chance of being better off than in 2017 might work. 😉

    SCOTUS positions have a long history of the Senate *not* voting along party lines, so it’s quite likely some Republicans might defect. Only 5 are needed if the two independents vote for Obama’s candidate. (Or is this another case of “60 votes needed”? I don’t really follow all the strange House and Senate rules.)

  16. Thrifty says:

    I may be remembering wrong here, so others please correct me if I am, but I think a few years ago the Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats passed some sort of rule change that stops Senate fillibustering of a president’s appointments. Passage of laws is unaffected but I remember them talking about this as “the nuclear option” because now a Democratic Senate majority won’t be able to hold up a Republican president’s appointments either, but Republicans had been holding up so many of President Obama’s appointments that they figured it was worth it.

    The Magic M (not logged in):
    SCOTUS positions have a long history of the Senate *not* voting along party lines, so it’s quite likely some Republicans might defect. Only 5 are needed if the two independents vote for Obama’s candidate. (Or is this another case of “60 votes needed”? I don’t really follow all the strange House and Senate rules.)

  17. Scientist says:

    Thrifty: I may be remembering wrong here, so others please correct me if I am, but I think a few years ago the Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats passed some sort of rule change that stops Senate fillibustering of a president’s appointments.

    That change specifically exempted Supreme Court nominations. Those still require 60 votes.

  18. Thrifty says:

    Blargh. Well maybe that’s for the best in the long run, since Supreme Court appointments are lifetime, justices stick around much longer than most presidential appointees, and their actions have much larger consequences.

    Scientist: That change specifically exempted Supreme Court nominations.Those still require 60 votes.

  19. Curious George says:

    Doc,
    Congratulations on a job well done. You have provided an excellent source for discovering the truth, a commodity seldom found on Birther websites. I’ve enjoyed the education that you have provided. Again, a job well done.

  20. James M says:

    J.D. Sue: “The President believes it is almost one year,” he said. “I believe it is almost zero years. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe I am right.”

    To a mathematician, this is a fair illustration of the “ceiling” and “floor” functions 😉

  21. J.D. Sue says:

    CRJ: Blah, blah.

    CRJ, you are completely trippin’.

  22. J.D. Sue says:

    James M:
    J.D. Sue: “The President believes it is almost one year,” he said. “I believe it is almost zero years. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe I am right.”

    James M.: To a mathematician, this is a fair illustration of the “ceiling” and “floor” functions

    —-
    Interesting. To me it sounds like a birther troll comment: “I’m not [knowledgeable], but I believe I am right.”

  23. Slartibartfast says:

    I’m a mathematician and I believe that is idiotic (and with other statements he’s made hypocritical).

    Overage Mutant Hypocrite Turtle Mitch McConnell: “The President believes it is almost one year,” he said. “I believe it is almost zero years. I’m not a mathematician, but I believe I am right.”

  24. CRJ says:

    John Reilly: It is certain that by the end of the year Cody Robert Judy will still be a convicted domestic terrorist.”

    Of course Donald Trump fans don’t really have any thing wrong with them .. ?😂

    Ok..THIS IS KIND OF FUNNY. Bernie Sanders arrested.. Hillary Clinton says she never lied and is subject to an FBI investigation for doing what ever one knows was a no no with the Private Server and National Security Secrets http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/hillary-clinton/hillary-clinton-i-don-t-believe-i-have-ever-lied-n521776
    and these two say I’m a criminal for telling LDS Church Leaders to repent and doing 8 years in Prison for it Lol ok.. I thought it was funny. It’s not like I haven’t had 42 years outside of Prison, lol,
    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-bernie-sanders-1963-chicago-arrest-20160219-story.html

    https://twitter.com/CodyRobertJudy/status/701098288108273665

    Of course #Democrats have been protesting a long time and for good things in Civil Rights and abuses of such by Republicans. . of course Hillary, Bernie, and Cody did get older.

  25. bob says:

    CRJ: I’m a criminal for telling LDS Church Leaders to repent

    Judy is convicted felon because he terrorized thousands by claiming that he had an explosive device.

    Judy is also a horrible person because he is unrepentant about the harm he caused, and he continues to lie about his actions.

    And Judy continues to narcissistically derail any conversation into one about him.

  26. Arthur B. says:

    Slartibartfast:
    “Overage Mutant Hypocrite Turtle Mitch McConnell: …”
    __

    I’m a mathematician and I believe that is idiotic (and with other statements he’s made hypocritical).

    Just to be clear, he didn’t really say that, did he? I was under the impression that it was a joke penned by Andy Borowitz.

  27. Notorial Dissent says:

    bob, it is simpler than that Judy IS A LIAR and A FRAUD. The rest is merely window dressing of an otherwise diseased carcass. And regardless of whatever else happens in the universe, will remain a lying convicted felon, on top of just being boring.

  28. Slartibartfast says:

    The fact that Poe’s law applies makes my point even if he didn’t actually say it.

    Arthur B.: Just to be clear, he didn’t really say that, did he? I was under the impression that it was a joke penned by Andy Borowitz.

  29. Arthur B. says:

    Slartibartfast:
    The fact that Poe’s law applies makes my point even if he didn’t actually say it.

    If he didn’t say it, it can still be idiotic, but it doesn’t support the claim that he’s hypocritical.

  30. CRJ says:

    bob: Judy is convicted felon because he terrorized thousands by claiming that he had an explosive device.

    Judy is also a horrible person because he is unrepentant about the harm he caused, and he continues to lie about his actions.

    And Judy continues to narcissistically derail any conversation into one about him.

    Oh Bob, stop with the hating on me. I’m worried about you and all that hating on me causing free radicals in you.
    Avoid the Cancer Causing Free Radicals 😉 TIME to start Loving Me You’ll Live Longer #Democrats #DemDebate #SouthCarolinaPrimary http://www.codyjudy.us

    https://twitter.com/CodyRobertJudy/status/702181299151249408

    I’m standing up for the U.S. Constitution and in doing so for every American. I’m filled with lots of Love. ❤

    Jeb Bush just loved foreigners first. It’s not that you can’t live foreigners, it’s that you gotta love Americans first if your going to be a good U.S. President.

    http://codyjudy.blogspot.com/2016/02/breaking-report-love-american-style.html?m=1

  31. Rickey says:

    CRJ: Oh Bob, stop with the hating on me.

    You are the Pete Rose of terrorists.

    If you took responsibility for your actions and showed some remorse, you might garner some sympathy.

    How many delegates did you pick up in Nevada? Are you planning to campaign in South Carolina this week?

    By the way, Marion Ross and Ron Howard appeared in only one episode of “Love American Style.” [That’s a reference to CRJ’s blog]

  32. bob says:

    CRJ:
    I’m standing up for the U.S. Constitution and in doing so for every American.

    Judy continuously lies about what the U.S. Constitution requires, and then his ego lies and says that that he doing it for others.

    I’m filled with lots of Love.

    Yet another lie: If Judy was filled with love, he’d admit that he terrorize thousands, and seek their forgiveness. Judy instead prefers to deny the harm that he caused others.

    * * *

    Rickey: You are the Pete Rose of terrorists.

    I disagree: Pete Rose was actually good at something. (Thankfully Judy’s incompetence prevented further harm.)

  33. J.D. Sue says:

    CRJ: I’m standing up for the U.S. Constitution and in doing so for every American. I’m filled with lots of Love.

    —-
    You ignorance about the Constitution, and slander against the President and others, is not standing up for Americans. You delude yourself, but you fool no one here.

  34. Notorial Dissent says:

    Judy, it is called acceptance(of responsibility), repentance(you repent your sin/crime), forgiveness(you ask those you have wronged to forgive you). You have done and will do none of the above, thus you remain a lying convicted felon. Also as a side note, under NO circumstances imaginable do you in any way shape or form stand for me, the very thought of contact with you fills me with repugnance as you are truly slime.

  35. Deeds, man, not words.

    CRJ: I’m standing up for the U.S. Constitution and in doing so for every American. I’m filled with lots of Love.

  36. Thrifty says:

    What did he do? Sorry. I’ve been out of the birther following game for a couple years.

    Notorial Dissent:
    Judy, it is called acceptance(of responsibility), repentance(you repent your sin/crime), forgiveness(you ask those you have wronged to forgive you). You have done and will do none of the above, thus you remain a lying convicted felon. Also as a side note, under NO circumstances imaginable do you in any way shape or form stand for me, the very thought of contact with you fills me with repugnance as you are truly slime.

  37. bob says:

    Thrifty:
    What did he do?Sorry.I’ve been out of the birther following game for a couple years.

    A quick internet search will reveal that Cody Judy disrupted a L.D.S. gathering attended by thousands (including the church’s leader at the time) by claiming to have an explosive device. Judy was eventually subdued by the crowd and arrested; Judy later pleaded guilty to a criminal charge related to the incident and served around eight years in prison.

    Judy will now proceed to post a very long whine about how he was really the victim when he terrorized thousands. And Judy will not accept responsibility for his actions or the harm he caused.

  38. Lupin says:

    bob: Judy will now proceed to post a very long whine about how he was really the victim when he terrorized thousands. And Judy will not accept responsibility for his actions or the harm he caused.

    True; he has denied here feeling any guilt or remorse or anything like that; he is a contemptible man.

  39. Lupin says:

    CRJ: I’m filled with lots of Love. ❤

    So was Hannibal Lecter.

  40. Rickey says:

    bob: A quick internet search will reveal that Cody Judy disrupted a L.D.S. gathering attended by thousands (including the church’s leader at the time) by claiming to have an explosive device.Judy was eventually subdued by the crowd and arrested; Judy later pleaded guilty to a criminal charge related to the incident and served around eight years in prison.

    And after being arrested and sent to a hospital for a mental evaluation, he jumped from a third-story window at 5:00 a.m. and went on the lam. He spent three days in the mountains before turning himself in.

    In a telephone interview Feb. 9 from the Utah County Jail, Judy said he planned to be the LDS Church’s next prophet and that his mission was to prepare for Jesus Christ to return to Earth. As a prophet, he would come forth with revelations and interpretations of scriptures that only he could understand.

    When he turned himself in Friday, Judy said the LDS Church would reinstitute plural marraige and that the “Word of Wisdom” – a health code followed by Mormons that includes abstinence from alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco – would be changed.

    http://www.deseretnews.com/article/283117/JUDY-ARRAIGNED-ON-A-CHARGE-OF-ESCAPE.html?pg=all

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