# NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 7, 2022, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018 "2022-02-07T00:52:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 208
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4142 "2022-08-23T23:10:19Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > As the latest result of Texas’ book-banning frenzy, the autobiography of George Dawson, the grandson of a slave who learned to read at age 98, is no longer permitted at George Dawson Middle School. > > [x.com](https://mobile.twitter.com/Southlake4All/status/1561811510099320833) That book looks effin’ awesome. I just [previewed](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Life_Is_So_Good/zaLubFGWgNkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover) it and now I want to read it. But. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t assign that book to middle schoolers myself without consulting with school administration. The book starts off with a graphic description of the author’s experience in 1908 of seeing the fatal lynching of a Black teenager at the hands of a white mob when he was falsely accused of raping a white girl. The n-word and other epithets are freely quoted. I think it’s disgraceful if school administrators are trying to suppress or ban this book entirely because of stupid “CRT” panic or anything like that, natch. But if all they’re doing—and from the linked Twitter thread, I can’t really tell exactly what they’re doing—is requiring some extra scrutiny on the assignment of the book to students due to its potentially traumatic content, then based on what I know now (which is of course extremely incomplete and may well be incorrect), no matter how Stupid Republican they are, I’d be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt about it. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2022, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4143 "2022-08-23T23:21:00Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t assign that book to middle schoolers myself without consulting with school administration. > > The book starts off with a graphic description of the author’s experience in 1908 of seeing the fatal lynching of a Black teenager at the hands of a white mob when he was falsely accused of raping a white girl. The n-word and other epithets are freely quoted. I think that’s exactly the kind of thing middle schoolers should be assigned to read. It’s important that children understand the history of racism in this country so that they can confront it when it rears its ugly head as it has done in the past 15 years. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2022, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4144 "2022-08-23T23:23:27Z")
The former Tennessee state Speaker of the House and his aide have been arrested for bribery, kickbacks and conspiracy to commit money laundering. [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tennessee-speaker-casada-arrested-corruption-probe-88738622](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tennessee-speaker-casada-arrested-corruption-probe-88738622) ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2022, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4145 "2022-08-23T23:24:05Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > I think that’s exactly the kind of thing middle schoolers should be assigned to read. I completely agree. But I wouldn’t have a problem with teachers and administrators saying “you know, this book is talking about some pretty heavy shit, we need to present it thoughtfully and maybe have some traumatic-content warnings as appropriate.” ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4146 "2022-08-24T00:20:26Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > The former Tennessee state Speaker of the House and his aide have been arrested for bribery, kickbacks and conspiracy to commit money laundering. > [https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tennessee-speaker-casada-arrested-corruption-probe-88738622](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/tennessee-speaker-casada-arrested-corruption-probe-88738622) It’s about fucking time. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4147 "2022-08-24T01:26:28Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t assign that book to middle schoolers myself without consulting with school administration. - Since we expect middle schoolers to die for their country, I think they can handle a written description of a lynching. /s ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4148 "2022-08-24T02:15:39Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > That book looks effin’ awesome. I just [previewed](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Life_Is_So_Good/zaLubFGWgNkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover) it and now I want to read it. I bought the e-book and just finished reading right through it, heartily recommend! Hope the students at George Dawson Middle School get the same chance. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4149 "2022-08-24T02:30:46Z")
The Republican candidate for St. Louis County Executive is suing her former employer because she was forced to resign for refusing to wear a mask or get vaccinated. [https://www.kpvi.com/news/national\_news/masks-are-linked-to-satanic-rituals-st-louis-county-executive-candidate-claims-in-suit/article\_474ef8ba-40dd-5066-a6ad-793603d53ad9.html](https://www.kpvi.com/news/national_news/masks-are-linked-to-satanic-rituals-st-louis-county-executive-candidate-claims-in-suit/article_474ef8ba-40dd-5066-a6ad-793603d53ad9.html) ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4150 "2022-08-24T03:02:01Z")
Mehmet Oz: campaign spokesperson: "“If John Fetterman had ever eaten a vegetable in his life, then maybe he wouldn’t have had a major stroke and wouldn’t be in the position of having to lie about it constantly.” > **[Oz campaign on John Fetterman: If he had 'ever eaten a vegetable in his...](https://www.businessinsider.com/oz-on-fetterman-if-hed-eaten-vegetable-wouldnt-have-stroke-2022-8)** > > In the latest veggie wars between the Pennsylvania Senate candidates, a Dr. Oz spokesperson bites back at John Fetterman and his health. ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4151 "2022-08-24T03:15:36Z")
Laura Loomer lost her primary for Congress to incumbent Daniel Webster. They’re both election deniers. This should prove fun. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4152 "2022-08-24T03:19:34Z")
Maybe she can handcuff herself to the registrar of voters’ office? > **[Far-right activist Laura Loomer cuffed herself to Twitter's NYC headquarters;...](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/far-right-activist-laura-loomer-handcuffs-herself-twitter-s-new-n941891)** > > Twitter banned Loomer a week ago after she tweeted that Congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar was anti-Jewish and pro-Sharia law. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4153 "2022-08-24T03:37:21Z")
I found something funny about the Dr. Oz crudite thing that I just had to share. (I know, I hate this hijack as much as anyone. One more.) [https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/301142633\_452990010205821\_2575023718591836723\_n.jpg?\_nc\_cat=104&ccb=1-7&\_nc\_sid=8bfeb9&\_nc\_ohc=VNsMPXZ5vLIAX\_p9eCX&\_nc\_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00\_AT\_wEpVtsWl3w5xE78Y0O1lJUDKiPW864H7XDtNjNx9oSQ&oe=630A4E14](https://scontent-atl3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/301142633_452990010205821_2575023718591836723_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=VNsMPXZ5vLIAX_p9eCX&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.xx&oh=00_AT_wEpVtsWl3w5xE78Y0O1lJUDKiPW864H7XDtNjNx9oSQ&oe=630A4E14) ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4154 "2022-08-24T03:58:18Z")
Rick Scott criticized Biden for vacationing in Delaware. Scott is vacationing in Italy on a yacht. > **[Rick Scott vacations in Italy amid Senate GOP's bleak midterm outlook](https://www.axios.com/2022/08/23/rick-scott-senate-republicans-vacation-italy)** > > Scott is the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, whose job is to win back a GOP majority. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4155 "2022-08-24T03:59:31Z")
Glass houses. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4156 "2022-08-24T08:29:44Z")
What I’m looking forward to, what with all these book-bannings, anti-science laws, and anti-history laws, is when students who graduate from these idiotically-run states find out they cannot get into a reputable, or even accredited, university thanks to their lack of education. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4157 "2022-08-24T08:33:36Z")
It will just be one more grievance against the “elites” they can wear on their sleeve to prove the left is out to get them, it’s so unfair, boohoohoo… ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4158 "2022-08-24T10:30:17Z")
It’s weird that “crudite’” is the thing everyone is latching on, rather than his random thrashing about the produce section looking for things to be outraged about in a supermarket he can’t name properly and also the salsa thing. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4159 "2022-08-24T11:45:50Z")
And without a bag or cart. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4160 "2022-08-24T11:50:06Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Since we expect middle schoolers to die for their country, I think they can handle a written description of a lynching. Wow. Took me a moment, but I get it. Powerful, well-chosen words. ---
**Author:** ![mcgato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@mcgato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcgato)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2022, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018/4161 "2022-08-24T13:33:26Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > It’s weird that “crudite’” is the thing everyone is latching on, rather than his random thrashing about the produce section looking for things to be outraged about in a supermarket he can’t name properly and also the salsa thing. I’ve never seen an explanation of what they were actually going for with that bit, but I firmly believe that introducing the guac, salsa, and tequila was an effort by his staff to “reach out to the Hispanic voters.” Too bad they didn’t go for the “reach out to the black voters” by going to find some fried chicken and watermelon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018.md?page=207) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-2/959018.md?page=209)