Yes. If Republicans won't consider cutting military spending, they're not serious about cutting the deficit. And if Democrats won't consider cuts to other entitlement programs, they're not serious about cutting the deficit. I lean right, especially on fiscal issues, and there just isn't a party of fiscal restraint right now. Clinton as President with Gingrich controlling Congress made some seriously great moves, including really difficult ones that some partisans resigned over; we've had nothing comparable since. You're right that at present, it's all tribalism.

I self-host an instance for my personal / family use. It's federated, so I can still engage with others; the UI keeps getting better and better; it supports voice and video calls as well as messaging (using Opus for audio, so the voice quality is good); and it's end-to-end encrypted.

Outside that ecosystem, I've used Signal as my default SMS app on Android since it was known as TextSecure. I've been surprised by how many people in my Contacts list have started using Signal since Parler was cancelled.

Seems appropriate to dig this account out of hibernation now. I was one of the early editors here, from 1998 or so. Worked with Roblimo for years. Very decent guy, did a good job of lending an adult presence to the group that was sorely needed. I'm sad to see him go.

So, installing malicious software means your information can be accessed? SHOCKING.

Man, here I was hoping helm's deep would reinvigorate LOTRO. And yes, I had even pre-ordered it.

Spot on analogy, Tackhead. +1, you.

Hahaha. I had forgotten about the LBs. Hope you are doing well soon.

Thanks man. Advogato 4 lyfe.

Hahahaha -- ah, the ball gag. That brings back memories.

Almost like we planned it that way. Too bad we didn't!

I SEE YOU PUDGE

Nope, CBN left a few years ago. Samzenpus and Timothy are still around tho'!

You can refer to me as "Norman" if that makes it more palatable.