Bring it, Joe. Bring it. The Republicans are like schoolyard blowhards. They talk tough but can't take a punch.
Seriously, though, it's long past time for the White House and Democrats in Congress to pushback against the constant stream of lies. Confront them with the truth.
Also, thank you for this enlightening history lesson.
My fave Letter from Professor Richardson this week. I so count on the thought that Megan Coyne and staff are on Letters from an American radar along with a few other Substacks I know that are familiar with meanings of “pithy” and “barnburner closer”.
High time for the power of the pen as a warrior and ally of Democracy.
And as a good “move aside sir”, Marco Rubio’s sweaty, spittle-spluttering rhetoric this week can serve as representative gaffe and embarrassment for the “semi-fascist” Republican Party. I, for one, am chuckling at their outrage. 😁
And quote of the week….President Biden deplaning from Air Force One and confronted by inane question from reporter hoping for a sound bit gaffe…”Mr. President, what did you mean by the term ‘semi-fascist’?” President Biden looked straight at him and said, “YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.” And strode right to the waiting cavalcade. Bam.
Did he SAY THAT? Brilliant! This is so good. It's one of his personal distinguishing marks: he looks straight and talks straight. No bragging, no wheedling, no whining. And it's something They seem unable to do, because of their basic dishonesty.
Whining was something I couldn’t abide when my daughter was three. Still can’t. Chump has made whining an art form. Their verbiage consists of phony accusations (slander) and whining. Rupert won’t tell but give MSM something to report on besides chump’s personal grievance. BTW, will make a donation to Val Demings as soon as I officially wake up.
Yes! Get rid of Rubio! Val Demings cares about Florida; Marco Rubio cares about Marco Rubio. I am retired so don’t have a lot of disposable income, but I am making a donation to Val Demings monthly. If we can add at least two more Democrats to the Senate, it will make a positive difference as to what can be accomplished for the good of our fellow Americans!
I loved Val Demings ads. She reminds me of Queen Latifa in "Equalizer." It would be so nice to get rid of Puto Rubio. Then go after that crook & liar Scott.
“Red Tide Rick” Scott, who wants to take away your Social Security, Medicare, & Medicaid. Wondering how we poor folk could afford to eat. Even the little cans of Fancy Feast cat food cost almost a dollar.
The pleasure is mine. I watched her as manager in the first impeachment trial of DJT, and was quite impressed with her. She would do a good job for Florida, unlike those two who now are Florida Senators, & are only interested in getting rich & powerful while making life miserable for hard-working Floridians.
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Jeri, I ,as others here, have been donating monthly to Val. I am upping the amount for this race to the finish. I ran for Congress in the past and know how critical the small but regular donors are. Every bit helps. Val's ads are "whoop assing" Marco who seems to have suddenly come out of hiding and has a surprised look. Meanwhile, Val looks right into the camera and gives it to him!!!
When I hear "Republican" I automatically think "liar", "fear and hate-mongerer" - nothing worthy of American citizens support or respect. That political party needs to be taken apart and rebuilt WITHOUT most of its current members. Dwight Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln would have nothing to do with the current bunch of mobsters and fascists.
A new troll? I haven't see David Carroll in quite a long time. We had a small rash of trolls a week or so ago, but with all the bad press for tfg and great accomplishments of Dark Brandon, they all went quiet. I guess they realize that "but.....but..........but her emails!" won't fly on this forum.
We have devolved into teams/tribes(which is typical of human nature) in which we lose our ability to rationally evaluate our side. I am guilty of this as well as most people on both “sides”. Most observers have noted that Biden has never been bright and has frequently been questioned on veracity and corruption issues. I think we should focus on policy issues, what policies you agree with or disagree with.
Christine, yesterday I deleted a message I was going to send to you, thinking it was a bit off the mark. Turns out Heather's Letter today aligns nicely with my thoughts these past several months.
I had - and have - been thinking lately of a scene from the movie "Working Girl," where Katharine (Sigourney Weaver) steals an idea her assistant Tess (Melanie Griffith) had and shamelessly promotes it as her own. When Tess tries to push back, she is immediately maligned by Katharine who convinces the higher-ups that Tess should be fired.
Here's the deal: Toward the end, Tess confronts Katharine one-on-one; looks her directly in the eye and tells her whatever the fallout that they will both know what the facts really are. So whatever victory Katharine could claim will always be tainted by truth's shining light.
Omigosh, Lynell. I just watched that movie again this summer!!!! I, of course, relish the role of Tess. Little spitfire.
I like President Biden on the road. Hoping for a road stop here in Florida. Last time the President was with the FL Governor, Joe was pouring aid and relief help into the Miami Surfside condo disaster. How quickly our present guv bites and spits on the hand up. Deadly politics no bueno.
Got a text invite for Biden's rally in Rockville, Maryland last week; a mere 40 minutes away from where I live! Could not attend but texted back a "Go Joe" message. He was on fire at that rally, too. Keep it up, Joe! Go, Charlie Crist!
I agree with the Biden-on-the-road tone and messaging. I like the spunk. Too often when he’s reading a speech from a monitor, his delivery is IMO, so subdued, almost lifeless, emotionless. Seems older than he is, so seeing him energized out and about away from the WH, is refreshing.
Their identity politics is so transparently constructed with lies they can only shore it up with more lies. They have traded ideas for schoolyard taunts and their voters love it.
I have gotten to the point when people are supporting a blatant lie I ask them why they are willing to accept that lie and support it when the facts are right in front of them and irrefutable. Why do they want that person to represent them in Congress? I often get nasty replies but I hope I’m planting seeds in their minds and the other readers.
One of my all-time favorite movies! I have been humming the theme song recently, "Let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation, come the new Jerusalem."
I am hoping that Val Demings can finally get rid of Puto Rubio who does nothing except sell himself to the highest bidder and makes inane quotes from his Buybull for his ignorant cult followers. He slings Marxist & Socialist trigger words around while sucking at the public trough for too long. Our agency joined others for developmentally disabled to protest outside his office in Miami as far back as April 2007 due to his sponsored cuts to our clients. He is a parasite.
Remove money from politics and watch as Rubio leaves Washington for better grifting elsewhere.Like rats scurrying out of burning building the worst of our elected officials and lobbyist would leave DC.
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Letting you know , Lynell, that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
The Democrats have finally pulled their cajones up out of the frigid waters of equanimity by returning the glove slap across the astonished face of those republican slaves to perdition!
The power of prayer's faith strengthening Love!
America the beautiful is shining brighter than ever now....
now there is hope...
now dreams will come true....
now fear is vanquished...
now freedom's bell rings out amongst the swelling of America's patriots!
I like that term, thanks, Lynell. And thank you Professor Richardson, I didn't know the history of Burlingame and love the way you tied him to Biden's recent speech. Go, Burlingame Biden!
Morning, Sally!! I'm wondering how many who don't follow Heather (and other historians) know who Burlingame is. It should keep the 'pubs tied up in knots for a while, though, don't you think!
Morning, Ally! I recall Heather mentioning Burlingame in one of her chats relating to Charles Sumner; I don't remember her talking about the speech he made. Cool Beans!
The GOP has been hitting with their weaknesses for so long, I can’t remember when they haven’t. From Swift Boating Kerry to T’s telling Clinton that SHE was the puppet, they’ve employed the mature “I’m rubber, you’re glue” strategy ad nauseum. At this point it’s just a tell to what they know they’ve done! So happy the Dems have found a spine.
I read the other day that the GOP strategist responsible for designing the "Swiftboat" plan that derailed John Kerry's campaign had died. Rick Reed, who died at 69, also worked on McCain's and tfg's campaigns. The obituary says the cause of death was due to a "heart ailment."
My guess is that's probably true, because a bad heart, filled with ill will, is going to do you in, every time.
Huffpost's article on this has his eyes flashing red. And then there's Marco's drivel. Donate to Val Demings. Also I learned more history of the prewar Civil War era. Thank you, Heather.
As a native Californian, I am embarrassed that he, Devin "I will sue you!" Nunes and worthless McClintock "represent" my state. Fortunately it looks like DN's cow is coming home to roost.
What a twist with words you have, TC. Reminds me that you can't pluck a chicken unless you tork and pop its head first. Twist more decisive than blooding the noses of the moreoffs.
Ditto, Michael. Heather heartens me. Never have I enjoyed history so much as with her notes. My mind is full of alliteration this morning. Marco: Son of the South Will Rise Again. A Pious Pilferer of Public Property. A Self-Righteous Far Right Ridiculous Republican. ETC!
May Val Demings prevail. Just imagine a Black Woman putting him in his place: Out-of-Office. Oooo, that would really get him in his biases!
Except the right wing base will believe whatever the guy spreading his ridiculous lies says. They don’t care if it’s a lie as long as it allows them to hate.
In the history book These Truths, by Jill Lepore, I read the following paragraphs about the first, highly successful political campaign managers, Campaigns, Inc., aka The Lie Factory, founded in 1933. On Pg 451-452 of These Truths are their campaign strategy rules:
Every campaign needs a theme. Keep it simple. Rhyming is good. Never explain anything. "The more you have to explain, the more difficult it is to win support." Say the same thing over and over again. "We assume we have to get a voter's attention 7 times to make a sale". Subtlety is your enemy. "Words that lean on your mind are no good. They must dent it." Simplify, simplify, simplify. "A wall goes up when you try to make Mr. And Mrs. Average American Citizen work or think."
Make it personal. Candidates are easier to sell than issues. If your position doesn't have an opponent, invent one. Pretend that you are the voice of the people. You can't wage a defensive campaign and win. Never shy from controversy; instead win the controversy. "The average American doesn't want to be educated, he doesn't want to improve his mind; he doesn't want to work, consciously, at being a good citizen. But there are 2 ways you can interest him in a campaign, and only 2 that we have ever found successful." You can put on a fight ("He likes a good battle with no punches pulled"), or you can put on a show ("He likes the movies, he likes mysteries; he likes fireworks and parades). "So, if you can't fight, PUT ON A SHOW! If you put on a good show, Mr. And Mrs. America will turn out to see it.
Late in the day now but, felt it appropriate to say this in support of your post anyway, this is a perfect reminder of the entire GOP position for several years now. Remember when Moscow Mitch openly announced that they would have NO Platform! None,...and they Don't. They cannot tell you what they actually Do believe in. Not even bullet points like they used have : Small govt, strong on defense, and my personal fav - "family values". Since he / they knew they have and believe in none of those anymore that they are better off having None.
What this leaves them with is simply HATE the other side. Doesn't matter what it is or what it's about. Hate them for it and that's your platform. Per Barbara's quote from "These Truths" it satisfies their 1. "putting up a fight" and 2. "putting on a show" and all of it without having had to commit to one actual party belief.
Would like to see the Real POTUS Joe's new messaging team run with this and since they won't do it themselves,..... create the GOP's platform For Them and let everyone know it! Based on facts, just to start it would be pretty simple really:
1. Share our most classified and top secret nuclear secrets with our adversaries
2. Just say No to women's rights
3. And that goes for LGBT, too
4. But, electing pedophiles to office Ok as long as one of ours (Gaetz)
5. GOP deserves millions in unpaid govt loans but make those lame-ass kids pay
6. Only declared GOP get to vote (and only for the pre-checked box we give you)
7. Only the GOP reading list allowed in schools - all others confiscated and burned
8. Oh yeah and, all past GOP POTUS can pardon themselves in perpetuity.
I must stop now but, I am sure that this intelligent group can continue this list forever. It sounds crazy funny to read but, it's actually what their "platform" is. Since they don't have one their lie & hate-fueled cult of circus animals has developed their own and their trainers have decided to just let them have their way with it.
Happy to help, but alas I am not Professor Barbara, nor the same same Barbara whom Heather often greets at the beginning of her Facebook chats. I do like to sometimes pretend in my own mind that she is talking directly to me, just for fun. I'm just another history fan who found these words from "These Truths" so illustrative of American politics that they literally scared me. They completely encapsulate Trump's campaign in 2016. I fear that Joe and our protectors of our democracy MUST take heed that the vast majority of people actually do think this way. Put up a fight or put on a show seems to sum up the American attention span.
Thanks Barabara!! Forwarding to fellow activists campaigning for Democrat Dr. BOB Lorinser for Michigan's 1st Congressional District. We must Send Bergman Back to Louisiana!
Yes, it is about time that Joe started swinging. It is apparent that Americans want a good show from their politicians. Perhaps after watching mud wrestling, they might recognize how stupid it is.
The FCC must step up to stop outrageous lies and conspiracies off the air waves. Surely anything starting to grow viral can be spotted, slowed down and examined without disrupting Facebook's business model.
This is what it takes to protect & keep our democracy. Enforce the Rule of Law, & right wing extremists must abide by the principles of nonviolent, civil disobedience.
Letting you know , TCinLA, that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
It's time for HCR to do what the rest of we Substack bloggers do: limit comments to Paid Subscribers. You never ever get a troll that way, since they're cheap bastards.
They have to pay to post and it seems whatever Heather is saying is scaring the crap out of them. They wanted people to quit supporting her and would like to diminish her message. Heather does a fantastic job of putting things in perspective and ties current events into history. I learn so much from her and she makes me think in different ways. We’re a solid group of intelligent poster’s and can find each other amongst other truth tellers on substack.
Whataboutism is not a solution to todays problems.
Left wing extremists doing what? Campaigning against Republicans? Telling the truth? Oh, you must mean something like the radical right wing storming of the Capitol on Jan.6, 2021? You’ll be looking a long time if your search is for something equally damaging by the left for which they must be held accountable.
Maybe because they weren’t there on Jan 6 threatening to kill people, or sending fake electors to turn over an election, or suppressing voters ....things like that
Yes, everyone that commits crimes and works to destroy our democracy should be held accountable. Which left wing extremist are you referring to and what did they do that upsets you so much? Be specific. Just because you think someone else got away with something doesn’t mean it’s okay for everyone else to get away with it. Wrong is wrong. From what I’ve seen the left has complied with every investigation, no matter how unfounded (Benghazi). However we’ve seen years of the right refusing to tell the “truth” because it’s hard to lie under oath.
They get real brave in front of the cameras but whip out that 5th Amendment pretty quickly when they have an “opportunity” to tell it the the court or committee!
For too long so many of us have been saying the democratic leadership needs to take off the gloves and fight! Call the repugs out for exactly what they are. Go Joe and don’t take your foot off the gas pedal (or alternative energy source 😉)!!
Always thank you for the History footnotes. I think of heated and serious arguments as our very American living history is and has been in our recent past, as a game of tug of war. Let them pull us, let them bully us. The recent callouts are a bit like simply letting go of the rope - think of what happens when it’s late in that game and the pulling just becomes so fruitless. Let go of the rope, they’ll probably fall on their proverbial a**.
None of the younger trump wanna-bes have the understanding or "charisma" trump has. But be assured; the new and IMPROVED trump is out there! He's charismatic. He's smart. And the "growth medium" is being cultivated by the likes of Desantos, mcconnell, texas, florida and other entities.
Unless we create an incorruptile system these people will return.
The Democrats have finally pulled their cajones up out of the frigid waters of equanimity by returning the glove slap across the astonished face of those republican slaves to perdition!
The power of prayer's faith strengthening Love!
America the beautiful is shining brighter than ever now....
now there is hope...
now dreams will come true....
now fear is vanquished...
now freedom's bell rings out amongst the swelling of America's patriots!
Your post is quite poetic. Thank you! I have been shouting for years, "When will Dems get spine and stones?" However, their history suggests we not get too excited. "Old Joe" is a mere two years older than I. Don't sell us old folk short. One must learn to go where Angels dare not tread. Now! Will his Party follow him? Or, will they cringe and fall back into their safe cocoon?
It seems young man you are one living life through allegiance in your faith. Thanks for your supportive replying comment.
We share at least two enduring aspects, age & faith.
America's cringeworthiness's relief coincides with its cocoon emergent display of a plethora of beauteous bright butterfly's dazzling colors of ethnicities' Love!
Let us hope (and, pray if you are into that sort of thing) that those beauteous bright butteflies show up at the ballot box in 2022 and 2024. We, the nation of people, are paying a severe price for our ignorance and our apathy. Salvation remans viable. But, will it show up?
The recent southern Red state voting tallies have those lying Son slaves of perdition pis,,ng in their "Depends"
Americans' witnessing such an unexpected voting miracle would encourage their thoughts of Democratic control of both Congressional legislative bodies in conjunction with Biden's body & soul...all together harmonizing America's ringing Freedom Bell's nationwide report echoing long, loid, and clear!
The left has fomented nothing but lies over the last six years. They co-opted the Security state in pushing the Russia hoax. The Kavanaugh hearings were a sham, full of lies and smears. The left is a group without honor.
Jeez, Madjack, did WaPo ban you from the comments section for trolling (or some such thing) that you now have to come here to get you jollies? Do you realize how silly your above comment is? If there is a group without honor it is surely the very deluded one which has spent the last 6 years kowtowing to a con man.
I'm pretty sure these "appearances" are trolls. There have been a few lately. Whenever they post comments which deny Russian influence in Trump's election and his presidency is the give-away. Talk about ignorant!
So, you didn’t watch the hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson did you? Republicans were outraged over sentencing guidelines and blamed her for them when in actuality it was their job to fix them. The accused her of being soft on pedophiles. The one thing they didn’t do with all that smearing and outrage is go back to their offices and present changes to the sentencing guidelines they were criticizing. If they really cared we would have seen changes. That’s like a dereliction of duty. That’s the party in a nutshell. Just like everything else if they fix it they won’t be able to invent crises surrounding it.
BTW, Kavanaugh was the clown show. Have you never known anyone who has been sexually molested? I’m going to say yes, but they don’t talk about it. How about those tips about his behavior that were swept under the rug by the right? How does it make you feel that a bought and paid for shill has a place on our highest court and he has no conscience, no morality and no ethics?
The left did something with all the outrage from Kavanaugh, they made it possible for women to come forward regarding abuse. The right excused the behavior and criticized the left for standing up for women. Those women voted in 2020nand even more will vote this year. A blue wave is coming and it will be a Tsunami.
Ooops, Madjack is obviously of the great uneducated that trump so loves. I no longer adhere to categorize such people as ignorant. They are actually evil with malice.
You're a persistent senile old white male boomer Trumpscum deplorable, aren't you? Go back to sucking Trump's mushroom, it's what lifetime losers like you are good at it.
Goes back to the heritage foundation..."Ronald Reagan and The Heritage Foundation. It's hard to tell the story of one without much of the other's. Heritage was President Reagan's favorite think tank, and Reagan was the embodiment of the ideas and principles Heritage holds dear.
Together, we blazed a new path for America.
The partnership began in 1980, when Heritage provided the president-elect's transition team with detailed policy prescriptions on everything from taxes and regulation to trade and national defense. The published version of these recommendations, the 1,100-page "Mandate for Leadership," was described by United Press International back then as "a blueprint for grabbing the government by its frayed New Deal lapels and shaking out 48 years of liberal policy." The new president used "Mandate" to help realize his vision of a world free of communism, an economy that didn't crush people's dreams with high taxes and regulations, and an America the world could admire once again. He gave copies to every member of his Cabinet. The result: Nearly two-thirds of "Mandate's" 2,000 recommendations were adopted or attempted by the Reagan administration.
As conservative commentator William F. Buckley, Jr., put it: "The foundation had a great hour when Ronald Reagan was elected president and found waiting for him three volumes of Heritage material designed to help him chart the nation's course in the right direction. Sixty percent of the suggestions enjoined on the new president were acted upon (which is why Mr. Reagan's tenure was 60 percent successful.)"
In his second term, Reagan turned again to Heritage for ideas-and adopted many of them. He recited 22 specific proposals from "Mandate for Leadership II" in his second inaugural address in 1985, prompting The New York Times to say, "While the wording of the president's speech and the foundation's document were different, many of the proposals were strikingly similar."
"Heritage advocated for pro-business policies, anti-communism and neoconservatism in its early years, but distinguished itself from the conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI) by also advocating for the Christian right. Through the 1970s, Heritage would remain small relative to Brookings and the AEI." https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/reagan-and-heritage-unique-partnership
"Since its founding, the Heritage Foundation has become “inextricably intertwined” with Republican administrations and lawmakers in Washington. Heritage brands itself as a beacon of the intellectual conservative establishment; in reality, it is an organization that regularly spouts hateful ideas on par with organizations like the Family Research Council (FRC), which has earned designation from the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. Much like its peer groups, Heritage dedicates significant energy to extremist policy recommendations that hinder access to abortion and birth control and promote discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
If you have been wondering where all these bizarre characters in the orange flambé's administration come from....look to the heritage foundation. https://pro-lies.org/the-heritage-foundation/
They are a 501(c) 3. How is that possible that they have such a huge tax deductible grip on our government? Most types of tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations are forbidden from contributing to political campaigns and may only do a limited amount of lobbying.
Sheldon Whitehouse \ During July 2016, Heritage was one of 32 free-market policy organizations that were denounced on the floor of the U.S. Senate by 19 Democratic senators. Led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the campaign was aimed at passage of a Congressional resolution that would have called on the non-profit groups to cooperate with “active or future investigations” of their climate-policy positions that might be launched against them by federal or state law enforcement officials. Whitehouse accused Heritage and the other organizations of work that was creating a “filthy thing in our democracy.”
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
In August 2016, Heritage board member, co-founder and long-time president Ed Feulner was named as a member of the transition team for then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. After Trump’s election victory that November, Heritage continued to be an influence on the policy decisions throughout the Trump administration. The Wall Street Journal reported that future Vice President Mike Pence was “a conservative close to Heritage” who “took control of the Trump transition effort days after the November election” and turned to Heritage to move quickly and “help bolster a thinly staffed transition operation to oversee the handoff between administrations."
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Heritage published Mandate for Leadership, a report with 321 policy reform recommendations for whoever became the new president. One year into the Trump administration, Heritage estimated the new administration had “embraced fully” 64 percent of the proposals. [63]
Also, during the 2016 campaign, Trump said he had asked Heritage and the Federalist Society to compile a list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees for him to choose from if elected and given the opportunity to appoint new justices.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a major overhaul of the tax code promoted by Trump and enacted in late 2017, was created with the input of Stephen Moore (both a Heritage tax policy expert and Trump administration official). The Heritage 2017 annual report states that then-OMB director Mick Mulvaney “quickly called on us to help” when the administration began drafting its tax cut plan."
Dark monied, non-profits that control our government policies and employees that are guised as "think tanks" need to be re-thought. And their 501(c)3 status rescinded.
If Sheldon Whitehouse has them on his list of 32 enemies and Southern Poverty Law Center titles them a Hate Group. That is good enough. Enough. Break them.
The heritage foundation has 5,000 employees. And they have mandates for the candidates they support. This is an interesting read from one of their authors titled, "The Southern Poverty Law Center Backs Woke History at James Madison’s Montpelier."
This foundation controls the narrative for the republican extremists and policies. They need to be held responsible for their dancing monkeys in our government.
They were connected and may still be. That would have to be researched. Here are some names of their 2021 Board of Trustees (recognize any of them?) :
Barb Van Andel-Gaby, Chairwoman
Michael W. Gleba, Vice Chairman
Kay Coles James
Larry P. Arnn
Edwin J. Feulner
Steve Forbes
Robert P. George
Ryan Haggerty
Price Harding
Virginia Heckman
Jerry Hume
Mark A. Kolokotrones
Edwin Meese III
Rebekah Mercer
The Hon. J. William Middendorf II
Abby Spencer Moffat
Nersi Nazari
Robert Pennington
Anthony J. Saliba
Thomas A. Saunders III
Brian Tracy
* I will tell you that Rebekah Mercer and her father, Robert, are really wealthy conspiracy theorists who funded Bannon, Conway and Brietbart, just for starters and as was revealed by Rachel Maddow years ago. Robert was some kind of computer wiz and made a fortune on something like algorithms which got us into a lot of the problems we are in now. Cambridge Analytica, considers itself a "private intelligence company." There was a Facebook scandal and they were supposed to shut down. Guess what little darlings on key figures in the UK-based Cambridge Analytica?
Alexander Nix (CEO)[1]
Julian Wheatland (CEO)[2]
Robert Mercer (investor)[3]
Rebekah Mercer (investor)
Steve Bannon (vice president, former)
Nice? The parent group still exists called SCL. I am sure that would be really worth investigating and see who runs it.
I read through the list earlier & refreshed myself on their history. Lots of suspect names on that list, starting w Meese, who should have been jailed for all his antics.
This is an excellent article from last year about THF, its founding & connections to ALEC, & its “massive campaign to draft and pass model legislation restricting voting access.”
Thank you for the roadmap of how “professional “ conservatives run the repubs. Especially supporting or creating candidates like Reagan and Trump who are actors : “Trump said he had asked Heritage and the Federalist Society to compile a list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees for him to choose from if elected and given the opportunity to appoint new justices.” Who coached TFG to ask for a list? And Heritage is just a standout in the right wing march to take over the USA, making it a White Male Christian country. Add the Claremont Institute that pushed Eastman into the fray. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/07/24/claremont-john-eastman-trump/
And, Irenie, the huge list of white supremacist and hate groups, organized into specific categories on the Southern Poverty Law Center's website curdled my stomach. Truly. It was more horrendous than my weekly visits to faux news. But now I know better who is behind all this extremism. And the innocuous names they use like "Traditional American Values" which translates "white supremacy over all others. This is our real history that they do not want to look at. Because they keep "it" alive with their brainwashing.
Pensa_VT, yes, it’s enough to make us all sick. And it is making us sick. Or bringing out, giving permission to the basest and foulest impulses. It’s a tenet of Fascism to divide and conquer.To scapegoat and create enemies. If an American political party (repubs) can welcome Victor Orban to a party function or an American political party can gather in Orban’s Hungary, without public shock and uproar that tells us a continuing story of how creeping fascism can take hold without the general public noticing. We watched it happen Europe.
I just go and paste things from HCR to give them something to bite that is factual. I last from 3 pastes up to 15 pastes on a good day when my tolerance levels are high.
At least the kkk members had the courage to wear there despicable white hoods. These creatures hide behind super PACs so there dark money can do their dirty work.
The KKK wore their hoods to hide. Some were well known and others hidden in a community.
“For many years the KKK quite literally could get away with murder. The Ku Klux Klan was an instrument of fear, and black people, Jews and even white civil rights workers knew that the fear was intended to control us, to keep things as they had been in the South through slavery, and after that ended, through Jim Crow. This fear of the Klan was very real because, for a long time, the Klan had the power of Southern society on its side.” No courage. https://www.splcenter.org/20110228/ku-klux-klan-history-racism
You bring up an interesting point. If we're going to examine the 501(c)3 status of these 'dark money' non-profits, we're going to have a long list... we'll have to include the churches (all of them). The SPLC Hate Group list could include some of them, too.
Well, when I co-founded a a non-profit here in the northeast serving children in grief, I thought it was pretty clear that we not be involved politically. Otherwise we would have gone after the egregious No Child Left Behind which translated to All Children Left Behind because teachers cannot handle all the issues of grieving children impacted by death, 9/11, divorce, family substance abuse, foster and adoption issues and pet losses. If they cannot focus in the classroom, who can help them? Just one nurse and usually one school counselor for hundreds of children. Now add anxiety and grief due to mass shootings in schools.
Agreed, but I would add "hunger" to the list. When eldest daughter began her career, there were a glut of teachers in our area which pulled students from several suburbs, one which is very economically disadvantaged. She had to start as a credit recovery aide and kept a candy dish on her desk. Even with qualifying for free breakfasts and lunches, some teenaged boys coming for help were still hungry. I will never forget her telling me that one young man, when offered the candy dish asked "do you have any real food, like an apple that I could have?" She started picking up bags of fruit to bring to her office. And btw, she was paid <$30K/ yr (and was paying off her own student loans)
And for decades in many schools, especially rural or small districts, no nurses, no counselors, no librarians unless shared among several schools. And if I comment on No Child Left Behind, we’ll run out of space.
Having been involved many years ago in filing 501c3 paperwork, I do not understand how any clearly political work can be done by approved entities. The prohibitions were clearly stated in the application/approval guidance. To hear that these organizations are classified as apolitical, tax exempt, and for the public good is dismaying and should counter to their intended purpose.
The OP in this thread may have conflated 501(c)3s with 501(c)4s. The 4s have somewhat more leeway. My understanding is that they have to avoid electoral politics (e.g., supporting candidates), but they can lobby for legislation and do "educational" work in the public square. The NAACP is one, and I think the NRA is too.
Ironic that the Heritage cabal’s blueprint for affordable healthcare was repudiated after the ACA included the Heritage’s inclusion of a penalty for those not getting insurance. As a pro business group, they realized that no insurance company would take on pre-existing conditions without the ‘carrot’ of being quarantined healthy enrollees.
I refer to that group as a propaganda mill! No thoughts about helping Mom and Pop Mainstreet coming out of the faux ‘think’ tank!
I have been using "fascists" since election night, 2016. I got kicked off youtube back then.Now it will trend, thank you Biden for having a strong, quiet spine! We have needed Truth to be spoken.
I made a FB post in March 2016 comparing tRump to Hitler. Some saw it as a valid comparison but many were calling it hyperbole. THEY NOW STAND CORRECTED.
Facebook Timeline Post
Rob Boyte - March 1, 2016
FASCISM II - THE SEQUEL
DONALD TRUMP
Just a few months ago many of us thot that Donald Trump was a joke, a mediocre, boorish business man who dabbled in crap TV shows out of boredom. Now, he is becoming a frightening figure, not entirely by himself but because of his rabid following of ignorant, low-life fascists whom he is dangerously egging on with his hate rhetoric and failure to distance himself from known white supremacy hate groups.
Even the remaining sane Republicans are fearful that he will be their party's choice for POTUS in 2016. (Yes, there are sane Republicans. The ones who did not vote for McCain after he chose Sarah Palin as his Veep - one heartbeat away from the presidency). As we watch the increasing popularity of this crude demagogue appealing to the base prejudice that has never left the ignorant masses in America, those of us with a sense of history see where such dredged up hatred leads. Never say "It can't happen here" or "Never again." We are watching it happen again by the playbook.
I just hope in the end there are enuf sane ppl in America who get off their asses and vote for whomever the Democrats run in the general election to prevent a disaster for our nation and the world. Remember, no matter which political party you are affiliated with you can vote for any candidate running in the general election. Do The Right Thing.
I said the same thing right after he was voted in. Republicans told me I had to accept it and learn to live with it. I said I’d never be able to accept a fascist president. They thought I was being ridiculous. Now look at TFG! Total traitor!
For decades we of the left of center have called every conservative whose politics we didn't like a "fascist" without much regard for its actual, historical meaning -- pretty much the way the right uses "socialist" and "communist." In recent years, however, the right wing and the GOP have ticked more and more of the "fascist" boxes, to the point where the word really does apply. Unfortunately, it's been so overused that it's become almost meaningless.
President Biden's use of "semi-fascist" is having an impact, to judge by how ballistic the Republicans are going about it -- because President Biden, unlike many of us, is not given to overstatement and hyperbole. I'm planning to take my cue from him and continue using the word "fascist" when it really applies, not just when I'm trying to describe some generic right-winger's disgusting politics.
It is, and that's why it's so frustrating and infuriating that the word has lost so much meaning and impact when it accurately describes what so much of the GOP is up to. I've compared it elsewhere to the boy who cried "Wolf!" The wolf was real, but people had heard him cry "Wolf, wolf, wolf!" so often that they shook their heads and went back to whatever they were doing. What matters in the end is less the truth of what you say than how people hear it.
I've used that term to their Republican faces. Gets a strong reaction, but the truth sometimes hurts, yes? No more Mr. Nice Guy, as Alice Cooper would say.
Biden has been doing a great job and now he says flat out that the opposition is no longer Republican but fascists. Speaking the truth is essential and now the DOJ must speak by issuing indictments. Investigations, hearings are good but the indictments are due ASAP.
Strongly approve of this more pointed rhetoric, as the USA fights the huge current threat to the survival of our constitution and our global standing as a citizenry that supports truth-telling versus lies. As a student of Nazi Germany and Hitler's bamboozlement of a nation with catastrophic consequences, I see many parallels in MAGA Republicans ' attempt to turn back the national clock to a regime of repression in education, free speech, sexuality and civil rights. Let the strong voices of multicultural America , from the age of 5 to 100, ring loud and clear! The whole world is waiting!
Wonder if Twitter will regret banning me for calling our chump as Hitleresque before the 2020 election. Nah, no doubt their algorithms are still programmed to favor republican evil.
Is there no recourse with a Twitter ban? Happened to a friend of mine who shared some insanity to point out said insanity, “for life”. I’d demand reinstatement!
So delighted to see this change of attitude! Go, Biden!
“President Biden’s Twitter account has recently been taken over by new White House's Deputy Director of Platforms Megan Coyne, who garnered attention when she ran the official New Jersey Twitter account with attitude, and it seems as if the administration is taking the new saltiness out for a spin. ‘All the talk about the deficit from the same folks that gave an unpaid-for $2 trillion tax cut to the wealthy and big corporations. It makes you laugh,’ the account said tonight. ‘Under my Administration, the deficit is on track to come down by more than $1 trillion this year.’”
Isn't being semi-facist like being semi-pregnant? You either are or you're not. Going for the juggler and then pulling back while striking is a trait I've witnessed too often on the left. Just sayin'. Don't purposely soften your position. You get as much crap for saying it you might as well get the full benefit. -saw-
Love Megan, take on the lot of the liars, whiners, and propagandists. They have had the microphone (and Twitter feed) long enough. Won’t matter to the MAGAts (who will still worship Apopis, Egyptian God of chaos), but maybe some with a few working brain cells.
Heather's account of Representative Anson Burlingame's 1856 rebuke of a southern bully was inspirational. It's unfortunate, but it's come to this; a coarse, braying minority representing a would-be dictator has cowed too many folks that believe in civility. As we all know, the schoolyard bully is typically a coward. I live in an area with an over abundance of these people, frequently seen driving jacked up Dodge Ram pickup trucks flying multiple in-your-face flags and sporting disgusting bumper stickers. I wonder if these pot-bellied rednecks realize just how many of us "laptop liberals" quietly conceal a serious arsenal of our own. Good for Biden. Good for Garland and the DOJ. But if it should ever come down to it, good for those with the wisdom to "speak softly and carry a big stick".
So over the big over compensating trucks with the flags and all! I was overtly fake laughing at a guy in one the other day and he changed lanes to get away from me. If it’s true these guys biggest fear is being made fun of, I’m using that for a weapon! He looked a little stunned as I pointed and laughed! Of course, in Texas you do have to be careful. Thanks to Abbott everybody’s packing heat.
I saw a very old Lincoln yesterday with 5 flags attached, one an old, frayed tfg flag. I was so taken aback I didn’t get how he had all these attached. Must really affect gas mileage (and thought process).
I've used idjt quite a bit. I kind of like the formal usage of fpotus, where rather than "former" the "f" can stand for a variety of "colorful metaphors"*
My favorite is "flatulent". *Colorful metaphors is a nod to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Oh Ally yours is so much better than mine - idiot isnt colorful enough!! There are SO many. My son is a fan of the Star Trk movies - I may have watched one or two. They somehow didnt grab me!
I’m trying to be careful where I even wear my political T-shirts. From my women’s club a friend that put Beto bumper stickers on her car got obscenities scratched into the paint! I think it means we’re getting under their skin and making progress. But you have to be careful!
“Pot-bellied rednecks.” I know them, some with advanced degrees, who have drunk the cool-aid. Proud to be a laptop liberal. Bigger donation to Val coming up. Smart arse Marco needs to go. Where are you Mad Dog Pac.
I called out one of those rednecks in a La Pine, OR diner. The waitress was wearing an offensive tRump t-shirt. The owner defended her saying “I printed it for her.” That earned him three very negative social reviews. No business should be serving politics on the side. Hit these folks in the wallet.
At long last Biden is sharpening his tounge! Bravo, Mr President.
Regarding the South's perpetual and very delusional sense of superiority – they seem to be content having the preponderance of folks below the poverty line and believe it to be a badge of honor. How sad for those who work night and day to just get by.
Is this really new for Biden? I seem to recall him asking “who is this clown?” In response to one of Trump’s ignorant statements in one of the Presidential Debates. And didn’t he once suggest that they “step outside” to settle a disagreement?
The caricature of Biden as a senile, out-of-touch wimp is way off base.
I hear this a lot, but it’s not practical. Besides, there are a lot of progressive people south of that line, myself included. Why not work to bring about change? Look at what Stacy Abrams has accomplished in Georgia! Stop ignoring states that are not entirely blue, & run good candidates for office. Sometimes here in Florida there are local elections that don’t even have a Democratic candidate.
Sounds better if you’re a northerner than if you, as I, happen to live in Florida! The division couldn’t be geographic. Don’t know what it could be, if the unthinkable were to occur. What about education or technical savvy or... Any ideas?
I write postcards and letters for various Democrat/progressive organizations and there are MANY groups in the South who do the same....GA is awash in these brave folks! If they have hope, we can too.... support them
AFAIC, it is long since high time for Biden and all the other Dems to start launching repeated punches to the throat and kicks to the crotch, call out the christo-fascists and seditious fomenters of domestic terrorism in plain terms for what they are and what they're doing. No more handwringing over how nasty the other side is playing, no more ceding the messaging terrain. Own the high ground _and_ the low ground. When they go low, kick 'em in the chops. Hard.
I hadn't known about Megan Coyne, but if she's coming out salty and with attitude, I say, "You go, girl!" Tell it, expose the treachery and BS for what it is, simply and straightforwardly and loudly, again and again and again, so that the uninformed and apathetic out there figure out that our country is at stake.
It is impossible to like your comment, Kathy. We need to keep Emmett Till's light shining in our hearts and minds now and always. His sacrifice must continue to drive the principles of equality forward.
I give thanks to his courageous mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, for demanding that the world see the truth of American Racism, by refusing a closed casket. Kudo’s to Jet Magazine also for the courage to print the images. No sweeping it under the rug and quietly mourning. I never learned about Emmett Till until I was an adult with tween-age kids of my own. A truly informative PBS documentary about him was a good lesson for all three of us. And now thanks to Heather, I learn about Senator Burlingame. His courage in the face of Senator Sumner’s near fatal beating by South Carolina Senator, Preston “Bullying” Brooks, to talk, while pointedly addressing Brooks, is the “Profiles In Courage” I want to know more about!!!!! Deputy Director of Platforms, Megan Coyne offers that same spirit !
We now have people in Congress who represent the true faces of America. Most are on the Democratic side. A few misguided are on the Pro-Rape Party side. We must continue to show the “melting pot” that our country inhabits.
Check out "That's Another Fine Mess" today. TC covers it in detail. For the Professor, this Letter is still for Saturday, even if I'm reading it on Sunday morning.
Thank you, Professor Richardson, for another insightful Letter.
Some thoughts:
Personally, I’d rather we stop calling them MAGA Republicans and start calling them Trumpists because that is what they are.
Those who embrace and repeat the Lie should be called out as liars and challenged at every opportunity to prove otherwise.
Stephen Miller has somehow avoided much attention, although he has begun to rear his head recently. He and Bannon – to my mind – are two of the most insidious players of the bunch.
I think they are MAGA Republicans AND Trumpists; Trump's "Red Hats". The whole party is responsible, though I think a lot of the rank and file are (albeit all too willingly) bamboozled. Trump the politcal leader is more a creation of the larger party than they of he. He is the bull in the china shop that creates so much chaos, they can do as they please, letting their Hyde-side some out to play.
The recent article in The Atlantic, 'We Need To Take Away the Children,' by Caitlin Dickerson, gives Miller the starring role in the family separation policy. Anyone who hesitated in carrying out the draconian, secret policy was set upon by Miller until they relented.
He is front and center, for sure, but don’t forget about Jeff Sessions. He let Miller off of his leash. Let him him amuck. Miller has already produced a child with another Aryan. He must be neutered!
When the whole party follows Trumps, and they cast out any who do not, all Republicans who choose to stay behind and vote with them ARE MAGA Republicans. They can say they hold their nose while doing so, but should be afforded no leniency for allowing Trumpists to take over the Republican Party.
Watched All the President's Men (1976) with Redford and Hoffman playing "Woodstein," as Ben Bradlee of WaPo referred to them, on PBS last night. Crap. It was the prequel to this debacle we are now fighting and a sequel of the Republican party's continuing disregard for the rules of law and political engagement in a democracy. Criminals all, lauded by their followers and sooo misunderstood by those who deal in facts and have expectations for fair play and honor in the highest echelons of our government. Same abuses, absent the enormity and large role of media in the present chapters of the Decemation of American Democratic Governance which the present should be aptly titled. First they gave us Reagan, the WBush, then Trump-Miller-Banon, and next DeSantis. Republicans impeached a Democrat for moral turpitude while defending at least three Republican presidents with proven crimal activites and violations of their oaths to protect the nation. Worth watching. What a cast.
So here is the huge difference between then and now in my mind.
The Southern politicians were, in one very important sense, honorable. They stood up and declared that they were slavers, which they were. They spoke the truth. They were proud of it. And their idea of civilization built on slavery had worked well (for them) for generations in the South, and had been a core part of most great empires of the past. Egyptian civilization, Hellenic civilization, and Roman civilization had all been built on the backs of slaves.
The Southern government is now seen as a moral abomination, but they were carrying on a tradition that had deep roots in tradition and history, but during a time of rapid change -- industrialization -- where slavery was simply losing its utility: it could not compete with machines. One can argue a moral case for "necessary slavery." There is absolutely NO moral argument for "unnecessary slavery."
The modern Republicans are entirely different. They hide their intentions behind lies. They cloak their actions in secrecy. They engage in Orwell's Doublespeak, continuously and exclusively. They promote, not an honorable duel or war, but instead covertly stoke civil unrest, sedition, betrayal, terrorism, and collapse.
The system of government they pursue is both a moral and functional abomination. They are not shooting for a grand civilization, like the Egyptian, that had slaves and lasted for nearly 3000 years. They seem to be shooting for, at best, a model like Nazi Germany, which lasted a whole 12 years. Or maybe the Soviet dictatorship/oligarchy, which is what, maybe 30 years old and already dying?
But I'm not sure they have even that much foresight. I think it's entirely possible they have completely swallowed zero-sum economic darwinism, and are just bouncing around in a pinball machine hoping to hit a personal "jackpot" slot and maybe bang a few times on the "own the libs" ego-boost bumper.
The modern Republican Party is entirely dishonorable, shameless, craven, and banal.
The Civil War ended with the South being accepted back into the Union, with a vow of upholding the Constitution. It was a different time and culture, and perhaps this trust was not as misplaced as it seems now. The South ventured and lost. They surrendered and gave their word.
But the embers continued to glow, and have been fanned into flame from one generation to another. Never more than since a Black Democrat won the love and admiration of what has been known as the free world.
In one sense, Lee was afforded this dignity and honor by a wise Union general, Grant. Grant’s human action and code of honor proves the maxim “No good deed goes unpunished.” Lee’s legions go on to assassinate President Lincoln, another man offering dignity and honor and fellowship. Then, they go on to pervert the State’s Rights argument to subvert all the noble gains that aligning with our constitution demanded. My respect for Lee has had a reality check living through these past seven years.
Lee's behavior after the war, teaching students about the lost cause to foment resistance to the war's outcome - actions speak louder than that Lee-Grant movie moment.
I often wonder what would have happened if after the Civil War, Union troops had remained to protect the rights of the liberated slaves. Instead, we withdrew and there were lynchings, stolen land, and a new form of slavery.
Of course, no number of soldiers can change the minds of those committed to a "cause".
Heather's book "How the South Won the Civil War" is revelatory.
Yes, as well as The 1619 Project. If only Lincoln had picked a different VP.....but that’s hindsight I know. And Lincoln’s attitude toward slavery and Blacks evolved over the years, he wasn’t always the “Great Emancipator” We are stuck with the history we have, not what it could have been.
Although I can intellectually understand the concept of "necessary" I cannot wrap my head around it. This country achieved its meteoric ascent as a world power by both the genocide of the Indigenous people they found here and the enslavement of people they kidnapped and brought here. Unless and until we acknowledge that fact, and disavow the ongoing treatment of the Black and Indigenous populations in this country there can be no going forward.
The only way there can be "necessary slavery" is for the gross assumption that the non-slave class is superior in all ways to the enslaved class. It may be useful as a technical term, but what it implies is barbaric.
An interesting comparison and a clear distinction. The men of the old South didn't need to lie because they blatantly believed that Blacks were subhuman.
The Republicans of the new South need to lie because they can't find any facts to support their positions.
What will forever boggle my mind, though, is the incredible hypocrisy of the Bible Thumpers who can babble about Jesus (who was not a blue eyed whitey) and then flog (literally and figuratively) a person because of their color.
Just because the enslavers “blatantly believed” Black people were subhuman doesn’t make it a fact. Historical documents reveal that they made up that big lie to support their cruelty. They knew Black people were not subhuman-they had us raising their children, growing and cooking their food, managing their households, having their babies and more. They knew up close and personal that we were not subhuman-they made up facts (bible, brain size, uncivilized etc.) because they were greedy and brutal.
There may have been slavery in other civilizations but American slavery is the most abominable system of all.
It strikes me that this dehumanization is now being practiced by the GOP. My trumper neighbors know me, yet are fully embracing the idea of a radical left.
Of course it doesn't "make it a fact". I had an aunt who was kind, intelligent and thoughtful. But she actually believed that the African American brain was different and perhaps smaller. and so we should consider Blacks "less than". It was a ludicrous idea she had read somewhere. We could not disabuse her of this crazy, baseless notion. It just apparently supported her bigotry and there was no reasoning with her about it.
But to your point, I guess Thomas Jefferson considered Sally Hemmings "human enough".
Bill-your aunt is probably among the majority of white Americans. Propaganda worked well when the country was “founded”, it’s been a constant theme and it works well now! This is why education is such a battleground and religion is such a tool.
Bravo Gina! Exactly! They back-filled their belief because economically it favored them. It also favored their sexual appetites. An sooooooo many southern women looked the other way, because again, it economically advantaged them. They desperately needed to hold on to their back-filled belief of black sub-humanity. They still do, evidently.
You just hit the nail over my head! I once read a passage in a book and have searched endlessly for it since. It said the most mentally unhealthy are those that are raised in a home where their reality does not match the family’s presentation to their community (in other words, inauthentic). Their neural networks condition them to be calmed by “the big lie”. Makes a lot of sense. Hypocrisy becomes what feels best. Thank you! 🙏🙏
Wow. My folks moved to the south in the 70's. Dads company relocated there to take advantage of the relatively cheap labor. Fortunately, there were other Nothern couples who moved there as well. Because they were never truly accepted by SC society. Lots of smiles and charm but being a Yankee meant isolation.
The aunt I was describing with the bizarre bigotry lived her whole life in Massachusetts. There is no exclusive region for hate.
Slavery is always okay with people who are afraid of honest work or who don't know how to work, who have a superiority complex, and/or are just plain bullies.
Joseph, I agree with much of this, but you have me scratching my head. What, exactly, is the "moral case for necessary slavery?" Really, I'm just curious.
Involuntary military service is a form of "necessary slavery." We had it in the 1960's. The entire argument shifts to whether it is actually necessary. But if the nation, or the tribe, is facing extermination, then the moral argument is "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
There's also a "better than the alternatives" form of slavery, such as criminal incarceration.
Okay Joseph, I see your point, though I would rather see slavery, obligatory military service and incarceration grouped under "involuntary servitude", so as not to dilute the horrors specific to slavery.
Military service can also be voluntary, and incarceration can usually be avoided by just by obeying the law. In our tradition, people were born into slavery and treated as less than human.
incarceration can usually be avoided by just obeying the law... is true if you're white. not true if you're not... we just watched an old Ron Howard film last night, The Paper... all star cast... very well done (it's Ron Howard!)... where that exact theme was central. worth watching...
Suz, please excuse my glibness, though I suppose the institution of slavery is -- on balance -- even worse than our racist law enforcement. Of course that is little comfort for Americans who are harassed, arrested and murdered because of their skin color. Putting Trump behind bars would be a good place to start, but the the hard work has barely begun.
“The modern Republican Party is entirely dishonorable, shameless, craven, and banal.”
With that I think we can all agree. Your statements about southerners in the pre-and post- civil war era are perhaps meant to calm the waters and allow us to move forward, but there is no value in using words like civil and honorable to describe their actions. They were being true to their fear and ignorance and, in that sense we might understand the inhumanity of their treatment of other human beings. We can understand it in the same way that we can understand the fear, ignorance and resulting hatred that drive the white supremacy of too many Americans today.
We can neither call what happened then nor what is happening now in any way civil, honorable, or morally acceptable.
No intent to calm the waters. Just drawing a contrast.
The mid-1800 slavers were open and honest about their beliefs, however cockeyed they might have been.
The modern Republicans are liars and propagandists. If they have ANY beliefs, they APPEAR have something to do with making the rich richer, driving everyone else into slavery, and calling it all "freedom." But we have no way of knowing.
I could argue that the top Republicans are lizard creatures from Zeta Reticuli, set on turning the entire human race into "humanburgers," and there would be very little hard evidence that it isn't so.
This is very astute and enlightening. We need much more nuance in our politics and our understanding of history, like this. Please critique my new Substack called American Commonwealth. I love critical feedback. Email me directly at eli.merritt@vanderbilt.edu.
Anson Burlingame's accomplishments extend well beyond his defense of Sumner. A fervent abolitionist, Burlingame toured the country in the run-up to the Civil War, delivering fiery antislavery speeches. So compelling was his oratory that the citizens of Kansas [1] and Wisconsin renamed towns in his honor.
Burlingame subsequently became Abraham Lincoln's ambassador to China, and then China’s envoy to the Western powers. He authored the Burlingame Treaty [2], the first to recognize China as a nation among equals.
And finally, he was great friends with Mark Twain, who wrote a heartfelt eulogy [3] upon Burlingame’s death.
(Post written by Anson Burlingame’s very distant relation – fifth cousin thrice removed.)
We have to call fascists fascists. Since I was 17 (I’m originally from Florida) I have had a lot to do with German people, some of whom were drafted into Hitler’s war when they were 15 and 16 to be sent to the Russian front. So many of the women who witnessed their sons and brothers being sent off into that war told me: “we should have spoken up early on. We weren’t aware of what was coming, but there was a brief time when we could have resisted Hitler, and then, almost overnight, doing so could cost you your life.”
We are almost there. I am afraid to put any Democratic or Progressive bumper stickers on my car. I know I would be run off the road and at the least assaulted, maybe even shot!
This makes me very sad, but when I am in Florida on visits, I feel the same way. My parents were staunch Republicans, but I do believe they would be shocked at the hate and fear that is so prevalent today in the US. I, too, am very careful who I “talk politics” to in America.
I think Eisenhower would be shocked. "The same people we fought in WWII" said General Milley of MAGA gun gangs. I think even Tricky Dick Nixon would be shocked. I know Goldwater would be.
Florida was always like that when I visited my mother-in-law there in the 80s. Whether or not racists neo-Nazis are in the majority, they make the most noise.
Our sense of reality is built around what we notice, and our capacity for attention such that to the extent we notice one thing, we tend to neglect others. It's key to the modern Republican MO, and has a lot to do with the cynical promotion of racism. Trump railing against windmills killing birds, which is a serious problem, but so is the toll from many other structures, and enormous impact from pets. Not to mention now massive development and climate-driven extinctions. Most "GOP" rhetoric is designed to direct your attention away from the fact that your pocket is being picked and your future foreclosed.
Focused, disciplined protest that makes a difference does just the opposite, holding our attention to the elephant in the room, until we can no longer "unsee".
Yes, I still see a few here in Southern Michigan, too. Fortunately they are becoming fewer and farther between. It's the fewer, who are the most fanatical and violent. I see their comments on my Nextdoor site, when I am looking for rummage sales. Truly frightening and intimidating! These for those not familiar with the site are your next door neighbors.
I dont see any flags (confed)on vehicles but there are several rural residents (I live in the country) that have signs - Brandon wise & writing they voted for DJIT - telling how "bad" it is here since election! I assume they are still alive & well on Facebook etc - I'm NOT!
I also live in a rural community. I pass at least two big canvas signs spread across fences, saying "I voted for Trump! Don't blame me!" And the other one is" Trump for President 2024!"
I don't visit Facebook, Twitter or TickTok either. I only download the conversations on Nextdoor because I like to add local business and sport cultural information for new comers to our community. Plus I like to go to rummage sales and estate sales sometimes on the weekend. I kind of thought in the beginning that I would be bypassing the gun and revolution crowd on just the local site. Wow was I wrong! They are embedded in the countryside all over the place.
I made the conscious decision to try to engage them trying reason and facts. Wrong! The ones that are left are so brainwashed, they have lost the ability to reason and grasp out independent thought different from their Fox News entertainment daily mind feed! I sometimes spend hours patiently trying to reason with them. Their response almost always is "Oh, you must watch CNN and MSNBC you poor deluded thing. You need to tune in Fox!"I guess using multiple sources of information makes me seem deluded in their estimation. I even explain that I also read multiple newspapers in a week. Response, " Gee, the MSM sure did a job on you, didn't they? "
After Nov. I am going to disengage entirely. I guess underneath I must be a cock eyed optimist! I still hope to at least try to stop anyone else from going down that Fascist Party Rabbit Hole called Conservative Media.
I'm afraid that by now the ones who still suck down the Koolaid on Fox arent going to change. I hope this November People who care VOTE! 2024? Thats going to be a tossup - sounds like many many of the Koolaid people will be running.
Way to go, Joe! I have been very frustrated with the Democratic marketing of their progress and standing up to the loud idiots on the other side of the aisle.Love to see all the Republicans backpedaling on their anti-abortion propagada as they realize it is so unpopular. They are so out of touch with what most Americans want and care about. Time to have a Congress that actually represents the people instead of bowing to the special interest groups that pay them. Will it happen?? Have to hope that it will at some point. Fantastic if it were November.
Oh, I truly hope so. I think the overturning of Roe was the key. LOTS of women are registering to vote now. It is motivating women from all sectors to reclaim their rights. Also, saving our Democracy was one of the top issues that people in general are concerned about.
Backpedaling, indeed. I saw one SC rep getting (genuinely, I believe) teared up over the effects of his vote on a heartbeat bill potentially maiming or killing a 19-y/o whose fetus was going to die but whose heart had not yet stopped.
I believe in calling things what they are. Direct is clear! Biden needs to be clear. Although I guess Republicans are only "semi"Fascist at this point because they do not have the power to be full on fascists. If given the chance they clearly would be. Look at their state elections and voting policies. The Republican policies under Trump are clearly authoritarian and unAmerican. Why not name it? I have not trusted one single Republican President in my lifetime. Why should I? When I was a child my mom was talking about Nixon like he was as racist as a Nazi. In addition to his Watergate involvement that would have had him impeached if he had not resigned, he and Kissinger were having a covert war on Cambodia that was treacherous and sickening. He was replaced by Ford, who pardoned Nixon, and showed that presidents get away with being treasonous crooks. Ford was not well regarded for that, especially since he was not elected into his presidency. Reagan's new deal reversed our prosperity. In fact, his destruction of our social welfare program was just plain racist! Even if more White people were benefitting at that time from social programs, he pretended that his reason for pulling the rug out from the American people, was to prevent Black welfare queens from scamming the government. Now Americans are so stressed from their lives that many have become mentally ill which is evidenced by the huge number taking opiates and embracing conspiracy theories. Enter QAnon! He certainly helped set the stage for Trump. Under Reagan the national debt soared and the wealth concentrated in the top 10 percent with the lions share in the top 1 percent. It is crazy and unhealthy. https://www.jibei.org/media/1264/our-think-tanks-white-paper-on-income-inequality-in-america.pdf
Trump is now the most clear fascist of them all. Those who follow him belong to the party of Trump. Trump has been a Democrat, now he claims to be a Republican, but really he is just for the Party of Trump. He is not an American in spirit. He is for sale to the highest bidder and imagines himself friends with Despots around the globe. The more fascist the more he admires them. If Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, Genghis Khan, or King Leopold II were still alive he would be telling us about their good qualities and trying to make friends with them. Duarte is out so he has to be satisfied with Putin, Jong-un, Erdogan, Jinping, el Sissi, Bolsonaro, and al-Assad. That is that he admires people who have power and exercise it in bad ways. Something does not tick right in him, which is why it is so disturbing that millions follow him and see him as the Chosen one. What is wrong with them?
Biden is right about MAGA Republicans being a threat to our economic security, but also to our national security. Who is going to trust the USA at this point? Who will be our allies? Anyone who we can trust? We will have to do a lot to overcome the dirty that Donald Trump has done. Let Biden tell it like it is!
Bring it, Joe. Bring it. The Republicans are like schoolyard blowhards. They talk tough but can't take a punch.
Seriously, though, it's long past time for the White House and Democrats in Congress to pushback against the constant stream of lies. Confront them with the truth.
Also, thank you for this enlightening history lesson.
My fave Letter from Professor Richardson this week. I so count on the thought that Megan Coyne and staff are on Letters from an American radar along with a few other Substacks I know that are familiar with meanings of “pithy” and “barnburner closer”.
High time for the power of the pen as a warrior and ally of Democracy.
And as a good “move aside sir”, Marco Rubio’s sweaty, spittle-spluttering rhetoric this week can serve as representative gaffe and embarrassment for the “semi-fascist” Republican Party. I, for one, am chuckling at their outrage. 😁
And quote of the week….President Biden deplaning from Air Force One and confronted by inane question from reporter hoping for a sound bit gaffe…”Mr. President, what did you mean by the term ‘semi-fascist’?” President Biden looked straight at him and said, “YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.” And strode right to the waiting cavalcade. Bam.
Salud. 🗽
Did he SAY THAT? Brilliant! This is so good. It's one of his personal distinguishing marks: he looks straight and talks straight. No bragging, no wheedling, no whining. And it's something They seem unable to do, because of their basic dishonesty.
Whining was something I couldn’t abide when my daughter was three. Still can’t. Chump has made whining an art form. Their verbiage consists of phony accusations (slander) and whining. Rupert won’t tell but give MSM something to report on besides chump’s personal grievance. BTW, will make a donation to Val Demings as soon as I officially wake up.
Yes! Get rid of Rubio! Val Demings cares about Florida; Marco Rubio cares about Marco Rubio. I am retired so don’t have a lot of disposable income, but I am making a donation to Val Demings monthly. If we can add at least two more Democrats to the Senate, it will make a positive difference as to what can be accomplished for the good of our fellow Americans!
I loved Val Demings ads. She reminds me of Queen Latifa in "Equalizer." It would be so nice to get rid of Puto Rubio. Then go after that crook & liar Scott.
“Red Tide Rick” Scott, who wants to take away your Social Security, Medicare, & Medicaid. Wondering how we poor folk could afford to eat. Even the little cans of Fancy Feast cat food cost almost a dollar.
Scott the Simpering Skeleton!
I love that "Equalizer" was updated with a Black American WOMAN!!! (and she's NOT skinny!!)
That aside, have you noticed that Snoop Dogg and Queen Latifa have similar eyes? Wouldn't you JUST love to see them in a film together?
Yes!!! Val Demings...Rubio Needs to GO!!!
I think Lil’ Mario is getting nervous.
💪🏻
I am making a donation to Val Demings monthly––THANK YOU for doing this. She is one of my favorites as well.
The pleasure is mine. I watched her as manager in the first impeachment trial of DJT, and was quite impressed with her. She would do a good job for Florida, unlike those two who now are Florida Senators, & are only interested in getting rich & powerful while making life miserable for hard-working Floridians.
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Me too!
Jeri, I ,as others here, have been donating monthly to Val. I am upping the amount for this race to the finish. I ran for Congress in the past and know how critical the small but regular donors are. Every bit helps. Val's ads are "whoop assing" Marco who seems to have suddenly come out of hiding and has a surprised look. Meanwhile, Val looks right into the camera and gives it to him!!!
👍🏽
I saw one of his recent "victim" messages and I see he's still referring to himself as "your favourite President, me".
That is definitely barf-worthy! Lol
Well, he is many people's favorite EX-president as a candidate for a federal prison sentence, wearing his favorite orange jumpsuit.
Further proof of his delusional state.
A malicious clown.
Repubs are slithering, slandering Semi-fascists!
Just plain fascists, not semi.
I cannot resist alliteration this morning. I agree, Michele, but I think that Pres Joe's phrase will have more common use, now.
When I hear "Republican" I automatically think "liar", "fear and hate-mongerer" - nothing worthy of American citizens support or respect. That political party needs to be taken apart and rebuilt WITHOUT most of its current members. Dwight Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln would have nothing to do with the current bunch of mobsters and fascists.
It’s the leaders of the party—not “the people.” That is the truth and it is the most winning platform for Democrats to run on.
I agree that the R party should wither and die. But in the process, again, it’s the leaders, not the people, who should be held responsible.
The leaders are . . . . Not the folks being duped into fury and violence by them. Your thoughts?
I agree about death star's whining.....always mute that monster. I will check to see if we have made a donation to Val Demings.
✍🏼👍🏾
We haven't, but she is now on our list.
I see we just did.
As an artist I take exception. ; ()
Marj, if I was an artist I would too....
I’m having trouble with the “semi” part.
Yeah, for sure.
Very humorous your love of this imbecile.
Madjack - "Very humorous your love of this imbecile."
I don't know what that means. Please explain.
An semi-idiotic fascist will hardly will explain an idiotic statement.
Unita, Ron. 🗽
A new troll? I haven't see David Carroll in quite a long time. We had a small rash of trolls a week or so ago, but with all the bad press for tfg and great accomplishments of Dark Brandon, they all went quiet. I guess they realize that "but.....but..........but her emails!" won't fly on this forum.
We have devolved into teams/tribes(which is typical of human nature) in which we lose our ability to rationally evaluate our side. I am guilty of this as well as most people on both “sides”. Most observers have noted that Biden has never been bright and has frequently been questioned on veracity and corruption issues. I think we should focus on policy issues, what policies you agree with or disagree with.
Huh?
Huh?? Sorry, Madjack, but what you write is Troll material. Garbage.
“Always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel.
“Sides” might be appropriate in reference to sports teams or a debate, but not life and death. What may have been a legitimate political party in the past is purely an organization intent on bringing death to others now. https://buckscountybeacon.com/2022/08/underreported-and-massive-theocratic-movement-joins-forces-with-michael-flynn-and-roger-stone/
"On Both Sides"
As meaningful as "Marxist/Socialist"
My family tradition was on the "Allies" side when we were fighting the "Axis" side.
When it is Good versus Evil, "Both Sides" is a false-equivalence catch phrase.
Christine, yesterday I deleted a message I was going to send to you, thinking it was a bit off the mark. Turns out Heather's Letter today aligns nicely with my thoughts these past several months.
I had - and have - been thinking lately of a scene from the movie "Working Girl," where Katharine (Sigourney Weaver) steals an idea her assistant Tess (Melanie Griffith) had and shamelessly promotes it as her own. When Tess tries to push back, she is immediately maligned by Katharine who convinces the higher-ups that Tess should be fired.
Here's the deal: Toward the end, Tess confronts Katharine one-on-one; looks her directly in the eye and tells her whatever the fallout that they will both know what the facts really are. So whatever victory Katharine could claim will always be tainted by truth's shining light.
Fantasy? I think not. Shine on, Joe Biden!
Omigosh, Lynell. I just watched that movie again this summer!!!! I, of course, relish the role of Tess. Little spitfire.
I like President Biden on the road. Hoping for a road stop here in Florida. Last time the President was with the FL Governor, Joe was pouring aid and relief help into the Miami Surfside condo disaster. How quickly our present guv bites and spits on the hand up. Deadly politics no bueno.
Unita! 🗽
Got a text invite for Biden's rally in Rockville, Maryland last week; a mere 40 minutes away from where I live! Could not attend but texted back a "Go Joe" message. He was on fire at that rally, too. Keep it up, Joe! Go, Charlie Crist!
I agree with the Biden-on-the-road tone and messaging. I like the spunk. Too often when he’s reading a speech from a monitor, his delivery is IMO, so subdued, almost lifeless, emotionless. Seems older than he is, so seeing him energized out and about away from the WH, is refreshing.
I so agree, Joan. In those speeches it seems his body language, et cetera, is calling out, "They're making me say this!"
The Repub orthodoxy has been so evil for so long that they now think that Jesus spewed it from the Mount. Or hope that their MAGAts believe that.
I'm at the point that I do not care what they believe anymore!
Their identity politics is so transparently constructed with lies they can only shore it up with more lies. They have traded ideas for schoolyard taunts and their voters love it.
I have gotten to the point when people are supporting a blatant lie I ask them why they are willing to accept that lie and support it when the facts are right in front of them and irrefutable. Why do they want that person to represent them in Congress? I often get nasty replies but I hope I’m planting seeds in their minds and the other readers.
One of my all-time favorite movies! I have been humming the theme song recently, "Let the river run, let all the dreamers wake the nation, come the new Jerusalem."
Take a listen to Carly Simon if you need a little foot bopping dance music to accompany the victory dance of Joe Biden saying; "You know what I mean!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv-0mmVnxPA&list=RDcv-0mmVnxPA&start_radio=1
Love that movie! And thanks Sheila great song as always with Carly Simon! Have to find it & watch it again.
Streams free on Hulu with subscription or very inexpensive rental on other sites.
Presently dont get Hulu - but I think I can find it somewhere! Thanks, Christine
Oh, my, Sheila, yes! Who knew so many of us are...in array!
I am hoping that Val Demings can finally get rid of Puto Rubio who does nothing except sell himself to the highest bidder and makes inane quotes from his Buybull for his ignorant cult followers. He slings Marxist & Socialist trigger words around while sucking at the public trough for too long. Our agency joined others for developmentally disabled to protest outside his office in Miami as far back as April 2007 due to his sponsored cuts to our clients. He is a parasite.
Rob! Good morning. Working with enthusiasm for Val Demings. Widdle Marco must go away.
Unite.🗽
Working with enthusiasm for Val Demings––thank you sincerely for your work for this wonderful public figure.
Puto Rubio sounds perfect. JAJA
Remove money from politics and watch as Rubio leaves Washington for better grifting elsewhere.Like rats scurrying out of burning building the worst of our elected officials and lobbyist would leave DC.
Remove money from politics––Amen.
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Remove money from politics, and watch.
BAM! is right. Go, Joe.
I'm getting fond of the term Semi-Fascist. Its cadence could become an electioneering motto.
Total agree, Hope. I’ve already referred to a troll this morning on the forum as a “semi-idiotic fascist making idiotic statements”. 😜
Unita. 🗽
Some other commenter used "Neo-Fascist". I like the ring of that.
Ooooo. Good one, Sister. Looked up def and totally rings true.
“noun
any of various political movements or beliefs inspired by or reminiscent of fascism or Nazism.
neo-Fascism,
an Italian political movement that seeks to reestablish Fascism.”
That is what those semi-pieces of dooky are trying to reestsblish.
Ummmmm….we say NO.
🗽
Bravo President Biden. Enough is enough!!
High time for the power of the pen as a warrior and ally of Democracy––YES.
Mightier than the sword!
Letting you know , Lynell, that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
Letting you guys know that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
“You know what I mean.” !!!
Exactly, dear sister, Christine!!
As Ms. Coyne said “It makes you laugh,” with stronger words to go with it. 🤣 💙
Will wonders never cease!
The Democrats have finally pulled their cajones up out of the frigid waters of equanimity by returning the glove slap across the astonished face of those republican slaves to perdition!
The power of prayer's faith strengthening Love!
America the beautiful is shining brighter than ever now....
now there is hope...
now dreams will come true....
now fear is vanquished...
now freedom's bell rings out amongst the swelling of America's patriots!
WHOOOO! HOOOOO!
Another idiot taking the stage and embarrassing themselves!
The rise of "Dark Brandon."
Burlingame Biden takes them on!
I like that term, thanks, Lynell. And thank you Professor Richardson, I didn't know the history of Burlingame and love the way you tied him to Biden's recent speech. Go, Burlingame Biden!
Morning, Sally!! I'm wondering how many who don't follow Heather (and other historians) know who Burlingame is. It should keep the 'pubs tied up in knots for a while, though, don't you think!
Morning, Lynell! I love that tag: Burlingame Biden!
I had never heard that history before.
Morning, Ally! I recall Heather mentioning Burlingame in one of her chats relating to Charles Sumner; I don't remember her talking about the speech he made. Cool Beans!
The GOP has been hitting with their weaknesses for so long, I can’t remember when they haven’t. From Swift Boating Kerry to T’s telling Clinton that SHE was the puppet, they’ve employed the mature “I’m rubber, you’re glue” strategy ad nauseum. At this point it’s just a tell to what they know they’ve done! So happy the Dems have found a spine.
I read the other day that the GOP strategist responsible for designing the "Swiftboat" plan that derailed John Kerry's campaign had died. Rick Reed, who died at 69, also worked on McCain's and tfg's campaigns. The obituary says the cause of death was due to a "heart ailment."
My guess is that's probably true, because a bad heart, filled with ill will, is going to do you in, every time.
New chapter in screenplay. 😂
Huffpost's article on this has his eyes flashing red. And then there's Marco's drivel. Donate to Val Demings. Also I learned more history of the prewar Civil War era. Thank you, Heather.
Indeed, TC. Shades of the Dark Knight.
;-) )
👋 👋 👋 👋 👋 👋 👋
me too. About time.
A couple of bloody noses, starting with Okiefornian moron Qevin McQarthy, would be good.
TC, you get this morning’s award for making me snort before my second cup. 🏆😂
As a native Californian, I am embarrassed that he, Devin "I will sue you!" Nunes and worthless McClintock "represent" my state. Fortunately it looks like DN's cow is coming home to roost.
What a twist with words you have, TC. Reminds me that you can't pluck a chicken unless you tork and pop its head first. Twist more decisive than blooding the noses of the moreoffs.
Ditto, Michael. Heather heartens me. Never have I enjoyed history so much as with her notes. My mind is full of alliteration this morning. Marco: Son of the South Will Rise Again. A Pious Pilferer of Public Property. A Self-Righteous Far Right Ridiculous Republican. ETC!
May Val Demings prevail. Just imagine a Black Woman putting him in his place: Out-of-Office. Oooo, that would really get him in his biases!
Hope — and what an appropriate name — this is my prayer for Stacey Abrams. 🙏🥰🙏
Yes! Stacey is a wonder woman. President some day?
I thought Biden should have picked her for VP. She WOULD make a credible president.
I thought that, too!
From your lips to God’s ear!!
Plus Val Demings (just one "m") is terrific. She's a very clear, forceful speaker.
Thanks for the correction, David. Her history as a tough cop is hard for the Republicans to refute.
Except the right wing base will believe whatever the guy spreading his ridiculous lies says. They don’t care if it’s a lie as long as it allows them to hate.
You're welcome Hope. (I've proofed a few books prior to publication.)
You have my admiration David. One of the unsung heroes. I still use Grammerly for anything I hope to publish. (Hope hopes...)
Thank you Hope! I have a compulsion to check stuff, which has become so easy in the last 20 years.
Harry S corrected a reporter with, "I never gave anyone Hell. I just told them the truth and they thought that was Hell."
Perfectly stated
Perfect!
YES!
In the history book These Truths, by Jill Lepore, I read the following paragraphs about the first, highly successful political campaign managers, Campaigns, Inc., aka The Lie Factory, founded in 1933. On Pg 451-452 of These Truths are their campaign strategy rules:
Every campaign needs a theme. Keep it simple. Rhyming is good. Never explain anything. "The more you have to explain, the more difficult it is to win support." Say the same thing over and over again. "We assume we have to get a voter's attention 7 times to make a sale". Subtlety is your enemy. "Words that lean on your mind are no good. They must dent it." Simplify, simplify, simplify. "A wall goes up when you try to make Mr. And Mrs. Average American Citizen work or think."
Make it personal. Candidates are easier to sell than issues. If your position doesn't have an opponent, invent one. Pretend that you are the voice of the people. You can't wage a defensive campaign and win. Never shy from controversy; instead win the controversy. "The average American doesn't want to be educated, he doesn't want to improve his mind; he doesn't want to work, consciously, at being a good citizen. But there are 2 ways you can interest him in a campaign, and only 2 that we have ever found successful." You can put on a fight ("He likes a good battle with no punches pulled"), or you can put on a show ("He likes the movies, he likes mysteries; he likes fireworks and parades). "So, if you can't fight, PUT ON A SHOW! If you put on a good show, Mr. And Mrs. America will turn out to see it.
Late in the day now but, felt it appropriate to say this in support of your post anyway, this is a perfect reminder of the entire GOP position for several years now. Remember when Moscow Mitch openly announced that they would have NO Platform! None,...and they Don't. They cannot tell you what they actually Do believe in. Not even bullet points like they used have : Small govt, strong on defense, and my personal fav - "family values". Since he / they knew they have and believe in none of those anymore that they are better off having None.
What this leaves them with is simply HATE the other side. Doesn't matter what it is or what it's about. Hate them for it and that's your platform. Per Barbara's quote from "These Truths" it satisfies their 1. "putting up a fight" and 2. "putting on a show" and all of it without having had to commit to one actual party belief.
Would like to see the Real POTUS Joe's new messaging team run with this and since they won't do it themselves,..... create the GOP's platform For Them and let everyone know it! Based on facts, just to start it would be pretty simple really:
1. Share our most classified and top secret nuclear secrets with our adversaries
2. Just say No to women's rights
3. And that goes for LGBT, too
4. But, electing pedophiles to office Ok as long as one of ours (Gaetz)
5. GOP deserves millions in unpaid govt loans but make those lame-ass kids pay
6. Only declared GOP get to vote (and only for the pre-checked box we give you)
7. Only the GOP reading list allowed in schools - all others confiscated and burned
8. Oh yeah and, all past GOP POTUS can pardon themselves in perpetuity.
I must stop now but, I am sure that this intelligent group can continue this list forever. It sounds crazy funny to read but, it's actually what their "platform" is. Since they don't have one their lie & hate-fueled cult of circus animals has developed their own and their trainers have decided to just let them have their way with it.
Perfect... except for the circus animals... who are way smarter ... and deserve to be left out of this excellent description of their platform!!
As usual, love your input, Professor Barbara. Will keep this in my file for upcoming school board campaign in ‘24.
Salud. 🗽
Happy to help, but alas I am not Professor Barbara, nor the same same Barbara whom Heather often greets at the beginning of her Facebook chats. I do like to sometimes pretend in my own mind that she is talking directly to me, just for fun. I'm just another history fan who found these words from "These Truths" so illustrative of American politics that they literally scared me. They completely encapsulate Trump's campaign in 2016. I fear that Joe and our protectors of our democracy MUST take heed that the vast majority of people actually do think this way. Put up a fight or put on a show seems to sum up the American attention span.
You are a professor to me when such valuable information is unearthed and shared!
🗽
Thanks Barabara!! Forwarding to fellow activists campaigning for Democrat Dr. BOB Lorinser for Michigan's 1st Congressional District. We must Send Bergman Back to Louisiana!
Welp....we know who's taking and applying that advice.
Yes, it is about time that Joe started swinging. It is apparent that Americans want a good show from their politicians. Perhaps after watching mud wrestling, they might recognize how stupid it is.
The FCC must step up to stop outrageous lies and conspiracies off the air waves. Surely anything starting to grow viral can be spotted, slowed down and examined without disrupting Facebook's business model.
This is what it takes to protect & keep our democracy. Enforce the Rule of Law, & right wing extremists must abide by the principles of nonviolent, civil disobedience.
Damn right. Perfectly put.
Letting you know , TCinLA, that a few weeks ago I launched American Commonwealth (https://elimerritt.substack.com), which is a mix of history and current politics like HCR. I would be honored if you subscribed and doubly honored if you ever share your thoughts. Thanks for considering it, Eli
I suppose left wing extremists should be held equally accountable? Not really seeing that happen.
And we have a new resident troll.
And maybe if he really reads Heather’s words and all of your learned observations he’ll learn something. Our work begins.
Morons like these are the irredeemable deplorables.
It's time for HCR to do what the rest of we Substack bloggers do: limit comments to Paid Subscribers. You never ever get a troll that way, since they're cheap bastards.
They have to pay to post and it seems whatever Heather is saying is scaring the crap out of them. They wanted people to quit supporting her and would like to diminish her message. Heather does a fantastic job of putting things in perspective and ties current events into history. I learn so much from her and she makes me think in different ways. We’re a solid group of intelligent poster’s and can find each other amongst other truth tellers on substack.
Whataboutism is not a solution to todays problems.
TC, I’m pretty sure she already does that. It’s what got me to subscribe; I couldn’t keep my mouth shut, as it were. 😉
Then there must be some pretty persistent trolls, willing to give "the enemy" money to fight them.
Left wing extremists doing what? Campaigning against Republicans? Telling the truth? Oh, you must mean something like the radical right wing storming of the Capitol on Jan.6, 2021? You’ll be looking a long time if your search is for something equally damaging by the left for which they must be held accountable.
Maybe because they weren’t there on Jan 6 threatening to kill people, or sending fake electors to turn over an election, or suppressing voters ....things like that
Yes, everyone that commits crimes and works to destroy our democracy should be held accountable. Which left wing extremist are you referring to and what did they do that upsets you so much? Be specific. Just because you think someone else got away with something doesn’t mean it’s okay for everyone else to get away with it. Wrong is wrong. From what I’ve seen the left has complied with every investigation, no matter how unfounded (Benghazi). However we’ve seen years of the right refusing to tell the “truth” because it’s hard to lie under oath.
They get real brave in front of the cameras but whip out that 5th Amendment pretty quickly when they have an “opportunity” to tell it the the court or committee!
Go back to Flyover Loserville where you belong, senile old white male boomer Trumpscum, you lifetime loser.
Careful TC, he might call you a Socialist
I have been called worse. :-)
I would never doubt that!
In my heart, I am all Michelle Obama "when they go low, we go high" but in the words of a folk song, "the nice ways always fail." So be it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElCPW-NObHQ
Go Dark Brandon!!
(And my Evil Twin chortles over the WH team taking the Let's Go slur and turning it on it's head)
For too long so many of us have been saying the democratic leadership needs to take off the gloves and fight! Call the repugs out for exactly what they are. Go Joe and don’t take your foot off the gas pedal (or alternative energy source 😉)!!
Yes, confront them with the truth and don't back down.
They may not take a punch, but they sure as hell do and can do a lot of damage to our constitutional democracy.
Always thank you for the History footnotes. I think of heated and serious arguments as our very American living history is and has been in our recent past, as a game of tug of war. Let them pull us, let them bully us. The recent callouts are a bit like simply letting go of the rope - think of what happens when it’s late in that game and the pulling just becomes so fruitless. Let go of the rope, they’ll probably fall on their proverbial a**.
Great analogy!!
None of the younger trump wanna-bes have the understanding or "charisma" trump has. But be assured; the new and IMPROVED trump is out there! He's charismatic. He's smart. And the "growth medium" is being cultivated by the likes of Desantos, mcconnell, texas, florida and other entities.
Unless we create an incorruptile system these people will return.
Lovely!
Will wonders never cease!
The Democrats have finally pulled their cajones up out of the frigid waters of equanimity by returning the glove slap across the astonished face of those republican slaves to perdition!
The power of prayer's faith strengthening Love!
America the beautiful is shining brighter than ever now....
now there is hope...
now dreams will come true....
now fear is vanquished...
now freedom's bell rings out amongst the swelling of America's patriots!
WHOOOO! HOOOOO!
Your post is quite poetic. Thank you! I have been shouting for years, "When will Dems get spine and stones?" However, their history suggests we not get too excited. "Old Joe" is a mere two years older than I. Don't sell us old folk short. One must learn to go where Angels dare not tread. Now! Will his Party follow him? Or, will they cringe and fall back into their safe cocoon?
KELTIK_WARRIOR (VINCE 🦁 )
It seems young man you are one living life through allegiance in your faith. Thanks for your supportive replying comment.
We share at least two enduring aspects, age & faith.
America's cringeworthiness's relief coincides with its cocoon emergent display of a plethora of beauteous bright butterfly's dazzling colors of ethnicities' Love!
Let us hope (and, pray if you are into that sort of thing) that those beauteous bright butteflies show up at the ballot box in 2022 and 2024. We, the nation of people, are paying a severe price for our ignorance and our apathy. Salvation remans viable. But, will it show up?
INDEED!
The recent southern Red state voting tallies have those lying Son slaves of perdition pis,,ng in their "Depends"
Americans' witnessing such an unexpected voting miracle would encourage their thoughts of Democratic control of both Congressional legislative bodies in conjunction with Biden's body & soul...all together harmonizing America's ringing Freedom Bell's nationwide report echoing long, loid, and clear!
Eh!?
I remember learning about the attack on Sen. Sumner. But oddly enough, don't EVEN remember the name of the attacker!
Sic semper tyrannis!
The left has fomented nothing but lies over the last six years. They co-opted the Security state in pushing the Russia hoax. The Kavanaugh hearings were a sham, full of lies and smears. The left is a group without honor.
Jeez, Madjack, did WaPo ban you from the comments section for trolling (or some such thing) that you now have to come here to get you jollies? Do you realize how silly your above comment is? If there is a group without honor it is surely the very deluded one which has spent the last 6 years kowtowing to a con man.
I'm pretty sure these "appearances" are trolls. There have been a few lately. Whenever they post comments which deny Russian influence in Trump's election and his presidency is the give-away. Talk about ignorant!
Yeah, I know.
You are entitled to your own opinions, but NOT your own set of facts.
Give it a rest Madjack. Time to run away from that cult you are a member of.
And still no signs of intelligence on planet MAGA. Soon the planet will become extinct.
We can hope and pray.
The proper spelling is MAGAt, pronounced "maggot."
So, you didn’t watch the hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson did you? Republicans were outraged over sentencing guidelines and blamed her for them when in actuality it was their job to fix them. The accused her of being soft on pedophiles. The one thing they didn’t do with all that smearing and outrage is go back to their offices and present changes to the sentencing guidelines they were criticizing. If they really cared we would have seen changes. That’s like a dereliction of duty. That’s the party in a nutshell. Just like everything else if they fix it they won’t be able to invent crises surrounding it.
BTW, Kavanaugh was the clown show. Have you never known anyone who has been sexually molested? I’m going to say yes, but they don’t talk about it. How about those tips about his behavior that were swept under the rug by the right? How does it make you feel that a bought and paid for shill has a place on our highest court and he has no conscience, no morality and no ethics?
The left did something with all the outrage from Kavanaugh, they made it possible for women to come forward regarding abuse. The right excused the behavior and criticized the left for standing up for women. Those women voted in 2020nand even more will vote this year. A blue wave is coming and it will be a Tsunami.
Ooops, Madjack is obviously of the great uneducated that trump so loves. I no longer adhere to categorize such people as ignorant. They are actually evil with malice.
Or complete dullards.
Lifetime loser residents of Flyover Loserville.
Troll! Troll alert everyone!
You're a persistent senile old white male boomer Trumpscum deplorable, aren't you? Go back to sucking Trump's mushroom, it's what lifetime losers like you are good at it.
Um....hunh?
No 'semi' about it. They are fascists.
My thoughts exactly, have been for decades, Karl Rove or Newt? Or Rupert? Goes back to Ronnie and Rupert, I think…
Goes back to the heritage foundation..."Ronald Reagan and The Heritage Foundation. It's hard to tell the story of one without much of the other's. Heritage was President Reagan's favorite think tank, and Reagan was the embodiment of the ideas and principles Heritage holds dear.
Together, we blazed a new path for America.
The partnership began in 1980, when Heritage provided the president-elect's transition team with detailed policy prescriptions on everything from taxes and regulation to trade and national defense. The published version of these recommendations, the 1,100-page "Mandate for Leadership," was described by United Press International back then as "a blueprint for grabbing the government by its frayed New Deal lapels and shaking out 48 years of liberal policy." The new president used "Mandate" to help realize his vision of a world free of communism, an economy that didn't crush people's dreams with high taxes and regulations, and an America the world could admire once again. He gave copies to every member of his Cabinet. The result: Nearly two-thirds of "Mandate's" 2,000 recommendations were adopted or attempted by the Reagan administration.
As conservative commentator William F. Buckley, Jr., put it: "The foundation had a great hour when Ronald Reagan was elected president and found waiting for him three volumes of Heritage material designed to help him chart the nation's course in the right direction. Sixty percent of the suggestions enjoined on the new president were acted upon (which is why Mr. Reagan's tenure was 60 percent successful.)"
In his second term, Reagan turned again to Heritage for ideas-and adopted many of them. He recited 22 specific proposals from "Mandate for Leadership II" in his second inaugural address in 1985, prompting The New York Times to say, "While the wording of the president's speech and the foundation's document were different, many of the proposals were strikingly similar."
"Heritage advocated for pro-business policies, anti-communism and neoconservatism in its early years, but distinguished itself from the conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI) by also advocating for the Christian right. Through the 1970s, Heritage would remain small relative to Brookings and the AEI." https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/reagan-and-heritage-unique-partnership
"Since its founding, the Heritage Foundation has become “inextricably intertwined” with Republican administrations and lawmakers in Washington. Heritage brands itself as a beacon of the intellectual conservative establishment; in reality, it is an organization that regularly spouts hateful ideas on par with organizations like the Family Research Council (FRC), which has earned designation from the Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group. Much like its peer groups, Heritage dedicates significant energy to extremist policy recommendations that hinder access to abortion and birth control and promote discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.
If you have been wondering where all these bizarre characters in the orange flambé's administration come from....look to the heritage foundation. https://pro-lies.org/the-heritage-foundation/
They are a 501(c) 3. How is that possible that they have such a huge tax deductible grip on our government? Most types of tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations are forbidden from contributing to political campaigns and may only do a limited amount of lobbying.
Sheldon Whitehouse \ During July 2016, Heritage was one of 32 free-market policy organizations that were denounced on the floor of the U.S. Senate by 19 Democratic senators. Led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the campaign was aimed at passage of a Congressional resolution that would have called on the non-profit groups to cooperate with “active or future investigations” of their climate-policy positions that might be launched against them by federal or state law enforcement officials. Whitehouse accused Heritage and the other organizations of work that was creating a “filthy thing in our democracy.”
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
In August 2016, Heritage board member, co-founder and long-time president Ed Feulner was named as a member of the transition team for then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. After Trump’s election victory that November, Heritage continued to be an influence on the policy decisions throughout the Trump administration. The Wall Street Journal reported that future Vice President Mike Pence was “a conservative close to Heritage” who “took control of the Trump transition effort days after the November election” and turned to Heritage to move quickly and “help bolster a thinly staffed transition operation to oversee the handoff between administrations."
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Heritage published Mandate for Leadership, a report with 321 policy reform recommendations for whoever became the new president. One year into the Trump administration, Heritage estimated the new administration had “embraced fully” 64 percent of the proposals. [63]
Also, during the 2016 campaign, Trump said he had asked Heritage and the Federalist Society to compile a list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees for him to choose from if elected and given the opportunity to appoint new justices.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a major overhaul of the tax code promoted by Trump and enacted in late 2017, was created with the input of Stephen Moore (both a Heritage tax policy expert and Trump administration official). The Heritage 2017 annual report states that then-OMB director Mick Mulvaney “quickly called on us to help” when the administration began drafting its tax cut plan."
https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/heritage-foundation/
Dark monied, non-profits that control our government policies and employees that are guised as "think tanks" need to be re-thought. And their 501(c)3 status rescinded.
If Sheldon Whitehouse has them on his list of 32 enemies and Southern Poverty Law Center titles them a Hate Group. That is good enough. Enough. Break them.
Whitehouse for the White House?
I’ve never understood why he is so poorly utilized. He’s brilliant.
Yes, Whitehouse is brilliant. I want to see his little whiteboard lectures everywhere a la the Lincoln Project.
The heritage foundation has 5,000 employees. And they have mandates for the candidates they support. This is an interesting read from one of their authors titled, "The Southern Poverty Law Center Backs Woke History at James Madison’s Montpelier."
https://www.heritage.org/american-founders/commentary/the-splc-backs-woke-history-james-madisons-montpelier
This foundation controls the narrative for the republican extremists and policies. They need to be held responsible for their dancing monkeys in our government.
“The Disney version of history…” Perfect.
Except even Disney is too “woke” for them now.
Dancing monkeys! Indeed!
You are so good, Pensa! Am I right that the Heritage Foundation is the 'baby' of the Kochs? Talk about Fascism!
THF has received donations from Koch organizations.
They were connected and may still be. That would have to be researched. Here are some names of their 2021 Board of Trustees (recognize any of them?) :
Barb Van Andel-Gaby, Chairwoman
Michael W. Gleba, Vice Chairman
Kay Coles James
Larry P. Arnn
Edwin J. Feulner
Steve Forbes
Robert P. George
Ryan Haggerty
Price Harding
Virginia Heckman
Jerry Hume
Mark A. Kolokotrones
Edwin Meese III
Rebekah Mercer
The Hon. J. William Middendorf II
Abby Spencer Moffat
Nersi Nazari
Robert Pennington
Anthony J. Saliba
Thomas A. Saunders III
Brian Tracy
* I will tell you that Rebekah Mercer and her father, Robert, are really wealthy conspiracy theorists who funded Bannon, Conway and Brietbart, just for starters and as was revealed by Rachel Maddow years ago. Robert was some kind of computer wiz and made a fortune on something like algorithms which got us into a lot of the problems we are in now. Cambridge Analytica, considers itself a "private intelligence company." There was a Facebook scandal and they were supposed to shut down. Guess what little darlings on key figures in the UK-based Cambridge Analytica?
Alexander Nix (CEO)[1]
Julian Wheatland (CEO)[2]
Robert Mercer (investor)[3]
Rebekah Mercer (investor)
Steve Bannon (vice president, former)
Nice? The parent group still exists called SCL. I am sure that would be really worth investigating and see who runs it.
I read through the list earlier & refreshed myself on their history. Lots of suspect names on that list, starting w Meese, who should have been jailed for all his antics.
Thank you for the trouble to post this, Pensa. It's discouraging, to say the least. While I recognize a few names, now I worry about those I don't!
This is an excellent article from last year about THF, its founding & connections to ALEC, & its “massive campaign to draft and pass model legislation restricting voting access.”
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/05/heritage-foundation-dark-money-voter-suppression-laws/
Many thanks. The audacity and malicious intent of the "way right" is just chilling.
Heritage is a loathsome organization, but I'm not sure they're wrong on this, having just skimmed it.
And real historians have slammed the NYT's 1619 project.
Maybe you could cite some of those "real historians"? It would help to know what their objections are.
I queried Sean Wilentz of Princeton after reading this article.
https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/sean-wilentz-fires-back-on-the-1619-project-and-the-climate-of-anti-history/
He wrote back: "Well, the National Review's politics are not at all my own, but the piece notes as much. Otherwise, it's pretty fair.
There's also my essay, which will allow readers to judge for themselves, at
https://www.opera-historica.com/pdfs/oph/2021/01/05.pdf
Thank you for the roadmap of how “professional “ conservatives run the repubs. Especially supporting or creating candidates like Reagan and Trump who are actors : “Trump said he had asked Heritage and the Federalist Society to compile a list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees for him to choose from if elected and given the opportunity to appoint new justices.” Who coached TFG to ask for a list? And Heritage is just a standout in the right wing march to take over the USA, making it a White Male Christian country. Add the Claremont Institute that pushed Eastman into the fray. https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/07/24/claremont-john-eastman-trump/
And, Irenie, the huge list of white supremacist and hate groups, organized into specific categories on the Southern Poverty Law Center's website curdled my stomach. Truly. It was more horrendous than my weekly visits to faux news. But now I know better who is behind all this extremism. And the innocuous names they use like "Traditional American Values" which translates "white supremacy over all others. This is our real history that they do not want to look at. Because they keep "it" alive with their brainwashing.
Pensa_VT, yes, it’s enough to make us all sick. And it is making us sick. Or bringing out, giving permission to the basest and foulest impulses. It’s a tenet of Fascism to divide and conquer.To scapegoat and create enemies. If an American political party (repubs) can welcome Victor Orban to a party function or an American political party can gather in Orban’s Hungary, without public shock and uproar that tells us a continuing story of how creeping fascism can take hold without the general public noticing. We watched it happen Europe.
Yes, we did. The blinders of so many today about learning history and what is happening in current regimes is cultivated. I mean "cult-ivated."
Weekly visits to Fox News. I have tried and cannot endure more than two minutes.
I just go and paste things from HCR to give them something to bite that is factual. I last from 3 pastes up to 15 pastes on a good day when my tolerance levels are high.
At least the kkk members had the courage to wear there despicable white hoods. These creatures hide behind super PACs so there dark money can do their dirty work.
The KKK wore their hoods to hide. Some were well known and others hidden in a community.
“For many years the KKK quite literally could get away with murder. The Ku Klux Klan was an instrument of fear, and black people, Jews and even white civil rights workers knew that the fear was intended to control us, to keep things as they had been in the South through slavery, and after that ended, through Jim Crow. This fear of the Klan was very real because, for a long time, the Klan had the power of Southern society on its side.” No courage. https://www.splcenter.org/20110228/ku-klux-klan-history-racism
You bring up an interesting point. If we're going to examine the 501(c)3 status of these 'dark money' non-profits, we're going to have a long list... we'll have to include the churches (all of them). The SPLC Hate Group list could include some of them, too.
Well, when I co-founded a a non-profit here in the northeast serving children in grief, I thought it was pretty clear that we not be involved politically. Otherwise we would have gone after the egregious No Child Left Behind which translated to All Children Left Behind because teachers cannot handle all the issues of grieving children impacted by death, 9/11, divorce, family substance abuse, foster and adoption issues and pet losses. If they cannot focus in the classroom, who can help them? Just one nurse and usually one school counselor for hundreds of children. Now add anxiety and grief due to mass shootings in schools.
Agreed, but I would add "hunger" to the list. When eldest daughter began her career, there were a glut of teachers in our area which pulled students from several suburbs, one which is very economically disadvantaged. She had to start as a credit recovery aide and kept a candy dish on her desk. Even with qualifying for free breakfasts and lunches, some teenaged boys coming for help were still hungry. I will never forget her telling me that one young man, when offered the candy dish asked "do you have any real food, like an apple that I could have?" She started picking up bags of fruit to bring to her office. And btw, she was paid <$30K/ yr (and was paying off her own student loans)
And for decades in many schools, especially rural or small districts, no nurses, no counselors, no librarians unless shared among several schools. And if I comment on No Child Left Behind, we’ll run out of space.
Having been involved many years ago in filing 501c3 paperwork, I do not understand how any clearly political work can be done by approved entities. The prohibitions were clearly stated in the application/approval guidance. To hear that these organizations are classified as apolitical, tax exempt, and for the public good is dismaying and should counter to their intended purpose.
The OP in this thread may have conflated 501(c)3s with 501(c)4s. The 4s have somewhat more leeway. My understanding is that they have to avoid electoral politics (e.g., supporting candidates), but they can lobby for legislation and do "educational" work in the public square. The NAACP is one, and I think the NRA is too.
❤️❤️❤️
The 501(c)4s also bear scrutiny. Last I looked, I think the NRA had 501(c)4 status.
Ironic that the Heritage cabal’s blueprint for affordable healthcare was repudiated after the ACA included the Heritage’s inclusion of a penalty for those not getting insurance. As a pro business group, they realized that no insurance company would take on pre-existing conditions without the ‘carrot’ of being quarantined healthy enrollees.
I refer to that group as a propaganda mill! No thoughts about helping Mom and Pop Mainstreet coming out of the faux ‘think’ tank!
❤️
That’s what I was going to say! Can we start using the term out right in public?
I have been using "fascists" since election night, 2016. I got kicked off youtube back then.Now it will trend, thank you Biden for having a strong, quiet spine! We have needed Truth to be spoken.
I made a FB post in March 2016 comparing tRump to Hitler. Some saw it as a valid comparison but many were calling it hyperbole. THEY NOW STAND CORRECTED.
Facebook Timeline Post
Rob Boyte - March 1, 2016
FASCISM II - THE SEQUEL
DONALD TRUMP
Just a few months ago many of us thot that Donald Trump was a joke, a mediocre, boorish business man who dabbled in crap TV shows out of boredom. Now, he is becoming a frightening figure, not entirely by himself but because of his rabid following of ignorant, low-life fascists whom he is dangerously egging on with his hate rhetoric and failure to distance himself from known white supremacy hate groups.
Even the remaining sane Republicans are fearful that he will be their party's choice for POTUS in 2016. (Yes, there are sane Republicans. The ones who did not vote for McCain after he chose Sarah Palin as his Veep - one heartbeat away from the presidency). As we watch the increasing popularity of this crude demagogue appealing to the base prejudice that has never left the ignorant masses in America, those of us with a sense of history see where such dredged up hatred leads. Never say "It can't happen here" or "Never again." We are watching it happen again by the playbook.
I just hope in the end there are enuf sane ppl in America who get off their asses and vote for whomever the Democrats run in the general election to prevent a disaster for our nation and the world. Remember, no matter which political party you are affiliated with you can vote for any candidate running in the general election. Do The Right Thing.
I said the same thing right after he was voted in. Republicans told me I had to accept it and learn to live with it. I said I’d never be able to accept a fascist president. They thought I was being ridiculous. Now look at TFG! Total traitor!
For decades we of the left of center have called every conservative whose politics we didn't like a "fascist" without much regard for its actual, historical meaning -- pretty much the way the right uses "socialist" and "communist." In recent years, however, the right wing and the GOP have ticked more and more of the "fascist" boxes, to the point where the word really does apply. Unfortunately, it's been so overused that it's become almost meaningless.
President Biden's use of "semi-fascist" is having an impact, to judge by how ballistic the Republicans are going about it -- because President Biden, unlike many of us, is not given to overstatement and hyperbole. I'm planning to take my cue from him and continue using the word "fascist" when it really applies, not just when I'm trying to describe some generic right-winger's disgusting politics.
Exactly! It’s not just slinging mud. It’s a real threat to democracy!
It is, and that's why it's so frustrating and infuriating that the word has lost so much meaning and impact when it accurately describes what so much of the GOP is up to. I've compared it elsewhere to the boy who cried "Wolf!" The wolf was real, but people had heard him cry "Wolf, wolf, wolf!" so often that they shook their heads and went back to whatever they were doing. What matters in the end is less the truth of what you say than how people hear it.
I've used that term to their Republican faces. Gets a strong reaction, but the truth sometimes hurts, yes? No more Mr. Nice Guy, as Alice Cooper would say.
Biden has been doing a great job and now he says flat out that the opposition is no longer Republican but fascists. Speaking the truth is essential and now the DOJ must speak by issuing indictments. Investigations, hearings are good but the indictments are due ASAP.
Strongly approve of this more pointed rhetoric, as the USA fights the huge current threat to the survival of our constitution and our global standing as a citizenry that supports truth-telling versus lies. As a student of Nazi Germany and Hitler's bamboozlement of a nation with catastrophic consequences, I see many parallels in MAGA Republicans ' attempt to turn back the national clock to a regime of repression in education, free speech, sexuality and civil rights. Let the strong voices of multicultural America , from the age of 5 to 100, ring loud and clear! The whole world is waiting!
Wonder if Twitter will regret banning me for calling our chump as Hitleresque before the 2020 election. Nah, no doubt their algorithms are still programmed to favor republican evil.
I got temporarily banned for calling Lindsey Graham "tRump's whore."
I got kicked off FB for referring to the Madonna /Whore syndrome.
More like his butt boy! Those who populate the ‘oldest profession’ must be offended!
They banned me too for suggesting that, given all the hamberders and ice cream he eats, His Heinous might suffer a timely aneurism.
Thanks. I think I'll get banned too.
Is there no recourse with a Twitter ban? Happened to a friend of mine who shared some insanity to point out said insanity, “for life”. I’d demand reinstatement!
I did. They were having none of it. I don't miss it.
Survival indeed Kay!
“bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan”
- Abraham Lincoln
“a battle for the soul of our nation”
- Joseph Robinette Biden Jr
Roevember!
So delighted to see this change of attitude! Go, Biden!
“President Biden’s Twitter account has recently been taken over by new White House's Deputy Director of Platforms Megan Coyne, who garnered attention when she ran the official New Jersey Twitter account with attitude, and it seems as if the administration is taking the new saltiness out for a spin. ‘All the talk about the deficit from the same folks that gave an unpaid-for $2 trillion tax cut to the wealthy and big corporations. It makes you laugh,’ the account said tonight. ‘Under my Administration, the deficit is on track to come down by more than $1 trillion this year.’”
Isn't being semi-facist like being semi-pregnant? You either are or you're not. Going for the juggler and then pulling back while striking is a trait I've witnessed too often on the left. Just sayin'. Don't purposely soften your position. You get as much crap for saying it you might as well get the full benefit. -saw-
👍🏼
"Isn't being semi-facist like being semi-pregnant?" ✔️+
Love Megan, take on the lot of the liars, whiners, and propagandists. They have had the microphone (and Twitter feed) long enough. Won’t matter to the MAGAts (who will still worship Apopis, Egyptian God of chaos), but maybe some with a few working brain cells.
Heather's account of Representative Anson Burlingame's 1856 rebuke of a southern bully was inspirational. It's unfortunate, but it's come to this; a coarse, braying minority representing a would-be dictator has cowed too many folks that believe in civility. As we all know, the schoolyard bully is typically a coward. I live in an area with an over abundance of these people, frequently seen driving jacked up Dodge Ram pickup trucks flying multiple in-your-face flags and sporting disgusting bumper stickers. I wonder if these pot-bellied rednecks realize just how many of us "laptop liberals" quietly conceal a serious arsenal of our own. Good for Biden. Good for Garland and the DOJ. But if it should ever come down to it, good for those with the wisdom to "speak softly and carry a big stick".
So over the big over compensating trucks with the flags and all! I was overtly fake laughing at a guy in one the other day and he changed lanes to get away from me. If it’s true these guys biggest fear is being made fun of, I’m using that for a weapon! He looked a little stunned as I pointed and laughed! Of course, in Texas you do have to be careful. Thanks to Abbott everybody’s packing heat.
I saw a very old Lincoln yesterday with 5 flags attached, one an old, frayed tfg flag. I was so taken aback I didn’t get how he had all these attached. Must really affect gas mileage (and thought process).
Thanks for the education! Had to look up tfg. Much easier than “he who shall not be named” as I say it.
OR DJIT sort of fits too (capitalized or not)
I've used idjt quite a bit. I kind of like the formal usage of fpotus, where rather than "former" the "f" can stand for a variety of "colorful metaphors"*
My favorite is "flatulent". *Colorful metaphors is a nod to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Oh Ally yours is so much better than mine - idiot isnt colorful enough!! There are SO many. My son is a fan of the Star Trk movies - I may have watched one or two. They somehow didnt grab me!
Denise H. I think your theory is spot on, but be careful out there.
I’m trying to be careful where I even wear my political T-shirts. From my women’s club a friend that put Beto bumper stickers on her car got obscenities scratched into the paint! I think it means we’re getting under their skin and making progress. But you have to be careful!
“Pot-bellied rednecks.” I know them, some with advanced degrees, who have drunk the cool-aid. Proud to be a laptop liberal. Bigger donation to Val coming up. Smart arse Marco needs to go. Where are you Mad Dog Pac.
I called out one of those rednecks in a La Pine, OR diner. The waitress was wearing an offensive tRump t-shirt. The owner defended her saying “I printed it for her.” That earned him three very negative social reviews. No business should be serving politics on the side. Hit these folks in the wallet.
At long last Biden is sharpening his tounge! Bravo, Mr President.
Regarding the South's perpetual and very delusional sense of superiority – they seem to be content having the preponderance of folks below the poverty line and believe it to be a badge of honor. How sad for those who work night and day to just get by.
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/poverty-rate-by-state
And disdain the people in those states whose tax money goes to help them. Mitch’s state is a big one.
Is this really new for Biden? I seem to recall him asking “who is this clown?” In response to one of Trump’s ignorant statements in one of the Presidential Debates. And didn’t he once suggest that they “step outside” to settle a disagreement?
The caricature of Biden as a senile, out-of-touch wimp is way off base.
I've long thought the good old Mason-Dixon Line, if brought back, might solve a lot of problems. Let the political world be split asunder!
I hear this a lot, but it’s not practical. Besides, there are a lot of progressive people south of that line, myself included. Why not work to bring about change? Look at what Stacy Abrams has accomplished in Georgia! Stop ignoring states that are not entirely blue, & run good candidates for office. Sometimes here in Florida there are local elections that don’t even have a Democratic candidate.
There are lots of progressives in the South. Our problem is that the regressives are SO much louder.
Yup, the silent majority HAS to speak up. Now. Ty Mr president, for your leadership.
Thank you, Jean. I am so sick and tired of the “abandon the south” rhetoric.
I know how you feel!
Great Jean! I just replied to this post myself as a lefty Floridian. Naples here. You?
Oh, it’s there.
Sounds better if you’re a northerner than if you, as I, happen to live in Florida! The division couldn’t be geographic. Don’t know what it could be, if the unthinkable were to occur. What about education or technical savvy or... Any ideas?
It has its uses: I refuse to make any travel plans that take me south of the Mason Dixon line and I say why.
We stay and change minds.
I write postcards and letters for various Democrat/progressive organizations and there are MANY groups in the South who do the same....GA is awash in these brave folks! If they have hope, we can too.... support them
you won't even travel to DC??
I've been there.
I will only go to family funerals and I'm nearly the oldest, so chances are good I'll die first😉
Dear Heather,
You are such a huge gift to your readers. Thank you for every letter.
Robert Ogner
AFAIC, it is long since high time for Biden and all the other Dems to start launching repeated punches to the throat and kicks to the crotch, call out the christo-fascists and seditious fomenters of domestic terrorism in plain terms for what they are and what they're doing. No more handwringing over how nasty the other side is playing, no more ceding the messaging terrain. Own the high ground _and_ the low ground. When they go low, kick 'em in the chops. Hard.
I hadn't known about Megan Coyne, but if she's coming out salty and with attitude, I say, "You go, girl!" Tell it, expose the treachery and BS for what it is, simply and straightforwardly and loudly, again and again and again, so that the uninformed and apathetic out there figure out that our country is at stake.
We Dems need the sass!
Exactly
A little more Mark Twain, please.
(Referring to HCR's citation https://marktwainstudies.com/the-calculated-incivility-of-anson-burlingame-the-only-congressman-mark-twain-could-tolerate/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email)
“Following Burlingame’s example, Twain seemed often to suggest that those who had proven themselves incapable of civility, deserved none.”
Just a note: today is still Saturday for me and tomorrow in 1955 14 yr old Emmett Till was abducted and murdered by members of the KKK in Mississippi.
It is impossible to like your comment, Kathy. We need to keep Emmett Till's light shining in our hearts and minds now and always. His sacrifice must continue to drive the principles of equality forward.
Daria, check out TC substack entry for today.
Excellent piece by TC. Thanks.
Will do. Thanks, Pam.
Collective sorrow. We honor and remember this child’s name. Thank you for note, Kathy.
Thank you, Kathy.
Yes, Daria, there are times when that heart means more than "like".
Indeed, I always thought it meant agree, it does to me
I was almost 4 years old when that happened to Till. Such a sad day in our history but goes right along with tonight’s letter from Heather.
:’-(
I give thanks to his courageous mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, for demanding that the world see the truth of American Racism, by refusing a closed casket. Kudo’s to Jet Magazine also for the courage to print the images. No sweeping it under the rug and quietly mourning. I never learned about Emmett Till until I was an adult with tween-age kids of my own. A truly informative PBS documentary about him was a good lesson for all three of us. And now thanks to Heather, I learn about Senator Burlingame. His courage in the face of Senator Sumner’s near fatal beating by South Carolina Senator, Preston “Bullying” Brooks, to talk, while pointedly addressing Brooks, is the “Profiles In Courage” I want to know more about!!!!! Deputy Director of Platforms, Megan Coyne offers that same spirit !
We now have people in Congress who represent the true faces of America. Most are on the Democratic side. A few misguided are on the Pro-Rape Party side. We must continue to show the “melting pot” that our country inhabits.
Check out "That's Another Fine Mess" today. TC covers it in detail. For the Professor, this Letter is still for Saturday, even if I'm reading it on Sunday morning.
Thank you for posting this: we need to keep it in mind.
Thank you for this reminder!
TC wrote about Emmet Till today.
Thank you, Professor Richardson, for another insightful Letter.
Some thoughts:
Personally, I’d rather we stop calling them MAGA Republicans and start calling them Trumpists because that is what they are.
Those who embrace and repeat the Lie should be called out as liars and challenged at every opportunity to prove otherwise.
Stephen Miller has somehow avoided much attention, although he has begun to rear his head recently. He and Bannon – to my mind – are two of the most insidious players of the bunch.
Yes to your last sentence, especially about Miller. I feel he is the architect for many insidious and nefarious things that the past admin caused.
I think they are MAGA Republicans AND Trumpists; Trump's "Red Hats". The whole party is responsible, though I think a lot of the rank and file are (albeit all too willingly) bamboozled. Trump the politcal leader is more a creation of the larger party than they of he. He is the bull in the china shop that creates so much chaos, they can do as they please, letting their Hyde-side some out to play.
Deliberate ignorance is worse than stupidity.
Deadlier
Which - when you think of it - just explains the "acceptance" of slavery!!
Miller and Bannon-evil incarnate, and eagerly followed by tfg.
The recent article in The Atlantic, 'We Need To Take Away the Children,' by Caitlin Dickerson, gives Miller the starring role in the family separation policy. Anyone who hesitated in carrying out the draconian, secret policy was set upon by Miller until they relented.
He is front and center, for sure, but don’t forget about Jeff Sessions. He let Miller off of his leash. Let him him amuck. Miller has already produced a child with another Aryan. He must be neutered!
Chilling, takes my breath away.
When the whole party follows Trumps, and they cast out any who do not, all Republicans who choose to stay behind and vote with them ARE MAGA Republicans. They can say they hold their nose while doing so, but should be afforded no leniency for allowing Trumpists to take over the Republican Party.
How about MAGAts? the "t" can stand for "trumpism"
That’s what Lucian Truscott calls them.
The Cheney and Rumsfeld of the former guy’s gang.
Watched All the President's Men (1976) with Redford and Hoffman playing "Woodstein," as Ben Bradlee of WaPo referred to them, on PBS last night. Crap. It was the prequel to this debacle we are now fighting and a sequel of the Republican party's continuing disregard for the rules of law and political engagement in a democracy. Criminals all, lauded by their followers and sooo misunderstood by those who deal in facts and have expectations for fair play and honor in the highest echelons of our government. Same abuses, absent the enormity and large role of media in the present chapters of the Decemation of American Democratic Governance which the present should be aptly titled. First they gave us Reagan, the WBush, then Trump-Miller-Banon, and next DeSantis. Republicans impeached a Democrat for moral turpitude while defending at least three Republican presidents with proven crimal activites and violations of their oaths to protect the nation. Worth watching. What a cast.
So here is the huge difference between then and now in my mind.
The Southern politicians were, in one very important sense, honorable. They stood up and declared that they were slavers, which they were. They spoke the truth. They were proud of it. And their idea of civilization built on slavery had worked well (for them) for generations in the South, and had been a core part of most great empires of the past. Egyptian civilization, Hellenic civilization, and Roman civilization had all been built on the backs of slaves.
The Southern government is now seen as a moral abomination, but they were carrying on a tradition that had deep roots in tradition and history, but during a time of rapid change -- industrialization -- where slavery was simply losing its utility: it could not compete with machines. One can argue a moral case for "necessary slavery." There is absolutely NO moral argument for "unnecessary slavery."
The modern Republicans are entirely different. They hide their intentions behind lies. They cloak their actions in secrecy. They engage in Orwell's Doublespeak, continuously and exclusively. They promote, not an honorable duel or war, but instead covertly stoke civil unrest, sedition, betrayal, terrorism, and collapse.
The system of government they pursue is both a moral and functional abomination. They are not shooting for a grand civilization, like the Egyptian, that had slaves and lasted for nearly 3000 years. They seem to be shooting for, at best, a model like Nazi Germany, which lasted a whole 12 years. Or maybe the Soviet dictatorship/oligarchy, which is what, maybe 30 years old and already dying?
But I'm not sure they have even that much foresight. I think it's entirely possible they have completely swallowed zero-sum economic darwinism, and are just bouncing around in a pinball machine hoping to hit a personal "jackpot" slot and maybe bang a few times on the "own the libs" ego-boost bumper.
The modern Republican Party is entirely dishonorable, shameless, craven, and banal.
The Civil War ended with the South being accepted back into the Union, with a vow of upholding the Constitution. It was a different time and culture, and perhaps this trust was not as misplaced as it seems now. The South ventured and lost. They surrendered and gave their word.
We don't have that luxury with the Republicans.
"necessary slavery"? Who gets to be the "necessary" slaves? Wait, I know! People of color!
And I disagree that the south ever "surrendered." Their confederate flags, hatred, and continued racism tell me they still are at war.
There was genuine dignity in Lee's surrender.
But the embers continued to glow, and have been fanned into flame from one generation to another. Never more than since a Black Democrat won the love and admiration of what has been known as the free world.
I think a few historians have mistaken his stiff upper lip for dignity, but I am sure he would be roasting in Hell (if there were such a place).
In one sense, Lee was afforded this dignity and honor by a wise Union general, Grant. Grant’s human action and code of honor proves the maxim “No good deed goes unpunished.” Lee’s legions go on to assassinate President Lincoln, another man offering dignity and honor and fellowship. Then, they go on to pervert the State’s Rights argument to subvert all the noble gains that aligning with our constitution demanded. My respect for Lee has had a reality check living through these past seven years.
Lee's behavior after the war, teaching students about the lost cause to foment resistance to the war's outcome - actions speak louder than that Lee-Grant movie moment.
I often wonder what would have happened if after the Civil War, Union troops had remained to protect the rights of the liberated slaves. Instead, we withdrew and there were lynchings, stolen land, and a new form of slavery.
Of course, no number of soldiers can change the minds of those committed to a "cause".
Heather's book "How the South Won the Civil War" is revelatory.
Yes, as well as The 1619 Project. If only Lincoln had picked a different VP.....but that’s hindsight I know. And Lincoln’s attitude toward slavery and Blacks evolved over the years, he wasn’t always the “Great Emancipator” We are stuck with the history we have, not what it could have been.
Although I can intellectually understand the concept of "necessary" I cannot wrap my head around it. This country achieved its meteoric ascent as a world power by both the genocide of the Indigenous people they found here and the enslavement of people they kidnapped and brought here. Unless and until we acknowledge that fact, and disavow the ongoing treatment of the Black and Indigenous populations in this country there can be no going forward.
The only way there can be "necessary slavery" is for the gross assumption that the non-slave class is superior in all ways to the enslaved class. It may be useful as a technical term, but what it implies is barbaric.
Thank you, Ally.
See my reply to David Herrick below.
Agree.
Sad but true where I live
See my reply to David Herrick below.
An interesting comparison and a clear distinction. The men of the old South didn't need to lie because they blatantly believed that Blacks were subhuman.
The Republicans of the new South need to lie because they can't find any facts to support their positions.
What will forever boggle my mind, though, is the incredible hypocrisy of the Bible Thumpers who can babble about Jesus (who was not a blue eyed whitey) and then flog (literally and figuratively) a person because of their color.
Just because the enslavers “blatantly believed” Black people were subhuman doesn’t make it a fact. Historical documents reveal that they made up that big lie to support their cruelty. They knew Black people were not subhuman-they had us raising their children, growing and cooking their food, managing their households, having their babies and more. They knew up close and personal that we were not subhuman-they made up facts (bible, brain size, uncivilized etc.) because they were greedy and brutal.
There may have been slavery in other civilizations but American slavery is the most abominable system of all.
It strikes me that this dehumanization is now being practiced by the GOP. My trumper neighbors know me, yet are fully embracing the idea of a radical left.
Yes.
Of course it doesn't "make it a fact". I had an aunt who was kind, intelligent and thoughtful. But she actually believed that the African American brain was different and perhaps smaller. and so we should consider Blacks "less than". It was a ludicrous idea she had read somewhere. We could not disabuse her of this crazy, baseless notion. It just apparently supported her bigotry and there was no reasoning with her about it.
But to your point, I guess Thomas Jefferson considered Sally Hemmings "human enough".
Bill-your aunt is probably among the majority of white Americans. Propaganda worked well when the country was “founded”, it’s been a constant theme and it works well now! This is why education is such a battleground and religion is such a tool.
Bravo Gina! Exactly! They back-filled their belief because economically it favored them. It also favored their sexual appetites. An sooooooo many southern women looked the other way, because again, it economically advantaged them. They desperately needed to hold on to their back-filled belief of black sub-humanity. They still do, evidently.
Well said!
You just hit the nail over my head! I once read a passage in a book and have searched endlessly for it since. It said the most mentally unhealthy are those that are raised in a home where their reality does not match the family’s presentation to their community (in other words, inauthentic). Their neural networks condition them to be calmed by “the big lie”. Makes a lot of sense. Hypocrisy becomes what feels best. Thank you! 🙏🙏
Wow. My folks moved to the south in the 70's. Dads company relocated there to take advantage of the relatively cheap labor. Fortunately, there were other Nothern couples who moved there as well. Because they were never truly accepted by SC society. Lots of smiles and charm but being a Yankee meant isolation.
The aunt I was describing with the bizarre bigotry lived her whole life in Massachusetts. There is no exclusive region for hate.
Slavery is always okay with people who are afraid of honest work or who don't know how to work, who have a superiority complex, and/or are just plain bullies.
Joseph, I agree with much of this, but you have me scratching my head. What, exactly, is the "moral case for necessary slavery?" Really, I'm just curious.
Involuntary military service is a form of "necessary slavery." We had it in the 1960's. The entire argument shifts to whether it is actually necessary. But if the nation, or the tribe, is facing extermination, then the moral argument is "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
There's also a "better than the alternatives" form of slavery, such as criminal incarceration.
Okay Joseph, I see your point, though I would rather see slavery, obligatory military service and incarceration grouped under "involuntary servitude", so as not to dilute the horrors specific to slavery.
Military service can also be voluntary, and incarceration can usually be avoided by just by obeying the law. In our tradition, people were born into slavery and treated as less than human.
"Slavery" is also too broad. Consider "chattel slavery" versus "debt slavery."
incarceration can usually be avoided by just obeying the law... is true if you're white. not true if you're not... we just watched an old Ron Howard film last night, The Paper... all star cast... very well done (it's Ron Howard!)... where that exact theme was central. worth watching...
Suz, please excuse my glibness, though I suppose the institution of slavery is -- on balance -- even worse than our racist law enforcement. Of course that is little comfort for Americans who are harassed, arrested and murdered because of their skin color. Putting Trump behind bars would be a good place to start, but the the hard work has barely begun.
There are certainly distinctions, and those distinctions are the foundation of all moral arguments about the basic state of involuntary servitude.
“The modern Republican Party is entirely dishonorable, shameless, craven, and banal.”
With that I think we can all agree. Your statements about southerners in the pre-and post- civil war era are perhaps meant to calm the waters and allow us to move forward, but there is no value in using words like civil and honorable to describe their actions. They were being true to their fear and ignorance and, in that sense we might understand the inhumanity of their treatment of other human beings. We can understand it in the same way that we can understand the fear, ignorance and resulting hatred that drive the white supremacy of too many Americans today.
We can neither call what happened then nor what is happening now in any way civil, honorable, or morally acceptable.
No intent to calm the waters. Just drawing a contrast.
The mid-1800 slavers were open and honest about their beliefs, however cockeyed they might have been.
The modern Republicans are liars and propagandists. If they have ANY beliefs, they APPEAR have something to do with making the rich richer, driving everyone else into slavery, and calling it all "freedom." But we have no way of knowing.
I could argue that the top Republicans are lizard creatures from Zeta Reticuli, set on turning the entire human race into "humanburgers," and there would be very little hard evidence that it isn't so.
So true. They surrendered. And gave their word.
True, every word
This is very astute and enlightening. We need much more nuance in our politics and our understanding of history, like this. Please critique my new Substack called American Commonwealth. I love critical feedback. Email me directly at eli.merritt@vanderbilt.edu.
Thank you.
How is it that I had never heard of Burlingame’s speech? Thanks as always for the history lesson. :-)
I'm trying to find a copy, but the libraries that have it restrict it's use to faculty, staff and students. WHY ???
The entirety of Burlingame’s speech may be found via Heathers last link in her Notes (the quod.lib link).
It's in the citations at the end of the post. I was able to access and am starting to read. It's quite long.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moa/aar7990.0001.001/1?page=root;rgn=subject;size=100;utm_medium=email;utm_source=substack;view=image;q1=Slavery
Anson Burlingame's accomplishments extend well beyond his defense of Sumner. A fervent abolitionist, Burlingame toured the country in the run-up to the Civil War, delivering fiery antislavery speeches. So compelling was his oratory that the citizens of Kansas [1] and Wisconsin renamed towns in his honor.
Burlingame subsequently became Abraham Lincoln's ambassador to China, and then China’s envoy to the Western powers. He authored the Burlingame Treaty [2], the first to recognize China as a nation among equals.
And finally, he was great friends with Mark Twain, who wrote a heartfelt eulogy [3] upon Burlingame’s death.
(Post written by Anson Burlingame’s very distant relation – fifth cousin thrice removed.)
===
[1] https://www.ansonburlingame.com/burlingame-townships
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burlingame_Treaty
[3] https://www.ansonburlingame.com/twain-eulogy
We have to call fascists fascists. Since I was 17 (I’m originally from Florida) I have had a lot to do with German people, some of whom were drafted into Hitler’s war when they were 15 and 16 to be sent to the Russian front. So many of the women who witnessed their sons and brothers being sent off into that war told me: “we should have spoken up early on. We weren’t aware of what was coming, but there was a brief time when we could have resisted Hitler, and then, almost overnight, doing so could cost you your life.”
We are almost there. I am afraid to put any Democratic or Progressive bumper stickers on my car. I know I would be run off the road and at the least assaulted, maybe even shot!
This makes me very sad, but when I am in Florida on visits, I feel the same way. My parents were staunch Republicans, but I do believe they would be shocked at the hate and fear that is so prevalent today in the US. I, too, am very careful who I “talk politics” to in America.
I think Eisenhower would be shocked. "The same people we fought in WWII" said General Milley of MAGA gun gangs. I think even Tricky Dick Nixon would be shocked. I know Goldwater would be.
The minority party is so desperate to gain and retain power they resort to jackbooted thuggery like the Nazis.
Maybe Biden meant to say neo-fascism, not semi-fascism.
Thanks, J.L, a new way to know when I should feel shocked. The Tricky Dick Rule!
The scale of Watergate has just been more or less a day in the life of the Trump presidency.
Florida was always like that when I visited my mother-in-law there in the 80s. Whether or not racists neo-Nazis are in the majority, they make the most noise.
And the first to whine at any annoyance.
Our sense of reality is built around what we notice, and our capacity for attention such that to the extent we notice one thing, we tend to neglect others. It's key to the modern Republican MO, and has a lot to do with the cynical promotion of racism. Trump railing against windmills killing birds, which is a serious problem, but so is the toll from many other structures, and enormous impact from pets. Not to mention now massive development and climate-driven extinctions. Most "GOP" rhetoric is designed to direct your attention away from the fact that your pocket is being picked and your future foreclosed.
Focused, disciplined protest that makes a difference does just the opposite, holding our attention to the elephant in the room, until we can no longer "unsee".
"GOP" rhetoric is a strawman apocalypse, all of which present no sign of having a brain.
My late B-in-law, who put out Hoover signs with his mother as a tyke, had had enough with W/Dickie. Too bad others didn’t catch on then.
Oddly enough I felt that way in NYS! However, the signs for DJIT are still out there!
Yes, I still see a few here in Southern Michigan, too. Fortunately they are becoming fewer and farther between. It's the fewer, who are the most fanatical and violent. I see their comments on my Nextdoor site, when I am looking for rummage sales. Truly frightening and intimidating! These for those not familiar with the site are your next door neighbors.
I dont see any flags (confed)on vehicles but there are several rural residents (I live in the country) that have signs - Brandon wise & writing they voted for DJIT - telling how "bad" it is here since election! I assume they are still alive & well on Facebook etc - I'm NOT!
I also live in a rural community. I pass at least two big canvas signs spread across fences, saying "I voted for Trump! Don't blame me!" And the other one is" Trump for President 2024!"
I don't visit Facebook, Twitter or TickTok either. I only download the conversations on Nextdoor because I like to add local business and sport cultural information for new comers to our community. Plus I like to go to rummage sales and estate sales sometimes on the weekend. I kind of thought in the beginning that I would be bypassing the gun and revolution crowd on just the local site. Wow was I wrong! They are embedded in the countryside all over the place.
I made the conscious decision to try to engage them trying reason and facts. Wrong! The ones that are left are so brainwashed, they have lost the ability to reason and grasp out independent thought different from their Fox News entertainment daily mind feed! I sometimes spend hours patiently trying to reason with them. Their response almost always is "Oh, you must watch CNN and MSNBC you poor deluded thing. You need to tune in Fox!"I guess using multiple sources of information makes me seem deluded in their estimation. I even explain that I also read multiple newspapers in a week. Response, " Gee, the MSM sure did a job on you, didn't they? "
After Nov. I am going to disengage entirely. I guess underneath I must be a cock eyed optimist! I still hope to at least try to stop anyone else from going down that Fascist Party Rabbit Hole called Conservative Media.
I'm afraid that by now the ones who still suck down the Koolaid on Fox arent going to change. I hope this November People who care VOTE! 2024? Thats going to be a tossup - sounds like many many of the Koolaid people will be running.
I see flags and signs in my rural upstate NY community. We have to be careful here.
We are there
Way to go, Joe! I have been very frustrated with the Democratic marketing of their progress and standing up to the loud idiots on the other side of the aisle.Love to see all the Republicans backpedaling on their anti-abortion propagada as they realize it is so unpopular. They are so out of touch with what most Americans want and care about. Time to have a Congress that actually represents the people instead of bowing to the special interest groups that pay them. Will it happen?? Have to hope that it will at some point. Fantastic if it were November.
it does feel like the tide is turning...
Oh, I truly hope so. I think the overturning of Roe was the key. LOTS of women are registering to vote now. It is motivating women from all sectors to reclaim their rights. Also, saving our Democracy was one of the top issues that people in general are concerned about.
Backpedaling, indeed. I saw one SC rep getting (genuinely, I believe) teared up over the effects of his vote on a heartbeat bill potentially maiming or killing a 19-y/o whose fetus was going to die but whose heart had not yet stopped.
Yet rather than vote “no”he voted “present” I believe.
So - tears instead of action - does sort of sound like Repubs, doesnt it?
Imagine having that on your conscience ! And he may have voted present, and be tearful… but others .. pure political posturing
I believe in calling things what they are. Direct is clear! Biden needs to be clear. Although I guess Republicans are only "semi"Fascist at this point because they do not have the power to be full on fascists. If given the chance they clearly would be. Look at their state elections and voting policies. The Republican policies under Trump are clearly authoritarian and unAmerican. Why not name it? I have not trusted one single Republican President in my lifetime. Why should I? When I was a child my mom was talking about Nixon like he was as racist as a Nazi. In addition to his Watergate involvement that would have had him impeached if he had not resigned, he and Kissinger were having a covert war on Cambodia that was treacherous and sickening. He was replaced by Ford, who pardoned Nixon, and showed that presidents get away with being treasonous crooks. Ford was not well regarded for that, especially since he was not elected into his presidency. Reagan's new deal reversed our prosperity. In fact, his destruction of our social welfare program was just plain racist! Even if more White people were benefitting at that time from social programs, he pretended that his reason for pulling the rug out from the American people, was to prevent Black welfare queens from scamming the government. Now Americans are so stressed from their lives that many have become mentally ill which is evidenced by the huge number taking opiates and embracing conspiracy theories. Enter QAnon! He certainly helped set the stage for Trump. Under Reagan the national debt soared and the wealth concentrated in the top 10 percent with the lions share in the top 1 percent. It is crazy and unhealthy. https://www.jibei.org/media/1264/our-think-tanks-white-paper-on-income-inequality-in-america.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/book/8027/chapter-abstract/153399359?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Trump is now the most clear fascist of them all. Those who follow him belong to the party of Trump. Trump has been a Democrat, now he claims to be a Republican, but really he is just for the Party of Trump. He is not an American in spirit. He is for sale to the highest bidder and imagines himself friends with Despots around the globe. The more fascist the more he admires them. If Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, Genghis Khan, or King Leopold II were still alive he would be telling us about their good qualities and trying to make friends with them. Duarte is out so he has to be satisfied with Putin, Jong-un, Erdogan, Jinping, el Sissi, Bolsonaro, and al-Assad. That is that he admires people who have power and exercise it in bad ways. Something does not tick right in him, which is why it is so disturbing that millions follow him and see him as the Chosen one. What is wrong with them?
https://religionnews.com/2019/08/23/why-trump-and-some-of-his-followers-believe-he-is-the-chosen-one/
Biden is right about MAGA Republicans being a threat to our economic security, but also to our national security. Who is going to trust the USA at this point? Who will be our allies? Anyone who we can trust? We will have to do a lot to overcome the dirty that Donald Trump has done. Let Biden tell it like it is!
Love it Linda, Chump was drawn like a moth to a flame to the Repub evil. You are spot on
We love Joe!