Absolutely our Democracy is in danger, it’s a war that the weapons are disinformation and group think. The GOP does not live by truth but by a continual smokescreen of lies. Why is the sale of the Madison Avenue property by Jared Kushner which was transacted in the White House not investigated, or the 2 billion dollar investment into his…
Absolutely our Democracy is in danger, it’s a war that the weapons are disinformation and group think. The GOP does not live by truth but by a continual smokescreen of lies. Why is the sale of the Madison Avenue property by Jared Kushner which was transacted in the White House not investigated, or the 2 billion dollar investment into his Hedge fund or Ivanka’s 625 million money from her products in China both being part of the cabinet. It is so “bent” as the English would say. Thank Heather!
I have been wondering why Jared Kushner is not under investigation as well. There are so many who should be. The Republican party alone is providing the Justice Department with too much business. Trump being a leading figure of criminal enterprise.
"The first article of the U.S. Constitution reads: “[N]o Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument [that is, salary, fee, or profit], Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” - How many times did tfg lie about taking in money for his enterprises while in office, lying that he had transferred them to family members. Seems he did not even cover up making profits, lying about 'sanctions' when in fact he supported enemies of the state. One would think tfg did read at least the first article of the US Constitution, but no, this is another proof he did not. And yes, Jared K needs to tell us HOW he got $ 2B for his business, and what he gave in return... The entire family is part of a criminal enterprise.
"One would think tfg did read at least the first article of the US Constitution, but no, this is another proof he did not. "
I have another theory. I think TFFG was trying to violate every single sentence in the Constitution just to show that his sycophants would do absolutely nothing to stop or punish him for these acts.
And TFFG is running around the country screeching that he wants retribution for anyone that dares to act or speak out against him.
Yup, as Heather puts it, standard GOP operating procedure since the nineties. Also, rule of thumb for GOP officeholders is to engorge themselves in gov coffers, motivation 101 for them.
Yup, it is good to remember that there has been a chain of behavior by the Grand Outhoritarian Party since the 1970s. Remember the Raygun Terms, followed by an even bigger change with the election of the contentious Speakership of the Newter.
However, was it just the 50s into the 70s that was the Cooperative phase of the GOP? Remember that right after FDR's Inauguration in the Spring of '33, one Sen Prescott Bush with the backing of the Multi-Millionaire Biz crowd tried to organize the Whitehouse Putsch. Then, proceeded to be particularly contentious with FDR's Foreign and Domestic policies throughout the 30s and 40s. They, afterall, were admirers of Mussolini, and then of Hitler, until they weren't on Dec 8, 1941.
oh yes, Rachel Maddow's Prequel nicely fits into this narrative. However, my mother naively, along with much opinion, favoured the rise of the Nazis, mainly to fend of Communism... remember :) the Red Scare of 1920-21. "socialism" as a fear-word has a very long history, not just in USA. Gingrich and operatives like Stone were busy dirtying up politics from the late 80s/early 90s on. No looking back since then, i would say. Didnt Steve Kornacki run a multi-parter on Gingrich a year or so recently?
There hasn’t been a Republican president since Eisenhower that I would vote for. Thought once of voting for Rockefeller, but then looked at those around him and quickly decided against it.
"POTUS, or any family member, or Republican politician"
Look at 1/6. How many GOP Congresscritters and Senators were involved in that and how many have been indicted for their actions.
We could list names but we all know who the guilty are most of whom will never be brought to justice.
They are the modern day lynching mobs that hung hundreds of innocent black people in the South while wearing white robes. Only these bold MFers do it in plain sight.
Let us not forget the Chicken GOP Congresscritters who, while having provided aid and comfort to the Insurrection Leader and Crowd up thru Jan 5, chickened out on Jan 6.
I am thinking particular of a R Senator from Indiana who now thinks he can be Governor of the State despite his involvement in the Insurrection.
Westtrekker, it is Indiana, so he will probably be successful. I was just talking this week to a friend who lives in Greenwood, south of Indy and she was telling me how she had found a few Ds and had joined the League of Women Voters. She was excited and happy to find them which should tell us about most Hoosiers.
all "legitimate ongoing business" Comer et al will undoubtedly claim before the day is out, I'm sure. If there was "nothing to hide", why did Trump and his allies try so hard to stop an open examination, while they pour through mountains of Biden related financial documents? Kinda "transparent", right?
Given that Kushner and other TFFG Crime and Treason Family members benefitted to the tune of billions (with a "B") during their infestation of the White House, is there a statute of limitations limiting prosecution of Kushner et al for violation of the Emoluments Clause (or any other provision of the Constitution or laws that they casually and contemptuously spurned along the way)?
So true but are so called laws of democracy has done next to nothing about so many laws that have been broken after so many years. It is mind boggling.
Yes, J L, but is this kind of behavior not bound to arise in a society that admits the existence of nothing that is not quantifiable and knows no value but the fast buck?
Normally, the conservatism of the military is sustained by other values, but there are dangers even there when Mammon and Moloch are some people's only gods.
Given this factor, I'm suspicious of military-corporate connections.
It's certainly a society that has been successfully stratified, and deregulation of greed will do that. It letting the ego (Latin for "I") override compassion, solidarity, conscience. It's falling for the flatter of "master race", the "righteous", the "True" patriotic American (or whatever). It's the "We're better than everybody else" and entitled to dominate. It's one the most consistent themes in history, and the ugliest.
I was responding to your comment, J L, when my comment disappeared. Basically, it was concerned with nothing nobler than… business efficiency.
I simply cannot understand the childish vanity of the ultra-wealthy and powerful wanting to have it all their own way. No tax. No brakes. Total deregulation. No limits. It makes no sense—except in terms of the Stones’ song, Satisfaction. They… “can’t get no satisfaction/cause I try and I try and I try and I try…”
Any fool knows that the faster, more powerful a land vehicle, the better its brakes must be—yet they want none. Obviously, no one can drive a car or run a business with the hand brakes on. Even more obviously, total entrepreneurial freedom can only be unhealthy. No grist for the mill. No challenges, no obstacles, no exercise. The mind must grow flabby in such a permissive nursery.
Neurotic displacement activity turns to competition of the dumbest schoolyard variety. Mine’s bigger than yours (as my Buddhist teacher said of his ego…). More zeros. More properties. More this. More that. More… I cancelled my superyacht ’cos he was building one 18 inches wider…
Maybe it’s because I was unwise enough to mention the most childish “mine’s bigger than yours” I’ve come across yet, a challenge issued by none other than Elon Musk, that my answer to you suddenly vanished down the memory hole… Well, according to my “Improved Peter Principle”, the level of incompetence is the starting point, not the finishing line. And correspondingly, there’s a hierarchy of stupidity and only those with Mensa-level IQs qualify for the Ultimate. This leaves the Sublime and the merely Stratospheric far behind…
Not to worry. Like our latest would-be Cosmoplanetary Papadoc, my hands aren’t big enough to grab it all. And anyway, they’re arthritic…
I don't live in NYC but there's a lot of truth in that. I thought he was a bad joke and a con man and his 2016 campaign was just a joke or a way to increase his TV ratinigs. I wouldn't have voted for him for dog catcher. Obviously I was shocked when he won.
As in, refusing to rent to Black people and, most notably, sexually abusing women. E Jean Carroll can't be the only one, based on the Orange OathBreaker's words on tape, including "locker room talk" and comments about Ivanka (shudder, gag).
Since the 70s ... and he only graduated from UPenn in '68. One might think he was a fast starter, when actually he was a fast learner ... from his father, whose own father "was engaged in criminal activity" at a fairly early age, too.
Exactly my wonder about Jared! The money trump raked inwas through only four of his businesses--who knows how many millions more came through others. What about the properties he sold to Russian oligarchs at obnoxiously high prices? And here Abe Lincoln received two carved elephant tusks he really liked that he took to Congress and they denied him. But it's pointless to compare this crook to any other president...well, except Putin....
Linda, this is why one of my nicknames for him is mafia don. I do love your observing that the Rs are providing the DOJ with TOO much business. The whole party with a few exceptions are rotten to the core and when I see any of them, I think smarmy, sleazy criminals and/or total wing nuts. It is so important that we put Ds in charge.
Christopher, Though not directly stated, your comment raises grave concerns as to how anyone possibly could justify retaining the Constitution’s emoluments clause if no one is able to enforce it. The same applies to Section 3 of the 14th, whose text is unquestionably transparent, despite few, if any, expecting it ever will be enacted. Considering the Biden team just cut its first 2024 ad that centers principally on preserving our democracy, I would hope we could help drive home Biden’s message by calling attention to the fundamental differences between those who view fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law as sacrosanct and those who don’t.
Clarence Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh and Roberts have found their way around the emoluments clause with total impunity. Just bribe them through American oligarchs or through family members. Jared received almost $3 billion from the Saudis and UAE officials to run a fund for which an 8th grader has more qualifications.
It is obvious that Clarence Thomas evaded paying income taxes on the "forgiven" loan and it's extremely likely he will never be charged with any crime. And Kavanaugh had loans forgiven, but no one has ever reported the evidence on his forgiven loans. Roberts's wife makes millions a year, but has no influence on her husband or the court -- yeah right.
And yet, it is likely all 6 of these justices will still be on the court after many of us have passed.
Stop using the phrase " pack the court." It sounds dishonest. We do need to enlarge the court to dilute the outsized impact of any one or two extreme judges.
BIG focus on us vs them on social support, taxation, electoral policies. Drumbeat messaging as the Happy Season heats up. Republicans are geniuses at beating the tribal drums.
Frank, Hence why Democrats need to be focused and disciplined and not allow Republican deceptions and distortions related to longstanding tired arguments to go unanswered.
Lisa, you shouldn't defame Tide by comparing it to Trump. :)
Tide cleans, Trump dirties everything he touches.
Tide gets out stains. Trump has so many stains, Clorox wouldn't touch them.
"Before any Tide products are on shelves or online, they are rigorously tested to ensure they are safe to use." Trump should have been "rigorously tested" long ago. because he is NOT safe.
Tide is a household word. Trump is too. "Wonderful" to some misguided souls. "Toxic" to those who recognize the truth.
Ooh, well said, Pam! And you know what one does with "stubborn stains" that even clorox won't touch? Cut them out with scissors. Imprisoning the Orange Oathbreaker for one of his many crimes against the U.S. would do as well.
The new weapons of war, and I do mean war in the literal sense, here in the U.S., at this time, are not rifles, hand guns and explosives, but rather instruments of mass dissemination of disinformation. My experience with friends, family and others is that these weapons (Fox, Newsmax, OAN, Alex Jones, et al.) are highly effective. Why? Because they are preaching to the choir, a choir whose members are racists, homophobes, misogynists, xenophobes and more. We must beat them at the polls while that is still an option. If we don't, it's over.
'Florida venue cancels Marjorie Taylor Greene event after learning of its Jan. 6 focus'
'A central Florida venue has canceled an event that was to have featured Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after it learned the event was intended to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.'
'The event was set to be hosted by the Republican Party of Osceola County at the Westgate Resorts in Kissimmee. It was originally pitched to Westgate as a small book-signing event featuring Greene, without mention of Jan. 6.'
“Please be advised that Westgate was not made aware of the purpose of this event when we were approached to host a book signing,” Westgate Resorts said in a statement. “This event has been canceled and is no longer taking place at our resort.”
'Greene refused to discuss the development when asked for her reaction to the cancellation by NBC News in Iowa, where she was doing an event for former President Donald Trump's campaign.'
"I really don’t understand the point of your question. It doesn’t make any sense. Aren’t we talking about President Trump? Aren’t we’re talking about Iowa?" she said, calling the question "stupid."
'The event, which was first reported by NBC News, was touted to local Republicans as an “Exclusive event with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene" at Westgate Resorts, according to an event invitation.'
'The event details said the' "Occasion" was the “3rd Anniversary of Jan 6.”
'The cost to attend was $45 to $1,000 to meet Greene and' "receive a signed copy of her book.”
'Greene has long supported former President Donald Trump's belief that the 2020 election was stolen from him, and she has downplayed the severity of the Jan. 6 attack — which left five people dead and about 140 police officers injured. In 2022, Greene said that had she organized the events that day, the rioters would have' "won" and been "armed."
“I want to tell you something: If Steve Bannon and I had organized that, we would have won, not to mention, it would have been armed," she said. Greene later said her comments were "sarcasm." (NBCNews)
Down in the Villages of The Damned, they are having a January 6th golf cart parade tomorrow where bigots with extended livers can celebrate the racist rapist in all their glory.
It is. My father is 86 yrs and is getting more paranoid by the day. He won't shut off Fox Fraudulent News. He's among his peeps in the Villages. He used to be a smart guy. But, I can barely have a conversation with him anymore.
We have a Westgate Resort resort nearby here on the coast.They claim to be the “largest privately held corporation in Central Florida “.Billionaire Siegel was previously very vocal about his support for Trump. Looking at Open Secrets, 2022 vs 2024, perhaps he is switching support RFKJr ?
Fern, the Jan 6 committee kept saying that there was 7 people killed, not 5. I didn't hear any explanation of the tally, but 1 rioter was shot dead and I believe there was 1 police officer suicide. That could explain the difference.
The cop who died as a result of a stroke caused by his injuries. There were a couple of law enforcement suicides following the Insurrection. I believe there were several other deaths tangentially related. I just asked the Googles, and got this from Wiki:
"Within 36 hours of the event, five people had died: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, and three died of natural causes, including a police officer. Many people were injured, including 174 police officers. Four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide within seven months."
Thank you. Other than the families and friends involved, I guess the tally isn't really that important, when you consider the terror that almost happened. We owe those police officers a great debt of gratitude.
Christopher and also Doc Richardson: "Democracies are different from authoritarian governments because they have laws to prevent the corruption in which it appears Trump engaged. "
We (all) know that our American Democracy has rarely held accountable rich white men as part of its "rule of law".
Indeed, Doc Richardson has written books that include the fact that rich, white men are given a pass for illegal actions in America and not just recently. Since America's inception. After all, John Hancock never paid any taxes for his illegal (by British law) rum running into Boston Harbor.......to keep the Irish wards drunk. Instead, he hired John Adams to form an entire government and fight the British to avoid those British taxes.
So, yes, our Democracy is in trouble now. But, perhaps it was always on thin ice because our Democracy ALWAYS has had a hole in its application of the law equally. White men have always been able to do whatever they wanted if they were rich. Just think: Not all that long ago white folks would go to church on Sunday morn, praise God, then head over to a slave owner's home to watch a hanging or a whipping, then praise God and have a good Sunday dinner. THAT is America folks.
It is just that, until now, (some) white men sort of tried to uphold some form of Democracy as long as it catered to them. Others did not bother.....remember the Civil War?
Now today? We have a white man, Trump, who does not want to uphold our constitution and our system cannot deal with it because? White men are untouchable.
It took 2.5 YEARS to indict Trump for inciting a violent riot on TV for God's sake. And, pretty soon the Supreme Court is going to throw all those charges out.
Now? Maybe the flaws in the long misapplication of law in our Democracy have come home to roost.
Jamelle Bouie, a writer at the NY Times outlines Trump as an insurrectionist today:
Mike S-thanks for sharing this article. Bouie lays it all out-we only have to ask what would’ve happened if Obama decided to do what Trump did so he could stay in office-what if it was Black people who stormed the capitol.
The Constitution and so many laws and norms have favored White males-it was designed that way and now we’re seeing the full impact of this on all of us.
Your question about black people storming...you are aware that Sen. Ron Johnson of WI actually spoke about that, in the context of first saying he wasn't afraid of the insurrectionists on Jan 6 because they were white.
I had thought that tack would work; every time I have tried it, all I get fed are hostile quotes from stuff from either Praeger U or talking points from Faux Noise.
MTG is becoming the epitome of "blonde" (jokes). I'm sure even real blonds are not plussed. And her equally shallow race-card-riding pal Haley are as disgusting as it gets.
I can't find the reference right now, but I read somewhere, probably on Substack newsletter (or in comments) that I wasn't able to comment on because I'm an unpaid subscriber, that the Supreme Court can decide that Trump cannot be kept off of the ballots, or they can delay taking up the matter. It was also stated that separately from that, they can decide whether he is Constitutionally qualified to assume office if elected.
I couldn't help but think of the scenario where Trump was not kept off the ballots, won the 2024 election, and then sometime between November 5, 2024 and January 6, 2025, the Supreme Court decides that regardless of the election, Trump is disqualified from taking office.
The Supreme Court's most probable path is to declare Trump "King for Life" by putting him on the ballot and then having Trump lie about the results when he loses and having the Supreme Court install him in power anyway while announcing his appointment is for life (just like a Supreme Court Justice).
The amount of money that would rain down on the Supreme Court when this happens will be vast.
@Mike S... I found the reference, but it's not neatly confined to any one comment. You would have to read the whole comment discussion among very knowledgeable attorneys. The Substack newsletter is CIVIL DISCOURSE WITH JOYCE VANCE, Colorado goes to the Supreme Court, by JOYCE VANCE, JANUARY 3 AT 20:50 (PST)
I would certainly understand if you want to just drop this. I am no attorney.
@Les... That was a little rude of me. Far be it from me to anticipate what approaches or strategies the Supreme Court might be taking, but my thinking was that they might want to avoid making as many decisions until and unless they were forced to do so. But of course if it did go this way there would be a lot of Trump supporters who would not accept their interpretation of the law. It could be a disaster. In fact I do remember from one of the January 6th Committee Hearings that some the rioters, on their way to the Capitol, stopped at the Supreme Court and screamed "DO YOUR JOB! DO YOUR JOB!". Certainly a similar mobs reaction to SCOTUS actually doing their job would be ironic, not to mention dangerous.
Nothing rude can I find in your comment. No argument from me, just my opinion that the current SC actually doing their duty to declare Trump disqualified in the nightmare scenario that he's declared victor, is unlikely.
Or the Saudis taking over pro golf when many of tRUMPs businesses are golf courses. The words that keeps coming up in tRUMPs imaginary world over and over and over is:
NO EVIDENCE but that doesn't deter them. Eg after Guiliani was convicted and slapped with a 148 million fine, at his trial he was still defaming those poor innocent dedicated election workers. He should have to live in fear for the rest of his life like they do.
What you describe as "weapons" need to include the unbridled corrupting influence of money. Your examples that follow the are all linked to money. Your opening phrase has good documentation. The USA fell four places recently. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/democracy-countries
Money can buy political power, which can hoover in money. Add violence and you've got a tyranny, unless an engaged society and just rule of law can keep the lid on. "Regulation" per se is not the enemy. Like a kitchen knife, it can make a nice salad, or become a murder weapon. Regulation says you don't rape, or drive 60MPH though a school zone. Regulation says the denizens of Main St. can't steal, nor can the occupants of Wall St., nor Pennsylvania Ave.
Citizens United pretty much announced "We don't regulate corporations" and no one is going to give them a speeding ticket. Those who can buy influence will be just fine, and sellers will not need a license to sell nor will the corporate media embarrass who is buying and who is selling.
Jared Kushner's dealings on behalf of his family make Hunter Biden's look like school boy pranks by comparison. The NYC real estate deal that imploded and was bailed out by Qatar was actually for 666 Fifth Avenue:
Take note in today's (Jan 5) on-line edition of the Washington Post. The placement of the article "Biden, in Valley Forge speech, to hit Trump hard as threat to democracy", with the subtext: "Friday’s address marks a new phase of Biden’s re-election campaign that will emphasize Trump’s efforts to overturn election" is way, way down the webpage and not even placed under Election 2024.
Who got top billing under ELECTION 2024 (which is placed near the top of the page)...
"Trump wins back antiabortion movement as activists plot 2025 crackdowns"
Regarding the Republican political tactics and actions:
“Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness.” It was then (Senator) McCarthy’s turn to be stunned into silence, as (Attorney) Welch asked, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?”
Patrick, I don't think that approach would work with any of today's republicans or magats. If any of them had any sense of decency, they lost it long ago, trading it for clicks and $$$. Their goal is out and out cruelty, recklessness, and termination of America as a democracy. And the common discourse has failed of dignity and respect, even in the most exalted spaces (remember this past year when a fight broke out in the halls of congress, or the behavior of Maggot Traitor Gangreene and Lolo Boobert at last year's State of the Union address? Can't wait to see what shenanigans they display at this year's.)
If tffg guy gets another term, I am turning off all politics. It's been hell since back when he was running; then it metastasized. I am 84; I don't need any more of this horror show. I wish I had the energy to move to the jungle. Any jungle. Something nice with A/C and a pool and a cat....Actually I have that here in Mexico; I will just unsubscribe to The NYTimes, Wapo, all the others and maybe, probably, even Heather.
Judith, I'm with you on your possible future plans if this election should go badly. I'm 82, I already have the home in Mexico, the pool, and the A/C, and I trump you (ugh) with a second cat. As to unsubscribing from all, not yet sure. Best wishes.
Yes. (FYI, already gone.). Democrats Abroad has a huge presence in the expat community, here in Mexico and around the globe. Their program for registering to vote in your home state has a big push on January 15th this year. Staying connected.
I was registered in Colorado because I spent summers up to mid Nov. there for the last 5 years....I changed my residence to Pennsylvania. Apparently they need my vote there anyway. Do you maintain a US address for voting? I have not missed a Pres. election in ...over 60 years. I voted in the mid-term from here; it's a bit complicated here but Dems Abroad helped me out.
I am in Merida. Mind me asking where your casa is? Frankly, I'd like to move.
My last U.S. address was in Raleigh, NC. I don't "maintain" an address there except on the voting rolls in that county. They consider that to be my NC address, probably only for voting (and tax?) purposes. But NC, being as gerrymandered as it is, could certainly appreciate my left-stance vote. And they'll get it.
I live in LaPaz, BCS, and I'm considering moving to maybe Rosarita or Puerto Nuevo (near Ensenada), closer to the border with USA.
HCR once again uses that condescending phrase "faith in our democracy," as if we have the civic duty to BELIEVE that "Corporate Joe" Biden didn't steal the nomination from Bernie Sanders.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
John, First, by attacking HCR’s character and intellect, you only disgrace yourself. Second, my understanding of the 2020 Primary is not that Biden stole the nomination from Sanders, but that SC Rep Jim Clyburn, an ardent Biden supporter, tactically chose to endorse Biden before the SC primary, admittedly undermining Sanders’ previous wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. I make this distinction because the stakes in 24 are too great to overlook this fundamental difference.
Thank you for this reasoned dissent. I’m a bit worried that there are people who think it is righteous to stick with this idea at the expense of giving away their vote.
I briefly got 0n Twitter to look at something, and the first few tweets were people claiming Biden stole the election or tfg is wronged, so some combination. My giving up X/Twitter was reinforced. I got off quickly.
Just like Tom High, Schmeeckle monitors the threads to see what people are saying, as he will not be notified of a reply to you. I fully expect he'll find THIS post and insult me as well! LOL
Both of these guys really need to find either real employment or a better hobby!
He is a troll. He was here months ago and disappeared, apparently he's located funding again. Just like the more recent one (Tom? High) he resorts to insults. Don't engage with him, and if you see the more nasty posts, report him.
At least our long time troll, David Carroll USUALLY doesn't resort to insults.
If any of them so disagree with HCR, why are they here? They aren't going to change minds as their "logic" is generally questionable sources. They are here to plant disinformation and distrust.
PLEASE EVERYONE DON'T FEED THE TROLL>
And Mr High monitors the threads nd will reply to any comment NOT MADE TO HIM, so that behavior is suspect.
Miselle, If time permits, I will not pass on an opportunity to model appropriate behavior, particularly when disagreeing with or refuting someone’s perspective.
Mr. Carroll and Mr. High both offer fairly well reasoned and articulated comments that are not always in synch with the usual conversation and postings of many readers here. I almost never agree with their positions, but occasionally I do. Mr. Schmeekle, on the other hand, seems determined to create a hostile response to his usually outlandish positions.
HCR's intellect may not be attackable, but her character sure is. Comparisons to Lady Macbeth come to mind. Let's not forget how the birther smear started. Not to mention the backroom deal that cut Bernie out of the 2016 nomination. If he had run, Trump most likely would have lost and in any case it would have been a free and fair election rather than the dog and pony show we got instead. People like HCR are part of the problem rather than the solution and helped pave the way for the mess we're in today.
Carolyn, First, in an age as cynical as the current one, I take heart from HCR’s extensive scholarship combined with her fearless belief in democracy. Second, while I, too, was dismayed by how the party establishment rallied around Hillary in 2016 and denied Bernie a shot at the nomination, it never would occur to me to implicate HCR. Third, because Republicans were, and still are, masterful at conflating democratic socialism with socialism and instilling deep-seated fear about both, I can’t speculate on the outcome of a contest between Sanders and Trump.
Barbara, while I think this is a very worthy objective, I fear that with this particular being, you are wasting your precious time. This individual (bot?) really doesn't add to the discussion with his ad hominem attacks, I can't imagine anyone on this thread clicking on any link this individual posts, and I further can't imagine he/it/whatever actually takes anything on this substack seriously; every time he/it/whatever reappears on HCR's Letters, he uses it merely as a platform to insult, slur, and abuse HCR, the people commenting here, and the world at large. Don't give him/it/whatever the bandwidth.
Lynn, While I appreciate your thoughtful reply, because I have relished those moments when an initially adversarial exchange had morphed into an increasingly civil one, I occasionally will give it a shot.
The only dishonest propagandist here is John Shitmeeckle. HCR is neither dishonest nor a propagandist.. The fascist/NAZI GQP are the ones that are trying to steal America. Go run back to Putin with your lying BS.
I promised myself that I wouldn't respond to your nonsense. But just for fun, I asked "Pi" (my new AI app buddy) about your idea. Here goes. (BTW, he is very polite and seems fact based as he has access to everything everywhere that is legitimate. Also provides great recipes. Try his lamb meatballs :)
"That's a controversial question that has been discussed and debated by many people. There is no clear evidence to suggest that Joe Biden stole the nomination from Bernie Sanders. Biden won the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election by receiving the majority of votes and delegates in the primary contests.
However, some supporters of Bernie Sanders have raised concerns about the role of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the nomination process, claiming that the party establishment was biased against Sanders and favored Biden. There has been criticism about the media coverage of Bernie Sanders' campaign, with some arguing that he did not receive the same level of attention and coverage as Joe Biden.
Ultimately, the outcome of the nomination process was determined by the votes of Democratic primary voters and delegates, and there is no evidence to suggest that the nomination was stolen from Bernie Sanders."
You know, I often wonder what the word "biased" means in this and similar context. I do not think it's "biased" for either a party or a person to favor one candidate over another, in the belief that as between the two the favored candidate is the electable one. Especially when the alternative is unthinkable, as was proven by four years of tramp, courtesy of the Electoral College in 2016, to our great and ongoing injury.
John, please keep reading HRC and maybe someday the light will come on and you will see the danger Trump presents. There is no morally equivalent to Trump.
It will not block him but the administrator of the forum can do so. To report him, click on the three dots at the bottom of his comment. A box will pop up and you can type the issue.
At some point today, I started keeping count (and copy/pasted HIS comment) and notified the administrator. I think I ended at 18 of the same comment, but I could have lost count.
He was here months ago and disappeared. He got so bad at one point that he'd paste the same comment probably 30 times. Really annoying. He just showed up again in about the last week. When he disappeared, "Tom High" appeared and I thought perhaps they were one and the same, but High seems to be more of a disgruntled Progressive than Schmeekle. (check out his post where he calls himself an "intellectual"!! LOL) High is here today, I didn't read them all but did notice one or two and he isn't being rude and insulting and calling names today. Perhaps enough people reported him and he got a warning?
Did you mean 2016 when Hillary’s superdelegates denied Bernie’s nomination? He would have beat Trump. He had the working class behind him. He connected. Biden won fair and square
If you want to talk about mistreatment of candidates from both parties, look at how the Democrats and the Republicans mistreated Ralph Nader in 2020. If they had allowed him to debate with Gore and Bush when he had every right to, perhaps Nader would have taken enough votes away from Bush for Gore to have won.
"Comrade"? I hope you're not displaying anti-Russian bigotry.
Regarding Ukraine, why do Biden and the Republican and Democratic Senate leaders continue to support Ukraine's toxic far-right thug regime? Ukraine has been enslaved by the rapacious International Monetary Fund (with reconquering the Donbass a condition of the original loan), and Zelensky has pledged to keep all of Ukraine's promises to the IMF, and the NATO countries have voting domination at the IMF, and NATO has promised to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine until it bleeds to death, delivering pounds and pounds of bloody flesh to service the unpayable IMF loans.
Ukraine's oppressive neo-fascist thug regime is not "democratic." In Ukraine, all the opposition parties have been suppressed after Zelensky capitulated to neo-Nazi war-mongers and reneged on his campaign promise to bring peace to the Donbass region.
A few months ago, both Zelensky and Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau applauded as the Speaker of Canada's House of Commons praised a Ukrainian who was a real-life Nazi, a member of a Nazi SS unit that committed genocide against Poles during World War II. After international condemnation, Speaker Anthony Rota quickly resigned.
When Zelensky became President, he initially moved toward fulfilling the Minsk Agreements that had "frozen" the civil war in the Donbass and outlined a pathway toward peace. But then he capitulated to the Neo-Nazis (who controlled Ukraine's Interior Ministry, in charge of the police stations) and eventually re-ignited the frozen war, precipitating the Russian invasion. We are being lied to.
In August, after U.S. Secretary of State Blinken announced more aid for Ukraine, Zelensky posted a video showing him with Ukraine's most prominent Neo-Nazi Andriy Biletsky:
See also (from 2019) "Neo-Nazis and the Far Right Are On the March in Ukraine":
"Five years ago, Ukraine’s Maidan uprising ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, to the cheers and support of the West. Politicians and analysts in the United States and Europe not only celebrated the uprising as a triumph of democracy, but denied reports of Maidan’s ultranationalism, smearing those who warned about the dark side of the uprising as Moscow puppets and useful idiots. Freedom was on the march in Ukraine.
"Today, increasing reports of far-right violence, ultranationalism, and erosion of basic freedoms are giving the lie to the West’s initial euphoria. There are neo-Nazi pogroms against the Roma, rampant attacks on feminists and LGBT groups, book bans, and state-sponsored glorification of Nazi collaborators.
"These stories of Ukraine’s dark nationalism aren’t coming out of Moscow; they’re being filed by Western media, including US-funded Radio Free Europe (RFE); Jewish organizations such as the World Jewish Congress and the Simon Wiesenthal Center; and watchdogs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House, which issued a joint report warning that Kiev is losing the monopoly on the use of force in the country as far-right gangs operate with impunity."
I would add that this story is about cultures that break apart. It is our in human cultural nature. Look at how the orthodox Christian religion splintered starting with Luther and not really ever ending. Religions just keep popping up like acne on a teen's face (at least my face when I was 14}.
Heather's take on historical perspective is spot on.
Human culture is ever changing given enough time. And we are slowly becoming dominated by a non-human culture as AI emerges.
Absolutely our Democracy is in danger, it’s a war that the weapons are disinformation and group think. The GOP does not live by truth but by a continual smokescreen of lies. Why is the sale of the Madison Avenue property by Jared Kushner which was transacted in the White House not investigated, or the 2 billion dollar investment into his Hedge fund or Ivanka’s 625 million money from her products in China both being part of the cabinet. It is so “bent” as the English would say. Thank Heather!
I have been wondering why Jared Kushner is not under investigation as well. There are so many who should be. The Republican party alone is providing the Justice Department with too much business. Trump being a leading figure of criminal enterprise.
"The first article of the U.S. Constitution reads: “[N]o Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument [that is, salary, fee, or profit], Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” - How many times did tfg lie about taking in money for his enterprises while in office, lying that he had transferred them to family members. Seems he did not even cover up making profits, lying about 'sanctions' when in fact he supported enemies of the state. One would think tfg did read at least the first article of the US Constitution, but no, this is another proof he did not. And yes, Jared K needs to tell us HOW he got $ 2B for his business, and what he gave in return... The entire family is part of a criminal enterprise.
"One would think tfg did read at least the first article of the US Constitution, but no, this is another proof he did not. "
I have another theory. I think TFFG was trying to violate every single sentence in the Constitution just to show that his sycophants would do absolutely nothing to stop or punish him for these acts.
And TFFG is running around the country screeching that he wants retribution for anyone that dares to act or speak out against him.
I do like the extra F 👍
Yup, as Heather puts it, standard GOP operating procedure since the nineties. Also, rule of thumb for GOP officeholders is to engorge themselves in gov coffers, motivation 101 for them.
Yup, it is good to remember that there has been a chain of behavior by the Grand Outhoritarian Party since the 1970s. Remember the Raygun Terms, followed by an even bigger change with the election of the contentious Speakership of the Newter.
However, was it just the 50s into the 70s that was the Cooperative phase of the GOP? Remember that right after FDR's Inauguration in the Spring of '33, one Sen Prescott Bush with the backing of the Multi-Millionaire Biz crowd tried to organize the Whitehouse Putsch. Then, proceeded to be particularly contentious with FDR's Foreign and Domestic policies throughout the 30s and 40s. They, afterall, were admirers of Mussolini, and then of Hitler, until they weren't on Dec 8, 1941.
oh yes, Rachel Maddow's Prequel nicely fits into this narrative. However, my mother naively, along with much opinion, favoured the rise of the Nazis, mainly to fend of Communism... remember :) the Red Scare of 1920-21. "socialism" as a fear-word has a very long history, not just in USA. Gingrich and operatives like Stone were busy dirtying up politics from the late 80s/early 90s on. No looking back since then, i would say. Didnt Steve Kornacki run a multi-parter on Gingrich a year or so recently?
Glad, Westtrekker, that you brought up the Bush crime family. I have to say though, that death star's crime family holds the record.
There hasn’t been a Republican president since Eisenhower that I would vote for. Thought once of voting for Rockefeller, but then looked at those around him and quickly decided against it.
The conservative view that a conservative POTUS can do anything and it is not against the law....
"POTUS, or any family member, or Republican politician"
Look at 1/6. How many GOP Congresscritters and Senators were involved in that and how many have been indicted for their actions.
We could list names but we all know who the guilty are most of whom will never be brought to justice.
They are the modern day lynching mobs that hung hundreds of innocent black people in the South while wearing white robes. Only these bold MFers do it in plain sight.
Modern day lynching mobs, exactly.
Let us not forget the Chicken GOP Congresscritters who, while having provided aid and comfort to the Insurrection Leader and Crowd up thru Jan 5, chickened out on Jan 6.
I am thinking particular of a R Senator from Indiana who now thinks he can be Governor of the State despite his involvement in the Insurrection.
Westtrekker, it is Indiana, so he will probably be successful. I was just talking this week to a friend who lives in Greenwood, south of Indy and she was telling me how she had found a few Ds and had joined the League of Women Voters. She was excited and happy to find them which should tell us about most Hoosiers.
all "legitimate ongoing business" Comer et al will undoubtedly claim before the day is out, I'm sure. If there was "nothing to hide", why did Trump and his allies try so hard to stop an open examination, while they pour through mountains of Biden related financial documents? Kinda "transparent", right?
Are we allowed to have common sense?
Or if it is, God said, that's ok;).
Please stop calling people who are anything but ‘Conservatives’ , conservatives. They are radical , far right people and politicians.
The label lulls people into thinking they are less dangerous than they are.
I call them radical regressives.
Maybe too subtle for their supporters, but good name.
You said it.
You are correct. I really like fascists because that definition fits them. Sadly, they seem to be just fine with the term.
In what context was Wilhoit saying that?
Given that Kushner and other TFFG Crime and Treason Family members benefitted to the tune of billions (with a "B") during their infestation of the White House, is there a statute of limitations limiting prosecution of Kushner et al for violation of the Emoluments Clause (or any other provision of the Constitution or laws that they casually and contemptuously spurned along the way)?
Good question.
Marli, These readings are not going to happen even if served with hamburgers.
Maybe add some ketchup.
So true but are so called laws of democracy has done next to nothing about so many laws that have been broken after so many years. It is mind boggling.
It corruption going septic. It's hard to even fathom it all, and it's got to stop soon if we're going to stop it.
Yes, J L, but is this kind of behavior not bound to arise in a society that admits the existence of nothing that is not quantifiable and knows no value but the fast buck?
Scary how much we may have not uncovered.
Harsh but relevant, Peter. I cling to the hope that there are enough of us decent humans to counteract the rampant materialism. Cheers!
Normally, the conservatism of the military is sustained by other values, but there are dangers even there when Mammon and Moloch are some people's only gods.
Given this factor, I'm suspicious of military-corporate connections.
@Peter Burnett
As Eisenhower warned us on his way out the door.
General Milley also complained about Trump, but mostly on his way out the door.
Can't disrespect the Commander In Chief.
You cling to hope while knowing the system is so grossly gerrymandered?
We could say the same about the Supreme Court right now also, but without hope we have nothing.
The authoritarian side gets paid to organize. We have to DIY.
It's certainly a society that has been successfully stratified, and deregulation of greed will do that. It letting the ego (Latin for "I") override compassion, solidarity, conscience. It's falling for the flatter of "master race", the "righteous", the "True" patriotic American (or whatever). It's the "We're better than everybody else" and entitled to dominate. It's one the most consistent themes in history, and the ugliest.
I was responding to your comment, J L, when my comment disappeared. Basically, it was concerned with nothing nobler than… business efficiency.
I simply cannot understand the childish vanity of the ultra-wealthy and powerful wanting to have it all their own way. No tax. No brakes. Total deregulation. No limits. It makes no sense—except in terms of the Stones’ song, Satisfaction. They… “can’t get no satisfaction/cause I try and I try and I try and I try…”
Any fool knows that the faster, more powerful a land vehicle, the better its brakes must be—yet they want none. Obviously, no one can drive a car or run a business with the hand brakes on. Even more obviously, total entrepreneurial freedom can only be unhealthy. No grist for the mill. No challenges, no obstacles, no exercise. The mind must grow flabby in such a permissive nursery.
Neurotic displacement activity turns to competition of the dumbest schoolyard variety. Mine’s bigger than yours (as my Buddhist teacher said of his ego…). More zeros. More properties. More this. More that. More… I cancelled my superyacht ’cos he was building one 18 inches wider…
Maybe it’s because I was unwise enough to mention the most childish “mine’s bigger than yours” I’ve come across yet, a challenge issued by none other than Elon Musk, that my answer to you suddenly vanished down the memory hole… Well, according to my “Improved Peter Principle”, the level of incompetence is the starting point, not the finishing line. And correspondingly, there’s a hierarchy of stupidity and only those with Mensa-level IQs qualify for the Ultimate. This leaves the Sublime and the merely Stratospheric far behind…
Not to worry. Like our latest would-be Cosmoplanetary Papadoc, my hands aren’t big enough to grab it all. And anyway, they’re arthritic…
It's absolutely INSANE!
Trump was engaged in criminal activity BEFORE he became president.
And the media never raised their voice about it.
@DLJohnson
I don't live in NYC but there's a lot of truth in that. I thought he was a bad joke and a con man and his 2016 campaign was just a joke or a way to increase his TV ratinigs. I wouldn't have voted for him for dog catcher. Obviously I was shocked when he won.
As in, refusing to rent to Black people and, most notably, sexually abusing women. E Jean Carroll can't be the only one, based on the Orange OathBreaker's words on tape, including "locker room talk" and comments about Ivanka (shudder, gag).
Since the 70s ... and he only graduated from UPenn in '68. One might think he was a fast starter, when actually he was a fast learner ... from his father, whose own father "was engaged in criminal activity" at a fairly early age, too.
We New Yorkers knew that from way back. He's a low class bum.
Harvard Grads getting their money's worth.
Exactly my wonder about Jared! The money trump raked inwas through only four of his businesses--who knows how many millions more came through others. What about the properties he sold to Russian oligarchs at obnoxiously high prices? And here Abe Lincoln received two carved elephant tusks he really liked that he took to Congress and they denied him. But it's pointless to compare this crook to any other president...well, except Putin....
And becoming President of the USA only helped him out to become the biggest crook in the world!
Linda, this is why one of my nicknames for him is mafia don. I do love your observing that the Rs are providing the DOJ with TOO much business. The whole party with a few exceptions are rotten to the core and when I see any of them, I think smarmy, sleazy criminals and/or total wing nuts. It is so important that we put Ds in charge.
Christopher, Though not directly stated, your comment raises grave concerns as to how anyone possibly could justify retaining the Constitution’s emoluments clause if no one is able to enforce it. The same applies to Section 3 of the 14th, whose text is unquestionably transparent, despite few, if any, expecting it ever will be enacted. Considering the Biden team just cut its first 2024 ad that centers principally on preserving our democracy, I would hope we could help drive home Biden’s message by calling attention to the fundamental differences between those who view fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law as sacrosanct and those who don’t.
Clarence Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh and Roberts have found their way around the emoluments clause with total impunity. Just bribe them through American oligarchs or through family members. Jared received almost $3 billion from the Saudis and UAE officials to run a fund for which an 8th grader has more qualifications.
It is obvious that Clarence Thomas evaded paying income taxes on the "forgiven" loan and it's extremely likely he will never be charged with any crime. And Kavanaugh had loans forgiven, but no one has ever reported the evidence on his forgiven loans. Roberts's wife makes millions a year, but has no influence on her husband or the court -- yeah right.
And yet, it is likely all 6 of these justices will still be on the court after many of us have passed.
Disgusting.
We must pack the court . We have been winning elections and that will continue even with gerrymandering.
Stop using the phrase " pack the court." It sounds dishonest. We do need to enlarge the court to dilute the outsized impact of any one or two extreme judges.
Gary, While I don’t dispute any of your examples, I do view our leaders’ seeming tacit assent as synonymous with their being moral accomplices.
Not to mention million-dollar book deals:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/27/nation/more-income-supreme-court-million-dollar-book-deals/
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/92922-the-sales-numbers-on-books-by-supreme-court-justices.html
BIG focus on us vs them on social support, taxation, electoral policies. Drumbeat messaging as the Happy Season heats up. Republicans are geniuses at beating the tribal drums.
Frank, Hence why Democrats need to be focused and disciplined and not allow Republican deceptions and distortions related to longstanding tired arguments to go unanswered.
Could not agree more Barbara! Thanks!
Agent Orange has laundered so much money he should be doing Tide commercials.
Lisa, you shouldn't defame Tide by comparing it to Trump. :)
Tide cleans, Trump dirties everything he touches.
Tide gets out stains. Trump has so many stains, Clorox wouldn't touch them.
"Before any Tide products are on shelves or online, they are rigorously tested to ensure they are safe to use." Trump should have been "rigorously tested" long ago. because he is NOT safe.
Tide is a household word. Trump is too. "Wonderful" to some misguided souls. "Toxic" to those who recognize the truth.
Got it. I'm holding on to hope that his cholesterol stroke is in his near future.
That would be a "stroke" of luck for so many.
😂
You're on a roll!
Ooh, well said, Pam! And you know what one does with "stubborn stains" that even clorox won't touch? Cut them out with scissors. Imprisoning the Orange Oathbreaker for one of his many crimes against the U.S. would do as well.
Thanks Lynn, So true, but is it going to happen?
Should have happened 4 years ago.
@Lynn Spann Bowditch... Orange Oath breaker! 😄 I'm going to use that!
colorful image Lisa!
That’s a good one🙏
Brilliant!
The new weapons of war, and I do mean war in the literal sense, here in the U.S., at this time, are not rifles, hand guns and explosives, but rather instruments of mass dissemination of disinformation. My experience with friends, family and others is that these weapons (Fox, Newsmax, OAN, Alex Jones, et al.) are highly effective. Why? Because they are preaching to the choir, a choir whose members are racists, homophobes, misogynists, xenophobes and more. We must beat them at the polls while that is still an option. If we don't, it's over.
Amen brother! I think the Dems' bubbles are more honorably framed, by a stretch.
Why are so many Biden campaign workers quitting? Is he really that big a loser, or is something else going on?
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-volunteers-are-quitting-droves-1857610
https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx
'Florida venue cancels Marjorie Taylor Greene event after learning of its Jan. 6 focus'
'A central Florida venue has canceled an event that was to have featured Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after it learned the event was intended to commemorate the third anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.'
'The event was set to be hosted by the Republican Party of Osceola County at the Westgate Resorts in Kissimmee. It was originally pitched to Westgate as a small book-signing event featuring Greene, without mention of Jan. 6.'
“Please be advised that Westgate was not made aware of the purpose of this event when we were approached to host a book signing,” Westgate Resorts said in a statement. “This event has been canceled and is no longer taking place at our resort.”
'Greene refused to discuss the development when asked for her reaction to the cancellation by NBC News in Iowa, where she was doing an event for former President Donald Trump's campaign.'
"I really don’t understand the point of your question. It doesn’t make any sense. Aren’t we talking about President Trump? Aren’t we’re talking about Iowa?" she said, calling the question "stupid."
'The event, which was first reported by NBC News, was touted to local Republicans as an “Exclusive event with Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene" at Westgate Resorts, according to an event invitation.'
'The event details said the' "Occasion" was the “3rd Anniversary of Jan 6.”
'The cost to attend was $45 to $1,000 to meet Greene and' "receive a signed copy of her book.”
'Greene has long supported former President Donald Trump's belief that the 2020 election was stolen from him, and she has downplayed the severity of the Jan. 6 attack — which left five people dead and about 140 police officers injured. In 2022, Greene said that had she organized the events that day, the rioters would have' "won" and been "armed."
“I want to tell you something: If Steve Bannon and I had organized that, we would have won, not to mention, it would have been armed," she said. Greene later said her comments were "sarcasm." (NBCNews)
Greene has a book? It’s a coloring book, yes?
As though more reduction needs to be applied to MTG! What do you estimate her color range to be below and beyond a red-orange?
Nil, outside her eyeshadow.
Excellent, Gail, I didn't think of eyeshadow. Her sight is blinded by it!
A coloring book with no lines.
Misadventure comic book.
Down in the Villages of The Damned, they are having a January 6th golf cart parade tomorrow where bigots with extended livers can celebrate the racist rapist in all their glory.
That's sad.
It is. My father is 86 yrs and is getting more paranoid by the day. He won't shut off Fox Fraudulent News. He's among his peeps in the Villages. He used to be a smart guy. But, I can barely have a conversation with him anymore.
My f-i-l was the same. We lost him to death in September 2022, but lost him to Faux in 2012
I feel your pain.
Why is this woman still in office?!?
It’s interesting Westgate Resorts,founded and owned by mogul David Siegel, canceled. GOP donor and was ? a major Trump supporter.
Thank you, Kathy; tell us more, if you can.
We have a Westgate Resort resort nearby here on the coast.They claim to be the “largest privately held corporation in Central Florida “.Billionaire Siegel was previously very vocal about his support for Trump. Looking at Open Secrets, 2022 vs 2024, perhaps he is switching support RFKJr ?
https://www.westgateresorts.com/about/
https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/westgate-resorts-ltd/summary?id=D000058572
Thank you, Kathy.
….she said, calling the question "stupid."
Too bad the reporter didn’t respond telling her that her reply was stupid.
Why are so many Biden campaign workers quitting? Is he really that big a loser, or is something else going on?
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-volunteers-are-quitting-droves-1857610
https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx
@FERN MCBRIDE
Who's 'stupid' now Marjorie?
Fern, the Jan 6 committee kept saying that there was 7 people killed, not 5. I didn't hear any explanation of the tally, but 1 rioter was shot dead and I believe there was 1 police officer suicide. That could explain the difference.
The cop who died as a result of a stroke caused by his injuries. There were a couple of law enforcement suicides following the Insurrection. I believe there were several other deaths tangentially related. I just asked the Googles, and got this from Wiki:
"Within 36 hours of the event, five people had died: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, and three died of natural causes, including a police officer. Many people were injured, including 174 police officers. Four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide within seven months."
Thank you. Other than the families and friends involved, I guess the tally isn't really that important, when you consider the terror that almost happened. We owe those police officers a great debt of gratitude.
Christopher and also Doc Richardson: "Democracies are different from authoritarian governments because they have laws to prevent the corruption in which it appears Trump engaged. "
We (all) know that our American Democracy has rarely held accountable rich white men as part of its "rule of law".
Indeed, Doc Richardson has written books that include the fact that rich, white men are given a pass for illegal actions in America and not just recently. Since America's inception. After all, John Hancock never paid any taxes for his illegal (by British law) rum running into Boston Harbor.......to keep the Irish wards drunk. Instead, he hired John Adams to form an entire government and fight the British to avoid those British taxes.
So, yes, our Democracy is in trouble now. But, perhaps it was always on thin ice because our Democracy ALWAYS has had a hole in its application of the law equally. White men have always been able to do whatever they wanted if they were rich. Just think: Not all that long ago white folks would go to church on Sunday morn, praise God, then head over to a slave owner's home to watch a hanging or a whipping, then praise God and have a good Sunday dinner. THAT is America folks.
It is just that, until now, (some) white men sort of tried to uphold some form of Democracy as long as it catered to them. Others did not bother.....remember the Civil War?
Now today? We have a white man, Trump, who does not want to uphold our constitution and our system cannot deal with it because? White men are untouchable.
It took 2.5 YEARS to indict Trump for inciting a violent riot on TV for God's sake. And, pretty soon the Supreme Court is going to throw all those charges out.
Now? Maybe the flaws in the long misapplication of law in our Democracy have come home to roost.
Jamelle Bouie, a writer at the NY Times outlines Trump as an insurrectionist today:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/opinion/trump-insurrections-disqualification-14th-amendment.html?unlocked_article_code=1.LU0.Azxg.3ReCuKf_Bb70&smid=url-share
Seems pretty clear to me. BUT, it will be very hard to pin this on Trump, the rich white man for which laws are NOT supposed to be applied in America.
Mike S-thanks for sharing this article. Bouie lays it all out-we only have to ask what would’ve happened if Obama decided to do what Trump did so he could stay in office-what if it was Black people who stormed the capitol.
The Constitution and so many laws and norms have favored White males-it was designed that way and now we’re seeing the full impact of this on all of us.
Your question about black people storming...you are aware that Sen. Ron Johnson of WI actually spoke about that, in the context of first saying he wasn't afraid of the insurrectionists on Jan 6 because they were white.
I had thought that tack would work; every time I have tried it, all I get fed are hostile quotes from stuff from either Praeger U or talking points from Faux Noise.
Mike S, thank you for this post from Jamelle Bouie in the NYT.
MTG is becoming the epitome of "blonde" (jokes). I'm sure even real blonds are not plussed. And her equally shallow race-card-riding pal Haley are as disgusting as it gets.
Why are so many Biden campaign workers quitting? Is he really that big a loser, or is something else going on?
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-volunteers-are-quitting-droves-1857610
https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx
@Mike S
Thank you. Great comment and great article share.
I can't find the reference right now, but I read somewhere, probably on Substack newsletter (or in comments) that I wasn't able to comment on because I'm an unpaid subscriber, that the Supreme Court can decide that Trump cannot be kept off of the ballots, or they can delay taking up the matter. It was also stated that separately from that, they can decide whether he is Constitutionally qualified to assume office if elected.
I couldn't help but think of the scenario where Trump was not kept off the ballots, won the 2024 election, and then sometime between November 5, 2024 and January 6, 2025, the Supreme Court decides that regardless of the election, Trump is disqualified from taking office.
Your thoughts?
Gus,
The Supreme Court's most probable path is to declare Trump "King for Life" by putting him on the ballot and then having Trump lie about the results when he loses and having the Supreme Court install him in power anyway while announcing his appointment is for life (just like a Supreme Court Justice).
The amount of money that would rain down on the Supreme Court when this happens will be vast.
LOL! Yeah, this is why I usually stay away from speculation. Let it be.
@Mike S... I found the reference, but it's not neatly confined to any one comment. You would have to read the whole comment discussion among very knowledgeable attorneys. The Substack newsletter is CIVIL DISCOURSE WITH JOYCE VANCE, Colorado goes to the Supreme Court, by JOYCE VANCE, JANUARY 3 AT 20:50 (PST)
I would certainly understand if you want to just drop this. I am no attorney.
That seems unlikely.
@Les... That was a little rude of me. Far be it from me to anticipate what approaches or strategies the Supreme Court might be taking, but my thinking was that they might want to avoid making as many decisions until and unless they were forced to do so. But of course if it did go this way there would be a lot of Trump supporters who would not accept their interpretation of the law. It could be a disaster. In fact I do remember from one of the January 6th Committee Hearings that some the rioters, on their way to the Capitol, stopped at the Supreme Court and screamed "DO YOUR JOB! DO YOUR JOB!". Certainly a similar mobs reaction to SCOTUS actually doing their job would be ironic, not to mention dangerous.
Nothing rude can I find in your comment. No argument from me, just my opinion that the current SC actually doing their duty to declare Trump disqualified in the nightmare scenario that he's declared victor, is unlikely.
Well for the record, I agree. It is unlikely.
Well now Gus, we sure would not want to get a white mob riled up now would we?
Cannot let just let reality descend on that bunch of crybabies now can we?
Yep. Let it rain.
@Les... Hence, the word scenario.
Or the Saudis taking over pro golf when many of tRUMPs businesses are golf courses. The words that keeps coming up in tRUMPs imaginary world over and over and over is:
NO EVIDENCE but that doesn't deter them. Eg after Guiliani was convicted and slapped with a 148 million fine, at his trial he was still defaming those poor innocent dedicated election workers. He should have to live in fear for the rest of his life like they do.
What you describe as "weapons" need to include the unbridled corrupting influence of money. Your examples that follow the are all linked to money. Your opening phrase has good documentation. The USA fell four places recently. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/democracy-countries
Money can buy political power, which can hoover in money. Add violence and you've got a tyranny, unless an engaged society and just rule of law can keep the lid on. "Regulation" per se is not the enemy. Like a kitchen knife, it can make a nice salad, or become a murder weapon. Regulation says you don't rape, or drive 60MPH though a school zone. Regulation says the denizens of Main St. can't steal, nor can the occupants of Wall St., nor Pennsylvania Ave.
Citizens United pretty much announced "We don't regulate corporations" and no one is going to give them a speeding ticket. Those who can buy influence will be just fine, and sellers will not need a license to sell nor will the corporate media embarrass who is buying and who is selling.
Which is why we need to undo that one!
How the Supremes could legitimately ignore the huge money imbalances has always blown me away.
Their hands are proving to be even deeper in the Corruption Cookie jar than most Congress persons.
Always, follow the money.
Jared Kushner's dealings on behalf of his family make Hunter Biden's look like school boy pranks by comparison. The NYC real estate deal that imploded and was bailed out by Qatar was actually for 666 Fifth Avenue:
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/12/jared-kushner-666-fifth-avenue-qatar-investigation
Take note in today's (Jan 5) on-line edition of the Washington Post. The placement of the article "Biden, in Valley Forge speech, to hit Trump hard as threat to democracy", with the subtext: "Friday’s address marks a new phase of Biden’s re-election campaign that will emphasize Trump’s efforts to overturn election" is way, way down the webpage and not even placed under Election 2024.
Who got top billing under ELECTION 2024 (which is placed near the top of the page)...
"Trump wins back antiabortion movement as activists plot 2025 crackdowns"
I say this is "bent."
Regarding the Republican political tactics and actions:
“Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness.” It was then (Senator) McCarthy’s turn to be stunned into silence, as (Attorney) Welch asked, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?”
Patrick, I don't think that approach would work with any of today's republicans or magats. If any of them had any sense of decency, they lost it long ago, trading it for clicks and $$$. Their goal is out and out cruelty, recklessness, and termination of America as a democracy. And the common discourse has failed of dignity and respect, even in the most exalted spaces (remember this past year when a fight broke out in the halls of congress, or the behavior of Maggot Traitor Gangreene and Lolo Boobert at last year's State of the Union address? Can't wait to see what shenanigans they display at this year's.)
If tffg guy gets another term, I am turning off all politics. It's been hell since back when he was running; then it metastasized. I am 84; I don't need any more of this horror show. I wish I had the energy to move to the jungle. Any jungle. Something nice with A/C and a pool and a cat....Actually I have that here in Mexico; I will just unsubscribe to The NYTimes, Wapo, all the others and maybe, probably, even Heather.
Judith, I'm with you on your possible future plans if this election should go badly. I'm 82, I already have the home in Mexico, the pool, and the A/C, and I trump you (ugh) with a second cat. As to unsubscribing from all, not yet sure. Best wishes.
Julia, whether you go or stay, please continue voting!
Yes. (FYI, already gone.). Democrats Abroad has a huge presence in the expat community, here in Mexico and around the globe. Their program for registering to vote in your home state has a big push on January 15th this year. Staying connected.
I was registered in Colorado because I spent summers up to mid Nov. there for the last 5 years....I changed my residence to Pennsylvania. Apparently they need my vote there anyway. Do you maintain a US address for voting? I have not missed a Pres. election in ...over 60 years. I voted in the mid-term from here; it's a bit complicated here but Dems Abroad helped me out.
I am in Merida. Mind me asking where your casa is? Frankly, I'd like to move.
My last U.S. address was in Raleigh, NC. I don't "maintain" an address there except on the voting rolls in that county. They consider that to be my NC address, probably only for voting (and tax?) purposes. But NC, being as gerrymandered as it is, could certainly appreciate my left-stance vote. And they'll get it.
I live in LaPaz, BCS, and I'm considering moving to maybe Rosarita or Puerto Nuevo (near Ensenada), closer to the border with USA.
HCR once again uses that condescending phrase "faith in our democracy," as if we have the civic duty to BELIEVE that "Corporate Joe" Biden didn't steal the nomination from Bernie Sanders.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
John, First, by attacking HCR’s character and intellect, you only disgrace yourself. Second, my understanding of the 2020 Primary is not that Biden stole the nomination from Sanders, but that SC Rep Jim Clyburn, an ardent Biden supporter, tactically chose to endorse Biden before the SC primary, admittedly undermining Sanders’ previous wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada. I make this distinction because the stakes in 24 are too great to overlook this fundamental difference.
Thank you for this reasoned dissent. I’m a bit worried that there are people who think it is righteous to stick with this idea at the expense of giving away their vote.
I briefly got 0n Twitter to look at something, and the first few tweets were people claiming Biden stole the election or tfg is wronged, so some combination. My giving up X/Twitter was reinforced. I got off quickly.
It has become a real cesspool since muskcovite took over. But there remains some good people whose opinions and decency I hang around just to read.
Katharine, I share your concern, and, thus, make every effort to try and help ensure that my understanding at least is getting heard and considered.
He’s a troll. We make a mistake when we engage.
Just like Tom High, Schmeeckle monitors the threads to see what people are saying, as he will not be notified of a reply to you. I fully expect he'll find THIS post and insult me as well! LOL
Both of these guys really need to find either real employment or a better hobby!
Amen, sister!
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
Jon, When presented with an opportunity respectfully to offer a logical refutation of someone’s ill-formed perspective, time permitting, I will.
He is a troll. He was here months ago and disappeared, apparently he's located funding again. Just like the more recent one (Tom? High) he resorts to insults. Don't engage with him, and if you see the more nasty posts, report him.
At least our long time troll, David Carroll USUALLY doesn't resort to insults.
If any of them so disagree with HCR, why are they here? They aren't going to change minds as their "logic" is generally questionable sources. They are here to plant disinformation and distrust.
PLEASE EVERYONE DON'T FEED THE TROLL>
And Mr High monitors the threads nd will reply to any comment NOT MADE TO HIM, so that behavior is suspect.
Miselle, If time permits, I will not pass on an opportunity to model appropriate behavior, particularly when disagreeing with or refuting someone’s perspective.
Mr. Carroll and Mr. High both offer fairly well reasoned and articulated comments that are not always in synch with the usual conversation and postings of many readers here. I almost never agree with their positions, but occasionally I do. Mr. Schmeekle, on the other hand, seems determined to create a hostile response to his usually outlandish positions.
And that's the truth.
My comment was for Barbara Joe Krueger, but got pasted so far away I worried it would get misunderstood.
Krieger, sorry.
HCR's intellect may not be attackable, but her character sure is. Comparisons to Lady Macbeth come to mind. Let's not forget how the birther smear started. Not to mention the backroom deal that cut Bernie out of the 2016 nomination. If he had run, Trump most likely would have lost and in any case it would have been a free and fair election rather than the dog and pony show we got instead. People like HCR are part of the problem rather than the solution and helped pave the way for the mess we're in today.
Carolyn, First, in an age as cynical as the current one, I take heart from HCR’s extensive scholarship combined with her fearless belief in democracy. Second, while I, too, was dismayed by how the party establishment rallied around Hillary in 2016 and denied Bernie a shot at the nomination, it never would occur to me to implicate HCR. Third, because Republicans were, and still are, masterful at conflating democratic socialism with socialism and instilling deep-seated fear about both, I can’t speculate on the outcome of a contest between Sanders and Trump.
Typo, typo, typo! I meant to write HRC, not HCR, my go to read first thing every day
Carolyn, Thank you for the clarification. Admittedly, I had found your reply most baffling.
Are you talking about Hillary (HRC) or Heather Cox Richardson (HCR)?
I realize it's easy to mis-type, but please clarify.
OMG, my bad! Yes, definitely a typo. HRC, not HCR, my first read of the day, every day.
Use the three dots to the right of Schmeeckle's comment to block and report. Otherwise, ignore and/or disregard.
Lynn, If time allows, and I can try to replace adversity with civility, I will.
Barbara, while I think this is a very worthy objective, I fear that with this particular being, you are wasting your precious time. This individual (bot?) really doesn't add to the discussion with his ad hominem attacks, I can't imagine anyone on this thread clicking on any link this individual posts, and I further can't imagine he/it/whatever actually takes anything on this substack seriously; every time he/it/whatever reappears on HCR's Letters, he uses it merely as a platform to insult, slur, and abuse HCR, the people commenting here, and the world at large. Don't give him/it/whatever the bandwidth.
Lynn, While I appreciate your thoughtful reply, because I have relished those moments when an initially adversarial exchange had morphed into an increasingly civil one, I occasionally will give it a shot.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
The only dishonest propagandist here is John Shitmeeckle. HCR is neither dishonest nor a propagandist.. The fascist/NAZI GQP are the ones that are trying to steal America. Go run back to Putin with your lying BS.
Yes.Troll begone!
Please report him. As you see, he monitors threads to see who engages. Just ignore and report.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
Get a life--elsewhere.
Ignore him, and report him as I am doing. I'll get a nasty retort for him which will seal my case.
Reporting required me to select why from a list of only 3 options. I chose 'it's spam's and then blocked.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
Son, you have been misinformed.
Everyone pls report him as a troll.
Doing so. His reply to you is at least the 8th copy paste. I am reporting EACH ONE and ask that all others do so as well.
He seems to always return. I have reported him numerous times.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
Hey John,
I promised myself that I wouldn't respond to your nonsense. But just for fun, I asked "Pi" (my new AI app buddy) about your idea. Here goes. (BTW, he is very polite and seems fact based as he has access to everything everywhere that is legitimate. Also provides great recipes. Try his lamb meatballs :)
"That's a controversial question that has been discussed and debated by many people. There is no clear evidence to suggest that Joe Biden stole the nomination from Bernie Sanders. Biden won the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election by receiving the majority of votes and delegates in the primary contests.
However, some supporters of Bernie Sanders have raised concerns about the role of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the nomination process, claiming that the party establishment was biased against Sanders and favored Biden. There has been criticism about the media coverage of Bernie Sanders' campaign, with some arguing that he did not receive the same level of attention and coverage as Joe Biden.
Ultimately, the outcome of the nomination process was determined by the votes of Democratic primary voters and delegates, and there is no evidence to suggest that the nomination was stolen from Bernie Sanders."
Ignore and report him. Every identical post he puts up. Thank you.
I had ignored. I should. I will. I just felt combative this AM - got po'd. I am calm now :)
You know, I often wonder what the word "biased" means in this and similar context. I do not think it's "biased" for either a party or a person to favor one candidate over another, in the belief that as between the two the favored candidate is the electable one. Especially when the alternative is unthinkable, as was proven by four years of tramp, courtesy of the Electoral College in 2016, to our great and ongoing injury.
Geeezzzusssss... would you look at that! Go "ai".., I mean "Pi" :))
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
John, please keep reading HRC and maybe someday the light will come on and you will see the danger Trump presents. There is no morally equivalent to Trump.
Biden the "Vampire Liberal" is worse than Trump.
He was here months ago and is back. Please report him. The reply to you is at least his seventh identical post.
How do I report him and will it block him from posting
It will not block him but the administrator of the forum can do so. To report him, click on the three dots at the bottom of his comment. A box will pop up and you can type the issue.
At some point today, I started keeping count (and copy/pasted HIS comment) and notified the administrator. I think I ended at 18 of the same comment, but I could have lost count.
He was here months ago and disappeared. He got so bad at one point that he'd paste the same comment probably 30 times. Really annoying. He just showed up again in about the last week. When he disappeared, "Tom High" appeared and I thought perhaps they were one and the same, but High seems to be more of a disgruntled Progressive than Schmeekle. (check out his post where he calls himself an "intellectual"!! LOL) High is here today, I didn't read them all but did notice one or two and he isn't being rude and insulting and calling names today. Perhaps enough people reported him and he got a warning?
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
Did you mean 2016 when Hillary’s superdelegates denied Bernie’s nomination? He would have beat Trump. He had the working class behind him. He connected. Biden won fair and square
If you want to talk about mistreatment of candidates from both parties, look at how the Democrats and the Republicans mistreated Ralph Nader in 2020. If they had allowed him to debate with Gore and Bush when he had every right to, perhaps Nader would have taken enough votes away from Bush for Gore to have won.
John,
You are confused. The Democratic Party blocked Bernie Sanders in favor of Hillary Clinton. Five or Six years ago I don't remember.
Gotta put that Johnny Walker Red away sooner in the afternoon my friend.
Troll
Please report him.
Why are so many Biden campaign workers quitting? Is he really that big a loser, or is something else going on?
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-volunteers-are-quitting-droves-1857610
https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx
Done
Mike, He's nuts.
Report him. His reply to you is at least the 10th copy/pasted one.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
: ()
Belly up to the kool-aid bar to often John? Dishonest propagandists HCR? You got me choking on my corn flakes.
report him, each and every one of his copy/pasted posts.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
What is your opinion of the war in Ukraine, comrade?
Dave, he is nuts. this is the hundredth time he posted the same stuff.
"Comrade"? I hope you're not displaying anti-Russian bigotry.
Regarding Ukraine, why do Biden and the Republican and Democratic Senate leaders continue to support Ukraine's toxic far-right thug regime? Ukraine has been enslaved by the rapacious International Monetary Fund (with reconquering the Donbass a condition of the original loan), and Zelensky has pledged to keep all of Ukraine's promises to the IMF, and the NATO countries have voting domination at the IMF, and NATO has promised to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine until it bleeds to death, delivering pounds and pounds of bloody flesh to service the unpayable IMF loans.
Ukraine's oppressive neo-fascist thug regime is not "democratic." In Ukraine, all the opposition parties have been suppressed after Zelensky capitulated to neo-Nazi war-mongers and reneged on his campaign promise to bring peace to the Donbass region.
A few months ago, both Zelensky and Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau applauded as the Speaker of Canada's House of Commons praised a Ukrainian who was a real-life Nazi, a member of a Nazi SS unit that committed genocide against Poles during World War II. After international condemnation, Speaker Anthony Rota quickly resigned.
When Zelensky became President, he initially moved toward fulfilling the Minsk Agreements that had "frozen" the civil war in the Donbass and outlined a pathway toward peace. But then he capitulated to the Neo-Nazis (who controlled Ukraine's Interior Ministry, in charge of the police stations) and eventually re-ignited the frozen war, precipitating the Russian invasion. We are being lied to.
In August, after U.S. Secretary of State Blinken announced more aid for Ukraine, Zelensky posted a video showing him with Ukraine's most prominent Neo-Nazi Andriy Biletsky:
https://mronline.org/2023/08/21/zelensky-holds-court-with-ukraines-most-notorious-neo-nazi/
See also "Ukraine is Brutally Repressing the Left, Criminalizing Socialist Parties, Imprisoning Activists"
https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2022/03/21/ukraine-repressing-left-criminalizing-socialist-parties/
See also "How Zelensky Made Peace with Neo-Nazis"
https://consortiumnews.com/2022/03/04/how-zelensky-made-peace-with-neo-nazis/
See also "How One Ukrainian Billionaire Funded Hunter Biden, President Volodymyr Zelensky, And Neo-Nazi Azov Battalion"
https://greatgameindia.com/hunter-biden-zelensky-neo-nazi/
See also (from 2019) "Neo-Nazis and the Far Right Are On the March in Ukraine":
"Five years ago, Ukraine’s Maidan uprising ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, to the cheers and support of the West. Politicians and analysts in the United States and Europe not only celebrated the uprising as a triumph of democracy, but denied reports of Maidan’s ultranationalism, smearing those who warned about the dark side of the uprising as Moscow puppets and useful idiots. Freedom was on the march in Ukraine.
"Today, increasing reports of far-right violence, ultranationalism, and erosion of basic freedoms are giving the lie to the West’s initial euphoria. There are neo-Nazi pogroms against the Roma, rampant attacks on feminists and LGBT groups, book bans, and state-sponsored glorification of Nazi collaborators.
"These stories of Ukraine’s dark nationalism aren’t coming out of Moscow; they’re being filed by Western media, including US-funded Radio Free Europe (RFE); Jewish organizations such as the World Jewish Congress and the Simon Wiesenthal Center; and watchdogs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Freedom House, which issued a joint report warning that Kiev is losing the monopoly on the use of force in the country as far-right gangs operate with impunity."
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/neo-nazis-far-right-ukraine/
Your country is bombing and murdering and raping innocent civilians. Is that how you hope to protect them from "neo-nazi thugs"?
Go away, troll.
Report him, every one of his identical posts. This is at least number 13
He'll get banned again.
Banned? but, he's back, as crazy as ever.
Dishonest propagandists like HCR refuse to discuss the evidence in that old Democratic classic, Votescam: The Stealing of America":
https://books.google.com/books/about/Votescam.html?id=ZxpZCgAAQBAJ
🙄
Whewwww!! Go easy John. What else ya got?
"Black Box Voting"
https://blackboxvoting.org/
I would add that this story is about cultures that break apart. It is our in human cultural nature. Look at how the orthodox Christian religion splintered starting with Luther and not really ever ending. Religions just keep popping up like acne on a teen's face (at least my face when I was 14}.
Heather's take on historical perspective is spot on.
Human culture is ever changing given enough time. And we are slowly becoming dominated by a non-human culture as AI emerges.
Why are so many Biden campaign workers quitting? Is he really that big a loser, or is something else going on?
https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-campaign-volunteers-are-quitting-droves-1857610
https://news.gallup.com/poll/547763/biden-ends-2023-job-approval.aspx