“It’s one of our biggest disasters ever.” Well, at least the Rs can admit THAT. (Of course their biggest disaster ever is tffg.) Surreally awful, porny histrionics from Katie Britt (I won't use "Senator" to describe her). Wonderful send up by Scarlett Johansson on Saturday Night Live.
Friday night, on Newsmax, Donald Trump Jr. recorded a video announcing that the old Republican Party “no longer exists outside of the D.C. beltway…. The move that happened today…that’s the final blow. People have to understand that America First, the MAGA movement is the new Republican Party. That is conservatism today.” Regurgitating America First tells us everything we need to know about the traitor family and the cult that intends to begin rounding up immigrants on day 1 of his dictatorship. This is not who we are. It’s the chaos campaign of evil.
Gigi, he may have said conservative, but they are far right regressive. They represent all of the worst aspects of human beings and death star has not a shred of human decency. When he came to power, all of the maggots and worms came out of the swamp and woodwork. I think many people were shocked to find out how awful many of their relatives and friends really were because death star gave them carte blanche to be their totally prejudiced unforgiving selves.
Michele, you've nailed it and it doesn't get said enough: "I think many people were shocked to find out how awful many of their relatives and friends really were because death star gave them carte blanche to be their totally prejudiced unforgiving selves."
"Far right regressive."That's a good description. They are not Republicans, the Grand Old Party, aka GOP, or conservatives. I don't even want to give them "rebels," since that has mostly positive, virtuous connotations in my mind. Their own titles like the Make America Great movement, aka MAGA, the America First Party and all that is nonsense. I'm not sure if we've settled on a name yet. I try to be respectful to all, because I believe that as human beings, we all deserve some basic level of respect. These folks challenge me though and I find myself partial to MAGGATS.
What the Right (conservative has lost all its meaning in American politics) realized, starting with Reagan, how gullible some in the
American public are owing to their lack of critical thinking skills, lack of knowledge about history and government, and their inclination to discriminate against certain groups: non-Protestants, minorities, women's and gay rights' advocates, immigrants and others, they "put the pedal to the metal" and began their disinformation and misinformation campaigns, plundering the national treasury of trillions of dollars. G.W. Bush was right: "you can fool some of the people all of the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on."
I agree with DTJr. It's definitely NOT the party of Lincoln. I have to laugh. Someone who read that Lincoln was a republican and did so much for blacks forgot to read beyond the chosen fact where the democrats become republicans and voted for legalizing segregation. Ironically where seem to have the most the most segregation is in the South which are republicans.
These clowns are idiots. Declaring a victory before the battle is over is stupid. They only have as much power as is given by us, the citizens. Most of us are not their lemmings (debatable, I realize - lol). We won't follow them off the cliff. I am nervous that such a large percentage of us are though. But we'll se. I have a feeling the elections will go in democracy's favor. I don't believe the polls. But I don't know how off they are. So, I am kinda biting my nails till we get the election results.
Donald junior proves that we still have social mobility in America: even total idiots get their day in the sun. I am not sure these horny guys have tongues. But this R.I.N.O. (i.e., me) takes pleasure in sticking his out at the whole corrupted klan. EDIT: I want to say junior Donald but that implies that there is a superlative BELOW Donald senior.
His drooling praise over Orban proves him to be the aspirational autocratic, and as junior confirmed, the formerly GOP is now America First, the party of MAGA and its attendant fascism.
Trump speaks with certainty at his rallies that he'll be elected in November, saying he doesn't need or indeed want the votes of Haley supporters. If true, then Orban's visit to Mar a Mango may be as tutor for what happens at 12:01 p.m. on Jan 20, 2025. What does he have up his sleeve to make sure that happens? Might it have some connection to the source of trompy's bond in the Carroll matter?
I am VERY worried about their planned shenanigans. We are gaining the VOTE, but we need to keep an eye on whatever else they are plotting … [it’s not planning anymore with the MAGAs; it is plotting]
Recently I read an article how Russia (Putin) and Saudi Aribia (Mohammed bin Salman) are planning on reducing the supply chain beginning in July. Then come October, MBS is taking the Fort Henry oil plant in Texas off line for "maintenance". Sorry I can't find the article to include the link but the moral of the article was not only the timing of this but more importantly how our adversaries are interfering with our elections. This is not a a coincidence ~ just prior to the election? This is planned so it can be used against the Biden administration just before the election.
Good thing I'm not President or I would take a page from the Trump playbook and use an Executive Order to seize the Fort Henry plant claiming it is for National Security then let them take the matter to the Court and delay, delay and delay. Last I checked MBS was a person of interest in a murder investigation???
Hey, that’s actually not a bad idea. Maybe we should float it to the president. As long as it’s legal {and National Security, and having it off-line, it could be!! 😯😯😯}
I’m kind of serious about floating it to the president. Anybody can write to him on the Whitehouse.gov web site. Go to “contact” and send a message to the president.
I do hope SOMEONE is reading those, and maybe paying attention to the good ones.
YES, Mim, he is. And they’re setting it up with the benefit of hindsight to correct past shortcomings, and even more people in on the scheme.
We need to seriously get out the vote this year, but we need to SERIOUSLY be wary of a sneak attack from behind, too. We can’t turn our backs on these guys. They are not constrained by integrity, or anything else for that matter.
They need to be watched, their strategies need to be revealed, and we need to head ‘em off at the pass.
I can’t stress enough how much I am concerned about the modern-day heirs to The Dirty Tricks gang — with Roger Stone still around, too.
" ... never seems to sink in " despite losses in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & now in 2024. What's next, MAGA fratricide over followers that are not pure enough?
maybe he is afraid for his family with death threats and white powder. Extremists are getting more bold. Maybe afraid of being part of the purge trump has promised.
I think you are correct Karen, "Extremist ... may be afraid of being part of the purge [tffg] has promised". We saw this before in Germany 1933-34.
Your concern was what I was alluding to in my comment above, "The Knight of the Long Knives" ... "Nacht Der Langen" circa the last days of May into June 1934. The "Rohm Purge" meaning the murder of Rohm & his followers in Germany while Hitler was still a 'Chancellor'.but, was consolidating supreme power under Himmler & Others.
Democracy’s Blue Wave Warriors Looking to Our National Elections
From: WAPO, 202 Early, the paper’s morning newsletter
'President Biden and former president Donald Trump will spend the next eight months battling over six states that are likely to determine the presidential election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.'
'Several of those states are also at the center of a battleground that’s gotten much less attention: the fight for control of state legislatures.'
'Democrats are trying to flip the state House and Senate in Arizona after Democrat Katie Hobbs won the governorship in 2022, giving the party control of state government.'
'In Pennsylvania, Republicans are working to flip a single seat to retake the state House, which Democrats won in 2022.'
'And Republicans are seeking to recapture the state House and state Senate in Michigan, which Democrats won in 2022, allowing Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pass her agenda through the legislature.'
'THE BATTLE IN WISCONSIN'
'The latest battleground is Wisconsin, where Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed new maps into law last month that both parties agree will allow Democrats to win more seats in November. “I think we can win the Assembly,” Evers told us last month.'
'The new maps mean “it’ll be difficult, but it’ll be equally difficult on both sides,” he added.'
'Taking back the Wisconsin Senate will be tougher because only half the seats are up for reelection this year, with the other half up in 2026.'
'But Evers said he hopes that taking back the Assembly and narrowing Republicans’ margin in the state Senate might allow him to achieve his top priority: expanding Medicaid in the state. Wisconsin is one of 10 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid since the Affordable Care Act provisions allowing states to cover more residents under the program took effect a decade ago.'
“I know there are Republicans that understand the issue of Medicaid expansion who I’ve talked to,” 'Evers said'. “Can we pick off a couple of ones to get that done? Absolutely.”
'REPUBLICAN CONFIDENCE'
'Robin Vos, the longtime Assembly speaker, scoffed at the idea Democrats would win back the chamber.'
“We consistently see that Republican Assembly members outrun the top of the ticket by anywhere from three to six points,” Vos said. “So if Wisconsin is again a 50-50 state, either won by President Trump or won by President Biden, that means we’ll probably win most of the competitive races.”
'Still, Republicans' 'margins will depend to some extent on how strong Trump and Biden run, he said.'
'Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said Democrats heard from more than 100 people interested in running for the Assembly in the first week after Evers signed the new maps.
Biden carried 49 of the 99 newly drawn Assembly districts in 2020, according to Wisconsin Democrats — but Evers carried 52 when he won reelection in 2022. Control of the Assembly could come down to which party does a better job of running ahead of the top of the ticket.
But state legislative candidates’ door-knocking could also help Biden or Trump carry Wisconsin.'
“We understand that everyone who we get out to the ballot is very likely to vote for Sen. Tammy Baldwin and President Joe Biden, as well,'” Neubauer said. “They understand that they want to see our candidates be successful, too. So I think we do all see our fates as tied.”
'THE BIG PICTURE'
'Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which coordinates the party’s efforts in state legislative races across the country, has not gone as far as Evers in predicting Democrats can retake the Assembly. The DLCC is assessing the new maps, she said.'
“We’ve got opportunities to make real, meaningful gains,” 'Williams told us.'
'Democrats are prioritizing state legislatures after gerrymandering helped Republicans win unified control of the governorship and the legislature in 23 states by 2014, while Democrats controlled only seven. Republicans still control 23 state capitals, but Democrats are in control in 17 states now. (Nine state capitals are under divided control, while Nebraska’s legislature is nonpartisan.)'
'Along with races in swing states, Democrats’ top targets this cycle are holding on to their majorities in the Minnesota House and retaking control of both chambers in New Hampshire. They’re also seeking to break Republicans’ veto-proof legislative majorities in Kansas and North Carolina, both of which have Democratic governors, and make gains in Georgia and other states.'
'The Republican State Leadership Committee didn’t respond to a request for comment.'
'But in a January memo, the RSLC argued Republicans need to invest more in early and mail voting.'
“The days of complacency have come to an end,” 'the memo reads.' “Democrats were able to overtake our largest ever investment into Virginia by committing to spend over $7 million dollars in three weeks down the final stretch of the Virginia elections. The only way to defend our majorities, reclaim majorities, and grow our party is direct investment into state legislative races to counter outside national liberal groups who are pouring more money into the states year after year.”
'ARIZONA: A SUPER BATTLEGROUND'
'There are few places where the fights for control of Washington and state legislatures align more than in Tucson’s northern suburbs.'
'Arizona is a presidential swing state.'
'There’s a crucial race for the seat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I) is relinquishing.'
'Freshman Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) is running for reelection in a district Biden barely won in 2020.'
'Abortion rights advocates are working to get a measure on the ballot.
And Democrats are targeting state House and Senate seats in the 17th District.'
'Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Hobbs carried the 17th District when they won in 2022, and Democrats are making it a top target this year. The party needs to flip only two seats in the state House and two in the Senate to win a trifecta (as it’s called when one party controls the governorship and the legislature).'
'Kevin Volk, a housing developer who’s running for state House as a Democrat, started knocking on doors in January and estimates he’s hit about 500 so far. He’s emphasizing three issues in his campaign: abortion rights, water and education.'
“Arizona politically seems like the belle of the ball for the first time,” Volk said, referring to the competitive races at the state and federal levels. “And that’s translated to a lot of on-the-ground enthusiasm.” (WAPO, Analysis by Theodoric Meyer and Leigh Ann Caldwell with research by Tobi Raji) Copied in full.
Just playing a part in keeping democracy alive in the US and beyond in Ukraine, in Israel, wherever we can by way of spreading the facts/news, on the battlefield, writing postcards, voting ...volunteering, donating ...working together.
Speaking of the battlefield, last night a Feature Documentary, won an Oscar for "20 Days in Mariupol". The Academy Award was the first Oscar for the Associated Press (AP) & PBS' FRONTLINE. The first-person documentary was produced at GBH in Boston, Mass. Season 2023, Episode 22.
I received a Link from FRONTLINE this am to watch the film again, but "20 Days in Mariupol" is streaming & widely available. "Russians have entered the City".
What I loved most about that was when producer/director Mstyslav Chernov, accepting the award for his entire team, said "This is one Oscar that I wish I hadn't won," meaning his real hope was/is for ending this horrible war and having peace restored for all. It was one of the most touching moments in the show.
re THIS: "after gerrymandering helped Republicans win unified control of the governorship and the legislature in 23 states by 2014, while Democrats controlled only seven. "
I keep telling myself to look forward, to donate where I can to state-level folks (and yes I do postcards as well) and to stop crying over spilled milk. But I still cannot NOT be angry at the Natl Democratic Party's blind arrogance after Obama won - to utterly ignore the states. I think of it, and the word DISGRACEFUL keeps coming to mind. ok, now I've vented (lol)
Deb A, I think by paying attention to the posted report and the mistakes made by the Democratic Party, you are focusing on what you/we need to do. You will identify the states and the candidates for seats in the Senate and the House that you will support in the ways that you can. We are in a war against fascism; you know that, so, in communicating with folks you'll be friendly, listen and exchange thoughts. You are an engaged citizen, learning what you can do and do your best. You encourage me, Deb A.., to be at my best as well. Cheers!
- plus, I'm really old (LOL) so a lot of it is in *my* personal history; it's not merely "history"
EX: Here's a memory: Hearing My mom (who with my Dad, was in the St Louis Orch way back when, when I was a toddler, as baby Unions were trying to get silly things such as breaks (!)...)-- as she would tell me how back in St Louis, the McCarthyites came knocking on our door looking for (she quoted them) "Commies and Union Organizers"
I like to think of it as coming from 'good union stock'
anyhoo, I'll let you go now - thx again for your wonderful post
Deb A, your words, background, humor and HISTORY! brought a deep, wide smile to me inside and out! Thank you! I love 'good union stock'; the smile got bigger. Thank you!
Marlene, I smiled warmly at your dear compliment; in part because I was not a born optimist, and, in another part, I'm still not. I take what I can from the good teachers here and there. Your support, humor, realism, curiosity, determination, care and love are unbeatable. Thank you!
It’s one of their biggest disasters because it clearly demonstrates Republican’s con job right in front of people’s eyes.
Here we have a woman “real estate agent” talking from her ugly but expensive kitchen in her affluent, protected neighborhood, who has a powerful job as a Senator in real life, but knuckled subserviently under to sell other women on moving to Gilead.
Eventually everyone gets thrown under the bus….yet… they stay screwed ..is it by or to MAGA?
You Republicans so patiently wait for the knife put in your back.
I wrestled most the night about fine lines. How to weigh dissent, how to better present the only choice left. With 7 years of consistent ‘disastrous’ leadership of what used to be the Republican Party …the lies, the excuses, the blatant dictatorship is the ONLY elephant in the room.
Scarlett Johansen should have received the Oscar last night for her SNL performance of the most pathetic political lie (masquerading as a rebuttal) ever. Now it's up to the liberal media to talk about the lie Britt told and the truth Heather researched and revealed.
Langford, Romney, even Cheney - when they come out and plead emphatically to Republicans to VOTE for Biden in November; when they hit the campaign trail for Joe, then maybe I’ll trust them a little. Until then, they’re just posturing for leadership in the future - if the Republican party survives this election.
Agreed, Until they stand up and without ANY caveats endorse a Democratic vote/win in November, they have zero credibility with me for simply saying they won't support tRump. For me, that is such a given that it doesn't even get any notice from me.
As soon as Britt's video was viewed, the immediate comments on youtube were about the anticipation of an SNL parody. Everyone thought it was so bazaar.
Just now tried to find your comment, can't even find my own, or the one I was responding to. If you could put your link in a reply to me, I'd greatly appreciate it!
I've put a couple to open in separate tabs and really got a kick out of Politics Gal's video of Mr Bearded Guy pointing to Law after Law after Law, which women needed - but that Rs voted against. Brilliant!
BTW - I am also not on Twitter/X, but note for others such as Diane who just posted here, that one may CC and paste any particular Twitter/X link into an Email that you send to others. (yay!)
Said Twitter/X link will open and can be read; it's only the replies which no longer appear thanks to Elon.
Ken Burns interviewed Cassidy Hutchinson who, to me, with a bit of face blindness and bad hearing sounds more like Katie Britt and had a similar "conservative" background and beliefs. Cassidy, though is further along in reevaluating her loyalty and principles in a way I hope Katie Britt can, the sooner the better.
Cassidy can sound very similar to Katie Britt, but the observations and changes in views she came to by being so close to the highest inner workings as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' Assistant, give me hope that people like Katie Britt can become a bit more enlightened about honoring oaths and doing the right thing at the right time despite what the party might wish they would ignore. They don't have to change their basic conservative principles, just follow their conscience and honor their oaths to do it at least within the bounds of laws and principled ethics.
I remember a bit of my parents' and grandparents' appreciation of Margaret Chase Smith when she called out Joe McCarthy (and a Professor who I'd have a bite to eat with after economics class). The Professor had campaigned for Joe McCarthy and worked for or with him (as had Robert Kennedy) for a while though it seemed he was helping both the HUAC House Committee and the Senate Subcommittee chaired by McCarthy. Both the Professor and RFK seemed to resign when McCarthy went off the deep end with wilder accusations about 3 years in. I'd like to know more, especially about the timings to see how it might relate to: https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/investigations/mccarthy-hearings/a-declaration-of-conscience.htm
"...Four months earlier, McCarthy had rocketed to national attention. In a well-publicized speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, he claimed to possess the names of 205 card-carrying communists in the State Department. Smith, like many of her colleagues, shared McCarthy's concerns about communist subversion, but she grew skeptical when he repeatedly ignored her requests for evidence to back-up his accusations. “It was then,” she recalled, “that I began to wonder about the validity... and fairness of Joseph McCarthy’s charges...”
Katie 'cahcah' Britt! Put her in a closet with Santos. And, while we're at it, make sure Rikers (Island prison) is preparing a table unto "him"... #45.
You can read more Republican comments here, but it doesn't sound like you're open to convincing. As someone who lives half in the UK and is married to a UK journalist, I would say most people in Europe aren't -betting- that criminal wins. What they are is -terrified- he will steal the election.
Republicans know they can't win statewide races they can't gerrymander without stealing, and they are working diligently to ensure they are successful this time, like Bush vs Gore.
I just don't know. I fear that it will take things going in the tank before business leaders realize their customers are dying or going broke before they come to their senses.
June, I believe the origin was with President Biden, when he refers to his "predecessor" as "the former guy". Some folks add a "colorful metaphor" for fornication as the second "f".
100%. "Of course their biggest disaster ever is ttfg".
Amazing, their unawareness and disconnectedness of the R party. It is a mass delusion based on the big lie. How long can so many live in this delusional world ttfg has created for them? What is the real cost to the masses of true believers? How much damage is this doing to their psyche's, families, work, and communities? Do they ever experience any joy away from their politics of paranoia, delusion, and domination? I think we need to call the Big Lie something else as it has evolved and the masses now believe the big lie to be fact. "The Big Delusion".
Wow! Thank You for sharing that! Out of all the coverage of this debacle this weekend, Scarlett Jo has embodied a character I hope “informs us” all through the next 8 months. (Channeling Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin?!?!?!)
I agree, Alexandra. People like Romney and Lankford are too afraid to leave the party they once knew. It doesn’t exist anymore because the likes of Trump have destroyed it. There are those who felt a tremendous embarrassment about Britt’s pathetic rebuttal. What’s more important though, is that Biden delivered a fiery speech. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, he and Harris have been delivering progress based on promises they made with energy, climate, and manufacturing. I loved that he referenced his age as using new ideas instead of old ones. Change is coming in spite of Putin’s puppets and it’s going to be great!
Marlene, 100% agree. Great speech by Biden, just the ticket! And everyone had to admit it. You could tell how effective it was just watching Johnson's face getting more and more sour as it went on.
lol i couldn't help laughing, it was so cringeworthy! Hey, remember when Nancy demonstratively tore up Trump's State of the Union copies behind his back for all to see!
Remember when we were kids( all those years ago)? And there was that lonely pitiful kid who everyone picked on cause he was so obnoxious and whiny and offensive. You felt sorry for him and may have stood up for him or made excuses for the poor creature. But you never noticed that that kid ,when given the chance , dominated kids weaker than him? Well that kid and others like him are now in positions of power and threatening our democracy. Why because they feel entitled and because they can. Sadly my little kid self would probably still protect him.
It was just theater. It happens at every State of the Union address by a Democrat. It is sickening that people with this much power and influence need to cravenly perform for their deplorable cultists.
When Mitch capitulated to the final humiliation, I was surprised because I thought he hated chump as much as I do. But I guess a republican Frankenstein is better than any democrat. That has been their position since Rupert hit our shores. Now it seems that Lachlan continues the anti-democracy crusade since daddy is contemplating another marriage to a retired Russian scientist, with ties to money and mob. Too bad abortion can’t be retroactive to the date of that devil’s conception.
Mitch, like Lankford and so many others, are Southern Baptists out and out, Trump's win gave Mitch just the political ammunition and cunning to turn the Supremes into a right-wing anti-abortion supermajority, who consistently lied abt the issues during their confirmation hearings. Sue Collins wasn't happy, but whatever, who's she on the map anyway?
"Orbán’s takeover of the press, elimination of rival political parties, partisan gerrymandering, capture of the courts, and control of Hungary’s government are not just ideological, though, but also economic. Corruption and the capture of valuable factories and properties for cronies have allowed Orbán and his allies to amass fortunes. "
TFFG's meeting with Urban must have thrilled him no end. There is no way that TFFG can meet with Putin before the election. Instead, he has someone better that had actually done all of the things that TFFG dreams about.
We the People are fighting an uphill battle right now. TFFG is grifting his hats, shirts, shoes and any other trinket he can sell for 100 times its value.
And he still struggled to come up with the first $90 million bond. Warrant Buffett loves to make loans like the bond with Trump. He almost got the Williams Pipeline several years ago when they were grossly overextended. Instead he only made 9% on the loan.
The bond holders could end up with dozens of pieces of Trump's empire and they sure as heck won't leave his name on them. If he's still alive when that happens he will never recover.
Unless his dementia has progressed to the point he has no clue what is going on.
Seth’s substack is called “Proof.” I think he’s offering a 7-day free trial? (I’m on phone right now …) First article about this topic was I think Friday.
Nope, you have to pay, but thanks for the reveal about the Greenbergs. If they’re Jewish, and I suspect they are, they are probably Ultra orthodox which is a big UGH for me.
"The party they once knew" is a true fallacy. The GOP of the 50s and 60s was a stringent white right-wing party which put on a good "face" but they were as closed to blacks and other people of color and gays and women as were conservative supper clubs of that era.
The only real difference I see between the GOP of the 50s-70s and the MagaTs of today is that today no one is even worried about just coming out and boldly calling for racism and fascism. "Deport the libs". No one said that back in the 50s, but believe me, they all believed it and wanted it.
Being raised Jewish in a Southern Baptist NC town, we were not permitted, nor were blacks, to join any country clubs. But blacks, of course, were employed as janitors, dishwashers, servers, and lawn keepers but God forbid be invited to become a member!
A "slave without being a slave" economy, yup. Somewhere along the journey, the GOP minions decided to show a "kinder, gentler" side by permitting a FEW blacks and jews and others (the ones who knew how to behave, like Clarence Thomas and Stephen Miller) to join, but I believe in the long run, they will still show their true colors and frankly they still don't even LIKE let alone LOVE their fellow humans no matter what their color or religion or viewpoints.
“There’s nobody that’s better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orbán. He’s fantastic,” Trump said on Friday. Trump said that Orbán simply says, “‘This is the way it’s going to be,’ and that’s the end of it, right? He’s the boss and…he’s a great leader, fantastic leader. In Europe and around the world, they respect him.”
Thank you, Heather, for reporting on this. This excerpt above should be a clear warning sign.
The admiration of autocratic tendencies under the guise of strong leadership is indeed a worrying trend that starkly contrasts with the core values of American democracy. The United States, founded on principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law, cannot afford to glamorize or endorse leaders who consolidate power at the expense of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
The systematic dismantling of democratic checks and balances, as observed in Hungary under Viktor Orbán's rule, should serve as a cautionary tale, not a blueprint for governance. The concentration of power, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of the electoral system erode the very foundations of a free society. When leaders prioritize personal and political gain over the public good, democracy is in peril.
American democracy thrives on pluralism, the rule of law, and a vibrant civil society. These principles enable constructive debate, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that power remains in the hands of the people. Endorsing a leader who undermines these ideals not only betrays the spirit of American democracy but also emboldens those who seek to weaken democratic institutions worldwide.
It's crucial that we recognize the importance of safeguarding democratic norms and processes. The admiration for autocratic leaders reflects a misunderstanding of what true leadership entails. Leadership is about serving the people, not subjugating them; it's about building consensus, not consolidating power; it's about championing the rights of all citizens, not enriching a select few.
As citizens committed to the ideals of democracy, it is our responsibility to stand against authoritarian tendencies and to promote a governance model that respects freedom, ensures accountability, and upholds justice. Let us remember the lessons of history and reaffirm our commitment to a democratic society that values the dignity and rights of every individual.
Orban and Putin have a lot in common. Eliminate opposition. Enrich the oligarchs. Not a lot different than the kings of yesteryear. Find some nobles to fight for you. Give them some of the taxes in exchange for support.
Does anyone know if there is a meaningful active opposition to Orban functioning in Hungary now? Is revolution possible?
Those three are on top of it. Sadly, they are not getting the attention/following they have earned. Maybe a few quotes from their writings would be well received here, Rickey.
Unfortunately there is no meaningful active opposition to in Hungary. At least not one with any hope of ousting Orban.
From an article (link below):
“Hungary is not a democracy anymore, The parliament is a decoration for a one-party state.” Quoted from a member of the Hungarian parliament who had left office.
“In order for a Hungarian-style system to come to America, the GOP — not just Trump, but the party as a whole — would need to play a significant role. And Republican legislators, at both the state and national level, have shown a willingness to deploy Fidesz-like tactics that undermine the fairness of the democratic system.” (Note: Fideesz is the ruling party in Hungary)
“The similarities between [Trump and Orban] are hard to miss. Trump, like Orbán, is personally disdainful of constraints on his power and the free press. Trump, like Orbán, has built his political career around anti-immigrant populism.” (When in office) “Trump, like Orbán, has bent the powers of state toward personal enrichment — and allowed his top officials to do the same.”
“But what worries me the most isn’t the obvious Trump-Orbán similarities. It’s the parallels between the Republican Party and Fidesz.”
While written six years ago it’s as pertinent today as when it was written. If you read it you’ll understand what’s going on with the Trump, the GOP, and Orban. I really wish everyone would read it. We’d All have a much much better understanding of what we’re up against.
George T is correct; Orban's 'Fidesz" party has a supermajority, now he's gerrymandered the country. BUT the country may grow tired of the blatant corruption and horrifying sex scandals (one may hope)
Here is POLITICO/EU from a couple weeks back
Roiled by scandal, Hungary names new president
Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party chooses obscure judge to replace Katalin Novák after sex-abuse pardon case.
When the rule of law !!APPEARS!! unenforceable, thieves create the time to take it all. The absolute necessity of democracy carefully, accurately, institutionally slow walking individual rights to accountability becomes the perfection cancelling the good of resolution for victims of the violation. Ethics. Yeah, right. We apparently won't live that long.
At a time like this -- a turning point -- the best and the worst come into their own.
I first saw this a long, long time ago.
After the Hungarian uprising in 1956 against Soviet-imposed dictatorship, those who escaped to the West were among the country's best... and criminals for whom chaos is their element.
Our society may be sick, but... WE'RE ALIVE... approaching crisis now, and determined to come through if we can.
One way or another, we may lose battles, but we shall overcome.
To your point: The rise of crime and the lowering of governments able to protect it's citizen. To wit, well armed and organized gangs that are stronger than Haiti's government, the none-state Hamas waging war in its own territory and against its own people, militia style cartels and criminals capable of taking control over towns and regions, ISSIS as a non-nation force capable of gaining power and control within countries where is breeds, theocracies that become the within-nation governing powers that replace legitimate conservative or liberal governments, Putin ignoring international laws in favor of a capacity to gain new territories with minor concern among US Congressmen, the emptiness of a nation's pledge to support its allies when the party out of power shows who can invalidate our claim to being a country led by its duly elected President.
The rule of law or rule by law. Putin rules by law as does Obran. They took the law and used it to rule. Do what I ask, give me my cut or I have the police shut you down. Bill Browder spelled it out in Red Notice.
Kind of like how the mob controlled the unions and communities offering "protection" from criminals.
Any resemblance between law and what the Putin regime calls law is fortuitous. Everything is an extension of the Executive, legislature, judges, police, the military, all doing what the Thing-at-the-Top orders them to.
Just as Putin's kleptocracy has made Russia weak (imagine the US attacking Mexico and ending up in a stalemate for 2+ years), Orban's is making Hungary weak by stymieing real talent with cronyism and siphoning off his country's wealth to oligarchs. Corruption always fills an oversight vacuum. The same has happened to the once GOP here, and it will spread to all aspects of life in the US if DT somehow manages to win back the White House.
Speak out as loudly and obnoxiously as you can. There is no cavalry coming to save us. The MAGAs have had their gloves off - and they fight dirty - for 8+ years. Time to stop complaining and take our gloves off - we are bigger, more experienced, and have way more money. It really won't be a fair fight :)
I left when they ramped up the disgusting tactics in the Newt Gingrich/Frank Luntz GoPac memo, "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control" around 1996 (which I had hoped for a few years that they would reject instead of ramping up). The kick off more believably should have been obvious with Reagan taking office, though.
Actually this goes all the way back to Warren Harding and maybe even William Howard Taft, with maybe a short detour during Dwight Eisenhower's presidency, as he is probably the ONLY decent GOP President since Teddy Roosevelt. The ignominies of the GOP from Taft to Harding/Coolidge/Hoover to Nixon (just barely skipping Eisenhower... even though has was decent, he had to contend with Joe McCarthy and many other disgusting GOP reps) to Reagen and onward are outrageous and astounding. It is a REAL fallacy to suggest/think that somehow this has all come about SINCE Ronald Reagan. The GOP has, since the beginning of the 20th century, been a party of white male right-wing support, with only a hint of acquiescence for women/people of color/LGBTQ/etc to appease a minority who wanted to see a GOP of inclusion. Sorry, that doesn't exist and hasn't ever existed except in fantasies.
It seems to me that the core fanatic MAGAs are the animus of the fanatical racist wing that was once part of the Democratic Party. Not the sole purveyors of American racism and sexism by any means, but those who claim divine endorsement of their prejudices. Now it's Republicans carrying Confederate flags. No president or party left a record of perfection, but Republicans cooperated with Democrats to take down Nixon in a way that is unthinkable today. Reagan's sales pitch was a subtler version of Orbáns; democracy sucks and plutocracy gets things done. That was a departure even from Nixon. Meanwhile, as the Ship of State seems to be cruising inexorably toward climate disaster (that was accurately predicted decades ago) I note that slimy Nixon advocated for the protection of the environment, and created the EPA that Reagan did his durndest to shut down. Reagan's EPA and Dept. of Interior were so bad it was a minor scandal, but it set the tone for Republicans since.
Hi, I was there (well, at least alive and aware) when the Nixon take-down occurred (in fact, it happened one week after my honeymoon in 1974!) Please don't forget that the Republicans held out for quite a while before agreeing that Nixon had to go, and only after the Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision required him to turn over the Watergate Oval Office tapes to the House Impeachment committee and the Special Prosecutor. And no argument, Nixon did some good things, especially internationally. He was, of course, just a waypoint on the journey from a Republican party which defended the United States against a mass secession of the South during the Civil War to one which is ready to invoke all of the reasons that the South tried to secede and more in order to try to do it again. What a difference 160 years makes, eh? My point is that the GOP did not just start this during Reagan, it started long before that near the turn of the 20th century after Teddy Roosevelt was refused a return to the White House in 1912. The GOP at that point moved away from being a conservationist peace-seeking party and moved towards being a party that supported businesses in a radical way at the expense of labor unions and poor and middle class citizens. After WWII, there were three consecutive Republican Presidents who led us into the deep Depression in 1929 and almost to the brink of the end of the country. FDR's 1932 election and the Democrats starting to move towards a more liberal populist party supporting recovery and the rise of a middle class, coupled with WW2, caused a major switch between the parties leading to the 1950s where things REALLY began to change (although the Democrats continued to support racism and segregation in the south well into the 1980s.)
Biden called on America to give him the only weapon able to turn this situation around: a Congress that will support him in a second term of Presidency. We have this greatest task ahead of us this election season. No more kicking the can down the road.
The House is takable, but the Senate?… there’s the rub.
As obstructive as Manchin and Sinema were the loss of two seats would be a disaster. How good is our shot in Arizona? That’s the place to funnel money.
"Speak out as loudly and obnoxiously as you can. "
But strategically. Protest that works carries a message crafted to persuade. That can include demanding attention and not letting the matter drop. But it's tricky because you are telling people what a lot of people don't want to hear, and are looking for an excuse to reject. Forceful repetition of truth with a strategy behind it can often overcome intransigent repetition of lies.
Repubs know all this and are all in on the con. They don’t focus on this much ( just ask any Fox-watching fool). It’s immigration all the way. Most don’t even know about their trashing of the immigration bill. This country has been propagandized to the max, and Dems have snipping from third parties and fools thinking that chump would save the Palestinians. Unless the MSM get their head out of their collective arses, who is to tell of the existential threat we face. Substacks won’t be enough. Hope my Texas milieu hasn’t dampened my long-term non-specific optimism.
Yes I think you nailed it! Just recognize that RFKJR will do all you want, going beyond what Biden can do , and take out the corporate capture by the pharmaceutical companies. Those tv commercials will bite the dust under RFKJR.
I don’t see RFK, Jr. making a splash. A trickle, maybe but if anything, I do not think the votes will be taken from Biden but from Trump. I want to live in my Dem bubble. 😊
I’m being sincere about RFKJR, I’m excited about his candidacy like no one before. I know most people here don’t want him and I mean on offense. He is Batman and Trump is a big joker
What the Trump loyalists have done to Representative Lankford should be a cautionary flag for every honest politician, businessman and leader of any influential group in this country. The process of running a country on Democratic principles only works if everyone abides by those principles. We see the House of Representatives throwing one of their own out in the cold because he got them exactly the deal they asked for but it turns out, they didn’t want a deal. I wonder what Lankford will do next. He must be spitting nails.
How many Germans do you think watched Hitler at the Reichstag in 1939 and were seething... and then all signed up to be Nazis or Brownshirts or stormtroopers? I bet a LOT... There is no accounting for the willingness of people to overlook the treachery of others as long as they are still "favored" by those in power. This is historically a fact and has only rarely been overcome.
More likely, these Republicans who see the truth, then capitulate anyway, are reacting the same as any person who realizes they are up against a dangerous person or mob -- fight, flight, or capitulation. It's psychological, since the pattern seems to be capitulation.
Yes, some days it’s really tough because we have to wait. But meanwhile see what you can do to get out the vote. Maybe it’s letter or card writing, maybe it’s doing a March wherever you are. In 1972 we knew a string quartet, New Orleans Symphony. We made a big bowl of wine punch, don’t remember what else we served, but the quartet played for George McGovern, neighbors and friends came, and we collected for the campaign.
That would imply that the fight is over. It is not. There are elements on both sides of the aisle (admittedly much more on the Left than Right) that are just now getting organized. 60 - 70% of the American electorate is nothing to sneeze at.
In some respects, our democracy has always been quite imperfect. It will always be a work in progress. I find optimism in the fact that Democrats have won almost every election since the Dobbs decision. I believe that was the biggest MAGA mistake ever. They crossed a line with the vast majority of women who will demand their reproductive rights.
A woman's right to choose has historic momentum. Dobbs is a temporary setback by an ultra reactionary radical religious minority. It will not stand. The US does not exist in a vacuum. I am sure that millions of US citizens are jealous of and inspired by France.
Thank you, Bill! We will win our rights back in spite of those who wants us back in the kitchen! Even if we are forced, we have weapons of mass destruction such as sharp knives and cast iron pans. Those SOBs will be made to suffer.
As it will... until it doesn't anymore. Go ask the people who published La Prensa. Go ask the widow of Navalny. There are many many many examples of this happening as it typically does, in the background while most of us "sleep".
Here we have a more retrained versions of threats to opposition to keep them in line or destroy them politically. Actual murders of national leaders were more by extremist or irrational individuals (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, JFK, RFK, and attempts on Ford and Reagan in the US, and George W Bush in Tbilisi, Georgia (the country). They were not so much conspiracies by the governing party as in so many really extreme authoritarian countries. The Southern Strategy may have brought in the "conservative" southern democrats, relabeled as more conservative Republicans, but there was at least a reduction in the extreme racism, terrorizing and suppression of minorities and their friends in the south. I'd argue that it seemed to increase a bit in the north, though, as those who depended on political support from the ones that still use threats, intimidation, and cut off funding for any they feel detract from their aims (in local through higher national politics).
Simply look at what they are trying to do to Liz Cheney and a few other died in the wool conservative beliefs but still put their loyalty to the country and oaths they took to defend it.
"Democratic principles only works if everyone abides by those principles."
Everyone is unattainable, but yes, the vast majority must have a line they will not cross and a willingness to join in solidarity to nurture and protect that which most matters; the common weal and unalienable rights.
Thank you for another thought-provoking LFAA, Heather.
I would say it is unconscionable for Mitch McConnell to endorse the criminal Trump, however, it would imply that McConnell has a conscience. Trump Jr. is correct (I can’t believe those words appeared in my mind), it is the death of the traditional conservative party. The fundamental objective remains the same -the extreme concentration of wealth and power for minority control, however, the tactics are to divide and polarize Americans wherever possible.
Today's Putin/Trump/MAGA GOP -is not a political party. An opposing party would still be defending the Constitution and the laws and principles of the United States while offering policy alternatives under the framework of democracy. The Putin/Trump/MAGA GOP vision is to destroy the system and replace it with massive wealth concentration, hate, fear, isolationism, and retribution.
But much of politics is partisan tribal, George, so why be surprised? Trump gave Mitchell the opportunity to stack the Supreme Court. What more can a staunch Southern Baptist be grateful for? It's this utter sense of their own rightness and righteousness that give these fine folks their determination to push their views and practices on everyone else. And Mitchell of course, as a politician, is also an out and out pragmatist.
Great question. While I favor "Disorganized Crime Family", when it comes to names, and especially adjectives, I find myself deferring to @jefftiedrich. I'm guessing Jeff has the world's first fusion-powered adjective generator.
Infantile whiners with a 'No' agenda that they are incapable of shaking. They have no ideas at all. They don't know what an idea is, so are easily led by people who do, the rich bullies and insatiable wealth grabbers.
Koch brothers for instance.
MSM media moguls. Got to outvote the whole bunch. So gear up.
Watching Mike Johnson continue with his little smarmy “no” head shake throughout Bidens speech makes me think someone is making a bobble head at this very moment!
There certainly were "priceless" moments... one right after the other. One that is hardly getting any real notice though is the MTG "moment". Right there, in desperate need of attention, wearing a gtttdamned maga-hat, she finally got it. You can tell by her own expression, that it more-than made her day. Think of it. To be recognized by non-other than the President of the United States, in a most genuine and humanly fashion.... Yeah! That was "priceless". Poor thing. She needed that in the worst way. What an incredible handout. Wonder what she'll do with it. You go, Joe!
I'm glad Heather today raises the question of how so many have so slight regard for facts.
Katie Britt, for instance -- Heather notes how this U.S. Senator from Alabama implied Biden and his border policies behind the sex trafficking of a 12-year-old girl. She notes how another journalist did a little digging and found truth behind Katie Britt's sleight of hand with the facts.
Later in hers today Heather goes after the similar sleight of hand of the Hungarian demagogue Viktor Orban. No, he's not a champion of Hungarian culture. He is, instead, a major thief, our Heather notes, for how he's used his power to steal for himself and to enrich his cabal of similarly lying accomplices.
The Academy Awards also being today, and Hayao Miyazaki a new international winner for "The Boy and the Heron," we can think back to a bit more than two decades ago, when he first won the Oscar, for "Spirited Away."
That feature-length anime showed a world where malign spirits steal people's memories. So we can ask how Katie Britt gets her memory so twisted, distorted. How Hungarian Orban gets his rendition of what he's doing also skewed, poisoned. How the fat orange diaper boy thrives on malicious musical chairs of lying.
The answer's simple to any artist: forget real humans and float yourself instead in abstractions, packaged groups of "people" (all evilly scripted), and the slogans that puff the spouters into idiocy.
Any decent artist knows art serves better to see human truth, better to appreciate its nuances, people's complications in fact and in context.
I think my daughter was 10 or 11 when she saw "Princess Mononoke", an amazing film that changed her life. She soon started learning Japanese and eventually taught English for a year in Japan through JET. She now has friends in many parts of the world. Miyazaki is a treasure.
Actually, Beth, Miyazaki didn't do "Grave of the Fireflies," though his Studio Ghibli did.
Takahata Isao did the "Grave of the Fireflies" direction for Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. I consider it the best work of art, from any country, in any genre, on war.
It's the part of war we don't talk about much. War is mass murder. I don't think we had a realistic choice but to fight the Axis but civilian casualties have to be minimized. War should never be other than a last ditch effort to end violence. Like aggressive chemotherapy, a remedy selected with great reluctance, and applied with great care.
I have seen just about everything Ghibli produced. There is a sweetness in the array of subject matter, even the minimally rendered, comedic "Our Neighbors the Yamadas" from a newspaper comic strip. Under my daughter's guidance, I read Miyazki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"; an cyclone of imagination. A film was made of it, but only gets started with the story. We humans create art as well as chaos. Sometimes the former helps to calm the latter.
Union soldiers took very heavy casualties in the Civil War, especially in the early years, when Johnny Reb generals outperformed the Yanks. But apparently the guys in blue really quite believed in what America as a union stood for.
Same largely for Americans -- many, many from immigrant families -- who fought the fascist powers in WWII.
Not at all so for the military actions to which U.S. Marine Major General Smedley Butler testified during the early decades of the last century.
And bombing so many civilians in Japan? Not even militarily effective.
Nor any excuses for the actions against Cherokee and related tribes in land southern gentlemen scoundrels wanted for their cheap labor slave empire 200 years ago.
But we have Heather's great history on that, "How the South Won the Civil War."
Phil, I am seeing the "slight regard for facts" in my MAGAt friends. The problem is, they believe so strongly in their perception of "facts" (which are fabrications put forth by the likes of Prager U, Faux Noise, and other "conservative" "think" tanks (I prefer thinking of them as septic tanks badly in need of service, but I digress) and view our regard for facts as falsehoods. To wit: I posted a photo of tfg as the Wizard of Oz, and the man behind the curtain as Putin. Two friends of mine said "how sad these people still believe in the non-existent Russian involvement."
They’re mostly work friends, and given that my work was law enforcement, it isn’t surprising that they are “conservative. What astounds me is the contortions they have to go through to justify their support, especially looking at the classified documents* case.
*I recall reading we should call that improper retention and storage of documents case differently, but cannot remember what it is.
When you have to create fact and distort as Senator Britt did, then you should be on the losing side of history. When Americans praise the Hungarian dictator and think allowing immigrants to come here “poisons the blood,” you should be on the losing side o history. When you censure a senator for helping to solve an issue the way you have espoused historically just to submit to a political candidate, you should be on the losing side of history. Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and Stalinist Soviet Union come to mind in looking at the MAGA Republicans. So many of us are indeed very fearful for our nation…
As Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine boarded the Senate subway, she encountered the junior senator from Wisconsin, Joe McCarthy. “Margaret, you look very serious,” he said. “Are you going to make a speech?” Without hesitation, Smith replied: “Yes, and you will not like it!” The date was June 1, 1950, and Smith was about to deliver the most memorable speech of her long career.
Four months earlier, McCarthy had rocketed to national attention. In a well-publicized speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, he claimed to possess the names of 205 card-carrying communists in the State Department. Smith, like many of her colleagues, shared McCarthy's concerns about communist subversion, but she grew skeptical when he repeatedly ignored her requests for evidence to back-up his accusations. “It was then,” she recalled, “that I began to wonder about the validity... and fairness of Joseph McCarthy’s charges.”
At first, Smith hesitated to speak. “I was a freshman Senator,” she explained, “and in those days, freshman Senators were to be seen and not heard.” She hoped a senior member would take the lead. “This great psychological fear...spread to the Senate,” she noted, “where a considerable amount of mental paralysis and muteness set in for fear of offending McCarthy.” As the weeks passed, Smith grew increasingly angry with McCarthy’s attacks and his defamation of individuals she considered above suspicion. Bowing to Senate rules on comity, Smith chose not to attack McCarthy, but to denounce the tactics that were becoming known as “McCarthyism.”
"Mr. President," she began, "I would like to speak briefly and simply about a serious national condition.... The United States Senate has long enjoyed worldwide respect as the greatest deliberative body.... But recently that deliberative character has...been debased to...a forum of hate and character assassination." In her 15-minute address, delivered as McCarthy looked on, Smith endorsed every American’s right to criticize, to protest, and to hold unpopular beliefs. “Freedom of speech is not what it used to be in America,” she complained. “It has been so abused by some that it is not exercised by others.” She asked her fellow Republicans not to ride to political victory on the “Four Horsemen of Calumny–Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.” As she concluded, Smith introduced a statement signed by herself and six other Republican senators–her “Declaration of Conscience."
Her speech triggered a public explosion of support and criticism. “This cool breeze of honesty from Maine can blow the whole miasma out of the nation’s soul,” commented the Hartford Courant. “By one act of political courage, [Smith has] justified a lifetime in politics,” commented another. Newsweek magazine ran a cover story entitled “Senator Smith: A Woman Vice President?” Critics called her “Moscow-loving,” and much worse. McCarthy dismissed her and her supporters as “Snow White and the Six Dwarfs.”
Smith’s Declaration of Conscience did not end McCarthy’s reign of power, but she was one of the first senators to take such a stand. She continued to oppose him, at great personal cost, for the next four years. Finally, in December of 1954, the Senate belatedly concurred with the “lady from Maine” and censured McCarthy for conduct “contrary to senatorial traditions.” McCarthy’s career was over. Margaret Chase Smith’s career was just beginning.
I’ve been considering our hard won civil rights since the Civil War - including the Nineteenth Amendment - granting women the right to vote. I don’t have a problem with women who choose to embrace more traditional roles, i.e. in the heteronormative patriarchal mold. I have a problem, however, with people who would presume to force their preferences on others. Isn’t our land large enough and our lives full enough that we can live and let live - and treat others as we’d prefer to be treated? So-called Christians who won’t practice this Christian precept are hypocrites.
I would say that every word out of Katie Britt's mouth was a lie. Please someone, ask her where she has either drafted, sponsored or voted for legislation that helps any of her stated life objectives. Where is her support for the Border bill? Our national security? Mothers who are raising children on their own, perhaps even because they were raped by the men that impregnated them? Where is her free day care bill? Her bill for Child support monies like most wealthy countries have? Where is her bill for making sure that families can survive comfortably on one income? Where is her support for universal health care? Where is her support for parents determining that their children get gender care, or support for being LGBTQ+? Where is her support for families of all structures, religions, colors? Where is her support for environmental protections?
Where is her support for the elderly? Her ageism displays blatant hatred for those who are older. I would not want that Stepford Wife/Handmaid/Tradwife near my much more progressive mom who is turning 90. Warren Buffett should make sure she is not allowed to invest in Berkshire Hathaway a multinational company run by a 93-year old.
Where is her support for families who want IVF? Senate Republicans voted the IVF bill presented by Senator Duckworth, so it did not reach the House, but I see no signs that Britt would have voted for it based on her voting record. Other more indirect supports of families would be to tax the wealthy so that they pay their fair share. It does not seem that this is an issue Britt has taken on. In fact, Democrats can rightfully claim to be the Party of the Family, and should be calling the Republicans the Anti-Family party, particularly since Britt's own state started the undoing of IVF.
I don't doubt that fear of Trump's power has shut down meaningful Republican resistance. He and his crew don't intend to let the government function, but of course, in hamstringing everything, they show us what things would be like if they held executive power. I'm glad to see that Biden is going to Georgia, and I hope he makes a point of visiting all the places where he won narrow victories in 2020. We don't have a lot of time to turn this around, but the attitude he displayed in the State of the Union is the right one. Democracy needs champions right now. We must not forget that people count on that. I don't think the Republican rebuttal was a "mistake" as much as it was an unconscious revelation of how far things have gone off script in Alabama and in many other places. It's not only that Republicans want to deny women power over their bodies but their minds as well. And don't forget that Alabama is where George Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door denying Black people the right to equal education. Donald Trump is Wallace on speed.
I am reassured by the fact that the voting public is not a monolith. There are as many "Independents" and non party aligned registered voters as there are Democrats and Republicans combined.
But I worry about the twisted effect of the Electoral College indirectly assigning so much power to just six "swing states". Perhaps the National Popular Vote Compact will someday gain the additional states it needs. It could restore some level of real democracy in future elections.
"The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) is an agreement among a group of U.S. states and the District of Columbia to award all their electoral votes to whichever presidential ticket wins the overall popular vote in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The compact is designed to ensure that the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide is elected president, and it would come into effect only when it would guarantee that outcome.[2][3]
Introduced in 2006, as of March 2024 it has been adopted by sixteen states and the District of Columbia. These jurisdictions have 205 electoral votes, which is 38% of the Electoral College and 76% of the 270 votes needed to give the compact legal force." WIKI
But I believe that the Dobbs decision will be our "ace in the hole" - winning card. Democrats have won virtually every election since Dobbs. Women's Reproductive Rights are not to be tampered with. Women and supportive men are saying that all across the globe. Look at France.
Yes, I'm familiar with the NPVIC and signed some petitions in its favor. Steve Phillips (How We Win the Civil War) advises people to adopt one of these states, which are crucial to a Democratic victory if the Electoral College stands: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin—and focus support there. I'll be getting some postcards soon.
Lying and dissembling have become the constant M.O. of the repubs. It's not shocking nor shameful where they are concerned. Embracing Victor Orban isn't shameful. I even heard a repub say that this 2024 election is a matter of Good vs Evil as if the Democrats are Evil ? I look forward to the day we look back on all this $#!t and laugh !
For those that don't remember the Four Freedoms of which FDR spoke, the first is freedom of speech and expression. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. The third is freedom from want . The fourth is freedom from fear.
Extending these freedomss to the whole world is a difficult mission, harkening back to FDR's earlier pointing out that 'the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,' an admirable goal but difficult to have in undemocratic environments.
Jack Thanks for the specifics for those, unlike me, who were not there to hear the original Four Freedoms. The world has changed profoundly since then, but I still find the Four Freedoms highly relevant.
Tonight’s ’Letter’ is about as grim as I’ve seen…..todays ‘legislative deliberations’are a mix of sedition and vile bargaining to essentially elect a dictator. And there are huge pieces of the ‘electorate’ very supportive of such a result…if the polling is accurate, the majority….
No. Just to show their impartiality, they just listed five or six (including them) who still publish that unreadable stuff it's not necessary to waste time on unless you want to work up a rage. And they always get a flood of protest from the commenters for doing so.
HA! Just knew that little shit was auditioning! So disingenuous, so deceitful that even the R’s were repulsed. Glad they used her for the rebuttal because it made great fodder for SNL. 😁
Peter Wehner has written a thorough indictment of TFG, his MAGAn supporters, and today’s Republican Party, but he failed to address the most confounding part of the problem: These folks simply do not agree with it. To them, his assessment is just another part of a giant leftwing, anti-American conspiracy that is trying to destroy traditional American culture as they perceive it. This divide is becoming starker everyday. We are at loggerheads with ourselves and are tearing our Republic apart. I worry greatly about how the election in November will shake out; I worry even more about the ensuing days and weeks no matter how it does.
“It’s one of our biggest disasters ever.” Well, at least the Rs can admit THAT. (Of course their biggest disaster ever is tffg.) Surreally awful, porny histrionics from Katie Britt (I won't use "Senator" to describe her). Wonderful send up by Scarlett Johansson on Saturday Night Live.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCfLpuLdF8Q&t=332s
As for Lankford, you'd think this humiliation at the hands of his own party might turn him against it, finally. But somehow that never happens.
Scarlett Johansson is superb!
Yes, their biggest disaster is the tffg, AKA the oathbreaking insurrectionist. That never seems to sink in with them.
He said, Go home. We love you. It was like "Thanks, guys, for being there." What's an oath or two to them? Do they know the difference?
Friday night, on Newsmax, Donald Trump Jr. recorded a video announcing that the old Republican Party “no longer exists outside of the D.C. beltway…. The move that happened today…that’s the final blow. People have to understand that America First, the MAGA movement is the new Republican Party. That is conservatism today.” Regurgitating America First tells us everything we need to know about the traitor family and the cult that intends to begin rounding up immigrants on day 1 of his dictatorship. This is not who we are. It’s the chaos campaign of evil.
Gigi, he may have said conservative, but they are far right regressive. They represent all of the worst aspects of human beings and death star has not a shred of human decency. When he came to power, all of the maggots and worms came out of the swamp and woodwork. I think many people were shocked to find out how awful many of their relatives and friends really were because death star gave them carte blanche to be their totally prejudiced unforgiving selves.
Michele, you've nailed it and it doesn't get said enough: "I think many people were shocked to find out how awful many of their relatives and friends really were because death star gave them carte blanche to be their totally prejudiced unforgiving selves."
"....shocked to find out how awful many of their friends and relatives really were...."
"When he came to power, all of the maggots and worms came out of the swamp and woodwork."
This reminds me of the line from Robert Graves' "I Claudius", which applies to any Trump administration:
"Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud, hatch out!"
"Far right regressive."That's a good description. They are not Republicans, the Grand Old Party, aka GOP, or conservatives. I don't even want to give them "rebels," since that has mostly positive, virtuous connotations in my mind. Their own titles like the Make America Great movement, aka MAGA, the America First Party and all that is nonsense. I'm not sure if we've settled on a name yet. I try to be respectful to all, because I believe that as human beings, we all deserve some basic level of respect. These folks challenge me though and I find myself partial to MAGGATS.
What the Right (conservative has lost all its meaning in American politics) realized, starting with Reagan, how gullible some in the
American public are owing to their lack of critical thinking skills, lack of knowledge about history and government, and their inclination to discriminate against certain groups: non-Protestants, minorities, women's and gay rights' advocates, immigrants and others, they "put the pedal to the metal" and began their disinformation and misinformation campaigns, plundering the national treasury of trillions of dollars. G.W. Bush was right: "you can fool some of the people all of the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on."
Far Wrong agressives.
Gigi, from what I am seeing from my vocal MAGAt friends, this is exactly who they are.
I agree with DTJr. It's definitely NOT the party of Lincoln. I have to laugh. Someone who read that Lincoln was a republican and did so much for blacks forgot to read beyond the chosen fact where the democrats become republicans and voted for legalizing segregation. Ironically where seem to have the most the most segregation is in the South which are republicans.
Exactly. That's the kind of disinformation you get when Rs erase history.
These clowns are idiots. Declaring a victory before the battle is over is stupid. They only have as much power as is given by us, the citizens. Most of us are not their lemmings (debatable, I realize - lol). We won't follow them off the cliff. I am nervous that such a large percentage of us are though. But we'll se. I have a feeling the elections will go in democracy's favor. I don't believe the polls. But I don't know how off they are. So, I am kinda biting my nails till we get the election results.
Amen!
Donald junior proves that we still have social mobility in America: even total idiots get their day in the sun. I am not sure these horny guys have tongues. But this R.I.N.O. (i.e., me) takes pleasure in sticking his out at the whole corrupted klan. EDIT: I want to say junior Donald but that implies that there is a superlative BELOW Donald senior.
It was like he was hosting a cocktail party, had a headache, and told everyone to leave...
His drooling praise over Orban proves him to be the aspirational autocratic, and as junior confirmed, the formerly GOP is now America First, the party of MAGA and its attendant fascism.
Trump speaks with certainty at his rallies that he'll be elected in November, saying he doesn't need or indeed want the votes of Haley supporters. If true, then Orban's visit to Mar a Mango may be as tutor for what happens at 12:01 p.m. on Jan 20, 2025. What does he have up his sleeve to make sure that happens? Might it have some connection to the source of trompy's bond in the Carroll matter?
I am VERY worried about their planned shenanigans. We are gaining the VOTE, but we need to keep an eye on whatever else they are plotting … [it’s not planning anymore with the MAGAs; it is plotting]
Recently I read an article how Russia (Putin) and Saudi Aribia (Mohammed bin Salman) are planning on reducing the supply chain beginning in July. Then come October, MBS is taking the Fort Henry oil plant in Texas off line for "maintenance". Sorry I can't find the article to include the link but the moral of the article was not only the timing of this but more importantly how our adversaries are interfering with our elections. This is not a a coincidence ~ just prior to the election? This is planned so it can be used against the Biden administration just before the election.
Good thing I'm not President or I would take a page from the Trump playbook and use an Executive Order to seize the Fort Henry plant claiming it is for National Security then let them take the matter to the Court and delay, delay and delay. Last I checked MBS was a person of interest in a murder investigation???
Hey, that’s actually not a bad idea. Maybe we should float it to the president. As long as it’s legal {and National Security, and having it off-line, it could be!! 😯😯😯}
I’m kind of serious about floating it to the president. Anybody can write to him on the Whitehouse.gov web site. Go to “contact” and send a message to the president.
I do hope SOMEONE is reading those, and maybe paying attention to the good ones.
😎
I bet so...
"The Plot Against America" -Philip Roth
It is, and they are less and less hiding the fact of it …
And TFFG is setting things up pretty much the same way as he did before the 2020 election.
{Proofread this and fixed typo}
YES, Mim, he is. And they’re setting it up with the benefit of hindsight to correct past shortcomings, and even more people in on the scheme.
We need to seriously get out the vote this year, but we need to SERIOUSLY be wary of a sneak attack from behind, too. We can’t turn our backs on these guys. They are not constrained by integrity, or anything else for that matter.
They need to be watched, their strategies need to be revealed, and we need to head ‘em off at the pass.
I can’t stress enough how much I am concerned about the modern-day heirs to The Dirty Tricks gang — with Roger Stone still around, too.
" ... never seems to sink in " despite losses in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & now in 2024. What's next, MAGA fratricide over followers that are not pure enough?
Nothing would surprise me at this point!
trump failed at more than 4 time in business at lest 6 times if not more.
Shhhhh...
Don't discourage them. Let them be themselves.
maybe he is afraid for his family with death threats and white powder. Extremists are getting more bold. Maybe afraid of being part of the purge trump has promised.
I think you are correct Karen, "Extremist ... may be afraid of being part of the purge [tffg] has promised". We saw this before in Germany 1933-34.
Your concern was what I was alluding to in my comment above, "The Knight of the Long Knives" ... "Nacht Der Langen" circa the last days of May into June 1934. The "Rohm Purge" meaning the murder of Rohm & his followers in Germany while Hitler was still a 'Chancellor'.but, was consolidating supreme power under Himmler & Others.
Your comment seems to have lost its mooring rope - I'm not Alexandra.
Hmm, confusing yes, your comment was answering Alexandra. I think I've moved it now 🙂
Nope, it comes out in the same place when I comment below her
Uncontrollable force of nature. Mine sometimes vanish before I can click on Post.
Porny histrionics... perfect.
And Johansson perfectly satirized it!
They need to persuade her to make this a reoccurring character during this election season. Remember Tina Fey’s send up of Sarah Palin?
That was hilarious
I will be looking at the top shelve of my fridge....where i have jam, yogurt, walnuts, etc.
Yes, I loved that too, Sabrina. The memes were coming fast afterwards much to the delight of all of us who are not in the cult.
Democracy’s Blue Wave Warriors Looking to Our National Elections
From: WAPO, 202 Early, the paper’s morning newsletter
'President Biden and former president Donald Trump will spend the next eight months battling over six states that are likely to determine the presidential election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.'
'Several of those states are also at the center of a battleground that’s gotten much less attention: the fight for control of state legislatures.'
'Democrats are trying to flip the state House and Senate in Arizona after Democrat Katie Hobbs won the governorship in 2022, giving the party control of state government.'
'In Pennsylvania, Republicans are working to flip a single seat to retake the state House, which Democrats won in 2022.'
'And Republicans are seeking to recapture the state House and state Senate in Michigan, which Democrats won in 2022, allowing Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pass her agenda through the legislature.'
'THE BATTLE IN WISCONSIN'
'The latest battleground is Wisconsin, where Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed new maps into law last month that both parties agree will allow Democrats to win more seats in November. “I think we can win the Assembly,” Evers told us last month.'
'The new maps mean “it’ll be difficult, but it’ll be equally difficult on both sides,” he added.'
'Taking back the Wisconsin Senate will be tougher because only half the seats are up for reelection this year, with the other half up in 2026.'
'But Evers said he hopes that taking back the Assembly and narrowing Republicans’ margin in the state Senate might allow him to achieve his top priority: expanding Medicaid in the state. Wisconsin is one of 10 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid since the Affordable Care Act provisions allowing states to cover more residents under the program took effect a decade ago.'
“I know there are Republicans that understand the issue of Medicaid expansion who I’ve talked to,” 'Evers said'. “Can we pick off a couple of ones to get that done? Absolutely.”
'REPUBLICAN CONFIDENCE'
'Robin Vos, the longtime Assembly speaker, scoffed at the idea Democrats would win back the chamber.'
“We consistently see that Republican Assembly members outrun the top of the ticket by anywhere from three to six points,” Vos said. “So if Wisconsin is again a 50-50 state, either won by President Trump or won by President Biden, that means we’ll probably win most of the competitive races.”
'Still, Republicans' 'margins will depend to some extent on how strong Trump and Biden run, he said.'
'Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer said Democrats heard from more than 100 people interested in running for the Assembly in the first week after Evers signed the new maps.
Biden carried 49 of the 99 newly drawn Assembly districts in 2020, according to Wisconsin Democrats — but Evers carried 52 when he won reelection in 2022. Control of the Assembly could come down to which party does a better job of running ahead of the top of the ticket.
But state legislative candidates’ door-knocking could also help Biden or Trump carry Wisconsin.'
“We understand that everyone who we get out to the ballot is very likely to vote for Sen. Tammy Baldwin and President Joe Biden, as well,'” Neubauer said. “They understand that they want to see our candidates be successful, too. So I think we do all see our fates as tied.”
'THE BIG PICTURE'
'Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which coordinates the party’s efforts in state legislative races across the country, has not gone as far as Evers in predicting Democrats can retake the Assembly. The DLCC is assessing the new maps, she said.'
“We’ve got opportunities to make real, meaningful gains,” 'Williams told us.'
'Democrats are prioritizing state legislatures after gerrymandering helped Republicans win unified control of the governorship and the legislature in 23 states by 2014, while Democrats controlled only seven. Republicans still control 23 state capitals, but Democrats are in control in 17 states now. (Nine state capitals are under divided control, while Nebraska’s legislature is nonpartisan.)'
'Along with races in swing states, Democrats’ top targets this cycle are holding on to their majorities in the Minnesota House and retaking control of both chambers in New Hampshire. They’re also seeking to break Republicans’ veto-proof legislative majorities in Kansas and North Carolina, both of which have Democratic governors, and make gains in Georgia and other states.'
'The Republican State Leadership Committee didn’t respond to a request for comment.'
'But in a January memo, the RSLC argued Republicans need to invest more in early and mail voting.'
“The days of complacency have come to an end,” 'the memo reads.' “Democrats were able to overtake our largest ever investment into Virginia by committing to spend over $7 million dollars in three weeks down the final stretch of the Virginia elections. The only way to defend our majorities, reclaim majorities, and grow our party is direct investment into state legislative races to counter outside national liberal groups who are pouring more money into the states year after year.”
'ARIZONA: A SUPER BATTLEGROUND'
'There are few places where the fights for control of Washington and state legislatures align more than in Tucson’s northern suburbs.'
'Arizona is a presidential swing state.'
'There’s a crucial race for the seat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I) is relinquishing.'
'Freshman Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R) is running for reelection in a district Biden barely won in 2020.'
'Abortion rights advocates are working to get a measure on the ballot.
And Democrats are targeting state House and Senate seats in the 17th District.'
'Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Hobbs carried the 17th District when they won in 2022, and Democrats are making it a top target this year. The party needs to flip only two seats in the state House and two in the Senate to win a trifecta (as it’s called when one party controls the governorship and the legislature).'
'Kevin Volk, a housing developer who’s running for state House as a Democrat, started knocking on doors in January and estimates he’s hit about 500 so far. He’s emphasizing three issues in his campaign: abortion rights, water and education.'
“Arizona politically seems like the belle of the ball for the first time,” Volk said, referring to the competitive races at the state and federal levels. “And that’s translated to a lot of on-the-ground enthusiasm.” (WAPO, Analysis by Theodoric Meyer and Leigh Ann Caldwell with research by Tobi Raji) Copied in full.
Where in all this are you active, Fern, directly or indirectly
Just playing a part in keeping democracy alive in the US and beyond in Ukraine, in Israel, wherever we can by way of spreading the facts/news, on the battlefield, writing postcards, voting ...volunteering, donating ...working together.
Speaking of the battlefield, last night a Feature Documentary, won an Oscar for "20 Days in Mariupol". The Academy Award was the first Oscar for the Associated Press (AP) & PBS' FRONTLINE. The first-person documentary was produced at GBH in Boston, Mass. Season 2023, Episode 22.
I received a Link from FRONTLINE this am to watch the film again, but "20 Days in Mariupol" is streaming & widely available. "Russians have entered the City".
"I have no illusions".
What I loved most about that was when producer/director Mstyslav Chernov, accepting the award for his entire team, said "This is one Oscar that I wish I hadn't won," meaning his real hope was/is for ending this horrible war and having peace restored for all. It was one of the most touching moments in the show.
Great to alert us to viewing opportunities to see '20 Days in Mariupol', thank you, Bryan Sean McKown
Hearty congratulations to the AP and Frontline. The award was well deserved.
Thank you for posting this.
re THIS: "after gerrymandering helped Republicans win unified control of the governorship and the legislature in 23 states by 2014, while Democrats controlled only seven. "
I keep telling myself to look forward, to donate where I can to state-level folks (and yes I do postcards as well) and to stop crying over spilled milk. But I still cannot NOT be angry at the Natl Democratic Party's blind arrogance after Obama won - to utterly ignore the states. I think of it, and the word DISGRACEFUL keeps coming to mind. ok, now I've vented (lol)
Deb A, I think by paying attention to the posted report and the mistakes made by the Democratic Party, you are focusing on what you/we need to do. You will identify the states and the candidates for seats in the Senate and the House that you will support in the ways that you can. We are in a war against fascism; you know that, so, in communicating with folks you'll be friendly, listen and exchange thoughts. You are an engaged citizen, learning what you can do and do your best. You encourage me, Deb A.., to be at my best as well. Cheers!
- plus, I'm really old (LOL) so a lot of it is in *my* personal history; it's not merely "history"
EX: Here's a memory: Hearing My mom (who with my Dad, was in the St Louis Orch way back when, when I was a toddler, as baby Unions were trying to get silly things such as breaks (!)...)-- as she would tell me how back in St Louis, the McCarthyites came knocking on our door looking for (she quoted them) "Commies and Union Organizers"
I like to think of it as coming from 'good union stock'
anyhoo, I'll let you go now - thx again for your wonderful post
-dsa
Deb A, your words, background, humor and HISTORY! brought a deep, wide smile to me inside and out! Thank you! I love 'good union stock'; the smile got bigger. Thank you!
Fern, I love you! You are a born optimist and one I adore rubbing shoulders with!
Marlene, I smiled warmly at your dear compliment; in part because I was not a born optimist, and, in another part, I'm still not. I take what I can from the good teachers here and there. Your support, humor, realism, curiosity, determination, care and love are unbeatable. Thank you!
It’s one of their biggest disasters because it clearly demonstrates Republican’s con job right in front of people’s eyes.
Here we have a woman “real estate agent” talking from her ugly but expensive kitchen in her affluent, protected neighborhood, who has a powerful job as a Senator in real life, but knuckled subserviently under to sell other women on moving to Gilead.
HA! Her kitchen was ugly, wasn’t it? Devoid of any plants, color, or warmth. Bet it was not her kitchen…
That is the issue.
Eventually everyone gets thrown under the bus….yet… they stay screwed ..is it by or to MAGA?
You Republicans so patiently wait for the knife put in your back.
I wrestled most the night about fine lines. How to weigh dissent, how to better present the only choice left. With 7 years of consistent ‘disastrous’ leadership of what used to be the Republican Party …the lies, the excuses, the blatant dictatorship is the ONLY elephant in the room.
Their baby got thrown out with the muddied water.
Principle vs loyalty.
Democracy vs Autocracy
Love vs Control
Freedom vs Submission
💙VOTE ALL THE COMPLICIT OUT💙
Scarlett Johansen should have received the Oscar last night for her SNL performance of the most pathetic political lie (masquerading as a rebuttal) ever. Now it's up to the liberal media to talk about the lie Britt told and the truth Heather researched and revealed.
Langford, Romney, even Cheney - when they come out and plead emphatically to Republicans to VOTE for Biden in November; when they hit the campaign trail for Joe, then maybe I’ll trust them a little. Until then, they’re just posturing for leadership in the future - if the Republican party survives this election.
Agreed, Until they stand up and without ANY caveats endorse a Democratic vote/win in November, they have zero credibility with me for simply saying they won't support tRump. For me, that is such a given that it doesn't even get any notice from me.
As soon as Britt's video was viewed, the immediate comments on youtube were about the anticipation of an SNL parody. Everyone thought it was so bazaar.
Well, it WAS an attempt to sell... something.
Giliad.
😂
Hi Alexandra,
I’m copying my general comment here to share more videos:
“Some feedback on Britt’s SOTU rebuttal and of and of anti-woman [and other] Republicanism legislations such as axing IVF.
https://x.com/sfpelosi/status/1766589745079939412?s=46
https://x.com/fridaghitis/status/1766645353325940904?s=46
https://x.com/jessanderson4va/status/1766099839786312169?s=46
https://x.com/rachelbitecofer/status/1766297908754931820?s=46
https://x.com/kanngera/status/1766302168196243458?s=46
https://x.com/politicsusa46/status/1766402578064060605?s=46
https://x.com/aprilajoyr/status/1766227092012703853?s=46
https://x.com/bowmaninc/status/1766019380310163785?s=46
( YouTube version https://youtu.be/UJ129K0Q0-Q?si=jQfEZqcG4kjhLU5W )
https://x.com/achangewillcome/status/1766491095486124509?s=46
https://x.com/nickknudsenus/status/1766308578904998127?s=46
With some Fundie Baby Voice:
https://x.com/aprilajoyr/status/1765510365859713332?s=46
https://x.com/smoke_nd_pearlz/status/1766848129574285324?s=46
On Infrastructure Bill outcome: https://x.com/notcapnamerica/status/1765101940172591198?s=46
Republicans don’t like women: https://x.com/iampoliticsgirl/status/1762889587675029834?s=46 “””
Listened to a few, Fridi Gitis was at the top of her game, no fooling. Alas, it's Culture Wars ...
Her reply was spot on.
Thank you for the research!
That last one, republicans don't like women, spells it out thru recent history. I'm not on X/twitter or I'd resend it to everyone.
You could copy and paste my link from my comment and share it that way.
Just now tried to find your comment, can't even find my own, or the one I was responding to. If you could put your link in a reply to me, I'd greatly appreciate it!
Lisa thank you for these!
I've put a couple to open in separate tabs and really got a kick out of Politics Gal's video of Mr Bearded Guy pointing to Law after Law after Law, which women needed - but that Rs voted against. Brilliant!
BTW - I am also not on Twitter/X, but note for others such as Diane who just posted here, that one may CC and paste any particular Twitter/X link into an Email that you send to others. (yay!)
Said Twitter/X link will open and can be read; it's only the replies which no longer appear thanks to Elon.
Ken Burns interviewed Cassidy Hutchinson who, to me, with a bit of face blindness and bad hearing sounds more like Katie Britt and had a similar "conservative" background and beliefs. Cassidy, though is further along in reevaluating her loyalty and principles in a way I hope Katie Britt can, the sooner the better.
I watched the first video of the interview which had the machine generated "imperfect transcript" but found the same video at: https://www.pbs.org/video/unum-chat-ken-burns-and-cassidy-hutchinson-ksd93f/
That version has the same video but added access to the human corrected transcript at: https://ga.pbs-video.pbs.org/captions/unum/3aa731d4-0e4f-4cfd-8b96-3737ee59ca14/captions/MmRKQ1_caption_en.txt
Cassidy can sound very similar to Katie Britt, but the observations and changes in views she came to by being so close to the highest inner workings as White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' Assistant, give me hope that people like Katie Britt can become a bit more enlightened about honoring oaths and doing the right thing at the right time despite what the party might wish they would ignore. They don't have to change their basic conservative principles, just follow their conscience and honor their oaths to do it at least within the bounds of laws and principled ethics.
I remember a bit of my parents' and grandparents' appreciation of Margaret Chase Smith when she called out Joe McCarthy (and a Professor who I'd have a bite to eat with after economics class). The Professor had campaigned for Joe McCarthy and worked for or with him (as had Robert Kennedy) for a while though it seemed he was helping both the HUAC House Committee and the Senate Subcommittee chaired by McCarthy. Both the Professor and RFK seemed to resign when McCarthy went off the deep end with wilder accusations about 3 years in. I'd like to know more, especially about the timings to see how it might relate to: https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/investigations/mccarthy-hearings/a-declaration-of-conscience.htm
"...Four months earlier, McCarthy had rocketed to national attention. In a well-publicized speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, he claimed to possess the names of 205 card-carrying communists in the State Department. Smith, like many of her colleagues, shared McCarthy's concerns about communist subversion, but she grew skeptical when he repeatedly ignored her requests for evidence to back-up his accusations. “It was then,” she recalled, “that I began to wonder about the validity... and fairness of Joseph McCarthy’s charges...”
Katie 'cahcah' Britt! Put her in a closet with Santos. And, while we're at it, make sure Rikers (Island prison) is preparing a table unto "him"... #45.
Nobody admitted anything Alexandra.
One guy said that.
They dont even have to get the most votes.
Most people in Europe are betting Trump wins - the American people are certainly capable of electing him.
You can read more Republican comments here, but it doesn't sound like you're open to convincing. As someone who lives half in the UK and is married to a UK journalist, I would say most people in Europe aren't -betting- that criminal wins. What they are is -terrified- he will steal the election.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/mar/08/katie-britt-sotu-reaction
Me too, or his minions who have spent much time and many $$$ on Project 2025.
Alexandra, I love The Guardian and this link was fabulous! :)
Thanks for the link. I often read that paper.
Yes, Charlie Kirk - the white supremacist anti-education guy. He has a big voice, he shouldn't be taken as seriously as he is.
.
He thinks he could have done better, but that's only because he's a misogynist too.
Charlie KIrk is Tucker in drag. He’s an obnoxious POS!
Republicans know they can't win statewide races they can't gerrymander without stealing, and they are working diligently to ensure they are successful this time, like Bush vs Gore.
Well they seem to be getting away with it, Tracy.
Is there nothing we can do to save civilisation?
Degerrymanderization?
I just don't know. I fear that it will take things going in the tank before business leaders realize their customers are dying or going broke before they come to their senses.
i think the word is "terrified".
True that, Alexandra!
Scarlett Johansson's spoof was soooo good, she should have won a previously unannounced Academy Award last night!!
When she said" I'm the craziest bitch in the Target parking lot", I nearly lost it, I was laughing so hard
WTH (what the hell) is tffg? Have you ever googled it? I just did. Is it “Truth for the final generation”?? Please FMI (fill me in)Thank you!
If it means that HCR lays out here that if Trump is not done for then we are, I agree.
I thought it meant The F**king Former Guy…referring to Trump. Oh my, did I make that up?
No, you didn’t. That’s correct.
Thank you. I knew I wasn’t that creative!!
😝
June, I believe the origin was with President Biden, when he refers to his "predecessor" as "the former guy". Some folks add a "colorful metaphor" for fornication as the second "f".
Thank you!
I see LFAA has filled you in, June! I don't like to use his name.
100%. "Of course their biggest disaster ever is ttfg".
Amazing, their unawareness and disconnectedness of the R party. It is a mass delusion based on the big lie. How long can so many live in this delusional world ttfg has created for them? What is the real cost to the masses of true believers? How much damage is this doing to their psyche's, families, work, and communities? Do they ever experience any joy away from their politics of paranoia, delusion, and domination? I think we need to call the Big Lie something else as it has evolved and the masses now believe the big lie to be fact. "The Big Delusion".
Wow! Thank You for sharing that! Out of all the coverage of this debacle this weekend, Scarlett Jo has embodied a character I hope “informs us” all through the next 8 months. (Channeling Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin?!?!?!)
I agree, Alexandra. People like Romney and Lankford are too afraid to leave the party they once knew. It doesn’t exist anymore because the likes of Trump have destroyed it. There are those who felt a tremendous embarrassment about Britt’s pathetic rebuttal. What’s more important though, is that Biden delivered a fiery speech. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, he and Harris have been delivering progress based on promises they made with energy, climate, and manufacturing. I loved that he referenced his age as using new ideas instead of old ones. Change is coming in spite of Putin’s puppets and it’s going to be great!
Marlene, 100% agree. Great speech by Biden, just the ticket! And everyone had to admit it. You could tell how effective it was just watching Johnson's face getting more and more sour as it went on.
I loved watching Johnson’s reaction to that speech!!What a jerk!!I can’t stand him!!
lol i couldn't help laughing, it was so cringeworthy! Hey, remember when Nancy demonstratively tore up Trump's State of the Union copies behind his back for all to see!
As I did Thursday night I will think of Nancy tearing up the papers every time I watch the SOTU.
lol
Remember when we were kids( all those years ago)? And there was that lonely pitiful kid who everyone picked on cause he was so obnoxious and whiny and offensive. You felt sorry for him and may have stood up for him or made excuses for the poor creature. But you never noticed that that kid ,when given the chance , dominated kids weaker than him? Well that kid and others like him are now in positions of power and threatening our democracy. Why because they feel entitled and because they can. Sadly my little kid self would probably still protect him.
It was just theater. It happens at every State of the Union address by a Democrat. It is sickening that people with this much power and influence need to cravenly perform for their deplorable cultists.
Raspberries!
A good idea is a good idea if it's accurate, beneficial and it works. Old, new, young. old, we're all part of what makes America worth the effort.
It sounds like there are people getting onboard with the Democrats because of his amazing speech!!He’s an Amazing president!!Vote blue!!💙
''Change is coming in spite of Putin’s puppets and it’s going to be great!'' Exactly right. Thank you for your positivity!
When Mitch capitulated to the final humiliation, I was surprised because I thought he hated chump as much as I do. But I guess a republican Frankenstein is better than any democrat. That has been their position since Rupert hit our shores. Now it seems that Lachlan continues the anti-democracy crusade since daddy is contemplating another marriage to a retired Russian scientist, with ties to money and mob. Too bad abortion can’t be retroactive to the date of that devil’s conception.
Mitch, like Lankford and so many others, are Southern Baptists out and out, Trump's win gave Mitch just the political ammunition and cunning to turn the Supremes into a right-wing anti-abortion supermajority, who consistently lied abt the issues during their confirmation hearings. Sue Collins wasn't happy, but whatever, who's she on the map anyway?
She was “concerned.”
And clutching her pearls...
Your last line, Jeri…👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼!!
"Orbán’s takeover of the press, elimination of rival political parties, partisan gerrymandering, capture of the courts, and control of Hungary’s government are not just ideological, though, but also economic. Corruption and the capture of valuable factories and properties for cronies have allowed Orbán and his allies to amass fortunes. "
TFFG's meeting with Urban must have thrilled him no end. There is no way that TFFG can meet with Putin before the election. Instead, he has someone better that had actually done all of the things that TFFG dreams about.
We the People are fighting an uphill battle right now. TFFG is grifting his hats, shirts, shoes and any other trinket he can sell for 100 times its value.
And he still struggled to come up with the first $90 million bond. Warrant Buffett loves to make loans like the bond with Trump. He almost got the Williams Pipeline several years ago when they were grossly overextended. Instead he only made 9% on the loan.
The bond holders could end up with dozens of pieces of Trump's empire and they sure as heck won't leave his name on them. If he's still alive when that happens he will never recover.
Unless his dementia has progressed to the point he has no clue what is going on.
Oh, wat! /S
https://open.substack.com/pub/sethabramson/p/experts-said-for-weeks-that-trump?r=3hwn3&utm_medium=ios
Where the money came from and what it means.
Couldn’t read the whole article but I want to know about the Greenbergs!! Can you fill us in as Seth has a subscription to his page?
Seth’s substack is called “Proof.” I think he’s offering a 7-day free trial? (I’m on phone right now …) First article about this topic was I think Friday.
Nope, you have to pay, but thanks for the reveal about the Greenbergs. If they’re Jewish, and I suspect they are, they are probably Ultra orthodox which is a big UGH for me.
I’m sorry. No way to gift that I can see.
"The party they once knew" is a true fallacy. The GOP of the 50s and 60s was a stringent white right-wing party which put on a good "face" but they were as closed to blacks and other people of color and gays and women as were conservative supper clubs of that era.
The only real difference I see between the GOP of the 50s-70s and the MagaTs of today is that today no one is even worried about just coming out and boldly calling for racism and fascism. "Deport the libs". No one said that back in the 50s, but believe me, they all believed it and wanted it.
Being raised Jewish in a Southern Baptist NC town, we were not permitted, nor were blacks, to join any country clubs. But blacks, of course, were employed as janitors, dishwashers, servers, and lawn keepers but God forbid be invited to become a member!
A "slave without being a slave" economy, yup. Somewhere along the journey, the GOP minions decided to show a "kinder, gentler" side by permitting a FEW blacks and jews and others (the ones who knew how to behave, like Clarence Thomas and Stephen Miller) to join, but I believe in the long run, they will still show their true colors and frankly they still don't even LIKE let alone LOVE their fellow humans no matter what their color or religion or viewpoints.
I hope you are correct. God do i hope it.
“There’s nobody that’s better, smarter or a better leader than Viktor Orbán. He’s fantastic,” Trump said on Friday. Trump said that Orbán simply says, “‘This is the way it’s going to be,’ and that’s the end of it, right? He’s the boss and…he’s a great leader, fantastic leader. In Europe and around the world, they respect him.”
Thank you, Heather, for reporting on this. This excerpt above should be a clear warning sign.
The admiration of autocratic tendencies under the guise of strong leadership is indeed a worrying trend that starkly contrasts with the core values of American democracy. The United States, founded on principles of freedom, equality, and the rule of law, cannot afford to glamorize or endorse leaders who consolidate power at the expense of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
The systematic dismantling of democratic checks and balances, as observed in Hungary under Viktor Orbán's rule, should serve as a cautionary tale, not a blueprint for governance. The concentration of power, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of the electoral system erode the very foundations of a free society. When leaders prioritize personal and political gain over the public good, democracy is in peril.
American democracy thrives on pluralism, the rule of law, and a vibrant civil society. These principles enable constructive debate, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that power remains in the hands of the people. Endorsing a leader who undermines these ideals not only betrays the spirit of American democracy but also emboldens those who seek to weaken democratic institutions worldwide.
It's crucial that we recognize the importance of safeguarding democratic norms and processes. The admiration for autocratic leaders reflects a misunderstanding of what true leadership entails. Leadership is about serving the people, not subjugating them; it's about building consensus, not consolidating power; it's about championing the rights of all citizens, not enriching a select few.
As citizens committed to the ideals of democracy, it is our responsibility to stand against authoritarian tendencies and to promote a governance model that respects freedom, ensures accountability, and upholds justice. Let us remember the lessons of history and reaffirm our commitment to a democratic society that values the dignity and rights of every individual.
Speak up. Speak out. Vote. Pray.
"Autocratic rule"?
The man's a thief.
A thief who's stolen a country.
Orban and Putin have a lot in common. Eliminate opposition. Enrich the oligarchs. Not a lot different than the kings of yesteryear. Find some nobles to fight for you. Give them some of the taxes in exchange for support.
Does anyone know if there is a meaningful active opposition to Orban functioning in Hungary now? Is revolution possible?
If you read about how he came to this place - Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat has documented his process well as has Anne Applebaum and Masha Gessen.
Those three are on top of it. Sadly, they are not getting the attention/following they have earned. Maybe a few quotes from their writings would be well received here, Rickey.
Unfortunately there is no meaningful active opposition to in Hungary. At least not one with any hope of ousting Orban.
From an article (link below):
“Hungary is not a democracy anymore, The parliament is a decoration for a one-party state.” Quoted from a member of the Hungarian parliament who had left office.
“In order for a Hungarian-style system to come to America, the GOP — not just Trump, but the party as a whole — would need to play a significant role. And Republican legislators, at both the state and national level, have shown a willingness to deploy Fidesz-like tactics that undermine the fairness of the democratic system.” (Note: Fideesz is the ruling party in Hungary)
“The similarities between [Trump and Orban] are hard to miss. Trump, like Orbán, is personally disdainful of constraints on his power and the free press. Trump, like Orbán, has built his political career around anti-immigrant populism.” (When in office) “Trump, like Orbán, has bent the powers of state toward personal enrichment — and allowed his top officials to do the same.”
“But what worries me the most isn’t the obvious Trump-Orbán similarities. It’s the parallels between the Republican Party and Fidesz.”
Here’s the link:
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/9/13/17823488/hungary-democracy-authoritarianism-trump
While written six years ago it’s as pertinent today as when it was written. If you read it you’ll understand what’s going on with the Trump, the GOP, and Orban. I really wish everyone would read it. We’d All have a much much better understanding of what we’re up against.
Thank you!
Hey Bill,
George T is correct; Orban's 'Fidesz" party has a supermajority, now he's gerrymandered the country. BUT the country may grow tired of the blatant corruption and horrifying sex scandals (one may hope)
Here is POLITICO/EU from a couple weeks back
Roiled by scandal, Hungary names new president
Viktor Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party chooses obscure judge to replace Katalin Novák after sex-abuse pardon case.
https://www.politico.eu/article/roiled-by-scandal-hungary-names-new-president/
When the rule of law !!APPEARS!! unenforceable, thieves create the time to take it all. The absolute necessity of democracy carefully, accurately, institutionally slow walking individual rights to accountability becomes the perfection cancelling the good of resolution for victims of the violation. Ethics. Yeah, right. We apparently won't live that long.
Marilyn,
At a time like this -- a turning point -- the best and the worst come into their own.
I first saw this a long, long time ago.
After the Hungarian uprising in 1956 against Soviet-imposed dictatorship, those who escaped to the West were among the country's best... and criminals for whom chaos is their element.
Our society may be sick, but... WE'RE ALIVE... approaching crisis now, and determined to come through if we can.
One way or another, we may lose battles, but we shall overcome.
I've spelled it elsewhere in this thread.
What we are up against now are the scrapings at the bottom of the capitalist barrel:
Worldwide organized crime.
You could call it INTERCRIME.
Like INTERPOL, only more powerful.
But let's not grace the Mob with any higher name, like fascism...
The sooner our leaders, our judges, the DOJ, the FBI and law enforcement in general wake up to the vile reality, the better.
Wake up and act... if they can still remember what action is and means...
To your point: The rise of crime and the lowering of governments able to protect it's citizen. To wit, well armed and organized gangs that are stronger than Haiti's government, the none-state Hamas waging war in its own territory and against its own people, militia style cartels and criminals capable of taking control over towns and regions, ISSIS as a non-nation force capable of gaining power and control within countries where is breeds, theocracies that become the within-nation governing powers that replace legitimate conservative or liberal governments, Putin ignoring international laws in favor of a capacity to gain new territories with minor concern among US Congressmen, the emptiness of a nation's pledge to support its allies when the party out of power shows who can invalidate our claim to being a country led by its duly elected President.
Let me add to your statements…they’re all men! MEN!
Reaganomics = The rise of crime and the lowering of governments able to protect it's citizen.
The rule of law or rule by law. Putin rules by law as does Obran. They took the law and used it to rule. Do what I ask, give me my cut or I have the police shut you down. Bill Browder spelled it out in Red Notice.
Kind of like how the mob controlled the unions and communities offering "protection" from criminals.
RULE of men, not of law. Edict, not social contract.
Any resemblance between law and what the Putin regime calls law is fortuitous. Everything is an extension of the Executive, legislature, judges, police, the military, all doing what the Thing-at-the-Top orders them to.
Exactly‼️‼️
He reminds me of Hitler!!
So does chump, some say Mussolini.. either will do. It’s like a parody play - for democracy’s future
Il Douche.
either will do for me
“This is a Reichstag moment,”
“These guys are Nazis, they’re boogaloo boys, they’re Proud Boys. These are the same people we fought in World War II,” - Gen. Mike Millley
"Autocratic rule" = A thief who's stolen a country.
That's a gem to hold onto!
Just as Putin's kleptocracy has made Russia weak (imagine the US attacking Mexico and ending up in a stalemate for 2+ years), Orban's is making Hungary weak by stymieing real talent with cronyism and siphoning off his country's wealth to oligarchs. Corruption always fills an oversight vacuum. The same has happened to the once GOP here, and it will spread to all aspects of life in the US if DT somehow manages to win back the White House.
Speak out as loudly and obnoxiously as you can. There is no cavalry coming to save us. The MAGAs have had their gloves off - and they fight dirty - for 8+ years. Time to stop complaining and take our gloves off - we are bigger, more experienced, and have way more money. It really won't be a fair fight :)
Tea party, and other repubs for much longer than eight years…
I left when they ramped up the disgusting tactics in the Newt Gingrich/Frank Luntz GoPac memo, "Language: A Key Mechanism of Control" around 1996 (which I had hoped for a few years that they would reject instead of ramping up). The kick off more believably should have been obvious with Reagan taking office, though.
Actually this goes all the way back to Warren Harding and maybe even William Howard Taft, with maybe a short detour during Dwight Eisenhower's presidency, as he is probably the ONLY decent GOP President since Teddy Roosevelt. The ignominies of the GOP from Taft to Harding/Coolidge/Hoover to Nixon (just barely skipping Eisenhower... even though has was decent, he had to contend with Joe McCarthy and many other disgusting GOP reps) to Reagen and onward are outrageous and astounding. It is a REAL fallacy to suggest/think that somehow this has all come about SINCE Ronald Reagan. The GOP has, since the beginning of the 20th century, been a party of white male right-wing support, with only a hint of acquiescence for women/people of color/LGBTQ/etc to appease a minority who wanted to see a GOP of inclusion. Sorry, that doesn't exist and hasn't ever existed except in fantasies.
It seems to me that the core fanatic MAGAs are the animus of the fanatical racist wing that was once part of the Democratic Party. Not the sole purveyors of American racism and sexism by any means, but those who claim divine endorsement of their prejudices. Now it's Republicans carrying Confederate flags. No president or party left a record of perfection, but Republicans cooperated with Democrats to take down Nixon in a way that is unthinkable today. Reagan's sales pitch was a subtler version of Orbáns; democracy sucks and plutocracy gets things done. That was a departure even from Nixon. Meanwhile, as the Ship of State seems to be cruising inexorably toward climate disaster (that was accurately predicted decades ago) I note that slimy Nixon advocated for the protection of the environment, and created the EPA that Reagan did his durndest to shut down. Reagan's EPA and Dept. of Interior were so bad it was a minor scandal, but it set the tone for Republicans since.
Hi, I was there (well, at least alive and aware) when the Nixon take-down occurred (in fact, it happened one week after my honeymoon in 1974!) Please don't forget that the Republicans held out for quite a while before agreeing that Nixon had to go, and only after the Supreme Court in a 9-0 decision required him to turn over the Watergate Oval Office tapes to the House Impeachment committee and the Special Prosecutor. And no argument, Nixon did some good things, especially internationally. He was, of course, just a waypoint on the journey from a Republican party which defended the United States against a mass secession of the South during the Civil War to one which is ready to invoke all of the reasons that the South tried to secede and more in order to try to do it again. What a difference 160 years makes, eh? My point is that the GOP did not just start this during Reagan, it started long before that near the turn of the 20th century after Teddy Roosevelt was refused a return to the White House in 1912. The GOP at that point moved away from being a conservationist peace-seeking party and moved towards being a party that supported businesses in a radical way at the expense of labor unions and poor and middle class citizens. After WWII, there were three consecutive Republican Presidents who led us into the deep Depression in 1929 and almost to the brink of the end of the country. FDR's 1932 election and the Democrats starting to move towards a more liberal populist party supporting recovery and the rise of a middle class, coupled with WW2, caused a major switch between the parties leading to the 1950s where things REALLY began to change (although the Democrats continued to support racism and segregation in the south well into the 1980s.)
Biden called on America to give him the only weapon able to turn this situation around: a Congress that will support him in a second term of Presidency. We have this greatest task ahead of us this election season. No more kicking the can down the road.
The House is takable, but the Senate?… there’s the rub.
As obstructive as Manchin and Sinema were the loss of two seats would be a disaster. How good is our shot in Arizona? That’s the place to funnel money.
"Speak out as loudly and obnoxiously as you can. "
But strategically. Protest that works carries a message crafted to persuade. That can include demanding attention and not letting the matter drop. But it's tricky because you are telling people what a lot of people don't want to hear, and are looking for an excuse to reject. Forceful repetition of truth with a strategy behind it can often overcome intransigent repetition of lies.
The other side doesn’t understand “fair.”
Repubs know all this and are all in on the con. They don’t focus on this much ( just ask any Fox-watching fool). It’s immigration all the way. Most don’t even know about their trashing of the immigration bill. This country has been propagandized to the max, and Dems have snipping from third parties and fools thinking that chump would save the Palestinians. Unless the MSM get their head out of their collective arses, who is to tell of the existential threat we face. Substacks won’t be enough. Hope my Texas milieu hasn’t dampened my long-term non-specific optimism.
Take ACTION up and down the ballot.
Did it! Mailed ballot 4 days ago. All Dems!
One of the scariest introductions of an illiberal. Wow.
Yes I think you nailed it! Just recognize that RFKJR will do all you want, going beyond what Biden can do , and take out the corporate capture by the pharmaceutical companies. Those tv commercials will bite the dust under RFKJR.
I don’t see RFK, Jr. making a splash. A trickle, maybe but if anything, I do not think the votes will be taken from Biden but from Trump. I want to live in my Dem bubble. 😊
You will be happier as a Democrat if RFKJR wins, I think!!
You’re being facetious, right? Jr. Is crazy!
I’m being sincere about RFKJR, I’m excited about his candidacy like no one before. I know most people here don’t want him and I mean on offense. He is Batman and Trump is a big joker
What the Trump loyalists have done to Representative Lankford should be a cautionary flag for every honest politician, businessman and leader of any influential group in this country. The process of running a country on Democratic principles only works if everyone abides by those principles. We see the House of Representatives throwing one of their own out in the cold because he got them exactly the deal they asked for but it turns out, they didn’t want a deal. I wonder what Lankford will do next. He must be spitting nails.
Did you see his face during SOTU? He was seething. A very controlled seething, but seething none the less. Then he endorsed Voldemort.
How many Germans do you think watched Hitler at the Reichstag in 1939 and were seething... and then all signed up to be Nazis or Brownshirts or stormtroopers? I bet a LOT... There is no accounting for the willingness of people to overlook the treachery of others as long as they are still "favored" by those in power. This is historically a fact and has only rarely been overcome.
More likely, these Republicans who see the truth, then capitulate anyway, are reacting the same as any person who realizes they are up against a dangerous person or mob -- fight, flight, or capitulation. It's psychological, since the pattern seems to be capitulation.
Agree.
Keeps the others in line, Mitch best example. Chump was so grateful for Mitch’s endorsement. Made me heave..
Basically the ‘democratic system’ no longer works in the US.
I would encourage you not to throw in the towel.
Right on!
Trying to hold on, but it does seem so dark at times. Appreciate the reminder to keep on keepin' on.
Yes, some days it’s really tough because we have to wait. But meanwhile see what you can do to get out the vote. Maybe it’s letter or card writing, maybe it’s doing a March wherever you are. In 1972 we knew a string quartet, New Orleans Symphony. We made a big bowl of wine punch, don’t remember what else we served, but the quartet played for George McGovern, neighbors and friends came, and we collected for the campaign.
Democratic infrastructure is still in place, but it has sustained a lot of damage and is under siege. A battle rages.
Rubbish‼️
Not until the Constitution is pried from our cold, dead hands.🇺🇸
THEIR "cold, dead hands."
I've never been a big believer in martyrdom. I'm more with Patton.
😁
Bridget Collins;
George Patton was a vainglorious show horse. Total jerk!
"The point of war is not to die for your country but to make some other SOB die for theirs."
And he's a helluva lot better than McArthur.
The only problem with Patton's position is when there is only one country at stake and both sides are competing to be the sole representative.
Bridget; Thanks for reinforcing my point.
Shout out to one of the original arses…
That would imply that the fight is over. It is not. There are elements on both sides of the aisle (admittedly much more on the Left than Right) that are just now getting organized. 60 - 70% of the American electorate is nothing to sneeze at.
In some respects, our democracy has always been quite imperfect. It will always be a work in progress. I find optimism in the fact that Democrats have won almost every election since the Dobbs decision. I believe that was the biggest MAGA mistake ever. They crossed a line with the vast majority of women who will demand their reproductive rights.
A woman's right to choose has historic momentum. Dobbs is a temporary setback by an ultra reactionary radical religious minority. It will not stand. The US does not exist in a vacuum. I am sure that millions of US citizens are jealous of and inspired by France.
Thank you, Bill! We will win our rights back in spite of those who wants us back in the kitchen! Even if we are forced, we have weapons of mass destruction such as sharp knives and cast iron pans. Those SOBs will be made to suffer.
*want*
Joan; if you believe that you should move, maybe to Hungary or Russia. Bye!
The woman in Texas who needed an abortion had to leave the state and was threatened with prosecution when she returned. Because that's the law.
Native Americans were disenfranchised when Republican state legislatures mandated a physical address rather than a PO box for voter registration.
Sometimes they evolve.
Sometimes they devolve.
We choose.
But to act like all the things you named are not currently happening to Americans is irresponsible.
Good reminder!
As it will... until it doesn't anymore. Go ask the people who published La Prensa. Go ask the widow of Navalny. There are many many many examples of this happening as it typically does, in the background while most of us "sleep".
Lankford is in the Senate
Here we have a more retrained versions of threats to opposition to keep them in line or destroy them politically. Actual murders of national leaders were more by extremist or irrational individuals (Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, JFK, RFK, and attempts on Ford and Reagan in the US, and George W Bush in Tbilisi, Georgia (the country). They were not so much conspiracies by the governing party as in so many really extreme authoritarian countries. The Southern Strategy may have brought in the "conservative" southern democrats, relabeled as more conservative Republicans, but there was at least a reduction in the extreme racism, terrorizing and suppression of minorities and their friends in the south. I'd argue that it seemed to increase a bit in the north, though, as those who depended on political support from the ones that still use threats, intimidation, and cut off funding for any they feel detract from their aims (in local through higher national politics).
Simply look at what they are trying to do to Liz Cheney and a few other died in the wool conservative beliefs but still put their loyalty to the country and oaths they took to defend it.
Oh, duh, That’s what I get for posting in the middle of the night! Sorry and thanks for pointing that out!
Notes,no apologies necessary. I do stuff like that on a regular basis!
"Democratic principles only works if everyone abides by those principles."
Everyone is unattainable, but yes, the vast majority must have a line they will not cross and a willingness to join in solidarity to nurture and protect that which most matters; the common weal and unalienable rights.
Regarding what will Langford do next…I read he endorsed Trump.
Can't win for lose with Maga. Even if your subservient.
Thank you for another thought-provoking LFAA, Heather.
I would say it is unconscionable for Mitch McConnell to endorse the criminal Trump, however, it would imply that McConnell has a conscience. Trump Jr. is correct (I can’t believe those words appeared in my mind), it is the death of the traditional conservative party. The fundamental objective remains the same -the extreme concentration of wealth and power for minority control, however, the tactics are to divide and polarize Americans wherever possible.
Today's Putin/Trump/MAGA GOP -is not a political party. An opposing party would still be defending the Constitution and the laws and principles of the United States while offering policy alternatives under the framework of democracy. The Putin/Trump/MAGA GOP vision is to destroy the system and replace it with massive wealth concentration, hate, fear, isolationism, and retribution.
Isn't it time to drop the "GOP" from that?
Good point Anne-Louise. Or perhaps properly reframe as the Greed, Oil, Putin party.
Or even (the way the millions have been flying around this week) the Grift, Orban, Putin party.
Gang of Putin?
Ha, of course. Simple and effective.
Or “Groupies of Putin”. Congressman from GA or SC. (Sorry. Cannot remember his name.)
No grand old party, no more. Reagan finished it off
But much of politics is partisan tribal, George, so why be surprised? Trump gave Mitchell the opportunity to stack the Supreme Court. What more can a staunch Southern Baptist be grateful for? It's this utter sense of their own rightness and righteousness that give these fine folks their determination to push their views and practices on everyone else. And Mitchell of course, as a politician, is also an out and out pragmatist.
Very true Frank. Not as much surprise as complete disgust.
Great question. While I favor "Disorganized Crime Family", when it comes to names, and especially adjectives, I find myself deferring to @jefftiedrich. I'm guessing Jeff has the world's first fusion-powered adjective generator.
Which we cannot use in any family friendly venue.
😁
Neoconfederates?
Yes, Steve. That's exactly right.
Cult seems most apropos.
Infantile whiners with a 'No' agenda that they are incapable of shaking. They have no ideas at all. They don't know what an idea is, so are easily led by people who do, the rich bullies and insatiable wealth grabbers.
Koch brothers for instance.
MSM media moguls. Got to outvote the whole bunch. So gear up.
I like cabal, myself! Well, tribal works well too.
Maga Mafia
MAGGOTS
M Tree: a “cult”
Watching Mike Johnson continue with his little smarmy “no” head shake throughout Bidens speech makes me think someone is making a bobble head at this very moment!
But he was so sullen you could tell he knew Biden was killing it. I loved watching him squirm, especially when Biden came back at the hecklers.
There certainly were "priceless" moments... one right after the other. One that is hardly getting any real notice though is the MTG "moment". Right there, in desperate need of attention, wearing a gtttdamned maga-hat, she finally got it. You can tell by her own expression, that it more-than made her day. Think of it. To be recognized by non-other than the President of the United States, in a most genuine and humanly fashion.... Yeah! That was "priceless". Poor thing. She needed that in the worst way. What an incredible handout. Wonder what she'll do with it. You go, Joe!
Me too, he did squirm, almost out of his seat
I had the same thought. It's like parody' except that parody exercising power is dangerous.
I'm glad Heather today raises the question of how so many have so slight regard for facts.
Katie Britt, for instance -- Heather notes how this U.S. Senator from Alabama implied Biden and his border policies behind the sex trafficking of a 12-year-old girl. She notes how another journalist did a little digging and found truth behind Katie Britt's sleight of hand with the facts.
Later in hers today Heather goes after the similar sleight of hand of the Hungarian demagogue Viktor Orban. No, he's not a champion of Hungarian culture. He is, instead, a major thief, our Heather notes, for how he's used his power to steal for himself and to enrich his cabal of similarly lying accomplices.
The Academy Awards also being today, and Hayao Miyazaki a new international winner for "The Boy and the Heron," we can think back to a bit more than two decades ago, when he first won the Oscar, for "Spirited Away."
That feature-length anime showed a world where malign spirits steal people's memories. So we can ask how Katie Britt gets her memory so twisted, distorted. How Hungarian Orban gets his rendition of what he's doing also skewed, poisoned. How the fat orange diaper boy thrives on malicious musical chairs of lying.
The answer's simple to any artist: forget real humans and float yourself instead in abstractions, packaged groups of "people" (all evilly scripted), and the slogans that puff the spouters into idiocy.
Any decent artist knows art serves better to see human truth, better to appreciate its nuances, people's complications in fact and in context.
I think my daughter was 10 or 11 when she saw "Princess Mononoke", an amazing film that changed her life. She soon started learning Japanese and eventually taught English for a year in Japan through JET. She now has friends in many parts of the world. Miyazaki is a treasure.
I loved all his films, except Grave of the Fireflies.
Howls Moving Castle is one of my favorites.
We got into Anime when my husband worked for Sony.
Actually, Beth, Miyazaki didn't do "Grave of the Fireflies," though his Studio Ghibli did.
Takahata Isao did the "Grave of the Fireflies" direction for Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. I consider it the best work of art, from any country, in any genre, on war.
It's the part of war we don't talk about much. War is mass murder. I don't think we had a realistic choice but to fight the Axis but civilian casualties have to be minimized. War should never be other than a last ditch effort to end violence. Like aggressive chemotherapy, a remedy selected with great reluctance, and applied with great care.
I have seen just about everything Ghibli produced. There is a sweetness in the array of subject matter, even the minimally rendered, comedic "Our Neighbors the Yamadas" from a newspaper comic strip. Under my daughter's guidance, I read Miyazki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"; an cyclone of imagination. A film was made of it, but only gets started with the story. We humans create art as well as chaos. Sometimes the former helps to calm the latter.
Yes, J L, some more justified, some much less.
Union soldiers took very heavy casualties in the Civil War, especially in the early years, when Johnny Reb generals outperformed the Yanks. But apparently the guys in blue really quite believed in what America as a union stood for.
Same largely for Americans -- many, many from immigrant families -- who fought the fascist powers in WWII.
Not at all so for the military actions to which U.S. Marine Major General Smedley Butler testified during the early decades of the last century.
And bombing so many civilians in Japan? Not even militarily effective.
Nor any excuses for the actions against Cherokee and related tribes in land southern gentlemen scoundrels wanted for their cheap labor slave empire 200 years ago.
But we have Heather's great history on that, "How the South Won the Civil War."
Phil, I am seeing the "slight regard for facts" in my MAGAt friends. The problem is, they believe so strongly in their perception of "facts" (which are fabrications put forth by the likes of Prager U, Faux Noise, and other "conservative" "think" tanks (I prefer thinking of them as septic tanks badly in need of service, but I digress) and view our regard for facts as falsehoods. To wit: I posted a photo of tfg as the Wizard of Oz, and the man behind the curtain as Putin. Two friends of mine said "how sad these people still believe in the non-existent Russian involvement."
Well, Ally, bless you for even having Maga friends! I would have to drink gasoline first!
They’re mostly work friends, and given that my work was law enforcement, it isn’t surprising that they are “conservative. What astounds me is the contortions they have to go through to justify their support, especially looking at the classified documents* case.
*I recall reading we should call that improper retention and storage of documents case differently, but cannot remember what it is.
"Zone of Interest"
When you have to create fact and distort as Senator Britt did, then you should be on the losing side of history. When Americans praise the Hungarian dictator and think allowing immigrants to come here “poisons the blood,” you should be on the losing side o history. When you censure a senator for helping to solve an issue the way you have espoused historically just to submit to a political candidate, you should be on the losing side of history. Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and Stalinist Soviet Union come to mind in looking at the MAGA Republicans. So many of us are indeed very fearful for our nation…
On looking back at Margaret Chase Smith, I think it is a good time for a full reading of her Declaration of Conscience at https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/investigations/mccarthy-hearings/a-declaration-of-conscience.htm
June 1, 1950
Photo of Margaret Chase Smith
As Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine boarded the Senate subway, she encountered the junior senator from Wisconsin, Joe McCarthy. “Margaret, you look very serious,” he said. “Are you going to make a speech?” Without hesitation, Smith replied: “Yes, and you will not like it!” The date was June 1, 1950, and Smith was about to deliver the most memorable speech of her long career.
Four months earlier, McCarthy had rocketed to national attention. In a well-publicized speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, he claimed to possess the names of 205 card-carrying communists in the State Department. Smith, like many of her colleagues, shared McCarthy's concerns about communist subversion, but she grew skeptical when he repeatedly ignored her requests for evidence to back-up his accusations. “It was then,” she recalled, “that I began to wonder about the validity... and fairness of Joseph McCarthy’s charges.”
At first, Smith hesitated to speak. “I was a freshman Senator,” she explained, “and in those days, freshman Senators were to be seen and not heard.” She hoped a senior member would take the lead. “This great psychological fear...spread to the Senate,” she noted, “where a considerable amount of mental paralysis and muteness set in for fear of offending McCarthy.” As the weeks passed, Smith grew increasingly angry with McCarthy’s attacks and his defamation of individuals she considered above suspicion. Bowing to Senate rules on comity, Smith chose not to attack McCarthy, but to denounce the tactics that were becoming known as “McCarthyism.”
"Mr. President," she began, "I would like to speak briefly and simply about a serious national condition.... The United States Senate has long enjoyed worldwide respect as the greatest deliberative body.... But recently that deliberative character has...been debased to...a forum of hate and character assassination." In her 15-minute address, delivered as McCarthy looked on, Smith endorsed every American’s right to criticize, to protest, and to hold unpopular beliefs. “Freedom of speech is not what it used to be in America,” she complained. “It has been so abused by some that it is not exercised by others.” She asked her fellow Republicans not to ride to political victory on the “Four Horsemen of Calumny–Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.” As she concluded, Smith introduced a statement signed by herself and six other Republican senators–her “Declaration of Conscience."
Her speech triggered a public explosion of support and criticism. “This cool breeze of honesty from Maine can blow the whole miasma out of the nation’s soul,” commented the Hartford Courant. “By one act of political courage, [Smith has] justified a lifetime in politics,” commented another. Newsweek magazine ran a cover story entitled “Senator Smith: A Woman Vice President?” Critics called her “Moscow-loving,” and much worse. McCarthy dismissed her and her supporters as “Snow White and the Six Dwarfs.”
Smith’s Declaration of Conscience did not end McCarthy’s reign of power, but she was one of the first senators to take such a stand. She continued to oppose him, at great personal cost, for the next four years. Finally, in December of 1954, the Senate belatedly concurred with the “lady from Maine” and censured McCarthy for conduct “contrary to senatorial traditions.” McCarthy’s career was over. Margaret Chase Smith’s career was just beginning.
Are we teaching this not only to our children but to our citizens?
Thank you Heather.
I’ve been considering our hard won civil rights since the Civil War - including the Nineteenth Amendment - granting women the right to vote. I don’t have a problem with women who choose to embrace more traditional roles, i.e. in the heteronormative patriarchal mold. I have a problem, however, with people who would presume to force their preferences on others. Isn’t our land large enough and our lives full enough that we can live and let live - and treat others as we’d prefer to be treated? So-called Christians who won’t practice this Christian precept are hypocrites.
I would say that every word out of Katie Britt's mouth was a lie. Please someone, ask her where she has either drafted, sponsored or voted for legislation that helps any of her stated life objectives. Where is her support for the Border bill? Our national security? Mothers who are raising children on their own, perhaps even because they were raped by the men that impregnated them? Where is her free day care bill? Her bill for Child support monies like most wealthy countries have? Where is her bill for making sure that families can survive comfortably on one income? Where is her support for universal health care? Where is her support for parents determining that their children get gender care, or support for being LGBTQ+? Where is her support for families of all structures, religions, colors? Where is her support for environmental protections?
Where is her support for the elderly? Her ageism displays blatant hatred for those who are older. I would not want that Stepford Wife/Handmaid/Tradwife near my much more progressive mom who is turning 90. Warren Buffett should make sure she is not allowed to invest in Berkshire Hathaway a multinational company run by a 93-year old.
Where is her support for families who want IVF? Senate Republicans voted the IVF bill presented by Senator Duckworth, so it did not reach the House, but I see no signs that Britt would have voted for it based on her voting record. Other more indirect supports of families would be to tax the wealthy so that they pay their fair share. It does not seem that this is an issue Britt has taken on. In fact, Democrats can rightfully claim to be the Party of the Family, and should be calling the Republicans the Anti-Family party, particularly since Britt's own state started the undoing of IVF.
Stepford Wives anyone?
I don't doubt that fear of Trump's power has shut down meaningful Republican resistance. He and his crew don't intend to let the government function, but of course, in hamstringing everything, they show us what things would be like if they held executive power. I'm glad to see that Biden is going to Georgia, and I hope he makes a point of visiting all the places where he won narrow victories in 2020. We don't have a lot of time to turn this around, but the attitude he displayed in the State of the Union is the right one. Democracy needs champions right now. We must not forget that people count on that. I don't think the Republican rebuttal was a "mistake" as much as it was an unconscious revelation of how far things have gone off script in Alabama and in many other places. It's not only that Republicans want to deny women power over their bodies but their minds as well. And don't forget that Alabama is where George Wallace stood in the schoolhouse door denying Black people the right to equal education. Donald Trump is Wallace on speed.
Well said.
I am reassured by the fact that the voting public is not a monolith. There are as many "Independents" and non party aligned registered voters as there are Democrats and Republicans combined.
But I worry about the twisted effect of the Electoral College indirectly assigning so much power to just six "swing states". Perhaps the National Popular Vote Compact will someday gain the additional states it needs. It could restore some level of real democracy in future elections.
"The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) is an agreement among a group of U.S. states and the District of Columbia to award all their electoral votes to whichever presidential ticket wins the overall popular vote in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The compact is designed to ensure that the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide is elected president, and it would come into effect only when it would guarantee that outcome.[2][3]
Introduced in 2006, as of March 2024 it has been adopted by sixteen states and the District of Columbia. These jurisdictions have 205 electoral votes, which is 38% of the Electoral College and 76% of the 270 votes needed to give the compact legal force." WIKI
But I believe that the Dobbs decision will be our "ace in the hole" - winning card. Democrats have won virtually every election since Dobbs. Women's Reproductive Rights are not to be tampered with. Women and supportive men are saying that all across the globe. Look at France.
Yes, I'm familiar with the NPVIC and signed some petitions in its favor. Steve Phillips (How We Win the Civil War) advises people to adopt one of these states, which are crucial to a Democratic victory if the Electoral College stands: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin—and focus support there. I'll be getting some postcards soon.
Lying and dissembling have become the constant M.O. of the repubs. It's not shocking nor shameful where they are concerned. Embracing Victor Orban isn't shameful. I even heard a repub say that this 2024 election is a matter of Good vs Evil as if the Democrats are Evil ? I look forward to the day we look back on all this $#!t and laugh !
Trump’s Orbanesque false-fears American ministries
His buddy Putin’s ‘Greater Russia’ Ukrainian brutalities
His buddy Netanyahu’s Armageddon in Gaza
This authoritarian trio is singing their ME ME ME dirge.
I believe:
1) in the history and the hope of the United States of America.
2) that the sovereignty of Ukraine is sacrosanct; and
3) that there must be a humanitarian outcome in Gaza.
For me these beliefs are a modern-day expression of what Franklin Roosevelt generations ago described as the Four Freedoms.
For those that don't remember the Four Freedoms of which FDR spoke, the first is freedom of speech and expression. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. The third is freedom from want . The fourth is freedom from fear.
Extending these freedomss to the whole world is a difficult mission, harkening back to FDR's earlier pointing out that 'the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,' an admirable goal but difficult to have in undemocratic environments.
Jack Thanks for the specifics for those, unlike me, who were not there to hear the original Four Freedoms. The world has changed profoundly since then, but I still find the Four Freedoms highly relevant.
Tonight’s ’Letter’ is about as grim as I’ve seen…..todays ‘legislative deliberations’are a mix of sedition and vile bargaining to essentially elect a dictator. And there are huge pieces of the ‘electorate’ very supportive of such a result…if the polling is accurate, the majority….
The polling is tealeaves. I subscribe to the WaPo in order to read the comments and take the pulse of USA.
I, too, prefer to read the comments, Anne-Louise, same as you!
Have they fired Theissen and Hugh Hewitt yet?
No. Just to show their impartiality, they just listed five or six (including them) who still publish that unreadable stuff it's not necessary to waste time on unless you want to work up a rage. And they always get a flood of protest from the commenters for doing so.
Just to put a cap on it, the link below compares Britt's fundie baby voice to her normal voice.
https://x.com/aldotcom/status/1766218910058021182?s=20
Good Lord, that is unreal. Wish MSM would play that a few times. Have no doubt that Colbert will, but no MAGAts watch him.
HA! Just knew that little shit was auditioning! So disingenuous, so deceitful that even the R’s were repulsed. Glad they used her for the rebuttal because it made great fodder for SNL. 😁
Morning, Lynell.
That clip is astounding.
I thought it was astounding, too, Ally...morning!
Peter Wehner has written a thorough indictment of TFG, his MAGAn supporters, and today’s Republican Party, but he failed to address the most confounding part of the problem: These folks simply do not agree with it. To them, his assessment is just another part of a giant leftwing, anti-American conspiracy that is trying to destroy traditional American culture as they perceive it. This divide is becoming starker everyday. We are at loggerheads with ourselves and are tearing our Republic apart. I worry greatly about how the election in November will shake out; I worry even more about the ensuing days and weeks no matter how it does.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/10/opinion/trump-republicans-mcconnell-2024.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare