On the Fox News Channel this morning, Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said: “President Trump has a long run vision of a golden age of America and we’re working really, really hard to get it out there in time.
We don't have a Trump Administration. We have a Trump Cult. "Trust in Trump" is the language of a cult. We have got to find a way to protest all this not just once (April 5th) but for as long as it takes to take our country back. Another name for this: National Strike.
I never trusted Trump when he started running, why should I start now? I’m a Midwesterner, but was well aware of Trump’s lack of success in business and his various scams and lies. Why would I support someone like that?
Bill, I knew that he was sub-human in the early 70's, when he was evicting the elderly and racial minorities in his father's properties. At that point, he presented himself as a Democrat, since he had to please the Democrats in power in New York. He has always been a grifter, and we have only learned that he's also stupid since he has been on the world stage (unless you knew about his multiple bankruptcies once he was rubbing elbows with the mob while running his casinos into the ground).
He also stiffed the hard-working blue collar contractors that worked to build his casinos. When they asked for payment, he said he wasn't paying them because they did shoddy work. They knew that taking on the Trump organization was a passport to bankruptcy, since the legal fees would crush the business. So they just walked away, unpaid.
His reputation for that sort of thing is legendary. He did that in his real estate dealings, so the casino contractors should have been forewarned. Of course, anyone old enough to have been familiar with Trump prior to The Apprentice or "Art of the Deal" would never have voted for him for his first term, let alone this time. I hate paying for the stupidity of others.
Really! How incompetent does someone have to be for them to have how many bankruptcies - SIX? And CASINOS? Seriously - and he claims to be a "businessman"!
The person who ghostwrote "The Art of the Deal" is regretful for participating in a fraud. He told anyone who would listen not to trust Trump well ahead of the election.
JL, another example of money motivating what should have been a flat "no, thanks" right out of the box. Surely, the ghost writer knew exactly what he was getting into. He contributed to the arsenal of those who insisted that Trump was a genius and great businessman. If he'd thought of more than the cash he'd make, perhaps we wouldn't be dealing with the present disaster.
Look up the real story behind Trump's media triumph "restoring" Central Park's Wollman Skating Rink. That's when I first heard of him in a media blitz.
We have waaay neglected the growing subversion of money over equal justice under law. Using his vast wealth Musk pushed out the creators of Tesla and used his "unlimited capital to build the brand". He attacked the originators.
++++
"Soon enough, Eberhard was out, and Musk was in. “It felt like a brick on the side of my head,” Eberhard said. 'It’s totally unexpected.'
Eberhard sued Musk for libel, defamation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, and failure to pay his wages, among other things. And while the two eventually settled, Eberhard accuses Musk of violating their non-disparagement clause — a fact he claims he’s powerless to prevent. (Musk still occasionally tweets about Eberhard to this day.)
🤬That alone should have shut him down with middle class voters. I know that fact, among all this other dastardly deeds, appalled me when I read about it years ago.
Same here - plus I worked for a contractor for almost 30 years - we took care of our subs & they took care of us! I already couldnt stand this twit, but reading about his "business" actions? Just solidified my feelings.
Perfect summation, Nancy. I wasn't aware of the Mafia connection until a few months ago when another reader spent a LOT of time sending me info and links on that era of trumps.
Yodagirl, I was almost finished with a response to your comment when it disappeared. I've read many references to his mob connections, but nothing that proves that theory. His employing Kellyann Conway is somewhat telling, since she is the granddaughter of Jimmy "the Brute" DiNatale, a reputed Philadelphia mob associate. He is also alleged to have been a Russian agent for years. All of this could be just false rumors, but I'm sure he thinks that these allegations polish his resume as a strongman and someone to be feared. If true, he wouldn't understand that he's simply a useful idiot to various puppeteers but thinks he's on top of the heap.
Cindy, they could be twins, separated at birth. She has no class, no conscience, wouldn't know the truth if she tripped on it. He is like fly tape, attracting the nasty insects from all corners. She is probably brighter than the orange menace, but only marginally.
JL, we both know that Elon has never been motivated by anything remotely connected to betterment of the planet - only his grandiose self-interest. At some point, I expect him to crash and burn - like his Teslas frequently do.
Except that this entire spectacle is so stress-inducing, I'm hoping to see him and tfg do battle. There's not enough oxygen anywhere to sustain both of them.
He's referring to where trump grew up in Queens NY, a borough in NYC. His "daddy", Fred Trump was an emotionally abusive monster and killed his 1st born then started on donald, giving us the crisis we have today. I hope Fred is rotting in hell.
The blogger can ban us. I foolishly said something on Paul Klugman’sblog about each Trump wife pushing the other down the stairs. I apologized to him but it was too late. I’m banned for life or until I get a new computer.
I get the sense that Trump's parent's were malignant narcissists and the acorn fell not far from the tree. They let you be a self-absorbed total creep when you are rich.
I was born in Queens, as well. But my family moved to Nassau County, Long Island. I spent most of my adult life watching his garbage. I can’t believe people actually believe his lies. I guess we can thank Fox lies for this, and people who don’t research what they read and hear. Thank God for Heather.
He didn’t impress me too much then, but I didn’t see him as a political figure, just a show off rich guy who loved having his name in the tabloid headlines. I didn’t start to really detest him until he rode down his golden escalator in Trump Tower, surrounded by paid actors applauding his decision to run for president. That is when he started his unfiltered nastiness run wild. By then, I was aware of his manifold business failures, stiffing his contractors, and scams; and I believed then as I do now that he would be just as unsuccessful as president as he was in business.
I believe one thing many people bought into was the character he played on the “reality show” “The Apprentice.” There isn’t very much reality in “reality shows,” and “The Apprentice” allowed Trump to curate his appearance so that he would look like the successful businessman he has never been. The image making in “The Apprentice” allowed people to buy into the false idea that Trump would be successful in business and political endeavors, and it has been a total scam.
Or "sympathizers," the term McCarthy used. Put them in charge, and there goes the nation, as they would say. But look what has happened under Trump: there are "methods" to allowing a third term, and the advocates don't look so progressive to me.
I understand the thinking but IF we followed the Constitution, Trump would still be ineligible. The line of succession would have it that the Speaker of the House would become president. But let's not put it past im to try. Also, considering Vance's lack of principles why would give it up? Et tu Brutus?
Ellen, maybe we could reframe “libtard” as, um, fully functional yoga & gym wear. And I don’t think the word leotard is any diss on those born in the July-August months!!!🦁
You could point out just how childish this sounds…liberal retard is middle school at best! So anyone using this is mentally about 11 years old and angry because of the ‘smart kids.’ They always do better, look better, work harder, and are just happier! Really, there are a lot of sad femi-nazis out there…they love their Orange encrusted lard-god Donny. Ah the well named Rush!
I still have a troublesome childish side (and hopefully retain some positive "childlike" qualities), but Trump, Musk, et al take the cake for emotional immaturity. I indulge name-calling here, something I would never do in the context of a professional capacity.
Sadly, my relationship with my brother is strained because of the same, LB. He actually asked me, a retired Special Educator, if closing the Department of Education was really a problem. I’m sure my explanation fell on deaf ears.
I totally get it. My dear sister has been sucked into the MAGA cult. We were not raised that way and it only happened during Regime I. Before that, she had open eyes. Really heart-breaking.
I hear way too much of that. Democracy dies for lack of good faith conversation. A bright, pleasant, distant relative went into totally hostile MAGA mode.
Michael, they have no idea of what a communist, a socialist, or Marxist is. I have had many an encounter on other threads, one of the last warning me that i should never come to battle without being armed. Nice huh??!!
Kathy, our cleaner lived in Brooklyn for a while and did work for some the rich. She has nothing good to say about death star. She is also originally from Chile, but has a middle eastern background and has lived in Lebanon. She is moving to Florida because her daughter got a job there. I just hope she does not get snatched off the streets. I am also a midwesterner now living in Oregon and I have never voted for any national R. I see death star as a monstrous festering cancer. I think a lot of the work is done by a cabal around him with people like Stephen Miller.
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began a series of informal radio chats to the American public during a turbulent time in the 1930s. The radio back then was to communicating as Twitter is today. Here is an excerpt:
“My fellow Americans, it is whispered by some that only by abandoning our freedom, our ideals, our way of life, can we rebuild our defenses adequately, can we match the strength of the aggressors. …I do not share these fears.”
Trump demands a quaint, televised, fireside chat to compete with FDR. Here is a sneak preview:
“My friends, Hillary Clinton will never see the inside of the White House again as long as I live.
“You people love me so much that I know you want to keep me as your president for life. The Constitution now allows this extended appointment of the executive branch. Our blessed homeland needs me to lead it. I have authorized The Enabling Act, borrowed from German Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s proposal to restrict powers of the Reichstag in 1933. His SS troops made legislators give up their civil liberties and transfer state powers to the Reich government. I’m pleased to tell you that the Democrats will sign away their legislative powers while my ICE agents surround the House of Representatives. I have the power to dissolve Congress and allow my Cabinet to pass much needed laws to Make America Great Again. And I pledge to you that all fake impeachment activity to convict me has ended.
“I also pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. And we will remove all undocumented immigrants that are poisoning the blood of our country. And we will remove the portrait of African-born Barack Hussein Obama from the White House wall.
“My first act tomorrow will be to have House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Shiftless Adam Schiff picked up for questioning to ascertain their patriotism for the United States.
“I know I’ve been accused of a quid pro quo with Ukraine. There is nothing wrong with finding the truth about liars and cheats like Slow Joe Biden. And there’s nothing wrong asking a nation to help with uncovering wrongdoing by a corrupt man. As your President for Life, I will always tell you the truth. When I make a promise to you, I keep it.
“This concludes the first of my fireside chats. I can’t wait to tell you what I have in store for other scum Trump haters.”
It will be a highly psychological lift to say you're wrong about Trump. There's a kind of cognitive dissonance to say you've been lied to. A dark triad: ignorance, stupidity, and lack of moral and intellectual code...
Especially in a society where no one ever simply says “I was wrong.” “I didn’t know.” Or heaven forbid, “I’M SORRY” with sincerity. Now a days, we get, “I’m sorry if you felt that way” - the onus being on the injured party, not on the perpetrator of pretty much anything.
Maybe it’s our litigious society where every single thing becomes a lawsuit (both sides are actually guilty of that) so no one will simply admit a screw up or maybe we have been so disconnected from morals or truth, we rationalize every move. Either way, I don’t see any MAGA everyday person from backing off their team colors anytime soon.
I think the best we can hope for is MAGA will fracture itself and hopefully, the winners will be less crazy than the losers.
Right now, they have supported the fringe to punish any person who has a sane idea in the GOP. And now we have a government funded billionaire threatening to bankroll it. Which is actually a reflection on us, more than him. That we are so easily swayed away from truth and democracy for a one time payout of a hundred bucks….literally three trips to chipotle or Chick-FIL-A. That’s how moral we have become. Instead of simply reading up on a candidate, going to the polls and voting for all the freedoms we take for granted.
If we continue on this path in these special elections, we will strengthen either a resistance to autocracy or a rubber stamp for expanding it. And that means every single person in these places understand CLEARLY and crazily in a fun, entertaining way that they need to get their bitts off the couch and vote this down.
Sternghtneong people who wish to suppress our voices will lead to straightening them to suppress our ability at the ballot box to change course.
And it will not happen until boys hear from their fathers, instead of a stranger on a podcast, why they should switch course. Not until the protests voter starts admitting they screwed up and the y thing they single voted on is now worse and make amends. Not until womens realize some trans kid they’ll never meet isn’t a danger to their daughter, it’s the administration aiding and abetting the Tate brothers and taking their jobs from them to hand to a white guy whom isn’t nearly as qualified. What’s more important, a soccer game or feeding and keeping a roof over your family? How about the Latin and Black men who supposedly switched to Trump. Do they think things will go well for them when they are disappeared off the street by masked men and THEN have the same people either admit their mistake or “find “ charges against them. If anything really came to light in the last few decades. It was how Black and Brown people typically are not afforded the same “innocent til proven guilty” as white men.
And maybe good lawyers will think twice against offending some random ebpberyday black person if they feel they will be targeted by the local DA.
The only think that trickles down, proven, is crap. It certainly has not been the economy. PROVEN. But bad acts usually do. We saw men stand by silently while women’s rights were taken away. Now we see immigrants rights taken away. On the chopping block is voting rights and unions. Does the average American male think they will be immune to a richer, better connected white make to take their rights? Ask the head of Paul Weiss or the heads of all the government agencies and universities. All much more powerful than the men in my neighborhood who supported trumo and they have self shackled themselves in the face of this debacle. I doubt, Tim, the union electrician. Up the street will fair better standing up LATER.
And Democrats DID get the fact that Americans want to be part of the in crowd….its what they kept telling voters that their vote was private and they could tell their husband or buddy they voted one way and pulled the lever the other.
Marcus, excellent post. You had me at the very beginning. I know so many people who have very infrequently said those words. When they do, it is for something minor, never for anything truly hurtful, dangerous, or just plain awful. A lot of this is average America white male resentment with foolish women going along with them.
They could say they were cheated -- he cheated, he lied to us -- not that they were stupid and were duped but that he cheated them. He's the bad guy. Just like any thief. Don't fall for being put down as a victim. Get mad at the criminal. He claims to be deporting criminals -- he and his ilk are the criminals.
“For DECADES we have been ripped off and abused by every nation in the World, both friend and foe. Now it is finally time for the Good Ol’ USA to get some of that MONEY and RESPECT, BACK. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!”
We are a country of emotionally immature narcissists. Capitalist culture leads to intense focus on the self which is in competition with all the other "selves" out there. And if you're not on top, you've been "ripped off and abused", not that meritocracy has passed you over.
No one really wants to go into drug treatment, they just finally realize that they have so completely fucked up that it’s time….lost their family, their job, their home. And we need national drug treatment, or maybe it’s more exorcism…
What would Jesus actually do? Even the Pope is sick of these “least of these!”
I love him calling out JD! Not ‘Crustacean’! Jesus!
Of course I love the fact that these guys worship Tolkien…they just forget that they are the thralls of ‘In the darkness bind them’, they are the ‘ring wraiths!’ Those kings..JD, Musky, Peter, Erik…in the darkness. X’s
Being unable to admit fault and to apologize are two characteristics of sociopaths. They never see themselves as guilty, it’s always the other person’s fault. One of the big problems with American business is that while sociopaths are a relatively small percentage of the population, they seem to predominate in corporate suites all over the country.
Tits-a-Plenty at 1601 Pornhub these days.The "Dog-Slayer" (ICE-girl) standing in front of the Venus-wayland jail has em right up front with those flowing hair-extensions and botox treatments.., in case ya'll missed it. "Tits up" ? Looks like Doug G, nailed that one alright. Stormy weather is here, and FEMA has been put to bed. Puns for fun.. "Tears for fears"..., and Mrs Wiles really has her hands full. We need Alley Oop (1960' Hollywood Argyles). Go read the lyrics to that one, if yer bored with me.
Yes. I'm down with this. National Strike. Let's get more specific about what that entails, ie we'll not work or spend ANY MONEY or pay taxes, etc. Specifics. And actually date. Maybe even turn off the lights, use less energy, EVERYTHING. Remind them who pays for this clown show.
We've been "striking" since the election. We are buying local, planting or own garden, and foregoing purchasing any luxuries. We live a couple hours from Canada and I'm wondering whether we can make weekly shopping trips to help with the National Strike.
This shouldn't be a one day event. It needs to be until Trump and the regime are overturned.
May 1968 in France. Total national strike. No radio programs - all you heard on the radio was once an hour they broadcast where army trucks would be picking up passengers who needed to go from A to B. People did a lot of bike riding, cooking, DIY around the house, and tending the roof garden. After seven weeks, De Gaulle called elections, but his time had come, his power was broken, and he bowed to the inevitable.
I have to share this. The Anchorage Daily News has an article today on the history of burning effigies. Unfortunately, Carter was one. Someone must be thinking along these lines for the ADN to publish this.
Agree with Gary & disagree with Jenny- buying local supports people in our town and state! We’ve been gardening for decades & visit local farmers’ markets. These actions don’t support the billionaires. The only language Trump and his minions will understand is losing money! If we hit them where it hurts, maybe some industries will stop supporting this regime. Besides voting, using our money is one way of protesting! Time for action and less talk! I too live within 3 hrs of Canada & will be visiting there this summer.
This is where you lack understanding of the current administration. Buy local. Eat whole foods - homegrown or from local farmers. Both important goals of the administration. I’ve been buying local for years as a conservative and proud American. Well done and Trump thanks you. You’ll have to find a different way to stick it to them bc this is exactly the goal. Also why hitting Tesla is so absurd. It’s got the dems selling their electric cars and buying gas guzzling Fords. The left is blind.
Jenny K, it is you who lacks understanding of the Trump regime. Donald doesn't give a rat's ass about local farmers or "whole foods." He eats garbage from Big Burgers, for god's sake!
When Donald talks about "America First," he's not referring to Mom-and-Pop America, but to Corporate America. His revenues – in campaign donations, pay-for-play and protection tribute – come from the C-suites at big corporations, not from the little guys.
Further, no Democrat is trading their Tesla for a "gas-guzzling" Ford. Ford and every other domestic automaker offer EVs and hybrids, all of higher quality than Tesla.
Clearly, Donald has fooled you and all the other MAGA cult faithful, but not the rest of us. I took your bait by responding, but I'm done with you now.
Kelly bought a Chevy Tahoe Z71, not a Ford, so my previous statement is still true.
He's publicly explained why he ditched the Tesla, but not why he bought the Tahoe with an ICE. There could be any number of reasons. Perhaps, ownership of the Tesla taught him that Arizona's charging infrastructure sucks, as it does in most states.
Chevy doesn't offer an electric full-size SUV. Cadillac's Escalade EV claims a long range, but base price is $130,000.00, which is serious money even on a senator's salary, especially when he has other expenses, such as continuing medical care for his wife.
Whatever his reasons, his vehicle-trading decision is not an example of what other Democrats are doing, as was asserted by Jenny K.
As a Missouri resident, I could see everything that’s happening coming a mile away because they already did it to my state. Defunded schools, kicked kids off Medicaid, refused the will of voters, attacked marginalized communities,
On what amount of goods. If I buy $200 worth of groceries, how will the tariff be collected? Will I have to write a check to the US Treasury at the border? This seems like a logistical nightmare for border patrol and customs.
I'd love to see them try to pull this off at any of the hundreds of "busy" border crossings.
Confused. Are you saying you've worked in four countries and never had to deal with customs and duties when you came back to the US.? Also, has it occurred to you, that logistical nightmare would cause a lot of people to just stay home, "buy American"? I love avocados; sometimes can get them for 88 cents. A 25% tariff would immediately raise the price to one dollar, so grocers would immediately raise their prices on all avocados, Mexican and Californian
A noble idea, Gary, but US Customs limits the type and amount of meat, produce, dairy, alcohol, etc. one can bring into the country, a lot due to the APHIS program (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which attempts to keep pests and pathogens out) -- violate the rules and it will be confiscated (Canada has similar laws.). I agree with your other comments, and my wife and I have changed our buying habits as well, in a similar fashion.
APHIS? I believe so, I haven't heard anything to the contrary, but who knows with this regime? What do they care about emerging pest and pathogen threats decimated large segments of our agricultural crops, forests, etc.?
Exactly what you should be doing. Trump WANTS you to buy local. What do you think all this is about?? RFK WANTS you to grow your own food. Thank you for supporting the administrations goals!!!
You are rebelling against your own. Trump and RFK are thanking you- buy local and eat healthy food. Hello? Goes along with protesting electric cars?! When did the left become against EVs??
Not against EV's. Against the Tesla ownership & management, misuse & abuse of people involved in MUMPS projects. Mump is a thief! And, his cars & trucks breakdown & burn. Why would I risk that?
Buying local and growing one's own food are good ideas, period. If a person is also accidentally supporting the administration's goals, that's too bad. I'm not cutting off my nose to spite my face.
It's easy to say "national strike" if you're retired and supplied, as I think most of us here are. It's when many have nothing to lose - they've lost their job, Medicare checks, health insurance, family members to ICE or a rogue virus - that this will be a possibility.
I believe we are where you have described, many have lost their jobs, Medicare recipients are wondering if tomorrow it is broken, will my next SS check happen however you get it. The time is now. It has been bad from 1/20. 60+ days is enough of this crap. There is no golden age for everyday Americans, never has been one. But right now bet it’s looking like it was with the Biden administration. What part of him running for another term and too old (which is the mantra that killed Biden) will apply to this ass. Yes Biden was old, but wise, seasoned and had a fabulous administration filled with competent people.
How long did the bus boycott last? One year I think. Don't think we would have to strike for anywhere near that amt. of time. Would be a great time to help organize to HELP EACH OTHER.
Exactly Sarah!!! We “the people” are being ignored! A major “FIT” will be noticed by this immature cult. Pay no taxes, buy nothing, do not go to work, and do not use the cell phone….. then read “The Lever, article called” How the Lawyers Killed the Democrats”, number one issue: educate oneself!!!! It feels better than any other vitamin pill!
Have you noticed that Dr. Heather is calling the so-called government the "Trump REGIME?" That's what it has sadly turned into. And the "Golden Age" does not seem to apply to ordinary citizens, but only to trump's oval office decor. Shame on him and his henchmen!
Yes David, If only it were an animation. Isn't it amazing how just a relatively few "bad apples" can threaten a nation of 350 million. I'm afraid we are being provoked so that violence will erupt where the guns we own will become a threat to the "REGIME", which will result in their confiscation, e.g. 'for our safety'..! putting ICE firmly in control. A "regime" running amok will have no qualms rounding up dissidents and crowds as well. Recent world history ought to be enough proof of this. Look at Syria. We're headed for 2nd Amendment country.., no? Huh!
And Marli.., ya think the price of a pick-up truck or a dozen eggs is of any concern them.., e.g., "the henchmen"? I'd doubt it. They'll use slices of bread for table knapkins like the castle-crowd did in the middle-ages. Us, along with the farm animals will exist on the tasty-scraps. Any little sparks of recourse by us mortals will be dealt with very quickly. And, don't think having a firearm will help. They'll be confiscated, soon. Watch. The sick puppies are on the loose.
The Southern Baptist Convention and the Catholic Church are also cults which blindly follow their "dear leader." Jesus's message of "love" and "charity" are all but forgotten.
Where does ALL of the money go that the church brings in? Our local Catholic Parish has a Nigerian priest who is barely understandable.
When Trump and Musk have finished decimating SS, is the church going to perform acts of charity so the elderly and disabled are fed, clothed and housed, or is this too "woke."
I’m Catholic and would put qualifications on that. We have a very loud splinter group who treats Pope Francis as if he isn’t the real Pope (he is.) I am also a Democrat who didn’t vote for Trump because I know exactly what a sociopath and narcissist he is. I am also not a single issue voter and I never have been one.
And what if a Catholic splinter group selected women as the leaders of their reformed Catholic Church? There are hundreds of nuns and parochial school teachers that are leaders.
The patriarchy in the Catholic Church is and always has been one of the Catholic Churches (and many other) major problems.
You are spot on- the patriarchal hierarchy is so dysfunctional. Women need to hold power, and leaders need to marry. What’s with expecting human beings to remain celibate their entire life?
There is at least one such Catholic Church. They have women priests and identify as Catholics. Of course they were summarily excommunicated. Doomed to eternity in hell for their "heresy". https://spirituschristi.org/
Yes the Romans got a hold of the story and wrote it to make men powerful and Jesus more like a warrior…they were marketing this to those who fight and like their gods strong. In truth the human Jesus was a teacher and community leader..the first liberal after all! If you check out the Jeffersonian Bible it becomes pretty obvious that once you get rid of the miracles, and read what he said, these are good lessons for a strong community--DEI!.
Of course, for almost 2000 years it has been about forging and keeping power. First the Romans and then the churches and their kings. But ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident’ is really pretty cool, if we lived! Like Joe, and the real Christians.
You have described me as well. I worked for my diocese for 11 years. Under the underqualified bishop we had then (finally Rome suggested he “retire’ though only in his 60s), I saw what power does to men (and here I do specifically mean men). One must wonder why: why hire a professional woman and then tell her she’s wrong (the mildest thing they did). Ignorant power. Watching the institutional church and knowing it will never change—power is a powerful drug— led me to leave. My faith is fine—it’s the institution that’s sick.
Yes - use the word mean to describe the POS in charge - however, they did invite a few mean girls too: Kristie Gnome and Karoline Leave-It and Kari Fake. Oh geez - I sound like tRump with all this name calling.
There are several threads here in this discussion. The Roman Catholic supporters of T some cradle born many converts. They are ignorant of church theology and have a very small and almost archaic view of the church. Vatican II is considered a travesty and many have money and I would bet ties to unseemingly other sources of support.
Then there is the history of the church itself and its ties to power and wealth in terms of families and governments. They were the church essential to colonialism and imperialism . To Govern The Globe by De. McCay has this and also the RC church’s voices of love and compassion. For many folk these so called saints and holy ones still kept them attached to this institution that needs a full and five year truth and reconciliation process.
The Marian tradition at least acknowledged a nine month pregnancy. March through December. Without acknowledging all the roles all genders play in human life the church abd done other religions huge missing gals that end up hurting more than not. Fundamentalism is a huge problem in many of today’s religions. Many books on that issue alone Russell Moore speaks clearly among others as well as the example of Rev. William Barber and Rev. Theohardis abd other women clergy and theologians.
I agree— I was raised in a liberal Catholic environment. I don’t practice Catholicism as an adult, but I hate it when all Catholics are lumped together under a single umbrella. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Robert Hubble is a practicing Catholic.
But how can we not lump them together? I have family members that converted to Catholicism to marry a Catholic. She sees nothing wrong with the whole patriarchy BS and she's in her mid-70's.
So many of the Catholics in western MA were like today's MAGAs, "see no evil and hear no evil." Assuming your Priest is a good person has proven catastrophic to thousands of people. Over 80 priests have been defrocked over the sex scandal in the area alone.
A protestant preacher's kid here. My Mom also preached. I recall our denomination questioning my Dad if it was 'wise' to befriend the local Catholic priests in Melrose MA. ( Dad pretty much told them to butt out!)Dad was part of an interfaith leadership group that reached out to all, especially those in need.
Why Gary, Had you not heard (via Rachel Maddow’s nightly shows on TV) that our dear Leader has established a White House "Faith Office” preaching prosperity and offering up prayers and crystals for donations of $1000 or more? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Faith_Office
OMG. I love Rachel. She has to be as shell-shocked as the rest of us, probably mores.
So we are supposed to donate generously to Trump but nothing to help people in need? Outside of MacKenzie Scott and a handle of others who are the Americans giving generously to feed the hungry, house the homeless and clothe the poor?
PUCK! VOMIT! And how sad it is that people are bing sucked in to her shit. God knows when someone is going to get paid back for their pretending they speak for God. Shameful hussy!
I was born into and grew up in evangelical culture, which is why I know a lot about it – and why I despise it. It is a form of psychosis. As an adult, I transitioned to mainline religion, which is less harmful, but still has issues.
In recent years, I came to identify as a non-deist. I prefer that "label" over atheist, because I am not in any way aggressive about my disbelief in the existence of any deity.
However, I do find it perplexing that virtually everyone accepts that Norse, Greek and Roman gods were all figments of human imagination, but will argue to the point of death that their chosen deities are the "real deal."
Just like most of the TV preachers. Thinking material gain was the result of you being faithful to a fault. They are all dead now. Bet they aren't sitting in any 'Golden Throne Room'.
The church went astray when it changed from being the philosophy of Jesus, to a religion (cult) about Jesus. If one can be convinced that God demanded a virgin give birth to a human sacrifice that then rose from the dead, one can pretty much be convinced of anything.
Interesting points Gary. I was born and raised Catholic. Gave it up for lent many many years ago for many reasons. Old white men, once again, thinking they are better than anyone else. Who gave them that idea? Our country would be better off run by the woke and the dei because they are way more in tune to the needs of the many.
Where does the money go? To settle claims of pedifile priests. They love getting their holy hands on alter boys. And always have. I could go further but my humor quickly decends. Hay, I was baptized since my mama was Sicilian American and I went to Catholic grade school. These were my people once and I only criticize my people. I was proudly expelled by 7th grade 2 weeks before summer vacation.
And so what Gary if you can’t understand the Nigerian priest.
Bill, you are right—to a point. But I want to say there are many good priests who were and are appalled by the predators. When the scandal first broke in 2002, I saw their horror. Again, back to Church leadership—many then and still do (though fewer than pre-2002) still mishandle these situations. Again, the power. Without going into detail, I am aware of a group of priests who attempted to call attention to a bishop who was protecting a predator. The bishop went to great lengths to punish them.
Prior to the passage of Social Security, the Catholic Church, or any other church for that matter, was not able to raise the masses out of poverty. Government is when we as a population come together to do things that individuals or small groups cannot do. Yet, compared to the size of the poverty problem, the Catholic Church is a small group. And yes, the Church does do good work.
The supply side era of Reaganomics was bs. It was Field of Dreams stuff—“Build it, and they will come.” A business flourishes when it supplies a need. If people need a place to sit, a chair maker can sell chairs. The other way around simply doesn’t work because it doesn’t make sense—“voodoo economics.”
"Prior to the passage of Social Security, the Catholic Church, or any other church for that matter, was not able to raise the masses out of poverty. Government is when we as a population come together to do things that individuals or small groups cannot do. " THIS! And thank you for putting it so clearly.
I wouldn’t hold my breath for the church, and in particular these churches, performing acts of charity to any one but themselves. Maybe that is too harsh but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
To paraphrase James Carvile, “It’s the schools, stupid.”
The Catholic Church is aligning itself with Trumo because the only way they stay afloat is through private schools. K-12 will be a huge business and once they allow vouchers for religious schools, Catholic Church will no longer be in the black. They’ll be swimming in billions of federal dollars. And who is right there to spearhead their newfound cash flow….private equity. Look at Notre Dame p’# giant push and the people surrounding it. It isn’t for the college, it’s for the K-12 dollars they know will now be going to private schools via vouchers.
And what will 100% happen is that public schools will be designated and private schools will be some the new colleges wil kids having to be connected and “test” into and by “testing”, I mean Daddy gives a giant donation. Pretty soon kindergarten will be as cutthroat as the Ivy League.
I’ve seen it happen in my private school orbit. It’s exactly like college. Kids get in based on grades and if Mom and Dad are able to donate or if they are so smart that denying them entry would cause a fruckus and lawsuit so they go on scholarship or the are an exceptional athlete who makes homecoming (just a giant fundraising day) enjoyable for the alumni and parents. No one wants a losing team. These schools are all interconnected and highly selective. They have the too universities on speed dial, some have semester long professors teaching form Ivy League schools.
And that’s what K-12 will become. We’ll have “exam” schools and limited spots, the schools with the largest endowments will have the best facilities, the best teachers and the rest of the riff raff can be trained as …servants in public schools? Because there wil be nothing to say that tuition equals the voucher. Now every parent will be paying taxes AND. private tuition or sending their kids to a romper room. And if you can’t afford it, well, clearly that’s your fault. Because this administration actually believes they were BORN special. They have BETTER genes. They and their spawn are truly better Han you. Not because they have been afforded better opportunity, not because they were born on home base and think they got a Homer…because they truly think they are better, smarter and should be the baby king or prince or god?
It has to be a National Strike. We have to shut down the money. They care about nothing else but money and power. Not polls, town halls, nor the American people.
What we need is to get Musk out of Tesla. They are good cars and people who have them shouldn't be harrassed. Tesla needs to remove Musk with whatever means possible. It is the only electric car with a charging infrastructure that allows a person to travel, not just use near home.
Steve, I have also called for a National Strike. We are living through a nightmare—the dismantling of everything that defines America. These monkeys (no offense to monkeys), believe they can unravel over 80 years of progress. Their resentment—rooted in deep-seated hatred toward women, people of color, and other marginalized groups—is unmistakable. The growing influence of women and non-white men is perceived as a direct threat to their fragile male egos. The push for a unitary executive in 2025—essentially a dictator—is the only means by which this regime can impose its extreme and oppressive agenda.
I admit it. I own a hobby horse, and it's named Evangelicalism. Although they are a minority, evangelicals represent a major segment of the U.S. population. They have a peculiar set of beliefs that makes them perfect targets for authoritarians. It is helpful to understand some of these core beliefs.
Evangelicals believe they have no agency in their lives. They firmly believe "God is in control." When good things happen to them, these are "blessings" or "answers to prayer." When bad things happen, it is "God's will."
Evangelicals are taught that everyone is "born with a sinful nature," and they live in relentless fear that they will commit a sin and be "condemned to hell for eternity." They are taught that Satan circulates among us, seeking to trick us into sinning. Anyone who does not agree with this surrender of agency is "a tool of Satan," therefore, an enemy.
Evangelicals are taught from birth that they are persecuted by unbelievers who have more power, because "Satan rules the world." Consequently, evangelicals simultaneously fear and despise the unbelievers who they perceive to have more power and influence.
Evangelical leaders, who are especially interested in claiming power, have convinced their followers that Donald is "flawed," but on their side. The evangelical rank and file are happy with the idea of the U.S. transforming from a democracy into a theocracy. They claim they want "Jesus to rule," but secretly, they can't wait until they are in charge, and can force everyone else to live under their repressive lists of "shall-nots."
This is the essence of Project 2025.
The oligarchs will continue to allows these zealots to help them demolish democracy, until their religiosity gets in the way.
People need to stop blaming God for the bad things that befall us HUMANS! God's will my a**. WE have made our choices over & over. We are born innocent.
Yes! I've been saying this as well. The only thing this regime cares about is money and power. We need to show them WE have the power, WE create wealth!. WE need to stop the raping and pillaging of OUR government, OUR economy, OUR retirement savings! No one is coming to save us...
Terry, you're correct. This Saturday the "Hands Off!" protests will take place nationwide to insist that Trump, Musk, and all of them stay away from OUR possessions--the things you listed and more. Google "Hands Off" to learn the specifics and then plan to participate/support the event and all that will follow. Involve yourself!
Terry, "We create wealth!" You’d think Scrooge would treat the very workers who generate his fortune better. But for the Scrooges of the world, greed is good—so it’s a big FU to the poor slobs grinding away for pennies while making him richer.
I figure there are 10's of millions of us from the Boomer generation who still have large amounts of protest energy left and we have a lot more money (economic power) than we did in the college years. Although my visual of an occupation of the streets of D.C. until every executive order is rescinded is not realistic, massive protests around the country EVERY weekend (that shuts down tourism and businesses) could turn the dial a bit. It could be extended to weekdays if those with jobs used their vacation time to camp out - with or without kids. It takes bold moves and from what I have witnessed of younger generations, selflessness and sacrifice are not necessarily in the forefront of their DNA. :(
The democrats need an overwhelming majority in the House at mid-terms (if we can even survive that long) . . . . .
''Trump is digging into the position that some people are better than others and have the right to rule.''
The belief that some people are better than others is what is wrong with human civilization, and if this idea becomes widespread, it will lead to our EXTINCTION!
Matt. When you go to Walmart, you are supporting the richest family in America. They are far wealthier than Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. And they spend "our" money (profits) buying yachts and jets. The county where Walmart is HQ'd in AR has one of the highest child poverty rates in the country. The Waltons have put thousands of retail outlets out of business. And they don't even have to work because Sam fucked over so many people on building up the company.
By forcing thousands of businesses into bankruptcy, they have forced millions of rural Americans to shop at Walmart.They treat their workers badly and try to weasel out of property taxes in many places.
Walmart sells 1/3 of the groceries in the US. They didn't get to this point by being nice.
And then there's Amazon. Does America really need to buy all of the luxuries from Amazon? Sure, it's convenient but Jeff Bezos isn't a benevolent individual.
And stop buying Teslas including their battery systems and roofing.
Consumer spending and confidence have already dropped, not by much but it will continue to drop as long as Trump continues with his unhinged economic policies.
Maybe I am just missing something - but do these super wealthy like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Musk fund any philanthropies? While Gates turned out to be creepy, he did give back to the community. The only charities I think they support are the other poor rich kids like the Repubs.
I agree with you about Bill Gates. He and his now ex-wife have been very generous. But I'm not aware of similar philanthropic behavior on the part of Muskrat, Bezos, or Zuckerberg, which is in part why I refuse to support their businesses. But MacKenzie Scott, Bezos' ex-wife, has provided millions of dollars to community organizations around the country. And I've heard - though I haven't confirmed - that one of Muskrat's brothers has established a philanthropic organization.
Personally, I don't understand wealth generation for its own sake. If I had even one-quarter of Muskrat's wealth, I'd be using that money to support various causes.
They're all creepy! Apparently, the pursuit of wealth alters one's brain and personality. Thankfully, their divorced wives win big alimony, allowing them to give millions to charity.
March, march and march! The only thing that really gets Trump down is if he thinks he is hugely unpopular. Start hissing and booing him......that will hurt his ego.
Or make him more dangerous. Thinking about a third term—he is entering the second quarter of his first year of his second term, and it's clear the dementia is progressing. If he lives through this term of office, I don't think many people will be panting for another. On the other hand, Vance and the rest are still young (but not as popular as they think.) .
And "march, march, march!" Love it. You can march, too. "Hands Off" rallies nationwide this Saturday 4/5. Google "Hands Off" to find out how you can involve yourself. We must all act!
It's a visual representation for all the world to see - American people are outraged by this domestic terrorism and voting with their feet. Shame the bastard.
The thought that the world is under assault by political psychopaths is terrifying. Trump, Putin, Victor Orban, Netanyahu, Kim (possibly Xi), and a few men in Muslim countries— withhold basic needs from their people, murder with impunity or by fiat, and enrich themselves beyond any reasonable accumulation of wealth. Their conceit is matched only by their cruelty.
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I believe it is vitally important to call this what it is. This has gone way, way beyond a cult. This is a coup against the United States of America by Fascists.
This administration is scarier by the day. And no, Trump is quite serious about running for a third term despite it being unconstitutional. We are headed for a public uprising.
It is scarier each day, and we are just in the beginning. Yesterday I wrote a piece saying that Foreign Students should transfer out, because the US is unsafe.
I am someone who saw Universities encouraging their foreign students who left the country over winter break to return to the US before January 20 as irresponsible. I felt they could not know what would happen, and would have been better off staying where they were than facing being snatched off the streets and put into some concentration camp like ICE prison in Louisiana, which have been treating people like slaves although there is some case against them paying people $1 a day to do all the work in the prison, so now they just are not getting it all done. These companies are friendly with Trump I believe, so he might be making money off of this. That is usually how he does things.
Anat Shenker Osorio said on Ruth Ben Ghiat's Zoom meeting yesterday that this kind of fascist government creates a dark dangerous enemy that they have to appear to efficiently and effectively protect you from. So then, they have to create another dangerous enemy to protect you from and it keeps on going. It started with picking up supposed "Criminal Mexican rapists" and others from south of the border. Then it is supposed dangerous "Venezuelan gang members." Now it is supposed "Muslim terrorists." And, who will be next? There will be a next unless we stop it. I am glad there is a rally on April 5, but I don't know how it will prevent Trump from doing what he is doing because he is ignoring the courts and the people who do not say what he wants to hear.
You ask, "Who will be next?" I'd venture to say that anyone who has a Substack that opposes musk/trump/Maga will be on some list somewhere & that those of us who follow or post on these groups will be included. Why do you think the
DOGEboys are collecting all of our personal information, it sure in hell isn't to help us get more benefits!
That's an understatement. Trump is striving for a hereditary dictatorship. He has already promised his voters that they would "never have to vote again", and has also already said that after him, his children should take his position. It's simply North Korea v. 2.0.
He's already crazy as a loon and has no idea about the economy. His goal is to assist himself and the richest Americans. He thinks that trickle down economics will work even though it never has. I'm not concerned about him running for a third term because he won't live that long. I'm worried about SS not sending out payments and our parents, grandparents and even ourselves will go hungry or be evicted.
Over 26000 people a day are applying for SS benefits. There is no way they can keep up with that demand not to mention they are responsible for signing people up for Medicare.
Gary, I really don’t think tRump believes in trickle down economics or any other kind of economic theory. tRump only believes in anything that will “trickle" into his pockets, as demonstrated by his endless and repeated schemes and scams (tRump steaks, tRump University, tRump bibles, tRump meme coins, tRump casinos, etc, etc and so forth) that almost inevitably fold.
I am moderately technologically challenged but a few years ago set up my account on the social security website and have been able to access my account if I wanted to. Two step process involves me indicating I would like to get in and they send a numerical pass code to my phone. That step still works but then I get nothing. No website, no access.
I was as well John, but when my wife tried, her password was locked and we had to go into the SS office to get it unlocked. The office is 50 miles away, but they were able to unlock it and get her signed up for SS at the same time.
Until now, all of my dealings with SS have been very good and productive, but they have limited capacity and giving them additional tasks like verifying ID in person is just BS.
That is quite scary! Two months ago I was able to change my direct deposit account through the website and within two weeks received verification by mail. Very efficient. Guess that’s not the objective anymore.
The Trump administration grew out of the virulent racism that has infected the Republican Party since at least the Reagan years. They are trying to undo the civil rights movement by executive order, among many other acts of blatant lawlessness. The Republicans in Congress are too terrified that Trump will send his goons after them to put up any resistance. Perhaps when those of them who are not independently wealthy discover that Trump has destroyed their life savings a few of them will grow spines. Meanwhile it is long past time for the democrats to wake up and start refusing to go along with anything the Republicans want to do. Hopefully the results in the upcoming special elections will put some wind in their sails.
After I read your comment I tried to get in; username and p/w didn’t work, the message I got was that Your existing SSA account is now linked to ID.me, and “moving forward we are transitioning from usernames to ID.me. Luckily I already have one and was able to access my account, but I doubt it’s a common thing. It was easy to do as I recall, but it’s been a while. Good luck to everyone.
Just for the accurate record, the ID.me changes were underway well before Trump took office. The SSA started that transfer under Biden's administration. I have had my ID.me connecting to SSA working for over 6 months with no problems. So this is nothing new and not apparently related to anything Trump or DOGE put in place for SSA.
Thank you for this clarification, sorry I hadn’t known about it. Seems like everything happening now is a 5 alarm fire, I forget that some things are as they should be!!
Yes, and how many clicks (steps) and codes do we have to enter to access anything (a medical record, for example) online? It feels like AI is automating humans instead of making our lives better.
When I tried to set up an account for my husband, after verifying his identity with codes sent by text message twice, a third verification was required that said that verification code would be sent by mail in 10 to 20 days. That was 10 days ago. Nothing yet. Has anyone else had a verification sent by Mail? Mark me skeptical.
That happened to my daughter. She did receive the info by mail & was able to set up her SS acct. Seemed like it did take awhile tho for her to get it. <fingers crossed>
John M (Vt), are we related??? I’m technologically challenged too! …although I still have access to my dwindling bank account. Perhaps I need to check my SS office. That’s quite worrisome!
I just tried to log on (I have a my.ID account) and this is the message I keep getting a pop-up (I can't paste it here) - but basically saying the service is not available at this time. There's a chart below with the available hours inc. "M-F 5 a.m. - 1 a.m. ET." But the website is not available.
After I read your comment I tried to get in; username and p/w didn’t work, the message I got was that Your existing SSA account is now linked to ID.me, and “moving forward we are transitioning from usernames to ID.me. Luckily I already have one and was able to access my account, but I doubt it’s a common thing. It was easy to do as I recall, but it’s been a while. Good luck to everyone.
A public uprising needs to be extreme, i.e. huge demonstrations, and a possible national shutdown. We who recognize the horror of this regime need to be cognizant of the 49% who support this insanity.
What we need is three Republican Reps with sufficiently outraged constituents that they will caucus with the Dems and put Jeffries (or someone with more spine) in charge of the House.
When will the Supreme Ct. take a stand? They are our last hope to stand up to the MAGA minions without violence spreading. Unless we can change Congress later this month. If neither of these happen, after that, we literally have to hang on for dear life. Try to survive to fight again in 2026. If there is an election that is fair then….
Exactly. We can expect the following statement: "We have the greatest elections in the world. Everybody knows it. Everybody is talking about it. They're the greatest and biggest elections. They don't come any biglier than ours."
I am deeply interested in the ideas he has been fed that make him pronounce that he could “make it (a third term) happen”. He has long alluded to this. Would it be some additional Heritage Society chicanery, perhaps?
No doubt! Along with aiding and abetting from the SCOTUS. Republican Congress has already relinquished their power to the executive branch, so what will stop the Trump regime?!
I will continue to write letters to Rep. congressional members, as suggested by Feathers of Hope. I do agree we need a national strike, but I foresee Trump ordering marital law against us.
All of this hell being wrought against millions of average law-abiding people in our country, just to satisfy the the greed of a handful of hateful billionaires.
It is indeed scary, and I'm hoping he shuffles off this mortal coil before 2028. Vance wouldn't be much better, but he doesn't have the same hold on the MAGA cult.
Trump did say at least once during his election campaign, that if you voted for him you would never have to vote again. I have the impression not too many people were paying attention to that.
Everyone I know was paying attention. He said it more than once, and we already saw with his coup that he was not willing to accept not being president. It does not bode well for the future. At least Musk is losing some Tesla worth, but I think to make up for it Trump is giving him our tax dollars instead in Space X contracts.
Paying attention to that statement that if one voted for trump, one would never have to vote again, is one thing. But many people at that point trusted that the Constitution would still be in place, and extending the presidency beyond a second term would be impossible. It appears that the Constitution is in danger of being dismantled as so many other things these days. Let's hope some force majeure and the American people will prevent this from happening.
I just don't understand why more Americans are not fighting this CRIMINAL REGIME. The streets should be full of thousands of people marching with placards against this so called government! I think the USA is going to become a banana republic with TRUMP/MUSK and VANCE running the country !
Margaret, see if you can get Rachel Maddow’s nightly show on MSNBC wherein she shows demonstration after demonstration, day after day by thousands upon thousands of outraged citizens! Watch accounts of the Bernie Sanders/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rallies or Tim Walz rallies of thousands upon thousands of people! They are out there and happening all over the USA, even a few foreign countries …like Canada!
What's been going through my mind is starting a national sign war with anti-Trump anti-Musk, anti-Republican signs.
I'm not very clever but something simple that people see every time they drive to work or the store -
"Who elected President Musk?" "Trump is taking away your Social Security"
"Trump works only for the Oligarchs", etc. There are still Trump signs out all over the country. With the right message this could have an impact on the people that didn't vote or weren't engaged enough to vote for Harris.
Remember, there are 100,000 elections in 2025. We only hear about the national elections and the state races that flip a House or Senate. But, thousands of towns and cities and schools are holding elections. We need to make sure that the Republicans are kicked to the curb by supporting good Democrat and Independent candidates.
This is what the Republicans have been doing (plus gerrymandering) for the past 40 years. We need to as well.
How about the basic KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)...they should be able to understand or conjure up a feeling for what the terms "dictator" or "authoritarian rule" might mean...what a truly sad -- and probably soon to be -- tragic state America and American Democracy is in!
Eyes on the elections tomorrow and before then of April. I think it will be telling. Don't forget 66% of people didn't vote for MAGA. Trump actually has a very small majority.
We can put posters up on public property, like light posts, but need to be cautious of local ordinances. Wheat paste works well. Non-toxic. Find recipes on line. I’ve been seeing social media posts with poster templates for download. Check Move-on, Indivisible, etc.
There are NOT thousands of people marching in the street because thousands of people are not paying attention. Oh, we see huge crowds support Bernie & AOC. We see protests all over the country some in pretty good numbers but we have a population of about 340 million give or take, the numbers we see protesting, showing up at town halls, boycotting corporations that have pulled DEI from their corporate goals but where are the rest of the population? Didn't somewhere around 77 million vote for Kamala & Tim? We are not seeing those numbers are we? When you see European countries have a national strike you see hundreds of thousands participating. Their populationscare much smaller than ours & their strikes have the potential to stop just about everything. I'm not sure that there are enough Americans that even know what's going on that would support a strike. That's not to say we shouldn't try we just have to keep in mind that we are a big country with a huge population & wrangling a large enough group to put us back on the right track will be hard especially when there a large number of Magats that still think of trump as their god!
Most people don’t understand the constitution (including Repubs in Congress) & certainly don’t understand how trump regime
Is destroying it!! Most Republicans here in ME still support him! Remember so many supported him because egg prices were too high. Others are in total state of denial. Hopefully April 5 will wake up more people!
Why are they not fighting these changes? Because they either believe the changes are best for the country or they aren't paying attention. I have had conversations with people who simply support the right's belief in their stance on the culture wars. They see the left as having gone too far and believe the country needs a correction. Some simply aren't interested or don't "have the time" or energy. Personally, I think that we've had it good for so long good people just don't understand that there is no rule stating it has to remain this way.
It's still relatively early days. Some people have been directly impacted by Musk etc all but not so many. Just wait, the situation is just warming up. Wait until it reaches boiling point by the Summer.
Thank you for that message Apache. Like John Fugelsang, I am a Christian because of what Jesus taught us and how he lived. But, many of the organized Christian churches are cults that do not even attempt to follow Jesus's teachings.
I have been privileged to work with Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jews and people that worship many other Deities. Personally, I am a non-theist but I respect people that try to live as their Deity taught them to live.
Hello Gary Thanks... Seems to Me... That many Great Religions share many of common Precepts... Such as 'Do Unto Others As They Would Do Unto You', 'Blessed Are The Peace-Makers', 'Do Not Covet', etc ... Seems that many that want Power say that their Way-Is-The-Only-Way... The Thirst For Power Creates All Wars...
"The thirst for power creates all war.." I can't disagree with this Apache.
It seems that everyone that ever worked or partied with Trump claimed that he was unfit to be President. Yet, the uneducated voted for him because they thought he would lower prices and they could afford what they couldn't under Biden.
It's never worked out that way, but hey, Trump won.
I still struggle with a question when I hear Stephen Miller’s dark depictions of towns being invaded and what ever he meant by the treasury remark …and Trump saying his approval ratings are the highest ever … this inane trust-in-trump defense of mob-like extortion through tariffs..Do these people believe this? Are they living in an alternate reality? I just can’t put myself in their shoes and understand their cruelty, malicious recklessness, and thirst for raw power. It feels unbound, ruthless, and ominous.
It is very hard to understand a sociopathic mind unless you are a sociopath. Most of us here are not sociopaths, and so we are baffled by the bizarreness to this awful human and his equally awful bunkmates.
Trump talks about "respect" which I was taught was something one earned. Trump's idea of respect seems to present as Caligula's adopted utterance of "Let them hate as long as they fear". As General Milley said of Trump's pretend militias, "These are the same people we fought in World War II,”.
And that earned respect? It seems to be plummeting abroad.
JL- yeah that respect is plummeting abroad and hopefully here as well.
Should we be asking our Republican friends that depend on SS to live, what they are going to do when the payments stop or when you have to drive to the closest SS office to continue receiving benefits?
Gary, am I wrong in thinking that local SSoffices will be closed as well? Hopefully I’m deluded. However, I think it’s the maggots who are destroying everything that’s been created for our once thriving creative democracy for their personal enrichment.
Rather than sociopaths, this mal-administration seems to attract psychopaths whose motto is destroy, lie, deport, starve. And. I’d be interested in knowing exactly who, or how many are withholding their annual taxes? And how precisely are you doing that?
J L - these people confuse respect with fear, thinking they are one in the same. The difference is, when one has respect - people will step up to help, when one is feared, people will happily join the resistance to them helping them fail.
Unfortunately throughout history there have been those who deify tyrants. Confuse them with an authoritarian parent perhaps or overwhelmed with life's uncertainties fall for "only I can fix it". And as in Woodstock there is a rush to being part of a like-minded crowd, for the good and the bad of that. Some will and have been willing to sacrifice their lives for a tyrant; but based on illusion. Respect worthy of respect is based on authenticity.
Stephen Miller, aka Voldemort, is wound up like a top with his hate and self-important 'statements of facts' that are just unhinged lies. Jim Acosta had a good piece yesterday on his interactions with Miller. Every time Miller gets spinning and talking faster and faster and higher and higher in register I think he will explode. Wishful thinking.
Agree. Like if I was trying to extend a loving kindness type strength exercise in compassion Stephen Miller would be at the very furthest limit….just not obtainable he triggers me so.
Their "thirst for raw power" today, KSC, recaps Heather on post-Civil War Confederates.
They denigrated people of color then as non-human, not deserving of the public services key to democracy then, key to democracy today.
And they vaulted themselves as the top, the best, the only true humans -- back then as white nationalist MAGA does today.
But I say (elsewhere here today) this perversion comes of schools too long neglecting the things which let us see human complications better, wider. Those who've crushed us most, those who've rid schools of key resources, are in fact so simple-minded in their racism and misogyny as indeed not to be much of humans at all, but zombies, living dead, all poisoned instead by the mechanical, dead teaching which testing steroids.
I agree with that. I was lucky enough to grow up with good schools - that taught languages, art, music and the other humanities. The history class was probably pretty whitewashed as it was the 60s and I grew up in a lily-white suburb, but the humanities component was strong - and I still remember those classes over 50 years later.
It reveals something deeply flawed in our species' capacity for wise and just behavior that some of the most horrifying of historic abuses were executed with religious pretexts, and still are. I am not persuaded that Jesus had all the answers, but his push for compassion remains socially relevant, and is glaringly at odds with Trump's whole program. To say otherwise is "War is Peace" doublethink. Any church with fealty to Jesus's prescriptions would seem to be obliged to be calling out and standing up to MAGA cruelty. MAGA leaders would be hammering the nails if Jesus was alive today. It seems that in spirit, they already are. With whom was Jesus said to stand?
Why was Martin Luther King, of all people, murdered? "Same old serpent"? "Mr. Hyde'? "Blessed are the peacemakers" (peace, not capitulation) has never been an easy sell. Gandhi shared King's fate. Follow the money.
My son sent this piece today in a FB post. I'm not familiar with the author, and she has a fairly common name, but this is a terrifying view into what our government is doing--It's not that it can't happen here--this is just more proof that it is happening here
My friend was nearly deported in her own damn country.
She’s 43. Born and raised in Miami, Florida. Both her parents are from Colombia and U.S citizens.
My beautiful friend, A U.S. citizen. Perfect English. Her Spanish? Pretty rough. And yet…
She was driving when she got stopped at an immigration checkpoint.
The officer told her she “matched the description of people they were detaining and deporting.”
She asked, “Deporting? I was born here. Where are you going to deport me to Miami-Dade?”
He asked for her passport.
She said, “I don’t have one. Never needed one.”
His response?
“Well, you don’t have a passport and you match the description.”
The description being: brown and breathing, I guess?
Let me be clear:
You do not need a passport to live in this country.
Millions of Americans have never had one.
It's not required for citizenship.
It’s not even required to vote.
But suddenly, if your skin tone or last name isn’t “American enough,” you need to carry documentation like we’re living under an authoritarian regime?
She was understandably pissed.
She asked him, “So because I look Latina, that’s all the proof you need?”
His response, “ Well, again you dont have a passport and you matched the description “
They let her go. With a warning.
A warning.
For what? For not carrying a passport?
For daring to exist in her brown skin without papers in hand?
She now needs to carry her passport everywhere she goes, not to leave the country, but to prove she belongs in the country where she was born.
What the hell are we doing?
Are we really okay with turning the U.S. into a place where citizenship is judged by appearance?
Where being brown is enough to get detained?
Where “you match the description”
becomes the new ‘show me your papers’? *if tou know you know.
Sound familiar? It should.
That’s how it started in Nazi Germany.
And before anyone says I’m being dramatic….remember, the Holocaust didn’t start with gas chambers. It started with suspicion. With documentation. With exclusion. With silence.
This isn’t about immigration anymore. This is about racial profiling. Xenophobia. Authoritarian policing. And it’s happening right now, in the so-called land of the free.
You want to know how fascism creeps in? It’s this. It’s checkpoints. It’s warnings. It’s deciding who “looks” American and who doesn’t.
So here’s a warning back:
If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.
And if you think this can’t happen to you, just wait until someone decides you don’t belong either
Painful story Betsy. Although I don't wish anything like this ever happens to the Cuban community in Miami they might deserve the experience since, the majority of them voted maga. They're no difference between the reasons for coming to the US between the Cubans and Venezuelans, Nicaraguan Haitians and many others.
Either they forgot or lost sense of emphaty. They need the experience and vote right next time.
Please protest to our 3 MAGA House members, Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz Balart, and Maria Elvira Salazar. Gimenez, born iin Cuba was our Democratic county Mayor until 2020.
All have objected to some of the Trump immigration policy. Also have a huge, powerful, vocal, Canadian constituency. Miami Dade is majority Democratioc.
Please also protest to CANF -- Cuban American National Foundation --
If she was born in Miami, FL, a birth certificate is proof of USA citizenship. Did she have her birth certificate? I was born in Dearborn, MI in 1950 and I have a copy of my birth certificate in my house.
Probably weren't going to drive her home so she could get & show them her birth certificate. Brown & breathing is what happened. Thos officers are going to face hell & I don't mean after they are dead!
Even though I'd like to see them punished in some way, I think that they'll face about as much hell as Pete Hegseth or any of the others involved will for the Signal "chat."
I was born 79 years ago. I've moved multiple times since the, and I have no idea where my birth certificate is. Does that mean that I might need it if ICE demands proof from me?
Welcome back to Heather – a much-needed night off.
Remember, Lawrence O’Donnell on March 12 told Rachel Maddow – and the rest of us – due to exhaustion he was taking a week off?
It’s now over two weeks. Exhaustion is human. Many of us are human. Many more, not. Too many are simply members of the meritocracy.
One thing about meritocracy, there’s only one way to measure it – by numbers, and first of all, to get there, testing points scored.
When we take these tests, there’s no concern for the welfare of any others – only for competition to rise above them. And the others scoring below us in points just disappear as amorphous mass.
The tests themselves measure only the coldest forms of logic: to see how items fit categories, keep to correct sequence, or fit or veer from simple, linear-only, chronological causality. All abstractions. No respect for anything human.
If we want human qualities, we discuss them, write essays. We attend to complications: from larger contexts to character inconsistencies as in all good novels, memoirs, essay collections, biographies, and histories.
No standardized test ever has room for anything personal. They measure only the mechanical, the sequential, the categorical – all feeding the conceits that life can be quantified, commodified, managed, packaged.
It wasn’t a machine in Heather or Lawrence that needed time off.
Professor HCR, thank you for your thoughtful analysis and recollection of the regime’s latest antics. The economic hypocrisy, which I don’t often see as your area of focus, goes alongside your analysis: Tariffs, and other interference by means of EO’s, are diametrically opposed to the practices espoused of “market-driven business”. In each case, the deep interference of the government should give even the most liberal-minded person pause: what happens when artificial interference in market operation causes an economic disaster involving the loss of millions of jobs?
Right now it is abstract up until the point of consumer purchase of a car- and not today, but in many days or weeks.
Your analysis of Trump floating a 3rd term is the exact pattern he takes since - not including Trump V1 - of floating an idea that turns into an Exec Order soon after. Thankfully Congress would have to be involved at levels of support they don’t have. Unless, of course, Trump’s back-room handlers are envisioning declaring Martial Law. Might as well get that scenario on the table, because if it’s the only way to do it, his vanity be victorious over his sense of his own limits. And age is creeping onward with him, as he sits in every press conference, oft looking spaced out and unaware.
Grateful you’re back. Thanks for your excellent work.
For all his compulsive blather, Trump was never all that into doing actual work. I first heard of Trump in connection with repair of Central Park's Wollman Rink, which he conned others into working on, swindling them out of either pay or credit. Billed in most of the MSM as a Trump triumph, but dig deeper.
No ones mentions this much. In many ways, the Trump admin is HUGE government and contrary to what corporations claim that they want which is less regulation and fewer government rules to follow. The government has basically said: you must make no effort to appeal to the MAJORITY of potential customers (non-white, women, etc are more than 71% of the pop) and if you do, the government will use its power to punish you. That is just dumb from a making money perspective.
True but forcing corporations to make less money by not selling to 72% of the population is not the way to any kind of monopoly. Or at least it's not enough. I mean Trump is *trying* to use the government to force people to buy Teslas but no has gone to jail for not doing so. Yet.
I think that Reagan's "Supply Side" is the recycled justification for feudalism, that was always mostly a con. Somehow getting rich (never mind how) is a prime qualification for leadership in society at large. Or so many would like us to believe. Reagan's formula of making the richest richer and freeing them of social responsibilities would result in prosperity for all made no logical or historical sense, but say something often enough and a lot of people will believe it. Naturally those who saw that direction as advantageous supported it.
CEO's have been giddy with joy since Trump took over, bending over backward to satisfy his whims. BUT, Trump cares only for Trump and his own agendas. Trump currently is trying to shed the burden of taxation onto the working class entirely. but he and his minions are far better at wrecking things than making them actually function. We saw that with the challenge of COVID, among other things. So log as He gains wealth and power, he could care less about the fate of the nation, even, in the end, it's CEOs. We are all expendable.
Exactly! And as well-documented in: Jefferson Cowie’s 2022 Pulitzer Prize winning book: ‘Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power’!
Old habits die hard! Some still desire the ‘freedom to dominate’ others, whether 1st Americans, women, or slaves.
The % republican maps onto the % slave-holding from 200 years before.
Susan Collins said that she had a firm talk with Hegseth and she thinks he learned his lesson on Signalgate. And he won’t do that again. No. Not the point. We deserve public officials who are elected because they ALREADY know what they’re doing, NOT that they will learn on the job.
Ally, Hendrik here. I've been trying to get in touch with you directly to test an idea out with you before posting. I'm at gideonse@midmaine.com. Thanks.
Didn’t she say the same thing about Trump as justification for not voting to impeach him? He learned his lesson, alright. The lesson he learned was retribution.
can express dissent. I take comfort re the advice to me from my dad—a USNavy bomb disposal officer during 1943 to 1947–which was “never be afraid to write a letter.”
Some might have reason to worry, but as former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien recently declared "We all know that even when we satisfy one demand, Mr. Trump will come back with another, bigger demand. That’s not diplomacy; it’s blackmail."
Bridget, Isn’t writing a letter what got the Tuft student arrested and detained? It feels like they will soon cross the line and it will not matter what papers you have to prove your citizenship ’rights.’ And without needing to comply with 14th Amendment due process how can ’people like us’ prove anything when ICE comes knocking (or barging in) and the agent doesn’t like the tilt of your (or your family member’s or friend’s) tattoo?
Yes. I am doing everything I can to encourage letter writing. Also, going out and about whilst participating in public displays of aggravation is making me wonder about whether people like us will ever prevail.
I’m completely with you, Bridget. Keep speaking out and encouraging us all to do so. We need more people like you. I think more are starting to come out and join the cause. Thank you.
Yes, and that is wrong. Currently sick at heart and mad in my mind. Fielding emotions dating back to the period of time when Hitler ruled and relatives of my daughter in law were unable to leave their homeland.
My grandson, a 3 year old who delights me each and every day, would be cast off as to its Final Solution. In the meantime, I can’t abide any aspect of that mind set encroaching upon my beloved country.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”— Frank Wilhoit
During the intervening years, my husband, my two brothers in law, and several best friends during the 1966 to 1976 years who served in the US Military during the confusing timeframe when the draft ended, made me remember.
The emergence of the Trump dictatorship couldn’t be clearer. The next 18 months will make or break the future of our democracy.
If congressional Republicans do not step up and join forces with the American people and congressional Democrats to stop this overthrow of the Constitution and the rule of law, we’re done and done for. Quite literally.
Someone else has pointed out one hopeful scenario.
Dems might work with Don Bacon (Nebraskan, fairly independent Republican) and maybe only a couple more who might go for bipartisan rule. Dems could get rid of Mike "Howdy Doody" Johnson as Speaker of the House (replacing him with Hakeem) and also get rid of the more ludicrous MAGA committee chairs, and divvy up the rest among themselves and the moderate Republicans who go along with the bipartisan plan.
I wish they understood that this is LITERALLY all it takes: for ONE person to stand up; but something is holding them back. Fear? Money? I fear the late Sen. John McCain was correct that Citizens United really was the last nail in Democracy's coffin.
Are you hallucinating or dreaming. i like it but is there a repub that will stand tall. they are midgets in the worse sense.
BTW Phil. do you subscribe to Greg Olear? he is the man who uses literature and and incredible skill to make his points, especially on Sunday posts. sounds like your kind of guy.
He really does just stun me sometimes. His post re Sara Teasdale recently was so parsed, considered, and thoughtful that I felt like I had been to a master class.
Right now I subscribe to Heather's, Timothy Snyder's, Rebecca Solnit's, and Johnny Rochat's.
I get Linda Weide's -- a regular here -- but that's just by her generosity. No subscription, but, then I never see her dunning up "upgrade to paid" as everyone else does.
You would really enjoy his post re Sara Teasdale and her poem Barter. It’s a keeper for me. There are some I would like to get but no time or money, especially Rebecca Solnit. Get some but can’t comment. No time anyway…
As I watch this insanity day after day, I can’t help but feel that we may be heading for this ending.
I wonder how many people realize that almost everything in “Dr. Strangelove” was true?
As we watch tRump, Muskrat, and their cronies create havoc wherever they go, looking at Dr. Strangelove again gives me chills. When Daniel Ellsberg, a RAND analyst and a consultant at the Defense Department who later leaked the Pentagon Papers, saw the film, he said, "That was a documentary!" Dr. Strangelove could not stop himself from doing the Nazi salute.
We are in a convergence of “End-Times” thinking. A manufactured Rapture. It’s exhausting by design. The new superpower we need to develop is creative pushback and resistance inspite of grieving such fuckrat stupidity imploding the structures of democracy. Believe it’s happening. Being clear-eyed is not being complicit or hyperbolic. It the first step to ground yourself firmly against the gaslighting.
It's not just about banding together Sky. We need a plan since they have been planing this take over for years. It's not just a matter of numbers. We need to know what and how to counteract and hold together at least till the midterm election.
Heather, fact: you are describing FASCISM, Steven Miller’s Nazi fascism. It is outlawed in Germany. Steven Miller is an antisemitic Jew, recognized as such by his Jewish grandfather. Donald Trump’s father was undoubtedly known for renting signs that stated RESTRICTED. Those signs assured the neighbors of a white only neighborhood in Trump buildings. That’s fascist, right? Start there.
Thanks Miselle. NYT Obit Editor assigned a freelance. He lives near Sing Sing, coming to talk. DOB Friday, 1/27/39. Charlotte Sheedy wants my memoir, offers an editor. Help needed. Circulate 973.379.4446 to the able. By iPhone for txt response. Sandy www.lewisfamilyfarm.com
Soon we'll be seeing "In Trump We Trust" on our currency.
There's an old statistics joke that goes like this: "In God we Trust. All others bring data."
Injustice is built on a foundation of lies and distortions. If people insisted on facts rather than what supports their preconceived notions, we wouldn't be in this predicament. Fox "News" paid nearly one billion dollars in a settlement wherein they admitted they deliberately lied, and that their lies caused harm to a large corporation (not to mention the public). And yet people continue to gobble up their nonsense. Alex Jones caused immeasurable pain and suffering to families who had already lost their young children in a senseless tragedy - and people continue to listen to him.
Facts matter. Until and unless Americans care about facts and not their own prejudices, we'll continue to watch our nation disintegrate in front of our eyes.
We don't have a Trump Administration. We have a Trump Cult. "Trust in Trump" is the language of a cult. We have got to find a way to protest all this not just once (April 5th) but for as long as it takes to take our country back. Another name for this: National Strike.
"Trust in Trump" also known as TNT, widely used in the manufacture of demolition explosives. Nobody in their right mind would Trust in Trump!
Much less worship.
I never trusted Trump when he started running, why should I start now? I’m a Midwesterner, but was well aware of Trump’s lack of success in business and his various scams and lies. Why would I support someone like that?
I didn’t like him in the late 1980s.
Bill, I knew that he was sub-human in the early 70's, when he was evicting the elderly and racial minorities in his father's properties. At that point, he presented himself as a Democrat, since he had to please the Democrats in power in New York. He has always been a grifter, and we have only learned that he's also stupid since he has been on the world stage (unless you knew about his multiple bankruptcies once he was rubbing elbows with the mob while running his casinos into the ground).
He also stiffed the hard-working blue collar contractors that worked to build his casinos. When they asked for payment, he said he wasn't paying them because they did shoddy work. They knew that taking on the Trump organization was a passport to bankruptcy, since the legal fees would crush the business. So they just walked away, unpaid.
His reputation for that sort of thing is legendary. He did that in his real estate dealings, so the casino contractors should have been forewarned. Of course, anyone old enough to have been familiar with Trump prior to The Apprentice or "Art of the Deal" would never have voted for him for his first term, let alone this time. I hate paying for the stupidity of others.
Really! How incompetent does someone have to be for them to have how many bankruptcies - SIX? And CASINOS? Seriously - and he claims to be a "businessman"!
The person who ghostwrote "The Art of the Deal" is regretful for participating in a fraud. He told anyone who would listen not to trust Trump well ahead of the election.
JL, another example of money motivating what should have been a flat "no, thanks" right out of the box. Surely, the ghost writer knew exactly what he was getting into. He contributed to the arsenal of those who insisted that Trump was a genius and great businessman. If he'd thought of more than the cash he'd make, perhaps we wouldn't be dealing with the present disaster.
Look up the real story behind Trump's media triumph "restoring" Central Park's Wollman Skating Rink. That's when I first heard of him in a media blitz.
We have waaay neglected the growing subversion of money over equal justice under law. Using his vast wealth Musk pushed out the creators of Tesla and used his "unlimited capital to build the brand". He attacked the originators.
++++
"Soon enough, Eberhard was out, and Musk was in. “It felt like a brick on the side of my head,” Eberhard said. 'It’s totally unexpected.'
Eberhard sued Musk for libel, defamation, breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, and failure to pay his wages, among other things. And while the two eventually settled, Eberhard accuses Musk of violating their non-disparagement clause — a fact he claims he’s powerless to prevent. (Musk still occasionally tweets about Eberhard to this day.)
'Although he’s been flagrantly violating that agreement over and over and over again, he’s also the richest man in the world,' he said. 'And if he decides to crush me with lawsuits, I can’t survive it.' ” https://www.theverge.com/23815634/tesla-elon-musk-origin-founder-twitter-land-of-the-giants
🤬That alone should have shut him down with middle class voters. I know that fact, among all this other dastardly deeds, appalled me when I read about it years ago.
Same here - plus I worked for a contractor for almost 30 years - we took care of our subs & they took care of us! I already couldnt stand this twit, but reading about his "business" actions? Just solidified my feelings.
He has had the best publicity money can buy.
Perfect summation, Nancy. I wasn't aware of the Mafia connection until a few months ago when another reader spent a LOT of time sending me info and links on that era of trumps.
Yodagirl, I was almost finished with a response to your comment when it disappeared. I've read many references to his mob connections, but nothing that proves that theory. His employing Kellyann Conway is somewhat telling, since she is the granddaughter of Jimmy "the Brute" DiNatale, a reputed Philadelphia mob associate. He is also alleged to have been a Russian agent for years. All of this could be just false rumors, but I'm sure he thinks that these allegations polish his resume as a strongman and someone to be feared. If true, he wouldn't understand that he's simply a useful idiot to various puppeteers but thinks he's on top of the heap.
I have always wondered what hole Kellyann slithered out of!. Sick person.
Cindy, they could be twins, separated at birth. She has no class, no conscience, wouldn't know the truth if she tripped on it. He is like fly tape, attracting the nasty insects from all corners. She is probably brighter than the orange menace, but only marginally.
Like Musk was a environmental champion while building his EV brand.
JL, we both know that Elon has never been motivated by anything remotely connected to betterment of the planet - only his grandiose self-interest. At some point, I expect him to crash and burn - like his Teslas frequently do.
Except that this entire spectacle is so stress-inducing, I'm hoping to see him and tfg do battle. There's not enough oxygen anywhere to sustain both of them.
Goes all the way back to Daddy's Queens' home before Wharton.
Curious—could you elaborate?
He's referring to where trump grew up in Queens NY, a borough in NYC. His "daddy", Fred Trump was an emotionally abusive monster and killed his 1st born then started on donald, giving us the crisis we have today. I hope Fred is rotting in hell.
No hope here, I KNOW Fred T. is rotting in Hell. One thing I love about Substack is that there are no censors lurking over the comments section!
Ain't THAT the truth WM-Yahoo is a joke when it comes to comments.
The blogger can ban us. I foolishly said something on Paul Klugman’sblog about each Trump wife pushing the other down the stairs. I apologized to him but it was too late. I’m banned for life or until I get a new computer.
Can you clear our cookies?
I think Trump's mother sent him to military school because he was so disruptive she couldn't deal with him. Looks like his mother rejected him
I get the sense that Trump's parent's were malignant narcissists and the acorn fell not far from the tree. They let you be a self-absorbed total creep when you are rich.
That's true Martha-it was in Dr. Mary's book about her uncle.
I was born in Queens, as well. But my family moved to Nassau County, Long Island. I spent most of my adult life watching his garbage. I can’t believe people actually believe his lies. I guess we can thank Fox lies for this, and people who don’t research what they read and hear. Thank God for Heather.
He didn’t impress me too much then, but I didn’t see him as a political figure, just a show off rich guy who loved having his name in the tabloid headlines. I didn’t start to really detest him until he rode down his golden escalator in Trump Tower, surrounded by paid actors applauding his decision to run for president. That is when he started his unfiltered nastiness run wild. By then, I was aware of his manifold business failures, stiffing his contractors, and scams; and I believed then as I do now that he would be just as unsuccessful as president as he was in business.
I believe one thing many people bought into was the character he played on the “reality show” “The Apprentice.” There isn’t very much reality in “reality shows,” and “The Apprentice” allowed Trump to curate his appearance so that he would look like the successful businessman he has never been. The image making in “The Apprentice” allowed people to buy into the false idea that Trump would be successful in business and political endeavors, and it has been a total scam.
Many have bought into the lie that all progressives and liberals are communists.
Or "sympathizers," the term McCarthy used. Put them in charge, and there goes the nation, as they would say. But look what has happened under Trump: there are "methods" to allowing a third term, and the advocates don't look so progressive to me.
My first thought on hearing this is that he's throwing out a bright-shiny to grab media attention away from the current actions of his people.
The "method" would be for JD Vance to run for president and Trump as VP. Once in office Vance would resign and Trump would then be president.
He learned from the Medvedev–Putin tandemocracy
Makes sense!!! God help us !!! May he die soon and maybe his stupid cult will move on.
Elizabeth Wallace, I just hope I last long enough to enjoy a wee dram of single malt neat in celebration.
I understand the thinking but IF we followed the Constitution, Trump would still be ineligible. The line of succession would have it that the Speaker of the House would become president. But let's not put it past im to try. Also, considering Vance's lack of principles why would give it up? Et tu Brutus?
Many Democrats didn't help in that score: https://yadontknow.blogspot.com/2023/11/be-it-resolved.html
My sister refers to us as "libtards". We don't talk any more.
Better to be a "libtard" than a Nazi!
Ellen, maybe we could reframe “libtard” as, um, fully functional yoga & gym wear. And I don’t think the word leotard is any diss on those born in the July-August months!!!🦁
Ha! I'm a yoga practitioner, too, so I don't mind wearing a "libtard"! 😄
You could point out just how childish this sounds…liberal retard is middle school at best! So anyone using this is mentally about 11 years old and angry because of the ‘smart kids.’ They always do better, look better, work harder, and are just happier! Really, there are a lot of sad femi-nazis out there…they love their Orange encrusted lard-god Donny. Ah the well named Rush!
I still have a troublesome childish side (and hopefully retain some positive "childlike" qualities), but Trump, Musk, et al take the cake for emotional immaturity. I indulge name-calling here, something I would never do in the context of a professional capacity.
Sadly, my relationship with my brother is strained because of the same, LB. He actually asked me, a retired Special Educator, if closing the Department of Education was really a problem. I’m sure my explanation fell on deaf ears.
I totally get it. My dear sister has been sucked into the MAGA cult. We were not raised that way and it only happened during Regime I. Before that, she had open eyes. Really heart-breaking.
I hear way too much of that. Democracy dies for lack of good faith conversation. A bright, pleasant, distant relative went into totally hostile MAGA mode.
Michael, they have no idea of what a communist, a socialist, or Marxist is. I have had many an encounter on other threads, one of the last warning me that i should never come to battle without being armed. Nice huh??!!
Or liberty, or a republic, or a genuine free market, just for starters. Or at least, they are hoping you don't know and won't find out.
"They had things, levels of voting that if you’d ever agreed to it, you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again,”
- DJT
Kathy, our cleaner lived in Brooklyn for a while and did work for some the rich. She has nothing good to say about death star. She is also originally from Chile, but has a middle eastern background and has lived in Lebanon. She is moving to Florida because her daughter got a job there. I just hope she does not get snatched off the streets. I am also a midwesterner now living in Oregon and I have never voted for any national R. I see death star as a monstrous festering cancer. I think a lot of the work is done by a cabal around him with people like Stephen Miller.
A Fireside Chat (From the book.)
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt began a series of informal radio chats to the American public during a turbulent time in the 1930s. The radio back then was to communicating as Twitter is today. Here is an excerpt:
“My fellow Americans, it is whispered by some that only by abandoning our freedom, our ideals, our way of life, can we rebuild our defenses adequately, can we match the strength of the aggressors. …I do not share these fears.”
Trump demands a quaint, televised, fireside chat to compete with FDR. Here is a sneak preview:
“My friends, Hillary Clinton will never see the inside of the White House again as long as I live.
“You people love me so much that I know you want to keep me as your president for life. The Constitution now allows this extended appointment of the executive branch. Our blessed homeland needs me to lead it. I have authorized The Enabling Act, borrowed from German Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s proposal to restrict powers of the Reichstag in 1933. His SS troops made legislators give up their civil liberties and transfer state powers to the Reich government. I’m pleased to tell you that the Democrats will sign away their legislative powers while my ICE agents surround the House of Representatives. I have the power to dissolve Congress and allow my Cabinet to pass much needed laws to Make America Great Again. And I pledge to you that all fake impeachment activity to convict me has ended.
“I also pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. And we will remove all undocumented immigrants that are poisoning the blood of our country. And we will remove the portrait of African-born Barack Hussein Obama from the White House wall.
“My first act tomorrow will be to have House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Shiftless Adam Schiff picked up for questioning to ascertain their patriotism for the United States.
“I know I’ve been accused of a quid pro quo with Ukraine. There is nothing wrong with finding the truth about liars and cheats like Slow Joe Biden. And there’s nothing wrong asking a nation to help with uncovering wrongdoing by a corrupt man. As your President for Life, I will always tell you the truth. When I make a promise to you, I keep it.
“This concludes the first of my fireside chats. I can’t wait to tell you what I have in store for other scum Trump haters.”
.... from "the" book -- what book?
Mine “ Donald’s Vanity Tantrums.”
Bill, please.., go take shit will ya.
Well darn it, I took several today and I thought I saw your face looking up from the bowl.
Good recovery there, Bill. :))
It will be a highly psychological lift to say you're wrong about Trump. There's a kind of cognitive dissonance to say you've been lied to. A dark triad: ignorance, stupidity, and lack of moral and intellectual code...
Especially in a society where no one ever simply says “I was wrong.” “I didn’t know.” Or heaven forbid, “I’M SORRY” with sincerity. Now a days, we get, “I’m sorry if you felt that way” - the onus being on the injured party, not on the perpetrator of pretty much anything.
Maybe it’s our litigious society where every single thing becomes a lawsuit (both sides are actually guilty of that) so no one will simply admit a screw up or maybe we have been so disconnected from morals or truth, we rationalize every move. Either way, I don’t see any MAGA everyday person from backing off their team colors anytime soon.
I think the best we can hope for is MAGA will fracture itself and hopefully, the winners will be less crazy than the losers.
Right now, they have supported the fringe to punish any person who has a sane idea in the GOP. And now we have a government funded billionaire threatening to bankroll it. Which is actually a reflection on us, more than him. That we are so easily swayed away from truth and democracy for a one time payout of a hundred bucks….literally three trips to chipotle or Chick-FIL-A. That’s how moral we have become. Instead of simply reading up on a candidate, going to the polls and voting for all the freedoms we take for granted.
If we continue on this path in these special elections, we will strengthen either a resistance to autocracy or a rubber stamp for expanding it. And that means every single person in these places understand CLEARLY and crazily in a fun, entertaining way that they need to get their bitts off the couch and vote this down.
Sternghtneong people who wish to suppress our voices will lead to straightening them to suppress our ability at the ballot box to change course.
And it will not happen until boys hear from their fathers, instead of a stranger on a podcast, why they should switch course. Not until the protests voter starts admitting they screwed up and the y thing they single voted on is now worse and make amends. Not until womens realize some trans kid they’ll never meet isn’t a danger to their daughter, it’s the administration aiding and abetting the Tate brothers and taking their jobs from them to hand to a white guy whom isn’t nearly as qualified. What’s more important, a soccer game or feeding and keeping a roof over your family? How about the Latin and Black men who supposedly switched to Trump. Do they think things will go well for them when they are disappeared off the street by masked men and THEN have the same people either admit their mistake or “find “ charges against them. If anything really came to light in the last few decades. It was how Black and Brown people typically are not afforded the same “innocent til proven guilty” as white men.
And maybe good lawyers will think twice against offending some random ebpberyday black person if they feel they will be targeted by the local DA.
The only think that trickles down, proven, is crap. It certainly has not been the economy. PROVEN. But bad acts usually do. We saw men stand by silently while women’s rights were taken away. Now we see immigrants rights taken away. On the chopping block is voting rights and unions. Does the average American male think they will be immune to a richer, better connected white make to take their rights? Ask the head of Paul Weiss or the heads of all the government agencies and universities. All much more powerful than the men in my neighborhood who supported trumo and they have self shackled themselves in the face of this debacle. I doubt, Tim, the union electrician. Up the street will fair better standing up LATER.
And Democrats DID get the fact that Americans want to be part of the in crowd….its what they kept telling voters that their vote was private and they could tell their husband or buddy they voted one way and pulled the lever the other.
Marcus, excellent post. You had me at the very beginning. I know so many people who have very infrequently said those words. When they do, it is for something minor, never for anything truly hurtful, dangerous, or just plain awful. A lot of this is average America white male resentment with foolish women going along with them.
They could say they were cheated -- he cheated, he lied to us -- not that they were stupid and were duped but that he cheated them. He's the bad guy. Just like any thief. Don't fall for being put down as a victim. Get mad at the criminal. He claims to be deporting criminals -- he and his ilk are the criminals.
“For DECADES we have been ripped off and abused by every nation in the World, both friend and foe. Now it is finally time for the Good Ol’ USA to get some of that MONEY and RESPECT, BACK. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!”
We are a country of emotionally immature narcissists. Capitalist culture leads to intense focus on the self which is in competition with all the other "selves" out there. And if you're not on top, you've been "ripped off and abused", not that meritocracy has passed you over.
Respect is EARNED Mr. Mango Head, not demanded.
No one really wants to go into drug treatment, they just finally realize that they have so completely fucked up that it’s time….lost their family, their job, their home. And we need national drug treatment, or maybe it’s more exorcism…
What would Jesus actually do? Even the Pope is sick of these “least of these!”
I love him calling out JD! Not ‘Crustacean’! Jesus!
Of course I love the fact that these guys worship Tolkien…they just forget that they are the thralls of ‘In the darkness bind them’, they are the ‘ring wraiths!’ Those kings..JD, Musky, Peter, Erik…in the darkness. X’s
Being unable to admit fault and to apologize are two characteristics of sociopaths. They never see themselves as guilty, it’s always the other person’s fault. One of the big problems with American business is that while sociopaths are a relatively small percentage of the population, they seem to predominate in corporate suites all over the country.
Maybe its TIT which is probably useful fodder
Nancy, wasn't gonna go there, but you did. Do we now say the economy is "tits up"?
So English! And Donny is actually Pear-shaped! Don’t say tits or they’ll go all Homo Erectus on us…if they haven’t deleted this too as DEI
Tits-a-Plenty at 1601 Pornhub these days.The "Dog-Slayer" (ICE-girl) standing in front of the Venus-wayland jail has em right up front with those flowing hair-extensions and botox treatments.., in case ya'll missed it. "Tits up" ? Looks like Doug G, nailed that one alright. Stormy weather is here, and FEMA has been put to bed. Puns for fun.. "Tears for fears"..., and Mrs Wiles really has her hands full. We need Alley Oop (1960' Hollywood Argyles). Go read the lyrics to that one, if yer bored with me.
As in, get billionaires off of it?
Yes. I'm down with this. National Strike. Let's get more specific about what that entails, ie we'll not work or spend ANY MONEY or pay taxes, etc. Specifics. And actually date. Maybe even turn off the lights, use less energy, EVERYTHING. Remind them who pays for this clown show.
We've been "striking" since the election. We are buying local, planting or own garden, and foregoing purchasing any luxuries. We live a couple hours from Canada and I'm wondering whether we can make weekly shopping trips to help with the National Strike.
This shouldn't be a one day event. It needs to be until Trump and the regime are overturned.
May 1968 in France. Total national strike. No radio programs - all you heard on the radio was once an hour they broadcast where army trucks would be picking up passengers who needed to go from A to B. People did a lot of bike riding, cooking, DIY around the house, and tending the roof garden. After seven weeks, De Gaulle called elections, but his time had come, his power was broken, and he bowed to the inevitable.
I have to share this. The Anchorage Daily News has an article today on the history of burning effigies. Unfortunately, Carter was one. Someone must be thinking along these lines for the ADN to publish this.
Canada-funded billboards warn Central Florida: ‘Tariffs are a tax’
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/03/31/canada-funded-billboards-warn-central-florida-tariffs-are-a-tax/?
What a great idea Canada had, buying billboard ads! And in FLORIDA of all states.
Agree with Gary & disagree with Jenny- buying local supports people in our town and state! We’ve been gardening for decades & visit local farmers’ markets. These actions don’t support the billionaires. The only language Trump and his minions will understand is losing money! If we hit them where it hurts, maybe some industries will stop supporting this regime. Besides voting, using our money is one way of protesting! Time for action and less talk! I too live within 3 hrs of Canada & will be visiting there this summer.
This is where you lack understanding of the current administration. Buy local. Eat whole foods - homegrown or from local farmers. Both important goals of the administration. I’ve been buying local for years as a conservative and proud American. Well done and Trump thanks you. You’ll have to find a different way to stick it to them bc this is exactly the goal. Also why hitting Tesla is so absurd. It’s got the dems selling their electric cars and buying gas guzzling Fords. The left is blind.
Jenny K, it is you who lacks understanding of the Trump regime. Donald doesn't give a rat's ass about local farmers or "whole foods." He eats garbage from Big Burgers, for god's sake!
When Donald talks about "America First," he's not referring to Mom-and-Pop America, but to Corporate America. His revenues – in campaign donations, pay-for-play and protection tribute – come from the C-suites at big corporations, not from the little guys.
Further, no Democrat is trading their Tesla for a "gas-guzzling" Ford. Ford and every other domestic automaker offer EVs and hybrids, all of higher quality than Tesla.
Clearly, Donald has fooled you and all the other MAGA cult faithful, but not the rest of us. I took your bait by responding, but I'm done with you now.
Sadly, senator Mark Kelly traded in his Tesla for a gas SUV.
Kelly bought a Chevy Tahoe Z71, not a Ford, so my previous statement is still true.
He's publicly explained why he ditched the Tesla, but not why he bought the Tahoe with an ICE. There could be any number of reasons. Perhaps, ownership of the Tesla taught him that Arizona's charging infrastructure sucks, as it does in most states.
Chevy doesn't offer an electric full-size SUV. Cadillac's Escalade EV claims a long range, but base price is $130,000.00, which is serious money even on a senator's salary, especially when he has other expenses, such as continuing medical care for his wife.
Whatever his reasons, his vehicle-trading decision is not an example of what other Democrats are doing, as was asserted by Jenny K.
ISn't there a principle involved?
Jess Piper
@piperformissouri.bsky.social
As a Missouri resident, I could see everything that’s happening coming a mile away because they already did it to my state. Defunded schools, kicked kids off Medicaid, refused the will of voters, attacked marginalized communities,
and sold off farmland to foreign companies.
We knew.
Tariffs and counter tariffs will apply as you return through the U.S. border.
On what amount of goods. If I buy $200 worth of groceries, how will the tariff be collected? Will I have to write a check to the US Treasury at the border? This seems like a logistical nightmare for border patrol and customs.
I'd love to see them try to pull this off at any of the hundreds of "busy" border crossings.
Gary, I replied to another comment of yours with more info, but US Customs limits what can be brought into the country.
Thanks Doug.
That’s the way border duties used to work (before NAFTA).
Confused. Are you saying you've worked in four countries and never had to deal with customs and duties when you came back to the US.? Also, has it occurred to you, that logistical nightmare would cause a lot of people to just stay home, "buy American"? I love avocados; sometimes can get them for 88 cents. A 25% tariff would immediately raise the price to one dollar, so grocers would immediately raise their prices on all avocados, Mexican and Californian
A noble idea, Gary, but US Customs limits the type and amount of meat, produce, dairy, alcohol, etc. one can bring into the country, a lot due to the APHIS program (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which attempts to keep pests and pathogens out) -- violate the rules and it will be confiscated (Canada has similar laws.). I agree with your other comments, and my wife and I have changed our buying habits as well, in a similar fashion.
Does that program still exist?
APHIS? I believe so, I haven't heard anything to the contrary, but who knows with this regime? What do they care about emerging pest and pathogen threats decimated large segments of our agricultural crops, forests, etc.?
We all can support local
economies. Much more helpful and community engendering. We need to buildup local food systems, think globally, and act locally…
Exactly what you should be doing. Trump WANTS you to buy local. What do you think all this is about?? RFK WANTS you to grow your own food. Thank you for supporting the administrations goals!!!
Putting money into the hands of small scale businesses and farms doesn't feed the oligarchy.
You are rebelling against your own. Trump and RFK are thanking you- buy local and eat healthy food. Hello? Goes along with protesting electric cars?! When did the left become against EVs??
Not against EV's. Against the Tesla ownership & management, misuse & abuse of people involved in MUMPS projects. Mump is a thief! And, his cars & trucks breakdown & burn. Why would I risk that?
Buying local and growing one's own food are good ideas, period. If a person is also accidentally supporting the administration's goals, that's too bad. I'm not cutting off my nose to spite my face.
It's easy to say "national strike" if you're retired and supplied, as I think most of us here are. It's when many have nothing to lose - they've lost their job, Medicare checks, health insurance, family members to ICE or a rogue virus - that this will be a possibility.
I believe we are where you have described, many have lost their jobs, Medicare recipients are wondering if tomorrow it is broken, will my next SS check happen however you get it. The time is now. It has been bad from 1/20. 60+ days is enough of this crap. There is no golden age for everyday Americans, never has been one. But right now bet it’s looking like it was with the Biden administration. What part of him running for another term and too old (which is the mantra that killed Biden) will apply to this ass. Yes Biden was old, but wise, seasoned and had a fabulous administration filled with competent people.
How long did the bus boycott last? One year I think. Don't think we would have to strike for anywhere near that amt. of time. Would be a great time to help organize to HELP EACH OTHER.
April 15?
Or beginning with April 5th marches everywhere???
Big national protest on Saturday 4/5.
Yes...it seems like an easy start mark.
Perfect…how long do you think this republian charade will last under a national strike ?
Another Amen!!
Exactly Sarah!!! We “the people” are being ignored! A major “FIT” will be noticed by this immature cult. Pay no taxes, buy nothing, do not go to work, and do not use the cell phone….. then read “The Lever, article called” How the Lawyers Killed the Democrats”, number one issue: educate oneself!!!! It feels better than any other vitamin pill!
MAGA is a cult
Have you noticed that Dr. Heather is calling the so-called government the "Trump REGIME?" That's what it has sadly turned into. And the "Golden Age" does not seem to apply to ordinary citizens, but only to trump's oval office decor. Shame on him and his henchmen!
Robert Reich began calling it a regime weeks ago.
Yes, a definite and accurate change. I also refer to trump being in D.C. as an occupation.
I did notice - I use it, too.
She's telling it like it is!
I started calling it a "regime" weeks ago. There's nothing remotely "administrative" about it.
It is sure as hell not an Administration.
Yes David, If only it were an animation. Isn't it amazing how just a relatively few "bad apples" can threaten a nation of 350 million. I'm afraid we are being provoked so that violence will erupt where the guns we own will become a threat to the "REGIME", which will result in their confiscation, e.g. 'for our safety'..! putting ICE firmly in control. A "regime" running amok will have no qualms rounding up dissidents and crowds as well. Recent world history ought to be enough proof of this. Look at Syria. We're headed for 2nd Amendment country.., no? Huh!
Noticed!
And Marli.., ya think the price of a pick-up truck or a dozen eggs is of any concern them.., e.g., "the henchmen"? I'd doubt it. They'll use slices of bread for table knapkins like the castle-crowd did in the middle-ages. Us, along with the farm animals will exist on the tasty-scraps. Any little sparks of recourse by us mortals will be dealt with very quickly. And, don't think having a firearm will help. They'll be confiscated, soon. Watch. The sick puppies are on the loose.
MeidasTouch also uses the regime term.
'Golden Age'.... aka, 'Gilded Age'. Fitting.
The Southern Baptist Convention and the Catholic Church are also cults which blindly follow their "dear leader." Jesus's message of "love" and "charity" are all but forgotten.
Where does ALL of the money go that the church brings in? Our local Catholic Parish has a Nigerian priest who is barely understandable.
When Trump and Musk have finished decimating SS, is the church going to perform acts of charity so the elderly and disabled are fed, clothed and housed, or is this too "woke."
I’m Catholic and would put qualifications on that. We have a very loud splinter group who treats Pope Francis as if he isn’t the real Pope (he is.) I am also a Democrat who didn’t vote for Trump because I know exactly what a sociopath and narcissist he is. I am also not a single issue voter and I never have been one.
And what if a Catholic splinter group selected women as the leaders of their reformed Catholic Church? There are hundreds of nuns and parochial school teachers that are leaders.
The patriarchy in the Catholic Church is and always has been one of the Catholic Churches (and many other) major problems.
You are spot on- the patriarchal hierarchy is so dysfunctional. Women need to hold power, and leaders need to marry. What’s with expecting human beings to remain celibate their entire life?
Good for you…. Reality check!!!!
There is at least one such Catholic Church. They have women priests and identify as Catholics. Of course they were summarily excommunicated. Doomed to eternity in hell for their "heresy". https://spirituschristi.org/
I love it. Good for them. Really nice website....
Yes the Romans got a hold of the story and wrote it to make men powerful and Jesus more like a warrior…they were marketing this to those who fight and like their gods strong. In truth the human Jesus was a teacher and community leader..the first liberal after all! If you check out the Jeffersonian Bible it becomes pretty obvious that once you get rid of the miracles, and read what he said, these are good lessons for a strong community--DEI!.
Of course, for almost 2000 years it has been about forging and keeping power. First the Romans and then the churches and their kings. But ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident’ is really pretty cool, if we lived! Like Joe, and the real Christians.
You have described me as well. I worked for my diocese for 11 years. Under the underqualified bishop we had then (finally Rome suggested he “retire’ though only in his 60s), I saw what power does to men (and here I do specifically mean men). One must wonder why: why hire a professional woman and then tell her she’s wrong (the mildest thing they did). Ignorant power. Watching the institutional church and knowing it will never change—power is a powerful drug— led me to leave. My faith is fine—it’s the institution that’s sick.
Yes - use the word mean to describe the POS in charge - however, they did invite a few mean girls too: Kristie Gnome and Karoline Leave-It and Kari Fake. Oh geez - I sound like tRump with all this name calling.
Geezz Stephanie., I "C" what you mean.
"...I saw what power does to men (and here I do specifically mean men)..."
Doing so means you can ignore Bondi, Noem, Gabbert, McMahon, Loeffler and other Trump butt-kissers and toy tyrants, not to mention MT Greene.
There are no women in church leadership. Thus, the group I observed was all men.
These thralls are acting as they should, more handmaids to the hierarchy.
There are several threads here in this discussion. The Roman Catholic supporters of T some cradle born many converts. They are ignorant of church theology and have a very small and almost archaic view of the church. Vatican II is considered a travesty and many have money and I would bet ties to unseemingly other sources of support.
Then there is the history of the church itself and its ties to power and wealth in terms of families and governments. They were the church essential to colonialism and imperialism . To Govern The Globe by De. McCay has this and also the RC church’s voices of love and compassion. For many folk these so called saints and holy ones still kept them attached to this institution that needs a full and five year truth and reconciliation process.
The Marian tradition at least acknowledged a nine month pregnancy. March through December. Without acknowledging all the roles all genders play in human life the church abd done other religions huge missing gals that end up hurting more than not. Fundamentalism is a huge problem in many of today’s religions. Many books on that issue alone Russell Moore speaks clearly among others as well as the example of Rev. William Barber and Rev. Theohardis abd other women clergy and theologians.
Indeed…. For me…. One’s FAITH is strength and hope and the building block of your life no matter “who is in charge”…
I agree— I was raised in a liberal Catholic environment. I don’t practice Catholicism as an adult, but I hate it when all Catholics are lumped together under a single umbrella. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think Robert Hubble is a practicing Catholic.
But how can we not lump them together? I have family members that converted to Catholicism to marry a Catholic. She sees nothing wrong with the whole patriarchy BS and she's in her mid-70's.
So many of the Catholics in western MA were like today's MAGAs, "see no evil and hear no evil." Assuming your Priest is a good person has proven catastrophic to thousands of people. Over 80 priests have been defrocked over the sex scandal in the area alone.
A protestant preacher's kid here. My Mom also preached. I recall our denomination questioning my Dad if it was 'wise' to befriend the local Catholic priests in Melrose MA. ( Dad pretty much told them to butt out!)Dad was part of an interfaith leadership group that reached out to all, especially those in need.
Why Gary, Had you not heard (via Rachel Maddow’s nightly shows on TV) that our dear Leader has established a White House "Faith Office” preaching prosperity and offering up prayers and crystals for donations of $1000 or more? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Faith_Office
OMG. I love Rachel. She has to be as shell-shocked as the rest of us, probably mores.
So we are supposed to donate generously to Trump but nothing to help people in need? Outside of MacKenzie Scott and a handle of others who are the Americans giving generously to feed the hungry, house the homeless and clothe the poor?
So many greedy bastards.
Birds of a feather ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoSOVxtly2s
PUCK! VOMIT! And how sad it is that people are bing sucked in to her shit. God knows when someone is going to get paid back for their pretending they speak for God. Shameful hussy!
I was born into and grew up in evangelical culture, which is why I know a lot about it – and why I despise it. It is a form of psychosis. As an adult, I transitioned to mainline religion, which is less harmful, but still has issues.
In recent years, I came to identify as a non-deist. I prefer that "label" over atheist, because I am not in any way aggressive about my disbelief in the existence of any deity.
However, I do find it perplexing that virtually everyone accepts that Norse, Greek and Roman gods were all figments of human imagination, but will argue to the point of death that their chosen deities are the "real deal."
Just like most of the TV preachers. Thinking material gain was the result of you being faithful to a fault. They are all dead now. Bet they aren't sitting in any 'Golden Throne Room'.
The church went astray when it changed from being the philosophy of Jesus, to a religion (cult) about Jesus. If one can be convinced that God demanded a virgin give birth to a human sacrifice that then rose from the dead, one can pretty much be convinced of anything.
The Romans rewrote and created the first Bible to follow the Messiah BS and create a powerful Jewish-like god that helped pull in the warriors.
The human Jesus was lost and the son of god created, the trinity, was created. And you had to follow him and hear it in Latin…from males only.
And then all the splinters…almost all keep the power. At least the Catholic don’t hate science! Don’t hate the discovered reality!
If Only, If Only….
Interesting points Gary. I was born and raised Catholic. Gave it up for lent many many years ago for many reasons. Old white men, once again, thinking they are better than anyone else. Who gave them that idea? Our country would be better off run by the woke and the dei because they are way more in tune to the needs of the many.
First time I’ve heard of “giving up” the RC church for Lent, Nancy:)!
Where does the money go? To settle claims of pedifile priests. They love getting their holy hands on alter boys. And always have. I could go further but my humor quickly decends. Hay, I was baptized since my mama was Sicilian American and I went to Catholic grade school. These were my people once and I only criticize my people. I was proudly expelled by 7th grade 2 weeks before summer vacation.
And so what Gary if you can’t understand the Nigerian priest.
In many places across the US, it is an unwritten law that the Catholic Church will deal with the transgressions of priests and not law enforcement.
Tens of thousands of people have been sexually abused by priests that are still preaching today with impunity.
Bill, you are right—to a point. But I want to say there are many good priests who were and are appalled by the predators. When the scandal first broke in 2002, I saw their horror. Again, back to Church leadership—many then and still do (though fewer than pre-2002) still mishandle these situations. Again, the power. Without going into detail, I am aware of a group of priests who attempted to call attention to a bishop who was protecting a predator. The bishop went to great lengths to punish them.
Prior to the passage of Social Security, the Catholic Church, or any other church for that matter, was not able to raise the masses out of poverty. Government is when we as a population come together to do things that individuals or small groups cannot do. Yet, compared to the size of the poverty problem, the Catholic Church is a small group. And yes, the Church does do good work.
The supply side era of Reaganomics was bs. It was Field of Dreams stuff—“Build it, and they will come.” A business flourishes when it supplies a need. If people need a place to sit, a chair maker can sell chairs. The other way around simply doesn’t work because it doesn’t make sense—“voodoo economics.”
"Prior to the passage of Social Security, the Catholic Church, or any other church for that matter, was not able to raise the masses out of poverty. Government is when we as a population come together to do things that individuals or small groups cannot do. " THIS! And thank you for putting it so clearly.
I wouldn’t hold my breath for the church, and in particular these churches, performing acts of charity to any one but themselves. Maybe that is too harsh but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
Gary, I agree with everything you post, except I respect and love Pope Francis. By any chance, is your small parish in Michigans thumb?
When the major need arises for charity, we will then see which are the TRUE CHRISTIAN Churches! Not the Prayer - on - the -public corner folks.
To paraphrase James Carvile, “It’s the schools, stupid.”
The Catholic Church is aligning itself with Trumo because the only way they stay afloat is through private schools. K-12 will be a huge business and once they allow vouchers for religious schools, Catholic Church will no longer be in the black. They’ll be swimming in billions of federal dollars. And who is right there to spearhead their newfound cash flow….private equity. Look at Notre Dame p’# giant push and the people surrounding it. It isn’t for the college, it’s for the K-12 dollars they know will now be going to private schools via vouchers.
And what will 100% happen is that public schools will be designated and private schools will be some the new colleges wil kids having to be connected and “test” into and by “testing”, I mean Daddy gives a giant donation. Pretty soon kindergarten will be as cutthroat as the Ivy League.
I’ve seen it happen in my private school orbit. It’s exactly like college. Kids get in based on grades and if Mom and Dad are able to donate or if they are so smart that denying them entry would cause a fruckus and lawsuit so they go on scholarship or the are an exceptional athlete who makes homecoming (just a giant fundraising day) enjoyable for the alumni and parents. No one wants a losing team. These schools are all interconnected and highly selective. They have the too universities on speed dial, some have semester long professors teaching form Ivy League schools.
And that’s what K-12 will become. We’ll have “exam” schools and limited spots, the schools with the largest endowments will have the best facilities, the best teachers and the rest of the riff raff can be trained as …servants in public schools? Because there wil be nothing to say that tuition equals the voucher. Now every parent will be paying taxes AND. private tuition or sending their kids to a romper room. And if you can’t afford it, well, clearly that’s your fault. Because this administration actually believes they were BORN special. They have BETTER genes. They and their spawn are truly better Han you. Not because they have been afforded better opportunity, not because they were born on home base and think they got a Homer…because they truly think they are better, smarter and should be the baby king or prince or god?
And has been since the escalator
It has to be a National Strike. We have to shut down the money. They care about nothing else but money and power. Not polls, town halls, nor the American people.
And keep protesting Tesla dealerships every day.
We also need to get Congress to stop funding Musk owned businesses. Talk about a major conflict of interest.
I agree, but Congressional Republicans will never see a conflict of interest on their side either.
Right now it's CINO - Congress in Name Only.
Stop funding? Heck, now they're hawking!
Talk about huge savings in government subsidies! And without firing thousands of federal workers, Gary!
What we need is to get Musk out of Tesla. They are good cars and people who have them shouldn't be harrassed. Tesla needs to remove Musk with whatever means possible. It is the only electric car with a charging infrastructure that allows a person to travel, not just use near home.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted 381 days culminating in the Supreme Court’s ruling to desegregate buses.
Thank you for this information
Steve, I have also called for a National Strike. We are living through a nightmare—the dismantling of everything that defines America. These monkeys (no offense to monkeys), believe they can unravel over 80 years of progress. Their resentment—rooted in deep-seated hatred toward women, people of color, and other marginalized groups—is unmistakable. The growing influence of women and non-white men is perceived as a direct threat to their fragile male egos. The push for a unitary executive in 2025—essentially a dictator—is the only means by which this regime can impose its extreme and oppressive agenda.
The mystery is why average Americans think destroying democracy will benefit them. They will never be a part of this elite monarchy.
I admit it. I own a hobby horse, and it's named Evangelicalism. Although they are a minority, evangelicals represent a major segment of the U.S. population. They have a peculiar set of beliefs that makes them perfect targets for authoritarians. It is helpful to understand some of these core beliefs.
Evangelicals believe they have no agency in their lives. They firmly believe "God is in control." When good things happen to them, these are "blessings" or "answers to prayer." When bad things happen, it is "God's will."
Evangelicals are taught that everyone is "born with a sinful nature," and they live in relentless fear that they will commit a sin and be "condemned to hell for eternity." They are taught that Satan circulates among us, seeking to trick us into sinning. Anyone who does not agree with this surrender of agency is "a tool of Satan," therefore, an enemy.
Evangelicals are taught from birth that they are persecuted by unbelievers who have more power, because "Satan rules the world." Consequently, evangelicals simultaneously fear and despise the unbelievers who they perceive to have more power and influence.
Evangelical leaders, who are especially interested in claiming power, have convinced their followers that Donald is "flawed," but on their side. The evangelical rank and file are happy with the idea of the U.S. transforming from a democracy into a theocracy. They claim they want "Jesus to rule," but secretly, they can't wait until they are in charge, and can force everyone else to live under their repressive lists of "shall-nots."
This is the essence of Project 2025.
The oligarchs will continue to allows these zealots to help them demolish democracy, until their religiosity gets in the way.
People need to stop blaming God for the bad things that befall us HUMANS! God's will my a**. WE have made our choices over & over. We are born innocent.
The eternal question since 2016. I guess joining in the hate brings enough satisfaction that nothing else matters.
Yes! I've been saying this as well. The only thing this regime cares about is money and power. We need to show them WE have the power, WE create wealth!. WE need to stop the raping and pillaging of OUR government, OUR economy, OUR retirement savings! No one is coming to save us...
Terry, you're correct. This Saturday the "Hands Off!" protests will take place nationwide to insist that Trump, Musk, and all of them stay away from OUR possessions--the things you listed and more. Google "Hands Off" to learn the specifics and then plan to participate/support the event and all that will follow. Involve yourself!
Terry, "We create wealth!" You’d think Scrooge would treat the very workers who generate his fortune better. But for the Scrooges of the world, greed is good—so it’s a big FU to the poor slobs grinding away for pennies while making him richer.
I figure there are 10's of millions of us from the Boomer generation who still have large amounts of protest energy left and we have a lot more money (economic power) than we did in the college years. Although my visual of an occupation of the streets of D.C. until every executive order is rescinded is not realistic, massive protests around the country EVERY weekend (that shuts down tourism and businesses) could turn the dial a bit. It could be extended to weekdays if those with jobs used their vacation time to camp out - with or without kids. It takes bold moves and from what I have witnessed of younger generations, selflessness and sacrifice are not necessarily in the forefront of their DNA. :(
The democrats need an overwhelming majority in the House at mid-terms (if we can even survive that long) . . . . .
Several Congressional Republicans say they want to negotiate.
Enlist their donors. Their consituents.
See. Feathers of Hope.
- PULLED QUOTE -
''Trump is digging into the position that some people are better than others and have the right to rule.''
The belief that some people are better than others is what is wrong with human civilization, and if this idea becomes widespread, it will lead to our EXTINCTION!
But everyone I know is better than Trump and his suck-up sycophants.
National Strike does seem necessary. We could all bring it up in our activist groups.
I don't see how a national strike will do any good. We will all just suffer because of it. And Trump won't give a damn.
Matt. When you go to Walmart, you are supporting the richest family in America. They are far wealthier than Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. And they spend "our" money (profits) buying yachts and jets. The county where Walmart is HQ'd in AR has one of the highest child poverty rates in the country. The Waltons have put thousands of retail outlets out of business. And they don't even have to work because Sam fucked over so many people on building up the company.
By forcing thousands of businesses into bankruptcy, they have forced millions of rural Americans to shop at Walmart.They treat their workers badly and try to weasel out of property taxes in many places.
Walmart sells 1/3 of the groceries in the US. They didn't get to this point by being nice.
And then there's Amazon. Does America really need to buy all of the luxuries from Amazon? Sure, it's convenient but Jeff Bezos isn't a benevolent individual.
And stop buying Teslas including their battery systems and roofing.
Consumer spending and confidence have already dropped, not by much but it will continue to drop as long as Trump continues with his unhinged economic policies.
Maybe I am just missing something - but do these super wealthy like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Musk fund any philanthropies? While Gates turned out to be creepy, he did give back to the community. The only charities I think they support are the other poor rich kids like the Repubs.
Check out Mackenzie Scott who was married to Jeff Bezos and received half of the value of Jeff Bezos's stock when they divorced. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacKenzie_Scott
She's given away over $19 billion yes billion since there divorce-- no strings attached.
And I don't think she's creepy either.
Thank goodness there ex’s have hearts!
I agree with you about Bill Gates. He and his now ex-wife have been very generous. But I'm not aware of similar philanthropic behavior on the part of Muskrat, Bezos, or Zuckerberg, which is in part why I refuse to support their businesses. But MacKenzie Scott, Bezos' ex-wife, has provided millions of dollars to community organizations around the country. And I've heard - though I haven't confirmed - that one of Muskrat's brothers has established a philanthropic organization.
Personally, I don't understand wealth generation for its own sake. If I had even one-quarter of Muskrat's wealth, I'd be using that money to support various causes.
Muskrat needs to keep lots of $ to pay for his 14 kids & their mothers. ;)
They're all creepy! Apparently, the pursuit of wealth alters one's brain and personality. Thankfully, their divorced wives win big alimony, allowing them to give millions to charity.
Some do but their voices have been very very quiet these days.
March, march and march! The only thing that really gets Trump down is if he thinks he is hugely unpopular. Start hissing and booing him......that will hurt his ego.
Or make him more dangerous. Thinking about a third term—he is entering the second quarter of his first year of his second term, and it's clear the dementia is progressing. If he lives through this term of office, I don't think many people will be panting for another. On the other hand, Vance and the rest are still young (but not as popular as they think.) .
And "march, march, march!" Love it. You can march, too. "Hands Off" rallies nationwide this Saturday 4/5. Google "Hands Off" to find out how you can involve yourself. We must all act!
RBG: We march on!
It's a visual representation for all the world to see - American people are outraged by this domestic terrorism and voting with their feet. Shame the bastard.
Oh yes he would give a damn. He feeds off adulation.
The thought that the world is under assault by political psychopaths is terrifying. Trump, Putin, Victor Orban, Netanyahu, Kim (possibly Xi), and a few men in Muslim countries— withhold basic needs from their people, murder with impunity or by fiat, and enrich themselves beyond any reasonable accumulation of wealth. Their conceit is matched only by their cruelty.
"Cult" is exactly right. These people scare me.
It’s not an administration; it’s a regime!
Protest to Congressional Republicans. At their offices. Follow them home. Call. Write.
Some are calling out Trump. Pressure them. https://jerryweiss.substack.com/
Where on the site is the list you keep referring to?
Join Feathers of Hope on Substack. The list is included in one of his essays.
Don Bacon: (202) 225-4155 D.C. —— (402) 938-0300 District Office
2104 Rayburn House Office Building —Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 3906 Gold Circle, Suite 101 — Omaha, NE 68144
Brian Fitzpatrick: (202) 225-4276 D.C. —— (215) 579-8102 District Office
271 Canon House Office Building - Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 1717 Langhorne Newtown Rd. Suite 225 — Langhorne, PA 19047
David Joyce: (202) 225-5731 D.C. —— (440) 352-3939 District Office
2065 Rayburn House Office Building -- Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 8500 Station Street, Suite 390 — Mentor, OH 44060
Andrew Garbarino: (202) 225-7896 D.C. —— (631) 541-4225 District
2344 Rayburn House Office Building — Washington, DC 20515 — Fax: (202) 226-2279
District Office: 31 Oak St., Suite 20 — Patchogue, NY 11772
Dan Newhouse: (202) 225-5816 D.C. —— (509) 452-3243 District
504 Cannon House Office Building — Washington, DC 20515 — Fax: (202) 225-3251
District Offices: 402 E. Yakima Ave., Suite #1000 — Yakima,WA 98901 Fax: (509) 452-3438 and 3100 George Washington Way #130 — Richland,WA 99354 — (509) 713-7374
Young Kim (R-CA-40): (202) 225-4111 D.C. —— (714) 984-2440 District
2439 Rayburn House Office Building — Washington, DC 20515
District Offices: 180 N. Riverview Dr. Suite 150 — Anaheim, CA 92808 (714) 984-2440 and Mission Viejo City Hall —200 Civic Center — Mission Viejo, CA 92691— (949) 268-6706
Ashley Hinson: (202) 225-2911 D.C. —— (319) 364-2288 District
1717 Longworth House Office Building - Washington,DC 20515
District Office: 118 Third Avenue SE, Suite 206 — Cedar Rapids,IA 52401
David Valadao: (202) 225-4695 D.C. —— (661) 864-7736 District
2465 Rayburn House Office Building — Washington, DC 20515
District Offices: 2700 M Street, Suite 250B — Bakersfield, CA 93301 — Fax: (833) 284-9090 and 107 South Douty Street — Hanford, CA 93230 — (559) 460-6070 Fax: (559) 584-3564
Mike Lawler: (202) 225-6506 D.C324 - - (845) 201- 2060 District
324 Cannon House Office Building — Washington, DC 20515
District Office:: One Blue Hill Plaza, Third Floor, P.O. Box 1645 — Pearl River, NY 10965 and 60 McAlpin Ave. — Mahopac, NY 10541 — (845) 743-7130
Rob Brenahan: (202) 225-5546 D. C. -- (570) 906-6850 District
1133 Longworth House Office Building --- Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 116 North Washington Avenue, Suite 101 — Scranton,PA 18503
Amen!
I believe it is vitally important to call this what it is. This has gone way, way beyond a cult. This is a coup against the United States of America by Fascists.
This administration is scarier by the day. And no, Trump is quite serious about running for a third term despite it being unconstitutional. We are headed for a public uprising.
It is scarier each day, and we are just in the beginning. Yesterday I wrote a piece saying that Foreign Students should transfer out, because the US is unsafe.
https://lindaweide.substack.com/p/foreign-students-at-a-us-university?r=f0qfn
I am someone who saw Universities encouraging their foreign students who left the country over winter break to return to the US before January 20 as irresponsible. I felt they could not know what would happen, and would have been better off staying where they were than facing being snatched off the streets and put into some concentration camp like ICE prison in Louisiana, which have been treating people like slaves although there is some case against them paying people $1 a day to do all the work in the prison, so now they just are not getting it all done. These companies are friendly with Trump I believe, so he might be making money off of this. That is usually how he does things.
Anat Shenker Osorio said on Ruth Ben Ghiat's Zoom meeting yesterday that this kind of fascist government creates a dark dangerous enemy that they have to appear to efficiently and effectively protect you from. So then, they have to create another dangerous enemy to protect you from and it keeps on going. It started with picking up supposed "Criminal Mexican rapists" and others from south of the border. Then it is supposed dangerous "Venezuelan gang members." Now it is supposed "Muslim terrorists." And, who will be next? There will be a next unless we stop it. I am glad there is a rally on April 5, but I don't know how it will prevent Trump from doing what he is doing because he is ignoring the courts and the people who do not say what he wants to hear.
You ask, "Who will be next?" I'd venture to say that anyone who has a Substack that opposes musk/trump/Maga will be on some list somewhere & that those of us who follow or post on these groups will be included. Why do you think the
DOGEboys are collecting all of our personal information, it sure in hell isn't to help us get more benefits!
Who will be next? Good response. “They “ will do whatever and twist their words and facts to justify it
That's an understatement. Trump is striving for a hereditary dictatorship. He has already promised his voters that they would "never have to vote again", and has also already said that after him, his children should take his position. It's simply North Korea v. 2.0.
Yes, his children will make equally fine puppets for the tech bro oligarchs, barring the odd pronouncement about wearing underwear outside the pants.
You're referring to South Korea's Dec 2024 constitutional crisis?
Most likely North Korea Kristopher.
Ooops, you're right: mistyped there. Thanks for correction, Ricardo.
He's already crazy as a loon and has no idea about the economy. His goal is to assist himself and the richest Americans. He thinks that trickle down economics will work even though it never has. I'm not concerned about him running for a third term because he won't live that long. I'm worried about SS not sending out payments and our parents, grandparents and even ourselves will go hungry or be evicted.
Over 26000 people a day are applying for SS benefits. There is no way they can keep up with that demand not to mention they are responsible for signing people up for Medicare.
Gary, I really don’t think tRump believes in trickle down economics or any other kind of economic theory. tRump only believes in anything that will “trickle" into his pockets, as demonstrated by his endless and repeated schemes and scams (tRump steaks, tRump University, tRump bibles, tRump meme coins, tRump casinos, etc, etc and so forth) that almost inevitably fold.
I am moderately technologically challenged but a few years ago set up my account on the social security website and have been able to access my account if I wanted to. Two step process involves me indicating I would like to get in and they send a numerical pass code to my phone. That step still works but then I get nothing. No website, no access.
I was as well John, but when my wife tried, her password was locked and we had to go into the SS office to get it unlocked. The office is 50 miles away, but they were able to unlock it and get her signed up for SS at the same time.
Until now, all of my dealings with SS have been very good and productive, but they have limited capacity and giving them additional tasks like verifying ID in person is just BS.
That is quite scary! Two months ago I was able to change my direct deposit account through the website and within two weeks received verification by mail. Very efficient. Guess that’s not the objective anymore.
If you want to track this stuff see Ed Weir. https://www.youtube.com/@MyGovExpert
The Trump administration grew out of the virulent racism that has infected the Republican Party since at least the Reagan years. They are trying to undo the civil rights movement by executive order, among many other acts of blatant lawlessness. The Republicans in Congress are too terrified that Trump will send his goons after them to put up any resistance. Perhaps when those of them who are not independently wealthy discover that Trump has destroyed their life savings a few of them will grow spines. Meanwhile it is long past time for the democrats to wake up and start refusing to go along with anything the Republicans want to do. Hopefully the results in the upcoming special elections will put some wind in their sails.
After I read your comment I tried to get in; username and p/w didn’t work, the message I got was that Your existing SSA account is now linked to ID.me, and “moving forward we are transitioning from usernames to ID.me. Luckily I already have one and was able to access my account, but I doubt it’s a common thing. It was easy to do as I recall, but it’s been a while. Good luck to everyone.
Just for the accurate record, the ID.me changes were underway well before Trump took office. The SSA started that transfer under Biden's administration. I have had my ID.me connecting to SSA working for over 6 months with no problems. So this is nothing new and not apparently related to anything Trump or DOGE put in place for SSA.
Thank you for this clarification, sorry I hadn’t known about it. Seems like everything happening now is a 5 alarm fire, I forget that some things are as they should be!!
Yes, and how many clicks (steps) and codes do we have to enter to access anything (a medical record, for example) online? It feels like AI is automating humans instead of making our lives better.
When I tried to set up an account for my husband, after verifying his identity with codes sent by text message twice, a third verification was required that said that verification code would be sent by mail in 10 to 20 days. That was 10 days ago. Nothing yet. Has anyone else had a verification sent by Mail? Mark me skeptical.
That happened to my daughter. She did receive the info by mail & was able to set up her SS acct. Seemed like it did take awhile tho for her to get it. <fingers crossed>
John M (Vt), are we related??? I’m technologically challenged too! …although I still have access to my dwindling bank account. Perhaps I need to check my SS office. That’s quite worrisome!
I just tried to log on (I have a my.ID account) and this is the message I keep getting a pop-up (I can't paste it here) - but basically saying the service is not available at this time. There's a chart below with the available hours inc. "M-F 5 a.m. - 1 a.m. ET." But the website is not available.
After I read your comment I tried to get in; username and p/w didn’t work, the message I got was that Your existing SSA account is now linked to ID.me, and “moving forward we are transitioning from usernames to ID.me. Luckily I already have one and was able to access my account, but I doubt it’s a common thing. It was easy to do as I recall, but it’s been a while. Good luck to everyone.
I agree. I'll be surprised if he lives through this term.
And, goes STRAIGHT to hell...with all his money. The Devil just loves money.
And a constitutional crisis.
Here I thought you were already in one. 🤷♀️
Putin did it so America should allow its leader to be as great as Russia’s. Right?
Russia is so great that a third of the country does not yet have indoor plumbing. Should that be our standard too?
Say THAT out loud, a lot...
📢 !
Love this !!!!
reading, "Midnight in Moscow," and I see other similarities here also. :/
A public uprising needs to be extreme, i.e. huge demonstrations, and a possible national shutdown. We who recognize the horror of this regime need to be cognizant of the 49% who support this insanity.
Just need 3 Republican house members to get started. The strategy is laid out in Feathers of Hope -- Jerry Weiss.
What we need is three Republican Reps with sufficiently outraged constituents that they will caucus with the Dems and put Jeffries (or someone with more spine) in charge of the House.
Working on it steadily since the election -- Jerry has a list.
When will the Supreme Ct. take a stand? They are our last hope to stand up to the MAGA minions without violence spreading. Unless we can change Congress later this month. If neither of these happen, after that, we literally have to hang on for dear life. Try to survive to fight again in 2026. If there is an election that is fair then….
It will be like Russian elections. One candidate.
Exactly. We can expect the following statement: "We have the greatest elections in the world. Everybody knows it. Everybody is talking about it. They're the greatest and biggest elections. They don't come any biglier than ours."
That is in the front of my mind.
I am deeply interested in the ideas he has been fed that make him pronounce that he could “make it (a third term) happen”. He has long alluded to this. Would it be some additional Heritage Society chicanery, perhaps?
No doubt! Along with aiding and abetting from the SCOTUS. Republican Congress has already relinquished their power to the executive branch, so what will stop the Trump regime?!
I will continue to write letters to Rep. congressional members, as suggested by Feathers of Hope. I do agree we need a national strike, but I foresee Trump ordering marital law against us.
All of this hell being wrought against millions of average law-abiding people in our country, just to satisfy the the greed of a handful of hateful billionaires.
I believe the majority in the SCOTUS are all in for Project 2025. They started it with No Choice and The King can do Nothing illegal.
They will continue to support this C-r-a-p.
It is indeed scary, and I'm hoping he shuffles off this mortal coil before 2028. Vance wouldn't be much better, but he doesn't have the same hold on the MAGA cult.
Under President Bankruptcy: Martial law. You uprise: you go to jail.
Trump did say at least once during his election campaign, that if you voted for him you would never have to vote again. I have the impression not too many people were paying attention to that.
I will never forget that statement.
Everyone I know was paying attention. He said it more than once, and we already saw with his coup that he was not willing to accept not being president. It does not bode well for the future. At least Musk is losing some Tesla worth, but I think to make up for it Trump is giving him our tax dollars instead in Space X contracts.
Paying attention to that statement that if one voted for trump, one would never have to vote again, is one thing. But many people at that point trusted that the Constitution would still be in place, and extending the presidency beyond a second term would be impossible. It appears that the Constitution is in danger of being dismantled as so many other things these days. Let's hope some force majeure and the American people will prevent this from happening.
I just don't understand why more Americans are not fighting this CRIMINAL REGIME. The streets should be full of thousands of people marching with placards against this so called government! I think the USA is going to become a banana republic with TRUMP/MUSK and VANCE running the country !
Margaret, see if you can get Rachel Maddow’s nightly show on MSNBC wherein she shows demonstration after demonstration, day after day by thousands upon thousands of outraged citizens! Watch accounts of the Bernie Sanders/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rallies or Tim Walz rallies of thousands upon thousands of people! They are out there and happening all over the USA, even a few foreign countries …like Canada!
It’s still snowing. It’s still March.
I was thinking the same thing Alec.
What's been going through my mind is starting a national sign war with anti-Trump anti-Musk, anti-Republican signs.
I'm not very clever but something simple that people see every time they drive to work or the store -
"Who elected President Musk?" "Trump is taking away your Social Security"
"Trump works only for the Oligarchs", etc. There are still Trump signs out all over the country. With the right message this could have an impact on the people that didn't vote or weren't engaged enough to vote for Harris.
Remember, there are 100,000 elections in 2025. We only hear about the national elections and the state races that flip a House or Senate. But, thousands of towns and cities and schools are holding elections. We need to make sure that the Republicans are kicked to the curb by supporting good Democrat and Independent candidates.
This is what the Republicans have been doing (plus gerrymandering) for the past 40 years. We need to as well.
Do sign-readers understand the word "oligarch"?
Anne-Louise, perhaps we should replace “oligarchs” with "Very Rich people" or "9-11 figure people" (over $1,000,000,000); “Very, Very Rich” people?
Billionaires is better.
How about the basic KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)...they should be able to understand or conjure up a feeling for what the terms "dictator" or "authoritarian rule" might mean...what a truly sad -- and probably soon to be -- tragic state America and American Democracy is in!
Eyes on the elections tomorrow and before then of April. I think it will be telling. Don't forget 66% of people didn't vote for MAGA. Trump actually has a very small majority.
We can put posters up on public property, like light posts, but need to be cautious of local ordinances. Wheat paste works well. Non-toxic. Find recipes on line. I’ve been seeing social media posts with poster templates for download. Check Move-on, Indivisible, etc.
I think we can too.
Gary, you might like this site, where pro-Democracy posters are available to download: https://trumptragedies.org/posters/
There are NOT thousands of people marching in the street because thousands of people are not paying attention. Oh, we see huge crowds support Bernie & AOC. We see protests all over the country some in pretty good numbers but we have a population of about 340 million give or take, the numbers we see protesting, showing up at town halls, boycotting corporations that have pulled DEI from their corporate goals but where are the rest of the population? Didn't somewhere around 77 million vote for Kamala & Tim? We are not seeing those numbers are we? When you see European countries have a national strike you see hundreds of thousands participating. Their populationscare much smaller than ours & their strikes have the potential to stop just about everything. I'm not sure that there are enough Americans that even know what's going on that would support a strike. That's not to say we shouldn't try we just have to keep in mind that we are a big country with a huge population & wrangling a large enough group to put us back on the right track will be hard especially when there a large number of Magats that still think of trump as their god!
A few hundred folks at multiple sites across the country are adding up. 🤗
April 5!!!
Most people don’t understand the constitution (including Repubs in Congress) & certainly don’t understand how trump regime
Is destroying it!! Most Republicans here in ME still support him! Remember so many supported him because egg prices were too high. Others are in total state of denial. Hopefully April 5 will wake up more people!
Why are they not fighting these changes? Because they either believe the changes are best for the country or they aren't paying attention. I have had conversations with people who simply support the right's belief in their stance on the culture wars. They see the left as having gone too far and believe the country needs a correction. Some simply aren't interested or don't "have the time" or energy. Personally, I think that we've had it good for so long good people just don't understand that there is no rule stating it has to remain this way.
are you marching?
YES. This will be my 5th time this year.
It's still relatively early days. Some people have been directly impacted by Musk etc all but not so many. Just wait, the situation is just warming up. Wait until it reaches boiling point by the Summer.
"Become?"
Hello Marli.... I agree with you, pray towards the Deity of your choice for Divine Intervention...
Thank you for that message Apache. Like John Fugelsang, I am a Christian because of what Jesus taught us and how he lived. But, many of the organized Christian churches are cults that do not even attempt to follow Jesus's teachings.
I have been privileged to work with Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jews and people that worship many other Deities. Personally, I am a non-theist but I respect people that try to live as their Deity taught them to live.
Hello Gary Thanks... Seems to Me... That many Great Religions share many of common Precepts... Such as 'Do Unto Others As They Would Do Unto You', 'Blessed Are The Peace-Makers', 'Do Not Covet', etc ... Seems that many that want Power say that their Way-Is-The-Only-Way... The Thirst For Power Creates All Wars...
"The thirst for power creates all war.." I can't disagree with this Apache.
It seems that everyone that ever worked or partied with Trump claimed that he was unfit to be President. Yet, the uneducated voted for him because they thought he would lower prices and they could afford what they couldn't under Biden.
It's never worked out that way, but hey, Trump won.
Although, Apache, one might want to leave out prayers to Prosperity Theology folks like those in the Whitehouse Faith Office. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_House_Faith_Office
It won't be enough Apache. It's entirely upon us, we the people.
Except all of us here, of course.
I was ! I have been paying attention to a lot of things that Trump has said........and I am not even in America anymore! The man is insane .
Just like nobody paid attention to Project 2025.
That one really stood out in my mind.
That statement has haunted me since first said.
I still struggle with a question when I hear Stephen Miller’s dark depictions of towns being invaded and what ever he meant by the treasury remark …and Trump saying his approval ratings are the highest ever … this inane trust-in-trump defense of mob-like extortion through tariffs..Do these people believe this? Are they living in an alternate reality? I just can’t put myself in their shoes and understand their cruelty, malicious recklessness, and thirst for raw power. It feels unbound, ruthless, and ominous.
It is very hard to understand a sociopathic mind unless you are a sociopath. Most of us here are not sociopaths, and so we are baffled by the bizarreness to this awful human and his equally awful bunkmates.
Trump talks about "respect" which I was taught was something one earned. Trump's idea of respect seems to present as Caligula's adopted utterance of "Let them hate as long as they fear". As General Milley said of Trump's pretend militias, "These are the same people we fought in World War II,”.
And that earned respect? It seems to be plummeting abroad.
JL- yeah that respect is plummeting abroad and hopefully here as well.
Should we be asking our Republican friends that depend on SS to live, what they are going to do when the payments stop or when you have to drive to the closest SS office to continue receiving benefits?
Ask them if they made a mistake or were wrong. That will be the tell.
Gary, am I wrong in thinking that local SSoffices will be closed as well? Hopefully I’m deluded. However, I think it’s the maggots who are destroying everything that’s been created for our once thriving creative democracy for their personal enrichment.
Rather than sociopaths, this mal-administration seems to attract psychopaths whose motto is destroy, lie, deport, starve. And. I’d be interested in knowing exactly who, or how many are withholding their annual taxes? And how precisely are you doing that?
You are not wrong samani, as of today, but who knows with King Flip-flopper.
The offices won’t all be closed right away—but many are and possibly eventually all will be.
J L - these people confuse respect with fear, thinking they are one in the same. The difference is, when one has respect - people will step up to help, when one is feared, people will happily join the resistance to them helping them fail.
Unfortunately throughout history there have been those who deify tyrants. Confuse them with an authoritarian parent perhaps or overwhelmed with life's uncertainties fall for "only I can fix it". And as in Woodstock there is a rush to being part of a like-minded crowd, for the good and the bad of that. Some will and have been willing to sacrifice their lives for a tyrant; but based on illusion. Respect worthy of respect is based on authenticity.
So true
Stephen Miller, aka Voldemort, is wound up like a top with his hate and self-important 'statements of facts' that are just unhinged lies. Jim Acosta had a good piece yesterday on his interactions with Miller. Every time Miller gets spinning and talking faster and faster and higher and higher in register I think he will explode. Wishful thinking.
I guess Miller is the Conductor who stacks the unsigned EOs on the Resolute desk.
If he's not, then whoever it is is damn scary and we don't even know.
Agree. Like if I was trying to extend a loving kindness type strength exercise in compassion Stephen Miller would be at the very furthest limit….just not obtainable he triggers me so.
Their "thirst for raw power" today, KSC, recaps Heather on post-Civil War Confederates.
They denigrated people of color then as non-human, not deserving of the public services key to democracy then, key to democracy today.
And they vaulted themselves as the top, the best, the only true humans -- back then as white nationalist MAGA does today.
But I say (elsewhere here today) this perversion comes of schools too long neglecting the things which let us see human complications better, wider. Those who've crushed us most, those who've rid schools of key resources, are in fact so simple-minded in their racism and misogyny as indeed not to be much of humans at all, but zombies, living dead, all poisoned instead by the mechanical, dead teaching which testing steroids.
I agree with that. I was lucky enough to grow up with good schools - that taught languages, art, music and the other humanities. The history class was probably pretty whitewashed as it was the 60s and I grew up in a lily-white suburb, but the humanities component was strong - and I still remember those classes over 50 years later.
Well, as an old saying goes, "There's no love like Christian hate."
It reveals something deeply flawed in our species' capacity for wise and just behavior that some of the most horrifying of historic abuses were executed with religious pretexts, and still are. I am not persuaded that Jesus had all the answers, but his push for compassion remains socially relevant, and is glaringly at odds with Trump's whole program. To say otherwise is "War is Peace" doublethink. Any church with fealty to Jesus's prescriptions would seem to be obliged to be calling out and standing up to MAGA cruelty. MAGA leaders would be hammering the nails if Jesus was alive today. It seems that in spirit, they already are. With whom was Jesus said to stand?
Why was Martin Luther King, of all people, murdered? "Same old serpent"? "Mr. Hyde'? "Blessed are the peacemakers" (peace, not capitulation) has never been an easy sell. Gandhi shared King's fate. Follow the money.
OMG KMD. 😂🤣
To translate Trump-speak: the poor man’s tariff is the rich man’s tax cut.
Reverse Robinhood; robbing Trump.
My son sent this piece today in a FB post. I'm not familiar with the author, and she has a fairly common name, but this is a terrifying view into what our government is doing--It's not that it can't happen here--this is just more proof that it is happening here
My friend was nearly deported in her own damn country.
She’s 43. Born and raised in Miami, Florida. Both her parents are from Colombia and U.S citizens.
My beautiful friend, A U.S. citizen. Perfect English. Her Spanish? Pretty rough. And yet…
She was driving when she got stopped at an immigration checkpoint.
The officer told her she “matched the description of people they were detaining and deporting.”
She asked, “Deporting? I was born here. Where are you going to deport me to Miami-Dade?”
He asked for her passport.
She said, “I don’t have one. Never needed one.”
His response?
“Well, you don’t have a passport and you match the description.”
The description being: brown and breathing, I guess?
Let me be clear:
You do not need a passport to live in this country.
Millions of Americans have never had one.
It's not required for citizenship.
It’s not even required to vote.
But suddenly, if your skin tone or last name isn’t “American enough,” you need to carry documentation like we’re living under an authoritarian regime?
She was understandably pissed.
She asked him, “So because I look Latina, that’s all the proof you need?”
His response, “ Well, again you dont have a passport and you matched the description “
They let her go. With a warning.
A warning.
For what? For not carrying a passport?
For daring to exist in her brown skin without papers in hand?
She now needs to carry her passport everywhere she goes, not to leave the country, but to prove she belongs in the country where she was born.
What the hell are we doing?
Are we really okay with turning the U.S. into a place where citizenship is judged by appearance?
Where being brown is enough to get detained?
Where “you match the description”
becomes the new ‘show me your papers’? *if tou know you know.
Sound familiar? It should.
That’s how it started in Nazi Germany.
And before anyone says I’m being dramatic….remember, the Holocaust didn’t start with gas chambers. It started with suspicion. With documentation. With exclusion. With silence.
This isn’t about immigration anymore. This is about racial profiling. Xenophobia. Authoritarian policing. And it’s happening right now, in the so-called land of the free.
You want to know how fascism creeps in? It’s this. It’s checkpoints. It’s warnings. It’s deciding who “looks” American and who doesn’t.
So here’s a warning back:
If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.
And if you think this can’t happen to you, just wait until someone decides you don’t belong either
Painful story Betsy. Although I don't wish anything like this ever happens to the Cuban community in Miami they might deserve the experience since, the majority of them voted maga. They're no difference between the reasons for coming to the US between the Cubans and Venezuelans, Nicaraguan Haitians and many others.
Either they forgot or lost sense of emphaty. They need the experience and vote right next time.
Please protest to our 3 MAGA House members, Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz Balart, and Maria Elvira Salazar. Gimenez, born iin Cuba was our Democratic county Mayor until 2020.
All have objected to some of the Trump immigration policy. Also have a huge, powerful, vocal, Canadian constituency. Miami Dade is majority Democratioc.
Please also protest to CANF -- Cuban American National Foundation --
2147 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Phone: (305) 592-7768
I'm protesting those hypocrites that come to the US for liberty, freedom and democracy and support maga policies. Thanks for your reply Daniel 👍
Cuba, Si. Trump/Musk no.
😄👍
Please, perhaps you copy and post this post again, to give it more attention? It is important.
I'll do that, but I asked my son, and he said that it's public, so anyone can share it. Please feel free to post it anywhere you like.
We the taxpayers are funding this farcical coup! Astounding!
It's not farcical. It's disgusting, unAmerican and anti-American.
That is bone chilling!
"...remember, the Holocaust didn’t start with gas chambers. It started with suspicion..."✅
We are probably all familiar with Pastor Martin Niemöller's poem, but it seems appropriate to repeat it here -
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
I've updated it:
First, they came for the rapists, murderers and gang members.
But I wasn't a rapist, murderer or gang member,
So I didn't speak out.
Then, they came for the immigrants, even those with green cards,
But I wasn't an immigrant,
So I didn't speak out.
Then, they came for those who "fit the profile,"
But with my blond hair and blue eyes, I didn't fit the profile,
So I didn't speak out.
Then, they came for my trans friends and neighbors,
But I wasn't trans,
So I didn't speak out
(add whatever groups you like)
Then, Elon Musk appeared with his chainsaw,
And there was no one left to speak out for me.
If she was born in Miami, FL, a birth certificate is proof of USA citizenship. Did she have her birth certificate? I was born in Dearborn, MI in 1950 and I have a copy of my birth certificate in my house.
Probably weren't going to drive her home so she could get & show them her birth certificate. Brown & breathing is what happened. Thos officers are going to face hell & I don't mean after they are dead!
Even though I'd like to see them punished in some way, I think that they'll face about as much hell as Pete Hegseth or any of the others involved will for the Signal "chat."
She wasn't in her house. She was in her car.
I was born 79 years ago. I've moved multiple times since the, and I have no idea where my birth certificate is. Does that mean that I might need it if ICE demands proof from me?
Welcome back to Heather – a much-needed night off.
Remember, Lawrence O’Donnell on March 12 told Rachel Maddow – and the rest of us – due to exhaustion he was taking a week off?
It’s now over two weeks. Exhaustion is human. Many of us are human. Many more, not. Too many are simply members of the meritocracy.
One thing about meritocracy, there’s only one way to measure it – by numbers, and first of all, to get there, testing points scored.
When we take these tests, there’s no concern for the welfare of any others – only for competition to rise above them. And the others scoring below us in points just disappear as amorphous mass.
The tests themselves measure only the coldest forms of logic: to see how items fit categories, keep to correct sequence, or fit or veer from simple, linear-only, chronological causality. All abstractions. No respect for anything human.
If we want human qualities, we discuss them, write essays. We attend to complications: from larger contexts to character inconsistencies as in all good novels, memoirs, essay collections, biographies, and histories.
No standardized test ever has room for anything personal. They measure only the mechanical, the sequential, the categorical – all feeding the conceits that life can be quantified, commodified, managed, packaged.
It wasn’t a machine in Heather or Lawrence that needed time off.
This! Thank you for all you do Heather! Please remember to put your own oxygen mask on first. :)
And there are many kinds of intelligence - not just the kind measured by standardized tests.
Worried that Lawrence O’Donnell is not coming back to his show??
I heard he had an infection?
He's also trying for a new contract, Lynne, one paying him the $26 million Rachel gets.
Professor HCR, thank you for your thoughtful analysis and recollection of the regime’s latest antics. The economic hypocrisy, which I don’t often see as your area of focus, goes alongside your analysis: Tariffs, and other interference by means of EO’s, are diametrically opposed to the practices espoused of “market-driven business”. In each case, the deep interference of the government should give even the most liberal-minded person pause: what happens when artificial interference in market operation causes an economic disaster involving the loss of millions of jobs?
Right now it is abstract up until the point of consumer purchase of a car- and not today, but in many days or weeks.
Your analysis of Trump floating a 3rd term is the exact pattern he takes since - not including Trump V1 - of floating an idea that turns into an Exec Order soon after. Thankfully Congress would have to be involved at levels of support they don’t have. Unless, of course, Trump’s back-room handlers are envisioning declaring Martial Law. Might as well get that scenario on the table, because if it’s the only way to do it, his vanity be victorious over his sense of his own limits. And age is creeping onward with him, as he sits in every press conference, oft looking spaced out and unaware.
Grateful you’re back. Thanks for your excellent work.
Thanks for mentioning Trump's apparent disinterest in being the guy running the show these days. He's turned that job over to Musk.
For all his compulsive blather, Trump was never all that into doing actual work. I first heard of Trump in connection with repair of Central Park's Wollman Rink, which he conned others into working on, swindling them out of either pay or credit. Billed in most of the MSM as a Trump triumph, but dig deeper.
No ones mentions this much. In many ways, the Trump admin is HUGE government and contrary to what corporations claim that they want which is less regulation and fewer government rules to follow. The government has basically said: you must make no effort to appeal to the MAJORITY of potential customers (non-white, women, etc are more than 71% of the pop) and if you do, the government will use its power to punish you. That is just dumb from a making money perspective.
What Repubs mean by "freedom" and "free market" is free of legal barriers to monopolies of both markets and political power. Absolute power.
And there you have it!
True but forcing corporations to make less money by not selling to 72% of the population is not the way to any kind of monopoly. Or at least it's not enough. I mean Trump is *trying* to use the government to force people to buy Teslas but no has gone to jail for not doing so. Yet.
I think that Reagan's "Supply Side" is the recycled justification for feudalism, that was always mostly a con. Somehow getting rich (never mind how) is a prime qualification for leadership in society at large. Or so many would like us to believe. Reagan's formula of making the richest richer and freeing them of social responsibilities would result in prosperity for all made no logical or historical sense, but say something often enough and a lot of people will believe it. Naturally those who saw that direction as advantageous supported it.
CEO's have been giddy with joy since Trump took over, bending over backward to satisfy his whims. BUT, Trump cares only for Trump and his own agendas. Trump currently is trying to shed the burden of taxation onto the working class entirely. but he and his minions are far better at wrecking things than making them actually function. We saw that with the challenge of COVID, among other things. So log as He gains wealth and power, he could care less about the fate of the nation, even, in the end, it's CEOs. We are all expendable.
Exactly! And as well-documented in: Jefferson Cowie’s 2022 Pulitzer Prize winning book: ‘Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power’!
Old habits die hard! Some still desire the ‘freedom to dominate’ others, whether 1st Americans, women, or slaves.
The % republican maps onto the % slave-holding from 200 years before.
Susan Collins said that she had a firm talk with Hegseth and she thinks he learned his lesson on Signalgate. And he won’t do that again. No. Not the point. We deserve public officials who are elected because they ALREADY know what they’re doing, NOT that they will learn on the job.
Oh, please, Senator. Good grief!!
Ally, Hendrik here. I've been trying to get in touch with you directly to test an idea out with you before posting. I'm at gideonse@midmaine.com. Thanks.
Didn’t she say the same thing about Trump as justification for not voting to impeach him? He learned his lesson, alright. The lesson he learned was retribution.
Yup, and Brett Kavanaugh assured her that Roe v. Wade was settled case law...
She’s unwilling to see truth.
Collins seems to think that about many people she has confirmed in the past.
Oy.
Oh FFS - her and her "learned lessons". One would think SHE would have learned by now that her little finger wagging means absolutely nothing!
youtube.com/watch?v=WOQ-GxJyJN4
Eli zab eth Cl ark son and El ect ion Tr uth All i ance
I did this same research in 2014, I mean checked the math, like Beth did, And I've been pursuing it ever since... Get this to as many as possible.
Wisconsin needs to set up an automatic recount by a second method AND assign analysis to it.
And back it up with a hand recount.
Yes
Not surprised. In the meantime, people like us
can express dissent. I take comfort re the advice to me from my dad—a USNavy bomb disposal officer during 1943 to 1947–which was “never be afraid to write a letter.”
Some might have reason to worry, but as former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien recently declared "We all know that even when we satisfy one demand, Mr. Trump will come back with another, bigger demand. That’s not diplomacy; it’s blackmail."
My husband’s parents were both born in Alberta.
My dearly departed mother in law was a shooting guard on the Canmore Women’s basketball team which won the province championship in 1924.
Bridget, so glad you mentioned the sport! lol
Bridget, Isn’t writing a letter what got the Tuft student arrested and detained? It feels like they will soon cross the line and it will not matter what papers you have to prove your citizenship ’rights.’ And without needing to comply with 14th Amendment due process how can ’people like us’ prove anything when ICE comes knocking (or barging in) and the agent doesn’t like the tilt of your (or your family member’s or friend’s) tattoo?
Yes. I am doing everything I can to encourage letter writing. Also, going out and about whilst participating in public displays of aggravation is making me wonder about whether people like us will ever prevail.
Always strength in numbers. Please, all of us, send letters, emails, and texts to the powers that be.
Strength in numbers. YES
I’m completely with you, Bridget. Keep speaking out and encouraging us all to do so. We need more people like you. I think more are starting to come out and join the cause. Thank you.
Yes, and that is wrong. Currently sick at heart and mad in my mind. Fielding emotions dating back to the period of time when Hitler ruled and relatives of my daughter in law were unable to leave their homeland.
My grandson, a 3 year old who delights me each and every day, would be cast off as to its Final Solution. In the meantime, I can’t abide any aspect of that mind set encroaching upon my beloved country.
Hitler made everyone live in fear. Children ratted on their parents. Neighbours ratted on neighbours........ and the BROWN SHIRTS came.
“Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.”— Frank Wilhoit
During the intervening years, my husband, my two brothers in law, and several best friends during the 1966 to 1976 years who served in the US Military during the confusing timeframe when the draft ended, made me remember.
Always on blast from the past in terms of people who actually served.
The emergence of the Trump dictatorship couldn’t be clearer. The next 18 months will make or break the future of our democracy.
If congressional Republicans do not step up and join forces with the American people and congressional Democrats to stop this overthrow of the Constitution and the rule of law, we’re done and done for. Quite literally.
This is no drill.
Someone else has pointed out one hopeful scenario.
Dems might work with Don Bacon (Nebraskan, fairly independent Republican) and maybe only a couple more who might go for bipartisan rule. Dems could get rid of Mike "Howdy Doody" Johnson as Speaker of the House (replacing him with Hakeem) and also get rid of the more ludicrous MAGA committee chairs, and divvy up the rest among themselves and the moderate Republicans who go along with the bipartisan plan.
I wish they understood that this is LITERALLY all it takes: for ONE person to stand up; but something is holding them back. Fear? Money? I fear the late Sen. John McCain was correct that Citizens United really was the last nail in Democracy's coffin.
Are you hallucinating or dreaming. i like it but is there a repub that will stand tall. they are midgets in the worse sense.
BTW Phil. do you subscribe to Greg Olear? he is the man who uses literature and and incredible skill to make his points, especially on Sunday posts. sounds like your kind of guy.
+1 for Greg Olear.
He really does just stun me sometimes. His post re Sara Teasdale recently was so parsed, considered, and thoughtful that I felt like I had been to a master class.
Often hallucinating, JDinTX. Often dreaming.
Good to know of Greg Olear.
Right now I subscribe to Heather's, Timothy Snyder's, Rebecca Solnit's, and Johnny Rochat's.
I get Linda Weide's -- a regular here -- but that's just by her generosity. No subscription, but, then I never see her dunning up "upgrade to paid" as everyone else does.
You would really enjoy his post re Sara Teasdale and her poem Barter. It’s a keeper for me. There are some I would like to get but no time or money, especially Rebecca Solnit. Get some but can’t comment. No time anyway…
Have been reading/ subscribing to Greg’s “column” for years.
As I watch this insanity day after day, I can’t help but feel that we may be heading for this ending.
I wonder how many people realize that almost everything in “Dr. Strangelove” was true?
As we watch tRump, Muskrat, and their cronies create havoc wherever they go, looking at Dr. Strangelove again gives me chills. When Daniel Ellsberg, a RAND analyst and a consultant at the Defense Department who later leaked the Pentagon Papers, saw the film, he said, "That was a documentary!" Dr. Strangelove could not stop himself from doing the Nazi salute.
Truth Stranger Than 'Strangelove'
https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/10/movies/truth-stranger-than-strangelove.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Almost Everything in “Dr. Strangelove” Was True
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/almost-everything-in-dr-strangelove-was-true
We are in a convergence of “End-Times” thinking. A manufactured Rapture. It’s exhausting by design. The new superpower we need to develop is creative pushback and resistance inspite of grieving such fuckrat stupidity imploding the structures of democracy. Believe it’s happening. Being clear-eyed is not being complicit or hyperbolic. It the first step to ground yourself firmly against the gaslighting.
But the gaslighting is masterful. Frank Luntz couldn’t do it better. In fact, where is Frank these days?
And Remember....there are MORE of US than Them! We must band together!
Thank you Sky Blue.
Still wondering about the millions who didn’t vote……..
It's not just about banding together Sky. We need a plan since they have been planing this take over for years. It's not just a matter of numbers. We need to know what and how to counteract and hold together at least till the midterm election.
Heather, fact: you are describing FASCISM, Steven Miller’s Nazi fascism. It is outlawed in Germany. Steven Miller is an antisemitic Jew, recognized as such by his Jewish grandfather. Donald Trump’s father was undoubtedly known for renting signs that stated RESTRICTED. Those signs assured the neighbors of a white only neighborhood in Trump buildings. That’s fascist, right? Start there.
History repeats
Rhymes.
May repeat before it’s over. They are trying hard
I haven't seen you comment in awhile, Sandy. Good to see you here.
Thanks Miselle. NYT Obit Editor assigned a freelance. He lives near Sing Sing, coming to talk. DOB Friday, 1/27/39. Charlotte Sheedy wants my memoir, offers an editor. Help needed. Circulate 973.379.4446 to the able. By iPhone for txt response. Sandy www.lewisfamilyfarm.com
Always a pleasure to see you here
And Musk? We know where and when he grew up.
Soon we'll be seeing "In Trump We Trust" on our currency.
There's an old statistics joke that goes like this: "In God we Trust. All others bring data."
Injustice is built on a foundation of lies and distortions. If people insisted on facts rather than what supports their preconceived notions, we wouldn't be in this predicament. Fox "News" paid nearly one billion dollars in a settlement wherein they admitted they deliberately lied, and that their lies caused harm to a large corporation (not to mention the public). And yet people continue to gobble up their nonsense. Alex Jones caused immeasurable pain and suffering to families who had already lost their young children in a senseless tragedy - and people continue to listen to him.
Facts matter. Until and unless Americans care about facts and not their own prejudices, we'll continue to watch our nation disintegrate in front of our eyes.
You mean on the crypto currency. I think they are trying to phase out currency as we know it.
Have you forgotten, he will change the name of America to TRUMPLAND..........never mind the money.
My version was "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash." But I like yours too!